The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest by Scott A. Lerner

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book review: 'The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest', a Samuel Roberts Thriller, by Scott A. Lerner.

Samuel Roberts has moved and begun a new life as he tries desperately to get over a relationship with Susan.  Unable to keep her from the danger that seems to follow him, she has moved on, leaving him free to find love again.

In The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest by Scott A. Lerner, we catch up with Samuel as he begins putting his new life together. When his friend Bob introduces him to a new woman, he is strangely smitten. Bridget Gillis is beautiful and vivacious and also happens to be a fortune teller. Yet if that wasn’t enough to get his “spider senses” going, she also belongs to a coven of witches.  The village that contains the coven was founded by her great aunt, and Bridget could certainly be her twin if the paintings are even close to her aunt’s depiction.
The relationship becomes quickly complicated as just a few days before Halloween; Bridget is to be tried by their coven for practicing dark magic. The punishment is to be burned at the stake. With

Sam’s background in law, he is the perfect advocate for her dilemma.  His best friend, Bob, is suspicious of the quick relationship, but comes to help all the same. Can they help determine if she is the good witch or the bad witch before it is too late?

Lerner gives us another fun and dangerous romp with his returning character Samuel Roberts. As usual Sam is only trying to do the right thing, and this new romance seems so wonderful.  Caught up in the crazy circumstances that usually accompany his life, he finally seems to have found a new direction and woman. Can it all really be so simple?

Bridget is such a mix of characters, part minx, part seductress and part innocence. Yet there are secrets hidden beneath her beauty. Calculated and cold she is temptress and succubus all at the same time ensnaring Sam in her life. She is in need of rescuing, is Sam the man that can get her back on track?

If you enjoy mystery, humor, romance and danger you will find this perfect for your library. Paranormal and magic thread throughout the telling and you will fall in love with the characters one more time.

This would be a great book for the upcoming holidays. It is fun and enjoyable, one you will want to pass on to your friends.

Rafflecopter GIVEAWAY HTML embed code ($25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash):"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2bf06796135/" id="rcwidget_s34w1mz4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Scott A. Lerner's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/ScottALernerAuthor Scott A. Lerner's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/scottlernerauth Scott A. Lerner's Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6479067.Scott_A_Lerner Scott A. Lerner's Blog:
http://scottlerner.camelpress.com/ The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25885209-the-wiccan-witch-of-the-midwest Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest blog tour site:
http://thewiccanwitchofthemidwest.blogspot.com

Scott A. Lerner's Bio:

Author and attorney Scott A. Lerner resides in Champaign, Illinois. He obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign. He is currently a sole practitioner in Champaign, Illinois. The majority of his law practice focuses on the fields of criminal law and family law. Lerner’s first novel and the first Samuel Roberts Thriller, Cocaine Zombies, won a bronze medal in the mystery/cozy/noir category of the 2013 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Awards. The second book in the series is Ruler of Demons. The Fraternity of the Soul Eater is book 3. Book 4, The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest, will be released on Halloween, 2015.

The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest Book Summary:

Samuel Roberts, a lawyer in Champaign, Illinois, has just moved to a new home to escape the memories of his old place—the stray body parts left by evil entities as well as traces of his relationship with Susan, who left him because he couldn’t stop risking both their lives trying to save the world. That leaves Sam free to fall in love again. Sam falls hard, suspiciously hard, for Bridget Gillis, a beautiful fortune teller who also happens to be a witch and a member of a coven. The village that encompasses the coven was founded by Bridget’s great-great aunt, also named Bridget and a dead ringer for her descendant. The new relationship quickly gets complicated. It is two days before Halloween, and Bridget is about to be tried by her fellow witches for the crime of practicing dark magic involving the blood of children. The punishment is to be burned at the stake. Bridget needs an advocate, and Sam is the perfect man for the job.

Sam brings in Bob, who is suspicious of his best buddy’s sudden passion. The two of them have until the Witching Hour on Halloween to clear Bridget’s name and find out who is killing the local children. As they comb the area for clues, quiz the locals, and take a crash course in witchcraft and Wiccan customs, Sam and Bob can’t shake the question: is Bridget a good witch or a bad witch?

The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest is the fourth book in the Samuel Roberts Thriller series, which began with Cocaine Zombies and continued with Ruler of Demons and The Fraternity of the Soul Eater.

Price/Formats: $4.99 ebook, $13.95 paperback
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 230
Publisher: Camel Press
Release: October 31, 2015
ISBN: 9781603812917

Amazon buy link
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603812911?tag=tributebooks-20Barnes and Noble buy link http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wiccan-witch-of-the-midwest-scott-a-lerner/1122298339?ean=9781603812917

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend, a Memoir by Jacques Papier as told to Michelle Cuevas.

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Confessions of an Imaginary Friend, A Memoir by Jacques Papier,' by Michelle Cuevas.

