No Peace with the Dawn ~ Review

No Peace with the Dawn
By E.B. Wheeler 
    and Jeffery Bateman

A Novel of the Great War

The world is at war - though America has yet to enter the fray.  And for the young men and women who are seeking to make their way in this world Utah seems far removed from this carnage that has enveloped Europe.

But these young people are determined to make a difference no matter where their paths may take them. But can a world being torn apart allow a person to hold firmly to the beliefs that have shaped them and give their lives meaning? Or will the prejudices and horrors of war forever change them?

Reed Lewis is a young man from an agricultural background who is determined to be the best at everything he does and he is a bit of a flirt. His occasional impulsiveness can add more work to his life but he is a caring and dedicated person. He joins the Marines and proves his ability to lead.

Joseph Sorrell is a young Shoshone known for his skills on the race track with his mare Buckskin Nelly. He hopes that his efforts in the war will earn him the US citizenship he seeks. His friendship with Bert Lyman brings him into this circle of friends who see him as a person.

 Clara Jensen works to open new doors that will allow her and all women to be seen as equals who deserve to be seen as people. She's willing to do her bit by serving overseas with the YMCA and her feisty attitude won't allow her to give up a cause she believes in.

Trudi Kessler is a Swiss-German immigrant who gives of what she has to help aid those whom the war has displaced. But in a world at war her very heritage is held against her by those who allow fear to dictate their prejudices.

The horrors of war are experienced by those both at home and abroad. And those who come home have to live with what they saw and did.

This book opens in November 1915 and concludes in April 1920. Sometimes it is hard to realize just how much happened during this decade. There is a reference to the sinking of the Titanic and even though I've been aware that this took place in 1912 it was a bit of a shock that it was so soon afterwards that the world was at war. The prejudices that were so prevalent are rather surprising - I seriously didn't realize some of the everyday things that had to be renamed because of their Germanic links.

This is an interesting look into the past - there is not much WWI fiction that focuses on residents of Utah to my knowledge. Take a step back in time that is approximately a century long with No Peace with the Dawn. In some ways this book makes me realize just how little we've accomplished in the last century in regard to the prejudices that have a way of tearing us apart.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review or otherwise - all opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

In 1917, the Great War seems far from Logan, Utah. But soon it will change the lives of suffragette and mechanic Clara, Swiss-German immigrant and LDS convert Trudi, Marine Corps volunteer Reed, and Shoshone seeking U.S. citizenship Joseph. This novel weaves real events with compelling fictional characters into a sweeping tale of war, romance, self-discovery, and sacrifice.

About the Authors:

E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California. She earned her BA in history from BYU and has graduate degrees in British history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. She’s the award-winning author of “The Haunting of Springett Hall,” the historical romance “Born to Treason” and is a member of the League of Utah Writers. She lives in northern Utah with her family.

Jeff Bateman served in the U.S. Air Force for 32 years, retiring as a Colonel in 2010. He holds a BA and MS in Criminal Justice, an MA in History and an MS in Strategic Studies. Following his military career, Jeff worked as a civilian historian at the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Flight Test Center. He teaches American Military History and U.S. Institutions at Utah State University and is a member of the League of Utah Writers. He has taught workshops on military writing. Jeff lives on a mini-farm in the mountains of Northern Utah, where horses, gardening, and playing the bass fill every minute he is not writing or teaching.

A Primary Decision ~ Review

A Primary Decision
The Worthington Destiny #3
By Dr. Kevin Leman 
                and Jeff Nesbit


Sarah Worthington has always been the baby sister and her parents princess, but she's determined for them to see and recognize her as something else.  When President Spencer offers her the chance at becoming US Attorney General Sarah sees herself one step closer to her dream.

But the recent path the Worthingtons have been on has been one fraught with setbacks as someone seems intent on targeting the siblings and bringing them down.  But who is working in the shadows against them? And how much do they know about the Worthingtons and the secrets they are keeping?

As small gains are made in the Polar Bear Bomber investigation more questions are brought to light. But can evidence be discovered that will clear Sean before the photos that ended Will's political run are made public? Or will Sean's seemingly chance meeting with a stranger derail Sarah's dreams as well?

