Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Author Update #Reviews – Don Massenzio, Marcia Meara and Teri Polen

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to the first of the author updates this week. As I was posting Christmas promotions for authors from mid-November I am going to be sharing reviews from that time onwards until we are up to date..

The first author with a recent review is Don Massenzio with his book Extra Innings: Can You Go Home Again?

About the book

Joe McLean hates his life. A lonely, divorced, middle-aged man, stuck in a cramped apartment, the only bright spot in Joe’s life is cheering on his hometown baseball team. Now, the local stadium, the place of many childhood and adult memories is being replaced. Joe desperately wants a piece of this iconic venue to preserve his memories and have some memorabilia from his happier past. That’s when unusual things begin to happen, and Joe begins to rethink the direction his life has taken. Can Joe take a different path in life? Can he use the special ability that he has acquired to change the course of his life? Will he realize the truth about old adage, you can never go home again? Follow the twists and turns in this supernatural story, Extra Innings, to find out.

One of the recent reviews for the book.

Captivating Time Travel By tpolen on November 24, 2018

When I first saw the cover for this book, not being a sports fan, I nearly passed on it. But when I read the blurb and saw it was about time travel, it became a must-read for me. I immediately wanted to root for Joe. With a failed marriage, a thankless, dead-end job, and not much to go home to at night, the guy deserves some happiness. Upon realizing the seat he purchased from a baseball stadium that held wonderful memories for him is a time machine, endless possibilities are at his fingertips. If you could travel back in time, what would you change about your life? Anything? Would those changes have unexpected ripple effects? Joe encounters several surprises along the way, and I laughed out loud at some situations he found himself in. Extra Innings is a fabulous, enjoyable story with several layers to include family drama, organized crime, and corporate mergers, and I was captivated throughout. The ending isn’t something I expected, but will leave you thinking about it for days after.

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Extra-Innings-Can-Home-Again-ebook/dp/B07DHZ1SQC

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extra-Innings-Can-Home-Again-ebook/dp/B07DHZ1SQC/

A selection of other books by Don Massenzio

Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

Read more reviews and buy follow Don on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8157756.Don_Massenzio

Connect to Don via his website: https://donmassenzio.wordpress.com

The next author is Marcia Meara – The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody. A Paranormal Fantasy.

About the Novella

In Marcia Meara’s second installment of The Emissary Trilogy, a Riverbend spinoff series of novellas, we find our three heroes at it again. Beautiful new places, exciting new adventures, and a whole assortment of new problems await them, bringing tears, laughter, and an extraordinary amount of love along with them.

Trouble never does a head count before showing up …They’re back!

Jake and Dodger, the first (and so far, only) Emissaries to the Angels, are on the road again.

They’re looking for mortals about to take a wrong turn. You know the ones—the kid thinking about stealing from a corner market or the man planning to lie about a coworker and destroy her career. Yeah, them. People on the brink of making a mistake that could send them down that wrong road and jeopardize their mortal souls.

Of course, there are rules by which the emissaries must play, and the archangel Azrael stands ready to enforce them. First and foremost, a person’s free will must never be compromised. Emissaries are allowed to use only the smallest of mental nudges. Thankfully, a whispered suggestion here or images of a better course of action there is usually all it takes. The potential mugger walks on by. The thief drops the wallet back into the unattended purse. But whether the results are obvious or not, Jake and Dodger are fully committed to making a positive difference, even as they struggle with issues of their own.

Will Dodger get over losing his chance to learn what true love is all about? Will Jake survive the grueling angelic equivalent of Boot Camp? Will Azrael ever finish the Official Emissarial Guidebook—including the chapter titled Do Not Even Think About It?

One thing’s for sure—Jake’s and Dodger’s strengths are growing daily, as they help more and more people make better choices. But is the price for so much power higher than they’re willing to pay?

One of the recent reviews for the book.

Love and Angels By DGKaye on December 22, 2018

I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Book 1 where we were introduced to Jake who is chosen by the Archangel Azreal to become an emissary to go back to earth and help people in need as well as help to steer them in the right direction. We also met Dodger, a younger man who was also taken under the angel’s wings to be groomed as Jake’s assistant emissary.

This story follows the relationship that blooms between Jake and Dodger as they continue doing their good deeds while still in training by Azrael on how to become fully experienced new angel assistants. It’s a beautiful story about goodness, and heartwarming to read as Jake becomes father-like to Dodger as time passes, filling the void for both with love and compassion for one another, especially Dodger who never knew love from his own father when he was alive.

Meara does a wonderful job with all three of these characters, engaging us into the story and filling our hearts with compassion for these same characters. Even as emissaries, Jake and Dodger live as humans and can still feel pain, despite the fact they can’t die again. This is a novella so I recommend reading Book 1 to familiarize you with the characters, you won’t be disappointed.

