#502 ~ The Dead Duke, His Secret Wife, and the Missing Corpse

The Dead Duke, His Secret Wife, and the Missing Corpse: An Extraordinary Edwardian Case of Deception and Intrigue by Piu Marie Eatwell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting story, and true, story, but written with a little too much eye on the plain facts. It would be so much more interesting if it was written into a fictional piece. At time this book was a little slow going.

The odd error, but on the whole not a bad production value.  Errors found were:

Location 2477:  '...ched' - watched

Location 2489: 'Thomas ner Turner' - Thomas Warner Turner

Location: 2499: 'Harrig-ton' - Harrington



Happy reading

Hugs

xoxox



View all my reviews

#439 ~ Sour Milk and Stolen Honey

Sour Milk and Stolen Honey by Marianne Azizi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







The book is a non-fiction account one woman's life, fighting a shocking abuse of human rights and liberty in the name of love.

It was well written, and incredibly moving. I don't want to offer up any spoilers, as it is important that Marianne gets to use her own voice to tell each reader. I'm amazed that the whole sorry business didn't take much more of a price on her that it did. She is an amazing, inspirational woman, and is the living embodiment of 'that which does not kill you, will make you stronger'.

Her story unfolded at a good clip, and kept me engrossed. With the turn of each page, she managed to convey a decent story, and effect me with many, many different emotions as the twists and turns of her life unfolded.

If any part of your believes in the right of a human being to exercise their rights to liberty, choice and love where it falls and stay free of manipulation, then please, please, please read her story. Then go and encourage as many people as possible to read it too. Only a huge groundswell of public knowledge and opinion will stop this from happening, and return liberty to many.

Upon checking links for the Product Details bit of the post, I was pleased to note that Marianne is working on another book.  Good on her, she has a lovely literary voice, and I can't wait to read it.  Keep up to date with her latest project on her website and Facebook (details below).



Product Details

The author, Marianne Azizi, got in touch with me the other day with a request to do a fast-track review for her, and the above review was by honest opinion. 

You can find a copy of her book HERE.  This listed Kindle price is £4.99.

241 pages
Indie Writer (Self-published)
Non Fiction, Psychology, Self-Help, Human Rights, Romance

Author's Facebook page
Author's Website



Errors/Bug Bears:

STOP PRESS:  22/4/14: Marianne, is one of the most proactive authors around, she has already corrected the errors I pointed out below. Now that is impressive.

There were one or two, but absolutely nothing major.

Page 31:  

At the time I still felt a little awkward with Manny's strong gruff character but we would eventually form a strong friendship to this day.

It would have been better as:

At the time, I still felt a little awkward with Manny's strong gruff character, but we would eventually form a strong friendship that lasts to this day.

Page 53:

The couple in the cafe was so king - were.

Page 66: ...but trying to conve a stranger was proving to be impossibility - an impossibility.

Page 108: 

I held him in my arms as he cried and I made the promise, the promise ...

I'm not sure about the author's intention with this sentence, but it feels a bit untidy.  I would go with something like this:

I held him in my arms as he cried, and I made the promise ... the promise ... and he always knew I kept my word.

Page 123:  .. have ignored Rick's please - pleas.

Page 132: ...but half that I as I learned -  but half that as I learned.

Page 157:  He yet, I knew was literally terrified - Yet, I knew, he was literally terrified.

Page 218:  How can it could be - but I can't seem to find it.  It's probable that I got the page number wrong on my notes ... it was a pdf file so difficult to bookmark ... in which case it was between pages 211 and 256.

Page 256:  It came, very day, the worst dream in the worst situation - not sure what the author's intention was should it every?

Page 277:  ...to get to court for on time - court on time?

Page 278:  No one would allow him to be with me.  I


I hope you enjoy Marianne's book.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#433 ~ How to Write Short Stories in 6 Easy Steps

How to Write Short Stories in 6 Easy Steps by KS Tan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars







A step-by-step guide with some practical element to it. It wont take you long to read it, as it's only about 25 or so pages long, but if you are interested in structuring good short stories then it's a good book to have.

My only slight criticism is that it could have done deeper, and thus been a bit longer.

Product Details

28 Pages
Indie Writer (Self-Published)
Non-Fiction, Essential Reading, Self Help, Writing


Errors/Bug Bears

None noted


Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#427 ~ The Pocket Book of Proofreading

The Pocket Book of Proofreading: A guide to freelance proofreading & copy-editing: A Guide to Freelance Proofreading and Copy-editing by William Critchley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars








Useful guide for anybody interested in proof reading.

