Throwback Thursday- The Maze by Catherine Coulter

Author: Catherine Coulter

First published in 1997 by Putnam

Remember Dillon Savich from The Cove? He's back and he's now the head of the FBI's Criminal Apprehension Unit (CAU), where Dillon has developed predictive analogue programs to aid in the capture of serial killers.

Enter Lacey Sherlock, a very well-qualified new agent who seems bright and eager and on the up-and-up. But is she really?

When there's a vicious murder in Boston, she's off like a shot, lying to Dillon.

When Dillon finds out what's going on, he realizes they'll all be in deep trouble, maybe even victims themselves, if he and Sherlock don't find out who murdered her sister seven years before.

I reviewed The Cove last month and I since enjoyed that one, so I decided to continue with the series.  The Maze focuses on Dillon Savich who made an appearance in The Cove.  Once again, Ms. Coulter has given us a great mystery.  While I did have part of the mystery figured out early one, I did no figure out the twist at the end. The chemistry between Dillon and "Sherlock" was great!  Although I would think that their HEA was a bit rushed.  I also have to wonder at the Bureau chief being OK with them having a relationship when Dillon is Sherlock's boss.  But, hey creative license, right? There is also an appearance of characters from The Cove.  It is always nice to catch up with previous characters.  Anyway, this is a great sequel to the first.  I look forward to the next one on the series.

Joint Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

by:  Brodi Ashton
published by:  Balzer + Bray
publish date:  January 24, 2012

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Anyone that has been reading this blog for awhile has probably come to understand that I am not a fan of the trend of YA trilogies/series.  Everneath is the start of yet another one.  However, I have to applaud Brodi Aston because she didn't end this book with a huge gaping hole.  This book could be a stand alone novel.

Everneath was quite good.  I was drawn in by the story.  The mythology aspect was very interesting.  It made me want to go learn all about the characters mentioned in the book, beyond that smattering I could muster up from middle school.

I would definitely recommend this book.  I think it's appropriate for most YA.  I don't recall any objectionable material, plus there's a lesson about Greek Mythology thrown in.

I also wanted to give props to the cover designer.  How awesome is that?

I had such high hopes for this book.  It even made my most anticipated for 2012.  Sadly, I have to admit that I didn't finish this book.  I knew I was in trouble when I kept putting it down for other reading material.  Unlike Autumn, I just wasn't drawn into the book.  I didn't like how depressed it made me feel.  Talk about angst.   I didn't really feel for the characters. We all want to run away from our feelings, but I couldn't muster any sympathy for Nikki. Knowing it is a trilogy also played a part in my not wanting to finish this one.  I don't think I could make it through 3 books of angst. 

It is a cool cover though....

Blog Tour: Chasing Mona Lisa

Authors: Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: January 2012

It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers' adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on--and the runners are playing for keeps.

Chasing Mona Lisa takes you back to the time of World War II and the Nazi occupation of France.  Valuable art collections are being acquired by the Nazis and taken back to Germany. Several different groups are after the famous Mona Lisa.  Can it be saved?  I enjoyed reading this book.  It was fast paced and filled with a lot of action.  I have never really been one for spy/espionage tales, but this one kept my interest.  The authors have down a great job of emerging the reader into the time period.


I did not realize that this was a sequel, and while I wished I had experienced Gabi and Eric's first adventure, I didn't really get a sense that I was missing something.  This is well written and well thought out plot with many twists and turns.  I never really quite knew who to trust.  Give it a shot!

About the authors:

Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Mike Yorkey is an author, editor and speaker who has written or co-written over 75 books. He loves what he does. He gets to play with words all day. Research interesting topics. Tell fascinating stories. Bring characters to life. Create.

He's been writing for a living for more than 25 years after getting his start at a small weekly newspaper at the California ski resort of Mammoth Lakes. Then in 1986, he received a huge break: Focus on the Family, a Christian ministry founded by Dr. James Dobson, hired him to be the editor of Focus on the Family magazine. He enjoyed 11 fantastic and satisfying years at Focus on the Family before moving into a freelance career as an author, editor, and speaker.

Although he's written a dozen books under his name, he's collaborated with some amazing people by writing their books for them: folks like Tim and Beverly LaHaye; evangelist Luis Palau; pop singers Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.; tennis stars Michael Chang, Roscoe Tanner, and Betsy McCormack; baseball pitcher Dave Dravecky; San Diego physician Nick Yphantides (My Big Fat Greek Diet); and Jordan Rubin of The Maker's Diet fame.

Romance at Random Reader Rally Giveaway Blog Hop

Welcome to the Reader Rally Blog Hop hosted by Romance at Random.  You are at stop #8.  For the full list of participating blogs, just click on the photo above.  They are offering a Grand Prize at the end of the hop. Leave a comment on their site to be eligible.