What happens when an imaginary friend finds out they are imaginary. In Confessions of an Imaginary Friend, a Memoir of Jacques Papier by Michelle Cuevas , we are introduced to the life of Jaques Papier and his sister Fleur. In School, at home and everywhere else Fleur is the popular sibling while Jaques can’t get anyone to notice him. He loves Fleur and she is not just his sister but his very best friend.

When Jaques finds out he is not really Fleur’s brother but her imaginary friend, he is sure there is some mistake. Unwilling to accept the truth, he is devastated to find that he may truly be imaginary. He begins his own quest to find out who he really is and what his future holds. How can he be real if he technically “isn’t there?”

This is a fun filled work full of hijinks and discovery as Jacques meets a series of youngsters, and other imaginary friends. As he pushes himself to find the truth, he discovers his own wonder of belonging and being himself.

This is just a wickedly funny and fun look at what happens when the imaginary discovers that they are imaginary. What a fun spoof of realization that would be. In this quirky Memoir of Jacques Papier you find yourself worrying about and rooting for something that is only imaginary.  Cuevas takes us into the unusual and if you have ever had an imaginary friend or wanted one, this is a funny take of the possibilities. She also answers the ‘age old question,' what happens to an imaginary friend when they are no longer needed.

If you are looking for a fun book for your child or even just that little something that will make you chuckle this is the work for you. Full of wonder, mystery, sadness, and growth it is the perfect choice for your child’s library. Charming and full of questions and fun, you will enjoy the ride.

Rating 5/5

Becoming Richard Prior by Scott Saul

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Becoming Richard Pryor', a Biography by Scott Saul.

Comedy, drama and improvisation create a great form of entertainment. There are some who are so powerful and talented in the realm of these genres that they leave a lasting mark on those who have had to the opportunity to see their work and possibly know them.

In Becoming Richard Pryor by Scott Saul, we follow the life and times of Richard Pryor from his childhood forward.  A man, a legend, a beleaguered and talented personality ahead of his time, and always on display in some form or other. Pryor did not come from privilege and in fact was raised in his families various brothels.  Even outside the norm they had a strong sense of family that Richard clung to. An outcast as a youngster he found his calling early in drama and comedy, the one thing that helped him to pretend he was someone else.

As he grew and continued learning his trade he did what he could to get strong and better, often using his own harrowing background to dredge up and poke fun at those things that he most feared.  With his raucous comedy and on to his acting he became a voice in a generation looking for what he had to offer.  Yet never one to be stationary, Pryor continued to evolve even when he was burning himself out with drugs he was able to move forward and stay in the limelight. From his loves to his decline you will find the story of his life and his climb to fame remarkable. The strength of will to overcome the disbelievers, and the make his mark in not just comedy with his stand-up routines and improvisation, but then to move on and not just act but to write much of the dialog in his parts in such successful comedies as Blazing Saddles and Blue collar, where he become friends with Gene Wilder another rising star.

A Black entertainer Pryor helped to galvanize the spirit of the black freedom movement and counterculture thereby solidifying the legend of who he became.  A product of his times he was a part of the drug culture as well as the sexual revolution and with his burning passion these actions too, become a part of the whole, driving him further into an inferno of fame. To come from obscurity and move mountains to become a legend only to disappear again into obscurity leave you aching with the pain of his passing.  Even now there are many who stylize themselves after Richard Pryor, he set the standards in a way that will forever remain, a standard that survives and strengthens his repute and legend. There is so much we take for granted of those who grace our lives with comedy and drama, it is the unknown tales that tie it all together, and Scott Saul has done just that.

If you enjoy biographical works and are a fan of Richard Pryor or even just enjoy learning about those who have lived before us you will be intrigued and immersed in a life of love, laughter and pain. A great deal of pain.

This would be a great book for a book club or reading group. The amazing growth of a star through the culture of the times will create an amazing amount of questions and dialogue.

Rating 5/5

This work was received free through the publisher. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

The Great Grisby by Makita Brottman

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review:'The Great Grisby' by Makita Brottman.

Dogs have been noble companions to both the rich and the poor. One of the characteristics that make them so popular is the loyalty and love they shower on the owner. Because of the power of such devotion, many consider their animal much as they would their children. The devotion goes in both directions, often in ways that may seem strange to those who have never had a pet, or that have not connected in such a way.

In The Great Grisby by Mikita Brottman, we follow the history of such bold tales of the love of these creatures, from kings and princes, to artists and philosophers. Women as well as men tell the tales of love and throughout the telling we are also given snippets of the author about her own companion, Grisby. There is an amazing array of information, much taken from journals and even news of the day. The feelings are jettisons around the globe through letters between friends and family, all extoling the virtues and care of their companion.

While each story is different to the other, there is the over lying dependence on these creatures for that devotions often lacking elsewhere in their lives, or in some cases just and addition of devotion. When the animals age and pass one, there is such a tragedy of feeling, and when the grief has passed and with the addition of a new dog, in many cases this animal may actually be names exactly the same as the deceased.

