Ana's Post

Sometimes my blog posts are short and to the point and sometimes I have a bit more to say....this is one of those posts.
 Recently I traveled out of the country, it was more needed than I even realized. To just get away and disconnect. My life has changed so much in the past year I can't imagine my life the way it is now last year at this time.
As many of you know back in November I suffered the tragic loss of the little boy I was a nanny for. He was taken from us by something the doctors could do nothing to stop and it crushed everyone his life touched. On February 4, 2016 I received the news I was dreading. The little girl I was also a caregiver for lost her battle against her own body. I never thought when I met both of those sweet angels that within three months of each other they would become real angels.
The trip to the Caribbean was my chance to reflect on what has happened and what I want to happen in the future. I want to continue to grow to become a better person everyday and to do my part to help others.
That is why I took the steps to register to become a Bone Marrow donor. It is an easy process to get registered and it may save a life. If we can be instrumental in providing what is necessary to save a life I think it is out duty to do it.

If you interested in joining me please go to www.bethematch.org to sign up

Ana

Review of the Novel: Cargo

Cargo

By: Jen Castleberry

Rating 4 Glasses

Short and to the point. This dystopian set novel is a great introduction to the characters and the environment they live in. I liked Cassidy and her supporting cast make for a interesting ban of survivalist. This book does not go into extensive details which will leave the reader looking forward to the next book in the installment. The only thing that didn't really ping for me is that it does fall in to the traps of the standard young adult novel, with predictable character types. However that being said it was fun to read and I look forward to checking out more of Jen's work. If you like the dystopian young adult novel genre this book will be right up your alley.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: Five Seven Five

Five, Seven, Five: The boy with words

By: C.E. Wilson

Rating: 4 Glasses

I have been given a lot of young adult novels to read lately and many will hold to the "rules of writing young adult books" this one however steps a bit outside those bounds. It was a bit confusing at first but the idea of a world without color was intriguing. The story flowed well and held my interest. I enjoyed the visuals the author brought to the page and the development of the characters throughout the book. If you like imaginative young adult literature this book is right for you.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Indie Film Friday: Filth

Scheming Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy), a bigoted and corrupt policeman, is in line for a promotion and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Enlisted to solve a brutal murder and threatened by the aspirations of his colleagues, including Ray Lennox (Jamie Bell), Bruce sets about ensuring their ruin, right under the nose of unwitting Chief Inspector Toal. As he turns his colleagues against one another by stealing their wives and exposing their secrets, Bruce starts to lose himself in a web of deceit that he can no longer control. His past is slowly catching up with him, and a missing wife, a crippling drug habit and suspicious colleagues start to take their toll on his sanity. The question is: can he keep his grip on reality long enough to disentangle himself from the filth? Written by Lionsgate UK .

Director:

Jon S. Baird

Writers:

Jon S. Baird, Irvine Welsh (novel)

Stars:

James McAvoy, Jamie Bell, Eddie Marsan 

Available on Netflix :)
 

Check out my Review:

          

 

Review of the Novel: Target in the Sun

Target in the Sun

By: Lynda Filler

Rating: 4 Glasses

Enjoyed this novel while cruising in the Caribbean....probably not my best idea, lol. Love, intrigue, and choices to be made about who they were to become. A love story built in through the drug wars and chaos that the drug trade has made The book changes point so view frequently and can be harder to follow for that reason but in the end it was intriguing and interesting to read. I think fans of romance books who love a little intrigue and danger to spice it up will enjoy this book.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Wattpad Wednesday: Ripper

Today's Story is:

About the story: In 1888, The streets of London were covered in blood when one man murdered five women and possibly even more. However what few know is that during his 3rd murder he was almost caught. It is this event that will be told and a fictional story based of true events.

