#370 - Black Sam

Black Sam: Prince of Pirates by Mat McLeod

My rating: 2 of 5 stars













Sam Bellamy isn't so much a faux Pirate, as a faux pas.  All you will get here is a mealy mouthed main protagonist with a vapid blonde lady love, with more hair than wit.

In my mind, and this is only a personal view, a Pirate should buck his swash and be full to the brim with derring do - nothing like that happened in this book, it was dull as a Florida Swamp.

I need a big pat on the back for getting through this, it was quite an achievement as it was so dull I kept dropping off to sleep - and I love an all action Vast Me Harties story full of plunder and mayhem.

On the positive side, apart from a big corker, there were very few errors - as usual, I will list them below.

The corker I will talk about here:  Now, I've just re-checked it on Amazon and it is still showing the Author as James Lewis both on the Amazon page, and on the cover image that downloaded.  I will say though, when the file was opened it clearly says Mat MacLeod. Interestingly, the cover image above, which was obtained from Good Reads, seems to be showing the correct Author name.

Why put a different author's name on the front cover? It's not the first time that I've come across this: I still remember what I like to call "Highlander's Hope Gate" earlier this year (if you're interested Blog Post #381 in July 2013.

I digress ......... like most of the cannon balls in the book .... it fell way short of the mark, and only got 2 stars from me (one of those is for being relatively error free).


Product Details:

I downloaded as a freebie Kindle book in March of this year - it was on of my DSOA (in my defence, from memory I think it was a new release at the time, and hadn't had any reviews).  

At the time of writing this it's listed HERE at £2.63.  I will leave you to decide if you want to read it.

343 long boring pages in length.

Errors/Bug Bears:

See above for the big one, after that not many more.  Reasonably good spelling and grammar.

9%:  Sam looked up as he chuckled noticing the many blossoms still on the tree.  They gave off a lovely, fragrant scent.  He looked back at the young woman to comment on the flowers, when a wall of white pedals slapped him right in the face.

To be honest, that would have engendered a bit of excitement into the book, but it should be corrected to:  

Sam looked up as he chuckled noticing the many blossoms still on the tree.  They gave off a lovely, fragrant scent.  He looked back at the young woman to comment on the flowers, when a wall of white petals slapped him right in the face.

18%:  "You are very hansom when your forehead wrinkles like that", Maria said.

Correct to: 

You are very handsome ....

32%:  He turned his attention back to their current task, resupplying at Bathtowntown.

Correct to:  He turned his attention back to their current task, resupplying at Bathtown.

34%:  Maria stood between her parents, holding a white umbrella.

I might be a bit of a nit picker here, but shouldn't that be a parasol?

Correct to:

Maria stood between her parents, holding a white parasol.

37%:  He missed her terribly and wished he could go rescue her from such drudgery...

Conjunction missing here, and possibly a comma.  Correct to:

He missed her terribly, and wished he could go and rescue her from such drudgery...

46% (and several times more at 72%):  "Here" Sam threw an extra blouse to his friend.

See, I told you they weren't particularly pirartical pirates ... blouse?  Women wear blouses, and men don't.

Correct to:

"Here" Sam threw an extra shirt to his friend. 

51%:  He set the bread inside cell.

Correct to: 

He set the bread inside the cell.

55%:  Weaving in and out of trees, Sam did his best to keep a safe distance between he and the redcoats....

Correct to:  

Weaving in and out of the trees, Sam did his best to keep a safe distance between himself and the Redcoats....

I did Bookmark a few more things, but looking back at the I did I was being too pedantic!

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Fire on the Island

(The Vigilati Series)

JK Hogan

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Romance > Fantasy > Futuristic > Ghost

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

I am taking a bit of a chance on this one today, it has 5 stars .... but only 1 review ..... and I'm never certain if that is a fix up (obviously if it isn't I apologise).  What the heck it's an interesting synopsis:

“She who wields the mark is the barrier between man and monster. She is the daughter of gods, the mother of man, protector of all. Vigilati Usque Ad Mortem”

All Isla Macallen wanted was a simple existence on her little Scottish island, free from her mother’s insanity and the prying eyes of neighbors. What she got was embroiled in a war for the souls of mankind. A war of good versus evil, of witches versus demons, and Isla learns that she alone can end it.

