The Loved and The Lost by: Lory S. Kaufman

Title: The Loved and The Lost
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Publisher: Fiction Studio Books
Pages: 314
Series: Verona Trilogy #3
Source: Pump Your Book Promotions
Format: Paperback

Description:

They are three time travelers desperate to return to 14th-century Verona to reclaim their medieval family s shattered lives. It is a mission fraught with danger and the risk of unexpected consequences for themselves and for their worlds. For all three, it is a matter of the heart. For one, though, it is truly the only thing that matters, as the fate of his eternal love and the life of their unborn child is the prize to be won or lost forever. In this, the final book of THE VERONA TRILOGY, Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln go on the boldest adventure of their lives. They will face hardship, tragedy, and threats from sources they couldn t have imagined all in an effort to wrestle a future from the steely grip of an unforgiving past.  Definitely a great ending to the series I really enjoyed this one alot with the historical information wrapped into a great Young Adult series!

My Thoughts:

The kids are back in their own time and finding themselves part of the time travel History Camp Academy.  While Lincoln has found his calling and Shamira has found love with Kingsley who has an interest in art as Shamira does.  Hansum is still lost having lost his wife to 14th century Verona, and wanting to find a way to go back and save her.  The kids have grown up quite a bit since their time in 14th century Verona.  The one regret Hansum has is not saving his wife in time.  With their teachers they are able to go back to 14th century and see parts of their history and the mistakes they make.  This book was full of twists and turns and wanting to know how it ends, definitely a great way to wrap up the story.  This also set up the great love story of Romeo and Juliet and is a great spin on their relationship.  This being the third book I think people who want to read this will definitely have to go in order to appreciate the story.

The Truth about Salvatore’s Revenge by: Ta’Mara Hanscom

1. What inspired you to write your first book?

My husband had asked me for a divorce and I wasn’t comfortable with that. So I sat down and started typing. No kidding, I typed 900 pages in 21 days. I’d sit down at my computer at about 4:30 a.m., and not get up until about 8:00 that night. My eldest daughter (who was 13 at the time) brought food to my desk so that I wouldn’t have to stop writing. She and the neighbor lady were instantly hooked on the story and they’d read the pages that I’d typed the day before. As the years marched on, and I continued to work on the series, my husband came to know the Lord and he forgot about the divorce. Our marriage turned into a relationship that I had only dreamed about. Had I not been so distracted with writing these books, I would have left him years ago — and never saw what a wonderful person he is.

2. What books have influenced your life the most?

The Bible. God’s Word has changed me and the way I behave.

3. What are your current projects

I am working on Book # 6 of The Caselli Family Series. The working title is A Place Too Far From Grace. Also, I’m working on writing a Bible study Rebuilding the Temple, and it’s based out of the Old Testament book of Zechariah.

4. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No. That’s my favorite book thus far.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

Another author told me that Book 2 Pit of Ambition was “redundant.” Ouch, that really hurt. On the other hand, no one has said that before, and I’ve had hundreds of readers, so I’ve been trying to let it go J

6. What has been the best compliment?

My dear friend, Ronnette, who passed away just as Book 3 A Blackguard’s Redemption was going to print, said, “The Casellis have changed my life and the way I think about things.” I think of that almost every day, especially now that she’s gone. She spent a lot of time reading the rough drafts and giving feedback. By the time we started publishing, we estimated that Ronnette had read about one million words. She was dedicated!

7. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

I study for about 3 hours in the morning, and I write for the rest of the day (sometimes 5-7 hours). I get up early. It’s imperative to stay on a schedule and guard your time. Interruptions throw me off balance, so I turn off my phone. I check my messages and email only twice a day—unless I have something going on that’s extremely important. Stay off the internet. It steals your time and keeps you from your work. Work hard all day (8-10 hours at least), but leave your evenings and weekends free, if at all possible. You will produce a higher quality product.

8. What is your favorite quality about yourself?

I’m extremely thorough and precise when it comes to detail and the resultant finished product.

9. What is your least favorite quality about yourself?

My favorite quality (#8) leads to my worst fault. I can become obsessive and lose myself in a quagmire.

10. Is there anything else you would like to share?

Things are not always as they appear. People and circumstances are sometimes quite different from what we see, but the only unchanging thing in this entire universe is our Savior.