You will find many of the antics and stories somewhat odd and even occasionally over the top, and yet if you know any dog lovers you already know that there is a special bond, that is shared between the pet and their owner. Often tongue in cheek, the author gives us glimpses into her own feelings, and we find ourselves wondering what Grisby is up to as we follow the history of dogdom through the ages.

If you love animals and are an aficionado of dogs this is a wonderful look at the trials and tribulations of those in the past as they come to terms with the differing personalities of the pets they call their own.

The antics and the treatment seem sometimes over the top, and to an unwary dog fan you may mutter a few ewes. The true dog person does not find any of the situations that you read about as out of the ordinary, and yet I believe there are certainly degrees of dog people. There is a spectrum of behaviors from both the animal as well as their owner. You will find yourself interested in the differing patterns and attitudes that become oddly entertaining on closer inspection.

If you enjoy history and animals you will find this to be an unusual treat. This would be a great book for a discussion group, giving rise to questions and answers, as well as antidotes from those in the know of how the animal is often the real owner and not vice versa.

Rating 4/5

This book was received free from the authors publicist. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Recovering from LIfe by Debra McKenna

Posted first on Blog Critics as Book Review:'Recovering from Life' by Debra McKenna.

‘Life happens.’ The ups and downs can drown you or you can learn from the experiences to move at a smoother pace. Yet often we are left with feelings of inadequacy and fear. Those who choose to cast again into the fray gain courage to move on.

Debra McKenna has given us a fun and hopeful look into the life of one such character in her book, Recovering from Life.  There is no doubt that her character, Stephanie McCarthy, is just that––a character. Red headed and bold she finds herself in a rough patch when her husband seems to fall back into a drug habit, one she thought he had overcome. As he disappears, she begins to take stock of the things happening around her. In her considered bliss, she realizes that she has allowed him too much power in their life and business, as well as their home. Her name is on nothing, he owes everyone, and her only saving grace is that the creditors can’t come after her. Yet she is now financially doomed, she has lost her job and she finds herself in the roller coaster of life.

The problem begins with the legalities. She is not responsible for moneys owed, but her husband’s deals are not all above board, or with respectable business. He owes money for drugs as well, and the collectors do not care as much about the laws protecting her from legal collections.

This fun filled and yet at times stressful story is enchanting and just a bit different.  The characters are very life sized and an amazing mix of clever, brutal, fun, and even at times whimsical. The experiences are adventurous and easy to relate to, although in some cases a bit unbelievable. Yet the story is also deep and brings hope, something that is often lacking when times are tough. McKenna has secured an anchor to hold the twist of lightness and courage.  

The goal is to heal from whatever bumps life throws at you, and to overcome that inability to move forward. While in no way moralistic, the moral of the story is there hidden behind and between the fabric. There is humor and promise, wishes and potential all there like a brass ring, if we all just look beyond the here and now and reach for it.

If you like fun and feel good stories you will find this immensely interesting.  Contemporary with a twist, filled with courage, boldness and a zany cast of characters, you will find yourself reading from start to finish, wanting to know more.

This would be a great book for a reading group, engendering a great deal of conversation on depression, hope, romance and moving forward.

Rating 4/5

This book was reveived from the Cadence group. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

The Big Picture; 11 Rules That Will Change Your Life by Tony Horton

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'The Big Picture; 11 Rules That Will Change Your Life' by Tony Horton.

Self-help and exercise books carry a certain niche in the market place. Where do you turn and who can help you with your dilemmas. With so many knowable gurus available where do you start?

The Big Picture by Tony Horton, is certainly one of those works that can help guide you. Horton is the creator for one of the bestselling workout programs known as P90X. Yet as with all exercise there is more to your remaking than just a body sculpting phenomenon. Horton shares his insights as well as his experience through 11 rules that have helped him change his life, and can in turn help you further enhance your ability to become who you want to be. A savvy and entertaining host, he offers the very changes that have helped him along on his own personal journey.

Often self-help books are dry and sometimes hard to hold you interest. While we all want to be the best we can be, we often feel like there is an overload of information, and beyond that, how do we–simple humans– begin the process. If we knew the answers we wouldn’t spend so much time looking for them.

Horton offers up 11 rules of life, his own experiences, and his take on how to move into the next phase. He uses his background, which includes a bit of comedy, to help you through the dryness, and while some of the jokes make you laugh some are just a bit painful. That in and of itself is a beautiful thing, because you begin to realize he is much like you, and not everything is as easy as it seems. He too, has tried and failed, and yet now he has moved beyond and is living the life he dreamed.

The fact that he is willing to share and wants to encourage you to also dream and move forward is a testament to his character.  Not everyone will be as success full as Horton, yet there are shades of success, differing colors and abilities which make us such a unique species. Everyone’s best is different and the reason why we evolve as we do. Yet for some the way has been lost and the rules that Horton uses to stay on track are certainly livable and highly personal to each individual using them.

