The Agben School ~ Review, Spotlight and Excerpt

The Agben School
The Legend of the Gamesmen 2
By Jo Sparkes

This is the second book in the Legend of the Gamesmen series and reading the first book is not necessary (I haven't read the first book, though I want to after reading The Agben School) though I'm sure it would help to know whom the various characters are.

Marra has a gift - the ability to work with herbs.  And this gift makes her invaluable to the The Hand of Victory, Gamesmen who played Comet.  Marra's gift is responsible for The Hand of Victory's journey to Missea, because she was able to awaken Tryst who had been left in an induced sleep and left to die.

Who is Tryst, you ask.  He is the lost prince of  Missea, who has kept his identity hidden, because of the betrayal that took him a year from his home.

But betrayal and treachery still thrive in Missea, thus Tryst, Marra, and anyone associated with them is in danger - mortal danger.  The Trumen are blamed for the Prince's "death" and war is about to catch them unaware.  But Tryst is convinced that there are some Missea at the heart of this evil that has infested his kingdom.

With time running out Tryst and Marra must determine how to stop a war that could utterly destroy the Trumen.  But the threat remains elusive, who is behind this unrest that is seeping into all levels of Missean society?

Marra's skills with herbs and her thirst for knowledge could be the only hope for those who dwell on the continent.  For someone who desires to live in the background, this demand could very well crush her beneath the weight of expectation.

Get ready for an ending you won't see coming!  And believe me it is a shock as the instigator behind the betrayals is revealed!

This book will appeal to fans of fantasy and it is a clean read so parents won't have qualms about letting their tweens and teens read this delightful book.  This is one that will leave them wanting more...

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in exchange for my honest review and my tour participation.

Now to track down a copy of book one The Birr Exilir so that I can get the back-stories which were referenced in this book.

About the Author:

A well-known Century City Producer once said that Jo Sparkes “...writes some of the best dialogue I’ve read.” Her body of work includes scripts for Children’s live-action and animated television programs, a direct to video Children’s DVD, commercial work for corporate clients. She won the 2012 Kay Snow award for her screenplay, Frank Retrieval.

She’s written numerous articles for internet sites. As a member of the Pro Football Writer’s Association, she was a contributing writer for the Arizona Sports Fans Network, where she was known for her humorous articles, player interviews and game coverage. Jo was unofficially the first to interview Emmitt Smith when he arrived in Arizona to play for the Cardinals.

She served as an adjunct teacher at the Film School at Scottsdale Community College, and wrote “Feedback How to Give It How to Get It” for writers, actors, and other artists.

Her latest book is the fantasy, The Agben School.

For More Information:

• Visit Jo Sparkes’ website.

• Connect with Jo on Twitter and Facebook.

• Become Jo’s friend at Goodreads.

• Visit Jo’s blog.

• More books by Jo Sparkes.

• Contact Jo Sparkes.

About the Book:

Agben had stood for a thousand years. A mysterious school housing more than
students, it was the seat of the powerful Women of Agben, and the center for
harnessing the potency of herbs. Few knew all that transpired within the walls.

And now Marra stood at its gate.

Friends and support stripped from her, the fragile life she’d built for herself
now lay in tatters. And the source of this evil hunted her like a deer culled

The gateway before her was her only hope.

For as the city itself crumbled, all depended not on a prince trying to save his
people, nor the valiant men who’d brought them this far.

Everything depended on finding a magic powder in the vaults of Agben itself.

Everything depended on her.

For More Information

• The Agben School is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
• Read Chapter One here.

Title: The Agben School
Author: Jo Sparkes
Publisher: Oscar Press
Pages: 384
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Paperback

Book Excerpt:

~ PROLOGUE ~

Mik was all of ten years old, and had responsibility.

That’s what his mother had told him this morning, when it was time to open the
shop. His grandfather was ill, and needed care from time to time.

“Just keep it closed for the morning,” Father had suggested.

“Not with four ships in port,” Mother had snapped back.

So it was his job to mind the shop.

He’d done everything before, of course. Poured out the herbs, wrapped them in
paper. Kept them close to himself until the customer paid in coin. “A poor little Mid Isle
shop taking credit would go broke in a month,” his mother smilingly explained to any
who asked.

Yes, he’d seen it all and he knew what to do.