About the Author: Justin Bienvenue is an author and poet from Massachusetts. He enjoys picking his brain and rummaging through the nonsense to find those creative and innovative gems that will become poems and stories. While three of his four published works are horror and poetry based he is by no means afraid of expanding into other genres and his goal is take on the Goliath of other genres with his metaphorical sling shot and create works that people will come to love and enjoy. He started writing after being told he has quite the imagination and after not being able to tackle five things on a list. When the fifth thing "Write a Book" was the only thing left he thought he's dip into the writing world and publish a book.

When he’s not writing he enjoys playing video games and watching sports such as football, baseball and basketball. He also enjoy the outdoors by playing sports and other activities when he can. Some of his interests include, History, Egyptology, Ufology, The Wild West and The Civil War.

Readers can except a lot of originality and creativity. While it may seem that a sentence could be bringing a reader into a typical world they will get a very unique surprise only to realize that while it seems like something they've read before it's more deep in creativity and defies to be different. Readers can also expect to be entertained and educated, one thing I like to do is keep the reader focused and reading by entertaining them but also I like to throw in real events, comments or happenings to educate as well.

You can find me on the following spots:
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/PoeticJu...
Website: http://jbienvenue.webs.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThePlasmaticW...
Twitter: @JustinBienvenue
Tumblr: jb75.tumblr.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JustinBienvenue
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXC...
iAuthor: http://www.iauthor.uk.com/profile/jus...

Ana

Review of the Novel: Fall Leaves Fall

Fall, Leaves, Fall

By: Mike Driver

Rating: 5 Glasses

Loving me some suspense. This is one of the goodies. Creepy but not to the point of causing an uncomfortable level of creep. Child murders and questions as to the true guilt. Twists and turns and all the fun that goes alone with it. I love a good mystery and I refuse to give you any more details as it would take all the joy out of reading this one. So if you love a good mystery and all the twists and turns that make they great, this one will not disappoint you.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Ana's Post

Hey All :) I am freshly back from my cruise so very little to report right now but stay tuned the posts are coming back tomorrow :)

Indie Film Friday: "Fatal Premonition"

After an arrogant, young businessman gets a new job as his best friend's boss, he receives a premonition of his murder.

Directors:

Ryan Crepack, David Esposito

Writers:

David Esposito (screenplay), Ryan Crepack (screenplay)                            

Stars:

David Esposito, Ryan Crepack, Dominik Zdzioch                        

You can find it at: https://vimeo.com/mindpalacepictures/fatalpremonition
 

Check out my review:

 

 

Review of the Novel: Catharsis

Catharsis

By: Noorilhuda

Rating: 2 Glasses

I hate giving a bad review :( It is just not in my nature but I really struggled reading this book. There is a lot of dialog which I love but it was hard to tell who was talking and follow the story as there were little descriptors as to who it was actually doing the talking. I also could not stand the main female character (double sad face) she was very unlikable. Now I am not saying that a character can't be tough and no nonsense but they have to have redeemable characteristics or things that make you want to care about them. She just didn't, she was always angry (enter hulk) and I really just couldn't care if anything happened to her or if she even solved the case. This has a great story premise but it just didn't work for me :(

Ana

Wattpad Wednesday: Searching for Donna Reed

Today's Story is:

 

About the Story: Colleen, abandoned at birth, finds solace in episodes of the Donna Reed Show while being raised in foster homes during the early 1960's. Colleen grows up to become a governess for the children of a wealthy couple, is introduced to a powerful businessman, and they are wed. Throughout her marriage, she identifies with Donna Reed and tries to be the perfect wife. Her inability to have children and the ensuing divorce lead Colleen to self-discovery.
About the Author:
Writing is a way for me to understand the world I live in and communicate that worldview with others. I have always had an active imagination and preferred to work by myself. Writing fiction is the perfect activity for me.

My stories feature characters whose lives are disrupted in ways that cause them to confront themselves and leads them and the reader to a better understanding of themselves or of life in general.

Near term, I have a collection of short stories that I plan to publish within the year. I have some more short fiction to publish on wattpad. A novel is in the works, and I want to revise a non-fiction paper edition of a book on personal finance I published twenty years ago and publish it as an ebook.