If you are looking for a guide to get you back to basics and help you live a fuller and richer life, you will realize this is a gem in the rough. You will need to polish up those hidden abilities and feelings to find the true diamond within, and Horton gives you some great guidelines to follow. The humor and experiences he threads through the book keeps you interested, and his own success makes it all too real.

This is a great book to add to your library; it is not just about exercise, but about moving forward in life. Whether that is with your search for an exercise routine, healing a breech, improving your working and family lives or just plain guidance you will find words of encouragement and praise. The Big Picture is just that, and fuels the imagination.

Rating 5/5

This book was received free from the publisher. All opinions are my own based of my reading and understanding off the material.

Fairydust by Simon R. Taylor

Posted first on Blog Critics as Book Review:'Fairydust' by Simon R. Taylor.

In a world where disease is common and there is only one remedy, now under control of the ruling power, how do you save your family from sure death?

In Fairy Dust by Simon R. Taylor we are introduced to a word struggling to move forward.  The elves are slowly dying due to a natural crisis. They must find a hero, but only the most unlikely seems to be available. The White Fairy is the only one who can spare the answers to the extinction of the elves. But can Daniel a young man, enamored of the kings daughter, find the fairy in time.  When Maria, the Kings daughter, finds that Daniel has been chosen, she makes a decision to follow.

The King has already promised her hand to another, and is incensed, accusing Daniel of kidnapping. Daniel continues his quest, unknowing of all the trouble he has brewed. When he is saved by Maria, he is both ecstatic and relieved. Could she truly love him? As they move closer to the answers, little do they realize that they are being hunted? Both by the Kings men, as well as those who do not want the Elves to find an answer to their extinction. Can they escape the pitfalls and become the heroes necessary to end the scourge or is it already too late.

The story is unique, one where the Elves lives hang in the balance, and all depends on a particular plant that is now dying out. When the King commands the use of all for his own family, he sets a series of events in motion that are both strange and hurtful.  The King is not a good man, and makes an easily dislikable protagonist. His every move and plan is deceitful, and even his family suffers.

The personality of the different groups and individual elves keep you enthralled and pulling for Daniel to find the solution to their problem. Even as those you begin to care about hide their troubling disease, you begin to fear. Will they make it?

Taylor has written a story twisted with spite and evil, yet lightened it with a bit of humor as well. He has chosen to incorporate some rather unusual accoutrements to the work, some unlikely narration, different wording techniques, and a visitor that drops in occasionally. Some of this I found charming and other annoying, but the differing styles keep you looking to see what else is happening.

Regardless of whether you enjoy the innovative writing or not, the story is spellbinding and full of power.  The romance is fun, and the circumstances are dire. Not everything is as it seems and you will find romance, chills, and a bit of humor throughout.  If you enjoy the novelty of being pulled into the story you will find this up your alley. Taylor takes you on a journey you are sure to remember.

Rating 3/5

This work was received free from the authors publicist. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Not From Around Here by Larry Hochwald

Posted First on Blog Critics as Book Review:'Not From Around Here by Larry Hochwald.

Have you ever looked in a mirror and wondered what was behind the reflection? How about meeting someone for the first time and realizing you will be lifelong friends?  With an influx of bizarre tales and strange phenomena many stories of the unusual tend crop up.

In Not From Around Here by Larry Hochwald, you are treated to a collection of 18 just such stories. The amazing a bizarre happenstance keeps you going as each creates and indelible mark in your thoughts.  Can such things truly happen? There are times when a short story is all you need.  This is a fine material for waiting for your kids at the school, or even waiting at the Dentist or Doctors office, you don’t have to worry about not being able to get back to the ending.

Each story is unique, and in cases just a bit creepy. In some there is a thread of humor that keeps you chuckling, as you move to the next. Some contain morals that make you think while others are just on the verge of the impossible, but with just a question mark of ‘what if?’

Hochwald does a great job of building his protagonists with believable characteristics, as well as making them memorable. Each story has a unique and solid character in which you find the interactions to be stimulating and at times amusing. Then he takes his setting and either makes them dreamlike, or creepy, or just out of this world. Yet his descriptions are able to draw a picture that is often difficult with short stories.

If you are looking for a fun gift for that hard to please friend for Christmas, this might be a great direction to take. If you enjoy a bit of fun as well as the unbelievable you will enjoy Hochwalds zany imagination. A unique point of view, and shared with verve.  

Rating 4/5

This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

The Love of My Other Life by Traci L. Slatton

Posted first on Blog Critics as Book Review:'The Love of My Other Life' by Traci L. Slatton.

The possibility of a parallel universe is an interesting phenomenon. If such a reality existed, could you cross over and if so would you take such a chance?

