Pan's Conquest by Aubrie Dionne

Last month, Aubrie Dionne visited the blog to give us a little insight into her latest book, Minstrel's Serenade.

I haven't read much of Aubrie's work since the New Dawn Series. To be honest, most of my reading has been non-fiction, except for the fiction audios picked up from the local library website.

Aubrie has supplied me with a few copies of her books.

I chose Pan's Conquest as my first reading venture. I had forgotten the way Aubrie's smooth, easy-going voice flows off the page. I haven't picked up a book so easy to read in a while. My own author's inner voice shut up and let me enjoy the read.

My Review: 5 stars

Pan’s Conquest is a fun, easy read. The author, Aubrie Dionne, lulls you into the mythological tale of Pan (God of Fertility) and Syrinx (Goddess of Chastity). And then, she takes you on a journey of modern day love with a Godly twist.

Tired of running from Pan’s pursuits, Syrinx escapes her life and becomes Sylvia Rains, a florist. She creates a life for herself among the human race. But, what she doesn’t count on is Pan’s determination. When Parker Thomas, a rich businessman, shows up in her life requesting her floral services and some personal time, she doesn’t know what hit her. And she sure doesn’t know it’s her long lost stalker.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, romantic read. You’ll enjoy the story, the characters, and most of all the love.

You may also enjoy:
Paradise 21 by Aubrie Dionne
Fighting Gravity by Cherie Reich
Escape to Love by Cher Green 

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

Since I discovered easy access to audiobooks, I've listened to a lot of books. Downloadable audiobooks, online access from my local library, it can't get much better than this. As a postal mail carrier, I spend most of my work days riding around. If I'm not listening to music, I'm engaged with an audiobook.

The titles aren't as plentiful as I would like, but I grab this and that. It's a wonderful way to experience new authors and various genres. When I saw "The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty," I actually skipped over it a few times. When I finally read the description, I decided to give it a try.

Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. 

Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive...

Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all—she's an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia—or each other—but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband's secret. 

My thoughts went to the obvious. Of course, the letter was about his infidelity, maybe even with her best friend, right? Wrong. The deep dark secret within this letter was not about her husband cheating. It's much, much worse.  The story took a grand twist away from what I was expecting and continued to tumble and turn all the way to the end.

Turns out, I'm a year late getting to this book. It released last year. But, if you haven't read this yet, I suggest you give it a read. It hit the best sellers list, and I can understand why. If you like a story with a twist, intriguing characters, and a nice bow at the end, this may be the perfect summer read for you.

Here's a link - Amazon.

I'd love to hear from those who have read this book or other books by this author. Let's talk about it. :)

The Devil's Labyrinth by John Saul

I finished reading The Devil's Labyrinth by John Saul.

When Ryan gets beat up at school, his mom follows the advice of her new boyfriend and enrolls him in a Catholic boarding school. No big deal right? But, who would have guessed the Devil was living underneath the school in a maze of tunnels.

Okay, well it isn't as dramatic as that. One priest decides to invoke the evil into a few of the youths. After a couple of failed attempts to control the demons within, he finally has success and attracts some interesting attention. The twist is mainly the discovery of the bad guys and their intended plot. The payoff is the strength of a father's love for his son.

I glanced through a few reviews and wasn't completely surprised to see it had some bad reviews. I was however intrigued by some of the things said. A few seemed as if the reader didn't read the same book as I did. But, with that said...

I will admit it wasn't one of his best. It did however invoke a few nightmares and more than one restless night as I lay awake listening to the bumps in the night. It is worth the read, but don't expect a scare from every aspect of the story. The exorcisms are the most disturbing aspect of the story.

I'd give the book at least 4 stars out of 5, but one of those stars are because it is John Saul. So, by any other author, I'd give it a three star rating.

What are you reading? Who would you recommend to a John Saul fan? Which John Saul book did you enjoy the most?

Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

Here’s more evidence of me being out of sync with the world around me. *grin*

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert hit the world in 2007 in book form, and three years later was produced into a film. Most of you are probably already aware of this. But, if you're not, I highly recommend reading this wonderful story.

(I watched some of the movie after listening to the audio. I honestly think most will enjoy the book more than the movie.)


Elizabeth Gilbert shares an experience of a life-time, a search for self, a transformative journey through Italy, India, and Bali.

She leaves behind a failed marriage, a painful relationship, and sets out to discover what she truly wants from life. Her plan: a year to study three aspects, the art of pleasure in Italy, the art of prayer in India, and a balance of the two in Bali. She shares personal insights, wisdom, and pain. Along the way, some amazing people appear in her path, and in my opinion steer her toward her destination of fulfillment.

Some of the negative reviews of this story focused on the author’s self-absorption. This story is about the author, it is a memoir after all. She’s humorous and inspiring. You may be surprised to find some of your own characteristics within her thoughts. You may even find yourself exploring your own life situation, through your laughter and tears.

Have you experienced Eat, Pray, Love? What did you think? Did it send you on a meditative journey of your own?

Author - Harlan Coben

Winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award – the first author to win all three – international bestselling author Harlan Coben’s critically-acclaimed novels have been called “ingenious” (New York Times), “poignant and insightful” (Los Angeles Times), “consistently entertaining” (Houston Chronicle), “superb” (Chicago Tribune) and “must reading” (Philadelphia Inquirer). 

Impressive, wouldn’t you say?

I picked up my first book by this author near the end of last year. I was extremely impressed by his writing and story-telling.

Caught, my first read, gripped my attention and snatched me through, page after page. With each new twist, I found myself enthralled and desperate to read more.

Reporter Wendy Tynes is making a name for herself, bringing down sexual offenders on nationally-televised sting operations. But when social worker Dan Mercer walks into her trap, and is tied to the disappearance of a seventeen-year-old New Jersey girl, the shocking consequences will have Wendy doubting her instincts about the motives of the people around her.



Darkest Fear, my second exposure, proved to have the same effect. At first, I wasn’t pulled in, but it only took a few pages to grab me, carrying me off into a plot of twists and turns.

It all begins when Myron Bolitar's ex tells him he's a father ... of a dying thirteen-year-old boy.

Myron never saw it coming.

Both books took me on journeys I couldn’t resist, surprising me with each new twist and turn. Just when you think you have it figured out, something changes and new circumstances are set into play.

I’m currently reading Play Dead, his first published novel. With that said, it may not be his best, but I’m enjoying the journey.

For me, the 'main' intriguing question is WHY is David Baskin playing dead? I have a few guesses, but I’m suspecting that I’m wrong.

Any Coben fans out there? What should I read next?

Who/What are you reading?

The Altar: A Novel of Horror (Audiobook) by James Arthur Anderson

The Altar presents an interesting premise. The story begins with the disturbance of a long ago banished demon. When a family moves into the neighborhood, their backyard connecting to the forest, the dwelling place of the demon, they become sucked into the awakening process of the demon. Together, with the help of members of the community, they must put it back from where it came, or die trying. Anderson has put together a nice roller-coaster ride of demonic thrills.

I listened to the audio version of this story. If I had read it, my review may have turned out a little differently. I find that words on a page feel different for me than listening to a book.

I gave The Altar a '3 Star rating' due to some writing issues. Some of the dialogue was too long, too wordy, and interrupted the flow of the story. The author did a much better job when he was within the characters’ internal dialogue sections. Also, the back story of the legend of the demon was repeated over and over again, throughout the story. It was as if the author thought we needed a refresher course to keep up. I found it somewhat irritating since it pulled me out of the story.

Overall, this was a good story. I enjoyed most of the time spent listening to it. I’d recommend it to a friend, with a little caution on the writing.

Dream Caster by Najeev Raj Nadarajah

When Najeev Raj Nadarajah first emailed me with the offer of a free copy of Dream Caster, I hesitated. I normally don't read young adult fantasy and after all, this was a self-published debut. I was slightly uninterested, that is until I started reading reviews.

