Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

All good things must come to an end.

And thus it is with the Onyx Webb Series.

What a strange and wonderful time it’s been.

Onyx Webb #10

Episodes 29, 30, 31 and 32

by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

20170815_113921

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Horror / Romance / Supernatural / Suspense

My Review

So this is it. The final book in the Onyx Webb series. I was so excited to read it and sad at the same time. I very much enjoyed the books, reading what was happening with the characters and anticipating what would come next. And now I’ve found out how it all ends. I won’t go into details about events in the book. It’s the tenth one, after all, and the synopsis gives you an idea. Instead, I’ll tell you how I felt.

To be honest, I wasn’t too sure about this series. The fist book took me a while to get the hang of. But once I did, I was swept up in a story that spans generations for ten books. Yes, ten. And each one drew me further in, had me waiting anxiously for the next and the next….. So many secrets, so much horror, so much hope.

There are usually 3 episodes per book, but in this final one the authors included an extra episode. I could see why as I read them. Bringing the past and the present and the characters together at the end and answering all questions to wrap up this series right, the extra episode was needed so things didn’t feel rushed and just crammed together.

And even though there wasn’t as much horror and action as the previous books, there was enough suspense, plus my own curiosity, to make this a terrific finale. Also, with so many characters with fascinating stories of their own, I do hope the author gives them there own place to shine. Maybe their own books. There’s so much more I’d like to know about what happens to them.

I mentioned in some reviews of earlier books that Onyx Webb is addictive. I don’t see me finding a cure any time soon. An epic and often horrific saga that still lingers.

5 Stars

Thanks so much Richard and Andrea. It’s been a strange and wonderful adventure. And thanks for keeping your promise to keep the books coming!

~~~~~

Synopsis

Welcome Back to the World of Onyx Webb! This is Book Ten. (Episodes 29, 30, 31, & 32) Haven’t Gotten Entangled Yet? Please Start with Book One.

Book Ten is the end of the Onyx Webb saga with the final pieces of the web sewn together.

Onyx Webb is a complex multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times.

In Book Ten: The Mulvaneys deal with aftermath of the Solstice Eclipse Ball. Stan Lee and Spider Boy finally meet. Readers finally learn the fate of Onyx Webb.

35832396

AMAZON

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

What can I say about Bone White? WHOA!!!

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

My Review

A ritualistic serial killer. A cold case still open. A town steeped in superstition. All this happening in a small place called Dread’s Hand Alaska. I knew I had to try this book.

There’s something about stories set in wintry climates that appeals to me. Especially in horror and thriller stories. It’s not enough the characters have to contend with a killer, the elements also play a big part as they have to contend with bitter cold and blinding snow storms. Plus, Dread’s Hand is located in a remote area of Alaska. It’s not like you can pick up the phone and help is on the way. Nope. People have to deal with their problems on their own. Some get lucky. Some don’t.

Being a fan of horror, I can handle a lot. I guess I just didn’t pay close enough attention to the synopsis. Went into this thinking it would be a simple serial killer case. Not that any of them are simple. But this story will grab you by your innards, twisting them painfully as the killer goes about his merry business. And the suspense, whoa. It has you chewing your finger nails to the quick. Ronald Malfi is adept at keeping the pace moving quickly, shocking you over and over, and wrapping it all up in a tidy blood drenched bow.

About a third of the way into this book, I found myself thinking how great it would be as a movie. And especially as one in black and white. Grainy footage would make it even more horrifying.

In depth characterization and bloody good story telling made this one one of those creepy reads that leaves you hoping the lights stay on. When my friends ask me what their next horror read should be, Bone White will be the first words out of my mouth.

  5 Stars

Narrator Charles Constant

Charles did an awesome job narrating this twisted tale. His cadence is spot on, voice pitch intensifying in the right places to build the tension and softening for the places in between. He really had a handle on how to tell this story.

~~~~~

Thanks so much to Tantor Audio and the author for the complimentary copy.

My review is voluntarily given.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Paul Gallo saw the report on the news: a mass murderer leading police to his victims’ graves, in remote Dread’s Hand, Alaska.

It’s not even a town; more like the bad memory of a town. The same bit of wilderness where his twin brother went missing a year ago. As the bodies are exhumed, Paul travels to Alaska to get closure and put his grief to rest.