Readers can find me at:
Wattpad, username kcincog: https://www.wattpad.com/user/kcincog
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
My personal finance blog: http://www.liveoncash.com/blog


Ana

Review of the Novel: A Game of Gods

A Game of Gods

By: Kristoff Harry

Rating: 5 Glasses

I want to start by saying that I Love this cover! It is seriously one of the few covers to cross my path that would initially hook me to pick up the book and at least read the back cover to see what it was about. The choice love or saving the world, how unfair why cant I have both? I enjoyed that the love story was more of a subplot to the drama throughout the book. There is a lot of dialog and I like that, I want for the characters to have strong voices not pages of inner dialog. A very enjoyable book for the fans of drama/adventure books with a little love sprinkled in.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Ana's Post

Ok I have been intrigued by the Book Trailer idea so I gave it a shot...like on my own, lol. I am no graphic design queen but I don't think I did that bad of a job :) Check it out and let me know what you think :) I love feedback and can always make a new one :)

*Reminder that due to being on the cruise I will not be responding to contact forms this week but if you submit one I will get back to you when I get back on the 22nd*

Ana

Review of the Novel: Aligned Volume 1

Aligned Volume 1

By: Ella Miles

Rating: 4 Glasses

As usual I enjoyed a good dirty read. This book fits nicely into the romance/sex genre as I call it. It's a quick read with enjoyable characters. Of course they are both beautiful and desirable but that would never be enough to hold the readers attention. The story is strong but could have had more tension between the two of them driving their relationship. I wasn't the biggest fan of Landon for a lot of the book, some of his actions were kind of creepy at the beginning and his interactions with his ex-girlfriend at the beginning was very bothersome. That being said I did enjoy the book and would recommend for those who enjoy the romance genre.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: Hey Guys, the Redhead's Back!

Hey Guys, The Redhead's Back!

By: Laurie Loveman

Rating: 5 Glasses

I have never been through a divorce so I was worried I would not be able to relate to this book but I was wrong. I found I didn't have to have the experience to enjoy this woman's tale. It is told in a diary format which makes two books in a row in that format that worked perfectly for me. To many times in "inspirational" books the story is always so dark :( This is told through wit and fun and yes addresses her struggle but finds the joy in little things and does so through telling a fun story about becoming the best you can be. Learning a lot about the life of a firefighter was just a bonus :) If you enjoy a good laugh while at the same time inspirational books you will love this one.

*I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Indie Film Friday: Moments

Name: Moments
Director: Chris Cronin
Producers: Andrew Oldbury, Phil Meachem, Simon Hardwick
Cast: Simon Hardwick, Lauren Harvey, Ed Currie
Synopsis: 'Moments' is the story of a young man who always seems to just miss out on those special moments in life. But a chance encounter with a beautiful and mysterious woman promises to change all that forever. With only his determination, a flurry of confetti and an irrepressible love of dance, he sets out to win her heart.
Genre: Musical Romance
Where to Find It: https://vimeo.com/76204111

About Andrew Oldbury: I grew up in a small community in the North-West of England. Film and television provided me with a means to escape the confines of my own world into one where I could go on adventures with my favourite heroes, see new cultures and be part of the story when the hero inevitably saved the day. When my parents told me that people did it that for a living, my mind was made up and I've never looked back since!

I'd known Chris for a while before we made "Moments". I'd just moved down to London to start working for the BBC on "Holby City" when I got a phonecall from him asking if I wanted to make something for the Virgin Media Shorts competition. There was only about 3 weeks before the deadline and Chris went "I haven't got a script.. but I wanna make a Disney musical!" I was hooked from the get go.

Twitter: @andrewoldbury
Instagram: @andrewoldbury
Vimeo: AndrewOldbury

Check out my review:

Review of the Novel: Breaking the Silence

Breaking the Silence

By: Diamante Lavendar

Rating: 5 Glasses

This is not a novel I would have picked up my own but I am glad I read it. It is one of those books that falls into the world of "A Child called It". It is emotionally jarring and heartbreaking to hear of the horrors this woman went through. However at the same time it was empowering to read through her own struggle to find herself and gain her strength. Fair warning it can be very dark where hearing about what she went through so prepare yourself but it is worth it if you stick it out. My fans of emotionally charged finding yourself and overcoming obstacles books will love this novel.

