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Reviews of GSP Authors BY GSP Authors, Readers and Friends

REVIEWS

The Sidhe and the Dragon: Lost Jewel by SilverValkyre

Mahshon, the immortal prince of the elves, must protect the land from all things, including dragons. His duty brings him to faraway glens and lodges, ancient passes, and magical forests. Along the way he meets beautiful young women but only one lovely lady has captured his true heart. And that special woman is nowhere to be found. As he answers a tricky dragon riddle, he finally understands what she meant to him. But does his realization come too late?

SilverValkyre weaves an enchanting tale that flows like lyrics to a love ballad. Her prose is graceful and ornately decorated with rich description. Each word is a jewel to marvel at and savor. The story whisked me away to another land. I could almost feel the wind on my face and catch a glimpse of the ravishing elfish prince as he turned my way. The Sidhe and the Dragon is an indulgence in magic and passion, a real treat to read.

―Aubrie Dionne, Author of the Seasons of Fantasy Series

Sselan: A Gift From the Sea by SilverValkyre

This is a tender, yet tragic, love story. You feel the emotions of the woman as she meets and falls in love with this beautiful, mysterious man. He captivates her from the beginning. She soon finds herself loving him desperately, but insecure and afraid of losing him.

Her lover has a secret. He is a magical selkie and although he loves her, he is bound to the sea. It is the Sea's nurturing that keeps him healthy and whole. He cannot stay away from it indefinitely. To do so would kill him. So for some time, she accepts what he can give of himself to her, yet her acceptance is stymied by her jealousy and selfishness.

This story was addictive in that I could not put it down. Yet it was so sad, I found myself crying at the end. Even though I knew what would happen, I kept praying it wouldn't. A very well-written tragedy that draws you in and makes you ache for the lovers. I found myself furious with the woman. I hated her selfishness, but at the same time I felt for the loneliness she endured.

I look forward to reading about the Selkie's son, Sselan. I know there has to be a fantastic story in the works for him

―Shiloh Darke, Author of The Order of Eternals Series

A Dozen Dreadfuls by Charlotte Holley

Charlotte Holley’s short story, A Dozen Dreadfuls, starts quietly enough with a tramp seeking whatever he can find in the city streets. But then he stumbles on a drug-dealers’ quarrel and wonders what to do. Ill-tempered discussion turns suddenly violent in most unexpected ways. Soon newspapers fill with reports of the dead and authorities urge their citizens to stay indoors after dark. Meanwhile critically acclaimed artist, Sam Forbes, reads the news and wonders if the impossible might be true.

Perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea to invite someone over at night with these monsters on the loose, but Sam ends up walking the scary streets in safety, while author Charlotte Holley creates a haunting atmosphere of guilt and fear behind the carnage.

The story’s short, a fine lunch-time read if your eating doesn’t mind some splashes of gore with that tomato sauce. And lessons are wisely learned in a pleasingly hopeful, and intriguing, ending. I really enjoyed my coffee and sandwiches, with a side-order of scary Halloween fiction. After all, it is October.

—Sheila Deeth, Author of Refracted

The Eyes Have It by Denise Bartlett

Set in modern-day Texas, this macabre tale has a gothic feel to it. It’s a short story, so it’s a quick read, but don’t think it will end when you put down that last page. Bobby Knowles, jaded local sheriff and Elizabeth Casey, his first love who he worshipped from afar, will tug at the dark recesses of your mind long after you finish this tale.

Ms. Bartlett has a deft way with words, painting evocative descriptions of her characters that leave the reader wanting to know more. There’s lots of death in this piece; and death that turns out to be not-so after all. I, for one, am hoping that Ms. Bartlett turns this into a longer story so that some of those questions knocking about in my mind can find answers.

—Ann Gimpel, Author of Psyche's Prophecy

The Eyes Have It by Denise Bartlett

It’s lunchtime on a wet autumn day. I’ve made myself a warm drink. I sit down at the computer. And what could be better than a nice short read to drive the sound of rainfall on leaves away?

The Eyes Have It, by Denise Bartlett, fulfills the promise of its attractive cover. Swirly green letters hover over frowning, hypnotic emerald eyes. Inside, Sheriff Bobby Knowles is musing on the differences between law enforcement and peace-keeping, past and present, and love and loss. The writing draws the reader into his thoughts and memories, just as the sheriff’s moving hands draw images of long-gone beaches into waves across his glass.

But the waves in this tale have been cruel. Instead of a beach there’s a rocky cliff. Instead of loving families there’s sorrow and regret… and now this…

It’s a short, disturbing, intriguing tale with a green-eyed sting in the tale, and it’s beautifully told. The Eyes kept this reader thoroughly absorbed while her coffee went cold. But now, lunchtime’s over. It’s time to go back to housework after writing a quick book review and thanking author and publisher for an enjoyable lunch-time e-read.

—Sheila Deeth, Author of Refracted

The Eyes Have It by Denise Bartlett

The Eyes Have It by Denise Bartlett is a wonderful little mystery, packing quite a punch for such a short story. It is well-written and engaging, with great characters and an ending that is strangely satisfying. I particularly like Liza, who is a mystery in herself. This is a good creepy story for escaping with if you like a good murder case!

—Lisa Farrell, Author of The Cursed

The Eyes Have It by Denise Bartlett

A police officer’s life is never without sacrifice as Sheriff Bobby Knowles fully understands. Nor are the lives of those he serves.

Called to the house of a former high school crush, Elizabeth Casey, Bobby finds her missing and presumed dead. Her young daughter, Liza is left in the care of her cruel father. Three years later, the death of her step-mother and her children calls Bobby to the home once more. Now a grown woman, Liza finds her father and his third wife brutally murdered in her childhood home.

