THE FRIDAY NIGHT CLUB
by Jacob Nelson Lurie
BookSurge
http://thefridaynightclub.com
ISBN: 9781439262474
Although Davis Robertson’s getting married in a few days, he finds his mind dwelling on past loves and friendships. As he hangs out with his best friends and groomsmen, Davis relives past experiences with these men, former college mates who formed The Friday Night Club, which was nothing more than a party club. Although Davis loves his fiancée, his thoughts keep turning to the one woman he never really had, a woman he’s always held in high regard but never pursued. He fears committing, fears an uncertain future, but tells himself it’s time to grow up and move forward. While partying with his friends, Davis vacillates from being certain he wants to marry to doubting his commitment to his fiancée.
This quasi-autobiography isn’t your typical bachelor’s last fling, although there are the quintessential drunken parties, humorous scenarios, assaults and ultimate arrest. Although couched as a coming-of-age story, The Friday Night Club goes beyond that, delivering poignant, profound insights into the struggling mindset of a young man as he passes into adulthood. Lurie skillfully pulls his reader into Davis’s angst, his at-times conflictual relationships with his Friday Night Club partners, his earnest yearning for something he thinks is unattainable. This intriguing book doesn’t limit itself to men; women will enjoy the read as much, if not more.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
TELL ME ABOUT ORCHARD HOLLOW
TELL ME ABOUT ORCHARD HOLLOW
by Lin Stepp
Canterbury House Publishing Ltd.
225 Ira Harmn Rd.
Vilas, NC 28692
www.canterburyhousepublishing.com
ISBN: 9780982539613
Jenna Howell grew up under the dominion of a controlling mother only to marry a man of the same mindset. Both her mother and husband are verbally abusive and make light of Jenna’s artistic talent, whittling away at Jenna’s self-confidence and enjoyment of life. Reality hits hard when Jenna catches her husband in the arms of another woman. Jenna decides to take a break from her marriage at the mountain cabin of a friend in the picturesque town of Townsend, TN. There, Jenna meets local artist Boyce Hart. Although the two are attracted to one another, Jenna is still married and feels she is too vulnerable to begin a relationship. Boyce becomes a good friend to Jenna and through his kindness, respect and deep faith shows her there can be a better life for her, if she is strong enough to leave her past behind.
Book two in Lin Stepp’s Smoky Mountain series is a sweet love story filled with engaging characters set against the beautiful background of the Smoky Mountains. Although the plot is not a new one, this inspiring story focuses on family values, deep faith and a woman’s journey of self-discovery as she begins to believe in her own worth while seeking to become a stronger person.
by Lin Stepp
Canterbury House Publishing Ltd.
225 Ira Harmn Rd.
Vilas, NC 28692
www.canterburyhousepublishing.com
ISBN: 9780982539613
Jenna Howell grew up under the dominion of a controlling mother only to marry a man of the same mindset. Both her mother and husband are verbally abusive and make light of Jenna’s artistic talent, whittling away at Jenna’s self-confidence and enjoyment of life. Reality hits hard when Jenna catches her husband in the arms of another woman. Jenna decides to take a break from her marriage at the mountain cabin of a friend in the picturesque town of Townsend, TN. There, Jenna meets local artist Boyce Hart. Although the two are attracted to one another, Jenna is still married and feels she is too vulnerable to begin a relationship. Boyce becomes a good friend to Jenna and through his kindness, respect and deep faith shows her there can be a better life for her, if she is strong enough to leave her past behind.
Book two in Lin Stepp’s Smoky Mountain series is a sweet love story filled with engaging characters set against the beautiful background of the Smoky Mountains. Although the plot is not a new one, this inspiring story focuses on family values, deep faith and a woman’s journey of self-discovery as she begins to believe in her own worth while seeking to become a stronger person.