Dr. Jeremiah Rousseau was a self-proclaimed nomad, traveling the world researching paranormal phenomena. He doesn’t expect his research to lead him to Scotland, and to the woman who will turn his world upside down.

Together with a facetious shapeshifting animal spirit guide, Jeremiah and Isla discover that she is part of an ancient bloodline bred to protect the gateways between the human world and the spirit world, to keep evil demons from destroying them. They must find the key to defeating Alastore, the demon king, and closing the gate before Samhain, when the veil between the worlds is lifted. As the war for their souls wages around them, Isla and Jeremiah will risk it all for love—a love neither had ever thought possible.

It has North American spelling (sorry about that), but what the heck I'm giving it a go and adding it to my WTR pile (Want to Read) - which is always the best thing to do with the freebies, as it's never certain they hang around, so at least this way I secure it for naught.  I digress, click HERE to get your copy.

I am so desperately far behind with my reading, and by default reviewing ... still working away at March, with a book case of books received from Authors/Publishers and even more ebooks waiting in line from them, as well as my own DSOA's.  Still, the brat is back at school and today is a free day to read, read, read ... hopefully, I will have got the Pirate read I'm working on out of the way!

Have a good one peeps.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

The Sea Inside

(Cerulean Song)

Vickie Johnstone

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Science Fiction

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

Another stunning cover first drew me in this morning, and then it looked interesting anyway, so I decided to make it today's pick:

Time is all we have; it flows – it cannot stop.

Jayne wakes up in hospital following a terrible accident, which changes her life as she knew it. While struggling to recover, she is visited by a mysterious woman who offers her a gift. To the girl’s astonishment, she finds herself on a journey, on both the physical and mental plane. It brings her to the mystical realm of Entyre, where life is very different and power lies with the creatures of the deep. While the threads of time keep flowing, Jayne must decide what is real, who to trust, and regain her inner strength in order to find herself and her true destiny.

A bit different, and it has 5 star reviews .... only two of them though!.

If you fancy giving this one a go, it's not too long at 229 pages (Book 1 of a Series), then click HERE.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Run Wild

(Escape with a Scoundrel)

Shelly Thacker

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance 

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

Form an orderly queue here ladies ........ behind me ........ if you really wouldn't mind being chained up to this hulking great brute of a Hero.

Apparently, it has a note advising that it's "Explicit" - guaranteed therefore to get me downloading it:

A sexy pair of scoundrels run from the law--shackled together by an unbreakable iron chain.

Nicholas Brogan is an ex-pirate with years of sin branded on his soul. Samantha Delafield is a high-born lady turned devious thief. Captured by His Majesty's marshals, the two are on their way to the gallows until they stage a daring escape and run for their lives--shackled together by an iron chain that quickly proves unbreakable.

Forced to work together to survive, the outlaws find themselves locked in a battle of fierce wills and fiery passions. From a remote forest in Staffordshire to a secret hideout in London's most elegant square, they must learn to trust one another as they face old enemies, dark secrets... and discover a love more priceless than any gem they've ever stolen.

Originally published under the title "Heart Runs Free", with 5 Stars on Amazon, get your copy HERE.  Oh, and by the way, it's not a silly short Novella, this is a 352 book of (hopefully) good old fashioned historical bodice ripper.

I should get a lot of time to catch up on the WTR pile, as I have to lurk around the hospital waiting room waiting for Number One Son to have his operation.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Lady of Devices

Magnificent Devices Series

Shelley Adina

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Science Fiction > Fantasy > Steampunk

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

Well, just in case you don't know, the other thing (apart from Historical Romance) I can resist is Steampunk .... I am eternally fascinated!