In The Love of my Other Life by Traci L. Slatton, we meet painter, Tessa Barnum. Never easy, her life has just become a struggle. Her husband left her, she is about to be evicted, and she has all but stalled her career. Now suddenly she has a stalker. A scruffy, yet good looking man seems to be following her. When she finally confronts him, she realizes that he could be just a bit touched. He claims he was married to her in an alternate universe. There, their love was the stuff legends were made of. When his wife of that world died he built the machine that allowed him to cross dimensions, just to find her.  Shaking him off, allowing for his mental instability, she continues on with her life. Yet he is only a step away. Unable to shake him, she soon finds that while he is a mess, she is comfortable around him.

So begins a strange friendship. Yet she is still trying to make her mark, and in doing so puts herself at risk of the law. Brian, her stalker, becomes her conscience. As his own story unfolds she finds her own world turned upside down as she learns the truth behind love and loss, and second chances.

This is a fun and romantic take on the power of soul mates.  As Slatton creates her characters, she imbues them with warmth and recklessness. There is a boldness and vulnerability attached to Brian that draw you to his character. Tessa is also a fun character, but a bit more ambitious and not quite so forgiving.  As you follow these characters you are drawn to the possibility of their connection. It creates a warmth and yearning as you find yourself encouraging Tessa to choose love over logic.

If you enjoy romance and science fiction you will find this a surprisingly lighthearted dose of both. I was charmed by the story although the surprise ending rattled me in a strange way. This would be a great book for the romance reader, take it along on a trip. An easy read, you may find yourself chuckling over the antics as they unfold. The comedy and romance keep you entertained, with just that small bit of satisfaction.  

Rating 4\5

This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

The Foiled Knight by John C. Stipa

Posted first on Blog Critics as Book Review:'The Foiled Knight' by John C. Stipa.

For a child heading to school the first time, fear of the unknown makes everything seem frightening. When they meet that special friend for the first time, the one who seems to be a mirror image, the true meaning of friendship begins to unfold. Many of those budding friendships last a lifetime, building memories and backgrounds that hold far longer than many friendships cemented later in life.

In The Foiled Knight by John C. Stipa, we are introduced to Stan Palmer, a regular kind of guy, the kind who will do anything for his friends, reliable to a fault and extremely well liked yet he has those who do not care for him as well. As a child he was often bullied.  That is how he first met Tanya Davis. On the first day of school when Stan was knocked to the ground and made fun of, a fierce young girl made her way to the front of the room demanding the perpetrator to knock it off. When Ernie McFadden, the youngster responsible began taunting her, Stan immediately moved to his feet and punched Ernie in the nose. As a fight ensued, Tanya leapt back into the fray and before long the teachers arrived and the fight ended. But it was enough to cement a lifelong friendship between Stan and Tanya, and make an enemy of Ernie McFadden.

As they grew older and moved through school their friendship continued often of the verge of just a bit more. Yet something always happened.  They dated others sporadically and were always the sounding board for one another as a broken heart mended. Their parents often thought they would get together, and yet what continued was a rock solid no holds barred friendship.

When Stan is almost killed in an accident and ends up on life support, Tanya is the first person his parents call. There is something very strange about the accident and the 911 call made at the scene. A young girl also goes missing the same night, and the police have somehow tied the two together. Tanya knows something is wrong, and she is determined to find the answer. Part of the story is missing and she will find it.

As she begins digging, she is led on a trail of deceit and treachery. Her own life is at stake as she finally puts the pieces of the puzzle together.  Can she get herself out of trouble before further damage happens to Stan, and his parents make a terrible mistake?

Stipa has hit a homerun on this heart wrenching story about friendship and loss. You fall in love with Stan from the beginning he is such an amazing person, humorous, upstanding and kind. As he fades away on life support you are there breathing with him, holding him to the present realm. He cannot move on, he is the hero. Tanya gains your admiration and gratification as she fights to keep Stan alive, while at the same time fighting for his reputation. The tension is tightly wound, causing tendrils of fission that move between the families.

If you enjoy humor, romance and good plain fun you will enjoy this story. There is danger and distrust that thrusts into the heart of the prose, taking you into a sinister mind set, introducing both mystery and suspense as you weave through the lives of these two friends. This is one of my favorite books of the year.

Rating 5/5

This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence

Posted first on Blog Critics as Book Review: The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence.

Every now and then a book comes along that takes you in directions that are unexpected. When differing backgrounds collide we are often surprised at the outcome. Such is the experience of reading The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence.
 
Alex Woods lives in an oddly disjointed world. His mother is a bit different than other mothers, and he doesn’t know his dad. He also has the distinction of having been struck by a meteor when he was 10 years old. This added to his woes growing up, leaving scars that are hard to ignore. Being very intelligent and rather bookish, he draws the ire of bullies at school.

Escaping these bullies is what brings an elderly reclusive widower, Mr. Peterson, into his life. In an effort to hide from those making his life miserable, Alex stumbles upon his garden and hothouse, where he finds safety hiding in a shed. Unwilling to let him go, those who are trying to make his life miserable vandalize the property.

When Mr. Peterson investigates the noise, he finds only Alex in the shambles of his garden. Alex knows from experience he can’t rat on those responsible, as his life will only get worse, yet he tries to convince Mr. Peterson of his innocence.

