MY BOOK REVIEWS

Book Review – The Green Beach Files By K. A. Perry

 

About the Author

K. A. Perry brings a unique perspective to her environmental thrillers. Her ability to utilize nature as the catalyst to keep her plot moving, and drive the character’s pursuit of the truth, stems from her own appreciation and love of nature. Time spent in nature is restorative for many folks, and this tenet is an underlying theme of K.A. Perry’s writing.

Although K.A. Perry grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania, she now lives in Connecticut with her husband and 4 children. Her years spent practicing environmental law combined with her time spent as a math teacher have melded to create stories that at their core raise real legal issues, but on the surface are an engaging, lighthearted read.

The Synopsis of the Book

A funny, engaging legal mystery for all those who love and enjoy nature—and reading at the beach.

First, an amphibian expert is found murdered in the fancy shoreline town of Mayfield, Connecticut. Then, a second, shocking murder of a well-respected community leader occurs. Why are there murders happening in a town as peaceful as Mayfield?

Jenn isn’t the perfect clever attorney. She doesn’t love her job, has no innate ability to solve mysteries, no superpowers, and no awesome legal skills. But she does have her love and respect for nature—which tends to distract her from her legal work, yet still somehow guides her. Along with her entertaining and dysfunctional family, Jenn weaves her way into the midst of a momentous fight over land preservation.

The murders appear to be tied to the development of the largest parcel of pristine beachfront land between Boston and New York. Most folks in Mayfield want the unique beachfront preserved for the public and object to the construction of expensive homes, but are any of these folks extremist enough to murder for the environment and save coastal land? And how much will Jenn stretch the law to solve the mystery?

My Review

This is Perry’s debut novel and for a first book she did really well

I was pulled into the story immediately when the main character, Jenn discovered a body in an ice machine in the back of a bookstore. My first question was, why did the bookstore have an ice machine? It was clear it was a homicide and Jenn is on a mission to solve the case, even though she is an attorney and not a detective. But it humors the story with her interference and when a second body is discovered, the plot thickens.

This is an easy read and what I love about this book is how the author also took me on a nature excursion and described in detail the natural surroundings and environment. I learned so much.

The romance that evolved was sweet and a nice addition to the story. I highly recommend this book.

An interview with the Author.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Karen on my Cuppa & A Natter (Live Chat)  show a few weeks ago.

You can watch it here.

 

Book Review The Wife Between Us

COVER DESIGN – 5 STARS – I love the colors of the cover, especially the bright yellow font which really grabs the attention of potential readers.   

CHARACTERIZATION – 4 STARS – I loved Jenn. She was well developed and I thought that I knew her well by the end of the book.  

STORY & PLOT 4 STARS – Great storyline and plot that moved along at a good pace. 

OVERALL RATING – 4 STARS – I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Other Articles You May Enjoy

Book Review – Turn Back Time 

The Reunions is live -Read for FREE in KU

Buy The Book

Award-winner author Tina Hogan Grant brings you an emotional tail of family values and the quest of three sisters to fulfill their mother’s one wish.

Divided by divorce and separated by an ocean the sisters wondered if time would be on their side. This book brings the Tammy Mellows series full circle and can also be read as a standalone. A story that will stay with you: long after you have read it.
Review quotes:
“Loved the story and the whole series and will always read a Tina Hogan Grant book.” – GR Reader
“OMG what an absolutely amazing story. Definitely, a must-read.” – GR Reader “
A wonderful storyteller and her writing touches the heart.” – GR Reader
“This is such a great book and hard to put down and you just don’t want it to end.” – GR Reader –

new-york-times-adult-fiction-best-sellers-of-2017-part-2
Everything books

New York Times Adult Fiction Best Sellers of 2017 – Part 2

 

The List part 2

As mentioned in last weeks post, there are thirty books on the New York Times Adult Fiction Best Seller List. This week I have posted the remaining fifteen that held the number one spot for one week or more.

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

new-york-times-adult-fiction-best-sellers-of-2017-part-2
Click to buy from Amazon

A gripping psychological suspense thriller. A single mother is found dead at the bottom of a river. Earlier in the summer, a teenage girl was found dead in the same river. The daughter left behind is placed in the care of her aunt, who is now dragged back to the place she vowed she’d never return to. Continue reading “New York Times Adult Fiction Best Sellers of 2017 – Part 2”

Everything books

7 Best Selling Books That Were Rejected

Hearing the word “rejected”

An author never wants to hear the word Rejected.  After spending what may have been many years, working on a manuscript, being told your novel has been rejected can affect your self-esteem and confidence. Many writers begin to question their ability, labeling themselves as failures, not good enough, a bad writer or I don’t have what it takes.  

Some will toss their manuscript in a closet, out of mind, out of sight until they find the courage to re-submit it to another publisher. Others sadly will quit writing altogether. The pain was just too much and they don’t want to experience it again.

