Another Great Book by Joel C Rosenberg

Damascus Count Down by Joel C Rosenberg
ISBN-13: 978-1414319704
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Hardcover: 480 pages

Purchase the book: Amazon

Blurb:

All eyes are on the Middle East. Israel has successfully launched a first strike on Iran, taking out all of their nuclear sites and six of their nuclear warheads—and causing The Twelfth Imam to order a full-scale retaliation. U.S. President William Jackson threatens to support a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning the Jewish State for unprovoked and unwarranted acts of aggression.

Meanwhile, CIA operative David Shirazi has infiltrated the Iranian regime and intercepted information indicating that two Iranian nuclear warheads survived the attack and have been moved to a secure and undisclosed location. In danger not only from the ongoing missile strikes on Iran but also from the increasingly hostile and suspicious governments of multiple countries, David and his team are in a race against time to find the remaining nuclear warheads before disaster strikes. 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

Damascus Countdown continues where The Tehran Initiative left off. Mr. Rosenberg's writing style allows you to pick up and read and still know what is going on without having read any of the previous books. Joel Rosenberg does not shy away from end time prophecy, nor does he back off from prominently displaying the faith of his Christian characters. Damascus Countdown is a captivating thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a book that will keep will pull you in from page one and keep you until you turn the very last page. This was a book that I had to read in one sitting as I could not put it down. I love how he takes Biblical prophecy and real events and interweaves it with fiction to create a very believable story. I have enjoyed this series tremendously and am sad that this is the last of the series.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants not only a good read, but enjoys a fast-paced Christian thriller with tons of action.

I give this book 4 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

The Farm of Wisdom by Warren Cassell JR

The Farm of Wisdom by Warren Cassell JR
ISBN-13: 978-1619332959
Publisher: FastPencil, Inc.
Softcover (96 pages)
Kindle

Purchase the book: Amazon

Book blurb:

Can one turn to nature for answers in today's world where so many are losing hope? Teenage serial entrepreneur, Warren Cassell, is confident that listening to the sounds of nature can solve many of today's problems. In The Farm of Wisdom, Warren shares twenty-­five life lessons that will ignite in you a flame of wisdom. With the help of a fictional farm and whimsical farm animals, Warren teaches that pigs, cows and even ants can teach us lessons. Through these unforgettable tales, we learn that despite formal schooling, life's critical lessons can be learnt within our own space. You will never think of a farm in the same manner again. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service. 

The Farm of Wisdom: 25 Unforgettable Tales that Will Ignite a Wiser You! is a collection of stories that you might think of being told to children in the country sitting around on the back porch. It is written in an unique storytelling form that has not be seen in many years in the States. Imagine, a story with a moral. This book is well written with a dialogue that would easily come from a well educated adult or college student, yet this book was written by a 13 year old child. The stories within were both unique and interesting.

I give this book 3 stars out of a total of 5.

An Incredible Journey Through Interracial Love

The Moses Quilt by Kathi Macias
ISBN-13: 978-1596693586
Publisher: New Hope Publishers
Softcover (240 pages)
Kindle

Purchase the book: Amazon

Book blurb:

The Moses Quilt, a contemporary novel that bridges racial and generational divides, gives a clear presentation of the gospel as readers are introduced to a confused and apprehensive Mazie Hartford. Mazie is facing major decisions about the love of her life and her future. Her great-grandmother comes to her rescue when she shows her the Moses quilt. As she learns that each patch represents a story of courage and freedom, Mazie finds the courage and freedom to make the right choices for her life. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.  

The Moses Quilt is an amazing love story between a young white woman and a black man. Their love is put to the test over and over as Mazie questions herself how she could possibly deal with the issues that others may have over their relationship. Her great-grandmother tells them the story of Harriet Tubman using her Moses quilt that she purchased earlier in life. Mazie thinks that the story can help her to decide whether or not to proceed with their wedding. How could a story about Harriet Tubman  possibly solve the issues that Mazie faced within herself ? That's was a question on my mind as I devoured the book.