So I was delighted to see this little gem kicking around in the Science Fiction section for free Download:

London, 1889. Victoria is Queen. Charles Darwin’s son is Prime Minister. And steam is the power that runs the world. 

At 17, Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives, was expected to do nothing more than pour an elegant cup of tea, sew a fine seam, and catch a rich husband. Unfortunately, Claire’s talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab, where things have a regrettable habit of blowing up. When her father gambles the estate on the combustion engine and loses, Claire finds herself down and out on the mean streets of London. But being a young woman of resources and intellect, she turns fortune on its head. It’s not long before a new leader rises in the underworld, known only as the Lady of Devices. 

When she meets Andrew Malvern, a member of the Royal Society of Engineers, she realizes her talents may encompass more than the invention of explosive devices. They may help her realize her dreams and his . . . if they can both stay alive long enough to see that sometimes the closest friendships can trigger the greatest betrayals . . .

I couldn't hit the "one click" button quick enough.  Admittedly, I haven't spent any time reading the reviews, but it's showing 4.5 stars, so it can't be all bad.

Click HERE to get your hands on a copy whilst it's free, because ......... well, it's FREE.  Even for no other reason that it's a wonderful cover!

I forgot to mention the other day that Roy Huff has released the second in the Everville Series: The City of Worms.  Whilst I think I missed the free download date, it's available on Kindle at the moment of 77p ... which is a bargain, so why not check it out HERE.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#369 ~ Mourningtide & My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Mourningtide: Book Two of the Memphis Cycle by Diana Wilder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars











Book 2 in the Memphis Cycle Series


A copy of this book was provided to me by the Publisher/Author in exchange for an honest review via the Good Reads First Read Scheme. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.

I would normally say that Egyptian period novels where no my bag, but Diana Wilder had changed my mind.

I really loved this book. If you are looking for high-octane adventure, then you won't find it .... what you will find, is a pleasant meander through a verdant dessert oasis, with the bonus of beautifully crafted characters. I wasn't bombarded with too much historical detail, but I formed the impression that what was there was probably well researched and considered.

I will now be adding Book 1 of this Memphis Cycle Series to my WTR list, and adding a big tick to Diana Wilder's Fan page.

Highly recommended.

Product Details:

363 pages and forming part of the Memphis Cycle Series.  Please Review by Series Page for details.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy click HERE:  actually the Kindle download is free at the time of writing this post, so why not give it a go.  I also have the autographed copy for sale on my Amazon Seller Account HERE.

Errors/Bug Bears:

Other than the Author's over-indulgence with dashes of hyphens, there were only about 2 small mistakes, which didn't impinge on the overall reading experience.  I will update the details of them later on, as I don't have my notebook to hand, so watch this space.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#368 ~ Becoming a Lady

Becoming A Lady by Marie Higgins

My rating: 2 of 5 stars















I'm afraid, for me, this was a very flimsy read. I didn't feel it was particularly well written, or indeed researched.

I could pick holes a mile wide through some of the historical detail.

Poor conceived characters, one dimensional plot, and really not that substantial, even taking into account it was a short story.

Sorry, I hate it when this happens, I wish their could have been something positive to say - other than the cover was lovely, and hinted at a better quality product than was actually produced.


Product Details:

I downloaded this as a free Kindle file in March 2013.  At the time of writing this post it is available at a listed price of 77p HERE.  I will let you judge for yourself if you think it's good value for money.

70 pages in length - short story.


Errors/Bug Bears:

The whole way through the book initial capital letters were not used (or inconsistently used) in respect of words like, grandfather, father, brother, duke, etc.

There was also a lot of North American grammar: given that this is an historical book about England and the Aristocracy is not really good enough, however, the work began in North America, with a girl that was in all intents and purposes American, therefore it was probably a little more palatable:  it just doesn't sit well with me personally.

As far as I am aware the British Army does not have Scouting Officers, and given that Mr Seton was the Son of an Earl, he would have been a commissioned officer.  The same goes for his Brother, who was also serving with him, I strongly feel that he would not have been a Sergeant.