Until the pretty girl walked in. Maybe 16 years old, he guessed. Maybe more. Her
clothes weren’t as nice as many before her, but nicer than some. She had that desert air
about her, down to the sandal shoes, but her hair was long in the Missean fashion, not the
short cut of the Flats.

She didn’t seem Agben. But she didn’t seem not Agben, either.

It was a dark red hair, braided down her back. When she turned in the sunlight
from the door the red flashed at him. Little wisps escaped and curled around her face,
making her seem too soft.

Women of Agben were never soft.

Mik realized that responsibility did indeed have weight, just as his father said. He
was feeling that weight on his shoulders this very second.

The girl looked over the shelves carefully, and he didn’t interrupt her.

And then she turned to him, and smiled. The smile alone was almost enough to
prove she wasn’t Agben. Almost.

“Illsmith,” she said. “Do you have any?”

Mik nodded. “In the back, Miss. How much do you want?”

“Just a handful, please.” Her eyes were blue, he saw, but not the faded blue of his
mother and baby sister. Hers were a deep blue, like the sea’s depths as evening fell.

He hurried to fetch her Illsmith.

“And Musk Oil?” she called after him.

Ahh hah! The pretty girl must be of Agben, Mik realized. Illsmith was a desert
plant, and Musk Oil from the Great Continent. Those two went together, he knew, to rub
on sore muscles and strained shoulders. He knew because one of the Agben women had
told his mother so when his father had hurt himself pulling in the big swoopfish.

Mik grabbed a tiny glass bottle of oil – all of ten copper, he told himself – and
then the crock of Illsmith. Returning to the girl, he set both on the counter, and produced
a paper for the Illsmith. “Twelve copper,” he told her as plucked out a good handful of
the herb and wrapped it proper.

Some people frowned when the price was mentioned, but this girl merely pulled
coins from a pocket and counted it out.

Mik stooped low, to open the box his mother had told him he shouldn’t know
about, and snatch the pretty bauble inside.

He carefully wrapped it in a soft cloth, the kind used for fragile glass on long
trips. And then presented it to the girl.

 “What is this?” she asked, starting to lift a wrapped corner.

Mik stopped her as old man Tanner strode into the shop. “Take it,” the boy
whispered.

“Mik, my boy,” Tanner grinned, looking around for his mother. The old man
always wanted advice on a new ache. “Your mother not here this morning?”

The girl hesitated, still staring at him. He snatched up the coin she’d placed on the
counter, and tugged the step ladder over to just beneath the Stomach Cure jar.

“That’s right,” Tanner told him. “Just a swig, my boy. Just a swig.”

Mik felt the pretty girl’s eyes on him. Surely she knew no one else was supposed
to see that thing. Surely she knew to stick it in her pocket and pretend it didn’t exist.

The girl gave him a last frown, but said no more. By the time he’d wrangled the
tonic down from the shelf, she’d gone.

Identity Crisis ~ Review

Identity Crisis
B.K. Investigations #2
By Jean Hackensmith

Lieutenant Collin Lanaski's wife and daughter died in a fiery car accident during his deployment, at least that's what he was told.  But Collin has maintained for the last four years that his daughter is still alive.  Everyone thinks he's delusional especially when he claims one of the second grade students is his daughter.

But Angela Patten's parents are determined to keep her safe from this madman, even hiring a private investigator - the recently retired chief of police Brian Koski - to keep her safe.  But then the unthinkable happens Angela is taken.  And Brian is determined to find this little girl and return her to her family.

As Brian works to solve Angela's case he handles other cases along the way including a nearly 40 year old case that was never solved to the family's satisfaction.  Brian seems to really care about his clients and he isn't out to take them for their money as is seen with his working with Henry and then Rosie (who are in their 80s).

This could be a story ripped from the headlines.  Imagine the grief of losing your family while serving your country and years later thinking that one of your students is the daughter you were told had died.  Who then was the child who died in your car if not your own?  And why can't you get anyone to believe you...

This was an intense well-written book, but I personally didn't like it.  But that being said I know there is a huge reader base for crime based books and this should appeal to them, especially as justice is delivered.