Kathi Macias is an incredible storyteller. She pulls you right into the story from page one and keeps you until the very end. She will have you falling in love with her characters, crying when they cry, hurting when they do. The story is very well written with believable, lovable characters. This is one book that you just won't be able to put down until the very last page has been read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book even though I don't usually read historical or romance novels. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great book.

I give this book a total of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

REVIEW POLICY...UPDATED

PLEASE READ THE BELOW POLICY PRIOR TO SENDING ME YOUR BOOK FOR REVIEW! Thank you so much.

•    I review as a hobby because I love to read.  I only accept the books that I am interested in reading.  It is very hard to write an exciting review about a book that I was not even interested in.

• Genres that I prefer: Christian Fiction, Thrillers, Mystery, Adventure and Suspense.
• I will however accept other genres if the book interests me.
• Genres that I DO NOT accept: Paranormal, Horror, Romance, Erotica, any book that contains an excessive amount of profanity and Nonfiction.
• I reserve the right to reject a book regardless of what genre it is if the book does not interest me.
• I accept physical or kindle copies of the book for reviews only.
•  I do not receive any compensation for my reviews.  If I received the book for free from an author, publisher, or publicist, I will clearly state that in my review. 
• I will give an honest, courteous and respectful review of the book. 
• It will take approximately 4 to 6 months for me to read and review the book, as I not only work a regular job, but am also writing my novels, I will be reading multiple other books for review  as well.  I will always read my books in the order that I receive them.  I will not be able to promise an exact date for when the review will be posted. Please remember that there are other books ahead of yours in line for a review also.
• I will always post the review on my blog and send you the link.  I will also post it on Goodreads, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
• Please fill out the Contact Me form on the bottom of my blog page to submit your book review request. Please include a brief synopsis of your book. Thank you.

Please Welcome Author Debbie Brooks

Hello Debbie and welcome to my blog. Thank you for coming out to interview with me this afternoon. Please tell us about yourself.

The Sword of Hope by Christopher Bryant

The Sword of Hope by Christopher Bryant
ISBN-13: 978-0741465962
Publisher: Infinity Publishing
Softcover (138 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon

Book blurb:

This is the story of two boys, one who is destined by the stars to walk a path laid out by destiny. The other, who is simply the help, will step out from the shadows and prove he's more than just the help.

“Another book that I just couldn't put down. To me, it was like sci-fi + conspiracy theory all rolled into one amazing book. As I read through this book, I was filled with anticipation, excitement and sadness. To see what these people went through and the courage that a lot of them had was amazing.

Well written. And the end - probably one of the best endings to a story that I have read in a long time. I have so much I want to share, but it's stuff I truly think you need to learn yourself.” Meghan.
About the author:

I came into the world one year before a man would walk on the moon, at the end of a decade that held the dawn of change in its guts. I was raised during a special and complex time but I retain memories of profound sensitivity and a love of knowledge that impregnated the experiences of my childhood. I look back fondly on my afternoons in the neighborhood. I can still see old the cinema where sensations, words and images appeared as if by magic before my wide eyes.

Time advanced with its sure steps and my love for the seventh art spread to a passion for literature. In the pages of books I discovered that prodigious spark which unites the author's tale to the depths of our imaginations. Through reading, writing and the tests life uses to shape us, I learned and grew. Creation and vision nested deep within me.

One day, four years ago, the stream of words and images that I had intoxicated myself with for so many years as reader and spectator, along with the clarity conferred by life's challenges, gave way to the writer that had been lurking within me, waiting for the chance to break free. 

That is how “THE BLEAK DOOR” was concocted, an intense and powerful tale, one that sticks to your skin as soon as you take it in your hands. We will travel its pages together, setting off as spectators. We will move quickly into a world of unique sensations, down a winding path paved with fear, drama, doubt and reflection. It will force us to look within ourselves, to flee, to rediscover who we are.

It is my hope, dear reader, that we remain forever united by this experience and that we may journey together always.

Please Help Me In Welcoming Author Christian Baker

Hello Christian and thank you for joining us today. Please tell us a little about yourself.


I came into the world one year before a man would walk on the moon, at the end of a decade that held the dawn of change in its guts. I was raised during a special and complex time but I retain memories of profound sensitivity and a love of knowledge that impregnated the experiences of my childhood. I look back fondly on my afternoons in the neighborhood. I can still see old the cinema where sensations, words and images appeared as if by magic before my wide eyes.
 
