Review of the Novel: Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon

By: Tonya Coffey

Rating: 4 Glasses

Adorable :) I really enjoyed this story despite it being for a younger audience. This story really is designed for the younger reader with a sweet fairy tale feel and magic creatures as well. A young woman's journey into the magical world is one the young reader can find themselves immersed in and journey with Jessa not just watch from the sidelines. A clean read that I think would work for any audience but I really feel the younger readers will love it the best.

* I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: Coinman: An Untold Conspiracy

Coinman: A Untold Conspiracy

By: Pawan Mishra

Rating: 4 Glasses

Unique is the first word that comes to mind when describing this book. The second would be refreshing, it was refreshing to read such a unique story. I love the quirky nature of Coinman, he was entertaining and fun. I loved the storyline and the issues dealing with his co-workers as well as his wife. I think that this story holds its own in the story world and I cannot sit here and say "oh yah I have read this story before" I really think most people who like to get outside the comfort zone and try new stories will really enjoy this one of kind book.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Indie Film Friday

 

Starting February 5, 2016 every Friday will by "Indie Film Friday" here on the blog. I will be featuring and reviewing a new indie film each week. If you are an indie filmmaker and would like for your film to be reviewed and featured, please fill out the contact form below to submit your film :)

I would love to have filmmakers give their personal touch to the feature so I don't just have to go out and find indie films to feature. So, you will see indie films that come to me and those I find on my own. Let's explore the world of the indie film together :) 

 

Love

Ana 

Review of the Novel: City of Masks: Book 1 of the Bone Mask Trilogy

 

City of Masks: Book 1 of the Bone Mask Trilogy

By: Ashley Capes

Rating: 5 Glasses

Any time I get a book of this length, I take a deep breath. I am expecting to spend almost a week reading it so I mentally prepare myself to potentially be bored. However.....that was not the case in this book. Not only did I finish it in record time for a book of this length, I NEVER got bored! Ashley keeps the reader intrigued by giving us characters we want to follow and action to keep us interested. I really like Sophia, that's my kind of gal but to say she was the only character I enjoyed I would be lying, I really enjoyed most of the characters...even the bad guys. A long read but worth it. If you love fantasy mixed with action/adventure you will love this book.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Wattpad Wednesday: The Stolen Papyrus

 

It's Wattpad Wednesday, Today's story is:

 

 

About the Story: She doesn't carry a whip or wear a fedora, but Michaela Sterling does know how to use a shovel and dig for artifacts.
However, what she wasn't expecting while excavating in Egypt was discovering she would have to be working with the one person on earth she never wanted to see again- Xander Harrison.
Nor did she think she would find herself in the middle of a murder investigation...with Xander as the main suspect.
To make it all even more complicated, there is a more dangerous enemy lurking in the shadows... and it all seems to revolve around an ancient papyrus that vanished the night her father died.
Although Xander claims his innocence, Michaela can't bring herself to trust him. Until she has no other choice.


About the Author: I go by C.M. Turner and I've always loved to write. I didn't start to write seriously until I needed an outlet. You see, I'm a small-town country-bumpkin who relocated to Europe after graduating from college. While trying to find a job and learn a confusing new language, I began writing as a distraction during the long and frustrating process. I took something I had started when I was younger and felt as though I could make it into something epic- so I did! I'd love to see this story become a series that will someday be published, either traditionally or through self-publishing.

I write about things I love- history, exoctic places, mystery, adventure, plot twists, and sweet, clean romance. I love to see readers' comments as they root for the good guy and are shocked at the plot twists and beg for more. It tells me I'm on the right path!


Where can you find the Author: You can reach me here:
   Wattpad @CaitLin817
   Twitter @_cmturner
   Facebook facebook.com/authorcmturner

Review of the short story: Krim Du Shaw

Krim Du Shaw

By: Talia Haven

Rating: 3 1/2 Glasses

Super short and super sad :( This is a very well written short story however it is really sad. To tell the story of the disappearance of unicorns was heartbreaking for me. This is by no means a fairy tale type story for children as there are some very dark images of mankind and the pain they caused the unicorns. As a story it is really well written but I am not sure of the audience it is targeted at. I don't think it is appropriate for children but at the same time it is not fully an adult story either. I think if you enjoy short stories and fantasy creatures explained you may really like this book.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Ana's Post

Today is the day :) James is officially available for pre-sale SO....... I am giving Marie away for FREE :)

That's right from 1/25-1/29/2016 Marie is a FREE Digital Download on Amazon. She has been professional re-edited and is ready to entrap a larger audience so grab a copy while she is free.

