Humor and Your Paranormal Mystery Novel

Posted on January 19, 2023 by kimwrtr

Paranormal Mysteries don’t have to be totally terrifying. Below, you’ll find a few tips about injecting humor into your paranormal mystery stories.

Top Ten Tips for Paranormal Mystery Humor

Use humor to create a contrast between the serious paranormal elements and the everyday world of the characters.
Use comic relief to break the tension and keep the story from getting too dark.
Utilize satire, irony, and sarcasm to inject humor into the story.
Develop characters with distinct personalities and comedic timing to create interesting interactions.
Use witty banter between characters as a way to add humor to the story.
Incorporate comedic situations or subplots that don’t detract from the main mystery plot.
Use physical comedy, such as pratfalls, to add humor to the story.
Use puns, wordplay, and other forms of verbal humor to create witty dialogue.
Utilize pop culture references to add humor that appeals to a wide audience.
Use humor to add layers to the story and explore the characters’ emotional and psychological states.

On a More Personal Note:

Of the 75+ book reviews I’ve received for Haunted Hearts, over 90% were positive. The readers expressed love for all the characters, especially the main character. Besides that, they loved the humorous and charming ghosts.

The main reason I included just a touch of humor in the Lana Malloy Paranormal Mystery series was derived from a desire not to have my books become too dark. While ghosts and the paranormal can be spooky, entering a little humor into them can make your story more lighthearted. Not as scary. This is a good thing, especially for our readers who don’t particularly care for horror but do like a good ghost story.

If this is the type of book you like, you’ll love Haunted Hearts.

Book Links for Haunted Hearts

Uncover the truth behind a 20-year-old murder case with Haunted Hearts – a thrilling ghost story with a dash of comedy.

Amazon

Other Bookselles

Book Review Sunday: “Practical Passion” by Elizabeth Delisi @delisi

Posted on June 18, 2017 by kimwrtr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m an author of several novels, novellas and short story collections, I teach writing courses, and I edit for individuals. I live in New Hampshire and enjoy studying the Tarot, reading, and doing needlework. My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz, favorite book is Watchers by Dean Koontz.

ABOUT THE STORY

Julie Preston worked hard raising her younger sister, Emily, after their parents died, and creating a career. She gave up simple pleasures like love and relationships. So when a friend drags her to a singles bar, Julie’s ready for anything. She meets a gorgeous guy and they spend several passionate hours together. There’s real chemistry there, but Julie regretfully sticks to her promise: a one-night stand, no strings.

When Julie hires a tutor to help Emily pass English, she’s shocked to find Douglas Dean is the man from the bar. Seeing him in her house makes it hard to keep her hands off him, but he isn’t looking for a long-term relationship since he’s a singles bar patron. Right?

How many miles can Julie jog before she gives in and jumps him?

MY REVIEW

Romance at its best

5starsRating

After the death of her parents, Julie quits college and gets a job (sometimes more than one) to support her little sister. Somewhere along the way, Julie has become a serious and dedicated guardian, causing her to have a non-existence social life. Lonely, she wants to find love but where’s the time.

I loved this story. Once romance begins to happen, it happens fast. Ms. Delisi has a wonderful writing style that keeps you in the story. This is a well-written happily-ever-after romance that you’ll thoroughly enjoy.

You can get your copy of Practical Passion. Just click the title or the cover above.

About the Reviewer

Kim Cox is an author of Romance, Mystery, and Paranormal. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her chainsaw artist husband, their West Highland White Terriers–Scooter and Harley, and a Yorkie mix, Candi. She’s a mother and grandmother.

Kim is published in novels, short stories and articles. Sign up for Kim’s Readers List.

Visit Kim at Kim Cox Author, Kim’s Musings, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads and Google.

Kim has a new release coming out near the end of June 2017: Before We Wed, a romantic suspense and book 2 in the Style & Profile series. All This Time is book 1. In celebration of the new release, Before We Wed, All This Time will be on sale for only 99 cents for a limited time.

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About the Lana Malloy Paranormal Mystery series:

In the LANA MALLOY PARANORMAL MYSTERY SERIES, Lana Malloy is a psychic private investigator who is on a mission to help the dearly departed even when they don’t realize they need help.