Time advanced with its sure steps and my love for the seventh art spread to a passion for literature. In the pages of books I discovered that prodigious spark which unites the author's tale to the depths of our imaginations. Through reading, writing and the tests life uses to shape us, I learned and grew. Creation and vision nested deep within me.
One day, four years ago, the stream of words and images that I had intoxicated myself with for so many years as reader and spectator, along with the clarity conferred by life's challenges, gave way to the writer that had been lurking within me, waiting for the chance to break free.
That is how “THE BLEAK DOOR” was concocted, an intense and powerful tale, one that sticks to your skin as soon as you take it in your hands. We will travel its pages together, setting off as spectators. We will move quickly into a world of unique sensations, down a winding path paved with fear, drama, doubt and reflection. It will force us to look within ourselves, to flee, to rediscover who we are.
It is my hope, dear reader, that we remain forever united by this experience and that we may journey together always.
 
Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it? 

The present work was inspired by a deep observation of historic and present events of tremendous impact on our society. I wanted to approach them not from a general perspective but from our deepest nature, that which defines our identity and gives way to our decisions. It’s not a book of theory. It’s a dark and breathless journey which we experience firsthand. It forces us to decide, to choose our path. And there, behind The Bleak Door, the consequences await.
When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?

I love the romance and the mysticism of pen and paper. But when I write, I try to let the story come to life on its own impulse, from the innate force of the plot and the protagonists. When my imagination begins to move quicker than my pulse, the computer is a great ally without a doubt.
What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
I want the story to transport me, to absorb me. To feel that it’s real and not just something to pass the time. And when I finish reading, something inside me has been transformed.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
Without doubt, the creation of the characters and how throughout the story, they appear to come to life and react and feel, beyond what you expected when you imagined them. They suffer, they love, they react with different perspectives, in different ways. And somehow they’re the ones that show me, from their point of view, where to go with the story that I propose as an author.
When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?

Book stores have something magical about them, they give off a certain aura. I like to wander aimlessly around the tables and the shelves and surprise myself.

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

I have a particular weakness for knowledge. I love to learn new things, to see other perspectives. I also enormously enjoy technology and the Internet.

But above all, what I like most is to spend time with the people I love, to share in the magic of the mundane.
We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?
I don’t like it when a novel is predictable, slow, or emotionless. But most of all I don’t like it if a story is written for the sole purpose of selling. Besides that, even a simple story but well told, with feeling, where the author really wanted to transmit something, could be worth reading. But you must always respect the reader.

What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?
At some parts of the story, it helps me to listen to soft or relaxing music, something instrumental. At other times I am so concentrated and absorbed by the story I’m telling that silence is my best companion.
Who are your favorite authors?

Author Clarke or Asimov in Sci-Fi. Harlan Coben in the thriller genre, Carlos Zafón for stories of love and drama. There are constant surprises and talented authors to discover, even in the most unexpected books.
Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?
Just that THE BLEAK DOOR is there, waiting for you to discover it. I invite you to accompany me on this journey in which we will share a unique, jarring story. Along with the protagonists we’ll live through extreme experiences. We will have to make decisions, to face impossible challenges, to transform. And there, in the deepest part of our interiors, maybe, just maybe, we will find the answers.

The Bleak Door by Christian Baker
ISBN-13: 978-1490503004
Publisher: CreateSpace
Softcover (472 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon

Book blurb:

The President of the United States is abruptly hit by a serious and unknown disease. Suddenly, and while his successor was being discussed, he miraculously recovers. Relief rapidly spreads among his assistants and public opinion. The most powerful man on the planet has come back. Or, at least, that is what everyone thought. A different enemy, beyond our understanding, expands his webs. Soon changes in laws, persecutions, and weird and flabbergasting experiments start to take place. A top-notch interdisciplinary team is clandestinely put together in order to grasp the inexplicable and thus put up some sort of resistance. They were not aware that the knowledge of that truth might only be the beginning of the nightmare. The Bleak Door tells us about a world becoming oppressive, violent, without any clear apparent reasons. It faces us with complex questions of our inner self and our response towards manipulation both from an individual and a social level. It positions us before our selfishness, our decisions. And, above all, their consequences. An electrifying, obscure, fast-paced story from its very first page. SCI-FI Thriller.
Contact the author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Please Welcome Author Teresa Hardister

Good afternoon Teresa. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to interview with us today. Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am nobody. I have no celebrity status other than possibly being known locally as the one who taped her pants in high school, or the bait shop girl.

