Tag: book recommendations

The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A couple’s gender reveal party turns deadly in author Heather Gudenkauf’s “The Perfect Hosts.”

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The Synopsis

A couple’s gender reveal party turns deadly and everyone is a suspect in this gripping thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest.

Is it a boy or a girl? They would die to know…

Madeline and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.

As the aftershocks of the bloody party ripple across the small town, Agent Jamie Saldano is brought on the scene to investigate. Battling his own demons from the past, Saldano unearths a web of deceit spun around the Drakes. The appearance of some unexpected houseguests only deepens the mystery. And as tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? As the shadow of a killer looms, the happy parents-to-be must unravel the truth before it’s too late.

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The Review

What a compelling and dynamic read. The author did a marvelous job of layering this story with mystery and intrigue, first by shocking the reader with hidden secrets and explosive and deadly events that set off a chain of events that will rock the cast of characters to their core. The tension that mounts from the beginning is palpable, and the harrowing way the mystery unfolds leaves a lasting impression on the reader thanks to the strong use of imagery in the author’s writing style.

The heart of this narrative is in the dynamic characters the author brings to life on the page and the charged themes that bring this story to life. The story delves into themes of domestic violence and twisted family dynasties, and the corrupting power that wealth can bring to life in a person. The way this impacted the characters in shocking ways, from the surprising revelations behind Agent Jamie Saldano’s backstory and connection to the setting to the emotional struggles of the protagonist, Madeline, and the multiple POVs that the story captures, greatly enhanced the novel’s narrative flow.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and compelling, author Heather Gudenkauf’s “The Perfect Hosts” is a must-read domestic thriller. The shocking twists and turns in the narrative, the haunting realities the story explores in wealthy and elite society, and the far too often overlooked world of domestic abuse and the evil that usually lurks where we least expect it made this story enthralling to engage in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Heather Gudenkauf is the critically acclaimed author of several novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Weight of Silence, The Overnight Guest and Everyone Is Watching. She lives in Iowa with her husband and children. 

Social Links:

Website: https://heathergudenkauf.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heather-Gudenkaufs-Books-259685275092/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergudenkauf/ 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hgudenkauf/ 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heather-gudenkauf 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Hosts-Novel-Heather-Gudenkauf-ebook/dp/B0DQQ9BRLR 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-perfect-hosts-heather-gudenkauf/1146709766?ean=9780778360049 

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-perfect-hosts-original-heather-gudenkauf/22162822?ean=9780778360049&next=t 

Libro.fm: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781488236150-the-perfect-hosts 

Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Perfect-Hosts/Heather-Gudenkauf/9780778360049 

Target: https://www.target.com/p/the-perfect-hosts-by-heather-gudenkauf/-/A-94483956?preselect=94481317#lnk=sametab 

Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/otherwise-engaged-a-novel/9780778387268.html  

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-perfect-hosts?sId=7c9b6427-a9f0-4dbf-824b-e63babdb3880 

AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-perfect-hosts/id6739534386 

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Please Enjoy this Excerpt from “The Perfect Hosts“

MADELINE

“Madeline,” comes Wes’s voice, tinny and faraway-sounding. “Are you okay?”

She is lying flat on her back, the air still hazy with smoke. Is she? Is she okay? The ringing in her ears is fading, and she can hear again. In the distance she can hear sirens. Help is coming. Madeline does a mental scan of her body. Nothing seems broken, but her head is pounding. She touches her hairline, expecting her fingers to come back with blood, but instead they find an egg- sized lump. She tries to remember exactly what happened. Wes pulled the trigger, and the truck exploded. An explosion, that’s what it was. Something had gone wrong with the reveal. The baby. Oh God, is the baby okay? She presses her palms against her belly.

“Madeline, Madeline,” comes Wes’s voice again, this time more insistent. His frantic face comes into view.

“Shhh,” Madeline orders. “Please be quiet.” She needs to lie completely still, has to concentrate so she can feel the baby move. She. The baby is a girl, Madeline thinks, remembering the wisps of pink smoke she saw among the fiery black cloud. Her little girl will kick her in the bladder, one of her favorite moves, any second now. There is nothing. No cartwheels or wiggles. Nothing.

Wes kneels beside her and slips his hand into hers. “Help is coming. Stay put. Don’t move.”

Madeline nods as hot tears roll down her cheeks. “What happened?”

“It must have been the truck,” Wes says. “It must have triggered a bigger explosion.”

“But how?” Madeline asks. “You said it was safe . . . Is anyone hurt?”

“It was. It was supposed to be.” He shakes his head, be- wildered. “I don’t know what happened.”

Madeline struggles into a sitting position and looks around. Charred lumber litters the lawn. The canopy over the dining tables has collapsed and is covered in dancing flames that a handful of guests and waitstaff are trying to smother with what- ever is handy: cowboy hats, table linens, an old horse blanket. Other guests are gathered in small, tight clusters, holding on to one another. Some sit in the grass crying, others stand slack- faced, as if in shock. Through the smoke a rodeo clown appears, his brightly colored clothing now blackened with soot and his makeup running down his sweaty face. The clown is helping the photographer, who is bleeding from the head. But it is the old storage barn that Madeline finds herself fixated on. Huge f lames shoot from the hayloft window and the roof. Someone pulls a hose from one of the horse barns, and suddenly buckets and containers of all sizes appear. Others, including Johanna’s husband, Dalton, are running toward the burning barn and tossing water onto the structure. They know that one wayward spark could ignite the house or, worse, the barns filled with her beloved horses.