As secrets create divides withing the Worthingtons they will need to learn that their greatest strength lies in their family ties and their love. This is an interesting look at family and friendship. What brings some people together while driving others away? Why do some do anything to protect those closest to them while others only use for their own benefit and gain?

The Worthington Destiny is an enjoyable series that definitely keeps one guessing as to whom certain mysterious persons are.  One has ideas as the story arrives at its satisfying conclusion but the thread of mystery just adds a greater depth to the story.

The reader doesn't have to read the first two books to enjoy this book as each book focuses on a different sibling, though all of the Worthingtons are fully fleshed out as characters in each story.  But I would recommend reading all three books as there is a story thread that runs throughout the series.

I was provided a free review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a review positive or otherwise - all opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

The road to power and position 

is fraught with perils, 

even for a Worthington.

But Sarah does not intend to lose.

Sarah Worthington never expected to become the US attorney general--at least not this early in her career. Plunged into the vicious vetting process, with all sides digging for secrets in her family closet, she steels herself for the path forward. Nothing will deter her from making her mark on the world in the biggest way possible--even if that means prosecuting the current president of the United States. 

Yet powerful forces conspire behind the scenes to take the Worthington family down, and the president orders her to close the investigation. Will she comply? Or turn the tables to pursue her ultimate dream--the US presidency?

Book Spotlight and Giveaway ~ Screw You

Book Description:

How many times in your life have you been dissuaded from following your entrepreneurial dreams due to either fear of failure (be that fear from yourself or others) or doubt due to the unknown?

Startup business infrastructure specialist Tim Carthon’s new book, SCREW YOU! Startup Business Tips to Destroy Doubt, Especially Inside You (Tips 1-20); the first in his new 5-part business tips book series, gives you streamlined, powerful tips for pivotal decision points that can make all the difference in your business and its startup outcomes.

SCREW YOU! is the quintessential ‘Break glass in case of a fear and doubt emergency’ business tips book for aspiring entrepreneurs; bringing energy to your warrior and light to the unknown so that you can tell fear and doubt “SCREW YOU!” and never let either of them rule your lives again.

Buy the book:   ScrewYouBook.com

Author's Bio:

Known as ‘The Fiery Truth-Teller,’ Tim Carthon is a long time at-risk youth advocate, keynote teacher, author, and educator, and a proud father of his namesake TJ. Mixed with his passion for telling the “fiery truth” and helping people, he is using his extensive knowledge of and perspective on business infrastructure to ‘uniquely’ assist individuals in inner cities to remove fear and doubt and follow their business ownership dreams. Tim accomplishes this through his exclusive E2 Seminar™ (Economic Enlightenment Seminar) and SBI Workshop™ (Startup Business Infrastructure Workshop™). His saying and life’s motto: “Your life was not given to you for you. It was given to you for you to be a blessing to someone else.”

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

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Mardok and the Seven Exiles ~ Review

Mardok and the Seven Exiles
RoboTales #2
By Jill Williamson 
        and Luke Williamson

Mardok and the Seven Exiles is set on the planet Dabon and Cadet Riv Mardok, a member of the Space Force Military Training Academy, has uncovered a disturbing fact. Unfortunately his evidence has been made unavailable to him. But Mardok isn't one to sit around and do nothing which for him might prove the worst possible thing to do.

Soon Mardok finds himself assigned by General Gruss himself to find the elusive Ice Beast rumored to live in the remote regions of Mount Squarra.  No one has ever returned from such a mission before and Mardok is determined to both stop the Ice Beast and return.

All too soon Mardok finds himself in need of rescue and fortunately for him he is discovered by Robo, a mechanized canine intelligence who proves resourceful in extricating our hero with an ego. Robo leads Mardok to a cabin within the Blackwood Forest where he soon meets the seven exiles from the academy who also discovered disturbing events with ties to the academy and General Gruss.

Can these 8 young men along with Robo stop what could be the end of their worlds and lives as they know it? And who is really behind everything? Once again Robo may give an advantage to whom most needs his special skills.