I am not wealthy. At times, I'm clueless. I have taken many pages of mental notes and learned on my journey as a mother, friend, daughter, and, ultimately, a human being, that this chaotic world we live in is about the little things. I am Uniquely Nobody.

I began writing at very young age. My love and deep passion for the written word gave me the courage to release my works to the world.

Finding happiness in helping others with my offerings I continue to write daily. I hold a strong belief that we can change the world one word at a time.

I reside in North Carolina with my two sons, my husband, and our dog Winnie. When I am not writing I enjoy all things outdoors, mud, gardening, or just sitting in the swing with a cold drink taking in the atmosphere of rural Southern living.

Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it? The name of my newest release is The Random Society (Even More Thoughts). I began writing a series of thoughts for the day a few years ago, posting them for friends to read and allowing them to share my words with their friends. It continued to grow and I got so much positive feedback from it, that I took the thoughts and put them in book form. The Random Society (Even More Thoughts) is volume two and I feel like the best so far. I give my readers 52 installments of inspirations and things to ponder, it works out to one a week, so you have a year’s worth of reading in one book. I cover topics such as conquering fear, grief, being positive, and keeping the faith even when you feel you can’t.
When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other? I always choose pen and paper, I began writing as a child and that is where I feel most creative and inspired, with a pen in hand and with an empty notebook just waiting to be filled. I can write via the computer but I don’t feel as at home with my words.
What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite? My favorite would have to be receiving an email or meeting someone who tells me that my writing made them think or inspired them, that is such a powerful and incredible feeling, it is also very humbling to know that something you constructed helped someone in their life and gave them a feeling of restored hope. My least favorite by far would be editing. I detest it, and when I am editing it always seems that the creative juices start to kick in and I feel that urgency to start writing instead of the mundane task of editing.

What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you? Strangely enough I have been asked by many readers about how to make gravy. I often reference my Southern heritage and the making of sausage gravy and over time I have gotten countless requests from readers wanting to know if I can teach them how. I love that, I think it is so sweet!

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do? I absolutely love to garden and get my hands dirty. I can’t think of anything any more satisfying than digging and turning up the ground and watching the miracle of things growing.

What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career? Why? I am getting ready to start fiction. I have been writing inspirational works for quite some time now and I have dabbled in fiction through the years, but I am looking forward to giving the world some fiction to read. Why? I would have to say to test myself and push myself to be a well-rounded writer, able to hold to my own in several genres.

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason? I find that I get carried away with my dedications very often, this one was special. It was in memory of Mother and a dear friend who passed away, they both gave me the strength to step out with my writing and shine. It is also dedicated to a childhood friend Julie, and my husband Ben who have been there for me so many times and uplifted me and encouraged me to keep writing. I lost my Mom two years ago, and I came very close to never picking up my pen again, Ben and Julie kept pushing me to fight, and that is why this book is so very special, you grieve with me and you also see the transformation of strength as time passes and the light shines brighter in our world. Hopefully giving all renewed faith that there is nothing too big to conquer.
Who are your favorite authors? I tend to lean towards classic works and those favorites are Sara Teasdale, Harper Lee, Twain, Kate Chopin and Ernest Hemingway. My modern day favorites are James Patterson, Nicholas Sparks and Suzanne Collins.

What 7 words would you use to describe yourself- Quirky, upbeat, strong, unique, caring, observant and optimistic.
Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview? I would have to say, remember that no matter what happens in life, you can reach your dreams, you can overcome any obstacle, you can make gravy and most of all you don’t give up, keep trying. Never give in, hope is right around the corner.