 

Also once your hooked you can keep going with James which will be officially released on

February 3, 2016.

 

 To Grab a Copy of "Marie" Click Here :)

 

 

To Pre-Order a Copy of 'James' Click Here :)

 

 

Ana

 

Review of the Novel: Allerleirauh

Allerleirauh

By: Chantal Gadoury

Rating: 5 Glasses

A very interesting take on the fairy tale world. At first when I presented with the notion of paternal rape I was blown back, in a fairy tale? The I really thought about it and let's be honest parent's are awful to their children in most fairy tales so whose to say it is outrageous in this type of world. That being said I love a good fairy tale and this book falls perfectly into the genre. I got the Disney princess feel but with a more mature feel and target audience. A love a heroic prince and a princess who stands up for herself. This book was well written and an easy read. I would recommend for my fairy tale lovers out there.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: The Masks of Monsters

The Masks of Monsters

By: Narayan Liu

Rating: 4 Glasses

I was apprehensive about taking his novel when it was offered to me and even questioned the author prior to accepting the book, "Do they sparkle?" However I was really happy to find that they didn't sparkle and were the darker deeper vampires that I love. The story was interesting to read in that the main character was in real conflict about what he was and who he was going to be. I think that the vampire fans out that will really enjoy this short yet fulfilling novel about the underworld of vampires.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Book: Getting a Handle on Happy

Getting a Handle on Happy

By: Teri J Dluznieski

Rating: 3 1/2 Glasses

I appreciate the work that goes into books like this. Their goal is to help people and give them advice on how to better their lives. However for someone who has been in the mental health field for ten years like I have most of this information is not new. I think for someone who was struggling this book could be very helpful for them to get themselves back on track. I do disagree with the author in the respect that "pills are a quick fix" For someone who has worked with individuals with serious mental illness no amount of meditation can fix that. Medication is necessary for some people and should not be frowned upon. Now I am not saying this author has bad intentions, I think a lot she suggests are great and are very helpful. I live by many of the same dietary principles and my life has improved greatly since I made that change. So check it out, it may work wonders for you.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana 

Review of the Novel: Pride's Children Purgatory

Pride's Children Purgatory

By: Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt

Rating: 4 Glasses

A very interesting novel. The style is unique and inviting. The character's are fascinating and their interactions are well thought out and planned. However at times the story would drag due to the intense amount of inner dialog and character exploration. It still held my interest and I became very invested in the characters and the outcome of their interactions. The process of making a film and how it affected the characters and who they became was a fun storyline to follow. I look forward to seeing what happens next to these characters and how they grow from this experience.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Wattpad Wednesday: New

It's Wattpad Wednesday, and today's story is:

 

About the Story: Rose Rosuelles, a 19 year old girl. She is a modest, funny, dramatic and emotional girl. She always dreamed like every other girl in the world. Housework, get married, have children and the end. But, what happened when she moved to London?

About the Author:
My name is Halima mohd Hassan
I'm 14 years old
I'm now working on the next part of the book NEW. I'm also working on a science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal, spiritual, non-fiction, romance and another Fanfiction. I have the stories planned, just inscriptions it in a book.  I want people to live a life which they can't live in this world.
Actually, I already had many ideas when I was 13, but was too scared to write or show them to the world. Then my friends they encouraged me to write after listening to my ideas and here I am writing a book. I love all my lovely readers. I notice and know each of my readers. My readers often tell me that my work is very good. And that makes me want to write more
Thank you for all the support


Where can you find the story and author: You can find me on Twitter by the user name binthassan21
On wattpad by the username halimahassan
Email me by binthassan21@gmail.com