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JDP2B3D

and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JDP2B3D

A selection of other books by Marcia Meara

Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Marcia-Meara/e/B00EUCXRU4

And Amazon UK : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marcia-Meara/e/B00EUCXRU4

Read more reviews and follow Marcia Meara on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7242441.Marcia_Meara

Connect to Marcia via her website/blog http://marciamearawrites.com/

Now for some Science Fiction/Fantasy from Teri Polen with The Gemini Connection which has received a recent review.

About The Gemini Connection.

Teen twin brothers Evan and Simon Resnik are fiercely loyal to each other and share an unusual bond—they experience each other’s emotions as their own and can sense where the other is. On their dying planet of Tage, scientists work tirelessly on its survival. Like the twins’ parents, Simon is a science prodigy, recruited at a young age to work with the brilliant creator of Scientific Innovations. To the bitter disappointment of their parents, Evan shows no aptitude or interest in science. As a Mindbender, he travels into the minds of scientists to locate buried memories, connect ideas and concepts, and battle recurring nightmares.

When Simon mysteriously disappears, Evan is plunged into a world of loss and unbearable guilt. For the first time, he can’t ‘feel’ Simon—it’s like he no longer exists. Evan blames himself. No one knows that he ignored his brother’s pleas for help on the night he went missing. A year later, Simon is still gone. Evan lost his twin, but Tage might have lost its last hope of survival when it’s discovered that Simon’s unfinished project could be its salvation. Evan is determined to find him—somewhere—and bring Simon home. Their unusual connection might be more extraordinary than they know, and the key to locating Simon.

One of the recent reviews for the book

Intense and Compelling By Cecily Wolfe on December 30, 2018

I was up almost all night finishing this one, which really had me spellbound with the intensity, action, and compelling storyline as well as characters that were so believable. There was a lot here that I didn’t expect, which really kept me on the edge of my seat as this science fiction thriller unfolded.

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Gemini-Connection-Teri-Polen/dp/1684330343/

And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gemini-Connection-Teri-Polen-ebook/dp/B07BFGFN66/

Also by Teri Polen

Read all the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Teri-Polen/e/B01MYOUA6V

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Teri-Polen-ebook/dp/B01NBIFRF4

Read more reviews and follow Teri on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16114393.Teri_Polen

Connect to Teri via her website: https://teripolen.com/

Thank you for dropping in today… You can find all the authors and how to join them in this post: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-free-author-promotion/

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Buy a Book for Christmas #Mystery #Thriller #Series N.A. Granger, John W. Howell, Don Massenzio

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to another of the Christmas book promotions and time for a little mystery…. and the first author with a wonderful series of books is N. A. Granger and the Rhe Brewster Mysteries. And the best way to start as a gift is the first book in the series which is Death in a Red Canvas Chair.. there are four books and all would make amazing gifts.

About the book

On a warm fall afternoon, the sweet odor of decay distracts Rhe Brewster from the noise and fury of her son’s soccer game. She’s a tall, attractive emergency room nurse with a type A personality, a nose for investigation and a yen for adrenalin. This time her nose leads her to the wet, decaying body of a young woman, sitting in a red canvas chair at the far end of the soccer field. Her first call is to her brother-in-law, Sam Brewster, who is Sheriff of Pequod, the coastal Maine town where she lives. Sam and Rhe’s best friend Paulette, Pequod’s answer to Betty Crocker, are her biggest sources of encouragement when Rhe decides to help the police find the killer.

Her discovery that the victim is a student at the local college is initially thwarted by an old frenemy, Bitsy Wellington, the Dean of Students. Will, Rhe’s husband and a professor at the same college, resents her involvement in anything other than being a wife and mother and must be manipulated by Rhe so that she can follow her instincts.

Rhe’s interviews of college students leads her to a young woman who had been recruited the previous year to be an escort on a Caribbean cruise ship, and Rhe trails her to a high class brothel at a local seaside estate. The man behind the cruise ship escort service and the brothel is the owner of a chain of mortuaries and is related to the dead student.

When Rhe happens on the murder of a young hospital employee who also works for the mortuary chain, she becomes too much of a threat to the owner’s multiple enterprises. She is kidnapped by two of his thugs and is left to die in a mortuary freezer. In the freezer she finds frozen body parts, which are linked to a transplantation program at her hospital.

Despite all the twists and turns in her investigation, Rhe ultimately understands why the student was killed and who did it. And she solves the riddle of why the body was placed in the red canvas chair on the soccer field.