The Random Society by Teresa Hardister
ISBN-13: 978-1491213414
Publisher: CreateSpace
Softcover (212 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon

Book blurb:

Welcome back to The Random Society! This is the second book in the series, and this time it is packed with even more wonderful notions and feelings. A place where random thoughts and words are given to enlighten, uplift, and make you think. In the pages of this book you will find a series of topics and emotions that all of us have faced in our lives, some are very serious and some are things that bring simple joy. The Random Society is open to all who wish to seek insight and empowerment. A guide to living in a positive, but quirky way! Please come on in and become a member, everyone is welcome, and in doing so you will be opened up to see the world and all of its wonders in a new light.

Contact the author: Blog | Facebook

Please Welcome Author Warren Cassell Jr

Please help me in welcoming the youngest author that I have ever met, Warren Cassell Jr. Hello Warren and welcome to my blog. Please tell us about yourself.

Warren Cassell Jr. is the living proof that anyone with dedication, focus and determination can achieve great success. Warren could have said when he grew up he would lead a company but for him time is of the essence. At the age of eight, he started his first business venture and by the age of thirteen he has served clients from regions all over the planet. Warren lives by the quote, if you light a lamp for someone it will also light your path and hopes that his books will ignite a flame of wisdom in you.

Please tell me about your book. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
Every day I get out of bed with a goal to inspire someone. This is why I do what I do as a teen. I live by the quote if you light a lamp for someone it will also brighten your path. For several months I questioned myself constantly as I tried to find out what else I could do that would reach people on a wider scale and the thought came to write a book of life lessons in a way everyone will remember - fiction.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?
I love this question! My writing process starts with me lying in bed for about fifteen to twenty minutes thinking how I would start the piece. When I am confident my initial planning is good I actually write with a pen and as I get closer to finishing the piece, I re-write what I have already written and finish up the ending on the computer. I do prefer to write with a writing instrument but the computer makes editing so much easier.

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from you to be read pile?
I am a full time student in high school; so when I'm not writing I am probably in class or doing schoolwork. I also run a business so I am normally in and out of meetings with clients.

What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
All the books that I pick up must teach a lesson or lessons in the end. When I choose books, whether non-fiction or fiction, I make sure that they will leave me with words of wisdom that I can use to make myself a better person.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
My favorite part of being an author is knowing that I'm putting something out into the world that would engage and inspire others. There is no doubt that being an indie author is a lot of work but to be honest I'm enjoying everything about it. It's very hard to say what my least favorite is.
 
Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
Networking! I love meeting new people and hearing life stories. I am always looking to come across new people and learning about the talents they have. I have met many people by way of the Internet and I must say that it is a very rewarding experience to network online.

 Who was your current book dedicated to?
My book, The Farm of Wisdom, is dedicated to everyone on the planet. From the time I started to write I knew that I would be dedicating my book to the world. I hope that I am able to inspire others to live a life of their dreams and that the book ignites flames of wisdom in others. In addition, for every copy of my book sold a tree will be planted in a third world country.

What are you currently reading?
I'm managing to squeeze in some time to read "Three Feet from Gold" by Sharon Lechter and Greg Reid.

Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite childhood author is Beverly Cleary. I read and enjoyed all of her books as a child and once a year I re-read one of her books. Nicolas Sparks is my favorite novelist and Mark Fisher, who writes parables, is my all-time favorite author.

What 7 words would you use to describe yourself. 
A teen who sees the world differently.


The Farm of Wisdom by Warren Cassell Jr
ASIN: B00DYCBLM2
Publisher: FastPencil, Inc
Kindle (52 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon

Book blurb:

Can one turn to nature for answers in today's world where so many are losing hope? Teenage serial entrepreneur, Warren Cassell, is confident that listening to the sounds of nature can solve many of today's problems. In The Farm of Wisdom, Warren shares twenty-­five life lessons that will ignite in you a flame of wisdom. With the help of a fictional farm and whimsical farm animals, Warren teaches that pigs, cows and even ants can teach us lessons. Through these unforgettable tales, we learn that despite formal schooling, life's critical lessons can be learnt within our own space. You will never think of a farm in the same manner again.

