Frame 232 ~ Review

Frame 232
A Jason Hammond Novel
By Wil Mara

When Margaret Baker cut work so that she could watch President Kennedy as he made his way through Dallas, she had no idea that she would become a small part the assassination mythology.  But fear keeps her from revealing her involvement to anyone.  Years later when she examines the film she shot years before she sees something she shouldn't have seen much less captured on film.

Upon her death Margaret's secrets are left to her daughter Sheila.  The burden of truth that Margaret has left behind may cost Sheila her life, but can Sheila did as her mother asked shortly before her death?  Can she just destroy it, when some many over the years have wanted the truth?

Unsure what to do Shelia searches for someone to help her reveal the truth brings her to billionaire Jason Hammond.  With reports of his integrity and his interest in unsolved mysteries, Sheila reaches out to him for help.  When Jason first hears from Sheila he isn't convinced of what she says until she reveals her mother's identity - the Babushka Lady!

But someone wants to keep the truth hidden and they will do whatever to destroy anyone or anything that gets in their way.  And the truth they uncover is more shocking than anyone could have imagined.

This is an exciting-keep-you-guessing-til-the-very-end read.  Based on a historical event, speculation, and some inventive writing on the part of Wil Mara you will enter a reading experience that could truly be factual with his engaging writing style.  Danger lurking around any corner.  Conspiracies that as so complex that killing off those who have knowledge of them should assure the perpetrators of lifelong anonymity if not for a hidden home movie.

I am looking forward to future Jason Hammond adventures!

About the Book:
The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all. And the first step, she knew—against every instinct and desire—was to watch that film.

During the reading of her mother’s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history’s greatest conspiracies: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous babushka lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.

On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation—or will he and Sheila become its final victims?

Keeper of Reign by Emma Right

Keeper of Reign
by Emma Right

I was suppose to review this title today, but I never received a copy of the book.  So instead I am including a description of Keeper of Reign which I have to admit I am a little disappointed to not be able to review.  But if sometime in the future I should happen to get a copy I will review what sounds like an entertaining and enjoyable book.

Book Description: 

Books written in blood. Most are lost, their Keepers with them. A curse that befell a people. A Kingdom with no King. Life couldn’t get more harrowing for the Elfies, a blend of Elves and Fairies. Or for sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze. Or could it? For Jules, the heir of a Keeper, no less, suspects his family hides a forgotten secret. It was bad enough that his people, the Elfies of Reign, triggered a curse which reduced the entire inhabitants to a mere inch centuries ago. All because of one Keeper who failed his purpose. Even the King’s Ancient Books, did not help ward off that anathema. Now, Gehzurolle, the evil lord, and his armies of Scorpents, seem bent on destroying Jules and his family. Why? Gehzurolle’s agents hunt for Jules as he journeys into enemy land to find the truth. Truth that could save him and his family, and possibly even reverse the age-long curse. Provided Jules doesn’t get himself killed first.

Available for purchase on Amazon.

Vinland Viking ~ Review and Excerpt

Vinland Viking

An Original Saga by Gary Doman

Vinland Viking: An Original Saga by Gary L. Doman follows Yngar Magnusson who is leaving behind his homeland of Norway in hopes of settling in the Vinland colony so that he might freely practice Asatru (Thor worship).

But Vinland just like Norway has been influenced by the worship of Yahwe so Yngar decides to create his own colony that is Thor-centric and will be truly Viking in all meanings of the word.  Pirating a dragon longship was the first step in his goal of returning to the old ways.  

But when Yngar undertakes a quest to help prepare the world for the final battle, he has an experience that will change him for the rest of his life.  Yngar goes on a quest of the soul that brings into a world where all the old beliefs he holds seemingly live.  But Yngar hasn't stepped into a mythological world, rather the old beliefs he held are shown to him for what they truly are - half truths that have been twisted by the evil that exists within the hearts of men.  Yngar doesn't realize that he is in fact in a battle for the fate of his eternal soul. 

Vinland Viking is an interesting look at a man struggling to find his place in a world that is changing.  Set in 1000 A.D. when the world was in a period of upheaval as Christianity starts spreading into the outer regions of the known world and old beliefs offer one last push for supremacy.