Now the reason I wasn't fond of the story.  First Brian is a jerk as far as women are concerned and I think he needs to get a couple of teeth knocked down his throat by someone's father. (By the way, I don't like violence.) Second several of the characters could stand a bar of soap in their mouths. (Just saying)  Third there is a rather gross scene with a dead body. (All I can say is Ughhhh!)  And then there is a report of child abuse which was totally stomach turning and the perpetrator deserves something horrible to happen to him. (By the way, did I mention, I don't like violence.)

Would I recommend this book to others?  That would be yes and no.  I wouldn't recommend this as suitable to all readers, but there is a large reading population to whom I would recommend this book.  If you like true-to-life crime stories and are fans of the various crime solving shows on television I would recommend this to you.  If you lean towards clean romance or something that Hallmark would air the answer is no.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in conjunction with this tour in exchange for my honest review.



About the Book:
Little Angela Patten is kidnapped by a madman -- a man who's convinced she's his dead daughter. 

When rumors of how Dan Hamilton actually died reach the Cheyenne Chief of Police, Brian Koski is forced to resign his position as captain of the Sixth Precinct and go into business for himself as a private detective. His partner? A mahogany-colored Belgian Malinois named Sinbad. A former NYPD police dog, Sinbad is vicious when need be and reliable to a fault-unless a train goes by or there's a thunderstorm, then chances are he will turn tail and run. 

Brian's first clients are Jeff and Melody Patten. He's an explosives expert for a local demolitions company; she's a stay-at-home mom. Both are devoted parents to their young daughter, Angela. The problem comes in the form of one Collin Lanaski, an unstable ex-Air Force lieutenant and Angela's second grade teacher, who suddenly starts insisting that Angela is his daughter-the same daughter who died in a tragic car accident four years earlier. What does Collin base this incredible revelation on? Dog tags and car seats. Brian is convinced the man has suffered a psychotic break. He's delusional and dangerous, and it becomes the P.I.'s job to protect Angela from a madman.

About the Author ~ Jean Hackensmith:

 I have been writing since the age of twenty.  (That’s 37 years and, yes, I’m disclosing my age.)  I am the proud mother of three, stepmother of two, and grandmother to twelve wonderful children.  I lost the love of my life, my husband Ron, in November of 2011 when he died in an accident at work.  He took my heart with him and, for a time, my desire to write.  Time, as they say, heals all wounds, and I have again discovered my passion for the written word.  In fact, I find it strangely comforting to delve into the intricate webs that are my character’s lives and immerse myself in their existence instead of dwelling on my own.

Next to writing, my second passion is live theater.  I founded a local community theater group back in 1992 and directed upwards of 40 shows, including three that I authored.  I also appeared on stage a few times, portraying Anna in The King and I and Miss Hannigan in Annie.  I am sad to say that the theater group closed its final curtain in 2008, but those 16 years will always hold some of my fondest memories.

My husband and I moved from Superior five years ago, seeking the serenity of country living.  We also wanted to get away from the natural air conditioning provided by Lake Superior.  We moved only 50 miles south, but the temperature can vary by 20-30 degrees.  I guess I’m a country girl at heart.  I simply love this area, even though I must now enjoy its beauty alone.  I love the solitude, the picturesque beauty of the sun rising over the water, the strangely calming effect of watching a deer graze outside your kitchen window.  Never again, will I live in the city.  I am an author, after all, and what better place to be inspired than in God’s own back yard.

Visit with Jean at www.jeanhackensmith.com

Born of Persuasion ~ Review

Born of Persuasion
Price of Privilege #1
By Jessica Dotta

Julia Elliston has just lost her mother and finds herself at the mercy of an unknown guardian who seems determined to hide her away as a servant in Scotland.  But Julia has one chance to secure her own future when she is allowed a short visit with her dearest friend.

But Julia's plans of escape are dashed when she discovers that a marriage with Edward is no longer an option.  Julia attempts to take matters into her own hands, but soon finds herself caught up in a world of which she has no understanding.

Can Julia extract herself from the web in which she has unwittingly trapped herself?  And what about Edward, has she truly lost him forever?

This is the first in a trilogy by Jessica Dotta that explores a world in which so many are currently fascinated.

About the Book:

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

The Treasured Brides Collection ~ Review

The Treasured Brides Collection
By Grace Livingston Hill

              Three Timeless Romances 

                               from a Beloved Author 

I've always loved the simple beauty found in Grace Livingston Hill's books.  So when The Book Club Network offered a chance to read and review this just released collection from Barbour I jumped at the chance.  After all these were 3 stories from Grace Livingston Hill that I had never read before.