Now for our Giveaway:  We have 2 packs to offer today.  Just fill out the form below to enter.  2 winners will be chosen at the end of the hop.  The hop runs until January 31, 2012.  This hop is US ONLY this time.   Sorry folks, but those hardcovers get heavy.


Pack #1:  ARC PB of Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff and 1 PB copy of Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan

Pack #2: 1 HC copy of Zero Day by David Balducci & 1 HC copy of The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau

Guest Post: Karen P. Toz

Today we have Karen P. Toz author of Nate Rocks The World.

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed.

Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things.

Follow the quirky and imaginative adventures of ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge as his cartoons come to life.



On Writing: Did You Always Want To Be A Writer?

“Did you always want to be a writer?” This is a question I get asked repeatedly. So many of the authors I have met over the last few years knew from a young age they wanted to write. It was their passion right from the onset. It should be right? Writing is a passionate endeavor. So I always feel a little awkward when my response is, “No – I didn’t realize I wanted to write until just a short while ago.”  Sixteen months ago to be exact.

For so long, I was under the impression that you are either a writing person or a numbers person. I was a number person. I loved math ... still do. On the flip side of my theory, I also hated English class. (See? I’m talking in theorems – that proves it.) To seal my fate, I went off to study business, law, and accounting. There would be no comparative literature classes in my coursework.

So what happened? It’s simple really, at forty-something years old; I decided that an idea for a book I had been carrying around in my head should be put on paper. I can’t explain why... I can’t explain how... I just opened my laptop one spring morning and started writing. I can tell you it was an instant love affair. I wrote everyday – sometimes setting my alarm clock for the crack of dawn, just to get in some quiet writing time before things in my house started to get hectic. I finished my book within just a few months and quickly started on my second book, Nate Rocks the World.

That first book (an adult contemporary story) still sits on my hard drive – maybe I’ll do something with it someday. For now, I am having fun with my Nate Rocks series.  I am now working on the second in the Nate Rocks series, Nate Rocks the Boat – to be released this spring. I don’t always get to write everyday anymore, but I am still just as hooked as I was when I started. 

Now when people ask me what I do, I sat I’m an accountant and a writer. There is no reason I cannot do both. I tell my children all the time to dream big, and now I follow my own advice.

About Karen Pokras Toz

Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife and mom. Karen grew up in Orange, Connecticut and currently lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children. In June 2011, Karen published her first middle grade children’s novel for 7-12 year olds called Nate Rocks the World. She is currently working on the second book in the Nate Rocks series, Nate Rocks the Boat, to be published in 2012. Karen is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), Association of Independent Authors (AIA), and the Independent Author Network (IAN).

To Learn More About the Nate Rocks Series:
Website:  www.karentoz.com
Blog: http://kptoz.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenptoz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/karentoz
Amazon: http://amzn.to/txbX0Z
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/uviYpn
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5009570.Karen_Pokras_Toz
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQgnRIqW6G4

Joint Review: Pure by Julianna Baggott

by:  Julianna Baggott
published by:  Grand Central Publishing
publish date:  Feb 8, 2012

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

I'm assuming this book is going to be something of a hybrid.  It's not really adult, but it's not really YA either.  It's got the YA characters and the YA marketing thing going (Trilogy don't you know it!), but it's got a grownup publisher.  I've read a lot of YA dystopian and it's all dark and usually dismal, but there tends to be a line (don't ask me what it is, I'd only know it if I saw it) that keeps it on a YA level, but this book just trashed that line and took dark and disturbing to a whole new place.  The fused people are nightmarish.  The idea that the movie rights for this book have already been optioned (by the Twilight people no less) freaks me out, because then I might actually have a visual to go with the descriptions.

This will be a love it or hate it book.  I think I lean more towards the hate it side, but I have to say I respect it.  It's been a long time since I've been so perturbed by a book.  I wanted to be able to talk to other people about it and see what they thought.  The publishers are touting it as the next Hunger Games.  I doubt it, because of how off-putting some of the depictions are, but if it is, I can't wait to hear everyone else's thoughts about this book.

I have mulled over how I felt about this book for a few days.  I have decided that I liked the story line and the characters.  The mystery of the detonations is intriguing and I want to know more about what happened to cause them.  The characters are compelling and well written.  


What I didn't like was the effects of the detonations on the people outside the dome.  As Autumn said, the book goes to some dark and very disturbing places.  I'm not sure if I could watch this movie if it comes out.  Just thinking about seeing the "mothers" alone grosses me out. I'm giving this 3 stars on Goodreads because I have a love/hate relationship with it. I don't think this is a YA novel, at least not young YA.  I think that readers will have to judge for themselves.  I, for one, sit on the fence.  I will probably continue with the series since I want to know what happens next. 