Personally, I purchased a copy to help in editing my n work in the future as well as doing some work for others.

I keep it to hand on my desk for easy reference.


Product Details

Available HERE as a Kindle Download (£5.51) the paperback version is £12.20. 

262 pages
First English Books (2013)
Non-fiction, Essential Reading, Reference, Writing


Errors/Bug Bears

None noted


Happy reading

Hugs

Kay

#431 ~ Write, Publish, Repeat

Write. Publish. Repeat. by Sean Platt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars








Really helpful, and I suspect a "go to" book many times in the future, informational book for those hoping to self-publish for the first time, or looking to do it quicker, better and with more results in the future.

It's got the same voice as the Self Publishing Podcasts, which are brought to us by the tremendous trio of Sean, Johhny and Dave.

There are also additional, and very helpful input, from people like Joanna Penn and Lexi Maxxwell.

For motivation alone you should read this book.


Product Details

I am a new listener to the Self-Publishing Podcast, and Sean is one of the broadcasters, so this seemed like a good idea to accompany them.

I picked it us as a Kindle download HERE for £3.49 - in my opinion that's fair value for money for the information and motivation.


Errors/Bug Bears:

If one looks hard enough, errors can be found, and I'm pretty sure they will fix them.

Loc 2332:  Any question a to exactly what that one's about?

Loc 4265:  She said we could we could include that language here:

#418 ~ Internet Marketing Crash Course

Internet Marketing Crash Course - Make Money Online With These Proven Internet Marketing Strategies by Success Sculpting Coach

My rating: 3 of 5 stars




Useful little workbook to work through to help quantify where you need to work on your internet marketing strategies.

If you are looking for a step-by-step guide, then this isn't for you, but as a aide memoire or strategy worksheets then this will do you quite nicely.

I found quite a few things that helped my thinking; consequently putting my ducks in a row.

It will be something to re-visit from time to time.

3 stars for this okay read.


Product Description:

This was another Daily Selection on Amazon (DSOA) from April 2013, when it was free.  You can get a copy HERE:  listed at £2.01 for the Kindle Download.  If you have  no prior knowledge about internet marketing, it might be worth your while to pick a copy up, afterall it's only the cost of a packet of biscuits.


Error/Bug Bears:

Nothing worth noting.



Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#416 ~ A Guide to Positive Mental Health

A Guide To Positive Mental Health by Caroline Elwood-Stokes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars





A copy of this book was provided to me via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads in return for an honest review.

So, in the spirit on honesty, I will disclose that I didn't read every word of this work from cover to cover. I read a goodly portion though.

It was well written, and I'd concur with the author in that there are definite benefits to physical exercise in general, but it is particularly beneficial when there is any depression or mental issues involved.

Highly recommended if you are involved in sport sport, or have an interest in treating depression etc.


Product Description:

As mentioned above, I was provided with a free copy of this book, but you can obtain it HERE.  Paperback version only at £8.99, and at the time of writing this post is is reduced with free delivery.

142 pages
Consilience Media (July 2013)
None-Fiction, Self-Help


Errors/Bug Bears:

None found


Happy reading.

Hugs

#405 ~ Macbeth: York Notes

Macbeth York Notes for GCSE by York Notes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars






Excellent to purchase when you are preparing for a Controlled Assessment in GCSE English on Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Take note of all it offers, and it will help you boost your possible marks - perfect for secondary school students, or mature ones like me.

Highly recommended.


Product Details:

I know with the previous Review for Macbeth Text I mentioned that it was probably to get a paperback copy, but with the York Notes I managed really well with a Kindle Version.  You can get them HERE  Listed price is £4.49 for paperback and £4.29 for Kindle file.


Errors/Bug Bears:

None, this is a good quality product.


Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Valerie Hurry

Writer's Bounty:  Funding, Publishing and Writing Resources for The Literary Writer

Kindle Store > Books > Non-Fiction> Reference > Writers' Resources

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

For a change today I thought I would feature a resource for writers':

Do you need to get serious  about publishing and advancing your literary career?

