And we're back!

Sorry for the extended hiatus. The Outer Banks were lovely, as always. The weather warm and sunny; the beach clean and cool; the time with family, priceless.

Reality hit as soon as I returned. While away I read three books and had reviews to write. I have 5 virtual book tours to plan for August--which are coming along nicely. Plans for Vacation Bible School continue to come together and we're back into our schedule of Sylvan 4 days a week for our oldest daughter.

Make sure you check out The Book Connection for reviews, author interviews, and guest posts from some of today's most talented authors. Speaking of books and authors, I reviewed a wonderful resource that should be on every aspiring author's bookshelf.

The Dog Walked Down the Street: An Outspoken Guide for Writers Who Want to Publish by Sal Glynn is small on size and big on advice for the aspiring author. You can read my review here.

Look for more resources and tips to help you work toward publication coming soon from The Aspiring Author.

Interview at Blogcritics

To celebrate the release of her new book, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, Mayra Calvani interviewed several book reviewers at Blogcritics.

I was honored that Mayra asked to interview me about my blog, The Book Connection, where I post author interviews and reviews, and have guest bloggers talking about their books and offering all kinds of great advice. You'll find our interview posted here.

You can find out more about Mayra Calvani and her books at www.mayracalvani.com/index.html And don't forget to check out her Slippery Book Review Blog.

Here is an interview I performed with Mayra for her horror novel, Dark Lullaby

I also reviewed Dark Lullaby and Mayra's children's book Crash!

Look for my review of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing COMING SOON!!!

New book reviews and guest bloggers at The Book Connection

Well, I am feeling totally guilty about not posting here more often, but I have to tell you, I have barely a minute to breathe lately. I've been sick for two weeks now and I'm hoping this darn virus goes away soon.

In addition to virtual book tours, I am writing the skits for our Vacation Bible School program this year, which will take place in August. I'm also working with three classes at my daughter's preschool to author and illustrate books for their annual art show coming up on May 1st.

I reviewed nine books last month and I've still got almost 30 more to go. Here's what you'll find over at The Book Connection.

* Announcements of my interviews with the writer and contributors to Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul. These interviews will include discussions with past Idols, backstage crew, and fans of the show.

* An interview with Sheila Roberts about her latest release, Bikini Season.

* Reviews of The Fireborn Chronicles, Astro Socks, The Poetry of Murder, The Cake Thief, Quo Vadis, Israel?,The Squirrel, the Worm and the Nut Trees, and The Little Candy Breathing Dragons.

* Guest posts from H. Peter Nennhaus, Theresa Chaze, and Robin Jay.

This and so much more can be found at The Book Connection, so why don't you get connected too by stopping by the blog that connects readers and writers.

The Book Connection and other stuff

If you really want to know why I don't post here more often, go to The Book Connection. You'll find tons of new author interviews and book reviews.

Be on the lookout for my upcoming interview with producer Kent McCray and also interviews with some of the Idols, fans, and backstage crew from American Idol who contributed to Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul.

Oh, and my latest article is now online at Writer2Writer.

See, I have been busy. I'm not just ignoring you.

New Book Review at The Book Connection

Check out my review of St. John of the Midfield at The Book Connection. Garasamo (Gary) Maccagnone combines youth soccer and the mob to create an excellent read. Find out more at: http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2008/01/youth-soccer-and-mafia-combined-to.html

Gary will be touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in February. To read an excerpt from St. John of the Midfield and to find out more about Gary's tour, please go to http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2008/01/st-john-of-midfield-virtual-book-tour.html

New Book Review at The Book Connection

I posted a new book review at The Book Connection. Parents of intense (strong-willed, spirited) children will want to hear all about The Pocket Parent Coach by Tina Feigal.

Check out The Book Connection at http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/for these and other book reviews and for interviews with some of today's most talented authors.