But the mystery is only beginning. What Paul finds are superstitious locals who talk of the devil stealing souls, and a line of wooden crosses to keep what’s in the woods from coming out. He finds no closure because no one can explain exactly what happened to Danny.

And the more he searches for answers, the more he finds himself becoming part of the mystery . . .

Amazon / Tantor

~~~~~

Ronald Malfi is the award-winning author of several horror novels, mysteries and thrillers. A Bram Stoker Award nominee, he is the recipient of two Independent Publisher Book Awards, the Beverley Hills Book Award, the Vincent Price Horror Award, and the Benjamin Franklin Award for Popular Fiction.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to my Monday Minis Reviews where I share shorter reviews of books I’ve read.
For today I have another southern gem from Bette Lee Crosby.

The Loft

The Memory House Collection #2

by Bette Lee Crosby

25970678

Genre: Fantasy / Contemporary / Romance

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

My Review

I adored the fist book, Memory House, and had high hopes for this second book. And my hopes were met. I enjoyed being back with these characters and learning more about the memories in the loft.

This picks up right where the first book left off. But big changes are happening. Ophelia is moving on, making new friends and finally letting the memories go. Annie is the new keeper of those memories, but before she gets a chance to settle in, Oliver is injured in a car crash and his life hangs in the balance. Annie must find his most precious memories in order to save him.

It’s not often that you have a story pick up right where the last book left off. It sure was nice to find that happening in this one. I knew change was coming. Ophelia always planned for Annie to take her place as keeper of memories, and I wondered how that would work.

Annie and Oliver just got married and it didn’t seem feasible that all three would live at Memory House. How could the author make this work. She did so in shocking yet gentle ways. Guiding you through some traumatic events, giving you hope that things would work out for everyone.

With some other characters stepping in and out of the story, I knew this part of the journey might be coming to an end but saw fun possibilities for more adventures. One character in particular, I’d like to see more of. She has a sad past and I wonder if the author will give us her story now.

Another gem from Bette Lee Crosby and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Her stellar writing and engaging characters keeps me coming back for more.

  5 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

50 YEARS OF MEMORIES ARE HIDDEN IN THE WALLS OF THE LOFT…

Annie only needs to find one… the one that will save Oliver’s life.

On the day of their wedding, Annie saw nothing but happiness ahead, but when an accident calls her back to Memory House, her world is changed forever. Ophelia Browne, the woman who taught Annie to find the memories in a forgotten object, is leaving the house and she’s leaving all those powerful memories behind.

After only three nights in the loft, Annie must now find the single most meaningful memory in Oliver’s mind. If she finds it in time, she can save his life, if she doesn’t…well that’s something she can’t afford to think about.

Readers will welcome back the much-loved characters from Memory House and enjoy a few new friends!

Amazon

~~~~~

Click on the cover below for my review of Memory House, the first book in this collection.

31559914

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

This is my own version of a weekly book haul and all things new on fuonlyknew.

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Sunday Post

Some chit chat.

I have been useless this week. Truly. I started watching Game Of Thrones and can’t get my head around much else. Just finished Season Three and can’t begin to describe this magnificent series. I have Monday and Tuesday off from work and will be binging on more shows. What will I do when I’m all caught up? LOL

I will be watching the eclipse. Took some doing but was able to find protective glasses for my son and I.  Got any special plans for the big event?

Here’s a new pic of my banana trees. Not much different with the bananas. Though the purple leaves are curling off and that means they will start to grow and look like bananas. Hopefully next week I’ll have some photos with a bit more change to them.

20170728_113027

I’ll be heading over to your posts soon. Happy Sunday!

*****

My new books this week.