Even his mother is not a believer, so she overrides the objections from both sides and as punishment makes Alex report every day after school to help Mr. Peterson out. Little to either of them realize, they have a great deal to learn from each other. Due to the nature of Alex’s injury, he is a well-known personality, recognized everywhere he goes. Whether this is a hindrance or a help, he is not sure, but it certainly makes allowances for the strange existence he leads.
Mr. Peterson has his own problems, and since the death of his wife he wants nothing to do with the outside world. As his world collides with that of Alex, neither of them realizes the impact that such a fateful meeting will create.

The Universe Versus Alex Woods could be considered a young adult novel, yet there is a depth of meaning and perception that make it one step more. The morals and events that are threaded throughout are at times funny, yet also tragic. The story draws you in, dragging you along step by step as Alex and Mr. Peterson take on the very fundamentals of human rights, as well as the tragedy of everyday living.

If you enjoy interesting and unique experiences, you will find this to be the must-read of the summer. Not my usual reading material, I was at once charmed and enthralled. Beginning with Alex and how he developed his own personality, and moving toward a tragic and yet uplifting ending you will be hard pressed to put this work down.

The Universe Versus Alex Woods would be a great book for either a reading group or discussion group. It’s a must-have for your library, and a treat for both the young, as well as the young at heart. There is some very deep subject matter discussed, yet the end result is extraordinary. Gavin Extence is an author to watch for.

Rating 5/5

This book was recieved free from the authors publicist. All opnions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Cork Town by Ty Hutchinson

Article first published as Book Review:Cork Town by Ty Hutchinson on Blogcritics.

We often hear of cover-ups in crime and politics, but what happens when the two coincide. When innocent lives become the fallout of corruption, who really wins? Who is there to unveil the truth?

In Cork Town by Ty Hutchinson, we are introduced to the darkness and depravity of a cover-up that seems to be rooted in the past. When a serial killer begins copycat killings in Detroit, Agent Abby Kane is dispatched with her partner, from their home office in California. Known for her ability to find the truth, she is nevertheless confused. Everyone in the precinct seems to shy away from talking about the first crime spree, the one that is being copied. When trying to find answers, she runs up against a solid front of denial.  Finally allowed to visit with the original killer in prison, she only learns that he is guilty of murder and bank robbery, but even he insists that he didn’t do any cutting. Yet many of his victims were cut, including his girlfriend. Her visit only adds further questions, leading her back to some form of cover-up and a swift move to justice. But why?

When the original perpetrator is found dead in his cell, and executives of the auto industry begin turning up dead, she is at her wits end. Like being in a pinball machine, she hits bumpers in every direction she turns, spinning her off into other tangents. Trying to keep her home life separate, she finds herself trying to deal with both, but with little success.

Can she find the answer to the darkness that buries the truth before other lives are lost? Is the secret too entrenched to discover. As bodies continue to turn up, she races against the clock in an effort the stop the madness. Who can she trust when the house of cards begins to tumble and all avenues are a dead end?

Hutchinson has brought us another hero, a short of stature, but long of brass female agent. She is fun and feisty, fiery and bold, but also just beginning to realize what family means. Endangering herself is not just about her any more, but what it would mean to her children.  While a bit absurd, her continued texting in the middle of danger, is cute and just a little distracting. But she seemed unfazed and able to handle the small annoyances it brings.

When she realizes she has fallen for her partner, the story heats up a bit but disappointment and heartache are only a few pages away.

If you enjoy action, and a bit of savagery, you will enjoy Abby Kane, the agent in charge. Cork Town gives us background and a bit of history, along with a seriously disturbed killer. The red herrings are plenty, and the action is continual, keeping you deep in the pages.

This would be a great book for a book club. Abby Kane is a new hero to be watching for. I look forward to her further exploits. 

Rating 4/5

This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

The Fart that Saved Christmas written by Jacob Morningside and illustrated by Nadja Andrasev

Article first published as Book Review: The Fart That Saved Christmas by Jacob Morningside, Illustrated by Nadja Andrasev on Blogcritics.

If you are looking for the lighter side of Christmas you will find your wishes in The Fart that Saved Christmas; An Adults Tale written by Jacob Morningside and illustrated by Nadja Andrasev. Written In the style of  Dr. Seuss, Morningside has written a fun tale of the woes of fate that linger behind the lives of Santa and his not always so Merry crew.  When the reindeer decide they have had enough and call a strike, it seems that everyone will take sides.

Listing their grievances including those having to do with Santa’s weight to his wife intruding in their home life and to the Elves mocking them, they are loud and boisterous with their concerns.  As Santa understands the nature of their thoughts, he is not about to step down.

He becomes belligerent to the point that the reindeer have concerns for his very safety.