Book Review at The Book Connection

Check out my review of Mayra Calvani's paranormal horror novel Dark Lullaby at The Book Connection - http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com

Book Reviews posted at The Book Connection

Hop on over to The Book Connection to read my reviews of:

Delight (women's self-help) by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

The Last Jew Standing (crime fiction) by Michael Simon

The Legend of Seal Beach (children's) created by Dave McKnew

Coming on February 7th: my review of September Dawn (historical romance) by Carole Whang Schutter

You'll find reviews of these books and more at http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com

January Events at The Book Connection

Here's what's going on at my blog, The Book Connection in January:

Wednesday, January 2, 2008 - Screenwriter and author Carole Whang Schutter starts off the month to talk about the movie and novel, September Dawn. The DVD is coming out in January, so come read what it's all about.*

Friday, January 4, 2008 - Author Anita Hackley-Lambert is our guest blogger. She will share why she decided to write about a pioneer of civil justice in F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice.*

Monday, January 8, 2008 - Amanda Young stops by to discuss her autobiography of child abuse and domestic violence titled, Silent Prisoner.*

Tuesday, January 9, 2008 - Judy Gregerson, author of the young adult novel Bad Girls Club, drops in to discuss this shocking and gripping must read.*

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - Historical romance author Hazel Statham pays us a visit to talk about her latest release.*

Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Ex-White House aide Kathleen Willey comes to The Book Connection to talk about her book, Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton. *

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - Author Tom Kuiper takes the floor to tell us what the most surprising thing is that he found out while researching his book of Hillary Clinton quotes, I've Always Been a Yankees Fan: Hillary Clinton in Her Own Words. This book includes a foreword by Dick Morris.*

The Book Connection....where we connect readers and writers. Check it out at http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/

* Virtual book tour brought to you by:

December Events at The Book Connection

December 3, 2007 - Author and publisher Jean Hackensmith starts off her virtual book tour with a chat about the fourth book in the "Passage" saga, The Ultimate Passage.*

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - Join us when JoElle Martin stops by to talk about A Bridge in the Forest and A Promise in the Forest, due out in December from Windstorm Creative. These young adult fantasy novels tell the adventures of Lily Kingman and a captivating elf named Dreamer. Come find out more about these novels and why every young person would love them as holiday gifts.

Thursday, December 6, 2007 - Awakening the Dragon author, Theresa Chaze talks about the setting for this story when she comes by this week.*

Friday, December 7, 2007 - Anne Newton Walther, whose historical fiction novel Loss of Innocence was reviewed by me for the Muse talks about this book and its characters when she pays us a visit.

Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Roberta Isleib takes the floor to share more about the main character of her latest release, Preaching to the Corpse.*

Friday, December 14, 2007 - Find out more about The Death Wizard Chronicles when author Jim Mevlin stops by to talk about Book One - The Pit and Book Two - Moon Goddess which are both available at Amazon.com.*

Monday, December 17, 2007 - Natural resources policy expert, Holly Fretwell, talks about her children's book, The Sky Is Not Falling! - Why It's OK to Chill about Global Warming.*

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - Award-winning author, Cat Muldoon pays us a visit to talk about her fantasy novel Rue the Day: The Undercover Heir,
Book 1.*

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - Nelson Pahl's book, Bee Balms & Burgundy is featured. It is the story of Nick May, a Gen X entrepreneur living in Vancouver, who is reaquainted with his childhood neighbor and lifelong friend. If only Nick knew that she had a powerful secret that could change him forever.*

* Virtual Book Tour sponsored by:

November events at The Book Connection

Here is a list of all the authors who will be stopping by The Book Connection in November:

Friday, November 2, 2007 - Author Marilyn C. Morris returns to share her reflections on dealing with Lupus which she discusses in her book, Diagnosis: Lupus: The intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient.*

Monday, November 5, 2007 - Darcy McKenna stops by to chat about her romantic suspense novel, Fated Love.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - Romantic comedy with a gypsy twist is what you'll find when author, Diana Holquist shares all the good stuff on Sexiest Man Alive.*

Thursday, November 8, 2007 - Sci-fi author Darrell Bain pays us a visit to talk about his latest releast, Savage Survival.*

Monday, November 12, 2007 - Crime novelist, Michael Simon brings Detective Dan Reles back for more in his latest novel, The Last Jew Standing.*

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - My friend and talented author, Jamieson Wolf joins us again to chat about his HUNTED series. I've given the floor to Jamieson this time. Don't say you weren't warned.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - Romance author, Sherry James returns to tell us more about the second installment in her Studs For Hire series, Woman in Charge.