The Knacker (Cornish Guardians Book 1) by [Pengelly, Gareth K]

Only one new book! I blame it on Game Of Thrones. LOL

*****

And here are some freebies for ya. Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

The NightShade Forensic Files: Under Dark Skies (Book 1) by [Scudiere, A.J.]  Works of Darkness (Matt Foley/Sara Bradford series Book 1) by [Tenery, V. B.]  Unquiet Souls (a DI Gus McGuire case Book 1) by [Mistry, Liz]

Token Huntress by [Carrington-Russell, Kia]  Wicked Witchcraft: A Witch Cozy Mystery (A Witchy Librarian Mystery Book 1) by [Moore, E. M.]  Mirage: A Paranormal Romance (A True Witch Novel Book 1) by [Gwartney, Tasha]

Dark Sentinels Book One:Sable by [Raye, Dariel]  With A Twist by [Hart, Staci]  Love, Chocolate, and Beer: Luke & Dani (Cactus Creek Book 1) by [Duke, Violet]

Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force Book 1) by [Alanson, Craig]  Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1) by [Stephen, Lee]  Qualify (The Atlantis Grail Book 1) by [Nazarian, Vera]

The Pen of Manderby Pincher (a chilling short story) by [Mitchell, D. M.]  Mulligan's Map: a chilling short story by [Mitchell, D. M.]  Madelyn's Nephew by [Hamill, Ike]

The Ravagers Box Set: Episodes 1-3 by [Albrinck, Alex]

*****

Books I reviewed this week. Click on the covers to read my reviews.

23377843  31559914

35496858  24373516

*****

Other posts on my blog this week.

Peculiar County by Stuart R. West ~ Blitz and Giveaway

My Monday Minis Reviews #64 ~ Showcasing Bette Lee Crosby

Check it out! The Death Doll by Brian P. White

Murder Is Academic & Murder Is Pathological by P.M. Carlson ~ Giveaway

Handbook For Mortals ~ Book Blitz and Giveaway

Serengeti by J.B. Rockwell ~ Book Tour and Giveaway

Uncanny by Sarah Fine ~ Blitz and Giveaway

The Chronicles Of Midway Series ~ Book Tour and Giveaway

Blitz and Giveaway ~ Amnesty by Cambria Hebert

Freakin Fridays #56 ~ Mass Hysteria & The Great Zoo Of China

The Devil’s Revolver by V.S. McGrath ~ Blitz and Giveaway

*****

Leave your link and I’ll come visit you.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

I’ve got some oh so good ones to share today.

~~~~~

Mass Hysteria

by Michael Patrick Hicks

35496858

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre:  Horror

My Review

I loved the idea of this book. A meteor shower crosses paths with Earth, unleashing an alien virus that turns all animals against us. What’s not to love for this horror fan.

Came into this prepared for some bloody chaos and got it and got it and got it. Once the animals attack, and it happens fairly quickly, it’s relentless.

I feel I should stress that this is very graphic and gory. The scenes ain’t pretty. Not supposed to be. When I read about a herd of deer working together to ambush and kill people, I ate it up. So many kinds of animals and ways to die, I couldn’t wait to see what the author threw at me next. And got a huge shock at what he did.

A must read for all fans of horror.

   4  Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

It came from space…

Something virulent. Something evil. Something new. And it is infecting the town of Falls Breath.

Carried to Earth in a freak meteor shower, an alien virus has infected the animals. Pets and wildlife have turned rabid, attacking without warning. Dogs and cats terrorize their owners, while deer and wolves from the neighboring woods hunt in packs, stalking and killing their human prey without mercy.

As the town comes under siege, Lauren searches for her boyfriend, while her policeman father fights to restore some semblance of order against a threat unlike anything he has seen before. The Natural Order has been upended completely, and nowhere is safe.

…and it is spreading.

Soon, the city will find itself in the grips of mass hysteria.

To survive, humanity will have to fight tooth and nail.

Amazon

~~~~~

The Great Zoo Of China

  by Matthew Reilly

24373516

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Thriller

My Review

I’ve enjoyed many of this author’s books so it was an easy choice to read this one. The title had me kind of curious and then I read the synopsis and was hooked.

This is a zoo like no other and China plans to capitalize on that. They see big money and power with their expensive enterprise. And that means covering up anything that does or will go wrong, by any means necessary. This adds to the danger for those invited to a private unveiling. When it does go wrong, it’s not just the creatures in the zoo they have to fear.

As for those creatures. I’m not going to tell you what they are. I do suggest you take a closer look at the cover. All of it. You’ll see for yourself.

What I really liked, besides the creatures getting loose, plotting their escape, and eating people, was their diversity. You have those that fly, slither, and swim. Some see us a food opportunity and some see us as being in their way.

It’s one heart pumping scene after another as the characters struggle to survive. Only a few of them were on my hope to survive list. The rest, I read on to see if and how they met their end.