Many praised it, while some did not think it was very good. I'm not sure what those in the second category read, but it wasn't this book. :) Anyways, I read an excerpt and became intrigued. It didn't hurt that the story revolved around Dream Casting!

I'm glad I took the chance and read Dream Caster. It's a wonderful adventure, with great visuals and an intriguing plot.

Dream Caster is the first book of a series called The Dream Cycle.

Here's my review:

Dream Caster, Book One of the Dream Cycle, is a young adult fantasy. Although it starts a little slow, once this story gets going, it grabs you carries you along for a wonderful journey.

Weaver, orphaned and under the care of a selfish man named Ruben, has only one goal, to become a guard in the small village he’s grown up in. In one night, he obtains this position and in the matter of hours loses everything, his home, family and friends.

Forced to move on as the only survival of a devastating attack of fire hounds, he soon finds a companion who travels with him to a new home. He soon discovers his true role in life, which is much bigger than he would have ever imagined.

This well-written, intriguing story is the debut of Najeev Raj Nadarajah’s journey into the writing world. With the promise of more to this series, I predict this story teller has many more adventures to share.

I recommend Dream Caster to anyone who enjoys fantasy, both young and mature adults.

Fighting Gravity by Cherie Reich

Intriguing, fast-paced, sci-fi fantasy with a dash of romance

Tormented by his daimon and the task of executioner, Phoebus, a young Aresian, flees his planet, escapes through a wormhole, and crashes into Earth. A group of boys take him captive.

Marissa, eager to escape an arranged marriage, leaves her family in search of a better life. She witnesses Phoebus crash and is captured by the same group of boys.

Together, the two escape their captors, but become prey to the Aresians, searching for Phoebus.

Cherie Reich creates a futuristic world and throws these two characters together up against the odds of survival. The journey this story takes you on is full of secrets, discoveries, and reflections from both characters. It pulls you in and supplies you with a unique ride from beginning to satisfying end.

Available at Smashwords, and Amazon. Official release date: May 1st

The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing by Evan Marshall

The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing offers a 16-step program guaranteed to take you from idea to complete manuscript.

This guide is divided into five sections:

1) Planning for Success - This section includes deciding what type of novel to write, forming an idea, and creating your characters.

2) Your Complete Plotting Guide - Marshall offers a step by step guide on plotting out your novel: from beginning to end, from section to section. He goes as far as to tell you how many sections you'll need and what needs to happen in certain sections.

3) How to Write Fiction Like a Pro - Marshall touches upon the tools needed for writing: dialogue, conflict, viewpoint, background, thoughts, and much more.

4) Polishing Your Manuscript - Marshall gives a quick take on editing.

5) Marketing your Novel - From proposal to approaching editors to a sample Synopsis, Marshall closes with an idea of how to get your novel published.

This book successfully takes you through these steps and may very well help you to produce a novel.

The plot guide is rigid, and Marshall requires you to have certain character types to complete his plotting system. However, it is an interesting look at a plotting system that may be adapted to guide you in your plotting. The steps are worth reading and thinking on, possibly incorporating to create your own guide to your own plotting system.

I read a one-star review that suggested this book was only about the process. I give this book a four-star because it is about the process of writing/plotting. He touches briefly upon many areas. This is a guide worth reading.

Paradise 21 by Aubrie Dionne

Paradise 21 takes you on a ride you’ll never forget.

Aries finds herself trapped in a world where she has no choices. As a Lifer, her husband and profession are chosen for the good of future generations.

Determined to be her own person, Aries takes the ultimate risk and escapes the confines of New Dawn, a ship traveling toward Paradise 21. Landing on her targeted planet, Aries finds more than she ever expected – dangerous life forms and another human.

Aubrie Dionne did a wonderful job. The story is well-written, vivid, and heart touching. I’d recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced story that delves into a sweet romance set in a futuristic atmosphere.