In the first novella, HAUNTED HEARTS, Lana sets out to solve her first case—the twenty-year old cold-case and double murder of her great aunt and her great aunt’s fiancé. If she succeeds, they’ll spend eternity together; if she can’t, they’ll be stuck as Haunted Hearts. With the help of the ghosts and a new love interest, she is able to find the murderer. Only 99 cents.

In the second novella, GET OUT OR DIE, the success of Lana’s first case has spread throughout the local Charleston area and her business is booming. At one pro-bono job, Lana helps a widow communicate with her late husband where she learns of a frightening new ability—an ability that could give the spirit the upper hand if she’s not careful. Can get this book free here.

In the third novella, THE WEDDING CRASHER, when Lana Malloy is about to marry Tony Calabria, she has a dream of her wedding that is troubling and she wonders if she should call it off. With the help of her Great Aunt Lucy, she realizes the vision isn’t about her own wedding, but that of someone else who will be forced to marry or worse. During their honeymoon, Lana’s visions become clearer and more frequent, and now Lana and Tony are faced with finding and rescuing Jada from a madman.

In the fourth book, CHRISTMAS CRUISE, Lana boards a cruise ship haunted by dead women who were brutally murdered. While aboard the ship, Lana has an experience that mentally injures her. Once she recovers, she’s more determined than ever to find the killer.

Four more books planned in the series.

In the fifth Book, HAUNTED BY HER PAST, how can Lana convince a ghost who was abusive in his life to move on and stop tormenting his girlfriend? Coming this fall.

Coming up Next – Scheduled books and short stories – Kim’s Read & Review List are: (order may change at any time)
The One Enlightened by Yvette Calleiro (starting 6/19)
Nikki Magee by Peter Wendt
She Dies at the End (November Snow Book 1) by A. M. Manay
Shadow of the Drill by Rhani D’Chae
Steamed: A Maid In LA Mystery by Holly Jacobs
Neon Houses by Linda Mims
Love’s Child by Lizzie Chantree
Flowers and Stone by Jan Sikes
Passion & Struggle (The Genesis Saga Book 1) by John Fioravanti
Acts Beyond Redemption (Unintended Consequences Book 1) by Suzanne Burke
The Glade by Harmony Kent
A Highland Ruby (Highland Treasures Book 2) by Brenda B. Taylor
Stealing Time (Book 1) by K.J. Waters
I Kissed A Ghost by Robin Leigh Morgan
Dog Bone Soup by Bette A. Stephens
The Gemstone Chronicles Book Two: The Amethyst by William Stuart
The Black Fox by Gordon Bickerstaff
Bound by the Summer Prince by Mistral Dawn
Our Justice by John Howell
She Lights Up the Dark (November Snow Book 2) by A. M. Manay
A Thousand Yesteryears (Point Pleasant) by Mae Clair
Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women by Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko
Treachery & Triumph (The Genesis Saga Book 2) by John Fioravanti
Toxic Minds by Gordon Bickersaff

Book Review Sunday: “My GRL” by John W. Howell @HowellWave

Posted on June 18, 2017 by kimwrtr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

John lives in Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.

ABOUT THE BOOK

John Cannon has a choice. Save himself or the Annapolis Midshipman.

John J. Cannon, a successful San Francisco lawyer, takes a leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL. His intent is to relax, but others make this intention impossible. John is unaware when he buys his boat that it has been targeted by a terrorist group to be used as a guided bomb to destroy the Annapolis Midshipmen on their summer cruise.

John’s first inkling of trouble is when he wakes up in the hospital and learns they found him unconscious next to the body of the young woman who sold him the boat and laying on the gun that killed her. John must struggle to convince the police he is not a murderer and then he finally ends up as the only one who can try and stop the terrorists from completing their mission.

The action moves from a small town in Texas to fifty miles offshore of the New York Harbor where the terrorists plan to launch their attack.

MY REVIEW

Reviewer: Kim Cox

4starsRating

Thrilling Mystery With an Unlikely Hero

The unlikely hero is a corporate lawyer looking for a comfortable life outside the world of business. The obstacles he faces will blow your socks off. There’s a terrorist plot afoot and they involve John Cannon. John can’t understand why they’re interested in him but he soon finds out.

This is a well-written, edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you turning the pages. I look forward to reading Mr. Howell’s next thriller.

You can get your copy of My GRL. Just click the title or the cover above.

About the Reviewer

Kim is published in novels, short stories and articles. Sign up for Kim’s Readers List.