This is a fun look at the lighter side of life, a chance to meet the darker side of Santa. The rhyming is satirical and at times sophomoric. The challenges and charges fit the stories and as the reindeer begin to see the error of their complaints the course changes for all involved.  But can they diffuse the situation before it is out of hand.

If you enjoy humor and are looking for that special gift for the holidays, this does the trick. Short and raunchy it will tweak your funny bone, launching you into an explosion of laughter and fun. A treat to pass around at your holiday parties, the humor is contagious.

Watch your guests though as they may begin to have ideas of their own in how to enliven a party, that may not be consistent with that of your neighbors.

Can’t find a gift for that adult that has everything? This may be just the fun to try on.

Jacob Morningside's Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fart-That-Saved-Christmas/136942536447992

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

The Fart That Saved Christmas blog tour site:http://thefartthatsavedchristmas.blogspot.com/

The Fart That Saved Christmas Book Summary:

The behind the scenes story of what really happened "The Night Before Christmas."

It's Christmas Eve. The reindeer go on strike with a list of demands for Santa, the elves and Mrs. Claus. Santa gets "loaded" and threatens to cancel Christmas, fire the deer and divorce Mrs. Claus. But, just when all seems lost, Christmas is saved by a timely fart.

Jacob Morningside's Bio:

Born into a body inhabited by multiple muse personalities, I create stories by stretching the "normal" beyond the boundaries of the absurd. The result is a worm-hole ride to the Far Side. I love a good story — so, I wrote one. Enjoy it with my wishes for a happy holiday season.

Price: $4.99
Format: Ebook
Pages: 40 illustrated
Publisher: Publish Green
Release: September 6, 2012

iBookstore buy link ($4.99):
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-fart-that-saved-christmas/id560241061?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

The Aspen 2-Million Winner-Take-All by John Morris

Living the life of ease is not always what it seems to be. Often seen from afar, life is not always as easy or casual as it appears.

In The Aspen 2- Million Winner- Take –All,  by John Morris, we follow the strange and surreal life of Morgan Summerville. Having moved to Aspen and finding himself ensconced in a house with an old hermit, he finds himself the new owner after the elder gentleman’s death.  A crazy place, built oddly and strangely out of place in the snow scene, he sells a part of his place to reduce expenses. His new house mate is not at all what he expects, Risa is gorgeous and turns heads most everywhere, but Morgan is quite used to that having had numerous beautiful girlfriends. Now however he is currently single, although he still maintains strong ties with the women in his life. The thing he finds most annoying about his new neighbor is the dog, but he figures he can live with that. So it is with surprise when he returns from a trip that he finds that he is being accused of killing her dog. Now he is being sued,  his own best friend is his attorney, and at every turn Morgan digs himself in ever deeper.

To make problems worse, even though he had nothing to do with the death, because of how it happened, he feels guilty. The town feels he is guilty, and Risa’s attorneys are out for blood. Not only do they want a million dollars, they want him run out of town.

In a wild scheme to find a way to stay in his beloved city, he is lured into a golf tournament, a winner take all chance to dig himself out of the hole he is in. But there is something going on that seems out of place, he is beginning to fall for his neighbor, and it seems like it might be reciprocated. Yet the lawsuit continues on. And as he meets the others that have been dealt into this crazy get rich stake, he begins to believe he may have a chance. He is stymied at every turn, and the wealthy investor behind the scheme is playing his own games.  Is there more going on than meets the eye? In an ever maddening game of chance, danger, and mayhem  he keeps stirring the pot? Will Morgan win his love, and the-- now-- 2-million as well? As danger begins to mount, and crazy begins to show it face, the wrong kinds of people are attracted to the challenge. Can Morgan take all, or will he be doomed to lose everything he loves.

Morris has given us a bizarre cast of characters and riddled his story with unique and crazy adventure. Through it all there is a kind of ‘tongue in cheek’ humor that keeps you wondering where you are headed. As you feel you are beginning to understand, the story takes a zig and then a zag, leaving you scratching your head at the antics.

If you enjoy humor and a bit of the bizarre you will find this story entertaining. It has romance and mystery, danger and sports, as well as skiing in Aspen. There is something for everyone in this kind of story but be prepared for a romp of odd happenings.

The book's blog tour site is:
http://the-aspen.blogspot.com/
 
      
        John Morris' Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Morris/392376524117530

The Aspen 2-Million Winner-Take-All Blog Tour Site:
http://the-aspen.blogspot.com/

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186
The Aspen 2-Million Winner-Take-All Summary

Morgan thought he had it made. He owned a cozy if dilapidated house in Aspen’s otherwise-fashionable West End, had lots of friends, a great business, threw the best parties in town.

Then his beautiful-but-aloof neighbor Risa sued him for a million bucks-- for killing her dog. (Seriously. And he hadn’t even been there.) She was asking the judge to throw him out of town, too. (It’s a local tradition.)

For Morgan, the money didn’t matter. He didn’t have a nickel to his name. But he couldn’t imagine not living in Aspen.

His only hope: to win a 2-million dollar golf tournament (held on the sly at the local links) and pay Risa off.