Author Denise Bartlett paints a chilling picture of how far a woman will go to find salvation. This electrifying short will have you guessing to the very end.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

Lady of the Veils by M. L. John

Lady of the Veils by M. L. John is a captivating novel that grabs the imagination from the first page. Woven fluidly between modern day and fantasy, the line between reality and imagination easily slips away leaving the reader wrapped inside a world that could easily exist. The daughter of a Princess Dragonslayer turned corporate wife and mother takes upon herself the task of ensuring her true love's safety in a world where nothing is safe and little is as it originally appears.

Fierce sword play, steamy love scenes oozing with the passion of love that consumes the very soul, enchanted forests, and modern day humor make this novel easily not only a must read, but a story that will stand the test of literary time. In this humble reader's opinion it is easily a five-star read, and I highly recommend it. Pick up a copy, and be sure to clear some time. Once you turn the first page you will be remiss to put it back down until the last page has been turned.

—R. M. McClaren, a.k.a. R. M. Brandon, author of Witan Vid (coming soon)

Born in Sarejevo by Snjezana Marinkovic

Born in Sarejevo by Snjezana Marinkovic opens with a bleak outlook for Sarajevo and the former Yugoslavia. Then the narrative turns to the author’s personal story, as she becomes trapped between religion and ethnic identity. The Bosnian War, as it is commonly referenced, although others may identify the war by naming the participants as Serbs, Muslims and Croats, is the most recent memory of the author’s country and city. The Croat-Bosniak war is often referred to as the war within a war because it was part of the more encompassing Bosnian War. But the suffering ordinary citizens of Bosnia and Croatia could not tell the difference.

Snjezana paints a vivid picture of a city and country of diverse peoples, customs and mores that once existed in harmony, but the populace lost its cohesion and fragmented into ethnic groups at war with one another. The Serbs, Croats and Muslims depicted in this book are as war made them, not as God did. If they are not all pleasant people, it’s because the story of war is the story of hate and misunderstanding. Hate and misunderstanding destroy people spiritually just as the fighting destroys them bodily. Personal names of the faction leaders become real people rather than names in the news or characters in the story.

Seemingly random thoughts invade the author’s narrative, and her meaning is murky for a paragraph or so before clarifying. Her numerous digressions do not distract, but merely reflect the turmoil of the times and experience. Her story depicts a life of deprivation, struggle and loneliness as friends turn on friends and her own family circle is fractured beyond repair and has nothing to do with the horrors of war. Her story is a bit of a scrapbook in which are pasted clippings and memories relating the transformation of a ruptured country and the mending of a torn life.

As hard as the war and family separation was on her, returning home to Sarajevo after the war was the hardest experience of all when she finds she is foreigner in her own homeland. Eventually her dream of immigrating to the United States becomes reality. The author chastises the United States for its detachment to the Bosnian War and perhaps for having too much when she and her friends had so little; but also shows her appreciation of the United States for the freedom she now has, replacing that which was taken from her during the war years. Still she dreams of returning to the time of Marshall Tito, when Yugoslavians were not classified as Serb, Croat or Muslim, but only as Yugoslavians.

Snjezana Marinkovic is a poet who shares her philosophy of life and religion and reflections on ethnic polarization, and presents a poignant personal account of courage, determination and most of all, survival.

—Jim Woods, Author of So You Want to be an Author?

Born in Sarejevo by Snjezana Marinkovic

"Wars are fought to save worthy but replaceable possessions of man or possessions of a country, while irreplaceable human life is neglected." p.133

That is one of the truths I learned from this poignant memoir, but it is not the only one.

Too often, war and conflict are just words we hear on the news or read in the headlines. Even history texts boil them down to bare, impersonal facts and statistics. As long as war and its aftermath are presented without a human face, they will continue to flourish.

But books like Born In Sarajevo strive to correct that injustice. Snjezana Marinkovic tells her story of how the civil war that divided and destroyed Yugoslavia in the 1990s affected her and her family as refugees and forever changed the place she once called home.

One of the most striking things is that the author emerges from all those years of turmoil, unrest and suffering with a hope and longing for peace rather than vengeance. An accomplished poet, Ms. Marinkovic has scattered relevant samplings of her poetry throughout the manuscript. Particularly, the poem Sarajevo moved me to tears.

From the first chapter it is obvious that English is not the author's primary language. Thankfully, rather than correcting and "cleaning up" the occasional grammatical error, the editor let them stand. Thus, the author's "voice" remains strong, genuine and undiminished.

It is a reminder that Ms. Marinkovic is real. This story is real. The only things that are artificial are the tags and labels people try to impose on each other. Yes, people have differences, and all too often they use them to divide themselves. I believe the main message that Born In Sarajevo tries to convey is that these differences should be used to create harmony rather than discord.

This book should be required reading, not only for every adult, but for every child before he or she is old enough to be taught to take up arms against each other. Maybe then, Snjezana's dream of peace can come true.

—Tamara Lowery, Author of Blood Curse

Spam Vs. the Vampire by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (a.k.a. K. B. Dundee)

This story has vampires. Good old-fashioned vampires, the evil kind that suck your blood. If arch villian Marcel invites you for dinner, expect to be main course.

There is a damsel in distress. Darcy, the cat loving website designer who has a thing for vampires, is delighted to meet Marcel and design a vampire dating website for him. Until he kidnaps her, locks her in a coffin and ransacks her house.

And of course, there's a handsome hero. He's gorgeous, clever and weighs in at eight pounds. Eight pounds? Yes. He's a cat. Even the bravest hero is going to have a hard time rescuing the lady when he doesn't have opposible thumbs.

Luckily, Spam has brains, and lots of friends. Between the retired police dog, the raccoon with a talent for burglary, the deer and the otters, tracking down Darcy shouldn't be too difficult. But that's before more vampires arrive, and Spam gets injured...

Spam Vs. the Vampire is a fabulous read, with a host of great characters, even if most of them are not human. Just be warned, you will never look at your house cat in the same way again.