Visit Kim at Kim Cox Author, Kim’s Musings, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads and Google.

Kim has a new release coming out near the end of June 2017: Before We Wed, a romantic suspense and book 2 in the Style & Profile series. All This Time is book 1.

Before We Wed Book Blurb:

Just as Sarah Martin and Jon Clayton say their vows, the police crash the wedding to arrest the groom. Jon is terrified and Sarah is heartbroken. Thankfully, their friends support them emotionally and help find Jon an excellent attorney.

When evidence of John’s guilt is found, he swears he’s innocent. But how can he prove it? As if an arrest and pending trial aren’t bad enough, his ex-wife refuses to let him near their seven-year-old son, and has their shared custody agreement rescinded as part of his bail agreement. But when Jon Jon is injured, Jon breaks the agreement and his bail is revoked.

Sarah sees strange men in Jon’s business one night. One follows her home and attacks her. When Jon finds out, he pushes her way to protect her, but it doesn’t deter her loyalty to him or the attacker’s determination to killer her. Will the enemy get to her?

Is Jon truly innocent, and does he have no idea how the damaging evidence found its way into his business? Are there more sinister people involved? Will Sarah find the evidence she needs to clear him, or will she find out he’s fooled them all? If someone else is framing Jon, who is it and what are their motives?

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Cover Design by Sean Lowery at High Impact Covers

Book Review Sunday: “Nothing But Love” a short story by Holly Jacobs @HollyJacobs1

Posted on June 18, 2017 by kimwrtr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Holly Jacobs leads a life full of romance and adventure. From skydiving to jet-setting around Europe, from snorkeling in coral reefs to writing while wearing beautiful silk peignoir sets and popping chocolate bonbons, Holly Jacobs leads a life that is the epitome of romance…

Well, my fictional life sounds more interesting, but not better than my real life. Really, I’m the happily married mother of four. I cook a lot, garden and weave baskets! I write for Montlake Romance and Harlequin. My books range from lighthearted comedies to more serious dramas and now even mysteries…but at heart, they’re all stories of love.

I don’t always set out to write a series of books, but seem to find myself gravitating to them. Because so many people have asked, I’ve posted lists of all my series in order at www.hollyjacobs.com/bookseries.html. I really try to make each story stand alone, but many of my readers enjoy reading the series in order. Hope this helps!

Thank you to everyone who’s picked up a single book, or more of them. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by so much support!

Holly

ABOUT THE STORY

A WLVH Radio Series and Everything But… Series short story

HOLLY.JACOBS-NBL

Readers who’ve followed Nana Vancy’s curse-breaking and matchmaking antics in Jacobs’ bestselling Everything But…series will be relieved to find this Hungarian grandma’s not totally reformed!

Welcome to an Erie, Pennsylvania Christmas.

Take one WLVH, Where Love is More than Just a Song, disc jockey who adopts a special dog.

Add in an amputee who thinks he’s lost everything.

Let one Everything But… grandmother, Nana Vancy, stir things up.
Then maybe find Nothing But Love in this story that’s full of Christmas magic.

Fans of Jacobs’ Everything But…series and her WLVH Radio series will love these standalone short stories where Nana Vancy once again proves that love can be a lot of laughs!

MY REVIEW

Reviewer: Kim Cox

4starsRating

The start of something wonderful . . .

Enjoyable romantic short story. Ms. Jacobs has a wonderful writing style. I wish it was longer but it was well worth the cost. I look forward to reading more from this author. Special needs dog, a woman with a big heart, and a loving man. It’s the start of something wonderful.

You can get your copy of Nothing But Love. Just click the title or the cover above.

About the Reviewer

Kim is published in novels, short stories and articles. Sign up for Kim’s Readers List.

Visit Kim at Kim Cox Author, Kim’s Musings, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads and Google.

All This Time Book Blurb:

ALL THIS TIME is a romantic suspense novel. Book 1 in the Style & Profile Series.

Can Jenny and Trevor make a life together while uncovering a common enemy? Treachery, Greed, and Psychosis threaten to tear it all apart.

At thirty, Jenny Morgan’s biological clock is ticking. But as a fashion magazine CEO with a busy schedule and no significant other, her wish is unlikely to come true. When her father receives a potentially terminal diagnosis, he longs for a grandchild before he dies. With her religious beliefs, a sperm donor isn’t an alternative. Jenny’s only immediate available option is her single co-worker and best friend, Trevor Drake. Can she really trust him to be a good husband?