For fans of Jurassic Park, this is a good one for ya. If they build it……well, you know what happens next.

  4  Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

GET READY FOR ACTION ON A GIGANTIC SCALE

A high-concept, action-packed thriller from the bestselling author of SCARECROW AND THE ARMY OF THIEVES.

It is a secret the Chinese government has been keeping for 40 years. They have found a species of animal no one believed even existed. It will amaze the world.

Now the Chinese are ready to unveil their astonishing discovery within the greatest zoo ever constructed. A small group of VIPs and journalists has been brought to the zoo deep within China to see its fabulous creatures for the first time. Among them is Dr Cassandra Jane ‘CJ’ Cameron, a writer for NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and an expert on reptiles.

The visitors are assured by their Chinese hosts that they will be struck with wonder at these beasts, that they are perfectly safe, and that nothing can go wrong…

Amazon

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to My Monday Minis where I share short reviews about books I’ve read.

When I was first offered a book to review from Bette Lee Crosby, I was hesitant. Contemporaries aren’t really a genre I read much of. Many years and lots of books later, I’m so happy I accepted.

~~~~~

Passing Through Perfect

The Wyattsville Series #3

by Bette Lee Crosby

23377843

Genre: Historical / Contemporary / Romance

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

My Review

I adored the first two books in this series, Spare Change and Jubilee’s Journey. Once again Bette has us step back to earlier times,  where we meet Delia and Ben as they fall in love and fight to stay together despite what other’s may want.

Bette can write with a southern twang. Her descriptions of settings, how people comport themselves and what the consequences are for defying family seep into you.

This is a story of hope and despair, of fighting against prejudice and finding goodness in the least likely of places. Passing Through Perfect is an excellent choice for the title of this book.

From the first sentence I was hooked and never looked back, turning each page and relishing the saga of two young lovers defying their families to be together and the travesty that befalls their decision.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Benjamin Church came to the grange hall expecting to meet someone else, but then the girl in a red dress looked across the dance floor and smiled…

Passing through Perfect is a heart-wrenching, Southern family saga that starts on the night Benjamin fell madly and completely in love with Delia. Once he tasted the sweetness of her kiss, he envisioned them spending the rest of their life together.

He didn’t stop to consider her daddy was a learned Pastor and her mama a woman with a college degree; he only knew she set his heart to racing. When he touched his mouth to hers, he forgot the hardships of being a sharecropper, forgot what it was like to work from dawn ‘til dark and forgot that nothing in Grinder’s Corner ever really changed.

Benjamin’s only thoughts were about lying together every night, sitting side by side on the front porch, and raising a family. Yes, he knew there’d be heartaches. Every couple had their share of heartaches, it was to be expected; but he never imagined such a tragedy would befall their family.

Winner of the 2016 RONE Award for Inspirational Fiction and the 2016 Readers Favorite Gold Medal.

Amazon

~~~~~

Memory House

The Memory House Series #1

by Bette Lee Crosby

31559914

Genre: Fantasy / Contemporary / Romance

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

My Review

I was spellbound by this moving story about Ophelia and the young guest, Annie, who finds her way to her doorstep and her heart. These two women were a delight to meet and each one holds a special place in my heart.

Ophelia is nearing 90 and time is running out for her. Annie is a young woman with no direction, drifting through life and looking for her place to call home. Was it fate that brought them together? I like to think so.

I loved this story. The excitement to see what would happen, to see if what I wanted to happen would and where these two women wound up kept me flipping the pages. Every time something I wanted to happen did, I looked up, wanting to share what I just read. No one was there.  Probably a good thing as I would have spoiled the book for them.

I can share this with you though. Bette has a way of sprinkling connections to her other books into this story. I recognized characters and events, and even some of the objects that held memories. It endeared this book to me even more.

I finished with a sigh of delight and a twinkle in my eye. Magical.

  5 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A MEMORY TO OUTLIVE ITS OWNER?

Ophelia Browne knows the answer is yes. She knows because she’s been granted the unique gift of finding and caring for those forgotten memories. But now she’s nearing ninety, and Browne women seldom live beyond ninety.

Before time runs out Ophelia must find a successor. Someone who can take hold of the gifts and keep the memories from fading.