I was provided a copy of this book through Pump Up Yout Book, in exchange for my honest review.

About the book: The novella Vinland Viking is an epic fantasy-adventure, set at the time of the conversion to Christianity of Iceland and Greenland, about a young Northman who longs to lead the storied life of the pagan Vikings.  His opportunity comes with Leif Ericsson's exploration in North America, but his fortunes change in a way and by a means that he could never have anticipated, and which will thrill the reader.

The richly-textured narrative incorporates history, nature, and mythology, along with plenty of action.  It is told from a Christian viewpoint, but can be enjoyed by a general audience, and, unlike so many other fiction stories, is acceptable reading for the young.

AMAZON paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Vinland-Viking-Gary-Doman-M-A/dp/1413763774/

AMAZON Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Vinland-Viking-Original-Doman-ebook/dp/B00AMV8KW2/

EXCERPT:

The pressing situation to which he was being called was the gathering of ugly weather off the Greenland coast.  Hoping to outrun the oncoming storm front back to Vinland, or at least to somewhere they could find shelter from the inclemency, Brand-Yngar directed that the prisoners be rounded up and secured, the knorr put in tow, and the Kraken be made ready to sail due south.

The homeward voyage began in the Davis Strait, to the west of the settlements on Greenland.  The southerly Labrador Current certainly had the potential to carry them away, even without the help of oar and sail, but it bowed to the superior force of the rising winds that were already wrecking the knorr.  Now gales, they wrenched the Kraken off her course and gave her quite a different heading; the crewmen could not even tell how far they'd been diverted.  When they weren't cowering, they were praying to Thor for their deliverance, bailing rainwater and seawater out of the vessel, or saving each other from being washed over the sides.

Brand-Yngar stood resolute as captain.  Through his decision not to try to reach land immediately, he had saved the drakkar from the very worst of the storm; now, he had to guide them through its area of lesser strength to wherever it should capriciously deposit them.

The tempest poured and blustered for hours, driving the dragon ship as a godling might play with a bath toy.  Finally it blew the Kraken onto a shore.  Yet more time passed before the severity tempered enough locally so that anyone could move about on land; in the meantime, the occupants of the humbled watercraft huddled under the cover of their awning, peeping forebodingly at their unintentional port of call.

About the author:  Gary L. Doman, whose (pen-)surname rhymes with "roman", the French word for "novel", was born in Syracuse (New York) and has spent the majority of his life in Connecticut.  He has degrees from Fairfield University and the University of Connecticut.  He has developed an interest in just about everything, especially history, geography, religion, language, and the natural world.  He began writing as a child and has never really stopped, although he does periodically need to eat and sleep, and also devotes considerable time to his other creative and intellectual endeavors; these include his "weblog" the Doman Domain and one of the items of interest found there, namely, "The Best Comic Strip Ever!".  Further, he has taught himself to sing and founded his own political philosophy.  His greatest accomplishment may be remaining humble despite the preceding!

Visit Gary online at http://domandomain.blogspot.com/

On Distant Shores ~ Review

On Distant Shores
Wings of the Nightingale #2
By Sarah Sundin

This is the second book in the Wings of the Nightingale series.  Mellie and Tom's story progresses in this book, but the main focus this time is Georgie - Lt. Georgiana Taylor and Hutch - Sgt. John Hutchinson.

Set during the height of American involvement in the Mediterranean during World War II. Where With Every Letter focused on the struggles of nurses to gain acceptance On Distant Shores focuses on the struggles of pharmacists to gain acceptance and commissions from the army.

On Distant Shores brings tragedy into the story as the main characters experience a loss that affects them personally.

I like that Georgie grows in this story, even though she is pressured by her family to give up and return home. We actually get to meet Ward in this book and are able to see how he treats Georgie and tries to influence her decision.   I also like that she is steady and faithful friend to her friends.

On Distant Shores is a story of growth as war forces people to re-examine what they truly want out of life. Georgie's dream has always been to get married and to have a family, but serving as a flight nurse changes her perspective, forcing her get out of her comfortable protected world.