Trevor has loved Jenny since college, but she only sees him as a friend with no ambition. After he learns of her predicament, he proposes and sets out to prove he can provide everything she needs. Jenny is determined to have a prenuptial agreement with an “out” clause after one year. Can Trevor convince Jenny of his love by then?

As if they don’t have enough on their plate, someone at the magazine is out to stop their wedding and their impending parenthood, and destroy the magazine’s reputation. Jenny is nearly killed in a sabotage attempt.

Join Kim’s newsletter for a FREE book, to hear about upcoming releases, events, and to be eligible for subscriber-only giveaways and exclusive content.

Book Review Sunday: “The History of New Innovations In Modern Medicine” by Dr. James D. Okun MD and Goodwell, Evangelita

Posted on June 18, 2017 by kimwrtr

Author Bio:

James D. Okun, MD is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Duke University and a graduate of the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. Doctor Okun did his Transitional Internship at Framingham Union Hospital in Framingham, Massachusetts which was the home of the ground-breaking Framingham Heart Study which helped to determine risk factors for Heart Disease. He then trained in Ophthalmology for one year at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. He went on to practice Family and Emergency Medicine from 1985 until 1996. He is the co-author of Erasing Scars: Herpes and Healing and of The History of New Innovations in Modern Medicine. Dr. Okun writes a monthly medical blog post on reviewtales.wordpress.com

Website: amazon.com/author/jamesokun

Blurb of “The History of New Innovations In Modern Medicine”:

The wheels of change have forever been gummed up by those who fear its constant movement. However, the pursuit of progress is both the burden and responsibility of those who seek out new information, new technologies, and new means of discovery.

For generations, the field of medicine, has neither been immune to the dissenters of free-thinking and progress nor its ugly consequences, and the stories of those who have struggled against the machine of power and money have been, by some accounts, swept under the rug of history.

For the first time, authors Dr. James Okun and Evangelita Goodwell seek to shed light on these brave individuals who revolutionized the field of medicine with their insight and intellectual pursuits, and have forever changed the face of medicine in the modern world. Spanning hundreds of years of medical history, Okun and Goodwell illuminate the shadowy past of medical discovery as a means of calling attention to the importance of progress over the will of the powerful.

Review:

Current Star Rating: 4.8/5.0
Buy link
Latest 5 Star review:

Five Stars- A Must Read!
ByApril Paniccia on June 9, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
“5 Stars for The History of New Innovations In Modern Medicine- A Must Read!”

Dr. Okun does it again! The power of the mind is on full display.

This book focuses what has been known for thousands of years that the mind is a powerful healing tool. Dr. Okun returns with much more approaches to natural healing techniques.

It illustrates new as well as historical techniques to help heal themselves inside and out. The use of those shunned by the medical community but then proven right adds a powerful element to the book.

If you are a professional or just in search of another type of healing this book is for you. Today’s focus on alternative methods instead of costly and dangerous drugs is alive in this book. Looking to one’s self for healing provides a great roadmap to overall health.
With so many people looking to find a new better way, Dr. Okun offers a transcendent solution.

I love the approach to this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about holistic approaches to healing. A must read! 5 Stars!

Book Review: “Spirit of the Book” by D. E. Howard

Posted on December 19, 2016 by kimwrtr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

D. E. Howard was born and raised in the small seaside town of Southport where she still resides and dreams of a wo
rld where chocolate is better for you than an apple and of giving up her day job to become a full time writer.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Do you believe in magic?
Ellie Forrester didn’t.

Raised an only child by a mother who never hid her resentment Ellie learned from an early age to be self sufficient.

sotb Finally moving away from her mother’s negative influence Ellie thought her small run down flat was a little piece of paradise.

The old book she found hidden away didn’t seem to be anything remarkable but Ellie soon discovered that it contained far more than just the words on the pages.

Ellie soon discovered that not only did magic exist but it was within her reach.

Do you believe in magic?
Ellie Forrester does!

MY REVIEW

A Magically Delightful Read

Ellie Forrester is a plan girl who has lived a lonely life. She plans and succeeds in whatever she endeavors, but she has no friends. Her only family, her mother, is a sad woman that never gave her any attention. Then she moves out on her own to discover she has a gift.