Surprisingly, many best selling books were rejected Continue reading “7 Best Selling Books That Were Rejected”

On writing

The Grueling Task Of Editing A Book – How to Edit Your Book And Make The Task Easier

How to Edit Your Book And Make The Task Easier

When you reach the editing stage in your book

I received the 1st round of editing on my manuscript back from the publisher a few weeks ago,  (Yes I said 1st. There will be more.) I now have the grueling task of spending many hours going through it in depth, noting any additional changes I would like to make. If you want to be absolutely thorough in your editing, plan on this taking a while. Don’t expect to have it done in a week.

Every writer has their own way of editing. I’ve been at this now for two weeks and through trial and error, I’ve discovered what works for me. The process I use keeps me organized and makes the task much easier. Continue reading “The Grueling Task Of Editing A Book – How to Edit Your Book And Make The Task Easier”

Everything books

5 Famous Authors Who Wrote Their First Book After 50

5 Famous Authors Who Wrote Their First Book After 50

 

5 Famous Authors Who Wrote Their First Book After 50

The saying goes: “That age is just a number.” The authors in the following list, have certainly proved that. I am 53 and about to have my debut novel “Reckless Beginnings” published. Of course, lots of silly thoughts went through my head: “You’re too old  to be writing a book”  “It’s too late to publish a book.” and then there was this one: “You should have written the book years ago.”  I began to question myself and the dream I’ve had of being a published author. Continue reading “5 Famous Authors Who Wrote Their First Book After 50”

Weekly 7-day writing prompts

Monday’s writing prompts for writers & authors this weeks theme EMOTIONS

writing prompts for writers & authors this weeks theme EMOTIONS

 

writing prompts for writers & authors this weeks theme EMOTIONS

How it works

Welcome to this weeks 7-day writing prompts for writers. This weeks theme is all about “EMOTIONS.” Using emotions in your story adds depth to the current scene and allows the reader to identify with the character. Give reasons why the character is feeling this way prior to the actual emotion.

If a woman is feeling heart broken because of a broken relationship. Describe the relationship prior. Build up to the emotion, so the reader can relate to the way she is feeling and why.

If a person is feeling guilty. What were the previous actions? Accidental, spontaneous or deliberate. Did the character have any premeditated thoughts?

You get the idea.

When describing the emotions of a character, choose your words wisely and carefully. Emotions are best described with the usage of body language and facial expressions.

“Holding her head high, her back straight as an arrow, she walked toward the microphone owning the stage. Her stride showed confidence and power. With a warm smile, she looked directly at the audience. She showed no weaknesses. All the grueling hard work had finally prevailed and she was proud of her accomplishments. This was her moment. ”  

  Continue reading “Monday’s writing prompts for writers & authors this weeks theme EMOTIONS”

Weekly 7-day writing prompts

Monday’s Weekly 7-day writing prompts #4 Theme “Rescues”

writing prompts for writers

writing prompts for writers & authors this weeks theme RESCUES. How it works.

Welcome to this weeks 7-day writing prompts for writers. This weeks theme is all about “Rescues.” Writing about this theme is great practice for incorporating action and drama into your works. Most rescues involve suspense, anticipation, courage and most of the time a huge sigh of relief when the rescue is successful. You want to make sure the reader is feeling all of these emotions while reading your piece.

 Why use prompts?

As strange as it may seem, one of the best methods to help with writer’s block is to just write. Break yourself away from your current project and write outside the box. Explore different subject matter, avenues you not have ventured in yet. You will be surprised by how much it helps. Continue reading “Monday’s Weekly 7-day writing prompts #4 Theme “Rescues””

Everything books

25 Book fairs to attend August – December 2017 in the U.S

 25 book fairs to attend for writers, publishers, agents and authors

 

It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through the year 2017. I can’t believe it’s already August. If you’re hoping to attend a book fair this year, don’t worry there’s still time. Better yet there are 25 upcoming book fairs scheduled untill the end of the year.

Here is a list of 25 book fairs to attend for writers, publishers, agents and authors. A great way to meet others in the industry. Continue reading “25 Book fairs to attend August – December 2017 in the U.S”

"Reckless Beginnings" Journey

What I am doing to promote my book. Tips for other writers

Tips for other writers

 

what I am doing to promote my book

My current tasks

While I wait for the launch of my debut novel “Reckless Beginnings” my current task is to promote it, gain awareness, build a following and have a platform. Let me tell you, writing the book was the easy part. Phew, this part is exhausting. I plan on sharing with you what I am doing to promote my book, what I have achieved so far and my future tasks for promotion.  Continue reading “What I am doing to promote my book. Tips for other writers”

On writing

Tips on how to write a good book blurb

Tips on how to write a good book blurb

 

Tips on how to write a good book blurb

 

What is a blurb?

A blurb also referred to as a “Synopsis” or a “Glossary is the summary of the story found on the back cover of a book. Other than the cover, it is the other most important selling feature of a book. Once potential readers are drawn in by the fabulous cover of a novel, their next instinct is to flip to the back cover and read what the book is about. It’s at this stage,  most readers will make the decision to either buy the book or move on. Continue reading “Tips on how to write a good book blurb”