This is the fun sequel to Tinker and one just can't help rooting for Robo to come out on top in whatever role he plays. And Mardok learns the importance of working together rather than relying on his own strengths.

This book is aimed at the middle grade reader and should keep even a reluctant reader reading with enjoyment. This story though the second in the series is able to be enjoyed without first reading Tinker. The only recurring character is Robo and these are his tales.  From the title one thinks Snow White but don't be fooled this is a tale that will appeal boys who aren't into fairy tales.

I was provided an ARC of the book by the author with no expectation of a review positive or otherwise - all expressed opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Strange things are happening at the Space Force Military Academy. General Gruss believes the Ice Beast is responsible and asks cadet Riv Mardok to hunt down the menace. Mardok, always eager to "protect the helpless," accepts the quest, but when he finds himself trapped, alone in the forest, his bravery isn't enough to save him. Mardok has no choice but to call for help. The question is: will anyone answer?

Love and Fat-free Cheese ~ Review

Love and Fat-free Cheese
By Chrissy Sharp

Life is too short

           for imitations...

Juliet Easton is at a crossroad in her life.  She's seeking a job looking to put her statistical skills to good use and thanks to her big brother Everett she has a job interview. Juliet somehow manages to impress CEO Owen Denny with her passion for numbers and gets a job offer that brings her back to her hometown.

But returning home has a few drawbacks and they all center around her sister Eva and Eva's fiance Will. Two years ago Will mysteriously disappeared while attempting to reveal a pharmaceutical cover-up. And her family is still living with the repercussions of his disappearance, especially Eva.

Juliet comes to love her new job with the exception of Owen's girlfriend Lila, who seems to take an instant dislike to Jules. And she's determined to paint Juliet in the worst possible light whenever their together which unfortunately is whenever Lila feels like showing up at Daddy's company.

But when Juliet is drawn into the mystery surrounding Will's disappearance life takes a dangerous turn that finds the entire Easton family potentially in danger for what they may or may not know about Will and his investigation.

Where do you ask does fat-free cheese come into the equation? Eva has long believed Will would someday return to her.  And to Eva real love is like cheese, if you've eaten (or experienced) the real thing you'll never be satisfied with the fat-free kind.  And Juliet is about to experience Eva's logic for herself  as she navigates life with its unique twists and turns.

If you like unexpected plot twists, mysteries, and a dose of romance in a contemporary setting you'll want to pick up a copy of Love and Fat-free Cheese and get lost between the covers of a fun story for a few hours.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

"I see the desperation blazing in his eyes 

and want so badly to give in."

Fat-free cheese is okay—unless you’ve tasted real cheese. Juliet Easton learns this about love too as she uncovers who truly loves her, and who is using her to get to the secret she knows about the disappearance of her sister’s fiance and the pharmaceutical conspiracy he plans to reveal. Can she protect her loved ones’ lives and her heart? You’ll be hooked from Asiago to Zamorano cheese in this suspenseful and hilarious romantic thriller.

About the Author:
Crissy Sharp graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brigham Young University – Idaho, with a major in advertising and a minor in marketing. She is currently a member of the RWA and lives in Collierville, Tennessee.

The Shattered Vigil ~ Review

The Shattered Vigil
The Darkwater Saga #2
By Patrick W. Carr

Their victory over the Darkwater forces during the feast of Bas-solas should have given them a reprieve in their war against the growing darkness. But all too soon the Vigil learns the true cost of their victory - it has provided cover for the enemy's latest attack. And the Vigil is vulnerable to this newest threat that has come against them ~ an enemy that cannot be seen.

Willet Dura has yet to gain the Vigil's trust due to the vault hidden within his mind - a vault that cannot be opened and may be linked to his night within the Darkwater Forest. Yet he, along with the street urchins he has befriended, may be the Vigil's best hope for survival. For survival has just become their greatest priority when yet another member goes missing.

With the darkness tightening its grip, the Vigil is faced with a choice reveal what they know and submit to the church.  Or they scatter to the far reaches of the Northern Continent searching for answers to the questions now confronting them while staying ahead of those hunting them.

Meanwhile Willet is forced to confront his feelings for Gael and her refusal to accept his decision to leave her behind.  And then there is Willet's friendship with Ealdor which was brought into question by the Vigil in The Shock of Night.