After the beginning chapter or two, the story moves at a good pace. I gave he story 4.5 and rounded up to 5 stars. The characters are well-fleshed out and enjoyable. Spirit of the Book has a wonderful plot and a satisfying ending. Excellent writing.

Get your copy of Spirit of the Book today!

Next scheduled books and short stories for my Review List are:
Waterlillies Over My Grave by Patricia Guthrie (Completely Read – Review Coming Soon)
Dragon Fireside Tales by Adam Boustead (Just started)
Trusting Jack by Beth Hale
Haunting Megan by Rebecca Riley
Trafficking by Bill Ward
Beyond the Hidden Sky (Star Trails Tetralogy Book 1) by Marcha Fox
Jem by Michelle Abbott
Everything to Lose – Gavin Shawlens Thriller #2 by Gordon Bickerstaff

Book Review: “Myth and Magic” by Mae Clair

Posted on December 3, 2016 by kimwrtr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mae Clair opened a Pandora’s Box of characters when she was a child and never looked back. Her father, an artist who tinkered with writing, encouraged her to create make-believe worlds by spinning tales of far-off places on summer nights beneath the stars.

Mae loves creating character-driven fiction in settings that vary from contemporary to mythical. Wherever her pen takes her, she flavors her stories with conflict, mystery and a dash of romance. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about folklore, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail and cats.

Discover more about Mae on her website and blog, http://www.maeclair.net

ABOUT THE BOOK

AS CHILDREN THEY PLAYED GAMES OF MYTH AND MAGIC…

Veronica Kent fell in love with Caith Breckwood when they were children. As a teenager, she was certain he was the man she was destined to marry. But a traumatic event from Caith’s past led him to fear a future together. He left Veronica, hoping to save her from a terrible fate. Twelve years later, Caith, now a P.I., is hired to investigate bizarre incidents at the secluded retreat Veronica manages. Returning to his hometown, Caith is forced to face his nightmares—and his feelings for the woman he’s always loved.

THEN ONE DAY THE MONSTERS BECAME REAL.

After the callous way Caith broke her heart, Veronica isn’t thrilled to see him again. But strange occurrences have taken a dangerous toll on business at Stone Willow Lodge. Forced to work together, Veronica discovers it isn’t ghostly apparitions that frighten her, but her passion for a man she has never forgotten. Or forgiven. Can two people with a tarnished past unearth a magical future?

MY REVIEW

Engaging and Intriguing

I loved Myth and Magic. It engaged me from the beginning and kept me guessing until the end. A thoroughly enjoyable story with a steamy romance and a captivating mystery.

When mysterious and disturbing episodes plague Stone Willow Lodge, Caith is hired to determine the source in his old hometown where he has been estranged for years from his family. Ghosts from his past haunt him as he tries to figure out who is behind all of Stone Willow’s problems, including how he’d left his relationship with Veroinica.

The book continues at a good pace and keeps you guessing. The characters are well-drawn and likable. I highly recommend Myth and Magic to all who love to read about romantic and intriguing tale.

Purchase Myth and Magic today.

Next scheduled books and short stories for my Review List are:
Sweet Destiny (The Royal Vow Series Book 6) by Lizabeth Scott (completed – review coming.
Spirit of the Book by D. E. Howard (30% Read)
Waterlillies Over My Grave by Patricia Guthrie
Dragon Fireside Tales by Adam Boustead
Trusting Jack by Beth Hale
Haunting Megan by Rebecca Riley
Trafficking by Bill Ward
Beyond the Hidden Sky (Star Trails Tetralogy Book 1) by Marcha Fox
Jem by Michelle Abbott
Everything to Lose – Gavin Shawlens Thriller #2 by Gordon Bickerstaff

Book Review: “Taken by the Huntsman” (Spellbound Hearts, Book 1) by Mistral Dawn

Posted on November 7, 2016 by kimwrtr

About The Author

Mistral Dawn is a thirty-something gal who has lived on both coasts of the US, but somehow never in the middle. She currently resides in the Southeast US with her kitty cats (please spay or neuter! :-)). She has written three full-length novels in the Spellbound Hearts series, Taken By The Huntsman, Bound By The Summer Prince, and Captivated By The Winter King, as well as Intrigue In The Summer Court, a novella in the Spellbound Hearts series.