—Eileen Gormley, Reader and Author of Don't Feed the Fairies

Spam Vs. the Vampire by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (a.k.a. K. B. Dundee)

This was a fun romp for anyone who is owned by a cat (or cats). Spam is a wonderfully resourceful feline who goes to great lengths to find and rescue his human mama and his family. This book is also a cautionary tale about internet dating. People are not always as they present themselves online, but sometimes they ARE, which can be even more dangerous when you think they were only role-playing. Marcell has got to be the most pathetic vampire I have ever read. It makes me wonder why he was turned, unless to provied his masters with entertainment. He does try, but....

Maddog intrigues me. I hope he makes appearances in future Spam books.

After reading this, I have a new perspective on the occasional deer that wanders through my yard, as well as our nightly raccoon visits. It also helped that one of my FB and convention friends, Eddie Coulter, posted pics of his recent trip to that part of Washington, including Port Townsend, the town Port Deception is based on. It gave a great visual reference.

I would reccommend Spam Versus the Vampire to readers of all ages. And thank you, Elizabeth for answering why otters like to poo on boats in the marinas.

—Tamara A. Lowery, Author of Blood Curse

Fenella and the Magic Mirror by Mark Henderson

In ‘Fenella and the Magic Mirror,’ Henderson captures the tone and precision of language one would expect from traditional folklore, yet at the same time he infuses it with a contemporary, ironic humor. The Princess Fenella is a modern woman—and a bit of tom-boy as well ... living (literally) in a faerie tale world; she finds herself not merely “locked in a castle tower,” but “kept in durance vile”... but, no helpless maiden awaiting rescue, it is she who must escape to confront the dragon threatening the kingdom (and contemplating some rather cleverly disgusting recipes to use for his captives)—and it is up to her to save the knight!

“’WHO DARES INSULT FAFFER THE GREAT? YOU SEAL YOUR FATE! YOUR VOICE SOUNDS GIRLY AND THIN. HOW DID YOU GET IN?’ demanded the dragon in furious block capitals...”

While honoring the conventions of faerie tales, though in tongue-in-cheek fashion, this delightful fantasy is a fun read—but with (perhaps) a refreshingly, all-too-realistic ending...

—Mishka Zakharin, Reader and Author of The Spleen of Fiery Dragons, among others

Blood Curse by Tamara Lowery

Viktor Brandewyne is not some ordinary pirate who simply goes after a treasure and beautiful women; he is also hard, but not evil, and known for his strength rather than the use of force. But this is about to change when Viktor is transformed into a vampire, at the same time forcing him to become a fighter who wants to defeat all odds and break free. In the course of his experience being a pirate and a vampire, everything he says and does led me to follow him through my thoughts and emotions on this incredible journey of new discoveries and unique struggles. And he has quite a few.

He races against his heart when he's around a beautiful siren named Belladonna. He also battles his vampire's hunger for blood when close to his friends and crew. The reason? Viktor didn't die and become a vampire, but was cursed to die slowly while leaving many bloodless bodies behind. He is very much aware that his human thoughts and feelings are imprisoned and tortured by this forcibly instilled vampire's desire. Therefore, Viktor decides to compete against time and find the Sisters of Power who will help him regain his old life.

Author Tamara Lowery beautifully describes Viktor as a man who suddenly loses control over his life. In Blood Curse, which Lowery creatively prepared for her readers, Brandewyne lives by erasing other people from the picture of life; at the same time, he disappears from the living world while trying to preserve his own life. Viktor's hunger for blood grows as his time runs short.

"A pirate's life has no guarantees save for a chance at an early death," (page 87). One thing is certain: he never gives up. Viktor experiences jealousy, lust, disappointment, fear and pain, and all those who are on his ship Incubus are exposed to similar sensations. What is uncertain for them all is who will reach shore alive.

—Snjezana Marinkovic, Author of Born in Sarajevo

Blood Curse by Tamara Lowery

Book One of the Waves of Darkness Series

Viktor Brandewyne committed his first act of piracy at the innocent age of eleven. However, there is nothing innocent about Vik Brandee. He cares about no one but himself, save Old Mother Celie, the witch who raised him.

Viktor overtakes any sea he sails with his loyal crew. He is a man to be feared, a man to be hated. His reputation as a blood thirsty pirate preceeds him, as does his appetite for the wenches. When his lusting and killing has gone too far, Vik becomes the prey when Mamaan Juma seeks her revenge, and Vik is turned into a vampire by her voodoo curse. His only hope of surviving is to search for the seven powerful Sisters whose witchcraft can break the spell. But, they do not give of their powers willingly, and Vik has many trials to pass before he can bring their magic back to Mother Celie, and be cured.

Author Tamara A. Lowery is a phenomenal story teller. Her magical web entangles the reader, and pulls them into her pirate’s grasp. Her characters are vivid and real, making you like even the most horrible of the lot. What woman would not want to be held captive by Captain Viktor Brandewyne, the most notorious pirate who ever sailed the seas?

‘Blood Curse’ is book one in the Waves of Darkness Series. Like Viktor’s need for fresh blood, this fresh take on pirate/vampire lore is one that will keep readers craving more. Will he find the sisters in time? Read the series to find out. I know I certainly will.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

Nancy by Charlotte Holley

‘Nancy’ is a true coming of age story that portrays the underlying issues of jealousy, fear and insecurity in the young adult.

Nancy was the girl to be admired. She was the pretty one. She always wore a kind smile for everyone she met. Hers was a life any girl would want, but when her classmate found a letter Nancy had written to her grandmother, the illusion of perfection collapsed. The letter told of the true difficulties in Nancy’s life. It revealed that what people saw on the outside was not what it seemed. Nancy also had her troubles in life.