There were other grammatical and typographical errors, that given the poor mark this book received, I cannot be bothered listing down.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

The Romany Princess

Margaret Brazear

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Family Saga

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

For a start the cover had love beautiful purple tones, and then I was really taken by the description.  It was especially appealing to me because we think that way back there's Romany in our heritage:

When Stella McKenzie is summoned to meet her Great Aunt Bess, her grandmother's sister, on the occasion of that lady's one hundredth birthday, she keeps the appointment with a great deal of trepidation. All her life she has been told about this mysterious lady, to whom her grandmother has not spoken since the first world war. She has been told that she is mean and spiteful, that she wrecked the engagement of her sister to the man she loved out of spite and jealousy. Stella could hardly have guessed the secrets the old lady was about to reveal, secrets she had kept for seventy five years, secrets she does not intend should die with her.

During one long and unforgettable day, Stella learns the real history of the family, not the version she has been taught. She learns about the lies and misconceptions of the past, she learns about a lost love and a passion which overruled everything else to end in tragedy.

Pick up your copy whilst it's a free download HERE.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#367 ~ New Atlantis Bundle

New Atlantis Bundle: Books 1-3 by Nhys Glover

My rating: 4 of 5 stars








Books 1 to 3


I'm not going to lie to you, this one quite a big read at 468 pages, and divided over 3 books.

Overall, it was enjoyable: even eliciting a little bit of a tear at the end.

However, each of the three was a little of the formulaic side ..... i.e. person retrieved from our reality, and taken forward in time to the New Atlantis, fall in love with the rescuer, go on a mission with them, live happily ever after. Going forward I hope that the Author injects a bit more twists into the whole series.

Having said that, each book was inter-twined, and moved the whole plot forward. Still leaving somewhere to go for new books.

I happily bought into the plot, and the pace was mostly okay, although in a couple of places it dipped a little.

Not too many errors/bug bears (and I will list those, as usual, on my Blog Post #367 in August 2013, if anyone is interested.

I would certainly read more in this series.



Product Details

I managed to pick this up as a free Kindle download back in March 2013, however at the time of writing this Review it is listed at £3.34 HERE - this is not a huge price, and to my mind represents good value for money.

468 pages in length

It was a three book bundle:

Book 1 - Nine Lives
Book 2 - The Dreamer's Prince
Book 3 - Savage

there are more books in the Series.


Errors/Bug Bears:

At the beginning of the book Jac and Jack were used, and at first I thought it was typrographical, however reading on I realised that it was probably the way Cara perceived the name, and therefore it couldn't be classed as an error.

1%:  "change room"

Used a couple of times, and it might just be a difference in the use of English and North American, but I would say correct it to:  changing room.

2%:  "Changing history was complex, and it was thwart with danger."

Thwart is the wrong word.  Correct to:  fraught.

3%:  "What am I saying? It was no fun at all!"

Weird formatting thing going on I think, I don't think it is there for any purpose, so should probably be removed.

43%: "No, definitely not stolen.  We Retrieve people who, historical records tell us, disappeared intheir own time ..."

Correct to:   No, definitely not stolen.  We Retrieve people who, historical records tell us, disappeared in their own time ...

44%:  "She is pretty stranger.  But I can see Jane in there, luckily".

Correct to:  She is a pretty stranger.  But I can see Jane in there, luckily.

45%:  "....just until you get acclimated".

Not wrong necessarily, just ugly.  I would be much happier to see it corrected to:  just until you get acclimatised.

47%:  "Maggie and Julio both looked so surprise and horrified, she immediately felt relieved".

Correct to:  Maggie and Julio both looked so surprised and horrified, she immediately felt relieved.

50%:  "She wished she could accept the bonus of the upgraded body, instead of constantly feeling belittle by it".

Correct to:  She wished she could accept the bonus of the upgraded body, instead of constantly feeling belittled by it.

Book 3:  seems to have some formatting issues with the earlier chapters not starting on a new page - which is just  bit untidy.

71%:  "And from the nagging pain, there was quite a ways to go before he would be battle-ready again".