When broken-hearted Annie Cross shows up on the doorstep of The Memory House Bed and Breakfast, Ophelia knows she is the one. The two women forge a bond of friendship as they sip magical dandelion tea and share stories. When Annie starts to sense the memories Ophelia is delighted, but then a thread of violence begins to unravel and Ophelia fears things have gone too far.

Amazon

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

This is my own version of a weekly book haul and all things new on fuonlyknew.

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Sunday Post

Some chit chat.

It’s been a good week. Not much exciting but that’s okay. I read some books. Watched some telly. And even snuck in a few naps.

I was sitting on my back patio after taking a dip in the pool and happened to look over at my Banana trees. I’ve got bananas!

20170728_113020

Well, it’s the start of bananas. They won’t be as large as the ones you buy in the grocery store. I’ll keep you updated as they develop.

Now for what I’ve been watching. Watched more of The Mist and not sure if I’ll continue with it. It just doesn’t do anything for me. Now, Mr. Mercedes. That’s another story. I loved the book and loving that they cast Brendan Gleeson as Detective Bill Hodges. He’s perfect for the role and the series starts off with a bang! Also watched more of Preacher. Such a weird show and I love it. Zoo is hit or miss and I’ll keep watching for now. Are you watching any of these? Got any suggestions for other shows?

And did anyone watch the Sharknado Marathon Saturday night? I did. Made a giant bowl of popcorn with extra butter and watched them all. So cheesy and so fun. LOL Ten hours of campy shark films made me happy for commercials so I could skip to the ladies room and get more iced tea.

I’ll be heading over to your posts soon. Happy Sunday!

*****

My new books this week.

24373516  34351230

35005169  35210485

*****

And here are some freebies for ya. Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

Return (Coming Home #1) (Coming Home Series) by [Raine, Meli]  Watching (PAVAD: FBI Romantic Suspense Book 1) by [Brookes, Calle J.]  Rippling Red (DustyKent Mysteries Book 3) by [George, Brigid]

Better Off Wed (Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Mystery Book 1) by [Durham, Laura]  A Different Kind of Fairy Tale (Spring Towers Series Book 1) by [Rayne, Morgan]  Blood and Snow (Blood and Snow Boxed set Book 1) by [Workman, RaShelle]

The Flip by [Cash, Michael Phillip]  Dark Isle (Dark Isle Series Book 1) by [Longhorn, David]  The Ash House by [Cross, Amy]

*****

Books I reviewed this week. Click on the covers to read my reviews.

 

blue unicorn cover  35827496

*****

Other posts on my blog this week.

The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm ~ Review and Giveaway

The Woodlands Series Box Set ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

Teaser Tuesday #214 ~ The Nutting Girl

The Kid’s Korner #17 ~ NUTS and NUTS 2

A Margin Of Lust by Greta Boris ~ A Mystery Review and Giveaway

The Chocolatier’s Wife by Cindy Lynn Speer ~ Author Interview and Giveaway

The Friday 56 #163 ~ The Great Zoo Of China

Symphony Of Ruin ~ A Dark Fantasy by Christina Lay ~ Blitz and Giveaway

*****

Leave your link and I’ll come visit you.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

A Margin of Lust (The Seven Deadly Sins)
by Greta Boris

Every time I turn the page I am not sure what is going to happen next.
~A. Holland Reads

… if you love a quick read and a killer for vengeance this book is for you.
~Varietats


A Margin of Lust (The Seven Deadly Sins)
1st in Series
Fawkes Press, LLC (May 10, 2017)
Paperback: 346 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1945419218
E-Book ASIN: B0719CMTFF

My Review

Just when it looks like Gwen’s career as a real estate agent is going to pay off big, things start going horribly wrong. Agents are being murdered, the first body found in the home she’s going to get the big commission on. And that’s not all. Strange things keep happening at the house and it now appears it all might be connected.  Can she be safe partnering up with another agent, or will it just be two for the price of one?

This was a pretty good mystery. You get inside the killer’s head. Know what motivates him. But have no clue who he is. When you do find out, it’s someone you wouldn’t expect. I always like that. The author got away with it by giving multiple suspects and some false trails.

Gwen’s got more on her plate too. She suspects her husband is cheating on her and acts impulsively, jumping to conclusions. At first her actions didn’t ring true to me. But then I though about it some more, and yeah, people do dumb things in the name of love.