The author reveals the impact that true friendship has on our lives. ‘Nancy’ is a story that indeed many young readers can identify with. It is a tale of exposing one’s personal issues to overcome the fear of being alone. One cannot receive without first giving, and ‘Nancy’ teaches us that happiness is possible, no matter the circumstance.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

Journey by Sarah Deckard

Journey by Sarah Deckard is a medieval fairy tale with a modern message. Princess Victoria is betrothed to her true love yet discontented, something she does not realise until her prince rejects her and so compels her to embark on a quest. She thinks she journeys to seek her lover, but she finds herself on a journey of self-discovery. If “every girl's a princess”, then every girl should read this story. This author has something important to teach her heroine, and she makes the lesson a pleasant one for the reader. Journey is a prettily written, magical tale for any woman who's ever questioned a “happily ever after” ending.

—Lisa Farrell, Author of The Cursed

Journey by Sarah Deckard

Sarah’s handling of conversation and description is quite solid; her metaphors and similes, enjoyable. When her heroine meets her fairy guardian, the story takes on the feel of a fable and I think it works extremely well as a fable - very original and really quite clever. I wanted to see how the story would unfold after their meeting. And Sarah does not disappoint. The way she weaves the story and characters is very impressive. She maintains the feel of a fable right to the end. Her story was a really good, really fun, read.

—Len Dawson, Author of The Devil's Alibi

Freedom by Julian Adorney

Freedom is an exciting short story for any lover of fantasy tales, using a traditional fantasy setting to consider the nature of romantic relationships. Brian is the fighter, the man with the sword. His girlfriend is Gloria, a sexy sorceress wielding powerful magic. Sound perfect? It's the fantasy dream, but Brian is more than the devoted knight Gloria wants him to be, he has skills and aspirations of his own. Gloria has abilities she's kept hidden from Brian thus far, and their relationship is not what it seems... Lose yourself in this fantasy world for a spell, as Brian fights monsters and uncovers the true nature of his lover.

—Lisa Farrell, Author of The Cursed

Freedom by Julian Adorney

Brian wanted nothing more than his freedom. A Sorceress, Gloria wanted nothing more than Brian . . . and her revenge.

In a world controlled by Gods and Power, Brian vows to fight with Gloria against the evil clan who killed her brother. Brian will do anything for his true love, even if it means a fight to his death. But even in the shadows, he cannot leave his beloved. Gloria uses the Power to bring Brian back to life . . . back to her.

It is not until Brian witnesses Gloria using the Power to control the mind of her enemy and maliciously destroy him that Brian is finally able to see her for who she really is. He realizes that with her, freedom will never be his. She controls his will and his love.

Author Julian Adorney leads his readers through the realm of fantasy while also urging them to think about their own Powers of control. In many ways, fantasy mirrors life in its lustful nature. Freedom is a work that will make you wonder if your own freedom is truly a reality or simply a fantasy.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

Texas Vampire Mini Massacre by Laney Stryker

Texas Vampire Mini Massacre will definitely appeal to vampire fans of all ages. Laney Stryker starts the action from the very beginning of the story when Cheyenne Mcalister looks for a job in the newspaper and discovers an ad for a vampire hunter. The interview will be conducted at midnight, and she can't help but wonder if it's a trap set by hungry vampires. Even though her intuition is telling her to stay away, she can't help but go to the interview anyway.

She shows up before dark to check things out and finds the guy of her dreams waiting for the interview as well. They start talking and soon it's dark, and they find themselves trapped in a car, with vampires everywhere they look, waiting to get in and feast. Cheyenne has never actually fought a real, live vampire, and being surrounded by them is overwhelming. Can she and the guy of her dreams make it out alive? Or was showing up for her interview be the last mistake she will ever get to make?

Texas Vampire Mini-Massacre is fast-paced and very well-written. It's short enough that you can read it during your lunch hour or any time you get a short break and want to scare yourself silly. Definitely worth the read.

—Sara Dean, Author of Forgiving Jesse

The Book Box by Roberta Branca

The Book Box by Roberta Branca is an intense, haunting story, beautifully written and well-formed. It is one of those stories that really 'rings true'. It seemed to swallow me whole, I was so absorbed by it. Set during a tragic moment in history, it brings to life the stricken soul of one woman among many. From her thoughts to the scene around her, it all seems uncannily real. It is a very emotive story, and I certainly felt my heart wrench. Here is an author who really knows her craft. Highly recommended reading.

—Lisa Farrell, Author of The Cursed

The Final Days of John Stryker by Ron Anick

The Final Days of John Stryker is a fabulous story, hinging on a clever idea, brilliantly written and well-executed. Poor Henry may be dealt a bad hand, but his life makes for a good read! He is an unfortunate but appealing hero, and you cannot help but wonder what you would do in his shoes. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone.

—Lisa Farrell, Author of The Cursed

Fortunes Told by Julie Stahl

“You will become enraptured by this book.”

Best friends, Ava and Trudy, meet up for lunch at their favorite Chinese food restaurant every third Sunday of the month to bring their lives into perspective and offer up sometimes unwanted advice.

When Trudy suspects her husband of cheating, Ava volunteers to help procure the evidence, as well as hand over the official get-well remedy—chocolate, in any form.

After Ava is finally asked by her long time love, Frank, to sell her home and move in with him, her dreams of living happily-ever-after with this man finally come true. However, after she settles in and makes a few womanly adjustments to their home, Frank tells her he can’t do it. And just like that, it’s over.

Author Julie Stahl explores the deep-seated, emotional scars we as humans carry with us on our journey through life. Often, the fear of giving yourself to another breaks open the well-sealed emotions you thought were packed tightly away.

Fortunes Told will have you thinking about your own baggage as you follow Ava and Trudy (a.k.a Lucy and Ethel) through the revolving door of their emotional lives. Julie reveals that when love is right, a girl needs to grab her bags and finally get off the carousel.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

Birds of a Feather by Leslie Soule

This story is three times clever. Perhaps more than three. The first inventiveness is the first person diary entries of the imaginative Valley Girl, Alexis, who twists history and writes her story to be presented as a class paper. The second cleverness is forsaking the Valley Girl persona and thoroughly restructuring real history to sound real her way. As an aside, it seems only right that bird identifications—falcon, kite, kestrel, sparrow and hawk—become the adopted surnames of the story’s heroes and heroines of the French Revolution, the birds of a feather of the story’s title. A third bit of cleverness is regressing twenty-first century artifacts, such as replacement batteries and pay-stubs, to the early nineteenth century, and making them seem right and proper for the times. This story is a fun fantasy but don’t utilize it as research material for your history test. Just read it for the pure enjoyment of the author’s nuances, the wonderful way she turns a phrase, and her unfettered imagination.