Hutch is a pharmacist and was one before the war, but he is determined to help his profession get the respect that it so badly needs from the military.  But when his efforts appear to stall and a betrayal comes to light, will he allow his bitterness to destroy all the friendships around him?  Or will he instead allow Georgie's influence to help him appreciate all that he truly does have?

On Distant Shores will draw you in as different groups all struggle to work together and those who are put down work to gain respect for their sacrifice to protect and to serve.  This is a fantastic continuation to With Every Letter and you will be left anticipating book 3.

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

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About

Caught between the war raging around them and the battles within, two souls long for peace--and a love that remains true.
Lt. Georgiana Taylor has everything she could want. A boyfriend back home, a loving family, and a challenging job as a flight nurse. But in July 1943, Georgie's cozy life gets more complicated when she meets pharmacist Sgt. John Hutchinson.

Hutch resents the lack of respect he gets as a noncommissioned serviceman and hates how the war keeps him from his fiancée. While Georgie and Hutch share a love of the starry night skies over Sicily, their lives back home are falling apart. Can they weather the hurt and betrayal? Or will the pressures of war destroy the fragile connection they've made?

With her signature attention to detail and her talent for bringing characters together, Sarah Sundin weaves an exciting tale of emotion, action, and romance that will leave you wanting more.

Connect with Sarah online http://www.sarahsundin.com/, facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor , twitter https://twitter.com/sarahsundinor pinterest http://pinterest.com/sarahsundin/

CSFF August Blog Tour ~ A Cast of Stones/The Hero's Lot Day 3

A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot
The Staff and The Sword Books 1 and 2
By Patrick W. Carr

What draws us to certain people and others just repulse us? It is a question that seems to follow Errol Stone.  For some reason unknown to Errol and those closest to him, he has enemies throughout the kingdom of Illustra.  But why would a young man who grew up in a small backwater town attract the attention of so many?

This what one hopes to discover at some point in this delightful attention grabbing series.  And of course one hopes that Errol will be able to marry the young woman who has captured his heart, but where matters of politics and power are concerned nothing is certain.  Especially when our hero has been accused and convicted of a crime so that his life might be saved only to be sent on a mission sure to result in the forfeiture of his life.  Alas Errol's troubles only continue to grow just as he continues to grow as person.

Time is short as the king's life draws to an end, but Errol's time is even shorter as a new compulsion is yet again placed on him to do the bidding of the church.  With his life and the lives of those nearest to him and the future of the very kingdom in the balance Errol must succeed or he will die.  (I won't give away more as that will just detract from your experience in reading these books for yourself!)

But if you like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy, C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Space series, Stephen Lawhead's books, or Fay Sampson's Pangur Ban series you'll love The Staff and The Sword!

I was provided a copy of A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot in exchange for my honest review and for this blog tour.

Get a free eBook of A Cast of Stones here until August 31st!

Be sure to check out all the tour participants who will be posting throughout the 3 day (Aug 26-28) CSFF Blog Tour!  See what everyone liked and didn't like and weigh in with your opinion to be part of the discussion.

Julie Bihn   Jennifer Bogart   Keanan Brand   Beckie Burnham 

Jeff Chapman   Laure Covert   Pauline Creeden   Emma or Audrey Engel 

April Erwin   Nikole Hahn   Jason Joyner   Carol Keen 

Krystine Kercher   Shannon McDermott   Meagan @ Blooming with Books 

Rebecca LuElla Miller   Writer Rani   Nathan Reimer   Chawna Schroeder 

Jojo Sutis   Steve Trower   Phyllis Wheeler   Rachel Wyant

You can buy the first 2 books of The Staff and The Sword series at the following 

A Cast of Stones    The Hero’s Lot 

Be sure to check-out author Patrick Carr's Website 

CSFF August Blog Tour ~ A Cast of Stone/A Hero's Lot Day 2

A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot
The Staff and The Sword Books 1 and 2
By Patrick W. Carr

I was struck by the lust of power that drives the story.  The old statement power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely (and great men are almost always bad men.) seems to hold true for many of the characters.  But the question is why does the quest for power corrupt?  Is it truly this desire that corrupts the heart or was the heart corrupt all along and the the position of power just gave it the freedom to show its true self?