Angels Among Us by Shirley Denton

 

Angels Among Us by Shirley Denton
ISBN-13: 978-1300687672
Publisher: lulu.com
Softcover (112 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon | LuLu

Book blurb:

My book is about Angels because they have always intrigued my imagination. Some Angels are seen, but some are unseen. Often we can feel their presence or witness miracles performed by them. They are ministering celestial beings who rule the universe carrying messages of hope and comfort. I have encountered my own personal Angel at times of great sorrow.

 About the author:

Shirley Denton was born in Powell Co. Kentucky and grew up in Fairborn Ohio. She went to Modina's School Of Beauty then became a hairstylist. She is a mother and grandmother. Ms. Denton has been writing poetry since 1998 and now has four books published. Her bio can also be found in Marquis Who's Who.

Please Welcome Author Christine Meunier

Hello Christine and welcome to my blog. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to interview with me. Please tell us a little about yourself.
 
I was introduced to the wonderful world of horses at the late age of 13 when my parents agreed to lease a horse for me. I started experiencing horses via books from a young age and continues to do so, but recognizes that horses cannot be learnt solely from books.

I have been studying horses from age 16, starting with the Certificate II in Horse Studies and is currently undertaking her Bachelor of Equine Science via distance education.

I have worked at numerous thoroughbred studs in Australia as well as overseas in Ireland for a breeding season.

I then gained experience in a couple of Melbourne based horse riding schools, instructing at a basic level before heading off overseas again, this time to South Africa to spend hours in the saddle of endurance and trail horses on the Wild Coast.

Particularly passionate about the world of breeding horses, I teach equine studies focused on breeding, at a TAFE, Victoria, Australia. She also writes a blog about equine education. 


Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
Horse Country – A World of Horses follows the lives of 4 young women working in the horse industry. Two teach horse riding at their parents metropolitan riding school; the other two work in the thoroughbred breeding industry.

The book was borne of a love of writing and detailing events that have occurred whilst I’ve been working in the horse industry. At 16 I was told horses aren’t a career and I hope that this book helps to teach people about horses and show them that they are indeed a worldwide viable career option!

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?
I prefer a computer and utilise a laptop often to write – it is quicker for me! Sometimes it seems that the keyboard can’t keep up with what I have in my head – that is even more so true for my fingers when I’m writing! I’ve been known to jot ideas in a text message to myself or on a piece of paper I can find if a computer isn’t available at the time the ideas come, though!

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from you to be read pile?
I love to read and definitely pick up from this large pile. Often I read horse novels and review them online. Other than that I love to research horse careers online (to write about) and play my guitar.

 What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
I love a book that is easy to follow, exciting, and entertaining.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
I just love to write, I think that’s the best bit! Least favourite is being patient whilst people help me to proof my works.

 Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?
I hope it’ll be a future residual income so I can work from home on a property with many horses! Currently I teach horse studies to those who want to gain a qualification and generate a career in the horse industry.

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
Singing and guitar; I love music.

We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?
Grammatical errors, although I must admit to having these at times, too! I love as an independent author that I can go and fix errors as soon as they’re found.

On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing? Who are you with?
Spending it with my husband in the garden, studying and at church.
Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?
Neville Murdoch, a previous boss who helped me to learn so much in the world of working with horses. 

Horse Country by Christine Meunier
ISBN 9780987533203
Softcover (492 pages)

Purchase the book: LuLu

Book blurb:

Follow Lise and Wes as they work their way around North East Victoria, Australia in the seasonal world of breeding thoroughbreds. Horse Country follows the seasons of the Thoroughbred industry and what the day to day of working on a stud could look like. A few hours away, Maddie and Melanie are working hard in their parent's metropolitan riding school, teaching others about horse riding and care of the horse. From the nervous first time rider, to the child who wants to run fast and jump high, the young women shape lessons to suit the individual.

H10N1 By M.R. Cornelius

H10N1 by M.R. Cornelius
ISBN-13: 978-0615679358
Publisher: Hickory Flat Books
Softcover (370 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon

Book blurb:

A deadly influenza virus rages out of control. There is no easy-fix vaccine. No eleventh-hour containment. Only death.

With no workforce, power plants are unmanned so there’s no means of communication; police and fire departments have collapsed so no one is safe; looters are scavenging everything from big-screen TVs to canned peas.