New York to Dallas by J. D. Robb

Author: J. D. Robb

Publisher: Putnam adult

Audiobook:Brilliance Audio

Date of Publication: September 2011

The number-one New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name-and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood.

When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.

The first thing that struck me about this 33rd volume is that Ms. Robb chose not to use the customary "in Death" in this title.   Once you read the book, you will understand the meaning of "New York to Dallas".  I have read the entire series and while there have been intense moments in a lot of the books, I would have to say that this one is one of the most intense and gut wrenching books in the series.  Reading the In Death books is like visiting old friends.  Eve has grown so much from the first book and I am amazed at how Ms. Robb keeps finding new ways for her to change.


I won't give away too much of the plot in this one.  Suffice it to say that there are a few twists that surprised me. There are some great laugh out loud moments and Roarke is his sweet usual self. I was engrossed from the start.  I listened to the audio book and I found myself sitting in my car in my driveway just to listen to a little bit more.  The one thing that was missing from this one is the usual cast of characters. (Well, except Roarke of course!)  We only get glimpses of them.  While I felt it hurt past books, I was OK with that in this one. Being away from them makes Eve realize how much they are home to her and how much she values them. It was necessary to the story.

Susan Ericksen narrates this volume as usual.  I will be disappointed if they ever change the narrator.  She will always be the voice of Eve Dallas to me.  

Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

by:  Tayari Jones
published by:  Algonquin Books
publish date:  May 31, 2011

With the opening line of Silver Sparrow, “My father, James Witherspoon, is a bigamist,” author Tayari Jones unveils a breathtaking story about a man’s deception, a family’s complicity, and two teenage girls caught in the middle.

Set in a middle-class neighborhood in Atlanta in the 1980s, the novel revolves around James Witherspoon’s two families—the public one and the secret one. When the daughters from each family meet and form a friendship, only one of them knows they are sisters. It is a relationship destined to explode when secrets are revealed and illusions shattered. As Jones explores the backstories of her rich yet flawed characters—the father, the two mothers, the grandmother, and the uncle—she also reveals the joy, as well as the destruction, they brought to one another’s lives.

I was surprised by this book.  I liked it a lot more than I was expecting to, that's not to say I opened the book expecting to hate it or anything.  It was a book that I had picked up at ALA and finally got around to reading as a shelf cleaning exercise.  It was a sink your claws in catty good time!

The first half of the book is told from the viewpoint of Dana.  Dana is James' "secret" daughter.  I liked this half of the book more than the second half, but I couldn't put my finger on any particular reason why.  I guess I liked Dana more, but that was probably because Dana and Gwen prejudiced me against Chaurisse in the beginning. 

The second half is told by Chaurisse, the public daughter.  This half was interesting, it was more confrontational.  It was hard to believe that one man could have two families in one city without the other knowing about it, but I think Chaurisse's mother knew deep down.  I think she had suspicions, there were clues sprinkled about. 

I would definitely recommend this book especially if it's something that you don't normally read, it was well written and the characters were very memorable.  The audiobook was really good too!

Guest Post: David Knight

Today, we have author, David Knight, who is promoting his book: : I am I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart/  52 Inner Dictations

David's book is being launched on 2/2/12 on Amazon.  There is an exciting contest that is in effect from now until the Launch.  There are great prizes that are involved:

$100 gift certificate for Amazon toward a Kindle

Two $50.00 Amazon Gift Certificates

Authors can substitute their choice of a video book review or Facebook Welcome page for the Kindle Gift Certificate if they win.

To enter, visit David's blog: http://www.ascensionforyou.co.uk/blog

Welcome David!

Publisher: Self

Date of Publication: February 2012

I am I: The In-Dweller of your Heart is a stepping stone for all who embark upon their own quest for 'Spiritual' education and guidance. So, even if you are comfortable with your own faith and religion, you may have decided to explore new interpretations and such issues on a personal or global scale.

The author David Knight has received and transcribed these passages of text in a process known as 'Inner Dictation'. He describes this as writing from within the connection of his heart where peace, bliss, love and light reign supreme. 

God's wisdom and teachings are laid out before you so you can simply choose and read whenever or whatever your heart needs or desires. They are guidelines, principles and simple directions for you to now dip your toes or dive headfirst into the waters of you're own Divine essence.

These books will form the very threads of life's new tapestry, each being spun into 52 lessons from, to and through our own hearts and soul's. They are like a father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, partner or personal friend who knows you better than you can ever know 'yourself'. 

Part 1 is a companion for life which does not judge, condemn or scold, but hopes to encourage, guide, console, teach and remind you of who and what you are, why you live and for what purpose too!

David writes:

YOU ARE BRIGHTER THAN A 1000 SUN’S  

Let light reflect from your very being and not what can be deemed as a mirror of darkness and decay.