One of the recent reviews for the book

Like a good pair of shoes, this book wears well. By Diana Fritz on July 27, 2018

I typically only write 5 star reviews for books that blow me away, but I’ll make an exception for a friend. This is what I affectionately call a “murder cozy.” There is a comfortable familiar rhythm to it that lulls you into a feeling of safety until the action comes crashing in to surprise you. It is paced well, with a good mix of down-time and excitement. The climactic ice scene near the end is particularly engaging.

The author uses her expertise to color the books with a strong medical knowledge that lends credibility to her main character, who is an absolute joy. Rhe is far from your typical heroine– she’s a plucky plump mom ready to take you on with her sassy mouth and insatiably questioning mind. This is my fourth time reading this novel (leading up to the newest novel in the series!) and it holds up well as a great start to a series. Recommended to anyone who likes a good murder mystery, a strong feminine protagonist, and a quirky and easily lovable supporting cast.

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Red-Canvas-Chair-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00DMCL2VE

and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Red-Canvas-Chair-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00DMCL2VE

Also by N.A. Granger

Read all the reviews and buy the books: http://www.amazon.com/N.A.-Granger/e/B00DN6I8GQ

And read more reviews and follow Noelle on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7150751.N_A_Granger#

Connect to Noelle via her website: https://saylingaway.wordpress.com/

Another series that would make a fantastic gift for mystery/thriller lovers features John J. Cannon, created by John W. Howell. The first book in the series is My GRL….

About My GRL

John J. Cannon, a successful San Francisco lawyer, takes a leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL. John is unaware his boat has been targeted by a terrorist group to be used to destroy a symbol of America’s greatness. John’s first inkling of trouble is when he wakes up in the hospital and learns he was found unconscious next to the body of the young woman who sold him the boat in the first place. John now is the only one standing between the terrorists and the success of their mission.

One of the reviews for the book.

writester Full-Throttle Action

I often find work written in first person/present tense to be jarring. Overuse of “I” and “me” coupled with an awkward reveal of the POV character’s name and appearance usually work against an author’s intent and keep me from engaging in the story.

That’s not the case with John Howell’s MY GRL.

Mr. Howell penned a story that, while written in first person/present tense, actually sucked me into the story. I thought what main character John Cannon thought, I felt what he felt. Howell is to be commended for his ability to immerse the reader into his story world through his protagonist.

This thriller captured me not only for the reason listed above, but also because the author crafted a realistic hero. John Cannon isn’t the thirty-year-old alpha male, Navy Seal, superhero. He’s a regular guy, with realistic fears and logical fallacies. He’s so likable because he could be your uncle, your neighbor, your coworker. We all know John Cannons, and we all love them.

While I found this novel to be character-driven, there’s no shortage of action in the plot. This was a quick read because both the character was relatable and the pace was full-throttle.

This is book one of three in the series. I’ll be looking for the next installment and highly recommend this one.

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/My-GRL-John-W-Howell-ebook/dp/B06VY4V2FC/

and Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-GRL-John-W-Howell-ebook/dp/B06VY4V2FC

Also by John W.Howell

Buy all of the John Cannon Series and his latest book co-written with Gwen Plano https://www.amazon.com/John-W.-Howell/e/B00HMRWO6C

and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/John-W.-Howell/e/B00HMRWO6C

Read more reviews and follow John on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7751796.John_W_Howell

Connect to John via his website: https://johnwhowell.com/

Now for a series that is also available in boxed sets which is very useful when buy Christmas gifts for book lovers. I am going to feature the first book, Frankly Speaking ( A Frank Rozzani Detective Story) by Don Massenzio

About the the book

A 16 year old girl has disappeared. The police believe she is a runaway. Her parents believe she has been taken and is being held against her will. When the parents enlist the services of Frank Rozzani, a former police officer turned private detective, a series of events begins to unfold that implicates a popular local pastor and the religious stronghold of the ultra-conservative community.

Frank Rozzani, a transplant to Jacksonville, Florida from Syracuse, New York, must find the young girl despite the obstacles launched at him from the local police and others whose interests may be compromised by his investigation. Frank enlists the help of his associate Clifford “Jonesy” Jones to find the girl, uncover the conspiracy, and stay alive. While solving the case, Frank must deal with the demons that drove him from Upstate New York causing him to leave traumatic memories and his children behind.

One of the reviews for the book

Well written book with excellent plot and eclectic characters By C. C. McKenzie on November 19, 2018

I bought the Frank Rozzani Detective Novels a while ago to add to my growing pile and only just recently had the time to read, Frankly Speaking, the first book of the series.

I have to say, the blurb was already intriguing, but it didn’t prepare me for the story itself. The book captured my attention from page two and didn’t let go anymore.

Frank Rozzani is a former cop with a sorely afflicted past which made him move to Florida and work as a private investigator. In this first book, he faces the case of a missing girl. Hired by the girl’s parents he starts to look into the girl’s life, character, and environment and discovers that there is much more to the story than ‘certain people’, including the police, want him to know.

