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Tag: review

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Book Review: Only Ever You

Only Ever YouOnly Ever You by Rebecca Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The industry is buzzing with the term “domestic thriller.” And I’m not really sure what that is. But I do know I enjoyed this book.

Drake has created a good story that will resonate especially well with parents, but should strike a chord with anyone (unless you have a heart of rock). The characters were realistic and, being from Pittsburgh myself, I enjoyed the local setting, which was spot on.

The plot was well-paced and twisty (full disclosure: I did guess most of the ending, although I had the wrong letter-subject; I put that down to all the studying of thrillers I’ve done, but this did not diminish my enjoyment of the book).

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Book Review: With a Vengeance

With a VengeanceWith a Vengeance by Annette Dashofy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was able to read an early version of this book.

It’s kind of trite to say that the latest book in a series is “the best one yet.” But in this case, it’s true. Dashofy has clearly hit her stride with these characters and her skill as a writer is unquestionable.

The fear in these characters – and not just Zoe and Pete – is clear and palpable, yet it isn’t overdone. And none of them act the victim. Despite the danger to first responders, everybody acts true to their natures and calling. Which just makes you root for them more.

The climax of the book deftly recalls details given earlier. And if your heart isn’t pounding by the end, you are truly missing something.

Annette Dashofy deserves all of the honors she’s gotten thus far in her career and I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s on award slates next year with this latest book.

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Power to the People

by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73

563106811_53bbb25428_zThere’s been a lot of discussion lately about who has the power in publishing. Most people agree that publisher’s hold the lion’s share. After all, they write the contracts, they are responsible for editing and art, distribution, marketing (although authors have to do a lot themselves these days). All (cough) the author does is write (cough, cough) the book.

But this post isn’t about that. Continue reading “Power to the People”

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Review: The Fault in Our Stars

This special guest post brought to you by my daughter.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is told from the view point of Hazel, or known as Hazel Grace to Gus (Augustus) Waters. The book was very relatable as a teen myself and quite realistic. I felt Hazel’s problems very similar to my own sometimes. I liked how she did not spend most of the book crying about nothing and was very out there. Continue reading “Review: The Fault in Our Stars”

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Story Cartel Campaign for POWER PLAY

by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73

I recently read a post by K.M. Weiland on her experiment with Story Cartel. If you aren’t familiar with Story Cartel, it is a site where authors offer free books. In exchanged, readers are encouraged to leave reviews (because what better way to support an author you like than by giving them a boost through “word of mouth,” which is really what reviews are). To sweeten the pot, authors run a little giveaway for those who leave reviews. Continue reading “Story Cartel Campaign for POWER PLAY”

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Star Chasers

or How You Shouldn’t Overreact to a One-Star Review

by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73

Recently, I came upon this post, expounding on the importance of the one-star review, and how detrimental it can be, especially to indie authors. What particularly caught me was this quote:

Despite her not even having read the book, she has managed to bring my 5 star rating down to 4 stars. This means a great deal of indie book sites will now not include my book in their free lists or advertising lists of the day. Continue reading “Star Chasers”

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Book Review: Alligators Overhead

by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73

Author: C. Lee McKenzie
Personal Rating 4/5 stars

When Pete Riley loses his parents and is shipped off to live with his Aunt Lizzie, he doesn’t think life can get much worse. Hadleytown is down-right boring. The only excitement comes from pranks and hanging with his friend Weasel. That is, things are boring until the Hadley Mansion, which hasn’t been seen in 100 years, appears out of nowhere. Now Pete is hearing Harriet Hadley’s voice in his head, making wishes come true, and talking to alligators. And what is all this about Aunt Lizzie being a witch? Continue reading “Book Review: Alligators Overhead”