“Can you walk?” Wes asks. “We have to get you away from here.”

Madeline nods, and Wes helps her to her feet. She is barefoot. The blast had lifted her in the air and knocked her flip-flops clear off her feet. Madeline, leaning against Wes, winces with each step, the rough ground pricking at the soles of her feet. He leads her to the meadow, a safe distance from the burning barn, but still close enough for her to see what’s happening. Some of Madeline’s earlier numbness is beginning to wear away, and the enormity of what has happened begins to descend.

“Go,” Madeline says, knowing they need as many hands as possible.

Wes shakes his head. “No,” he says. “I’m not leaving you.” “I’m fine,” she says, but is she? She fell hard, and still the baby hasn’t moved.

Madeline scans the crowd. “Where’s Johanna?” she asks. “Have you seen her?”

“I haven’t,” Wes says. “But I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. Have you seen Dix?”

“No,” Madeline says. The last she saw Dix was just before he handed the microphone to Wes. “Go,” Madeline repeats. “Really, I’m fine. I just have to get my bearings,” she assures him when he turns his gaze to her doubtfully. “Go help, find your brother. And check on the horses.”

“You wait here,” Wes says. “Don’t move from this spot, and I’ll come back and find you.” He squeezes her hand and kisses her cheek before darting away and disappearing into a cloud of black smoke.

Madeline continues to eye the property for any sign of Johanna’s long dark braid, her suede skirt. In the distance the wail of sirens grows closer. Help is coming. The meadow to the left of the house was being used as a makeshift parking lot for the guests’ vehicles. One wayward spark from the fire landing on the stubbled field could set off a chain reaction where upward of a hundred cars and trucks, tanks filled with gasoline and diesel, sit idly.

The air is filled with inky smoke blotting out the face of the mountain and the setting sun. A fire truck pulls through the side yard, crushing Madeline’s lavender and Russian sage, its massive tires carving deep ruts in the soil. Madeline barely notices—it’s what she sees as a group of guests part to let the truck through that causes her breath to lodge in her throat. A woman lies on the ground, her arm thrown over her face, while someone presses a blood-soaked cloth to her abdomen. One by one, Madeline registers the carnage. Someone is doing CPR on Gary Wilson, the president of the bank that holds their mortgage. One of her equestrian students is wandering aimlessly through the smoke, tears running down her face. A fifteen-hundred- pound bull has escaped the rodeo paddock and is trotting toward the mountains. She sees Mellie, the young waitress, running and screaming, fire dancing up the front of her legs. A partygoer tackles her, smothering the flames with his body.

This is bad. So very bad. Madeline fights the urge to vomit. She wants to help. But how? Water, Madeline thinks. She can pass out bottles of water, try and keep the guests calm and reassure them that help is here, that everything is going to be okay. On unsteady feet she moves toward the party barn, where she knows there is plenty of bottled water, but someone grabs her arm. Mia. “Have you seen Sully?” she asks tearfully, her arm hanging at an odd angle. “I can’t find him.”

Madeline shakes her head. “I’ll help look for him,” she promises. “You’re hurt. Sit down.”

Mia shakes her head. “I need Sully,” she says thickly and stumbles away. There are too many injured and not enough emergency personnel.

The fire truck has come to an abrupt stop. Two firefighters are urging those guests who jumped in to try to put out the fire to move away from the blaze. With machinelike efficiency, they unroll the hoses.

Madeline is mesmerized by the flames that roll across the roof of the barn, the dense cloud of smoke, the roar of lumber being eaten by the flames. She moves closer, unnoticed by the firefighters, her face growing pink from the heat. Madeline vaguely becomes aware of more sirens and shouts of “Over here” and “Please help!” More help has arrived. The spray of water hisses and snarls as it strikes flames and wood. The barn turns into a living thing then, twisting and groaning until it collapses in on itself, turning to a big heap of charred lumber with sooty farm equipment peeking out here and there.

Excerpted from The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf, Copyright © 2025 by Heather Gudenkauf. Published by Park Row Books

Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two women discover a shocking secret about their mothers in author Susan Mallery’s “Otherwise Engaged.”

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The Synopsis

A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.

Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.

Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.

The Review

This was such a compelling and engaging women’s fiction read. The author does an incredible job of crafting a rich and dynamic plot that steers away from the usual upbeat and quirky reads for which the author may be known, and instead delves into the complicated relationships between mothers and their daughters. The imagery in this book was stunning, bringing the locations, primarily the venue that brought them all together to begin with, into vivid and clear detail while also building tension in the air between the four women as events unfold.