All in all, I enjoyed this one. Not too gruesome nor easy to solve. I’ll be reading more of this series.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Gwen Bishop, wife, mother, and struggling real estate agent, has two big fears: claustrophobia and being buried in suburban obscurity. When she signs her dream listing, a multi-million dollar beachfront property in Laguna Beach, California, she’s sure her problems are behind her. And they would be, if it wasn’t for the secret in the basement and the body in an upstairs bedroom.

When the crime scene tape comes down, Gwen enlists the aid of a handsome co-worker with a background in construction to help her ready the house for sale and bolster her flagging courage. But every time they’re ready to put it back on the market, something goes horribly wrong. She must face old fears and new ones, temptations and buried truths. Gwen is determined to sell the dream house—or die trying.

About The Author

Greta Boris is the author of the 2017 releases, A Margin of Lust and The Scent of Wrath, the first two books in her 7 Deadly Sins domestic suspense series. She’s also the Director of O.C. Writers, a community of over 800 published and aspiring authors in Orange County, California.

She’s published articles on culture, health, and entertainment for a variety of national magazines including Victorian Homes, Zombies, 50 Scariest Movies, Exodus, and Women of the Bible. She’s also the author of the Amazon Kindle Bestseller The Wine and Chocolate Workout – Sip, Savor, and Strengthen for a Healthier Life.

You can visit her at http://gretaboris.com. She describes her work (and her life) as an O.C. housewife meets Dante’s Inferno

Purchase Links

Amazon B&N 

~~~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.

Today I’m sharing A.J. Cosmo’s new release, NUTS 2. I loved the first book and have enjoyed many others he’s written. Come make some furry friends.

~~~~~

 NUTS 2

Wally’s Talent

  by A.J. Cosmo

35827496

 

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Children’s Book

Ages: 4 – 11

Grade Level: 1 – 3

My Review

It’s always fun to be back with this ‘nutty’ family of squirrels. And it looks like Wally’s in quite the pickle again.

After losing a game of nutball, Wally falls into the doldrums thinking he’ll never be good at anything. Chestnut says that everyone is special so no one is special. In an odd way that makes sense.

What will Wally’s talent be? We shall see.

I’m sure you’ve seen how spastic squirrels are. Add in the angst of youth and that’s Wally. He’s impatient and wants answers ASAP. His frustration made me smile. I could hear my mother’s voice telling me it will all work out.  I couldn’t wait to see how this tale ended.

There’s more adorable, colorful illustrations in this second book and a new lesson to be learned. I can just imagine how excited young ones will be, thinking, I get what he means. I bet you’ll get it too.

What makes me love this series so much is it fits that saying, “Learning can be fun!” It sure is.

   5  Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

After throwing the big game, Wally struggles to figure out what he’s good at. What could that be though, and is there anything his family can do to snap him out of it?

Perfect for frustrated middle-graders, this book is all about those times when we feel like we’re no good at anything.

Recommended for second-grade readers.

My name is A.J. Cosmo and I teach imagination and heart to children. My books are crafted to educate and entertain in unique and interesting ways. Everyone has felt like he or she wasn’t talented at one point or another, especially me, so I wrote something to encourage you when you’re down.