I really hate to see a sentence start with "and", plus ways to go is such bad English.  Correct to:  From the nagging pain, there was quite a way to go before he would be battle-ready again.

73%:  "He giving you a bit of trouble?"

I think this should be corrected to:  Is he giving you a bit of trouble?

77%:  "He wanted to reach out and stroke that long hair, fair back from her beautiful face".

Hmm, not sure if it should be corrected to:

He wanted to reach out and stroke that long fair hair back from her beautiful face; or

He wanted to reach out and stroke that long hair back from her face.


79%:  Author talks about an "agar" at several points.

Well, I'm from England, and around here it is an Aga.

80%:  more formatting problems, with the the next chapter not starting on a new page.

88%:  "It was going to be on dusk by the time the train reached the spot ..."

Correct to:  It was going to be dusk by the time the train reached the spot ...

92%:  "She snigger to herself and Julio frowned".

Correct to:  She sniggered to herself and Julio frowned.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download on Amazon

A Duke's Entangled Enchantress

Phynix De Leon

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > romance

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

Quite frankly, it wouldn't really matter if you downloaded this and hated it, it's only a short story (40 pages), but if it's as nice as the cover, then we are all winners:

Alanna is the great granddaughter of the Duke of Norfolk and the rich heiress of her father's ranch in America. After an accident leaves her scared and scared of riding again her father take's it into his own hands to try and help her find happiness.

This happiness come in the form of Lord Grayson who is a duke, who thanks to the death of his brother is left with a great debt, one that could only be paid off by the money of a heiress bride.

Together they struggle to find a balance, but will they?

If you want to download a Kindle copy whilst it's free click HERE.

Hugs

Kay

#366 ~ The Carriage House

The Carriage House by Louisa Hall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars














I was very kindly sent a copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme at Good Reads, and the following is my honest opinion.

In the very first chapter, all I could think was: William, get over yourself for goodness sake. The other characters then went on to make a very poor first impression too.

As I progressed though, my opinions had a bit of a switch around in most cases.

Izzy went from a sulky teenager with real Daddy issues to a lost child that simply needed her Mother to be more present - something I can really identify with, and that is probably why I had the most empathy with the way she was written.

Diana moved from college drop out to a girl who had loved so deeply, and lost so profoundly, she couldn't move on with her life. How happy was I at the end then, to find that she finally got it. It left me wishing that she and Arthur could re-awaken the love, and find a life together.

Elizabeth was my least favourite character, and I haven't quite got my finger on why .... I expect most people probably didn't like Adelia much, so it surprised me too.

Really, Adelia had just made a spectacular mess of her life, she should have had children, not tried to cling to William and take over his family (I personal experience of a would be family hijacker and it isn't nice), no wonder Izzy found her terrifying and threatening!

All in all this was a meticulously put together piece of work. However, I did have a bug bear: sometimes at the start of a chapter it was difficult to define just who was narrating, and therefore a heading under the name would of been useful to the flow, i.e. Chapter #, Diana's story. Just a minor, and personal opinion, but it would have been nice to see.

This is not a book that ends up with all the loose ends neatly tied, but it did finish at a nice logical point.  Hey, not everybody requires happy ever after at the end.

Review on my Blog (Blog Post #366 in August 2013).







Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Rage & Redemption

(Rebel Angels Series)

Cyndi Friberg

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

To be honest, when a book description says "Note to Reader: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers" .... I'm going to take a closer look:

Proud and rebellious, Gideon is banished from the Light. His own words define his punishment, transforming bloodlust into literal hunger. Living by his sword, he wanders the land of mortals, embittered and alone.

Naomi works in secret, illuminating manuscripts for the Knights of St. John. Gideon is drawn to her beauty and fascinated by her innocence. She stirs the shattered remnants of his nobility, intensifying the conflict already raging within him.

Gideon is unlike anyone Naomi has ever encountered before. His passionate kisses and intoxicating caresses leave her restless and wanting. Still, she senses the bleak loneliness he tries so hard to deny. Responding to his seduction with tenderness, she is determined to help him rediscover the beauty in life.