—Jim Woods, Author of So You Want to be an Author?

Winchester Doctor by Herb Marlow

This well-written story could hardly fail to find a following since it combines three favorite literary icons: the kindly old small town doctor who goes about his business in a horse-drawn carriage, the American Civil War, and of the latter, the forces of the Confederacy. Doctor Jonas Slaton holds his town of Winchester, Virginia, together during peace and war. Along with treating juvenile mumps, delivering babies, and setting broken bones, he finds himself pressed into service as a civilian surgeon with a Confederate unit where his patients are draped in both blue and gray. In his off-hours, Doctor Slaton philosophizes on the state of the world, politics and the war, while on duty he utilizes the best of medical practices of the time, which means too many of his battlefield patients don’t come away from battle whole, or at all. The battlefield details are vivid; the characters are real, and we assume historically accurate. A definite attraction of the story is the presumably real tactics of The War; a definite distraction of the story is the presumably real tactics of The War. A few of the officers on both sides of the battle lines are well-known to history students, but too many more of the lesser known ones are names to keep track of, and which side they fight for, but they are characters without dialog for the most part, and the roster is extensive. The War does not come to an end in this account, but Doctor Jonas Slaton returns home safely, to a cautious existence with the occupying Union army in his town of Winchester, and to the promise of an adventurous romance with his newly found lady. I give this story four rousing Rebel yells.

—Jim Woods, Author of So You Want to be an Author?

Jester's Folly by Aubrie Dionne

This short story is a great little escape, just what Mina is trying to do by hiding as a carnival clown. She copes with the grief and guilt of a horrific accident by playing on the mixture of fear and laughter that only a clown can invoke. Mina's past comes back to haunt her in a most unexpected way that could lead to a whole new future for her.

Mina is a fascinating character that could easily lure a reader into a full length novel. The action is fast-paced and well-plotted. A story you'll want to read in one sitting.

I'm looking forward to reading the other stories in Aubrie Dionne's captivating Carnival of Illusions series.

—Jezebel Jorge, Author of Headlocks and Hexes

Georgia's Smile

"Georgia's Smile" was a pleasant surprise to me. She has packed a lot into a well-paced, short romance. It could easily have been expanded to novella or full novel length. There are four characters, and each one is portrayed in such a way that makes the reader react distinctively to them. The heroine draws our sympathy. The hero draws cautious admiration. The friend IS the reader, in a way, acting as guardian and moral support for the heroine. And the villain is most definitely the villain, drawing some fear and much loathing.

—Tamara Lowery, Author of Blood Curse

Sneaky Shenanigans by Violetta Antcliff

Patrick O’Malley was a man who needed the care and love of a good woman. Set out to capture the heart of the widow, Bridget Flynn, he finds himself the recipient of his own master plan of marriage.

Author Violetta Antcliff weaves a lovely tale of respectable courtship in the days of yore and the humanity of the times.

This is a story that will leave you with a warm heart and a smile as you recall a few of your own Sneaky Shenanigans.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

Callie's Fate by Lee-Ann Vinson

Lee-Ann Graff Vinson’s story is a mixture of anger, humor, vengeance and romance. The reader is taken from the deepest valleys of despair to soaring heights of happiness. Callie’s cheating husband, Donald is an unemployed plumber and throughout the story, plumbing terms are applied to things having nothing to do with plumbing.

Callie is a workaholic who, contrary to her dreams, has settled for a husband who is not tall dark and handsome. The couple are total opposites, and yet their marriage has lasted for fourteen years.

Callie returns from a business trip early to surprise her husband on their anniversary. She arrives early in the morning and observes a woman leave their house with a wrinkled skirt after having obviously been there keeping Donald entertained. Callie decides enough is enough. She drives away to a coffee shop in anger and hurt, her life and marriage in a shambles.

I nearly choked on my own coffee with laughter at Lee-Ann’s words when the Barista asks for her drink order. Callie invents a new one. The one bright spot in her life is in the form of a handsome Marine, but is he just a character in her steaming hot dreams?

Through Lee-Ann’s words you share Callie’s emotions of anger, frustration, vengeance and humor. I highly recommend it to readers.

—G. E. Stills, Author of Forbidden Love

Love's Trust by Lee-Ann Graff Vinson

I’ve never read a contemporary military romance before, but “Love’s Trust” was a good way to start out. Strong plot and sizzling action.

This story wasn’t a typical romance. I’ve read a lot of romance stories, but this is one of those that genuinely surprised me. If you want something new; if you want a story with a compelling twist and an antagonist who’s just messed up, but still want the warmth of a happy ending and a budding romance, this is for you.

It was a genuinely good story, and like I said it was surprising. There are some rough patches, but this story shone where I least expected it. Pleasant surprises like that are always worth the time/money of a new book.

—Julian Adorney, Author of Freedom

Love's Trust by Lee-Ann Graff Vinson

I really enjoyed this military-themed romance. Lee-Ann Vinson keeps the story crisp and clean. There are four main characters, Daphne the heroine, John the hero (in more than one way), Jenny the best friend/moral support, and Jekholf the villain. Love's Trust is more fleshed out than Georgia's Smile, also by Ms. Vinson. Mike, a secondary character with only a brief appearance, is still described in a way that makes him more than just a plot prop but a believable character. I will admit that the villain seems almost comically melodramatic at first, but the sad truth is that there are men like him out there in real life: narcissistic, power mad, delusional and just deranged enough to act on their delusions.