His investigation endangers himself and his partner Johnsey, a surfer – and lawyer, sharp as a tack and quite underestimated (yes, even by me). It seems the very same ‘certain people’ don’t want Maggie to be found.

But Frank Rozzani isn’t to intimidate. He dives into the case and brings the deepest depravity, greed and many surprises to light. Frank has excellent instincts, tons of experience and still a compassionate and vulnerable heart.

The book is excellently written, the story captures the reader and the tension can be barely bearable at times. Don Massenzio’s characters are real. I don’t mean ‘real’ as in ‘existing’; I mean, it’s easy to imagine traveling to Florida and meet Frank Rozzani, Johnsey and Anita for breakfast is the perfect thing to do.

Definitely recommendable! I can’t wait to have some free time to read the next Frank Rozzani Detective Novel!

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Frankly-Speaking-Rozzani-Detective-Novels-ebook/dp/B00JJ5F53O

And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Frankly-Speaking-Rozzani-Detective-Novels-ebook/dp/B00JJ5F53O

A selection of other books by Don Massenzio

Read all the reviews and check out the boxed sets and buy: https://www.amazon.com/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

Read more reviews and buy follow Don on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8157756.Don_Massenzio

Connect to Don via his website: https://donmassenzio.wordpress.com

Thank you for visiting today and I hope that you have found a book or two to read or give as gifts to family and friends. Thanks Sally

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – New Book on the Shelves – Extra Innings: Can You Go Home Again? by Don Massenzio

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Hot off the press and released yesterday… the new book from Don Massenzio – Extra Innings: Can You Go Home Again?

About the book

Head over and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Extra-Innings-Can-Home-Again-ebook/dp/B07DHZ1SQC

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extra-Innings-Can-Home-Again-ebook/dp/B07DHZ1SQC/

A selection of other books by Don Massenzio

Here is a review for Frankly Speaking on Goodreads

Feb 06, 2018 John W. Howell rated it Five Stars

A 16-year-old girl has disappeared. The police believe she is a runaway. Her parents are sure she has been taken and is being held against her will. When the parents enlist the services of Frank Rozzani, a former police officer turned private detective, a series of events begins to unfold that implicates a popular local pastor and the religious stronghold of the ultra-conservative community.

Frankly Speaking is the first book in the “Frank detective novel,” series. When I started the book, I was half expecting a formula detective story. You know the kind. A hard-drinking private eye who used to be on the force but was kicked off for shooting someone who deserves it. A beautiful blond who adores his roughness and a bunch of clients who have dark secrets exposed one by one. If you are expecting that kind of story, you will be surprised to find Frankly Speaking is a more profound and more vibrant story. The detective is a human being with a subtle way of finding out the truth. He has friends and a sweet dog. The friends help him cope with what was a catastrophic event in his life while also helping him solve the crime du jour. Without going into spoilers let me say the author Don Massenzio has developed a set of characters that resonate as authentic and believable. He moves them adroitly around the world he has created. He tells a great story with the sights, smells, and ambiance of Jacksonville and in later books of Syracuse. I would recommend this

Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

Read more reviews and buy follow Don on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8157756.Don_Massenzio

About Don Massenzio

Like his character, Frank Rozzani, Don was born in Syracuse, New York to first generation Italian American parents. He’s an avid reader. Some of my favorite authors are Harlan Coben, David Morrell, Stephen King, Jonathan Kellerman, John Grisham, and Hugh Howey. His favorite book of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird.

He started writing as a way to combat the long hours of travel and numerous hotel stays that are part of the ‘glamorous’ world of corporate life. He use writing as a therapeutic outlet to combat his homesickness.

His first published book, Frankly Speaking, rose to the top of the Amazon charts. It was the first in a series of books focused on the character, Frank Rozzani, a Florida private detective. The series is a throwback to the days of pulp detective novels with a tip of the hat to Jim Rockford from the 70’s television show, The Rockford Files. He’s also released a collection of short stories called Random Tales that is available for your Kindle or in paperback.

Also, look for his non-fiction book, The Ultimate Guide For Independently Published Authors: Tips for improving quality and selling your work, now available on Amazon.com as an eBook or in paperback

He moved to Jacksonville, Florida 22 years ago where he currently lives with his wife, daughter, and three dogs.

Connect to Don.

Blog: https://donmassenzio.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmassenzio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmassenzio
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8157756.Don_Massenzio

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Author Update – Wendy Unsworth, Don Massenzio and Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to the first of the author updates this week and our first author with news to share is Wendy Unsworth with a review for her recently released novel Dirty Work (Berrywood Book Three)

About Dirty Work

A shallow grave.
A body to find.
But no one is looking.