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ABOUT TA’MARA HANSCOM

Having experienced the healing work of the Lord in their own marriage, Ta`Mara and her husband, Jim, are strong promoters of a healthy marriage through obedience to Christ. Ta`Mara shares a testimony of deliverance and healing for hurting marriages, as well as messages on other topics. References can be provided.

It is Ta`Mara’s prayer that, as the readers explore the truths in these volumes, they will come away with a new perspective on love, obedience, and God’s plan for marriage.

Ta`Mara Hanscom has worked on The Caselli Family Series since 1996. Within three weeks she had created a 900 page rough draft of what would become a five- novel series of the epic love story of Tillie Caselli and Noah Hansen.

Loving all things Italian, Ta`Mara created the Caselli family true to their ethnic name. Born and raised in South Dakota, she brings this traditional family alive on the Great Plains where she has spent the entirety of her life.

WEBSITE

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ABOUT THE CASELLI FAMILY SERIES

BOOK 1 – THE PRETENDER

My Jean-Marc’s uncle was married to an English woman, and she told us once, a very long time ago, that in this world there are men of two kinds. The one, the knight, is the man possessing only strength and quality of moral character. He will never ask a lady to compromise her honor for less than a vow, and never, ever will he consider another once he has captured her heart. A knight keeps his vow, even when it hurts, and the honor of a knight is a thing a country is built upon. A knight comes along only seldom these days.

Now, a blackguard is a man who can be found quite easily, for it is an easy thing to be a blackguard. He attempts to trick the young ladies into taking him home and caring for him, making them believe their honor can be given away as a mere trifle, offering no vow, and making only human demands. The blackguard is to be avoided at all costs, for to settle for someone like him is to settle for something less than ideal.

In the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, Tillie Caselli promises to marry Noah Hansen. Theirs’ was a love intended to last, and their promises were never to be broken. But when there’s an illusion of unfaithfulness, the result is an error in judgment—an error that changes the course of lives.

Epic romance, global adventure, ethnic passion, and Christian values inspire this new series.

BOOK 2 – PIT OF AMBITION

Rosa begged Guiseppi to reveal their prayers to Angel.  But Guiseppi was stubborn…and the thing with Alex went too far.  Guiseppi buried Noah’s identity deep within himself and demanded that Rosa do the same. Now Guiseppi is tempted to tell Angel the secret that is crushing his heart—but Noah will find out first!

 

BOOK 3 – A BLACKGUARD’S REDEMPTION

A Blackguard’s Redemption picks up where Pit of Ambition left off. Noah has discovered the identity of his beloved Angel and he schemes a way to have words with her alone at church.

Tillie is not at all happy with the situation. Surprisingly, she is still extremely angry with Noah for what transpired between the two of them more than eleven years before. She makes Noah promise that he will not ever tell Alex, or any of her brothers. Noah agrees.

Alex decides to run for political office—and it’s worse than ever. He reveals his real “blackguardly side” by notifying Tillie that he’s spent enough time at home with her and the kids, and that he should move (by himself) to another city. He leaves Tillie and the kids behind in order to pursue his career.

BOOK 4 – THE GIFT: THE STORY OF ANNIE LAURIE

They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

 

BOOK 5 – THE TRUTH: SALVATORE’S REVENGE

As Marquette Caselli plans his retirement, the pinnacle of his career takes center stage and the end of an era draws near…

Desert Wedding by: Penny Kim Book Spotlight

About the Author:
Penny Kim is a Washington, DC lurker and resident of Alexandria, Virginia. She is active in several area book groups that span several genres, from murder mysteries to chick lit and beyond. Currently working on her second book, her debut novel “Desert Wedding” is a compelling coming of age story for the Millennium generation.
About the Book:
There is nothing more exciting than when your best friend gets married. And for Elsie McKenna, it seems like she’s got the maid of honor thing figured out. But as the big day date gets closer and wedding planning takes over, Elsie’s friendship with the bride-to-be, Res, begins to go downhill. To make matters worse, Elsie’s boyfriend, the long-suffering Jonah, becomes increasingly distant. It’s not too soon before Elsie begins to wonder if there’s something in the air in Phoenix, or if it’s just a nasty case of wedding fever.

Desert Wedding Tour Page:
http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/11/19/pump-up-your-book-presents-desert-wedding-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

The Bronze and The Brimstone by: Lory S. Kaufman Tour

Title: The Bronze and The Brimstone
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Publisher: Fiction Studio Books
Pages: 334
Format: Paperback
Source: Pump Up Your Book Promotions

Description:

What could go wrong in the 14th-century
for three time-traveling teens?
How about – EVERYTHING!