You can  and will succeed,....just believe in your self and enjoy the path that your life’s road has taken you for I will by your side, knowing, nurturing, guiding, loving and watching forever over you.


So, let your smile beam your joy onto others hearts and let your hands do good, worthwhile actions that help and benefit others too.


Do not seek greater rewards than that which you actually deserve, but feel the goodness and not ego that shines back towards you.


Know that this is a true 'gold' that you can wear with greater value than any stone or ring that man possesses.


Realise then that you are rich in Spirit and so much more… a Soul and Light which is brighter than a thousand Suns.

About the Author:

 DAVID KNIGHT was born into his current physical embodiment in 1964. He is married to Caroline and they live with their adopted cats Toby, Treacle, Spiky and Missy in the UK. In growing up he describes himself as a Mr. Average or like a 'Joe Bloggs'. Whilst earning a living in various types of work, (this ranged from HM Forces, Financial Services, a Care Assistant and also self-employment) his search for fulfillment changed from the exterior and without to the interior and within.

Spiritual education gained a greater momentum and at the age of 21 a more urgent sense of dedication as well as a new realization had set in. New evidence of and from God, were soon revealed through his life experiences. With the aid of Spirit guides and beings from the ethereal planes, the foundations were laid for all who wished to develop and experience their Hearts flame of love and light and to embark upon a unique opportunity for all soul's in this lifetime.

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/-Dweller-Heart-Inner-Dictations-Knight/dp/1466499354/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322343692&sr=8-1 

Website/Blog: http://www.ascensionforyou.co.uk/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AscensionForYou-Spiritual-Guidance-and Education/147338671945241

Hidden Threat by Sherri Hayes

Author: Sherri Hayes

Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House 
Date of Publication: December 2010


Cali Stanton has one goal in life, being a doctor. She does not intend to run the family business. But when her father gets injured and tells her that she’s the only one he trusts, Cali finds herself behind his desk at Stanton Enterprises. 

Matthew Andersen and his brother Jason have spent the last two years managing security at Stanton Enterprises. But when someone threatens the company and its CEO, challenging Matthew’s abilities, what seems like an easy task, becomes a big problem. 

Cali and Matthew must fight their growing attraction for each other to avoid a potentially damaging office romance. As the threats continue, they must work together to keep the company running and discover who is behind the threats. 

But when things escalate to violence and Cali becomes the latest target, things get personal. Can Matthew find the Hidden Threat before it’s too late?


I love when I pick up a book by a "new to me" author and the book far exceeds my expectations.  Hidden Threat is just such a book.  The mystery is really well planned out.  I was kept guessing as to who the culprit was until Cali and Matthew figure it out.  That makes a great mystery!  


More than the mystery, I loved the love story in this book. Both Cali and Matthew are so attracted to each other from the start, but instead of acting on that attraction, they do everything they can to try to avoid it.  This actually forces them to become friends first.  With a few "almost" kisses, the sexual tension between them is so scorching that when they do finally do something about it, they burn up the pages.  Matthew is such a logical person and I loved his "ah-ha" moment when he realizes what he really feels for Cali.  It was very endearing.  I was so rooting for their HEA.


I definitely recommend this one.  I see a great future for Ms. Hayes and I can't wait to pick up another book written by her.

Throwback Thursday - Blithe Images by Nora Roberts

 
Author: Nora Roberts
First Published in 1982 by Silhouette

Hillary Baxter had been only twenty-one when she left rural Kansas to pursue a New York modeling career. When Bret Bardoff, owner and publisher of fashionable Mode Magazine, offered her a prestigious six-month contract, the sky was the limit.

There was only one problem. Hillary fell in love with Brett. But he appeared to be interested only in her glamorous image. Could he learn to love the woman whose face had haunted him from the first instant that he had seen her photograph?

 
I'm not really sure I can say that I loved this one by Nora.  I'm a big fan and normally love her books, but this early work by her wasn't for me. I didn't get the connection between Hillary and Brett.  I thought he was a chauvinist and kind of a jerk. I felt he definitely lead Hillary on in the beginning and gave her very mixed signals.   Hillary just seemed weak to me.  She was supposed to be a confident, successful woman, yet she let Brett walk all over her.  Instead of confronting him about his maybe ex-girlfriend who constantly seemed to be around, she chose to wallow in self pity and be depressed.  That just seemed contradictory to me.  I couldn't understand how a few steamy kisses turned into love for her. The HEA wasn't believable to me.  

One thing that it did have going for it was that despite the references to typewriters and smoking, this one didn't feel totally dated to me.  I think that it would still be relevant to today.  Blithe Images is also one of the cleanest romances by Ms. Roberts that I have read. There was really no sex in it, other than some kisses and a few gropes. I listened to the audio version and the narrator did a good job.  It is a quick listen, only 4.5 hours so pick it up and decide for yourself.