With Writer’s Bounty: Funding, Publishing, and Writing Resources for the Literary Writer you’ll receive a 240-page Kindle book that includes:

• Fellowships and Residencies - Competitive fellowships and residencies to advance your competency and writing career.
• Recognized Competitions - Book Prizes, awards, contests, and other competitions. 
• General Writers’ Associations - Training, advice, and mentoring for all types of writers. 
• Specialized Writers’ Associations - Network with writers and publishers specializing in your writing format or genre.
• Arts Councils in the United States and Canada - Access grants, workshops, conferences, space, and arts calendar.
• Articles on Writing and Publishing - Learn from writing and publishing article archives. 
• Literary Journals, Magazines, and Presses - Submit to 350+ admired publishers of fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction.
• Literary Journal and Magazine Rankings - Highly ranked journals (works selected for influential anthologies).
• Writing Prompts and Exercises - Never be without a compelling idea.
• Special Populations - Resources for minority, veteran, and women writers.
• Reference Resources - Online reference resources and miscellanea helpful to writers.

Obviously, this isn't a book for a lot of people, but for budding Authors' or Writers' it should prove really useful.

I've downloaded my free Kindle file, and you can get yours HERE.

Happy reading.

Kay

#385 - 99 Prompts for Romance Writers

99 Prompts for Romance Writers

Beth Jones

Kindle Store > Books > Non-Fiction > Reference > Writing 

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing New Author the Blog*

Description:

Even the best writers occasionally struggle to find the right words for their stories. Sometimes a plot doesn't seem to move along as quickly as it should or a story just doesn't seem to work "right." Maybe you're having a difficult time figuring out what your character should say next. Maybe you're having a difficult time creating characters at all.

Regardless of how far along you are in your story, 99 Prompts for Romance Writers offers just that: 99 short prompts to get you thinking, exploring, and, most of all, writing.

Product Details:

Another one that I managed to pick up as a free Kindle download (and featured as a Daily Selection on the Blog) in July 2013.

At the time of writing this post, it's available HERE at a listed price of 77p (free for Prime Members).

105 pages in length.