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, three teens from the 24th-century, are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy. They’ve survived many deadly experiences by keeping their wits about them and by introducing futuristic technology into the past. Principal among these inventions is the telescope, which brought them to the attention to the rich and powerful.

But standing out can get you into unexpected and dangerous situations. The nobles of Verona now believe Hansum is a savant, a genius inventor, especially after he brings them plans for advanced cannons and black powder. Being the center of attention is great, but the potential for trouble is now exponentially greater because people are watching Hansum’s every move.

Meanwhile, artistic genius Shamira has fallen for a Florentine artist with bloody and disasterous consequences. Lincoln, considered an incompetent back home in the 24th-century, has blossomed – at least until he’s shot in the head with an arrow. And Hansum, after secretly marrying his new master’s beautiful daughter, Guilietta, is offered the hand in marriage of lady Beatrice, daughter of the ruler of Verona. To refuse could mean calamity for all the teens.

Amazingly, none of this is their biggest challenge. Because a rash illness is spreading across Verona – and it is threatening to consume everyone.

Do they have a future in this past?

My Thoughts:

This book was provided to me via Pump Up Your Book Promotions for a honest and fair review, these thoughts are mine and mine alone.  With that being said this book was incredible.  Our three young friends pick up where they left off with Romero and Guilietta married in a secret ceremony which creates all sorts of problems when the master won’t approve of their marriage without the blessing of the Podesta who has plans for Romero which include marrying him to his daughter.

Shamira starts to fall for a guy who has his own secret agenda including obtaining a looker for his boss, who has promised him all sorts of things to get him to cooperate.  When Lincoln, Guilietta and the master figure out what is going on they rush to the aid of Shamira.  And then there is Romero who has been moved to where the Podesta resides to make gun powder for cannons.

How long til their secrets really mess up this century.  This book was full of so much going on.  From a hidden romance to keeping Pan a secret which Romero is listening to less and less.  I would definitely put this up there with so many dystopians out there right now.  A book well worth buying!

It’s Nut Cuttin’ Time America Book Spotlight

About the Author:
Patrick Dorinson is a veteran of the political wars, radio talk show host and commentator who unlike many so-called pundits, has actually been in the arena and has the battle scars to prove it. He has been on both sides of the aisle and in the aisle itself, having worked over the last 25 year for Republicans and Democrats in both politics and government.
He now is a proud independent and paraphrasing the words of Marx-Groucho not Karl-says he will not join any political party that would have someone like him as a member.
Patrick’s unique political journey has been a search for real leaders, regardless of party, to move America forward but says in frustration, “I have chased more false prophets than the ancient Hebrews in the Old Testament”.
He is still searching and doesn’t expect the 2012 election will end his search no matter who wins.
After all these years, he has returned to where he began his political odyssey at age 12 as a Goldwater Conservative. Like Goldwater, Patrick believes in limited government in all things and the basic right of all Americans to live their lives as they see fit as long as they abide by the laws of the land. Or put another way, government should keep their hands off the public’s wallet and their nose out of folk’s private lives.
Patrick Dorinson is a modern day Will Rogers with sharp elbows who’s had an insider’s view of the political system and tells it like it is.
Patrick’s cowboy wisdom will make you laugh, make you cry, and most of all, it will make you think. If you’ve had enough of the bloviating blowhards who won’t admit how America got into this mess, or explain how we’ll get out of it, this return to simple common sense is needed now more than ever.
Patrick Dorinson is a columnist for the FOX News.com Opinion on the FOX News website and regular contributor to “The Arena” on POLITICO the #1 political website in the nation. He is the resident political analyst for Morning News on Newstalk 1530 KFBK radio in Sacramento, California. He also appears regularly as a commentator on local television.
Mr. Dorinson has appeared on Sean Hannity’s Great American Panel on the FOX News Channel and on Cavuto on the FOX Business Channel as well as on FOX News.com webcasts.
He is host of weekly radio talk show, The Cowboy Libertarian with Patrick Dorinson. It airs Saturdays from 5 to 6PM Pacific on Newstalk 1530 KFBK.
Dorinson lives on a 15 acre ranch in Nevada City, California with his wife Carol, is an avid student of the West and a pretty fair horseman. And he knows that when learning how to ride, the ground is the best teacher, having the broken bones to prove it.
He enjoys working and riding alongside his friends in the ranching and cattle business whenever he gets the opportunity. And if he had his druthers and could find an outfit to hire him he would make his living on the back of a horse.
Visit his website at http://www.cowboylibertarian.com