The battle lines are drawn. Gideon must seek redemption or Fall. Naomi must lead her Rebel Angel back into the light before the forces of darkness destroy them both.

The cover was a bonus too, fab looking body he's got there.  You can download your copy at Amazon HERE.

I quite the trailer too:




Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

Stacking the Shelves Saturday (In My Mailbox)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAROUSELS TAKE A FEW SECONDS TO LOAD: Ignore the fact that it's called "My Picks" too.

From the last week, the books on My Kindle: which are Ebooks chosen as me as Daily Selections on Amazon:



Books Received last week from the Author/Publisher or as part of the First Reads Scheme at Good Reads:




There you have it, that was my week in books, now I'm off to post this on Tyngas Reviews Stacking the Shelves Saturday linkythingymabob.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Smoke & Mirrorz

Cynthia Lucas

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Magic > Mystery & Myth

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

I saw this one in pole position on the New Release page, and dismissed it at first glance, but then kept coming back to it .... for the most bizarre reason the cover reminded me of some of the Harry Potter set from yesterday's tour:  don't be mistaken though, the synopsis of the book is not anything like JK Rowling's, apart from the magic bit, but it was just a slightly dark and magical aura it gives off:

A woman on the run....in fear for her life

A down on his luck genie with an attitude working as a carnival magician. With limited powers and his own existence in serious danger, can he find the love in his heart and the power in his soul to save her?

Scheharazade ‘Scheri’ Bloom is on the run after marrying the man of her dreams...a wealthy lawyer who turns out to be more like a monster from her nightmares. Abused physically and emotionally and forced to be a prisoner in her own home, no matter how many times she tries to escape, he has the money, power and connections to have her tracked down and brought back to suffer the wrath of his anger at her leaving.

After finally finding a way to escape, she takes to the road and with the little bit of money she’d saved up running out fast, she soon finds herself drawn to a small-town carnival, where she hopes to make a few untraceable dollars working a ride or concession stand. Instead she meets the enigmatic and egotistical magician known as ‘Z’.

Amazed by Z’s skills in illusions, like the audiences who come to see him day in and day out, she soon finds herself in danger again...not so much from her abusive husband as from everything she doesn’t want to feel from the moment she lays eyes on the handsome entertainer who looks like an Arabian Knight come to life and seems to sense every secret she can’t tell him about herself.

What Scheri doesn’t know is that that Azizi ab’d al Jadu, the man known as ‘Z’ is harboring a few secrets himself. Magic is real, and not all illusions are ‘smoke and mirrors’. Z is no mortal man, but a half-breed Ifrit Jinn....a down on his luck genie, living as a carny here in the world of man. Born out of the forbidden love of a Jinn and a disobedient Angel, he is on the run from his own kind for refusing to abide the laws of both Jinn and Allah’s Watchers. And after breaking The Law and taking human form of his own free will to come through the large gold mirror that is his portal into the world of humans....he finds his once vast powers limited by the mortal realm and all the wondrous and distracting sensations of a human body.

Z has little interest in being anyone's savior...but when Scheri’s husband finally tracks her down with the help of one of Z's most dangerous enemies, Z soon finds that it's going to take more than magic to protect the woman who has stolen the heart he didn't know he had. Can he somehow regain the power he needs to save her?

You're going to have to trust me on this one ...... and pick up your Kindle download HERE whilst it's free.


Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Branded

(Fall of Angels)

Keary Taylor

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Contemporary > Fantasy

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author for the Blog*

I was drawn by the cover at first, but the description is quite was quite interesting too:

Jessica’s had the nightmares for as long as she can remember. Nightmares of being judged for people who have died, of being branded by the angels. Her friends and family think she’s a crazy because of it all. Yet she carries the mark of the condemned, seared into the back of her neck, and hides it and herself away from the world.