The heart of this narrative was the character dynamics that the author explores in this book. The tension, especially between Ava and Victoria, drove this story forward, exploring the complexity of adoption and its impact on the familial bond, while also highlighting the moments in life when a person looks back on the path not taken and wonders what could have been. The story also explored the complexities of parenthood and how often parents strive to help or put their child on a particular path of clarity, while also missing the path their child wants for themselves. These characters perfectly articulated that struggle.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining, author Susan Mallery’s “Otherwise Engaged” is a must-read in women’s fiction. The way the author incorporates romance into the story in a natural way through character progression rather than pertinent story arcs, and the way the story elevates powerful themes and heartfelt emotional storytelling, will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women’s lives―family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree―40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband and adorable poodle. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Social Links:

Website: https://susanmallery.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanMallery 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanmallery 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanmallery 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susanmallery/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanmallery 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-mallery 

Mailing List: https://susanmallery.com/join-mailing-list.php 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0778387267 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/otherwise-engaged-susan-mallery/1146329150?ean=9780778387268 

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/otherwise-engaged-original-susan-mallery/21831943?ean=9780778387268 

Libro.fm: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781488234927 

Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Otherwise-Engaged/Susan-Mallery/9780778387268?id=9291789850619 

Target: https://www.target.com/p/otherwise-engaged-by-susan-mallery-hardcover/-/A-93825000#lnk=sametab 

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Otherwise-Engaged-Hardcover-9780778387268/12368102155?classType=REGULAR&from=/search 

Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/otherwise-engaged-a-novel/9780778387268.html  

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/otherwise-engaged-26 

AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/otherwise-engaged/id6714475620 

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Susan_Mallery_Otherwise_Engaged?id=jvUjEQAAQBAJ 

Enjoy this Excerpt from Otherwise Engaged

How does the horse look?

Victoria Rogers pressed her good arm to her very bruised, almost broken ribs. “Dad, don’t,” she said, trying to stay as still as possible. “You can’t be funny. It already hurts to breathe. It wasn’t a horse.”

Her father frowned. “I was told you were thrown off a horse.” “I was thrown out of a truck.”

“Then how’d you get the black eyes?”

“The ground was a little bit pissy when I hit it and punched me back.”

There wasn’t a part of her that didn’t hurt. The good news was that now that the medical staff had determined she didn’t have a head injury, they were going to give her drugs to help with the pain. She’d already said she didn’t want any of that weak-ass pill stuff. She wanted a nurse to give her a shot of something that would work instantly and let her rest. Because in addition to the bruised ribs, requisite scrapes and contusions, she had a broken left leg and a sprained wrist. Her previously dislocated shoulder also throbbed, but that was kind of the least of it.

As she lay in her hospital bed, feeling like death on a tortilla, she had the thought that maybe stunt work wasn’t for her. Injuries came with the job, but this was the third time in five years she’d landed in the hospital. The first time she’d messed up, so that was on her, but the other two had just been plain bad luck. The incident with the truck had come about because one of the tires had blown, causing the however many ton vehicle to jump the curb—an action that had sent her flying up and over the side. Gravity, being the bitch it was, had flung her onto the sidewalk. Hence the injuries.

Her father studied her, his brows drawn together in concern. “None of this makes me happy,” he told her.

The incongruous statement nearly made her laugh. She remembered—just in time—that her ribs wouldn’t appreciate the subsequent movement and they would punish her big-time. 

“Today isn’t my favorite day either,” she admitted, trying not to groan. “I didn’t wake up with the thought that I should try to get thrown out of the back of a pickup.” Although technically getting thrown out of the truck had been the stunt. Just not when it had happened and without warning or a plan.

“I’m worried,” her father told her. 

“I’ll be fine.”

“This time.”

She winced, and not from pain. “Now you sound like Mom.” 

Her father, a handsome man only a few months from his sixtieth birthday, brightened. “Thank you, Victoria. That’s such a nice thing to say.”

Given her weakened condition, she let that comment slide. Honestly she didn’t have the strength to deal with it right now, even though she knew her father understood exactly what she’d been saying. He was only pretending to not get it.

“If you’re going to act like that, you should go,” she said, then amended what could be construed as a catty comment into something more kind. Mostly because she only had the emotional energy not to get along with one of her parents, and her mother had already claimed that prize. “Besides, they’ll be bringing my drugs any second. I plan to surrender to sleep, so I’m not going to be very conversational.”

As if to prove her point, one of the nurses walked in with a syringe. “Ready to feel better?” he asked cheerfully.

“Yes, and let me say, you’re my favorite person ever.” 

He winked. “I get that all the time.”

He slowly injected whatever the medication was into her IV. Victoria drew in a shallow breath as she waited to feel that first blurring of the edges of the pain. Modern medicine was a miracle she intended to embrace.

The nurse left. Milton took her good hand in his.

“I’ll let you rest,” he told her. “But I’ll be back later tonight.” He squeezed her fingers. “Tomorrow, when you’re released, I’m taking you home.”

Ugh. Victoria knew that her father wasn’t talking about the pretty condo he’d bought her when she’d turned twenty-one. Instead he meant the house where she’d grown up. The one where her mother still resided.

“I don’t need to move back,” she protested, feeling the first telltale easing of the pain. “I have a few bumps and bruises.”

“Along with a broken leg. And what about your ribs? You can barely move without wincing.”

“I have zero pain tolerance. I’m a total wimp.”

He frowned. “You’re tough and stoic. If you’re showing signs of pain, it’s bad. You’ll stay with your mother and me until you’re well enough to be on your own.” He pointed at her. “I mean it, Victoria. You don’t get a vote.”