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

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Wattpad Wednesday: The Taste of You

Today's Story is:

About the Story:

Zoe Sullivan thought it was bad enough when her boyfriend—ex-boyfriend—told her she had no sex appeal. Now her wicked friends wanted her to walk out of the house wearing nothing but a scantily clad red dress that barely covered her features. She was out to prove her sexiness! They had her convinced she could do it until they ditched her at the door of Rockster's Bar. Now what did she do?

Detective Zeke Chance can't believe he's about to go into Rockster's and bust a prostitute. The mere fact he's a homicide detective and not vice, and that he never understood the mindset of a woman selling herself, has him wishing he were in the safe confines of his house. Not in his car, talking himself into walking inside. He could do this. He's a cop. Just focus.

One insane night of bliss, a connection so deep it's unexplainable. Ruined by a misunderstanding. Zeke thinks he's lost his chance with the woman of his dreams, until one day, she walks back into his life on another case. This time he's working where he should, as a homicide detective. How can he convince Zoe he made a mistake and she's the one? How can he keep her safe when she becomes the target of the killer he's looking for? He just found her again. He's not ready to lose her for a second time. He needs more than one taste of her.

 

About the Author:

 I am a stay-at-home mom with two beautiful little girls. They are high energy (as I'm sure most kids are) and give me occasional breaks to put my thoughts down on my lustrous computer. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, working in that field for several years before the opportunity came for me to stay home with my girls. I asked myself while hanging out with my girls…what are you going to do when they start going to school? Go back to work in the Criminal Justice field? And I told myself, no. I wanted to write. I have always secretly loved to write, and I love to read. So, I thought, why wait until they're in school. I can write right now.

 I have self-published five novels to-date. Two contemporary romance novels, two romantic suspense, and one short story mystery novel. One Taste of You, I entered into Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write 2015 contest on Wattpad and made it into the Top 55. I'm currently working on book two that involves two of the secondary characters in One Taste of You. I also just finished another romantic suspense novel, Escaping Memories ~ A Lucky Town Novel. I plan to release that early spring. I have two other book ideas in my head for the third book in two different series that I already have published.

Whew! So much to do, so little time. I love writing. I'm so glad I decided to take the plunge and do what I love. I always have ideas running through my mind, which means I will always be writing them down!

 

Besides the short story mystery novel, Follow Me, Sweet Darling, I write strictly romance. (I wrote that story in honor of Halloween. I had to get my spook on!)

I love romance. I love falling in love. Two people meeting, sparks flying, or not, sometimes they need to struggle with each other before liking each other. I find suspenseful novels easier to write. I enjoy weaving a tale, creating a mystery, and making people guess the outcome. While it is easier for me to write, it does make it a little more challenging at times to create that mystery, and I like that challenge.

I also write contemporary romance. I don't need the suspense. I find it might take me longer to write the story as I'm wondering where to go. When you have a little suspense, you have clues, direction, a purpose. Contemporary novels, to me, are more about everyday life, with, of course, a few challenges along the way.

I also try to add in some humor. Maybe not everyone will get my humor. I sure do laugh while I'm writing, so I think it's hilarious. Maybe a bit of dry humor, if anything. So, expect to see humor, steamy romance i.e. sex (depending on the novel), and, for the most part, suspense. I think even my contemporary romance novels have a bit of suspense in it.

 

 

Where you can find the Author: You can connect with me in various places. I love to interact, talk, make friends, and hear any comments, whether good or bad, from people.