Ana

Review of the Book: Yaser and Yasmeen

Yaser and Yasmeen

By: Saleh M Radaideh

Rating: 5 Glasses

I had no idea what to expect from this novel. I am not a big poetry person. I find myself hearing the words "poetry" and I start trying to make everything rhyme. This does not work, lol. That being said I adjusted very quickly to the style of writing and found myself really enjoying the style. It is different and unique and was very well written. The subjects address of the suffering caused by class division was handled with class and tact and although strong did not feel preachy. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend for anyone who likes to go outside their comfort zone and try something new.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Ana's Post

Today's Topic: Twitter :) Ok I love Twitter! It took me a while to get into it and understand the whole hashtag thing but once I did I am now a bit of a Twitter junkie :)
Big problem with Twitter as with many other social platforms is the constant stream of attempt to "sell" you followers. So basically buying friends....no thank you :P However I did find a website/app that helps you get re-tweets and I have been having a bit too much fun on. It is called CoPromote and it is Twitter folks sharing the tweets you want to reach a larger audience. My Twitter following has grown as have my book sales sooooo for me I would say it has been worth the few minutes everyday.
Here is the link to join me on CoPromote:

http://awe.sm/wFPP

 

I would love more resources to share with everyone :) If you have one share it. :)

 

Ana

Review of the Novel: Stalingrad: The Loneliest Death

Stalingrad: The Loneliest Death

By: Christoph Fromm

Rating: 5 Glasses

I am not even sure where to start on this novel. MIND BLOWN! It was wonderfully written and fully engrossing. I am a sucker for historical fiction and rarely do I find a novel that so vividly brings the horrors of war to life. Many times with WWII books we get things from the winning sides perspective but to see things from these soldiers' point of view was an emotional ride. It is a long book but worth every page. For the history lovers this book will hit an emotional cord as you live out these events through the eyes of those who suffered through them.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

 

Review of the short story: Written on the Apple Tree

Written on the Apple Tree

By: Ann Girdharry

Rating: 4 Glasses

I have not read the previous three stories so I am not sure how this one compares to those. It is very difficult to the squeeze a story with a lot of depth into such a short story however the author does that very well. I really enjoy having a not so happy ending and some twists and turns. This story was a great read and I plan to check out the rest of the series real soon.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: Cassidy (The Technicality Series)

Cassidy: The Technicality Series

By: Angel Gary

Rating: 4 Glasses

As always I enjoy a good steamy novel. My only main complaint it is took too long to get there, lol. I also wished more would have happened in the novel. However it was a fun read with some real steam to it. Angel crafted a great read and an enjoyable story. I liked Cassidy and I am glad she found her way without a man in the end. I look forward to what adventures await her in the rest of the series.

Review of the Novel: Twisted in a Postive Way

Twisted in a Positive Way

By: Chikamso C Efobi

Rating:  4 Glasses

Beautifully written and elegantly presented. I really enjoyed this coming of age novel. Now I wouldn't normally say that. I don't really get into coming of age stories as many times I struggle to relate to the character and despite that problem again I struggled to put it down. Being able to see things from a very different way of life and culture and still find things to relate to was no small task for the writer but she masters it. It was a slow paced book with time as you read to really attach to the character and live through her progress. I would recommend for those who enjoy inspirational books and coming of age stories.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Wattpad Wednesday: The Dragon

It's Wattpad Wednesday and todays story is:

From the Author:

About the Story:  Maria Hornsheath is two things: a peasant and an anthromorph. The lowliest of anthromorphs in fact; a dragon. A sign of evil they are among the poorest beings living within the kingdom. Her mother is crippled by age, no longer able to work as she once could when she was younger, when her old bones could shift easily and it was not painful to move in the slightest. Her step-father - a human who was cast out of society for marrying a 'common garden snake' - is a poor roof thatcher, barely able to put food on the table for Maria and her half-brother, Chase. Desperate to help her parents make end's meet, Maria delves into the darkest parts of the city, living in a life of crime and secrecy. That is of course, until her 'secret' is found out. (It's fantasy if that matters)

About the Author:My name is Samantha Clarke and I'm a twenty-two year old college student, currently in my fourth year of study, hopefully graduating in the spring of 2017. I'm majoring in social work and plan to one day work in either early intervention or with troubled LGBT+ youth.
I have always been fascinated with reading and writing, and I started writing short, illustrated stories when I was ten years old, just for fun. I became serious about my writing when I was eighteen and began working on my first novel, which inspirations came from a small group of my friends. I hope that one day I will be successful enough to become a full-time novelist, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

What can the reader expect: Readers can expect some good fantasy and werewolf/paranormal stories. I like to throw a little element of romance in my stories, so they can expect that too. I like plot twists and kill off my characters (cuz I'm a monster, I know) but I've heard that I'm good at what I do and I leave my readers wanting more!