To receive updates on her latest published work, please follow her on Amazon. If you’d like more frequent updates, you can get her latest musings and excerpts from her work on her blog.

You may contact her at mistralkdawn@gmail.com, and she would love to hear from you, or through her Facebook page or Twitter her at @MistralKDawn. She thanks you humbly for purchasing and reading her first book and hopes you will do her the honor of rating and reviewing her work. 🙂

About The Book

Discarded and ignored by those around her for most of her life, Cassie is a lonely human woman struggling to find her place in the world and meaning in her life. Cadeyrn is the Erlking, the leader of the Wild Hunt, a hundreds of thousands of years old Fae who has always known his purpose. He has spent his entire long existence tracking the criminals of Fairie and punishing them for their crimes.

While hunting for the murderer of a child who has escaped to Earth Cadeyrn comes across Cassie and realizes that she is the one that the great mother goddess has designated as his soul mate. He kidnaps her and takes her to his fortress in Fairie to protect her from his many enemies. He knows she will be angry and that he’ll have to work to earn her trust, but he finds his task to be even more challenging than he had thought it would be due to Cassie’s difficulty in opening her heart.

Will Cadeyrn be able to convince Cassie that the bond between them is real and earn her love?

My Review

Magical and Steamy

A romantic fantasy set in the land of Fairie, the realm of the Fae. The Huntsman kidnaps Cassie, his soulmate, and takes her to his castle in Fairie to protect her from his enemies, who are many.

Mistral Dawn has a great imagination and created a descriptive, magical world with great, well-drawn characters, who are extremely likable, except for the antagonist. Regardless of the slow beginning, I loved Taken by the Huntsman and look forward to reading the other books in the Spellbound Hearts series.

I highly recommend Taken by the Huntsman if you enjoy immersing yourself in a character-driven romance with a magical setting.

Get a copy of Taken by the Huntsman today.

Next scheduled books and short stories for my Review List are:
Return of the Gulls by Maureen McMahon (read – review coming)
Myth and Magic by Mae Clair (60% read)
Spirit of the Book by D. E. Howard
Waterlillies Over My Grave by Patricia Guthrie
Dragon Fireside Tales by Adam Boustead
Trusting Jack by Beth Hale
Haunting Megan by Rebecca Riley
Trafficking by Bill Ward
Beyond the Hidden Sky (Star Trails Tetralogy Book 1) by Marcha Fox
Jem by Michelle Abbott
Everything to Lose – Gavin Shawlens Thriller #2 by Gordon Bickerstaff

Book Review: “Babe Driven” by Lizzie Chantree

Posted on August 28, 2016 by kimwrtr

About The Author

Lizzie is an enthusiastic inventor, businesswoman and artist. She founded her first company at the age of 17 and has been creating products and driving her family mad ever since.

Lizzie has appeared on Sky News, ITV Lunchtime News, This Morning, The Big Breakfast and the BBC’s worldwide radio service, amongst others, for becoming one of Fair Play London’s female innovators.

Lizzie lives in Essex, with her gorgeous husband, two vivacious children and a very unusual dog. In between the school run and baking cakes, (or burning them!) she sits in her rooftop studio daydreaming about gaps in the market and how she can fill them. Babe Driven is her first novel, Love’s Child is her second. She is currently writing her third novel and is collaborating on a children’s book range with her family.

About The Book

Babe Driven

Driving straight out of trouble and into paradise!

Harriet’s crazily successful business idea is under serious threat, and the danger seems to be coming from inside her own family. She whisks her sister and her friends away to an exotic location to try and work out whose side they are on. It’s time to start damage limitation.

When the girls arrive at the glorious villa owned by Harriet’s maverick business partner Nikki, they find a gorgeous band and their sexy lead singer Max staying next door, out to entice their new neighbours into all kinds of trouble.

This isn’t a holiday for Harriet and she can’t afford to be distracted. She has to sell her business idea to the powerful resort owner, the elusive Mr Grant, while she is there, or she may not have a business to go back to. Harriet will have to choose between family and friends, business or pleasure. For someone who stays out of the limelight, even though her new company is the hottest ticket in town, she’s going to have to avoid the front pages of every newspaper if she wants to survive the ride!

