10.11.2016

Michelangelo’s Ghost ~ Review and Giveaway

Michelangelo’s Ghost
A Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery #4
By Gigi Pandian

Jaya Jones is fascinated by history - she's made it her life's work as professor and an occasional discoverer of lost pieces of history. And her former mentor is about to give her the chance of a lifetime or the chance to destroy her career. And if the clues that Lilith Vine has discovered lead to the discovery that they are hoping for they will rewrite the known history of Renaissance art.

But all too soon Jaya's newest treasure hunt takes a dangerous turn. With a murderer seemingly on her trail can Jaya stay one step ahead and find the lost art of Lazzaro Allegri? Or will she too be lost to the ravages of time?

Jaya leaves San Francisco behind for the mysteries of the Park of Monsters of Bomarzo, Italy. Once in Italy she learns of a local story about a ghost that haunts the area and wails in its grief. Is this an important link that could provide a clue or is this something more sinister?  Jaya, along with her brother, is going to find the missing link between Lazzaro Allegri, Michelangelo, and Renaissance era Italy and India.

Michelangelo's Ghost is a fun who-dun-it with a wide cast of potential suspects spread across the globe. This is the first book by Gigi Pandian I have read and I can safely say it won't be the last. This story was complete unto itself and reading the previous titles wasn't necessary to fully enjoy it. There were references to other trips that Jaya had previously taken but this didn't detract from the story and just interested me in reading the previous three books. This is a fun read and perfect for unwinding with, except that it kept me up reading because I just had to read one more chapter.

I was provided an Advanced Uncorrected Review Copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

As a fun side excursion I found an interesting site that has pictures of the different sculptures from the book http://www.bomarzo.net/index_en.html


About the Book:

A lost work of art linking India to the Italian Renaissance. A killer hiding behind a centuries-old ghost story. And a hidden treasure in Italy’s macabre sculpture garden known as the Park of Monsters… Can treasure-hunting historian Jaya Jones unmask a killer ghost?


Filled with the unexpected twists, vivid historical details, and cross-cultural connections Pandian is known for, Michelangelo’s Ghost is the most fast-paced and spellbinding Jaya Jones novel to date.


When Jaya’s old professor dies under eerie circumstances shortly after discovering manuscripts that point to a treasure in Italy’s Park of Monsters, Jaya and her brother pick up the trail. From San Francisco to the heart of Italy, Jaya is haunted by a ghost story inexorably linked to the masterpieces of a long-dead artist and the deeds of a modern-day murderer. Untrustworthy colleagues, disappearing boyfriends, and old enemies—who can Jaya trust when the ghost wails?


Praise for Gigi Pandian's Jaya Jones Mysteries:


“Charming characters, a hint of romantic conflict, and just the right amount of danger will garner more fans for this cozy series.” – Publishers Weekly on Quicksand


“Pandian’s sprightly prose celebrates the pleasures of Italian painting, food, and landscape. The light touch, swift pace, and verve maintained throughout the novel disguise the deeper thought and scholarship underpinning the story, which like the stage props of a conjurer, make the magic happen.”– Linda Lappin, Author of Signatures in Stone: A Bomarzo Mystery


Buy the Book:




Author's Bio:


USA Today bestselling author Gigi Pandian is the child of cultural anthropologists from New Mexico and the southern tip of India. She spent her childhood being dragged around the world, and now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Gigi writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and locked-room mystery short stories. Gigi’s debut novel, Artifact, was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a “Best of 2012” debut by Suspense Magazine. Her fiction has been awarded the Lefty Award and short-listed for Macavity and Agatha Awards. Sign up for her email newsletter at www.gigipandian.com/newsletter.


Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Giveaway:​

One grand prize winner will receive:
 ​
- Signed copies of the first 3 books in the series
- 6 book-themed recipe cards from the locations where each book is set
(Italy, Scotland, India, France, and the US)
- $20 gift certificate to the winner’s favorite bookstore

Open to USA and Canada
Giveaway ends on Oct 29


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10.09.2016

The Candidate ~ Review

The Candidate
A Newsmakers Novel #2
By Lis Wiehl

    with Sebastian Stuart


Erica Sparks rose to the rating crown when she brought GNN founder Nylan Hastings down with her investigative journalism. The pressure is on her to stay on the top and with the Presidential Campaign getting ready to enter the last months she has plenty of potential stories to keep her viewers tuning in.

When tragedy strikes just feet away from where Erica is reporting the Democratic race for the Presidential nominee is drastically altered.  Something is wrong, Erica just can't figure out what it is. And she is determined to uncover the truth.

Erica's life is finally becoming what she wants it to be. She has custody of Jenny, she lives in a nice apartment, she's engaged, and she's the nation's top-rated cable-news host. But everything isn't the way she expected it to be. Her job keeps her away from Jenny more than she wants. Her fiance, Greg Underwood, is in another country. And her ratings aren't assured.

The upcoming Presidential election is a chance for Erica to prove that she is more than just a pretty face who got a lucky break. This election will be historic no matter the outcome - the Democratics have Mike Ortiz who could be the first Latino President and the Republicans have Lucy Winters who could be the first woman President. Erica is dedicated to revealing the truth about the candidates to the American people and her integrity is not for sale. But someone is determined to keep the truth under wraps and they are willing to do anything to keep it hidden.

Erica is about to find out just how far someone is willing to go to protect their secrets and she may not make it to election day!

Overall the book was pretty good.  The switch from first person to third person in the presentation is at times a bit jarring to the story flow. I'm not a fan of this type switch in perspective, I have no problem with the change between character voice though as it adds depth to the characters. There are a couple of characters whom one just cannot like from the first moment they are mentioned. The drive of certain people to obtain their individual goal is almost unbelievable. I can't say that this behind the scenes look at campaigning makes one want to throw in their own hat - it can prove dangerous to your health.

Thomas Nelson is known as being a Christian publisher but this book like several of their other recent releases does not have a Christian element that is discernible.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review with no expectations of a positive review.


About the Book:

How far will a candidate go to become president? 

Erica Sparks—America’s top-rated cable-news host—is about to find out.

Mike Ortiz is a dynamic war hero favored to win the White House. Standing by his side is his glamorous and adoring wife, Celeste. But something about this seemingly perfect couple troubles Erica. Is Celeste really who she seems? And most importantly, what really happened in that squalid Al-Qaeda prison where Mike Ortiz spent nine months?

But more than the nation’s future is at stake. Erica’s relentless search for the truth puts the life of her preteen daughter Jenny in danger, even as Erica’s own dark past threatens to overtake her.

In her latest Newsmakers thriller, New York Times bestselling author and Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl weaves a taut and chilling story. The Candidate is packed with political intrigue and media manipulation as the lust for power turns deadly indeed.

10.04.2016

A Time to Speak ~ Review

A Time to Speak
Out of Time #2
By Nadine Brandes

Her brother was murdered before her very eyes. Willow was kept from returning to the West. Elm was trapped within the wall at Opening 3. And Parvin Blackwater's association with Solomon Hawke is now known.

With the information stolen from Jude clocks are coming. Radicals illegal or registered will no longer be clockless, the Council will make sure everyone is matched. Parvin is determined to stop this danger that she alone seems capable of seeing. Can she rescue Willow and stop the Council before it is too late?

But the Council has plans and Parvin is about to find out just what they have planned for her. And she's not going to be pleased.

The Council is targeting Radicals and Low City citizens and Parvin is determined to be their voice and warn them of the coming danger. If all else fails she will lead them through the Wall to the safety of Ivanhoe.

When the Enforcers begin rounding up people Parvin makes sure she is included so as to provide guidance to her people.  But when they find themselves on a cargo ship heading to an unknown location, Parvin must overcome her doubts and rely on the faith that she has claimed as her own. After all she has felt the call to speak and she will go wherever she is lead.