About the Book:
Sometimes serious, at all times humorous and filled with satire, It’s Nut Cuttin’ Time is written by someone who just doesn’t comment on politics from the bleachers, but who was actually in the arena for over 25 years.
It’s Nut Cuttin’ Time is an insightful look at the last four years in America and sets the stage for the pivotal 2012 election and what is to come afterwards. It takes aim at the preening politicians of both parties and also takes a swing at our self-indulgent celebrity-obsessed pop culture.
Patrick Dorinson is a modern day Will Rogers with sharp elbows who’s had an insider’s view of the political system having been on both sides of the aisle and as he likes to say, “in the aisle itself”.
He now is a proud independent and paraphrasing the words of Marx-Groucho not Karl-says he will not join any political party that would have someone like him as a member.
His unique political journey has been a search for real leaders, regardless of party, to move America forward but says in frustration, “I have chased more false prophets than the ancient Hebrews in the Old Testament”.
He says he is still searching and doesn’t expect the 2012 election will end his search.

It’s Nut Cuttin’ Time American Code Tour Page:
http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/12/07/pump-up-your-book-presents-its-nut-cuttin-time-america-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

Goodnight, Brian by: Steven Manchester

Title: Goodnight, Brian
Author: Steven Manchester
Publisher: The Story Plant
Pages: 307
Format: Paperback
Source: Providence Book Promotions

Description:
Fate was working against little Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute. Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino – who everyone knew as Mama. Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.

An emotional tale about the strength of family bonds, unconditional love, and the perseverance to do our best with the challenging gifts we receive, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN is an uplifting tribute to what happens when giving up is not an option.

My Thoughts:

What a great book when little Brian Mauretti is born his grandmother known as Mama picks up the slack and bargains deals with God to help her grandson.  Through the book we learn of faith with various family members.  Brian’s cousin’s show all sorts of love and acceptance as does Brian’s younger sister.  Brian’s older brother Russ protects and cares for his brother is amazing.  He defends Brian against bullies and people that don’t understand him, while learning that you can’t always fight your brothers battles.

We also learn what caused his disabilities a bad formula, which in this book helped pass a bill to protect other babies.  The up and downs the families endure is so emotional it will make anyone cry.  This book reminds me of ones written by Lisa Genova and Melissa Foster.  The impact of this story was just so powerful!  We could all learn from Mama in this book!

The Lens and The Looker by: Lory S. Kaufman

Title: The Lens and The Looker
Author: Lori S. Kaufman
Publisher: The Fiction Studio
Pages: 322
Series: The Verona Trilogy
Format: Paperback
Source: Pump Up Your Book Promotions

Description:

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s), have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

My Thoughts:

When you are a misbehaving teen in the 24th century your punishment is History Camp.  There kids live out a period in time with no A. I there to guide them.  Three teens Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln end up in Verona Italy, which teachers who enact scenes for them to learn.  These three need  to learn how to behave but when these three strike out against the program they are kidnapped and sent to the real Verona Italy in 1347 where they either adapt to where they are or they will die.

This book was incredible with the action and adventure and watching them try to adapt to their situations.  This book offers a look at what 1347 Verona has to offer with slaves or orphans obeying their masters. They end up with cuts, toothaches and quickly learn if they get sick or injured in this world they may not survive it.  They also learn how to best a servant who has been rough on them with the help of AI pan who scared the servant into submission.  While all this is going on Hansum known as Romero in this time frame is falling for the Masters daughter Guilietta.  Even though he has been warned against her by their master.

This book was a great story and storytelling ability.  I definitely put this up with a lot of the dystopian books out there today.  It will hook you wanting to know what is going to happen next.

Friendfluence by: Carlin Flora and Giveaway

Title: Friendfluence
Author: Carlin Flora
Publisher: Doubleday
Pages: 288
Format: ebook
Source: Providence Book Promotions

Description:

Why is dinner with friends often more laughter filled and less fraught than a meal with family? Although some say it’s because we choose our friends, it’s also because we expect less of them than we do of relatives. While we’re busy scrutinizing our romantic relationships and family dramas, our friends are quietly but strongly influencing everything from the articles we read to our weight fluctuations, from our sex lives to our overall happiness levels.