When Dr. Taeya Sanchez finds herself unceremoniously dismissed from an emergency medical facility in New York, she decides to steal the hospital’s armored van for a midnight escape.

Unfortunately, Rick DeAngelo, a driver for the hospital, has already stocked the van for his own getaway.

Thrown into an unfriendly alliance, these two must pick their way across the dangerous wasteland of America in search of a safe haven. And as the miles roll by, they discover that the living should be feared much more than the festering corpses out there.

About the author:

After working for fifteen years as a cafeteria manager in an elementary school, Marsha Cornelius turned in her non-skid shoes for a bathrobe and slippers. She now works at home, writing novels, acting out scenes with her cats, and occasionally running a Swiffer across dusty surfaces.

Like thousands of others, she thought she could write romance, but soon discovered she was a dismal failure. She did increase her repertoire of adjectives such as throbbing, pulsing, thrumming, vibrating, hammering, pumping . . .

Her first novel, H10N1, is a thriller about a flu pandemic gone awry, and her latest endeavor, The Ups and Downs of Being Dead, tells the story of a man who chooses to have his body cryonically-frozen rather than face death.

She resides in the countryside north of Atlanta with her husband. Her two grown sons occasionally visit for clean laundry and a hot cooked meal. 

Please Welcome Author Ann Werner

Hello Ann and welcome to my blog. Thank you for taking the time out to interview with me today. Please tell us about yourself.


Ann Werner was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland, moved to Southern California in 1977, lived a few years near Sedona Arizona and now resides in Northern California. Along the way she has held a variety of jobs including bartender, cemetery plot salesperson, master hypnotist, auto salesperson, actor and wine consultant, to name a very few. For seven and a half years she portrayed Eliana, maid to the evil Dimera family on Days of Our Lives. She considers life to be a smorgasbord and intends to dine at the table for as long as she can. You can find her on Twitter @MsWerner and on Facebook.

Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
My novel CRAZY is a pretty crazy story that just sort of occurred to me. I love thrillers and wanted to write something other than a police procedural or CSI type of thing. I wanted to get into the mind of a serial killer and have the reader be there. It was a strange experience because I had to find those terrible things in me that I would never act upon but that a seriously disturbed person would be able to rationalize into action. It's an odd sort of endeavor because sometimes the things my killer does are just so beyond the pale. I'd be sitting there, typing away, the whole thing unfolding in my mind's eye and I'd be pounding the keyboard, the anger or the pain or the frustration of the character building within me. Maybe it's the actor in me, but I see my books in my head, like a movie, and I experience the emotions of the character. All this absolutely awful stuff would be pouring out of me and then I'd finish that segment and sit back and read what I'd just written. It sounds awful, but sometimes it would just make me laugh because it was so contrary to the way I am and I'd wonder where it all came from! This is a process I do with all of my characters, so when my heroine, Emily, is freaking out because this serial killer is sending her scary messages and then carrying out the threats, I am freaking out too. It is not unusual for me to sit at my computer and laugh hysterically, cry, shiver with fear or or seethe with anger. When you think about it, it's very therapeutic! The strangest thing was when I was about three quarters of the way through writing the first draft, I thought maybe it would be beneficial to actually research a serial killer and see how my fictional killer stacked up with the real thing. I picked up a book about the Zodiac killer. The only thing I knew about that one was the name - had no idea of what he did, how he did it and so forth. The parallels between Zodiac and my imagined killer were eerily similar. I must admit, that sent a few chills up my spine!
What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?
I love to read just about anything. I have always been a voracious reader and my interests vary. I read mostly, but not exclusively, fiction. As stated, I like thrillers but I also like historical fiction, mysteries, science fiction, contemporary fiction and I'm into true crime and biographies and autobiographies - if it's well written, I'll read it! But when it comes to writing, I always seem to go to the weird side. CRAZY is my third novel and while it's the only one that deals with a serial killer, all of them have a definite strange factor. One is a science fiction/time travel tale and another is a story about a writer who has just made it and a bank robber who is sentenced to life in prison. Neither of them is aware of the other but both of their stories run concurrently until a fateful meeting happens. At present I am working on an entirely different sort of piece. It's a ghost story and a love story. I guess I'm counting on my readers to be as eclectic as I am with their choice of reading materials.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?