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/paradise-21/

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

Amanda Stevens sweeps you away in this tale of Amelia Gray, a graveyard restorer who sees ghosts. Warned by her father to never acknowledge them, among other rules, Amelia finds herself breaking the rules and getting into trouble and love.

This is one of those rare books you find you can't put down. The writing is smooth and flows extremely well. Best of all, this is the first in a series. There's more to come.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story, mystery, and exceptional writing. The Restorer (The Graveyard Queen) is a series I will continue to follow.

Coming Home by Joy Brooks

Coming Home by Joy Brooks

While Europe faces the ensuing Battle of Waterloo, Gabrielle Anderson travels to her brother's best friend's estate. Lord Marshall Hampton opens his home to her but Gabriel also wants his love. Gabrielle is determined to show him how she feels, but her time is shortened when Marshall is summoned to the war front. Will Gabrielle win the heart of the only man she has ever loved?


eTreasures Publishing is putting together a new four part Anthology set: Spring Historicals.

Joy Brooks leads the installments with this wonderful tale of a girl seeking love against the odds of war. Coming Home will touch your heart.

Grab your copy at eTreasures Publishing.

Desperate Measures by Cindy Cromer (released!)

Desperate Measures
by Cindy Cromer

The secret is out AGAIN…! This time lives are in jeopardy.

What should have been the perfect vacation soon became a nightmare. Caitlin Martel made a stop before meeting her family at Miami International Airport. A cryptic message waited for her. She dismissed the threat and assumed it was directed toward the brilliant scientist that she recently hired. Caitlin has no idea that a forgotten secret was about to explode and put her life in jeopardy.

When Caitlin and her family arrive on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts, they find their dream home vandalized. In the kitchen, another message has been left. In blood, leaving no doubt that Caitlin personally is the target.

In a flashback Caitlin recalls the secret that her father, Jack Spencer, revealed to her sixteen years ago. He didn’t tell her everything. Will Jack be able to confront the truth and reconstruct the past in time to save his daughter?

Caitlin’s husband Scott, FBI Assistant Director, also believes the threats are related to Caitlin’s professional life. Once Caitlin points out the significance of what was left in their home, Scott unofficially brings his top FBI agent, Tomas Medina, to St. Kitts.

When Tomas arrives, his status is quickly upgraded and the investigation becomes official. The third threat creates a direct link to multi-billionaire Lukas Bucklin.

The suspense escalates through twists, turns, and family secrets yet to be revealed. A powerful climax unveils an unlikely alliance between two deadly and dangerous enemies.

Cindy Cromer debuts with a real page turner. Just when you think you've figured it all out, a new twist appears and sends you in another direction. Keep guessing, but you'll never guess who the villain is.

Grab your copy from eTreasures Publishing.

Read more about Cindy in my interview: Interview with Cindy Huefner Cromer.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

Released in 2003 in book form, and made to movie in 2004, The Five People You Meet In Heaven will make you start thinking. I'm sure most have read or watched this, but I'm still catching up with my life. (That's another story.)

Mitch Albom presents a story of a man who upon death arrives in heaven to be greeted by five people who share with him how he affected them and explain what his life was really about.

It's a wonderful story and worth reading.

As I read, my mind scurried to pick out the five people who I would meet. In my list, there were some surprises as I thought of who had affected me most in my life so far.

Then I thought, that's not actually the point. The five people are ones you have affected. My mind raced and I realized that I'm not sure who I have affected in this lifetime. I hope I've left an impression upon a few people out there, and would be excited to meet with them on the day I arrive in heaven.

Although fiction, this book has touched my heart and made me realize more clearly that life is about the people we touch and the people who touch us. We are all connected to each other and we should make each encounter mean something.

Stop rushing through life and enjoy it to the fullest.

Have you read this book or watched this movie? How were you affected?