The first story is The Big Blue Soldier.  The First World War has ended and Sergeant Lyman Gage has just received word that his business has failed, his fiancee has become engaged to another man, and he is in debt to his former fiancee's father.  Lyman is understandably dejected when he is approached by an unusual woman who invites him to dinner and to pretend that he is her nephew.

What follows is a delightful and sweet story about seeing past the outer person and seeing the heart.  The kindness of strangers heals a broken heart and brings happiness to a hurting lonely heart.

The second story is Found Treasure.  Effie Martin is a despised young woman - her youthful, tomboyish habits are felt to be an embarrassment to anyone unfortunate to be caught in her company.  Her mother despairs of ever turning this selfish, self-centered girl into a lady and her sister Eleanor loathes her little sister who tries to get her part in Eleanor's activities.  But Effie is searching for something, she feels unwanted by anyone and wonders if there is even a purpose to her very being.

But when Effie steps forward and saves a life she comes to the attention of several people, including Lawrence Earle.  Lawrence helps Effie to become more than she ever saw herself becoming.  She became Euphemia a "woman of good repute" all because someone was willing to give her a chance.

This story finds the worth and treasure of a person within their heart.  Outward appearance and monetary worth mean nothing if one cannot find peace and comfort in a relationship with God.

The third story is The Patch of Blue.  Chris Walton had everything.  A father of good standing who was the bank president.  He lived in a spacious house in an elegant well-to-do neighborhood.  He was heading for his final year of college, played football, and was making the most of his life when everything changed. When his family's life of privilege was suddenly over Chris learns who his true friends are.  And he learns who he truly is thanks to Natalie Halsey.

This story shows that one's happiness need not be tied to wealth, position, and possessions but rather in a daily walk with God and contentment with what we do have.  This is shown in the changes of Chris's demeanor and attitude from the opening until the closing of the story.

One item of note concerning this book it is not large print, but the print is larger than most books that are regular print - so if you like large print books this maybe one you want to check-out.

Thanks to The Book Club Network and Barbour for offering me this book in exchange for my honest review.


About the Author:

            GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL (1865–1947) is known as the pioneer of Christian romance. Grace wrote over one hundred faith-inspired books during her lifetime. When her first husband died, leaving her with two daughters to raise, writing became a way to make a living, but she always recognized storytelling as a way to share her faith in God. She has touched countless lives through the years and continues to touch lives today. Her books feature moving stories, delightful characters, and love in its purest form.

Grace Livingston Hill began writing stories in 1877 at the tender age of twelve and didn’t stop until her death in 1947. But what may be more amazing is that she has sold over 84 million copies and is still loved by young and old alike.

About the Book:

            Take a step back to a slower paced life the 1930s and 40s, and discover the joy of old-fashioned romance as penned by one of America’s most beloved authors. Lightly updated for today’s reader, this collection of three romances—including The Big Blue Soldier, Found Treasure, and The Patch of Blue—is the perfect pathway to discovering a timeless author. Grace Livingston Hill created enduring characters who go through every human emotion. They are realistic individuals looking to fit in and find a place of contentment in life. Love meets them in their struggles and faith points them to eternal hope and peace.

In Perfect Time ~ Review

In Perfect Time
Wings of the Nightingale 3
By Sarah Sundin

Sometimes an event can change a person's life and if ever someone needed an event to make a mark on their life it is Kay Jobson.  Kay is hiding from the pain of her past, unfortunately she going about it all wrong.  She has a string of boyfriends at her beck-and-call.  But for the most part it is all meaningless to Kay.  After all she refuses to fall in love.  

But when when pilot Lt. Roger Cooper doesn't fall for her even when she turns on the charm, she's shocked. And even worse he seems to go out of his way to avoid her.

But Roger is attracted to Kay, but he knows trouble when he sees it and she is it!  But there are times when Kay slips and glimpses of who she could be are seen.  And Roger intrigues Kay/  Who is this man who avoids her, seems very boring, and has hidden talents that are in contrast to how he appears?