Her father was rarely stern with her, so his sharp tone warned her he wasn’t kidding. And she knew from twenty-four years of experience that arguing with the man would get her nowhere. Milton didn’t take a stand very often, but when he did, he was the immovable object.

“I wish you loved me less,” she murmured, feeling a little floaty and stumbling over her words. “Okay, I feel drugs. Let me enjoy the experience of breathing without, you know, wanting to die.”

Oh, baby girl. You’ve always been difficult.”

“I know. It’s one of my best qualities.” Her eyes drifted closed. “Love you, Dad.”

“Love you more.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tonight.” 

“Come alone.”

His soft chuckle was the last thing she heard.

Excerpted from Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery, Copyright © 2025 by Susan Mallery Inc. Published by MIRA Books. 

Interview with Author Barry Maher 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?



I’m Barry Maher and I may be the only horror novelist who’s ever appeared in the pages of Funeral Service Insider. In my misspent youth, my articles were featured in perhaps a hundred different publications and, in order to eat, I held nearly that many different jobs. Sometimes he lived on the beach. Not in a house on the beach. On the beach. With the sand and the seagulls. 

Three hours into a truly excremental job—standing on a roof in the rain, holding the frayed cord of a toilet de-rooter—I thought I hit on a way for my writing to support me. I’d simply write a best-selling, critically-acclaimed novel. Think Sherlock Holmes meets Hamlet, if Ophelia was oversexed, homicidal and undead.

Surprisingly (to me anyway) that plot didn’t work out. But it got me to quit the rooter company. And eventually it led to my first novel, Legend.  Which somehow—even I’m not sure—led to me telling my stories around the country and around the world, and to having an actual bank account.  And ultimately to The Great Dick: And the Homicidal Demon. Which led to me doing this interview with author Anthony Avina.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I was speaking on an Asian cruise when I realized I could no longer figure out what the hands of the clock meant. The next day, during a presentation, I introduced the ship’s captain. Twenty minutes later I picked him out of the audience and asked him what he did for a living. (The uniform did look a tad familiar.) That same day, I gave up trying to understand foreign currency. Even American money was getting tricky. In Viet Nam, I handed a vendor two hundreds and a five for a $7.00 baseball cap. It was a very nice cap.

Back home, the first thing my doctor did was have me draw a clock face at ten to three. The second thing he did was take away my driver’s license. Then he sent me for an immediate MRI. The nurse there wouldn’t comment on the results, but when I asked where the restroom was, she said, “I can’t let you go in there alone.”

I explained that bathroom visitation was a particular expertise of mine. 

“Like telling time?” she asked. “You need to talk to your neurosurgeon.”

“I have a neurosurgeon?” Just what I always wanted.

I also had a brain tumor—the size of a basketball. Or maybe the neurosurgeon said “baseball.” I wasn’t tracking too well just then. Still, I quickly grasped he was planning on carving open my skull with a power saw. 

“I don’t really need to tell time,” I said. “Or I can just buy a digital watch.”

Everyone said my neurosurgeon—or, as I thought of him, “Chainsaw Charlie”—was brilliant. My problem was that I’ve spent my life around intelligent people, and I’ve always believed human intelligence was overrated. To me, on a scale of everything there is to know in the universe, the main difference between Einstein and Koko the Wonder Chimp was that Einstein couldn’t pick up bananas with his feet. (As far as I know.)  

Still, I went under the knife—or in this case, the power saw.  Maybe I had a seizure. The doctors weren’t sure. That might explain what happened. Because I came out of the surgery with Lady Gaga singing non-stop in my head and an unforgettably vivid story, like a memory of something that I’d just witnessed. 

Reacting to the surgical intrusion, I suppose my brain could have given me a dream or a story, maybe even Citizen Kane or a nice rom/com or a few episodes of Seinfeld. But no, I got open crypts, bizarre spells, sudden death and the Ralph Lauren version of the Manson Family. “How did my operation go? Well, I’m did pretty well, but the people in my head—or wherever they were—they went through Hell.” 

Lady Gaga went away after a day or so. But the story stayed with me. And when I was able, I spent a couple of years putting it all down, working it out, getting it just right. And that became The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon. 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

To me, the message is the experience the reader goes through. Like any experience, it can change us, even if it’s just a little. The entire book is an attempt to generate that experience. To evoke one response or another. The response I’m after keeps changing—curiosity, anticipation, laughter, fear, dread, you name it. More than one reviewer has called The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon a rollercoaster ride. By the end, I would hope the response is understanding, satisfaction, and maybe even a tiny twinge of enlightenment.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I love to scare the hell out of readers and to scare myself while I’m doing it. Plus horror opens up wonderful opportunities for humor and satire. I love horror. I love suspense. I love humor. Putting all those together in an accessible, conversational style seems natural to me.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

That’s simple. I want to sit down with either the character who calls himself Steve Witowski or with Jonathan O’Ryan. I’d ask either of them the same two questions. What did they learn from what they’ve been through? And what would they do differently if they had the chance to do it all over again.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?



Most helpful have been the bloggers and podcasters like you, Anthony, who’ve raved about the book. Your followers trust you. They know your track record. So what you and other bloggers and podcasters say has far more weight to your readers than what some unknown critic in a newspaper might say. We’ve got fifteen prominent authors who’ve raved about the book. But if Author Anthony Avina hated it, your readers wouldn’t buy it.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?