The Voices of Ire by Aubrie Dionne

The Voices of Ire is like stepping into a magical land. The land is ruled by Wishcasters, and is threatened by the Murk.

Young Azalin, struggling to hide her powers and fit in with her neighbors, proves to be a wonderful character.

When she is invited to the Eaglecrest Kingdom to participate in the trials, which will determine the positions of the new Wishcasters, she doesn't go with excitement. Accompanied by her best friend, she makes the journey, and discovers her new role in life.

The characters in this book are interesting and lovable. Aubrie created a world of magic that is easy to walk in to. This book is well written and would be a great read for young adults or adults.

To learn more about Aubrie and her writings visit: http://www.authoraubrie.com/. You may also find the interview I had with her earlier in the year interesting.

Horns by Joe Hill

Stepping in his father's footsteps, Joe Hill is making a name for himself. In 2007, Heart-Shaped Box: A Novel hit the shelves. A paranormal thriller wrapped up in a nicely written piece set me seeking more from this young man.

Oh, I guess some of you may be wondering who this author's father is. Stephen King. Trust me the acorn did not fall far from the tree. Joe Hill pulls you into his stories, gives you great characters, and drags you with him to The End.

Horns is a story of a man who has lost it all. He wakes up one morning with horns, yes horns, growing from his head. The horns cause people to tell him things, awful things, about themselves. They also lead him to discover the villain who took his life and tore it to shreds. There's mystery, humor, a love story, and a murder all wrapped up in the pages of this book.

This author's writing reminds me of the young Stephen King. I have no doubt that Joe Hill will be a big hit in the future.

Flank Hawk by Terry W. Ervin II

Flank Hawk will sweep you away and take you to a magical world.

Terry W. Ervin II did a brilliant job writing this debut novel. There's never a dull moment as we follow Krish, a farmhand turned mercenary, as he forges through battles. Dragons, zombies, giants, and wizards color the pages of this science fiction, fantasy novel.

Thriving as a strong individual, Krish encounters new friends, and loses honorable allies. Krish's journey is not one you want to miss.

Pick up your copy today at:
http://www.amazon.com/Flank-Hawk-Terry-W-Ervin/dp/0982508700

Also available in Kindle.

Creating Short Fiction by Damon Knight

Damon Knight, a great writer and teacher, blessed us with this book Creating Short Fiction. He goes into detail of every aspect of writing a short story or any fiction for that matter.

He begins by exploring techniques of developing your talent as a writer. There's also a great section on turning ideas into story. The aspects of fiction are divided into three divisions: Beginning a story, controlling a story, and finishing a story. He then goes through the concepts of being a writer. There are many exercises throughout to help you become more aware of where your weaknesses lie.

I'd recommend this book to any aspiring writer. It's also a great read for you seasoned writers.

Feel free to share your own thoughts on this book. You can look inside the book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Short-Fiction-Classic-Writing/dp/0312150946/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261439163&sr=8-1

A Letter That Will Come Tomorrow by Naomi O'Hara

A trip you will remember.

'A Letter That Will Come Tomorrow' begins with Dr. Naomi O’Hara, a recently retired therapist, stepping on a train heading to New York. The year is 2021. We meet some very interesting people along the way and are introduced to a new way of life. The author has created a world that everyone should visit. The story is well written, characters come alive, and the descriptions are fresh. A must-read!

More info can be found at http://www.amazon.com/Letter-That-Will-Come-Tomorrow/dp/0595478832

The Sacred Sin by Estevan Vega

At the young age of eighteen, Estevan Vega has proven himself as a talented, ambitious writer with this second book. "The Sacred Sin" is a well-written descriptive story, with great characters and just the right amount of suspense. On the downside, some may find it a little too descriptive as the story moves slowly along. Jude Foster, a detective with a past, pursues a supernatural killer. The story is intriguing and entertaining. A good read.

Vega is growing as a new writer, and I look forward to his next book.

Servant of the Realm is also available by this author. More information can be found at http://www.estevanvega.com/