Caroline Duke and her sister-in-law Marcie lead very different lives, but blood is thicker than water; they are close, they share things.

Husband troubles.

Marcie has everything she could possibly want, funded by Nathan’s high-powered city job. She pays for her privileged position in lonely days and nights, while her husband works away.

Caroline is struggling with two jobs and out-of-work Pete, who brings in no money at all. He is never home either. He spends his evenings in bars and clubs and the occasional ditch.

But everything in the Duke family is set to change. And for the better. Pete declares he has given up drinking for good and is getting a job. Nathan announces his intention to work less, spend more time with Marcie.

A birthday dinner should be the perfect occasion to bring the four together. But when is a party not a party? When someone ends up dead.

An early review for the book

Unsworth shines again By Darlene Jones on October 23, 2017

Unsworth’s first novel – The Palaver Tree – will always be my favorite, because I too lived in Africa.

Her novel – Dirty Work – is another must read. The deceptively simple story of two couples morphs into a mystery with a number of surprising twists that kept me turning the pages. On the surface it would seem that Nathan, with all his money, his beautiful wife and stunning home, has the upper hand. Below the surface, however, things are churning – nasty things, that lead Nathan, his brother and his sister-in-law into a web they never could have imagined.

Well written with strong characterizations, great descriptions, and lots of action, Dirty Work is a story not to be missed if you like mysteries and even if you don’t.

Head over and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Work-Berriwood-Book-3-ebook/dp/B075CN85VF

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dirty-Work-Berriwood-Book-3-ebook/dp/B075CN85VF

Also by Wendy Unsworth

Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Unsworth/e/B0071JNYEM

and Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wendy-Unsworth/e/B0071JNYEM

Read more reviews and follow Wendy on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5625095.Wendy_Unsworth

Connect to Wendy via her website: https://wendyunsworth.wordpress.com/

The next author with recent reviews is Don Massenzio for Frank Immersed (Frank Rozzani Detective novels Book Five)

About Frank Immersed

The stakes are high and the odds are against them. Will this case prove to be more than they can handle? Luckily, the twins’ father, Jim Mason, has special training and associates from his past that will be called upon as the search for the girls escalates.

Follow Frank and Jonesy on this ocean-going adventure as they search for the twins and dredge up powerful bad guys from one of their past cases in this latest adventure, Frank Immersed.

The recent reviews for the book

Absolutely loved this book By Jason R. Legath on October 9, 2017

Absolutely loved this book!!! What a great Mystery story! It was definitely a book I could not put down! It kept me engaged from cover to cover! I definitely recommend this book to everyone!!!

Great Book By Amazon Customer on July 11, 2017

Sorry it took so long to pick up the book! I’ve had it a few months now & just finally found the time to start reading it, on Sunday. Two days later & I’m done. The storyline kept me drawn in the entire time. I absolutely loved it & can’t wait for the next one!!

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBBUMIH

and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Frank-Immersed-Rozzani-Detective-Novels-ebook/dp/B01NBBUMIH

A selection of books by Don Massenzio

Discover all of Don’s books, read the reviews and buy: https://www.amazon.com/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

Find more reviews and follow Don Massenzio on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8157756.Don_Massenzio

Connect to Don via his blog: https://donmassenzio.wordpress.com

The next author with news is Vashti Quiroz-Vega with a recent review for The Fall of Lilith: Fantasy Angels Series

About The Fall of Lilith:

So says Lilith, the most exquisite of the angels. The two most important pledges an angel makes to God are those of obedience and celibacy, and dire consequences await any who break their oaths.

At first, the angels are happy in their celestial home, learning and exploring together. As they grow older, though, Lilith begins to question these pledges, which now seem arbitrary and stifling. Her challenge of the status quo leads to disagreement, jealousy, and strife among her peers. As the arguing and acrimony grow, lines are drawn and sides are chosen. Is war inevitable?

Filled with robust characters, incredible landscapes, and exciting action, The Fall of Lilith is an epic tale of seduction, betrayal, and revenge.

Free Will involves asking difficult questions and making hard choices, choices that require strength and sacrifice. These decisions can tear apart friendships and cause rifts between allies.

They can even threaten the foundations of Heaven.

One of the recent reviews

Lilith By Mary Schmidt on October 3, 2017

Where do I begin? I have never before read a book this epic and amazing. The genre isn’t my normal genre but I have come to appreciate other genres as my reading and writing career goes forth.

This book starts with heaven and there are three levels of heaven. God has given the angels free will and He loves all His angels. As the angels grow older, like teenagers, some find they want to have free will on their level of heaven. The angels lived in a paradise called Floraison filled with lush meadows, gardens, waterfalls, and the like. They have no need for food. Lilith decides that she wants more; she wants free will in all ways possible. She becomes evil – quite wicked and very manipulative. She uses that to her advantage and she knows just how to get other angels to rebel.