Where can you and the work be found:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Clarke/e/B00RSKNS1S

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/home.php?refsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F&_rdr#~!/profile.php?fref=nf&pn_ref=story&ref=bookmarks

Twitter: @SClarkeBooks

Tumblr: SClarkeBooks.Tumblr.Com

WattPad: @SamanthaMClarke


Ana

Review of the Novel: Eden Bound

Eden Bound

By: Kyrah Winters

Rating: 5 Glasses

When I saw the cover I thought I was getting a sweet calm romance type book......I was so wrong! Although a romance develops between the two main characters this was no run of the mill two people fall in love book. It was filled with action and adventure and a great ending. I really liked Karis, she was sarcastic and bold. She held her own against the angel warrior who comes into her life. I loved the banter between the two of them and how it grows their relationship. The action scenes are really well written and fit the story perfectly. It was a great read and a lot of fun. I would recommend for anyone who enjoys fantasy mixed with adventure. I can't wait to find out what happens next :)

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Ana's Post

Today I want to focus on the role of the book cover in enticing the reader. When I first published Marie I used the cover creator on Createspace and to be honest I sold to my family and friends. However once I found a professional cover I saw a drastic increase in sales. The cover is your book's first introduction to a reader. Very few readers looks at the description before the cover. So having a professional cover is to your advantage. Personally I used www.selfpubbookcovers.com and more specifically two artists:

For Marie, I used this artist : www.selfpubbookcovers.com/Ravenborn

For James, I used this artist: www.selfpubbookcovers.com/Daniela

 

Both were amazing to work with and so is the company. I highly recommend them if you are looking to upgrade your cover :)

 

Ana

Review of the Novel: From the Mud

From the Mud

By: Paul Emery

Rating: 3 1/2 Glasses

I am not one to do half glasses but I was torn with this book. On one hand I think it was a very well written novel and tackled a very serious subject well. On the other hand I struggled with the pace and some language choices. To clarify the story was being told from Bert's point of view and at times words that are used do not fit the time period for someone to have used. The book tackles a very serious subject and addresses PTSD in WWI soldiers however due to it being a fictitious account and not a memoir it lost some of its emotional draw. As for pace the story is a slow moving one and for someone like me who prefers fast paced it was at times tough to read without losing focus. Now with all that being said it was a well written novel and I am glad I read it but it was not really for me. If you enjoy slower paced emotional reads about war this book will fit your perfectly.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana 

Review of the Novel: Doboro the Bottlenecker

Doboro the Bottlenecker

By: Kevin M. Kraft

Rating: 5 Glasses

I really enjoyed this novel. It was filled with intrigued and action, and I never shy away from those. I got a very Dr Stange feel in this book as a man must put himself back together after everything was taken from him. I was left in awe at the end of the novel and desperate to find out what was going to happen next. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series :)

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

To grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: Catherine Dickens: Outside the Magic Circle

Catherine Dickens: Outside the Magic Circle

By: Heera Datta

Rating: 4 Glasses

Giving a voice to a little known and understood woman in history is a favorite of mine. We got her husband's side of the story but not hers. This book gives her that voice. She suffered emotional abuse at the hands of her husband but just sucked it up for her children. She had grace in her abuse and didn't speak out. This was common of woman in her time period to suffer in silence. However her story is not uncommon and I had hoped she would have found real happiness which it appeared she never did. This book can be difficult read as there really isn't a light at the end of the tunnel. I would recommend this book for historical buffs.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: The Bathory Curse