Parvin is a Radical turned Rebel and she is about to show the Council just how far she will go to be a voice against their lies. Parvin is determined to be the voice of truth to any and all who will listen.

Her family and friends have been separated. Some are in hiding, others are in the custody of the government, and some are with her. A year ago Parvin was convinced that she would soon die, but now she is determined to live. And her life is going to make a difference to the world.

This is the second book in the Out of Time series and it is as intense as the first book A Time to Die. Skelley Chase is as despicable as he was when he pulled the trigger that ended Reid's life, if not more so. This is an emotional journey, a journey of discovery, and a journey in search of the truth. Teens and adults who love dystopian and science fiction will enjoy this continuation Parvin's journey.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

What happens when you live longer than you wanted to?

Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she's being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow.

The Council uses Jude's Clock-matching invention to force "new-and-improved" Clocks on the public. Those who can't afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council's purposes.

Parvin and Hawke find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?

10.03.2016

Flight Club ~ Book Spotlight with Giveaway

Flight Club is a call to rebel, reinvent, and thrive! The book shares the journey of women who "leaned out" of corporate to launch their dream business.

Felena Hanson, founder of Hera Hub, shares her personal story and rise to entrepreneurship. The book also features the journeys of and advice from six courageous female entrepreneurs: Debby Eubank, Linda O'Keefe, Lorin Beller, Sara Clark-Williams, Deirdre Maloney, and MaryCay Durrant. Each shares an exercise to help you craft your flight path.

The final section of the book includes access to an online platform (www.StepsToStartup.com) which walks you through 17 foundational steps of launching a business. Book buyers will receive three months free access!

This book is for you if ...
You are tired of building someone else's dream
You want to pursue your passion as a career
You are over the corporate politics
You want more control of your time and life
You don't want to build your dream business alone!


Buy the Book :  Amazon  

Watch the Trailer:


Author's Bio:

Felena is a long-time entrepreneur and marketing maven. Her latest venture, Hera Hub, is a spa-inspired shared workspace and community for female entrepreneurs. This as-needed, flexible work and meeting space provides a productive environment for growing businesses. Hera Hub members have access to a professional space to meet with clients and to connect and collaborate with like-minded business owners, thus giving them the support they need to be prosperous. The company has three locations in San Diego, one in Washington DC, and continues to grow nationally via a licensing model. Her goal is to support over 20,000 women in the launch and growth of their business by 2020. Felena and Hera Hub have been featured in Inc Magazine, the BBC News, Forbes, and the New York Times. She is a published author and international speaker. Her book, “Flight Club – Rebel, Reinvent, and Thrive: How to Launch Your Dream Business” is available on Amazon.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram



Giveaway:​
Prizes

Win a copy of Flight Club: How to Launch Your Dream Business (print or ebook)
with the option of a 30-min coaching session with Felena Hanson
(open to USA and Can)
10 winners total
Ends Oct 15

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10.02.2016

Newton and Polly ~ Review

Newton and Polly
A Novel of Amazing Grace
By Jody Hedlund

His life has been one of the sea, working under his father since he left school. With a five year commitment to work in Jamaica just days away, John Newton is about to throw away all his prospects for the future because of the voice of a young woman.  Polly Catlett has unknowingly captured the heart of young Newton while singing.

But John Newton is not a suitable suitor for Polly in her parents' opinion. He has no prospects drifting from job to job. Other than Polly he pursues nothing with passion. And then there are his vices - which aren't suitable for the ears of any young lady. But most glaring of all to her parents is his lack of faith or belief in God.

For Polly he will do anything except bend his will to God's. And if he can't have Polly, his life has no purpose. But God, as Polly told him, "has more in store for you yet in this life." And to get him to the place he needs to be he is about to be broken in ways he never expected.