God decides to show his angels a new creation and from that He makes the galaxy and eventually Earth. During Creation the angels watch as He makes the oceans, water creatures, trees, grass, animals, and flying creatures. He creates a beautiful Garden of Eden filled with the most luscious flowers, trees, etc and then He makes Man. Man shall be the ruler of this domain and He makes this man a woman to be with him. Adam and Eve – they are naked and the most beautiful creatures the angels have ever seen. Lilith starts a revolt and they lose, and are banished from Heaven.

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Fall-Lilith-Fantasy-Angels-ebook/dp/B074CPKLHH/

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fall-Lilith-Fantasy-Angels/dp/1947475002

Also by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Read the reviews and buy both books: https://www.amazon.com/Vashti-Quiroz-Vega/e/B00GTXG5W4

and on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vashti-Quiroz-Vega/e/B00GTXG5W4

Read more reviews and follow Vashti on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com /author/show/7122693.Vashti_Quiroz_Vega

Connect to Vashti via her website: https://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/

Smorgasbord Book Promotion – Air Your Reviews – Don Massenzio, Teagan Riordain Geneviene and Paul Cude

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

The first book to feature today is Blood Orange by Don Massenzio. The book is in audio as well as text formats and the review is for the audio version.

About the book

Blood Orange is a terrorism thriller set in today’s high tension world of foreign and domestic threats against soft targets. The story begins on the night of the biggest game in men’s college basketball. Just as the two rivals are squaring off in the quest to crown a champion, tragedy strikes. A nation mourns as a team of elite specialists searches for those responsible.

Follow Navy Officer Brad Rafferty and his team through the twists and turns of this terrorism thriller to see if you can determine who is good and who is evil.

The latest review for the book

A great story based on a real possibility By Robbie Cheadle on July 8, 2017

I listened to the audio book of Blood Orange and must say, right up front, that the narrator did an excellent job. I loved this book. It started off really well for me with an very intriguing event that got you right into the story quickly. The book was fast paced and full of action and I though the twists and turns were very good. The book ended up going in a direction that I hadn’t anticipated at all but Don Massenzio really tied the pieces together very well at the end. What appealed to me the most about this story is that it is so very possible. As I listened I could just imagine something like this happening and people having to deal with the terrible aftermath of an attack of the nature detailed in the book.

I enjoyed the characters, in particular, Navel Officer Brad Rafferty, a man of great integrity and who has experienced one of the worst situations that his job could offer. The main female character was also very intelligent and determined and I appreciated these qualities being highlighted in a female in the US military. That being said, Maria’s character was very realistic and her contribution not feel at all unreasonable. I listed to the whole book in three days which certainly highlights how much I enjoyed it because I am easily distracted from reading, or listening in this case, by work commitments and my own writing.

Read all the reviews and buy the text formats or download the audio book for free currently: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Orange-Don-Massenzio-ebook/dp/B016HGZT4C

A selection of books by Don Massenzio

Discover all of Don’s books, read the reviews and buy: https://www.amazon.com/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

Find more reviews and follow Don Massenzio on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8157756.Don_Massenzio

Connect to Don via his blog: https://donmassenzio.wordpress.com

The next author to have received a great review recently is Teagan Riordain Geneviene with her Three Things Serial Novella.

About the Three Things Serial Novella

Everything about this story was determined by the random “things” readers sent. Absolutely nothing was pre-planned. First came the narrator, Pip, aka Paisley Idelle Peabody. I imagined the voice of Lucille Ball as Pip, telling a story of her youth. Then came the 1920s setting, inspired by oscillating fan. Next the “things” brought characters, particularly Andy who came back for another serial. Eventually a thing gave me the Florida setting. I think you get the idea of how this worked.

Pip, a modern woman — a flapper, begins the first of several adventures. In this story a mysterious white-haired woman is kidnapped. Pip finds a bent key, a scrap from a special quilt, strange tattoos and other “things.” Later, Pip and her friends find themselves on a luxurious yacht where they encounter figures from history and celebrities of the era. The mystery comes to the forefront when they reach the destination, the gilded mansion, Ca d’Zan.

The latest review for the book

A light, fun, and dynamic story set in the 1920s, particularly recommended to those with an adventurous and playful spirit. by OlgaNM on July 1, 2017

I was the lucky winner of this book as part of a promotion the author run on her blog, Teagan’s Books and I freely chose to review it.