Write. Turn on your computer or pick up your pen or finger paint it on the wall, but write. Being a writer is a job and you should treat it that way. Write and then rewrite. Then rewrite again. That’s the only way you get better.

If you wait around for inspiration, you’re still going to be waiting while thousands, literally thousands of other writers, are finishing their books. 

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m currently working on a ghost story. A lawyer has just lost his wife after a marriage so troubled that—though he would hate to admit it—her death was actually a relief.  Returning from her funeral, he finds her standing in the middle of their living room. After a moment, he realizes it’s a hologram. But there’s no projector and no sign that anyone has broken in.

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About the Author

Barry Maher’s career has been anything but ordinary. He’s been an award-winning (if modestly so) poet, a magazine writer with bylines across the country, a speaker for some of the world’s largest corporations, and a man who once lived literally on the beach, seagulls and all. His syndicated column Slightly Off-Kilter and his darkly comic fiction reflect that same unpredictable spirit. Media appearances range from The Today Show to CNBC, with features in The Wall Street Journal and even Funeral Service Insider. Connect with him at BarryMaher.com or on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasSpeaker

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-great-dick-barry-maher/1148107499?ean=9781968532130

https://amzn.to/3IkRpr4

Contact Front: Drop Trooper Book One by Rick Partlow Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A small-time hustler must enlist in a war with a deadly alien enemy in author Rick Partlow’s “Contact Front”, the first book in the Drop Trooper series. 

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The Synopsis

Go to war or go to jail.

For small-time street hustler Cam Alvarez, the choice is simple.  He has no family, no friends, no place in the world…nothing to lose.  When his latest con results in the death of a cartel hitman, Cam opts to join the Marines and leave Earth to fight a vicious alien enemy.  

Drafted into the Marine Drop-Troopers, Cam discovers there’s one thing he’s even better at than running street-con games, and that’s killing the enemy.  Wrapped in an armored battlesuit, Cam finds purpose amidst the horror and destruction of the war, and the opportunity for a new sort of friends and family…if he can break the habits of a life spent alone, trusting no one. 

And, if he can survive…

Rick Partlow returns with another kickass Military Sci-Fi epic. It’s perfect for fans of Jay Allan, Jasper T. Scott, and Scott Bartlett.

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The Review

Immediately, what stood out to me as a reader was the story’s detail and engaging nature. The mood and tone of the story begin with an edge, introducing a protagonist who resists authority and struggles to trust anyone. The action and violence, both in the protagonist’s early life and in his military life, set the atmosphere ablaze with gritty world-building and a riveting narrative that makes it impossible to put down.

The story really thrived with a healthy balance of character-driven arcs and strong themes. The writing captures military life and life in a war zone so vividly that the imagery in the author’s writing provides a clear picture of the intensity and violence that often accompany it, while also showcasing military life within a squadron and the necessity of relying on one’s comrades in arms. The evolution of Cam as a protagonist was unique, as it shed light on those who suffer in life, being targeted by the system for military service far too often, while also highlighting how military life can sometimes save a person who has suffered loss and hardship. The reliance on character dynamics over technical space exploration was a refreshing take on the military space genre as well. 

The Verdict

Harrowing, action-packed, and entertaining, author Rick Partlow’s “Contact Front: Drop Trooper Book One” is a must-read sci-fi action thriller. The engaging character developments and memorable action sequences, when paired with a stellar level of world-building and mythos, make this a compelling sci-fi novel to get lost in and a grand entry in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Rick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History and a commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.

His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit—Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.

He has written over 60 books in a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in twelve different anthologies.

He is currently writing the best-selling Drop Trooper series for Aethon Books, a mil-SF alien invasion series, as well as the Taken to the Stars series for Variant Publishing.

He lives in northern Wyoming with his wife and a goofy blackmouth cur. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.

https://rickpartlow.com/

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Against All Odds (Grimm’s War Book One) by Jeffery H. Haskell Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A disgraced captain must find redemption and save humanity from an emerging threat in author Jeffery H. Haskell’s “Against All Odds”, the first book in the Grimm’s War series.

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The Synopsis

The wrong crew. The wrong ship. The right Captain.

Idealistic navy lieutenant Jacob Grimm just wanted to honor his mother’s sacrifice in the last great war. When he’s forced to return fire and destroy a squadron of ships to save his own, he thinks he’s the hero…

Until they discover the ships are full of children.

Disgraced and denied promotion, Jacob’s career is over. That is until the head of ONI needs a disposable officer to command a battered destroyer on the rim.

There’s just one problem, Interceptor hasn’t had a CO in months and the ship is a mess. Worse, the system he’s assigned to is corrupt and on the verge of all-out civil war with the Alliance.

However, no one told Jacob he was disposable.

Pirates, smugglers, and Caliphate spies complicate the situation and one captain with an old ship can’t enforce the law, let alone stop anyone.

The single greatest discovery of all time is about to change intergalactic politics forever. If Jacob doesn’t find a way to succeed, then it won’t just be the end of the Alliance, it will be the end of freedom for humanity.

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The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping military action sci-fi drama. The world-building was so rich and enormous in scope, expanding on the typical solar system expansion and instead delving into a multi-system universe that mirrors the way humanity has expanded territory in our own world. The powerful imagery in the big battles of this story, along with the balance it had with the more intimate, heartfelt character development, was well-played in this story.