Evolutionary psychologists have long theorized that friendship has roots in our early dependence on others for survival. These days, we still cherish friends but tend to undervalue their role in our lives. However, the skills one needs to make good friends are among the very skills that lead to success in life, and scientific research has recently exploded with insights about the meaningful and enduring ways friendships influence us. With people marrying later—and often not at all—and more families having just one child, these relationships may be gaining in importance. The evidence even suggests that at times friends have a greater hand in our development and well-being than do our romantic partners and relatives.

Friends see each other through the process of growing up, shape each other’s interests and outlooks, and, painful though it may be, expose each other’s rough edges. Childhood and adolescence, in particular, are marked by the need to create distance between oneself and one’s parents while forging a unique identity within a group of peers, but friends continue to influence us, in ways big and small, straight through old age.

Perpetually busy parents who turn to friends—for intellectual stimulation, emotional support, and a good dose of merriment—find a perfect outlet to relieve the pressures of raising children. In the office setting, talking to a friend for just a few minutes can temporarily boost one’s memory. While we romanticize the idea of the lone genius, friendship often spurs creativity in the arts and sciences. And in recent studies, having close friends was found to reduce a person’s risk of death from breast cancer and coronary disease, while having a spouse was not.

My Thoughts:

I received this book via NetGalley for a book tour through Providence Book Promotions for a honest and fair review.  This was a very interesting book that deals with how certain friendships help us in life.  How if one child who is generally good connects with bad kids they are likely to slip in grades and become more like that child.  Also how internet and cell phones impact our friendships typically a kid will send 50 text messages a day to their friends.  And how friendships can help mold us regardless of our family.  Definitely interesting to read about the theories on friendships and what sustains them and how people who don’t have any have more issues than those with good friends.  Just cause you are popular doesn’t mean you have close friends.  Generally popular kids find they are flocked to due to their social status and not so much as for the relationship quality.

Video Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlyADAQ6XVw

Giveaway:

I have a copy of this book to giveaway for anyone living in the USA so please reply in the comments with your email address.

Amanda’s Story by: Brian O’Grady

Title: Amanda’s Story
Author: Brian O’Grady
Publisher: The Story Plant
Pages: 360
Format: Paperback
Source: Partners In Crime

Description:

In his national bestseller HYBRID, Brian O’Grady created a bracing and vividly realized tale of a virus gone out of control. At the center of that story was Amanda Flynn, a woman not killed by the EDH1 virus, but changed in frightening ways. HYBRID only hinted at the story of Amanda’s work in Honduras that led to her exposure and the ramifications when the American government sought to contain the damage. Now, that story can be told.

AMANDA’S STORY is the heart-stopping tale of a woman caught up in a storm she wanted no part of, and what happens when she refuses to be collateral damage. It is the story that readers of HYBRID have been waiting for and that new readers will find impossible to put down.

My Thoughts:

This book was sent to me via Partners In Crime for a honest and fair review.  This book starts with the death of Amanda’s husband and son.   Amanda ends up going to another country to try to get away from what has happened when she finds herself in a place where things aren’t what they seem.  In some ways this book reminds me of Robin Cook.  This book had some great characters in it, being Amanda’s husband’s parents who are great along with some of her friends that you don’t see much of nowadays.

The big mystery was figuring out how Amanda’s was infected with a disease and survived while others didn’t.  What made her so special.  Definitely a good book with lots of up and downs.

Deep Connections by: Rebecca Graf

Title: Deep Connections
Author: Rebecca Graf
Publisher: Silver Tongue Press
Pages: 300
Format: Paperback Arc
Source: Premier Virtual Author Book Tours

Description:

Just as love appears, so does the darkness. With her heart reaching out for one man, Brenna finds herself the target of an unknown stalker. Who is he? What does he want? How far will he go for her? Death is an option. Brenna discovers more than she bargained for and learns that the stalker will kill for her. It all comes down to decisions, and no matter what she chooses it will demand sacrifice and someone’s blood.

My Thoughts:

This was a great thriller/supernatural/romance book. First we have Brenna who is new to the town and has two men fighting over her. One is Eaton a local cop who wants a deeper relationship with Breena and Slaton who feels a deep connection to Breena that she is feeling back. A unknown person also has his eyes on Breena and is set to become powerful with the help of her whether she agrees to or not. What an intriguing books. Had me hooked until I was finished and can’t wait to see how it plays out. What a great book!