I have been a follower of the author’s blog for several years, although I was not following her when she wrote this serial. Teagan Geneviene is a fascinating and versatile writer. I have read her novel Atonement, Tennessee that is a magical experience, full of finesse, beauty, and attention to detail, evidently the fruit of a lot of thought, careful planning, research, and revision. On the other hand, she is also able to produce her legendary serials. She starts with an idea, or an image, and asks the readers of her blog to contribute certain elements. These might be things (objects, words, concepts), foods, words related to a certain era… She links each one of the posts to the blog of the contributor, and progressively builds up her story, going wherever the three things (foods, objects, or whatevers) and her imagination take her. Although, as I’ve said before, I wasn’t following the author’s blog when she wrote this serial, I have met the main character, Pip in a later serial and I have followed several others, some with familiar characters and a recent one with different characters, and more in the steampunk style. Unsurprisingly, they have a big following and the authors keeps her followers (and I suspect, herself) guessing where the story is going to go next.

Many of the readers of her blog had asked her to publish the serials in book format and finally, she obliged.

Anybody reading the description of this volume will get a sense of how it came into being. The story has a wonderful sense of time (the jazzy 1920s, brilliant, young, full of flappers, parties, movies, and excitement) and it is told in the first person by Pip, a young woman transplanted from the South to the big city, with a huge imagination and an endless curiosity that gets her involved in all kinds of adventures, including but not limited to: kidnappings, rides in fire trucks, romances, secret coded messages, international intrigues, hidden treasures… Pip also has a wonderful turn of phrase (she never swears, at least not as we understand it, and there is no bad language in the book, although she uses her own expressions that colour her language and readers will come to love) and believes she is a very modern woman, although she is less savvy and cool than she would like to believe.

This is a short novel, quick, fast and full of adventures that will delight readers of all ages and will not offend those worried about bad language, erotica or graphic violence. Although in this format readers do not have access to the wonderful images, fruit of the author’s research, which illustrate her blog posts, it does offer continuity and an easier to follow story that will keep readers on their toes. It has elements of historical fiction, of mystery (although not by design, it could fit into the cozy mystery category), and a few touches of romance (or rather, romantic interest).

Although this work is too short to fully demonstrate the author’s abilities, it does give the readers a taste of her sense of fun and adventure, and it introduces a character that will become a close friend in series to come. As an exercise, I would suggest you try and put yourselves in the author’s shoes and every time you start to read a new chapter, headed by the three things, try and imagine how you would use those three words to continue the tale. I am sure you’ll be even more amazed at the story.

The author is working on turning some of her other serials into books, so if you enjoy this one, there are more delights to come your way. And, do not forget to check Atonement, Tennesse.

Recommended to anybody looking for a light, fun, and dynamic story set in the 1920s, particularly those with an adventurous and playful spirit.

Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Things-Serial-Story-Little-ebook/dp/B01MRRC0B

Also by Teagan Geneviene

Read the reviews, buy the books and find out more about Teagan Geneviene: https://www.amazon.com/Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene/e/B00HHDXHVM

Connect to Teagan via her blog: https://teagansbooks.com/

The next review is for Paul Cude and the second book in his Bentwhistle the Dragon Series – all the books are wearing splendid new covers. Here is Bentwhistle the Dragon in a Chilling Revelation.

About the book

Following his harrowing and near death experience at the talons of the evil dragon Manson in ‘A Threat From The Past’, Peter Bentwhistle, the human shaped dragon and reluctant hero, finds himself on the slow path to recovery.

Helped by his dragon friends, Tank and Richie (both in their human forms), he finds solace in his new found friendship with the dragon king. But the three friends are soon unwittingly drawn into a deadly plot, when a straight forward meeting with the monarch sees them helping an injured dragon agent, straight back from his mission in Antarctica with news of a devastating encounter with another ancient race.

Blackmail, intrigue, forbidden love interests, a near fatal mantra gone wrong, a highly charged rugby match in which Tank takes a beating, combined with enough laminium ball action to please dragons the world over, stretch the bonds of the dragons’ friendship like never before. New friends and ancient enemies clash as the planet braces itself for one of the most outrageous attacks it has ever seen. Lost secrets and untold lore come to light, while sinister forces attempt to steal much coveted magic. Explosive exploits, interspersed with a chilly backdrop and unexpected danger at every turn, make for an action-packed, electrifying adventure. ‘Snow way you’ll wanna miss this!

The most recent review for the book

This series just keeps getting better!! By Piaras on June 15, 2017

Whatever flaws we might identify or frustrations we might feel are trivial in comparison to a reader’s pure joy in losing himself/herself in a narrative. When all the elements come together: an intriguing plot, thoughtful, profound themes, complex, troubling, characters, and language that make us shudder for its honesty, clarity, and confidence; we gratefully set all analysis aside and give ourselves up to the sheer magic of a great book. And for me, Bentwhistle the Dragon in A Chilling Revelation (second book in the series), is such a book.

The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.