Friday, November 16, 2007 - Author Dyan Garris shares her love of cooking and inner peace as she talks about the Voice of Angels Cookbook, Talk to Your Food! - Intuitive Cooking.*

Monday, November 19, 2007 - Former Casting Director, talk show host, and author, Susan Sukman McCray joins us for an intimate chat to discuss her children's book, Harry's Piano, which is the charming tale of the young life of her father, Academy Award-winning composer, Harry Sukman.

Friday, November 23, 2007 - Author Shiela Roberts pays us a visit to chat about her book, On Strike for Christmas.*

Monday, November 26, 2007 - Retired investigator turned author, Dennis Griffin, discusses his recent release, Cullota, The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness.*

* Virtual Book Tour sponsored by Pump Up Your Book Promotion

Stop by The Book Connection today...where we connect readers and writers.

The Ghost Mirror by Jamieson Wolf - Book Review

When I was younger I would read stories by Stephen King. The thrill of knowing I would be creeped out was always worth the read, no matter how short or long the story was. At some point, I drifted away from all that stuff. Being wigged out didn't tickle my fancy as much as it used to.

But...

Jamieson Wolf sent me a copy of his eBook The Ghost Mirror and I was thrilled to be creeped out all over again.

Mave Mallory is neglected and ignored by her parents, but more than that, they seem to be afraid of their red haired, black eyed daughter. Taking pity on Mave, her grandmother Mona brings her home to live with her.

Living at grandmother's house is much more fun than living with her parents. In the attic Mave can see and play with ghosts to pass the time. And in the attic a mysterious mirror seems to whisper and wink at Mave; a mirror her grandmother warns her never to touch. But when the ghost girl that Mave has befriend disappears into the mirror, Mave reaches out to touch the mirror's surface and is pulled into another world.

In this world, people are afraid of Mave--just like her parents. With the help of her one friend, Euwan, Mave finds out more about her family's past and who she really is--the last witch.

Within this world, is a chilling character, Mr. Lavender, who eats the souls of children. Their souls give him power and if he can gain the soul of the last witch, he will become more powerful than ever.

It is up to Mave to trust the magic inside her, so she can defeat Mr. Lavender and find her way back home.

This is the kind of book you only read with all the lights on. The ghosts are playful enough, but that Mr. Lavender guy could give you nightmares for three weeks after you've fnished reading the book.

Jamieson Wolf shows once again just how talented he is. The descriptions of the town of Element--the world Mave slips into--made me feel like I was walking right alongside her. The careful selection of words as the reader watches Mr. Lavender devour his victims, makes the hair on the back of your neck tingle with fear...as if he could come right out of the book and eat you too.

Wolf wastes no time in plowing right into the story. Whatever backstory is necessary is slipped in so perfectly it doesn't have time to pull the reader away from the action. And while this story is creepy, it isn't gory. There is no spilling of blood, just for the sake of grossing you out.

The Ghost Mirror is a well-written, scary thrill of a read that will leave you begging for the quick release of its sequel.

Cheryl

Book Review - Fool Me Once by Jessica Joy

There are books out there that make me so glad I decided to schedule regular reading time into my work week. Jessica Joy's Fool Me Once is one of those books!

A romantic suspense novel that is heavy on both romance and suspense, this story kept me turning the pages from the first to the last.

Toni Greer wakes up in a hospital room not knowing who she is or how she got there...and she's not alone. Blair Kierstead and his friend, Drew, had been keeping her company since the car accident that stole her memories. All Blair can tell her is that she was coming to see him--but even he doesn't know why.

Blair convinces Toni to come home with him, neglecting to mention that Drew is and Blair used to be an undercover FBI agent whose team was led into an ambush two years ago and they believe Toni betrayed them and is responsible for the deaths of their teammates.

Toni struggles to recreate her past. Blair isn't much help and she's not sure why. The excuse that the doctor wants her memories to come back on their own doesn't hold water for her. There has to be more to it--but what?

Blair is having struggles of his own. He can't figure out why Toni is so different since the last time he saw her--she loves Christmas and cooking and her family. It doesn't help that he finds himself attracted to her. She's the monster who caused the deaths of his teammates and almost cost him his life as well. He shouldn't have romantic feelings for her.