Reference Book for Writing Prompts

~~~~~~~~~~

Summary/thoughts:

Having quickly read through it, I can see that this will be an enormously useful tool to use.   Lots of contemporary prompts, but a few that could also be considered historical prompts, or indeed, used as such.

Even some of the contemporary prompts could be adjusted.

I was little disappointed that there were a couple of mistakes that I noticed whilst reading it.  However, as I didn't have my notebook to hand, I failed to make a full note of them.

It was so quick to read, that I will go back shortly and take a note of them to add to the Errors/Bug Bears section.

Rating:

Obviously, this is only going to be useful if you are already a writer, or wish to start writing.  However, that having been said, it would prove useful fodder for some short stories in particular.

3 Stars

* * *

Errors/Bug Bears:

There were a few - please bear with me whilst I re-read it at a later date to add them.


Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download

99 Prompts for Romance Writers

Beth Jones

Kindle Store > Books > Non-Fiction > Reference > Writing

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

Well, almost I missed yesterday as we were too busy putting some colour and personality into our Sitting Room .... we moved a year ago, and apart from add new Sofas and Plantation Shutters it was just cream, cream and cream.  I felt like I was living in somebody's house ... so now it's a big dose of our personality stamped on it.  Still more to do, I ordered the curtain material last night, and there is some furniture to either paint or strip and stain (depending on if it's Guy or I you speak to .... I like painted : He likes stained and waxed wood)!!

I digress, back to the pick for today.  Every now and again a non-fiction title appeals:

Even the best writers occasionally struggle to find the right words for their stories. Sometimes a plot doesn't seem to move along as quickly as it should or a story just doesn't seem to work "right." Maybe you're having a difficult time figuring out what your character should say next. Maybe you're having a difficult time creating characters at all.

Regardless of how far along you are in your story, 99 Prompts for Romance Writers offers just that: 99 short prompts to get you thinking, exploring, and, most of all, writing.

Obviously, I realise that this probably won't appeal to all, but there are a lot of Bloggers/Writers, or indeed, considering giving it a go'ers out there, that might find this useful.  

I think I may well bring it forward in my "Slush Mountain" Reading Pile, and see if I can get some inspiration to use on my own novel.  I'm not sure how long it will be available for free download, so get yours by clicking HERE.  I've already got my copy, fingers crossed I can get to it some times this year, the books keep coming and Review work for Authors/Publishers has to take precedence.

On Amazon today my rating is (>) 3,517. I suppose that I'm still heading in the right direction, but very slowly now. I would love to get to the top 1,000 Reviewers' some day ....... so if you find the Daily Kindle Downloads info useful please go over to my Reviews on Amazon and leave me some positive feedback  on some of my reviews (which helps my rating, and will earn you my grateful thanks).

Hugs

Kay

Bonus Free Download for Kindle for today

How I Overcame My Trauma and and PTSD

Philippe Izmailov

*NEW AUTHOR

Kindle Store > Books > Non-Fiction > Self-help

Indie Writer (Self-published)

My friend Philippe Izmailov on Goodreads kindly sent me a link to his new book, which is available on Amazon until Monday.

Why not take the chance to download it HERE (I got my copy from Amazon UK, but it's also available on the main site).

Here's what he has to say about it:

Two years ago I was diagnosed with depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I suffered from anxiety, different fears, nasty feelings (especially sadness and anger), flashbacks and re-experiencing my traumas. I also used to experience plenty of stress, irritability, feelings of guilt, memory problems, sleeping problems and changes in mood. I tried to avoid these nasty experiences and to forget my bad memories but it did not help. My efforts were in vain.

My traumas were caused by different traumatic events with were full of violence, physical and emotional abuse, aggression, emotional blackmail, bullying and mobbing (pestering). Most of these events happened during my childhood. For some time I have been treated by a psychologist, who applied several cures like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). As I was not satisfied with my progress, I developed and employed a successful self-help treatment to recover from psychological traumas and PTSD. I named it Mindfulness Based Trauma Treatment (MBTT). In my self-help workbook I describe step by step my treatment method based on the experiences with my own traumas. 

Mindfulness Based Trauma Treatment (MBTT) consists of elements from Mindfulness, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Buddhism and Psychology.

I have succeeded in healing more than 100 different traumas using MBTT. I’m changed. I do not suffer from anxiety, fears, nasty feelings, flashbacks and other things any more. They’re all gone. I can recall my traumas without experiencing nasty emotions, fears and stress. They do not bother me anymore. Now I’m able to experience positive feelings again, such as happiness and love.

It's always a pleasure to feature non-fiction self-books, and I hope somebody can get something positive out of his experiences ..... I am certainly looking forward to reading it.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Chasing Kindle

Michael Spears

*NEW AUTHOR

Kindle Store > Non-Fiction > Contemporary > Marketing > e-business

Indie Writer (Self-published)

Anything with the word Kindle is going to catch my eye .... you may be quite aware by now, just how attached I am to "My Baby" LOL!  So, I paused in my search to read the description:

If you've ever wondered if all of those so called Kindle gurus are really out to help you sell your book, you may be mistaken. Chasing Kindle dispels the myth of most of the Kindle experts. You'll see why you don't need any of the those "tools". You're going to find out what you really need to write a book. See what the experts don't want you to find out. They're lining their pockets with your hard earned cash. When you finish this book, you and your wallet will thank me.

Having recently featured Mark Coker's Smashwords Marketing Guide, I thought it would be nice maybe to feature a possible flip side of the coin as it were.  If anything it should be an interesting read.  Click HERE to get the download.