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/AmandaSiegrist (@AmandaSiegrist)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amanda_siegrist  (@amanda_siegrist)

Website: http://www.amandasiegrist.weebly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramandasiegrist

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaSiegrist

 

 

Ana

Review of the Novel: Shadows, Darkness, and Light

Shadows, Darkness, and Light

By: P.Zoro

Rating: 4 Glasses

I was intrigued to begin this book. As a collection of short stories it is well balanced and grouped. The focus mainly on women overcoming obstacles in life and finding strength. I enjoyed the perspective as the African Culture is not one that I am very familiar with. It really was enlightening to see things and see the cultural differences not only in the way things were handled for these women but also their own reactions to the situations. It can be a bit hard to read at times, as you struggle through with these women but it is worth it. For those who enjoy inspirational books this one will be perfect for you.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Ana's Post

Life Update :) I will be going on a cruise starting on 2/14/2016 and I will not be returning until 2/22/2016 soooo I will not be responding to contact forms during that time. My blog will go on with my daily posts but I will not be available. I intend to sit back, relax, and finish my third book :) I will share many pictures and adventures once I get back :)

Love you all :)
Ana

Review of the Novel: Into the Myste

Into the Myste

By: Shanlynn Walker

Rating: 4 Glasses

I got lucky enough to get to Beta read this novel :) This was my first beta read and I loved it because I was able to give feedback before the book got released, I felt important, lol. That being said I gladly accepted this book having loved the first one in the series. This book is a perfect continuation of the story and we grew to know more about the main characters. I love the dog, I know shocker, but Sylas was an interesting and a very original character. However at times the story dragged as it was just them wandering which slowed the story down and didn't hold my interest as well. That being said if you love dragon novels this one you are sure to enjoy.

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

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Review of the Novel: The Bitter End

 

The Bitter End: An Em Ridge Mystery Book 2

By: Linda Hall

Rating: 5 Glasses

Oh Uncle Ferd you caused me a lot of drama this past week. I almost caught myself skipping in the book in the hope of trying to find out what really happened to him, lol. I didn't, don't worry, I read through all the twists and turns until we found out the truth. Typically with a missing person mystery I always think I got an idea of what happened but this time not so much. It was driving me nuts that I couldn't figure it out and that right there is the best part of a mystery book. It is no fun if I have it figured out in the first twenty pages. It was a fast read for me as I didn't want to put it down, I wanted to figure it out! For the mystery lovers this one is a gem.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Indie Film Friday: "The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?"

The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?

Directed by: Jon Schnepp

This documentary focuses on the 1998 Superman Lives feature film that would have starred Nicolas Cage but was never completed.

To Grab your own copy hit up the website: http://www.tdoslwh.com/

Check out my review:

Review of the Novel: Conversations with Larry Xenomorph

Conversations with Larry Xenomorph

By: Jay Cole

Rating: 5 Glasses

Quirky and Fun :) I love a change of pace. As a reviewer I get a lot of books and I mean a lot. Many books have a very serious tone and bring tears to your eyes and can at times bring you down. This I not one of these books, I laughed repeatedly throughout this book and that made it an easy read. I love it when aliens are having fun on earth and not probing everyone or trying to take over the earth :) It will be a fun ride for anyone who enjoys a laugh and a not so serious look at a human and alien interaction.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Wattpad Wednesday: Sins of the Gods

Today's featured story is:

About the Story: After being raised in Tartarus by his Titan father and demigod mother, Vale Doe was brought topside by Hermes and set adrift. He spent years learning how to function in the mortal world, raised by humans. When he came of age, the gods found the perfect way to use Vale to their advantage. They send him out to do their dirty work, from killing unruly creatures to hunting down killers, and even body guard duty. For Vale, it's the perfect solution to his endless time, and self destructive nature. Lily Valley is a daughter of Dionysus and the nymph Polyxo, giving the girl power over nature and the animals she encounters. For eighteen years, she's lived in peace in the woods of Connecticut with her pets, her sisters, and nothing else to bother her. Her carefree life is put in danger when an unknown creature begins tearing its way through her home, killing her nymph sisters and the animals she loves. Her father calls upon what the gods call an abomination, Vale Doe, for his help. Sent to stop the creature, he must keep Lily alive and eliminate the threat.