Monday, May 3, 2010
THE NAKED TRUTH ABOUT BOOK PUBLISHING
THE NAKED TRUTH ABOUT BOOK PUBLISHING
by Linda Houle
Wisdom Trends
Spring, Texas
www.wisdomtrends.com
ISBN: 9781603188036 (Ebook)
ISBN: 9781603188029 (Print)
Who better to offer a guide to publishing than someone who, after extensively researching the field, has actually entered the fray? Linda Houle, co-owner of L&L Dreamspell Publishing Company, has written an informative, easy-to-understand handbook about book publishing and the choices available to authors. Respecting the direction a writer takes with regard to publishing their book lies with the writer, Houle presents the facts about the publishing industry and its evolving changes in a clear, concise manner without sugarcoating or denigration.
Houle explains the different publishing options now available to authors and clarifies diverse modes of publishing, such as offset printing; POD, or print-on-demand; and ebooks, or electronic books. Explaining the pros and cons with each one, she takes the reader on a publishing journey with a hypothetical author who uses each of the publishing methods, including traditionally published with a large press, traditionally published with a small or indie press, subsidy published, and self or author published.
A step-by-step checklist for authors who wish to self-publish print and/or ebooks is included. Tips on promoting are offered, as well as red flags to be aware of concerning publishers and agents who are not the real deal. She offers an informative Q&A section, glossary explaining publishing lingo, and extensive list of resources for authors at the end of the book.
Without a doubt, this highly recommended handbook should be a major resource for writers across the board, from those thinking about publishing to those who have established themselves as authors.
by Linda Houle
Wisdom Trends
Spring, Texas
www.wisdomtrends.com
ISBN: 9781603188036 (Ebook)
ISBN: 9781603188029 (Print)
Who better to offer a guide to publishing than someone who, after extensively researching the field, has actually entered the fray? Linda Houle, co-owner of L&L Dreamspell Publishing Company, has written an informative, easy-to-understand handbook about book publishing and the choices available to authors. Respecting the direction a writer takes with regard to publishing their book lies with the writer, Houle presents the facts about the publishing industry and its evolving changes in a clear, concise manner without sugarcoating or denigration.
Houle explains the different publishing options now available to authors and clarifies diverse modes of publishing, such as offset printing; POD, or print-on-demand; and ebooks, or electronic books. Explaining the pros and cons with each one, she takes the reader on a publishing journey with a hypothetical author who uses each of the publishing methods, including traditionally published with a large press, traditionally published with a small or indie press, subsidy published, and self or author published.
A step-by-step checklist for authors who wish to self-publish print and/or ebooks is included. Tips on promoting are offered, as well as red flags to be aware of concerning publishers and agents who are not the real deal. She offers an informative Q&A section, glossary explaining publishing lingo, and extensive list of resources for authors at the end of the book.
Without a doubt, this highly recommended handbook should be a major resource for writers across the board, from those thinking about publishing to those who have established themselves as authors.
ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS
ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS
by J.T. Ellison
MIRA Books
225 Duncan Mill Road
Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9
www.MIRABooks.com
ISBN: 9780778324430
Nashville Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson is called to the scene of a homicide, where the body of a young woman, sans hands, has been discovered. When a hand is found near the crime scene, DNA proves it doesn’t belong to the murdered woman but to another woman, whose body was found in another state. This brings the FBI into play, via Taylor’s lover, profiler Dr. John Baldwin. The Southern Strangler, as the killer comes to be known, goes on a killing spree throughout the South, crossing state lines, leaving the bodies of young women behind, all missing their hands, but with another woman’s hand nearby. And his kills are escalating at a fast rate. Baldwin and Taylor team up to catch him although Taylor gets temporarily sidetracked pursuing a serial rapist named the Rainman while Baldwin travels in the killer’s footsteps. But soon the two are back together, hot on the heels of the killer.