I am not as familiar with military culture as I once was, since I no longer live near any bases nor have close relaitives still in active duty. However, going by news articles I have seen in recent years and things I have heard from a former coworker who pulled two tours in Iraq, I believe Ms. Vinson has an excellent grasp of some of the troubles facing today's veterans and active military personnel, and she has worked them into this romance in a very believable and acceptable way.

Once again, I have to say MORE! This was great, but it could be easily expanded on to make it novella length.

—Tamara Lowery, Author of Blood Curse

If It's Monday, It Must be Murder by Kathleen S. Allen

Mel is a cop without a job. She is also a woman who never says die.

After taking a bullet to the spine during an investigation, Mel can no longer work as a detective. When her best friend, Cindy, is told her daughter has jumped to her death from the Tower Building on her campus, Cindy and Mel suspect foul play. With the bullet from the shooter still lodged in her spine, Mel launches her own investigation that uncovers many unknown facets of young Jessie’s troubled life.

Along the way, Byron, Mel’s former partner on the force and love interest before the shooting, has come back into her life. When investigation bears out that Jessie’s death was indeed a homicide, Byron is the detective assigned to the case. Although no longer privy to police business, Mel proceeds on her own, managing to offend Cindy and her three other children in the process. She can’t walk more than three steps without the use of her cane, but Mel doesn’t give up her own search until it is almost too late—for her.

Author Kathleen S. Allen sets the tone for a delicious murder mystery indeed. Questionable characters keep the reader guessing until the very end. It is always a delight to read a whodunit when the murderer is not the character one would least suspect, but one no one would suspect. Kathleen weaves a tale of intrigue and catches her readers with their backs turned.

If It’s Monday, It Must Be Murder will bring out your inner detective and urge you to read on until the case is solved. A book definitely worth your time, and gray matter.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

Malicifer by Aubrie Dionne

A Sword, created by magic of the darkest kind, is hidden away inside a long-forgotten tomb. It is guarded by those sworn to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. But the sword has awakened and begins singing a song to summon a new handler, because darker forces are coming and a battle is about to commence.

Maylin has long been in love with the knight Castellan. But her love is unknown to him. He is royalty, and she is simply a farmer’s daughter with nothing but her love to offer. Her dearest friend continually makes it a point to remind her of how unlikely it is he would ever favor her.

Then as the forces of evil make themselves and their intent known, the simple girl discovers her destiny is crossed with the Malicifer sword. For it is only through its power that the man she loves and her village can be saved. When she hears the sword's song, she promises herself she will not let the bloodlust the sword brings take hold. But as the battle ensues and the bloodlust begins, it is only through the truth of love where such a promise can be kept.

As I started reading the story, I was somewhat confused. I wanted to know the story of the person in the grave who held the sword so close, but then as the tale began to unfold, I found myself swept up in the love Maylin felt for Castellan and the sacrifice she was willing to make to save both him and her home.

Malicifer is a very good read. It easily holds its own among the classic fairytales we all know and love. Definitely a read I would recommend to anyone who wants a short story to focus and reflect on. I would almost want this to be an illustrated storybook, except I believe some of the content may be a touch too graphic for anyone under the age of twelve. However, the story is grand and I found myself wanting more!

—Rowan Shannigan, Author of Awareness

Not Good Enough by G. E. Stills

Best friends, Trish and Sheila, set out to go on a cruise to Australia. The mission: to find Trish a man—not just any man—he needs to pass Sheila’s rewuirements of being rich and sexy. Before they board the ship, Sheila manages to disgruntle Jason, the man with the sensual, deep-blue eyes who happened to peak Trish’s interest. In Sheila’s eyes, her friend could do better.

A twist of fate intervenes. Trish gets a chance at redemption when an act of sabotage leaves her stranded with Jason on a deserted island. She learns Jason is just as beautiful on the inside as he is underneath his dress shirt, and much to Jason’s surprise, Trish is nothing like her loud-mouthed, vulgar friend. Love is born from months spent in each other’s arms.

Upon rescue, Trish learns Jason is the wealthy heir and partner in J. R. & Son, a very successful shipping company. Fearing she is now not good enough for him, she disappears out of his life. Jason is miserable when he finds there is no way to contact her. His true love is a woman who doesn’t want to be found. Will he ever find her, or has he lost Trish forever?

In ‘Not Good Enough’, Author G.E. Stills explores the sensuality of self with this romantic love story. The depth of his characters draws you in, making you feel each soul-searching kiss. If you like to read about love in all the right places, you need to read this book!

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

Awareness by Rowan Shannigan

Awareness by Rowan Shannigan is a fantasy like no other. She weaves ghosts, elves, angels and demons effortlessly into her plot, while keeping the story real by having them all interact with Becca, the main character, who is desperately trying to get a handle on unseen realms she never imagined really existed. At the same time, she's trying to navigate her way through challenges that present themselves at high school, while dealing with the many romantic possibilities thrown at her.

A couple of shocking twists arise, one near the end of the story that is sure to take the reader by complete surprise, as it did me! "I was coming to accept this awareness not just as a gift, but as a responsibility," Becca says, at one point. Throughout all her strange experiences, she isn't certain she's up to the tasks at-hand, but with the help of some very intriguing characters—one quite hot, in fact--she gains confidence in her newfound "awareness" and we are left wanting to see where the next adventure will take her.

High marks to Rowan Shannigan for a novel that is both sexy and exciting on so many unseen levels!

—Tracey L. Pacelli, Author of Time Warped

Awareness by Rowan Shannigan

What if you woke up in a hospital after being in a car accident and you could see dead people? Not to mention other unworldly creatures like demons and angels, and what if you had an evil demon after you? And what if you are attracted to one of these creatures, who just happens to be an elf prince? Yeah, this is Becca's new life and she doesn't like it, not one bit.