When we go to the Bible we see that we are all driven by our hearts.  What is in them will eventually come out for all to see.

Luke 6:45 - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the

evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Matthew 12:34 - O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

1 John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

But we don't need to stay in our corruptible state because

1 Peter 1:23 - Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

We like Errol can be remade.  We can turn from the desire for power and instead turn to the true power God or as He is referred to in this series Deas.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the final day of the CSFF Cast of Stones August Blog Tour.

I was provided a copy of A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot in exchange for my honest review and for this blog tour.

* All Biblical references are taken from the KJV.

Get a free eBook of A Cast of Stones here until August 31st!

Be sure to check out all the tour participants who will be posting throughout the 3 day (Aug 26-28) CSFF Blog Tour!

Julie Bihn   Jennifer Bogart   Keanan Brand   Beckie Burnham 

Jeff Chapman   Laure Covert   Pauline Creeden   Emma or Audrey Engel 

April Erwin   Nikole Hahn   Jason Joyner   Carol Keen 

Krystine Kercher   Shannon McDermott   Meagan @ Blooming with Books 

Rebecca LuElla Miller   Writer Rani   Nathan Reimer   Chawna Schroeder 

Jojo Sutis   Steve Trower   Phyllis Wheeler   Rachel Wyant

You can buy the first 2 books of The Staff and The Sword series at the following 

A Cast of Stones    The Hero’s Lot 

Be sure to check-out author Patrick Carr's Website 

The Lost Heir ~ Review

The Lost Heir
The Dragonath Chronicles Book 1
by Andi O'Connor

When an unexplained calamity seemingly out of Darrak Hunter's dreams begins altering Earth, he is whisked away to a foreign world where he is out of his element.

But he isn't as out of his element as he thinks, because he is the lost heir of Dragonath.  But someone is hunting him, an ancient enemy has spent years in the shadows gaining strength and followers and Darrak is caught up in a war that's about to erupt.  A war for the throne of Dragonath and for the survival of Earth.

But Darrak is not alone in his struggles to discover who and what he is.  For some unfathomable reason there are others who have just discovered powers that have not been evident on Dragonath for generations.  And some powers have never before been evident among any the citizens.

On a planet graced by purple skies Darrak Hunter is about to face the Organization and the wielders of Halla magic.  But time is against him and those who are determined to help this unknown lost heir.

I has to say I'm intrigued by the unique aspects of Dragonath - a purple sky, a purple sun, plants that are not green.  How would any of us react if we awoke to what we had dreamed and then just moments later be whisked away from all we know to a new world - a world we a destined to rule?  Probably not as well as Darrak.

I am looking forward to book 2 in this series.  Not to give anything away, but one is definitely left with a cliffhanger of the reading kind.  And I want to know what happens to everyone.

I was provided a copy of this book through Pump Up Your Book for the purpose of this review

 About the Author:

The Lost Heir is Andi O'Connor's debut novel and is available in both paperback and eBook.  Her second novel, Silevethiel, is slated for release in October, 2013.  She is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, the National Writers Association, The Association of Writers & Writing Programs, and the Boston Chapter of the Women's National Book Association.  Andi lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and four dogs.

You can visit Andi’s website at www.andioconnor.com or socialize with her at Facebook.

About the Book:

Always a meticulous planner, Darrak Hunter leads a dull life until his dreams become plagued with visions of a peculiar and distant world.  Waking up to a brilliant purple sun looming ominously in the sky, Darrak is met by a mysterious violet-eyed sorcerer who whisks him away from the struggling Earth.

Thrown into the clutches of a foreign world where magic is reality and not all is as it seems, Darrak embarks on a journey where he is forced to come to terms with his past and do what he can to shape the future.  Accompanied by a talented swordswoman, a prince, and a beautiful young sorceress, he must overcome cunning plots of treachery and betrayal to discover the strength to stand against a destructive black magic and an enemy who is a master at deception.

Purchase your copy:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

The Lost Heir Blog Tour Page:

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/07/07/virtual-book-tour-pump-up-your-book-presents-the-lost-heir-virtual-book-publicity-tour/