The two biggest draws of this narrative were the dynamic themes and rich action sequences the author brought to life on the page. The theme of redemption was heavily explored in this story, along with corruption and ambition. Protagonist Jacob Grimm is a complex hero, striving to do the right thing while grappling with his own guilt and ambitions. His own journey of redemption mirrors the redemption his whole crew undertakes as the story progresses. The military leadership and politics the tale takes on showcase the political maneuvering and drama that unfold as others manipulate for their own gain. 

The Verdict

Adrenaline-fueled, entertaining, and thought-provoking, author Jeffery H. Haskell’s “Against All Odds” is a must-read military sci-fi novel and a grand entry in the Grimm’s War series. The twists and turns this story takes, along with the thrilling world-building and mythos it brings to life, will leave readers eager for the next chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author, Dragon nominee, and award-winning journalist, Jeffery H. Haskell, lives and breathes writing. A passion of his from a young age, he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t telling stories. As a full-time author, he now pursues his life’s calling with the help of his amazing family. The only thing he likes as much as spending time with this family, writing, and speaking about writing, is helping other authors be successful. He will continue to write until he dies, possibly longer if allowed.

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Chewed Up By The Jungle: A Dig Site Mystery Book 3 by Ann Charles Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An archeologist and a photojournalist search for clues to the history of an ancient site in the Yucatan Peninsula in author Ann Charles’s “Chewed Up By The Jungle,” the third book in the Dig Site Mystery series.

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The Synopsis

Whatever lies in wait in the jungle isn’t just history … it’s hungry!

Deep in the Yucatán Peninsula sits a long forgotten, mysterious site—lost to time, swallowed by the jungle, haunted by ancient secrets.

Archaeologist Dr. Angélica Garcia is chasing clues, and she will stop at nothing to uncover the site’s history. Was it a sacred center? A place of long-forgotten rituals? Or something far more sinister?

Quint Parker, a sharp-eyed photojournalist, is chasing Angélica. He never signed up for old curses, creepy whispers in the shadows, or man-eating mosquitoes. He just wants to make sure his girlfriend makes it out of the jungle—alive.

The deeper they dig into the past, the more they must confront a deadly truth: Some places should never be disturbed!

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The Review

Filled with humor and heart, this historical and mythological adventure and suspense story does an incredible job of layering this narrative with compelling action sequences and engaging mysteries. The imagery and detail the author put into this writing really brought the heat and the textures of the jungle to life as the protagonist made their way in, delving into the history that was waiting to be discovered in this ancient site. The delivery of this imagery allowed the reader to feel the sweat-drenched humidity and the buzzing of the bugs as they traveled, creating an almost cinematic style of storytelling. 

At its heart, however, was the rich character dynamics and attention the author gave Mayan lore and history. The interconnectedness behind Ann Charles’s other series, like the Deadwood series and others, was well brought out in these characters’ arcs, especially Quint’s sister being revealed to be none other than Violet in Deadwood. His bond and relationship with Angelica, and the way it played into their encounters with both the historical and paranormal side of this adventure, were wild. I loved the respect and detail the author brought to bringing Mayan culture to life on the page, while also adding her own unique spin to the stories being told. 

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Ann Charles’s “Chewed Up By The Jungle” is an excellent entry in the Dig Site Mystery series. This must-read book does a great job of hooking new readers while also laying down some of the foundation of the first two books in the beginning, and while it is a slow-burning start, once the action picks up, the story never waivers, and readers will be hanging onto every twist and turn in the story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes hilarious, sometimes hair-raising, award-winning books filled with humor, mystery, adventure, romance, supernatural, and more! She has a B.A. in English (creative writing) from the Univ. of Washington. When she isn’t escaping into story worlds filled with rowdy characters, she’s arm wrestling her kids, road tripping with her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats.

Join Ann’s monthly newsletter for info on prize opportunities, new releases, recipes, signings, and book sales. SIGN UP on the Connect page on Ann’s website.

For more fun, follow Ann on her YouTube page (Ann Charles Author) and her Facebook page.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: For all who have tried my books, left reviews, and shared my stories with friends and family, strangers in the store, fellow drinkers at your favorite watering hole, social media pals, and long-lost enemies… THANK YOU for your kindness! ~Ann

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OUTSIDE THE THALSPARR SERIES BY BJORN LEESON RECAP

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

Hello there,

I am so thrilled to be able to share this unique book series recap for author Bjorn Leesson’s “Outside the Thalsparr” series. The series is a fantastic historical fiction meets fantasy series that transcends time and space itself. Below you will find a synopsis of each book in the series thus far, as well as my initial thoughts of the books and links to my full reviews of each book, as well as a preview of the latest book in the series. I hope you will take the time to read these books and enjoy the sprawling adventure they created the way they did for me. Please enjoy.

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Runes of Dokkrsdottir (Book One)

The Synopsis

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNES OF THE DOKKRSDOTTIR (Book 1)

The story of Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir begins with her birth in 800s Scandinavia where it becomes immediately obvious that she is very different in so many ways.

After adventures abroad and continuously making friends and loyal allies, and after suffering many losses and setbacks, she bravely travels the many winding paths of her destiny – facing and defeating a dark foe she never expected to face.