On Amazon today my rating is (<) to 5,456.  I suppose that I'm still heading in the right direction, but very slowly now.  I would love to get to the top 1,000 Reviewers' some day .... so if you find the Daily Kindle Download info useful please go over to my Reviews on Amazon and leave me some positive feedback - which helps my rating, and will earn you my grateful thanks.

Hugs

Kay

#354 - Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success ~ Mark Coker

Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success ~ Mark Coker

• Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Reference > Writing > Business Finance
• Indie Writer (Self-published)

Description:

Learn the 29 best practices of the best selling self-published ebook authors.

This updated 2013 edition of The Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success has already helped tens of thousands of self-published ebook authors publish more professionally.

This ebook is a must-read for every writer, author, publisher and literary agent. Whether you're considering publishing a book for the first time, or you're a long-time veteran, this book will help you take your self-publishing to the next level.

Includes a comprehensive glossary of e-publishing terms. No technical experience necessary!

Product Details:

Another free download available HERE.

167 pages in length.

Other relevant and connected titles by Mark are The Smashwords Style Guide for free download HERE; and The Smashwords Book Marketing Guide available for free download HERE.

* * * * *

Summary:

It's not the first time that I've read a Mark Coker's publication, I quite often refer to my Smashwords Style Guide (don't be fooled it's not just relevant to Smashwords), and therefore I was quite excited to find the time to read this one.

Not just one off reads, they are useful over and over again to bone up.  Full of words of wisdom, tips and tricks and examples of how his information has been successfully applied by others, his work is a must for anyone looking to publish, market and sell ebooks.  

As the Founder of Smashwords, he has proved he knows what he's talking about.  

I was particularly interested to see that he mentioned Shayne Parkinson, who has successfully managed to increase sales by offering the first in the series (Sentence of Marriage) as a free download in hooking the reader in to buy the remainder of the series.  That is in fact what happened when I read it.

He also mentioned Ruth Ann Nordin as somebody who offered An Inconvenient Marriage for free download, and the fact that some reads didn't like it, but others liked her work enough to actively seek out and pay for other titles she'd written.  It's a long time ago now, but I think I was particularly kind about her book, but saw something in her that has made me purchase some of here other titles.

After reading his book, I now feel totally vindicated about banging on endlessly about cover images ..... get a good one and it will help to generate interest from somebody who has never read anything by you before!!

Rating:

On the basis that I started it quite late in the evening and then couldn't put it down until the early hours - always hard to believe for a non-fiction book - plus the wisdom and insight to be gained I gave it a the full big Five-O ... it can be useful even if you don't use, or never intend to use Smashwords.  Highly recommended.

Errors/Bug Bears:

None, as this was an excellently delivered and executed product.  Kudos Mr Coker.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Cats Have Staff ~ The Saffi and Misa Diaries ~ Ingrid Hooper

*NEW AUTHOR

Kindle Store > Books > Non-fiction > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Cats

Indie Writer (Self-published)

Really off the wall selection today, and for those of us who love our pets, in this case cats, with a little humour attached too.

You can find it quickly over at Amazon by clicking the large title just above the cover photograph, or click HERE.  As always, please bean mind that I have no guarantee how long they will stay available for free download, so if you are reading this post retrospectively, you may well have to pay for it - I will review it as soon as possible and report back on it's merits.

This morning I'm back in the game and on the top 10,000 my Amazon Reviewer list at 9,843.  I would love to get to the top 1,000 Reviewers' some day .... so if you find the Daily Kindle Download info useful please go over to my Reviews on Amazon and leave me some positive feedback - which helps my rating, and will earn you my grateful thanks.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

The Internet Marketing Crash Course ~ Success Sculpting Coach *NEW AUTHOR

Kindle Store > Books > Non-Fiction > Business & Finance > E-commence & Marketing

This caught my eye this morning ... it's always useful to hone up on skills required to get by in the business world! 

So far it hasn't had any reviews, but I think it's only been uploaded recently (I cold be wrong in that assumption though).  You can find it quickly over at Amazon by clicking the large title just above the cover photograph, or click HERE,  As always, please bear in mind that I have no guarantee how long they will stay available for free download, so if you are reading this post retrospectively, you may well have to pay for it - I will review it as soon as possible and report back on it's merits.

This morning that my Amazon Reviewer status has disappointingly slipped out of the top 10,000 to 10,515 - it just shows what no reviews due to a sick Father in Law, one "1 out of 2 people" rating and a dog having major surgery at the same time can do to your reading schedule and subsequent rating.

I would love to get to the top 1,000 Reviewers' .... so if you find the Daily Kindle Download info useful please go over to my Reviews on Amazon and leave me some positive feedback - which helps my rating, and will earn you my grateful thanks.

Hugs

Kay

Daily Selection for Amazon Kindle Freebie Download

Secrets of a Webcam Girl ~ Annabelle T. Baxter

Today I decided to go off piste with this choice .... well, I don't want to always just give you Historical Romance!

If you enjoyed the "Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl" the Blog, which became the BBC series staring Billie Piper, you may be interested in this one. To easily find it on Amazon, either click the large title above the photograph, or click HERE.


This morning that my Amazon Reviewer status has gone upwards in the right direction to 23,092.  Thank you to anyone that has taken the time to leave positive feedback over there for me, it is very much appreciated..

I would love to improve upon this .... I would love to get to the top 1,000 .... so if you find the Daily Kindle Download info useful please go over to my Reviews on Amazon and leave me some positive feedback - which helps my rating, and will earn you my grateful thanks.

Hugs

Kay