The Bathory Curse

By: Renee Lake

Rating: 5 Glasses

I Love this type of book. Fantasy mixed with history shrouded in mystery. It was a new and unique look at the Vlad the Impaler storyline mixing in lore with history to draw the reader in. Vampire stories have gotten soooo predictable and formulaic but this one steps outside the box to give us something new. I would highly recommend for the vampire fans out there and those who enjoy some fantasy mixed with history.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Wattpad Wednesday: Bullied and Alone

It's time for Wattpad Wednesdays and today's story is:

From the Author (Ali)

About the Story: In the book there is all different true stories about people's bullying stories (mine is at the front) and I want to try to get as much people as I can to stand up and voice their feelings and

About the Author: Me on the other hand, I love helping people (as I am an anti-bullying ambassador and of course this book) My goals...well I like a mystery and I love what I am doing now and all the people wanting to help them selves, I started writing because I read this book on wattpad by an amazing author that did bulling stories (bit different than mine) and I talked to her about me ideas and she gave me some help and tips for writing, so here I am.

What can the reader expect?:  Readers can expect truth and 100% effort in my work.

To check it out on wattpad click here:  Bullied and Alone

Ana

Review of the Novel: Murder In-Absentia

Murder In-Absentia

By: Assaph Mehr

Rating: 4 Glasses

I am a sucker for a murder mystery so I gladly added this book to my que. I really enjoyed the mixture of magic with ancient Rome. The history buff was taken back but the fantasy lover in me was enthralled. There is a lot of time taken to build this world and bring the reader into it which at times can almost bog down a very interesting mystery. I love the twists in the story and it held my interest. I would recommend for lovers of fantasy and murder mysteries.

* I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Ana's Post

Oh no time for a rant...lol. I recently became involved in a conversation with some fellow writers who had the mindset that if a book has a lot profanity, it is of poor quality. That the use of profanity is just lazy writing and shows a low intellect on the part of the author. Well.... I completely disagree. Here's my argument. Profanity is a part of daily life, if you use it or not you will come into contact with it. People cuss! To think that a character who cusses is not a well thought out character is just saying it is not the type of character you want. If you don't like books with profanity then don't read them but to say they are garbage is just narrow-minded. I won't go on a long rant but accept it profanity exists and it in books doesn't make them bad. Just remember, "Good Will Hunting" is littered with the F-word and it has an Academy Award for Best Screenplay......... I would love one of those, LOL

Review of the book: Today, Tomorrow, Forever

Today, Tomorrow, Forever

By: K.A. Duggsy

Rating: 4 Glasses

This book was short and to the point. It is part of a series and I am interested to see where the story goes. The story had good flow and an engaging storyline. The only complaint I have is that the main female character was very quick to have sex for the first time with her new boyfriend after finding out her rapist and abuser was on the lose and had vandalized her car and broke the windows of her apartment. I know I wouldn't be in the mood. Other than that I think the story was a good read and I am interested in checking out the second book in this series.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: Recovering in an Art

Recovering is an Art

By: Astrid Lee Miles

Rating: 4 Glasses

I found this book to be a very deep read. To address the issues of child abuse, rape, suicidal thoughts, and depression is a tall order. I think this book did a great job of addressing those issues without getting preachy. The only thing that stopped me from giving it five stars were formatting and grammar issues. Although small there were several instances of tense problems and some typos that did not ruin the book for me at all just prevented the five star rating.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: Discovery The Iron Web #1

Discovery: The Iron Web

By: Kristin Ravelle

Rating: 4 Glasses

This book was very difficult for me to review because I wanted to like it. I love a book with a female protagonist but it was very predictable. Now that may be due to reading a lot of books in the genre but Bryn's actions were very predictable. She meets a mysterious hot outlaw who helps her realize the problem with the way the world is run and she makes the decision to run with him and rebel. Hot guys have that power. I am thankful there really wasn't a love triangle as those appear to be standard now for young adult novels (thank you Twilight and Hunger Games). I liked how supernatural powers were brought into the picture as it appears as though Bryn and her powers will make her the center of the fight against this evil organization/government. I wanted her to be a stronger character but she is just coming into her own and discovering what she is capable of. So, hopefully she will take charge a bit more in the next book. I also hope there are more twists in the story in the next novels. If you like the Hunger Games/Divergent style of book this one will work for you.


To Grab a Copy Click Here

Ana