If possible this second book in the series is even better than the first and the ending leaves the reader wondering what comes next. The Shattered Vigil is the perfect name for this book as it describes the book in three words. And, yes, you do have to read the first book to fully appreciate this series.

The writing style of Patrick Carr is fantastic as it draws one into the story - one can easily see why he is an award-winning writer.  If you enjoy fantasy that has a spiritual undercurrent get ready to be transported to a world where the lines between darkness and light are becoming harder to discern.

I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Victory over the dark forces during the feast of Bas-solas should have guaranteed safety for the continent. Instead, Willet and the rest of the Vigil discover they've been outsmarted by those seeking to unleash the evil that inhabits the Darkwater. Jorgen, the member of the Vigil assigned to Frayel, has gone missing, and new attacks have struck at the six kingdoms' ability to defend themselves.

Just when the Vigil thought they had quenched the menace from their enemy in Collum, a new threat emerges: assassins hunting the Vigil, men and women who cannot be seen until it's too late. The orders of the church and the rulers of the kingdoms, fearing the loss of the Vigil's members altogether, have decided to take them into protective custody to safeguard their gift. On Pellin's orders, the Vigil scatters, leaving Willet to be taken prisoner by the church in Bunard.

In the midst of this, Willet learns of the murder of an obscure nobleman's daughter by one of the unseen assassins. Now he must escape his imprisonment and brave the wrath of the church to find the killer in order to turn back this latest threat to the northern continent.

David Travels to the Past ~ Review and Giveaway

David Travels to the Past
By Gonzalo Martínez de Antoñana
       and María José Mosquera

This book has two stories that explore the origins of art. Each story is set in a different time thats very uniqueness shaped art then and even in a small measure now.

The Rock Painters
Art of the Upper Paleolithic Period

David is determined to learn all there is about art and his tutor Master Messina comes up with an ingenious plan to help David learn.  Traveling back to prehistoric times in an unique manner David is transported to the beginnings of art. 

But a fun art lesson turns into something more when David and Master Messina join up with a group of prehistoric hunters who in their movements bring them into the LasCaux caves. David and Messina take part in the day-to-day lives of the ancient artists who were hunters of what they painted.

The Babylonians
The Art of Mesopotamia

In their second adventure into the past of art David, Master Messina and Angela travel into the time of the Assyrian, Babylonian and Sumerian people hoping to learn all they can about the art of Mesopotamia. And when David makes a comment about wanting to learning the beginnings of Mesopotamian art the three are taken into the past by a most unexpected guide to the Ninive Library! 

But the chance to hunt with Assurbanipal draws David while the library lures Messina and Angela to its treasures of knowledge. But the origins that they are searching for can't be found here so when a little help they again change times seeking the assistance of Hammurabi in their quest. The art of the Mesopotamians took many forms painting, etching, sculptures, and even the architecture. Along the way they learn about the rulers, myths and gods of the time that helped shape the culture and the art. 

This Graphic Novel will capture the attention of readers with the 2 stories. Entertaining while educating in a subtle manner the early art movements that have had a lasting impact on art through the ages. Reluctant readers will enjoy this book at 72 pages it will hold their attention through both stories.


I received this book free of charge from the publisher all opinions expressed are my own.

Book Description:

David is a young and restless apprentice painter who wants to know everything about painting. His intelligent teacher, the Master Messina, invents a way of transporting David through time to prehistory. They go there looking for the origins of art, but once they are there nothing will be as they thought.

In a second adventure they travel towards the unknown art of Mesopotamia. This time they won´t go alone. The sympathetic and intelligent Angela will travel to the past with them bringing her particular point of view.

Buy the Book:

​USA: Amazon  ~  Kindle ~  Barnes and Noble

​UK: Amazon  ~ Kindle

Australia: Fishpond  ~  Booktopia ~ Kindle

Author and Illustrator:

María José is a teacher. She won international illustrations awards.

Gonzalo has a degree in art history. He works in museums and as a tourist guide.

Connect with them: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Pinterest

Giveaway:​

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David Travels to the Past

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