About the Authors:Our writing goals are to get more readers and build up a fan base so that we can put more stories out into the world. We want to get to share our stories with the world. We both started writing for different reasons. For me, it was because my partner told me that I should try. That was why I started. Why I keep writing is because I can't see a life where I don't do it. I like making stories and playing with characters. Sarah writes because she's always had the pull to do it. She's been writing since she was a teenager.
Readers can expect a fun story that's light and filled with action, laughs, and romance.

Readers can find them at:
Sarah Hall: Twitter: @SarahMHall33
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahHallAuthor
 Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/sarahmhall

 Nicole Thorn: Twitter: @NicoleThorn
 Instagram: @CappieThorn
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleThornAuthor/
 Tumblr: Nicolethorn
 Goodreads: Nicole thorn
 Website: nicolethornbooks.wordpress.com
 Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/NicoleThorn


Ana

Liebster Awards 2016

I had no clue this existed until I was nominated by: Zoya Anwar of http://reviewingdreamer.blogspot.com/ She proposed the following questions to me :)
1) Right twix or left twix? 
Do not make me choose :( I am eating both :)

2) Fictional crush? 

James Bond, today, tomorrow, and forever

 

3) Fictional foe? 

 I am not sure I have one, sometimes I like the villains the best :)

 

4) A guilty read: something you know you shouldn't have liked but you still did?

 Almost any really raunchy romance novel. I shouldn't love reading them but come on they are great :)

 

5) Your hobbies, apart from blogging? 

 I have time for hobbies?? I love to hit the gym or just hang out with friends. I keep it simple.

 

6) Your favorite binge worthy TV series?

 Currently it is Weeds.

 

7) Your favorite book from when you were 5?

 The first book I remember falling in love with was "Little Women" I am pretty sure I have read it a million times.

 

8) Your inspiration from the fictional world?  

 I love Quentin Tarantino so anything and everything he does :)

 

9) Why do you continue to make the effort to blog, when you could be doing other stuff? 

 I love it. It is a great outlet and gives me the chance to meet new people and grow within the industry.

 

10) Describe yourself in ten words? 

 Major pain in the butt, but major fun so there :P

 

11) Favorite number and why?

23 it was always my number when I played sports.

 

Ok time to nominate:

Shanlynn Walker of http://shanlynnwalker.com

David Gallie of http://davidgallie.blogspot.co.uk

C.A. Sanders of http://www.casanders.net  

Ann Simpson of  https://annsimpson.wordpress.com/

Anna Santos of http://annesaint90.wix.com

 

Here are your questions:

 

1. Cat or Dog?

2. Favorite Color and Why?

3. You can only read one book for the rest of your life. What is it?

4. Avengers or Justice League?

5. How many books have your written and how many books do you want to write?

6. Which is better Twitter or Facebook and why?

7. Why do you continue to write?

8. Traditional publishing or Indie?

 

Tag me in your reply :)

 

Ana

 

Ana's Post

This Wednesday is my 32nd Birthday :) I am very excited because on Wednesday James is officially released! This is my second published work and I feel, like many authors, that I have grown a lot from the first. One I learned my lesson, I am no grammar queen call a professional, lol. I also started the second book out with a professional cover and have built a great relationship with a great graphic artist who I look forward to working with on my third book.

I am also feeling a lot of pride this week. I know I am not perfect and neither are my books or my blog but accomplishment is not judged in perfection but persistence. I started Marie on my 31st birthday and since that time I have published it, finished the follow up and published it, and got halfway through writing the third. For me that is success. I never dreamed of getting this far or pursuing my dream of sharing my stories with others, but I did it.

I love what I do. I love the amazing writers, directors, artists, and bloggers I have met and I wouldn't change anything about my life as a writer, blogger, reviewer, and YouTuber for anything :)

I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you as we grow not only as artists but also as human beings.

Here's to a great 32nd year :)

Ana