While In Perfect Time is Kay and Roger's story, Mellie and Tom and Georgie and Hutch aren't forgotten.  And they are in fact important to the story, especially Mellie and Georgie.  You won't be disappointed in this newest addition to the Wings of the Nightingales.

Take a step back in time as the European Theater enters it's final months and life-and-death is a flight away in this charming and touching story of hope and forgiveness.  Sometimes things aren't as they appear and we need to peek beneath the masks that are hiding what lies within the heart.

In Perfect Time is the third and final book in the Wings of the Nightingale series.  I've read all three books in the series and have to say I loved all of them, but I think this one may be my favorite.  I love Kay Jobson's growth as a person throughout the series.  Kay goes from a person whom your like ughhh she here to Oh, Kay's here!  And getting her back-story certainly goes a long way in helping a person identify with this hurting person.

This would make a great book club selection and should be on the shelf of any fan of historical fiction set at the time of WWII.  And yes this book can stand alone but it is best when read with the other two books in the series (With Every Letter and On Distant Shores).

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

About the Book:

Two hearts are about to learn the rhythm of love 

Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.

Face to Face with Jesus ~ Review

Face to Face with Jesus

By Samaa Habib

   with Bodie Thoene

A Former Muslim's Extraordinary

Journey to Heaven

And Encounter with The God of Love

This is Samaa Habib's story.  It is a story of hope.  And it is a story of miracles.  

Samaa was raised Muslim, but she came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  But for someone born and raised in the Middle East this was not a decision to be made lightly.  Samaa and her sisters faced persecution at home from family members who did not leave the Muslim faith.

But throughout the persecution Samaa stood firm even when beaten to renounce her beliefs.

But in an act extremism the church Samaa was attending was attacked in a series of bombs.  And this fateful day when she should have died her life was about to be a statement of the power of God.  Even in her pain and suffering Samaa faces persecution from the local medical personnel because of her faith.  But through it all Samaa comes into a closer relationship with her Saviour and is even a living witness to the power of God to fellow patients.

This is not your typical near death experience encounter with God.  Samaa doesn't have an experience of visions of glimpses of Heaven that are the focal point of her experience rather her journey was an encounter with God and His love and His sustaining presence even during times of persecution.

This is an interesting book that is timely during this time of persecution of Christians who live in the Middle East among their Muslim family, friends, and neighbors.  I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy reading personal insights and experiences.  This would also be an excellent addition to a church library.

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

It starts as a story ripped from the headlines
of the war-torn Middle East.

An extremist faction of Islam bombs a church during a service. The one door in the back isn't big enough for five hundred people trying to escape.

Some are killed.

But after the chaos and fire and smoke, 

one young woman comes back to life.

In this thrilling true tale, death does not have the final word. From the first time Samaa heard the Lord Jesus calling her out of Islam into faith in Him, till she met Him face to face in heaven, her life is marked by God's supernatural love and power. Full of hope and encouragement, and overflowing with Jesus' love, her riveting account reveals the power of God to break through any circumstance—and is a moving reminder that, in a place beyond what we can imagine, we have a Savior waiting to welcome us face to face.

Evergreen ~ Review

Evergreen
A Christiansen Winter Novella
By Susan May Warren

Evergreen is Ingrid and John Christiansen's story.  With their children all grown and gone Ingrid and John have a chance to do things they weren't able to do before.  But John's planned Christmas surprise is thwarted when Ingrid volunteers them for their church's major Christmas project.

But John's determined to still surprise Ingrid, until the money he needs goes towards Butter's emergency surgery.  When he accidentally reveals what he planned Ingrid is not impressed and almost angry with him.

When a family member reaches out for help Ingrid offers her assistance.  This is yet another issue that seems to come between the two.

For some reason neither can understand they've drifted apart over the years.  As they struggle to make their marriage work they must come to terms with an old heartache that they've been avoiding for years.  But the biggest thing standing their way is whether they can even face this issue even now.

This one Christmas the Christiansens of Deep Haven aren't soon to forget as they struggle through old hurts and come to a new understanding with each other and a new trust in God.  Though it is under 200 pages this is a book that packs a whole lota story in the pages.  And be sure to have a tissue or two on hand, you just may need it.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
About the Book:
An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn't be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He's sure she'll love it. What's more romantic than Christmas in Paris? 

Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then—because disasters strike in threes—an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts. 

As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid's marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.