My Impression

FULL REVIEW

This was such a compelling and gripping read. The rich blend of historical fiction meets fantasy and the immersive way the author uses imagery draws the reader into the sea-faring settings of this novel, making the world-building feel larger than life on the page. The author’s use of mythology and detail in the narrative allows the reader to feel transported back to the Viking age, keeping the reader invested in the story.

Yet, it was the dynamic development of the protagonist that fueled this story. The rich and thoughtful detail that went into the protagonist’s backstory, from the tragic circumstances that brought her father over to live amongst the Norse people as a child to the tragedies she faces and the supernatural prophecy that hung over her head as she spent her life struggling to balance the light and darkness within her, made her character arc and journey so much more impactful and engaging.

RUNE OF RENEWAL (BOOK TWO)

THE SYNOPSIS 

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNE OF RENEWAL (Book 2)

The story of the Dokkrsdottir continues in a strange new time and place finding her out of her familiar world, but the pressure on her to continue as one of the greatest warriors ever increases as the stakes are now world wide and on a grander scale than she could ever have imagined.

However, through the foresight and dedication of many of her descendants, she has the diehard support of friends and family to see her through to her destiny of thwarting the plans of the Dark.

MY IMPRESSION

FULL REVIEW

The world-building and mythos that the author establishes in this series are amplified greatly in this sequel. The exploration of the time travel element is also amplified in this book, bringing the protagonist into one of human history’s darkest times, WWII. The development of the Dark and its forces and the suspense that forms with each step that Dokkrsdottir takes on her journey makes this a compelling story.

This story’s character development and action were the true highlights of the narrative. The rich development of the protagonist as she continues to engage with new allies and descendants and the out-of-this-world action, including one major battle that changes the entire landscape of the series, create a rich and dynamic story that will instantly draw the reader in.

RUNE OF DESTINY (BOOK THREE)

THE SYNOPSIS 

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

Rune of Destiny Summary:

The final chapter of the main story of the Dokkrsdottir’s destiny that finds the continuation of the living world in the hands of Myrgjol, her descendants, and the choices they all must make.

With battles of the “greatest warrrior” transpiring on both sides of the veil, it is a series of desperate and grueling battles to the very end before she can enjoy her reward with the knowledge that the living world will continue in the loving embrace of the Light and not in ruin by the Dark.

MY IMPRESSION

FULL REVIEW

The scale and engaging setting stood out in this story. The author did an incredible job of bringing both the physical and spiritual worlds to life on the page, showcasing the imagery in the author’s writing as they shifted between the jumps in periods and showcased Dokkrsdottir’s life on the other side of the veil. The balance of threats that the protagonists faced was excellent as well, as the human threats perfectly paralleled the different forces of darkness that pursued them, especially the Thule Society and their hunt for gateways around the world.

While the series has become known for some great action, this novel added more depth to the spiritual nature of the narrative os well. The world knows the protagonist in this story as a proud and strong warrior. Still, the novel takes the time to reveal those vulnerable moments that the protagonist experiences, from being reunited with lost loved ones to making peace with being separated from others she loves in her family, and much more. The mythos and culture of Viking history were well represented here. The protagonist’s connection to her family, loved ones, and people allowed the reader to connect to the story on a much grander scale.

RUNE OF REVENGE (BOOK FOUR)

THE SYNOPSIS 

The legendary saga of Ingrid Stone-Splitter, the most loyal and greatest friend of the Dokkrsdottir, after returning home amid strife and loss.

A powerful woman of many destinies, Ingrid embarks on journey after journey to fulfill the peaceful promises of her father

Harald, to help set the stage for the Dokkrsdottir to fulfill her destiny, and to be a hammer which smashes the Dark.

MY IMPRESSION

FULL REVIEW

Another compelling and exhilarating historical fiction meets supernatural thriller. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the tone and the atmosphere of life in the Viking Age, especially during an age when Vikings expanded into Saxon territory and blended this with Norse mythology perfectly, making the supernatural and fantasy elements feel natural to the world around the characters. 

The heart of the narrative was in the new protagonist, exploring a strong supporting character in the series and giving a free perspective to the legend and destiny of the Dokkrsdottir overall. The personal nature of Ingrid’s journey and how it ties into the cliffhanger finale from the last book will keep longtime fans of this series invested and thrilled to be in the thick of the action. 

RUNE OF WHISPERS (BOOK FIVE)

THE SYNOPSIS

Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir’s path may be fraught with physical dangers and battle, but some wars are fought with whispered words and deceitful lies. While in Saxon lands, she must learn to maneuver the battlefield as well as her position on the board in the game of Saxon politics. Will she be successful?

And though she is blind to all the pieces in The Game, a Saxon gamemaster plays on her behalf as well as his own against many others, and the enormity of the risk spirals out of control for everyone.

MY IMPRESSION

FULL REVIEW

This was a welcome addition to the historical fiction and dark fantasy series! The author found a way to keep the series fresh and showcased the depth of the world this series inhabits, giving readers a fresh new perspective by exploring the politics of Saxon life and Myrgjol’s impact on that world. The way the action takes a backseat to the atmosphere and the tension politics played at that time made the overall narrative feel elevated for readers. 