This is a Young Adult novel written from the main character's viewpoint and we get to see her world through her eyes. She is a strong willed girl who is determined to make her life as normal as possible. It's a fun read about a girl who has to accept herself and come to terms with her life all the while preparing for her junior year in high school! I recommend it!

—Kathleen S. Allen, Author of If It's Monday, it Must be Murder

Awareness by Rowan Shannigan

When sixteen-year-old Rebecca wakes up from a coma after a car accident, the scariest thing is not the fact that she’s been sleeping for over a week, but rather what and who she sees around her bed. A young boy walks into her room with everyone else unaware of him and starts talking to her. Is she mad, chosen for some strangely mystic task, or is she just dismally unlucky? First of all though, how can she silence the voices that won’t let her sleep? This Rebecca is a very convincing, down-to-earth, teenaged girl.

Author Rowan Shannigan creates a fine collection of believable characters, family and friends, plus a delightful ghost in Rebecca's new sidekick—old for his appearance, but maybe not for his years. The plot includes some surprising twists and turns with overlapping worlds of ghosts, angels and demons, and even elves. Okay, elves might seem odd, but well-drawn characters and good timing give a sense of reality to the mix, convincing the reader that further revelations will all make sense.

Rebecca’s love interests are nicely drawn too. Her school life and friends dovetail pleasingly into her new awareness, and a sense of responsibility to others gives a satisfying depth to the story. The first of a series, the novel ends with a scary set-up to volume 2, but still tells a complete and enjoyable story of its own, with characters you’ll want to revisit as soon as you can.

—Sheila Deeth, Author of Refracted

Time Warped by Tracey L. Pacelli

Ever have a compulsion that's just too hard to ignore? Every step closer to doing what you know you shouldn’t do leads you closer to disaster, but you just can’t stop yourself. Lanie has just such a compulsion. A little one really; one she never thought would throw her entire world into chaos, but it does. One thing leads to another until a fatal car accident injures her and kills her adoptive mother. Next thing she knows, she’s in the hospital, under observation . . . because? Oh yeah, they think she’s NUTS! Or is she just being paranoid?

When she successfully manages to escape the hospital . . . now, THAT is when the real adventure starts! An elderly midget, a freaky insane asylum, and a secretive roommate are just a few of the things she encounters in the crazy roller coaster ride she’s been thrust into. And for the love of God, why is everything—from the furniture they sit on to the clothes they are forced to wear—straight out of the sixties?

This story snagged my attention immediately and quickly became one of those books I just couldn’t put down! It’s a mystery, a fantasy, a romance, an adventure and a drama all rolled into one. It’s a book I will definitely be reading again! If you’re looking for a story that pulls you in and takes you on an amazing journey—look no further! Here it is!

—Rowan Shannigan, Author of Awareness

Psyche’s Prophecy by Ann Gimpel

Living out her daily life as a psychotherapist, Dr. Lara McInnis advises her patients on various conditions and ailments. Her days revolves around therapy sessions; teaching psychology classes at the local university; Trevor, her long-time lover; and her motherly secretary, Arabel. Her life is stressful, busy and mundane.

When Lara agrees to give marriage counselling to a couple, the mundane becomes insanity. Disgruntled about the advice she gives to his wife, a killer targets Lara seeking revenge, while all around her, the city she’s lived in for years begins collapsing. Power outages become almost daily occurrences. Food and fuel shortages skyrocket, and riots increase throughout the states.

Then there is “the dream”. Lara, Trevor, and a few of Lara’s students have experienced its unsettling message. Upon dissecting its meaning, the conclusion raised is the spectre of death—the earth is not going to last, and neither iss their civilization.

Lara enlists the help of Lillian, a paranormal psychic, who guides her in her answers. Fairies and old world legends are where Lara finds her salvation. She also learns of her true self and gains the support she needs to strengthen her abilities. Her spirit force works in dreams, and she has much to learn if she is to overcome the demons.

Author Ann Gimpel takes us on a fascinating journey of the origin of life and the possibility that humans are simply unknowing inhabitants of a greater world. The characters are endearing with their lists of skeletons in the closet, and they befriend you as you follow their plight. Book One of The Transformation Series, Psyche’s Prophecy is an intriguing story with a paranormal edge. I look forward to reading more from this descriptive, insightful author.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Love's Trust

The Silver House by Janet French

There is a Power thrumming through the world author Janet French has created in The Silver House. It is a mystical, magical thing, and there are those who can use it; harness it. It is an important part of these people. It is who they are. It is what they are. Because of this Power, they are also in danger.

The Silver House begins in the middle of a battle. Some Mothers and Sisters, citizens who have been trained or are in training to use the Power, are trying to keep the children they are protecting calm and happy in the midst of all the chaos. Other Sisters are still searching the city at the beginning of the story, trying to gather the children and bring them to the safety of The Silver House. They must be kept safe from the Zashrans, a sect of men who are destroying the city and seeking to destroy the people who are able to harness and use the Power. And all of this is JUST the first chapter!

This is not a book for someone looking for a nice relaxing read to pass the time with. Oh, no! This story made me feel like I was running a race! My body was actually tired, as if I had been one of the poor children, running for my life with the help of the two women who were able to harness the Power in their fight to find a safe place for the survivors they had found. Yet, I’d put the story down, do something else, and inevitably find myself drawn back to it later, wanting more; needing more.

The storyline is excellent. Ms. French’s world and characters are real and believable. I feel it is an Epic adventure, worthy of being compared to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Parts of it are cruel and scary. There are moments in it where the reader will be completely worn out and ready to cry. It expertly sets the stage for the next book in the series and made me stomp my foot, wanting more when I finally made it through. Definitely worth five stars, and this reader is waiting with for the next in the series!

—Rowan Shannigan, Author of Awareness

Say A Little Prayer by Catherine Cavendish

The famous do have thoughts and feelings; even the dead famous. Called upon, they watch as Jane prays to them each night. Jane’s husband has left her, she’s lost her job and must come up with a great deal of money in order to keep her home. It is up to those she loved the most to come to her rescue.