Amazon

~~~~~

Just in case you want to read my review of NUTS, the first book, I’m sharing it again.

 Nuts

  by A.J. Cosmo

29751321

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Children’s Book

Ages 4– 9

Grade Level: 1 – 3

My Review

Right from the beginning this story felt so familiar. It began with Wally the squirrel and his sister and parents driving to his grandmother’s house for a family reunion. I remember playing the car games. I Spy and counting objects we passed by. And it never failed, someone always asked, “Are we there yet?”  Remember those family road trips?

The more I read, the more fun I had. If it weren’t for the colorful, fun illustrations I would have forgot this was about a family of squirrels. That’s how much I connected with them. And those illustrations. You should see the expressions on the squirrels faces. Too cute.

And the author gets quite creative with their names. There’s Wally and his sister, Pistachio. His mother, Brazil and father, Almond, Grandma Praline and Uncle Peanut. A few more relatives are introduced. Can you guess what their names might be? Every time I read their names I grinned. It’ll be fun for your kids to see how many “nuts” they recognize.

Wally thinks it’s all about the presents. Everyone exchanges names and brings a gift. He’s impatient to eat so they can start opening them. But family reunions are much more than that. Something Wally will soon learn.

I’ve read many of A.J.’s books and Nuts is one of my favorites. He includes special messages in such clever ways. If my son ever gets around to giving me grandkids, you can bet I’ll share this with them. I can almost hear the snickers and exclamations of excitement when they see the pictures and read about Wally and his family.

   5 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Ever felt like your family was crazy?

All Wally wants to do is open presents, but before he can he has to endure his nutty family!

Written for siblings of autistic children, this fully-illustrated heart-warming, story teaches tolerance and understanding for everyone.

Amazon

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday hosted by Ambrosia  @ The Purple Booker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

My Teaser for this week is from

The Nutting Girl

by Fred DeVecca

 

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Mystery

 My teaser from page 70 in the Paperback.

It was attached to the hand of a young man as tall and skinny as the still budding maple tree hovering over his head. The gleam was shiny and metallic and I hear it click. Once, and then twice, then a whole series of clicks.

~~~~~

Read on if you want to know more.

My Review

What was it about this book that so captivated me? Let’s see… The main character is Frank Raven. Used to be a blind monk, a cop, and a private detective. Now he runs an old movie theater and belongs to a troupe of Morris Dancers. I had to google that to see what it’s all about. Lots of strong movements and twinkling bells on the costumes and a lively chorus. To imagine such a man’s man doing this tickled me and I warmed right up to Frank. There’s much more to this man than meets the eye.

Meet Nick Mooney, an up and coming film director. He’s charismatic and a bit self important, but there’s another side to him too. He also wormed his way into my good graces.

And then there’s Nick’s star actress, Velcro. A stunningly beautiful and talented young actress with more baggage than her young shoulders can bear. She was a surprise. Intellectual and spiritual, and a tender soul, hidden behind the glitz and glamour.

Two  more character’s I want to mention are Clara and her daughter, Sarah. Frank’s been a loner for a long time and doesn’t think much about it. Something about Clara calls to his loneliness. And Sarah’s zest for life and knowledge is a lure he can’t resist. These two ladies draw him out of his shell, giving him a glimpse at what he could have. I crossed my fingers things would happen for them.

I could go on and on about the characters in this book. All of them reach out to you. You want only good things to happen to them. Alas, this is a mystery about a young woman who apparently drowns in a river. There may not be a happy ever after for some of them.

This is where the mystery gets interesting. Was Velcro pushed or did she jump? Was she dead, or maybe just lost? I honestly didn’t know the answers to any of these questions until I approached the end of the book.

The Nutting Girl is Fred DeVecca’s debut book. You’d never know it. He writes a deep mystery, taking you on a somewhat spiritual journey, with eclectic characters and visual descriptions of a small town setting. I’ll be watching for his next book.

  5 Stars

Thanks so much to Coffeetown Press and Fred DeVecca for a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Middle-aged Frank Raven used to be a lot of things—a blind monk, a cop, a private detective, and a hard drinker. Now he doesn’t do much except run a funky old movie theater in bucolic Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, dance and sing with the local troupe of Morris Dancers, and record bird songs on his phone.
A lanky young wunderkind director, Nick Mooney, brings his Hollywood film crew to town and hires the “retired” Raven to protect his star: the wild, unpredictable, gorgeous, and prodigiously talented twenty-one-year-old Juliana Velvet Norcross, aka VelCro.
Reluctant at first, Raven takes on the job and slowly sees that there is more to VelCro than the troubled rebel she appears to be. She probes the former monk for his thoughts on God, love, and the soul. But Raven has renounced many of his former beliefs, and VelCro’s questions cause him to re-examine his life.
On the eve of filming, storms ravage the small village, and the river that runs through the center of town floods its banks. VelCro becomes ill and withdraws into the care of Sarah, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Frank’s girlfriend, Clara. The storm passes, VelCro recovers, and filming begins. But during the first shot, she is swept away into the river, leaving no trace.
What role did VelCro’s director play in her life? Did she fall? Did she jump? Was she pushed? Frank and Sarah are driven to find out what happened.

Amazon

~~~~~

How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

~~~~~