Either that or discover her deep, dark secret and blackmail her.

Until his best friend/lawyer suggested Option #3: “Why don’t you just get her to fall in love with you?”

John Morris' Bio:

John Morris lives in Aspen, Colorado, with his loving wife and two wonderful children. Having worked many of the same cowboy / construction / bartender / ski-patrol jobs as his fictional counterpart Morgan, he can vouch for how easy it is for a good-looking guy to get in trouble there.

eBook
Price: $6.99
Pages: 281
Release: May 10, 2012

Kindle buy link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0082EL6JA?tag=tributebooks-20

Nook buy link:
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fthe-aspen-2-million-winner-take-all-john-morris%252F1110764389%253Fean%253D2940014415729

iBookstore buy link:
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fbook%252Faspen-2-million-winner-take%252Fid526795549%253Fmt%253D11%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30

Also available through Kobo, Sony, ebooks.com and http://search.overdrive.com/classic/retail/

Going to the Dogs by Elle Druskin

This work was first posted on the Romance Reviews

I was drawn into this story from the very beginning which was both intriguing and raised my curiosity. Romance built around a dog show with mystery, murder, and mayhem is only the tip of the ice burg. The tension is hot and the characters are fun. A whodunit in the cozy fashion, the animals are as amusing as the characters and at times even more so. When I say characters, that is an understatement, eclectic and just a tad unbalanced about their pets many of the owners and breeders fit the fascinating and oft reclusive people we sometimes wonder about.

When Sam Kendall our cop on a mission meets the suspect in this smuggling operation, he is immediately smitten. Jodie McBride is everything he has never looked for in a woman. To help his cover story he is teamed up with a suave canine. Not a dog lover at all, his companion is not only annoying, but a poodle. What self- respecting officer would have a poodle for a partner? The hijinks turn dangerous and deadly as Sam tries to find the connection between his suspect and the death of his prior partner. He is on a mission to avenge her death, but Jodie is not at all what he expected. When danger comes knocking on her door as well, can Sam put all the pieces together in time? Who amongst the strange and crazy crew of dog people is at the bottom of the smuggling operation? Can Sam work with his dog to find the answers, or will his refusal to budge ruin his chances at catching a killer? Can he overcome his feelings for Jodie and hold her responsible for the death of his partner as well as the jewel heist? His heart is telling him something is wrong, will he be able to find the truth?


This is a funny and intriguing tale with a group of eccentric characters which include the suspect. They are fun and slightly bizarre and are fanatics about their pets. We are given backstage passes to the dog show and the preparation to make it successful. We follow the strange ritual of breeding, and the theories and goals to breed champions. Throughout it all we follow the trail of a brutal killer, but shrouded in smoke and mirrors we are truly unsure of who is responsible.


The passion between our characters is hot and sexy, filled with both tension and longing. The interplay with the animals is fascinating and both charming and hilarious. While the police procedural may not be exact, the story is fun and well told.


Druskin has given us a story with teeth, both suspenseful and funny. The interaction is wonderful and engaging. I was unable to put the book down once I began. This is a wonderful find for the romance and animal lover with enough suspense to keep you interested.


Rating 4/5
This book was received as a free copy, all opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Executive Severance by Robert K. Blechman

Article first published as Book Review: Executive Severance by Robert K. Blechman on Blogcritics.

Is it truly possible to write a novel using 140 words or less over an extended period of time? Obviously it can be done, but would it be readable and make sense. Would it flow in such a way as to peak your interest?

Well if you enjoy high slapstick comedy, and a sense of the pun, look no further than Executive Severance by Robert K. Blechman. Writing a novel using twitter seems such a daunting task, and yet Blechman persevered and did it with certain panache.  

Take a B-grade movie and add a bit of ”Mystery Science Theater” for poking fun and you get a slight definition of how this novel reads. A murder mystery full of oddballs and skullduggery, goofy scenarios and just a jumble of happenings, the tweets are very readable. At times the writing is a bit incomprehensible due to some of the characterizations of the protagonists but you find you are soon able to decipher the strange writings.

Almost comic book style you can visualize the characters with the ever present bubble from our days of reading them, the flow is along the same lines. The prose is written in a steady even pace, even with the 149 or less characters needed in order to be tweet-worthy.

If you love fun and comedy, as well as slapstick humor this is an insightful way to get your fix. The story while just a bit absurd is also a mystery, a bit of a thriller and much, much more. To use such a forum and create a work that reads so well requires both talent and patience, we see that with clarity in this strange and witty whodunit.

If you are a twitter fan you will find much of the novel also twists around some of the issues with tweeting, and you will find some hilarity as well as possible frustration from your own experiences. This is a tickle your funny bone experience. Reading some of the tweets during parties and group events would be a fascinating way to break the ice in a way that would create a buzz. Try it on for size and see what you think. This could become a cult favorite.

Rating 5/5

This book was received as a free copy from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.