Author Catherine Cavendish gives a fresh and humorous look at the spirit world in this short story. Sexual innuendos are tossed about between Jim Morrison and Marilyn Monroe. Agatha Christie gets in on the problem solving with her ever-present notebook. An entertaining story, Say A Little Prayer can be read on a lunch-hour and will conjure up a smile as you follow the antics of this extraordinary medley of deceased celebrities who still retain their larger-than-life personas.

—Lee-Ann Graff Vinson, Author of Callie’s Fate

McCann’s Manor: Portal by Charlotte Holley

Liz and Kim are best friends. Gifted parapsychologists, they are often called upon by the police department to help in unsolved cases. While an invite to an old friend’s birthday party has Kim performing psychic readings for well-known celebrities, Liz is surprised to find a man truly in need of their help.

Screen legend John Carter still looks ravishing in his now early fifties, and is even more dashing in person, as Liz pleasantly ascertains. Kim and Liz agree to look at a home owned by a dear friend of his, which has been haunted since the death of its original owner, Ben McCann, in the late 1700’s. The house is unwelcoming by virtue of the strange occurrences and unfriendly spirits. The two women agree to move into McCann's Manor in an attempt to release the phantoms that walk the halls. Will they be able to find out the true reason behind the torment before another soul is taken by the Manor?

Author Charlotte Holley weaves a tangled web of deceit and heartache. This book is intricately written and will have you on the edge of your seat. She combines both the real and paranormal worlds perfectly, drawing you deeper into the unknown. If you love perplexing paranormal activity, you will definitely enjoy the complex design of characters that make up McCann’s Manor.

—Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson, Author of Callie’s Fate

Winter Queen by Aubrie Dionne

The Winter Queen releases no one from her misery. The men who dare pass into her realm suffer as she does, for she offers mercy to no one. Her icy grip encompasses the season, waiting for the next tragedy.

This short story is riveting right from the beginning. The emotions of the characters grab hold of you, taking you along on a mystical, painful journey of love lost. It is a tale of icy heartbreak, melted only by the passion true love can bring.

Author Aubrie Dionne has done a magnificent job bringing her characters to life. Their agony and joy becomes your own in just a few pages. This soul-searching story can be read on a lunch break, but the lessons will stay with you much longer.

—Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson, Author of Callie’s Fate

The Good Servant by Doug Lucas

“A man is judged by his actions, not his words.” Eli knows his beloved Camels have a firm grip on his breath as well as the remaining days of his life. He is a man who has done more than his duty. A man who knows he is dying and wants peace for his family, so he provides it in the only way he knows how—by coming clean.

Part of Alpha Company, the 1st squad of Weapons Platoon, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Division when he was sent to Vietnam, Eli became quite familiar with the acronyms BOHICA and FUBAR, and he knows he is now well beyond the latter. His family is about to get answers to their ageless questions. He only hopes God will grant him enough time to complete one last mission. He wants time to explain what Hoa Cam Hue was and what it had meant to him when he was later assigned to a program that really allowed him to meet the people of South Vietnam. He tells his family about the JAC, CAC, CAP program in an effort to show why and how it affected the rest of his life.

Seldom does one come across a novel of such lingual magnificence and caustic humour wrapped so effortlessly beneath a bow of divine sarcasm. The Good Servant is a story that will beseech your every emotion. Author Doug Lucas pries off the emotional gates of his characters and places them in your hands. Your heart will ache. You will hear youself as you laugh out loud. The character of Eli will stay with you long after you read his last words. Mr. Lucas is a phenomenal storyteller. My words to you, Sir, are: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

—Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson, Author of Callie’s Fate

The Devil's Alibi by Len Dawson

This inaugural mystery novel finds middle-aged attorney Andrew Lee, the owner of a small [legal] firm in Ithaca, [New York], involved in two high-profile cases in the autumn of 1985. The tale is told in the first person by Lee, who has been appointed public defender for someone accused of kidnapping 16-year-old Sara Jennings as she walked home. He also agrees to defend the husband of a woman murdered in her boyfriend's home on the same evening. Solving the crimes and revealing if they may somehow be connected makes for a good read.

Author Len Dawson creates a likeable, mild-mannered lawyer who frequesntly seeks input on cases from his wife Melanie. He also relies on a street-wise friend, Rick; and Mike, a helpful police detective, to solve these heinous crimes. They must navigate a dark side of Ithaca and its surrounds, an area perhaps better known for its scenic beauty and academic prowess. Lee laments the city's "declining fortunes" as he focuses on an assortment of unsavory criminals with ties to the Tender Loin Club, a tawdry strip club. Another murder adds to an already risky situation before the story builds to a suspenseful Agatha Christie-style finale where the truth is ultimately revealed.

—From Staff Reviewer, Winter Issue of Life in the Fingerlakes Magazine

Refracted by Sheila Deeth

Do you believe in reincarnation? Imagine going on a journey through time and being able to visit every single life in your past, all the way back to the beginning of time. It isn’t dreams you are experiencing; it’s actual memories, almost as if you are reliving those lives over again and recognizing one person as the most important part of it—every time.

What any of us wouldn’t give to know for certain we would be reunited with our one true love every time; every life! But what if you awoke from that dream, could hear the woman you loved talking about having to cut the cord and let you die. What if you knew you would be reborn, but she wouldn’t be there this time, because she was still alive? Could you let her go? Would you have to? Would the other option even be okay?

This is a short but sweet trip into a world where the character’s consciousness is aware of what is going on, but he’s unable to interact. He knows what happened in the past. He knows what’s being planned, and all he can do is lie there and let what will happen, happen.

Excellent story, written in such a way it sends you into a tailspin. Four stars to Sheila Deeth for pulling the reader into a complex and shocking alternate reality. I was half terrified as I read. I could feel the character’s fear and anxiety. Love the story and anxious for more from this wonderful author!

—Rowan Shannigan, Author of Awareness

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