Taylor Jackson is not your archetypical Southern Belle. A woman from a wealthy family, she chose the life of a cop over that of a privileged soccer mom. She’s well-educated, intelligent and tough mentally and physically, but her one weakness is Baldwin. The two are a winning combo and their personas complement one another. Peripheral characters are nicely developed, as is the chemistry between Taylor and Baldwin. The plot moves at a fast pace, with gut-wrenching suspense and plenty of action. Ellison’s smart writing places this one apart from other mystery series and is sure to garner a plethora of fans eager for the next book.
by J.T. Ellison
MIRA Books
225 Duncan Mill Road
Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9
www.MIRABooks.com
ISBN: 9780778324430
Nashville Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson is called to the scene of a homicide, where the body of a young woman, sans hands, has been discovered. When a hand is found near the crime scene, DNA proves it doesn’t belong to the murdered woman but to another woman, whose body was found in another state. This brings the FBI into play, via Taylor’s lover, profiler Dr. John Baldwin. The Southern Strangler, as the killer comes to be known, goes on a killing spree throughout the South, crossing state lines, leaving the bodies of young women behind, all missing their hands, but with another woman’s hand nearby. And his kills are escalating at a fast rate. Baldwin and Taylor team up to catch him although Taylor gets temporarily sidetracked pursuing a serial rapist named the Rainman while Baldwin travels in the killer’s footsteps. But soon the two are back together, hot on the heels of the killer.
Taylor Jackson is not your archetypical Southern Belle. A woman from a wealthy family, she chose the life of a cop over that of a privileged soccer mom. She’s well-educated, intelligent and tough mentally and physically, but her one weakness is Baldwin. The two are a winning combo and their personas complement one another. Peripheral characters are nicely developed, as is the chemistry between Taylor and Baldwin. The plot moves at a fast pace, with gut-wrenching suspense and plenty of action. Ellison’s smart writing places this one apart from other mystery series and is sure to garner a plethora of fans eager for the next book.
COLD WINTER NIGHTS
COLD WINTER NIGHTS
A LAKE GEORGE MYSTERY
by Anne White
Hilliard and Harris
P.O. Box 275
Boonsboro, MD 21713
www.hilliardandharris.com
ISBN: 1591332982
Emerald Point, NY Mayor Loren Graham is looking forward to enjoying the holiday season with her fiancé and friends. The festivities have just begun when the body of well-respected nurse Denise McNaughton is found, beaten to death. Graham’s friend, Deputy Sheriff Jim Thompson, in charge of the investigation and aware of Loren’s propensity for amateur sleuthing, warns her to stay out of the case. Rumors are flying about McNaughton’s social life and Loren, fearing for her town’s safety, takes it upon herself to question those who knew McNaughton well. There are plenty of suspects, including a homeless vagrant and the ex-husband of Loren’s best friend, both of whom reach out to Loren for help in proving their innocence. It isn’t long before Loren’s efforts to help these men turn the killer’s eyes on her.
In this fifth installment of her Lake George Mystery series, White thrusts the reader into a thrilling whodunit, weaving into the story popular Lake George festivities, such as the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. Loren is an interesting character, a strong woman who feels protective of her town and job as mayor. Secondary characters continue to evolve and are heartwarming and entertaining. This cozy whodunit will prove a challenging read for those trying to solve the mystery for themselves.
A LAKE GEORGE MYSTERY
by Anne White
Hilliard and Harris
P.O. Box 275
Boonsboro, MD 21713
www.hilliardandharris.com
ISBN: 1591332982
Emerald Point, NY Mayor Loren Graham is looking forward to enjoying the holiday season with her fiancé and friends. The festivities have just begun when the body of well-respected nurse Denise McNaughton is found, beaten to death. Graham’s friend, Deputy Sheriff Jim Thompson, in charge of the investigation and aware of Loren’s propensity for amateur sleuthing, warns her to stay out of the case. Rumors are flying about McNaughton’s social life and Loren, fearing for her town’s safety, takes it upon herself to question those who knew McNaughton well. There are plenty of suspects, including a homeless vagrant and the ex-husband of Loren’s best friend, both of whom reach out to Loren for help in proving their innocence. It isn’t long before Loren’s efforts to help these men turn the killer’s eyes on her.
In this fifth installment of her Lake George Mystery series, White thrusts the reader into a thrilling whodunit, weaving into the story popular Lake George festivities, such as the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. Loren is an interesting character, a strong woman who feels protective of her town and job as mayor. Secondary characters continue to evolve and are heartwarming and entertaining. This cozy whodunit will prove a challenging read for those trying to solve the mystery for themselves.