But he does, and Toni feels the same way about him, no matter how many times they try to deny it.

As Toni's memories come back, she can't believe the life she used to live. It all seems so foreign to her. But once Toni and Blair give into their feelings for each other, things finally start to make sense.

And then the danger for Toni becomes even more real. Word on the street for weeks has been that Toni's ex-lover is out searching for her. Maybe he wants her dead because of what she knows about him and his operations.

Blair and Toni return to the scene of one of her most vivid and frightening memories to try and piece together what happened the night of the car accident and to figure out if someone is really trying to kill her.

This novel drew me in so quickly and deeply that I had to keep turning the pages. Each chapter ended with such a climax that all I wanted to do was continue reading until the last word was read. So carefully woven in was the backstory that it did not have a chance to dull the action. In only one spot did I know exactly what would come next, but even that could not take away from my desire to keep reading. I really wanted to know if these characters made it to their happily ever after.

Jessica Joy's Fool Me Once is sexy, gripping, and action packed. A true romantic suspense novel that will attract a wide audience and leave them clamoring for more.

Book review - The Madhatter's Guide to Chocolate by Rhett DeVane

What do you get when you combine a small town in Florida with a mental institution on its main drag, some truly memorable characters, and a bunch of scrumptious southern recipes whose main ingredient is chocolate?

One amazing book, which you must read!

Hattie Davis ran away from her hometown of Chattahoochee as fast as she could, leaving behind the memories of life in a small town, a difficult relationship with her brother, and an annoying ex-boyfriend.

But when Hattie returns to Chattahoochee for her mother's funeral, she finds her childhood friend, Jake Witherspoon has returned and made his home there. The memoir of an old family friend and Jake's idea of a great new business make Hattie and Jake partners, but neither one of them understands how dangerous their venture might be.

Jake's flamboyant homosexuality makes him the target of a hate crime. He is kidnapped and brutually beaten by two teenage boys with a secret. And once that secret is revealed, no one in Chattahoochee will ever be the same.

And amazingly for Hattie, Chattahoochee becomes the place where she finds love and the one corner of earth she can finally call home.

A touching and at times shocking tale of a small town's revival. Rhett DeVane's characters could easily be your next door neighbor, your favorite aunt, or the sibling you never quite got along with. DeVane wove these memorable characters together with an amazing plot and some down home recipes to create a novel which will leave you inspired by how much good can come from something bad.

Book review - Trust in the Wind by Vicki M. Taylor

What do you get when you put together a young single mother and a widowed deputy sheriff? A touching love story that you’ll want to read again and again. Vicki M. Taylor’s latest release, Trust in the Wind draws together two people who have sworn off love and makes them believe in its power.

Joanne Malone lost all she had when she went against her parents’ wishes to become a single mother to her son, Joey. Living in an apartment complex in an undesirable area of town, Joanne and her friend Sheila are accosted on their way back from the community laundry room by a group of drunken hooligans. In walks Roy Bonham, a deputy sheriff for Hillsborough County. He is instantly taken with the much younger Joanne, but the loss of his wife and child in a burglary a few years back has left him with a huge hurt and he has vowed he will never love again.

Roy keeps coming back to the apartment complex where Joanne and Joey live not knowing why he feels the need to stay in contact with them. Joanne’s and Roy’s friends discourage any type of involvement between the two. Roy is much older and has a dangerous occupation, Sheila warns her. And Roy’s best friend Tony questions whether it’s a good idea for him to get tied up with a young girl and her kid.

But the more time they spend together, the harder it is for Joanne and Roy to deny their deepening feelings.

Taylor weaves a group of unforgettable characters and real life issues into a story you won’t be able to put down. As you watch Joanne and Roy’s relationship unfold, you’ll laugh with them, cry with them, and cheer when true love conquers all. This is one novel that should be on everyone’s bookshelf, but it will never be there long, because you’ll be dying to read it again as soon as you’re done.


Look for my upcoming interview with Vicki M. Taylor on Tuesday, June 19th.

For information on how to order Trust in the Wind and other books by Vicki M. Taylor check out her Website at http://www.vickimtaylor.com/