I love working on the computer. The first book manuscript I wrote was on a typewriter - now that was a job! I'm not the world's most accomplished typist, and I seem to have gotten worse rather than better over the years, so having a computer is invaluable. Not only is it great for spell checking but it's also so much easier to change the arrangement of things if I feel it's called for. Cut and paste - what a concept! I do, however, keep paper and pen near at all times so when I get an idea, I write it down. To me, writing isn't just when I sit down to do it. It's a process where I come up with things at odd times - sometimes I'll wake up in the middle of the night with an angle that hadn't occurred to me and I'll grab the paper and pen from my nightstand and record it so I won't forget.

Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?

I first started writing when I was a kid, so of course, I've undergone changes along the way. However, since I started writing seriously, I can't say I've noticed big changes but there have certainly been changes. One of the bugboos I've had - and still do - is the overuse of the word 'that'. Even though I try to keep it out of my writing, it seems to appear more often than not and I find myself going back over what I've written and deleting the word many, many, MANY times! I guess it's a strange little writing tic. My writing is also a lot tighter than it was when I first got started, which is the product of undergoing edits.

What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?

Good writing. It doesn't matter what the book is about, if the writing is good, then I'm there. Conversely, if the book is something I'm generally interested in but is poorly written, it hits the junk heap in no time flat. I realize there will be small errors here and there at times, although I have noticed an uptick of that in recent years, even in books published by the large houses. But I have come across some incredibly poorly written books and I wonder how the authors let them go out like that. Some are rife with mistakes, others have poor plot construction or even worse, get preachy. When I read, I want to be entertained or informed. I don't want to have to wade through a lot of grammatical mistakes, spelling errors and/or someone telling me how I should think. If it's fiction, I want a tight plot with interesting characters and not a lot of superfluous verbiage that doesn't drive the plot. If it's non-fiction, I want the facts. I don't mind if the author expresses a point of view but I hate it when a book is preachy. I want the information so I can process it and come to my own conclusions.

What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?

I listen to the voices in my head. No music. I find it distracting. When I get into writing, I have a movie in my head and I can see and hear my characters. That's all the music I need!
Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

I WISH I could quit my day job, but I like having a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food on my table, so no, I haven't been able to quit my day job, although I have managed to take it down to part time, which is great! I work as a wine consultant - one of my other passions in life. I do love wine! In my position, part of the job is to taste wine and I would guess that I taste somewhere in the vicinity of 2,000 wines a year. It has been quite an education for me, plus I wrote a blog about setting up a wine tasting, so I managed to blend writing and wine. I do write for fun but I am also deadly serious about it. I've got three novels out and two non-fiction books and am currently working on another novel and my daughter cum business partner and I are working on gathering stories for a follow-up anthology to the first book we put out under the ARK Stories banner, The Virgin Diaries. She is also working on a book about the importance of voting.
What are you currently reading?

I am about a third of the way through 77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz, one of my favorite authors. I perused the reviews on Amazon - some of them were bad. But there were also some really great reviews. I chose to heed the great ones and I am glad I did. He has a wonderful writing style, a terrific use of language and a fertile imagination. This latest novel harks back to some of his earlier work, which hooked me decades ago.
Who are your favorite authors?

You already know Dean Koontz is one of them. Let's see - it's a LOOOOOOONG list! So I'll just dash off the first several that pop into my head: Stephen King, F. Paul Wilson (if you've never read the Repairman Jack novels, you are missing quite a ride!), Colleen McCullough, Tess Gerritsen, Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, James Patterson. On the Indie side, I like Alle Wells, Gloria Ferris, Ken McClure, Kenneth Hoss, Andrew E. Kaufman and Torsten Tomas - among others!
Which is your favorite character in your book and why?

I can't tell you the character's name because that would spoil the surprise, but my favorite character is always the villain. Villains are fun to write and so much more interesting because they're so off the beaten path of normal people. Writing the villain for CRAZY was always a challenge because I had to go places inside myself that sometimes scared me. But that is part of the fun of writing, at least it is for me!