TALES FROM THE PORCH
TALES FROM THE PORCH
by Curtis R. Blanton
Illustrated by James C. Sellers
Porchtales
P.O. Box 811
Norris, TN 37828
www.porchtales.com
ISBN: 0978556003
Author Curtis Blanton has penned a humorous collection of “tall tales and short stories” about his childhood in the mountains of North Carolina. Utilizing realistic mountain vernacular, the book is filled with humorous stories and colorful characters surrounding events Blanton experienced growing up. This reviewer particularly enjoyed the stories about the formation of numerous churches due to warring congregants, the prank played on the owner of a virgin mule, frantic reaction to and cause of black snow, the wampuscat and “cats-purr fever”, along with a multitude of others. Blanton is a true storyteller and holds his readers’ interest regaling stories about the entertaining and endearing mountain folks he knew growing up, some of whom have names that are as colorful as the characters. Readers will also appreciate that Blanton maintains the dialect of the mountain people throughout, adding an extra dimension to some really good storytelling.
by Curtis R. Blanton
Illustrated by James C. Sellers
Porchtales
P.O. Box 811
Norris, TN 37828
www.porchtales.com
ISBN: 0978556003
Author Curtis Blanton has penned a humorous collection of “tall tales and short stories” about his childhood in the mountains of North Carolina. Utilizing realistic mountain vernacular, the book is filled with humorous stories and colorful characters surrounding events Blanton experienced growing up. This reviewer particularly enjoyed the stories about the formation of numerous churches due to warring congregants, the prank played on the owner of a virgin mule, frantic reaction to and cause of black snow, the wampuscat and “cats-purr fever”, along with a multitude of others. Blanton is a true storyteller and holds his readers’ interest regaling stories about the entertaining and endearing mountain folks he knew growing up, some of whom have names that are as colorful as the characters. Readers will also appreciate that Blanton maintains the dialect of the mountain people throughout, adding an extra dimension to some really good storytelling.
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
by Garth Stein
Harper Collins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 9780061537936
Enzo loves nothing more than racing around a racetrack with his master, up-and-coming race car driver Denny Swift. Enzo has been with Denny since puppyhood and the two share a heartwarming relationship. Enzo is Denny’s best friend and confidante and Enzo dreams of one day returning to Earth as a human with hopes of meeting Denny in that form.
The book begins on the eve of Enzo’s death, and from that point backtracks to the life shared by a caring man and his dog. We read about the changes in their lives as Denny marries, has a daughter, loses his wife to an early death, then his daughter to her grandparents. We’re part of Denny’s angst and frustration as he determinedly tries to regain custody of his daughter, whom he lost due to unjust allegations. And through it all, his dog Enzo, by his side, grieving with him, rejoicing with him, ready to help his master any way he can. The plot moves like life: up and down, filled with intense pain and great happiness.
Enzo’s take on life is refreshing and insightful and the analogies he makes between life and race car driving are poignant and eye-opening. Be sure to keep plenty of tissues handy, because this is a book that, although heart-crushingly sad, is at the same time uplifting and touching.
by Garth Stein
Harper Collins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 9780061537936
Enzo loves nothing more than racing around a racetrack with his master, up-and-coming race car driver Denny Swift. Enzo has been with Denny since puppyhood and the two share a heartwarming relationship. Enzo is Denny’s best friend and confidante and Enzo dreams of one day returning to Earth as a human with hopes of meeting Denny in that form.
The book begins on the eve of Enzo’s death, and from that point backtracks to the life shared by a caring man and his dog. We read about the changes in their lives as Denny marries, has a daughter, loses his wife to an early death, then his daughter to her grandparents. We’re part of Denny’s angst and frustration as he determinedly tries to regain custody of his daughter, whom he lost due to unjust allegations. And through it all, his dog Enzo, by his side, grieving with him, rejoicing with him, ready to help his master any way he can. The plot moves like life: up and down, filled with intense pain and great happiness.
Enzo’s take on life is refreshing and insightful and the analogies he makes between life and race car driving are poignant and eye-opening. Be sure to keep plenty of tissues handy, because this is a book that, although heart-crushingly sad, is at the same time uplifting and touching.
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