The book synopsis says it all; “Following his harrowing and near death experience at the talons of the evil dragon Manson in ‘A Threat From The Past’, Peter Bentwhistle, the human shaped dragon and reluctant hero, finds himself on the slow path to recovery.

Explosive exploits, interspersed with a chilly backdrop and unexpected danger at every turn, make for an action-packed, electrifying adventure.”

If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens next, you’ll just have to turn the pages yourself to find out!

This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional skill when it comes to storytelling. There are attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a spellbinding journey!

It’s one of those stories that come along once in awhile that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!

I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Paul Cude in the future. For those who are fans of this genre, I would recommend starting with the first book in the series, Bentwhistle the Dragon in A Threat from the Past (Volume 1). Five stars from me.

Read the other reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Bentwhistle-Dragon-Chilling-Revelation-2/dp/1505497566

Also by Paul Cude

Read the reviews – Download the Kindle of A Threat from the Past FREE and buy the other books: https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Cude/e/B007339206

Read more reviews and follow Paul on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5368048.Paul_Cude

Connect to Paul Cude via his website: http://www.bentwhistlethedragon.co.uk/

Thank you for dropping by and if you have a recent review for your book that you would like to share drop me a line to sally.cronin@moyhill.com

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – New on the Shelves – Frank Immersed: A Frank Rozzani Detective Novel (Frank Rozzani Detective Novels Book 5) by Don Massenzio

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Delighted to feature Don Massenzio today with his books and in particular the fifth book in the Frank Rozzani Detective series; released just before Christmas 2016. If the number of excellent reviews for book one and the rest of the series are an indication, Frank Immersed is likely to be just as popular. This book was written in collaboration with Kent Arceneaux

About Frank Immersed: A Frank Rozzani Detective Novel (Frank Rozzani Detective Novels Book 5)

Frank and Jonesy are back. This time the case will require all of their talents. Young female passengers are disappearing from luxury cruise ships. After young twin daughters disappear during a family cruise, Frank and Jonesy must go undercover to find out what’s happening.The stakes are high and the odds are against them. Will this case prove to be more than they can handle? Luckily, the twins’ father, Jim Mason, has special training and associates from his past that will be called upon as the search for the girls escalates.

Follow Frank and Jonesy on this ocean-going adventure as they search for the twins and dredge up powerful bad guys from one of their past cases in this latest adventure, Frank Immersed.

One of the top reviews for the book.

Well researched, good character display and great suspense…! By pwrbrkr38 on January 9, 2017

This was one of the first fiction books I’ve read in quite awhile. I was immediately captured by the in-depth character formation. The authors do a great job at personalizing each character and spending just enough time on the back story, depth, and substance of each character. In my opinion, this is where many writers have either too much characterization which is cumbersome to read, or they don’t spend enough time on a character and you never really feel empathetic or understand a point of view. This book does a great job of this. In addition, this book tackles come interesting issues regarding the sex trade, the cruise industry, the military, and law enforcement.

I was particularly impressed with the writers knowledge of the inner workings of the cruise line industry. My brother has worked in the cruise industry for years and many of the descriptions in the book regarding staffing, the logistics of the boats themselves, and how passengers and other matters are handled, were spot on. As a lawyer I appreciated the authors interpretation of law enforcement matters and how certain situations were handled by “Frank” and his associates.

In closing, this book was well researched, intertwined a great storyline amongst a good cast of characters, and did so in a succinct manner that made this reader very happy. I hope you have the same experience.

Read all the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Immersed-Rozzani-Detective-Novels-ebook/dp/B01NBBUMIH

A selection of books by Don Massenzio

One of the reviews from a fan of the Frank Rozzani series.

Great story line! By Maureen on April 30, 2016

This series just keeps getting better and better. Frank and Jonesy think they have a case that is pretty clear cut. But all of us know it may not be what it seems. Characters and dialogue flow well. Very good storyline with suspence that makes it hard to put down. I’ve read every book from this series and this is the best to me. I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Don-Massenzio/e/B00JJVN0UI

About Don Massenzio

Don Massenzio was born in Syracuse, New York, to first generation Italian American parents. He is an avid reader. Some of his favorite authors include Harlan Coben, David Morrell, Stephen King, and Hugh Howey. His favorite book of all time is ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Don began writing as a way to combat the long hours of travel and numerous hotel stays that are part of the ‘glamorous’ world of corporate travel. He uses writing as a therapeutic outlet.

He recently took the jump to sharing his work with others. His first published long work was the novel, Frankly Speaking. The first in what has become a series of books focused on the character, Frank Rozzani, a Florida private detective. The series is a throwback to the days of pulp detective novels with a tip of the hat to Jim Rockford from 70’s television and The Rockford Files.

Connect to Don.

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Thank you for dropping by and your feedback is always very welcome. Sally