My Review

Strong and Fun Characters

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Babe Driven with a strong and fun cast of characters. Each one presented with their own set of problems to overcome. It may be their misconceptions of those around them, either friend or foe, to the realization of those who love them for who they are. You follow the strong personalities on their journey of enlightenment of those they love, even when they’re deeply flawed. They all grow in some way. Some may come to see others as they truly are and some may see themselves as others see them, whether good or bad. But they all grow and learn along the way.

I recommend this book to readers who love well-defined characters, mystery, romance, and humor.

Get your copy of BABE DRIVEN today!!! Other Books by Lizzie Chantree: LOVE’S CHILD and FINDING GINA.

Next TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Cupid’s Quest by Lori Soard (finished)
Return of the Gulls by Maureen McMahon (starting 8/29/2016)
Taken by the Huntsman by Mistral Dawn
Myth and Magic by Mae Clair
Spirit of the Book by D. E. Howard
Waterlillies Over My Grave by Patricia Guthrie
Dragon Fireside Tales by Adam Boustead
Trusting Jack by Beth Hale
Haunting Megan by Rebecca Riley
Trafficking by Bill Ward

Book Review: “Papala Skies” by Stephen Geez

Posted on August 21, 2016 by kimwrtr

About The Author

Stephen Geez earned his undergrad and grad degrees at the University of Michigan. A composer, producer, publisher, and writer, he watches too much television but prefers diving tropical reefs. Watch for his essays, stories, and more books at http://www.StephenGeez.com.

Bestselling Books:Invigilator, Fresh Ink Group Short Story Showcase #1, Papala Skies

About The Book

Chicago native Rochelle DuFortier likes to imagine the future, her world a series of picture postcards so vivid they sometimes seem real. When a foolish mistake at thirteen causes her mother’s death, she’s sent to a secluded Hawaiian valley, an outsider “haole-girl” among pidgin-speaking boys who hurl flaming papala spears under the full moon to summon her mother’s spirit. After boarding school and a prestigious university back east, the ambitious young woman is torn between chasing new career opportunities, discovering her mother’s heritage in a remote French village, and meeting obligations pulling her back to Hawaii.

On this island steeped in ancient mythology and modern superstition, Rochelle tests the possibility of sharing pieces of her life with those whose beliefs she barely understands and never intends to embrace. She dives the depths of a pristine coral lagoon, conceals bodies in a subterranean lava tube, and challenges the eruptions of a living volcano, even as she deciphers the truth about her mother’s death and struggles to satisfy new debts born of old betrayals.

Papala Skies is the story of a young woman who makes all the right choices, only to find herself living an unexpected life. It is about the need to belong, and seeking one’s own version of truth amid such differing cultures’ responses to wrenching loss and abiding grief. It is about yearning for a sense of place, yet having to confront new ways to honor the love of family and friends.

Will Rochelle lose what matters most, or might she learn what the smart octopus already knows?

My Review

Intriguing and Character Driven

The vivid descriptions of imagery virtually transport you to the Hawaii island, and carry you to the city of Chicago, an ivy league university, and to France.

A complex story with tragic situations and reactions. The main character, Rochelle, is faced with the challenges of getting on with her own life or helping others with their challenges. Her life does not turn out as she always thought it would.

There’s an underlying suspense surrounding how Rochelle’s mother died, and Rochelle’s guilt over her mother’s death is felt throughout most of the story. But that’s not all. There are primary forces driving chaos in her life and those she’s come to love. There’s the complexity of plots and sub-plots as Rochelle is drawn from one tragedy to another.

The characters are so well-drawn that you feel you are right there with them, wanting to help but unable to prevent the next heartbreak life throws their way. You will cry, laugh, and revel in their victories over life’s unrelenting obstacles.

I highly recommend this character-driven tale with strong relationships, as well as intrigue, action, and yes, some romance too.

Purchase PAPALA SKIES today.

Next TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Babe Driven by Lizzie Chantree (completed reading, review coming soon)
Cupid’s Quest by Lori Soard (starting 8/23/2016)
Return of the Gulls by Maureen McMahon
Taken by the Huntsman by Mistral Dawn
Myth and Magic by Mae Clair
Spirit of the Book by D. E. Howard
Waterlillies Over My Grave by Patricia Guthrie
Dragon Fireside Tales by Adam Boustead
Trusting Jack by Beth Hale
Haunting Megan by Rebecca Riley