The mystery and intrigue this turn of events took in the story was evenly matched by the rich historical context and fantasy mythos the series has brought to life so vividly. The more emotional context of the protagonist’s story felt fully realized in this narrative, and the evolution of her allies and how life in Saxon lands evolved among some of the Norse settlers at that time was an intriguing subplot that readers will instantly get lost in.

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PREVIEW (RUNE OF SPIRITS: OUTSIDE THE THALSPARR BOOK SIX)

THE SYNOPSIS

OUTSIDETHETHALSPARR

The Dokkrisdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age.One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny ,one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNEOFSPIRITS

Every road to an ultimate good is paved with monstrous deed…by a monster. Sometimes the monsters are all that stands between the living world and annihilation. In the struggle to survive her own life ,Josephine Peele becomes the monster in service of the Light, but it takes all her torments to ready her for her own purpose that only she can accomplish.

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OVERALL SERIES IMPRESSION

A perfect balance of historical fiction and fantasy thriller, the author delves deep into Norse mythology and the concepts of life after death with strong conviction. The series not only explores Norse mythology, but the impact that a legacy can have on generations to come and history itself. The infusion of strong supporting characters that can lead their own books and bringing the protagonist not only into different timelines but different worlds altogether establishes a sense of legendary status and adds new depth to the theme of the hero’s journey that has become so ingrained into the fabric of our culture throughout human history. Filled with action, heart, and destiny, this is a rich historical fiction fantasy series that reader will not be able to get enough of. 

The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses (The Mother of All Viruses Book Three) by Jonni Jordyn Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A digital entity must look inward and then to the cosmos to discover its purpose while evading human threats in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses”, the third book in the Mother of All Viruses series.

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The Synopsis

The digital entity Odyssey is on the ultimate journey where he must look inwards to explore his own mind before taking a mind expanding journey to find himself in the cosmos, while still watching over his human friends who are doing everything they can to protect his identity from overreaching politicians who only view him as a threat to their way of life.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gripping read. Imaginative and highly creative, this sci-fi fantasy epic comes to a thrilling conclusion that captures the powerful characters that kept the series so engaging while also capturing the vastness that the story encompasses in this third narrative. The powerful imagery, both on a human scale and in Odyssey’s journey through the cosmos, was awe-inspiring. 

Yet it was the way the author was able to seamlessly bridge the powerful themes of this story with the world-building and character development that fans have come to know and love from this series. The story delves into both the human and digital entities that have brought this world to life, and yet at its core, both stories touch upon what it means to live and be human. The exploration of mental health and spirituality undertaken by the protagonist, Odyssey, mirrors the personal transformation and exploration of identity that other characters undergo simultaneously, creating an emotional depth that allows readers to connect with the characters on an individual level.

The Verdict

Vast, compelling, and engaging, author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses” is a must-read sci-fi epic and a significant concluding chapter to the Mother of All Viruses series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the grand scope of the story, and the deeply grounded emotional journey these characters undertake will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an award winning American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

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Stone Cold: A Southern Mystery Novel (Book 1 of the Zoe Nichols Van Life Series) by Abby Rice Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A woman seeking her biological father must unmask a killer in a small town full of secrets in author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold: A Southern Mystery Novel,” the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van Life Series.

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The Synopsis

A quiet Southern town. A stow-away kid. A page-turning mystery!

After DNA results turn her whole world upside down, Zoe Nichols traces her mysterious biological father to a small Georgia town. But a shocking murder the day she arrives and a stow-away kid catapult Zoe into a search for the killer. In a small town brimming with secrets, can Zoe unmask a murderer and clear an innocent boy – before she becomes the killer’s next victim?

This is the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van-Life series. A fun Southern mystery with a female amateur sleuth and a splash of romance!

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The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping story. The fast-paced narrative was balanced with rich character development, which quickly drew the reader in and connected them with the characters. The mystery was well-developed, lined with realism as it captured both small-town life and the intricacies of murder investigations. The powerful imagery really brought this small Southern town to life, allowing readers to engage with the story fully.

The powerful, multi-tiered story and the rich themes surrounding justice really made this story what it was. The murder mystery took center stage, but still left enough breathing room for readers to engage in this personal mystery of Zoe’s father and who he is. The examination of the justice system and how young teens considered “at risk” are often forgotten or used as scapegoats for crimes, and the need to explore all options in an investigation is crucial to the truth.

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and thrilling, author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The infusion of small-town murder mystery and romance, filled with shocking twists and turns, makes this story a great introduction to the larger Zoe Nichols Van Life series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Abby Rice’s life has been as adventure-filled as her heroines’. Abby spent nine months on a square-rigged sailing ship and once rode cross-country on her motorcycle. She’s built houses — and wired them, too. And in her alter ego role as an attorney, she’s battled bad guys and sought justice for victims of crime.  

But first and foremost, Abby’s always been a writer. She cut her teeth in the magazine market, with over two hundred national and trade stories in print. She transitioned to nonfiction books, with two dozen now behind her. History was Abby’s primary book niche, and she especially enjoys tales of the Victorian era and Comstock Lode. And most recently, she’s ventured into historical romance.

These days when Abby’s not dreaming up new stories about hidden history and feisty heroines, she can be found scanning 1860s newspapers for forgotten bits of Victorian gossip.

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