The story of John Newton and the hymn that he penned are well known, but not much is known about the woman who was a reason for John Newton to want to be more, to want to be worthy of someone who made him want to leave behind the life he was living.

Just as Luther and Katharina brought the unknown story to life so does Newton and Polly. The catalyst that was necessary for John Newton be willing to hear God in his life was the love offered him by Polly. Undeserved yet given freely the gift of God's grace and forgiveness opened his eyes to what he was truly being offered.

The author's note in the back of the book is a welcome addition as it gives details about the facts of Newton's life that were used in this book.  Under 400 pages in length this would be a fantastic book club choice (and the author has an assortment of extras that you can use for your discussion).  This book is one that you will enjoy drawing out, but it is so good you'll probably keep reading it into the wee hours of the morning.

I was provided a copy of this book through the publisher Waterbrook and the author in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found...

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

9.30.2016

This Road We Traveled ~ Review

This Road We Traveled
By Jane Kirkpatrick

The Brown and Pringle families is about to experience an upheaval. The family has decided (some very reluctantly) to leave the life they know behind in Missouri and become part of the migration west.  The Oregon Territory is a land that those of an adventurous spirit are longing to be a part of, and Tabitha (Tabby) Brown longs for another adventure..

But Tabby's son Orus has declared that his mother can't join them on their move. Tabby would be a hindrance due to her age. But Tabby's indomitable spirit isn't about to be bossed around by her son when she is perfectly able to make her own decisions. And Tabby has decided she's going to Oregon.

The road isn't easy and they face obstacles that could cost them everything. Each choice must be carefully weighed, risks versus gains. But achieving the end of the journey - Oregon is just the beginning.

This is a story of family and a story of a nation.  The characters are ones one can connect with on different levels. I real liked Tabby's granddaughter Virgilia (yes, this is her name) and Nellie Louise Blodget (who is brought into the family). The historical aspects of this book make one more appreciative of what we have today.

Fans of Jane Kirkpatrick's previous works will enjoy this newest book.  The detail just brings this story to life.  The climatic elements can be felt - the endless days of rain, the burning heat of the desert, and cold of the trail.  There are moments of hopelessness and moments of joy.  This is life.

 I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon--even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.

With her signature attention to detail and epic style, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites you to travel the deadly and enticing Oregon Trail. Based on actual events, This Road We Traveled inspires the pioneer in all of us.

9.29.2016

The Raven ~ Review

The Raven
A Coffey and Hill Novel #2
By Mike Nappa

The Raven has made a big mistake. He kept some very incriminating evidence that has brought him to the attention of the wrong people. And this little mistake, which includes attempted blackmail may cost him his life.

Fortunately for Raven some of his previous misdeeds bring him into contact with Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill.  Unfortunately for the ex-partners Coffey and Hill, Raven is stuck right in the middle of Nevermore, a rumor of something big and dangerous that is about to shake Atlanta to its core. Can they determine what Nevermore is before it is too late?

It has been over a year since Leonard "Truck" Truckson died but Samuel is still dealing with loss of his CIA handler and his friend. And Truck's past is about to play a roll that was never expected.

It's a game of manipulation and the prize is revenge if Trudi and Samuel can't figure out what the clues aren't telling them. The only question is who is the master manipulator in this dangerous and deadly game.

Those who read the first book in the series Annabel Lee will have an idea of what to expect and the prominence of a certain book of Edgar Allen Poe's works. But if you haven't read the first book you can easily start with this book and enjoy the mystery, the suspense and the verbal sparring between the characters. If you love a good mystery with twists you'll want to pick up this book.  I love how it open with the climax and then goes back to the beginning as the story works its way back to the conclusion.  Excellent way to grab the reader's attention from page one.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review with no expectations that it would be positive all opinions are my own.

About the Book:
As part of his street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch. It's harmless fun--until he decides to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants," The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named "Nevermore."

Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues to rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.