We Go Again – Michael Cargill

While strolling through the blog posts for authors, I came across Michael Cargill’s post, where he announced that his new book was available, free, and he would appreciate a review in return. Just my thing, right? And, it takes place during WWII, and I am a huge history buff, so double bonus.

We Go Again Cover Image

Triple bonus? This story was amazing! The writing was brilliant, the characters were well developed, and the scenery was written so vividly that I could see everything as if I was watching it happen.

It is a short story, and I wished it went on for twice as many chapters. I definitely do not want to give away any spoilers, but you get to meet James, and David, and Piper. Along with their Captain who is pretty useless, and a cast of other characters that round out this story. It is graphic, but how could something about WWII not be? So just be prepared if you are overly-squeamish. There were parts of this story where I was literally holding my breath while I was reading it, waiting to see what was going to happen next.

Do you want to give this story a read? You definitely should! You can find the links for it on Michael’s WordPress page, here: https://michaelcargill.wordpress.com/2015/01/24/we-go-again-my-new-book-is-now-available-free-for-reviewers-and-subscribers/

I would also like to ask that anyone who gets the free copy to be so kind as to leave a review for Michael on Amazon and Goodreads. If you pick up this story, I would love to hear what you thought about it!

I was So Thrilled to Post This Book Review…and Now I Feel Like a Complete Jerk because I Did!

As some of you know, some of my best books read and reviewed (in my opinion) are the ones I stumbled upon, chose to read, and am grateful I did. I will say straight-off that I do belong to a free ebooks website, and get 5 books a month through there. I also pick up random books at Barnes and Noble in their clearance bins, and buy books through Amazon because I like the cover.

I put myself out there (and many of you did as well), when I offered to read, edit, and review your works for free. I have met some amazing authors, made some great literary friends, and am glad I could help out others in a way that means so much to me!

Last month while perusing my free ebooks, I came across a story that I had to get. It was “The Scimitar and the Glory Boxes”, by Fred Morse. I love reading religious stories, factual, fiction, and whatever else may fall between the cracks. This story was fantastic, and I was so excited to post a review and also wanted to make sure I let Mr. Morse know. This book was too good to be on a free ebook site.

The Scimitar and the Glory Boxes Cover image

For the past couple of years of doing this blog, I would often post these types of reviews; but it was as of late that I thought I really need to make sure these authors know their stories are being read, and appreciated.

So as I have been so often doing now, I posted the book review, and sent an email to the author letting them know I reviewed their book, and included the link so they did not have to search for the review.

And then I was checking my email. I will admit I was anxiously awaiting to hear from Mr. Morse, and hoping he liked my review.

It was from his wife. He had passed away in September, and she wanted to let me know she appreciated me reaching out, and was happy I enjoyed his writing.

So many things ran through my mind. I was sad I never got to communicate with this great writer about his works. I likely opened afresh the pain his wife was trying to control during the Christmas holiday season. And more than anything, was I looking for approval from someone whom I did not know because I liked their writing?

I asked in my email that he let me know of any other books he had written, because I wanted to buy and review them. His wife was gracious enough to let me know, and with her permission, I will indeed be reading and reviewing them.

I never ask favors of anyone, but I would truly like any of my followers who enjoy this same type of genre to look up this book and read it. You will not be disappointed!

And to his wife, I would like to wish a Blessed, Happy New Year full of warm memories and comfort on how her husband’s writing truly did make a difference.

You can find my original review here: https://booksandopinions.com/2014/12/24/the-scimitar-and-the-glory-boxes-frederick-morse/

You can find it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Scimitar-Glory-Frederick-Morse-ebook/dp/B006ZB39R4

It is the best 0.99 you will ever spend.

Almost Last Chance-Free Autographed Dean Koontz Book!

This giveaway ends tomorrow at Midnight! So I wanted to make sure to repost to give everyone a chance to enter! Go to the Rafflecopter link here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0dcc89d92/

Right now someone has a 50% chance of winning this book! If you have not entered, please do so! This makes a great gift for your reading family and friends 🙂 I am not getting much participation so I may be changing up my next give-away; I still have gift cards to get rid of!  The best of luck to you!

Benny & Koontz book cover 8-15-2014 009

Did I Miss Something?

Okay, truth be told, it is 5 am, I cannot focus on my statistics book, and it is Friday, which is when I usually search for and find free books for my Nook. Which I am on right now (Friday fun facts will post later; I need my actual laptop for that!) 

Always a critic of electronic readers, I do still buy books. But, I cannot just walk into Barnes & Noble and take several (or even one) book home without paying for it, right? Right. And I have discovered some great authors through these free books whose other works I will now be purchasing for my bookshelves.

With that being said, what is up with all of the books about BDSM (or whatever the hell its initials are), women falling in love with ghosts, and people are really still writing about women falling in love with werewolves? Still? Yes, I read through all of the Twilight books like a crazy person and I’m not embarrassed to admit it; and yes I also read the 50 Shades books.

But good gracious, is no one capable of coming up with an original idea anymore? Have all the good storylines and plots been used up? Is this what we have to look forward to? Recycled and regurgitated stories with new names for the characters, a different city, and the same ol’ same ol’? 

This is one of the reasons I read To Kill a Mockingbird at least once a year. And luckily, there are still a few classics out there that I haven’t gotten to yet. And if you read these type of same storyline/different author books and I just pissed you off, I would apologize but this is nothing more than my humble opinion, and no; I will never apologize for my opinion. 

Is it really just me who gets annoyed by this type of writing? What annoys you (other than this post) about books?

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