But when two men she can’t ignore enter her life everything changes, including the nightmares. The two of them couldn't be more different. She will do anything to be with one of them. Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck. But one of the two has set events into motion what will pull her toward her own judgment and turn her into the object of her greatest fear.

I believe that the books was featured in the Wall Street Journal as a "Self Published Big Seller".  It forms part of a series (see Review by Series for details of the other books).

Get a copy of the download (whilst it's free) HERE.

I will be M.I.A. tomorrow, as Lou and I(along with her Grandma and Cousin) are off to the Harry Potter Studio in Watford.  Then ...... big cheer to be inserted .......... dinner at Byron's Hamburger Restaurant ..... Mmmm mmm mmmmmm!

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

If you wonder what teenagers' get up to in the holidays

This is what my one did today:



Staring me in the Kitchen!

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Angels Watching Over Me

Michael Phillips

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Religious 

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

Shenandoah Sisters (Book 1)

Since reading The Help the other day, I quite like the feel of the Deep South ... so today I went for this one (I'm not being put off the the Religious tag, as quite often it can be deceiving.

Two young Southern girls, one the daughter of a plantation owner and one the daughter of a slave, barely survive the onset of the Civil War and the loss of both their families. When these tragic circumstances bring them together, they join forces to discover if they can make a life for themselves. As their preconceptions give way to experience, they gradually learn to value their contrasting and complementing strengths and skills as they face the formidable task of keeping body and soul together in the aftermath of this devastating war. But is it possible the Lord they have come to know has something bigger in mind for the plantation than either of them can imagine?

It's currently available HERE as free Kindle Download at Amazon.

Hugs

Kay

#365 ~ Honor's Players

Honor's Players by Holly Newman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars












Regency Trilogy #1



All in all a nice little read: I believe it may just have been this Author's first book to be published!

Simple but effective writing, based on the Taming of the Shrew.

Not too many mistakes or bug bears in it (but what they were will be listed as usual on the full Blog Post #365 August 2013).

If you want something undemanding, but entertaining I would recommend this.


Product Details

I downloaded my Kindle file back in March 2013 when it was free (I featured it as a DSOA).  At the time of writing this Review it's listed at £2.02 at Amazon HERE.

197 pages in length


Errors/Bug Bears

Can I just say right off the bat, that if you are going to write a Regency novel, please can an effort be made to use the English spelling, and not North American derivation ... for me it's superdooper annoying.

7%:  I know you'll not say and I'm wasting my breath ask.

Correct to:  I know you'll not say, and I'm wasting my breath asking.

10%:  Weil, you can wait all you want.

Weil is a German composer, so correct to:  Well, you can wait all you want.

35%:  I shall go check on tea

The ever elusive conjuncture.  Correct to:  I shall go and check on tea.

41%:  I must insist Mr. Tunning handle the accounts,

I would suggest it is corrected to: I must insist Mr. Tunning handles the accounts.

47%:  You two wash up and come visit awhile, too, and no argle bargle.

Where to start with this sentence - wash up and come visit are the most offensive to me, mostly because they are definitely not period appropriate. Argle Bargle too, I'm not certain about, I've only ever heard it said as Argie Bargie.

I would suggest it is corrected to:  Now, you two go and clean up, and then come inside.  I don't want any Argie Bargie.

47%:  .... and we've got to see you property welcomed.

Correct to: ... and we've got to see you properly welcomed.

50%:  "My mind?  My dear St Ryne, what is in my mind would hardly plague a gnat", he returned pleasantly, drawing his snuffbox out of his pocket.  He studied its intricate design as he went on:  "It is your mind which bears contagion".

Mmmm, I'm not sure abut the use of "contagion" in this sentence.  As far as I'm aware the definition for that word is:  the communication of disease from one person or organism to another.  Does the Author mean cogitation perhaps, which would be a more appropriate word to use.  

Correct to:   "My mind?  My dear St Ryne, what is in my mind would hardly plague a gnat", he returned pleasantly, drawing his snuffbox out of his pocket.  He studied its intricate design as he went on:  "It is your mind which bears cogitation".

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay