Review of Dollars to Donuts by Kathleen Kole

Great fun, lots of laughs and extremely entertaining. 

Newspaper columnist April has left the city to move to a small, sleepy town with boyfriend Kevin and they have the most bizarre neighbours you could ever wish for!   A mystery unfolds in the “odd” cul-de-sac in which they all live, and she seems to spend her life trying to avoid these very strange people and their wacky ways and in doing so, walks head first into the one thing that she didn’t want to get involved with! 

Disillusioned with and drifting through her life, writing as close to her deadlines as possible about a subject she’s really not very interested in, when Kevin’s good looking friend Gerritt moves in with them, things start to get interesting.   April’s sister and friend Jessica points out a few home truths to her and she re-evaluates all that she thought was ok in her life.

Kathleen Kole is an energetic and fun writer.  She writes in a way that makes her books easy to read, with a load of laughs thrown in along the way.  Her characters are hilarious, all with their own hilarious traits (especially the Scottish neighbour!).  Underlying in all this humour is the serious fact that similar to her previous novel Breaking Even, the lead character is going through a dilemma working out whether she is happy with her lot in life, or whether she wants more. 

You can completely relate to the main character in the book April, who is a likeable and genuine person if somewhat a little scatty at times, dealing with issues and emotions that we all deal with at some point in our lives. 

I have to say that I’m SO glad that my neighbours aren’t completely bonkers like the lot in this book!   Well actually . . . . . .

Kathleen is an extremely talented writer.  Born in Edmonton, she began storytelling in grade school and has many fond memories of entertaining her friends by story telling in her back yard.  She pursued a career in story telling and graduation from college with a Diploma in Radio & Television Arts and became a freelance writer for local newspapers.   She lives with her beloved husband, adored son and daft dog! 

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Review - Soul Protector by Amanda Leigh Cowley

What a cracking book!  Absolutely loved it!   An exciting, interesting, fabulous, paranormal romance.

Gracie, feeling sad and miserable, because she has just found out that her little sister has been seeing her boyfriend behind her back, goes along begrudgingly, to her friend Lydia’s birthday meal.  She realises when Lydia’s boyfriend proposes to her, that she’s really envious and wishes she could swap places with her.  She hugs Lydia to congratulate her, then suddenly to her surprise and horror, discovers that she’s swapped bodies and is now in Lydia’s body. 

When she has realised what has happened, she works out how to swap back and at a later point, she decides that she's brave enough to try it out again.  This time, its carefully planned out and when she swaps again, after noticing a strange coloured glow around certain people, she discovers after being “kidnapped” by Dan, that she is what is called a “Soul Protector”.  Encouraged by the fact that Dan is her dream man, she gets him to help her to find out more about what being a “Soul Protector” means and how she can use this new found ability to help others.  Will Dan and Gracie get it together, or is she destined to be on her own looking after others?

This was a book that definitely left me feeling all warm and fuzzy when I’d finished it.  The first of a series, really easy to follow and a pleasure to read, I’ll definitely be looking out for the other books in the series and following Gracie’s adventures.I loved the way that the writing made you feel the emotions that Gracie has.  She is such a lovely and likeable character that you immediately warm to her.  Amanda is fabulous at portraying characters and places, so that you can really create them in your mind and build the story.  Dan, I pictured as my hero – Steve McGarrett from the new Hawaii Five 0 series (AKA Alex O’Loughlin - thought I'd include a piccie of this gorgeous man to brighten up all our days!) and this image certainly helped his character to develop in my mind!  

Amanda Leigh Cowley lives in Northampton with her husband, her two sons and her dog.  Between working in her husband's business, and being a busy Mom, she somehow manages to find time to write online articles and has also squeezed in this debut novel, and achieved her lifelong ambition to write a book.  She is currently working on the second book in the Soul Protector series, so watch this space . . . . . .

You can follow Amanda's blog here
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You can buy Soul Protector via Amazon here. 



Review - Princess Diana The Day She Didn't Die by Heath Samples & Claire Hooper

This “un-put-downable” book had me hooked right from the very start. 

The compelling storyline is extremely powerful and starts at the point that Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed are caught up in the memorable car crash in Paris.  They survive the crash and it then goes on to explore their suspicions as to whether it was a deliberate attempt on their lives or an unfortunate accident.  They play it down to the press and to their families, yet their lives are dramatically affected by the effect this accident has upon both of them. 

It then goes on to portray the developing relationship between Diana and Dodi.  It shows how their lives are still intertwined with both the national press, who are watching their every move, and the Royal establishment, despite the fact that she and Prince Charles are now divorced.  The book explores her interest in learning about the Muslim faith and shows how much she deeply adores her two sons.  It's so interesting to learn more about how their loves would have progressed had this lovely lady survived that awful day. 

The story also includes Ella, a student and massive Diana fan to the point of obsession, and how because of Diana she is keen to learn more about the Muslim faith, her life very much mirroring that of this very famous and beautiful lady. 

Really don’t want to go too much further into the plot at this stage, because it would be a real spoiler for the book, but there are a number of moments throughout the book, where you feel like you really need to ask some questions and I certainly hope that a sequel at some point will satisfy my curiosity!  The ending was a real stunner and definitely left me wanting more! 

I think that the fact that you already know the characters helps you to get deeply involved in the story right from the very beginning as you don’t have to create characters in your mind like other fiction books which makes it quite unusual.  It was one of those books that left you thinking about it even when you weren’t reading it, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it, to find out what was going to happen.  A definite page turner. 

This book would transfer fantastically into film and I would absolutely love to be seeing it on a large screen as I think it would have the whole world transfixed.  I really hope that Hollywood film makers are picking up on the vibe which is being generated from this deeply moving, amazing and powerful novel.

Heath Samples LL.B Hons grew up and now lives in Scarborough, North Yorkshire and after serving in the Royal Air Force, studied Law & Economics at University.  He holds a JAR-PPL Private Pilots Licence, RYA Yachtmaster, MCA Boatmasters Commercial License and BSAC SCUBA Dive Leader.  He has just established and set a brand new Guiness World Record by crossing the English Channel in relay on Sea Scooters!   I feel exhausted just reading this lot!

You can buy this book here on Amazon

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You can check out his blog for this fab book

Review - Wrapped Up In You by Carole Matthews

As a massive Carole Matthews fan, and having read all of her other novels, when Carol invited me to review her latest book, I have to admit to being just a tiny bit star struck.  This is an author who I’ve looked up to for years and her book Let’s Meet on Platform 8 is one of my most favourite books in the world!

I’m thrilled Carole didn’t fail to disappoint me with her new novel Wrapped Up In You - a delightful, heart warming, hilarious and truly wonderful read.  

Janie, a single hairdresser, is constantly harassed by her clients about her love life and when she meets her ex, who tells her that the girl he left her for, is now pregnant and that they are getting hitched, she finds herself telling him that she too, is happy in her life and is going off to Africa on safari, an idea which was given to her by one of her clients.  Realising that she needs some excitement in her life, she wonders, why the hell not, and books a trip to do exactly that!   Much to the disappointment of the only man in her life, Mike from next door, who is her best friend and realises that he wants more from her than just friendship. 

Janie goes on her exotic safari to a stunning Africa and falls madly in love with Dominic – her tour guide, hero, dream man, protector, oh and I forgot to mention fully fledged Massai Warrior!  He shows her his amazing home country and the incredible animals that stroll along as an everyday occurrence in his life, just a little bit different from hers.  

When her safari is over, how on earth is she going to go back to her previous life and how will she cope without this wonderful man in it, who is the only man who has ever made her feel the way he has?

Carole has such a fabulous way of writing, making you feel like you are actually in the plot of her books.  I could so easily picture myself in Janie’s front room of her cottage in the Buckinghamshire village with Mike popping round for coffee whenever he had the chance.  I felt like I went to work with her every day to the hairdressers and then I had such a great experience when I went with her to Africa and shared the amazing sights that she did.  I felt every single one of her emotions when she missed Dominic with the whole of her heart when she returned from Africa and tried to fit back into her previous life which suddenly felt so wrong. 

Carole continues to make you unable to put one of her books down.  She makes them so easy to read and so enjoyable that you definitely lose yourself and become lost in her world.  I sincerely hope that Carole never gives up writing.  She must give so many people so much pleasure from her novels, and I hope that she continues to think of new ideas and interesting plots to keep on writing!

Thanks Carole – you are an absolute star and an inspiration to us all.  

Carole Matthews is the Sunday Times best selling author of 18 previous novels which have been translated into many languages and sold to Hollywood.    When she entered a short story competition in Writing Magazine, she couldn't believe that she had won a thousand pounds!  She spent this money on a writing course (much to everyone's surprise!). The tutor on the course liked what she was writing and recommended an agent who took her on straight away. She sold her first book, which became Let’s Meet on Platform 8 (a fabulous read by the way!) a week later.

To find out more about Carole you can visit her website 

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You can buy this book via Amazon here

Review - Torn by Gilli Allan

Wow – what a great title for a book in which I felt - absolutely torn!

Jess is a thirty something, single, hard working, hard playing ex city trader, who discovered that she was pregnant without knowing who the father was, and she met a policeman Sean who took on her and her son Rory.  When bully Sean’s mental and physical abuse became too much for her to handle, she left him and upped sticks to the country where she thought she could escape him once and for all. 

One night while out having a drink with a friend, Sean turns up and starts to drag her around, and she is “rescued” by Danny and his friends, who are a group of hippy individuals.  While out with her friends on New Year’s Eve, she is strongly attracted to one of the guests and realises that it is Danny, who’s new appearance is a delight to her and he ends up spending the night at her house.  She discovers that he is only 19, yet her feelings for him develop throughout the book.  She is also drawn to the man that Danny works for James - a widower with a young daughter who is Rory’s best friend so they are thrown together on a number of occasions and their friendship also grows.  Who does she choose and why? Don’t ask me – you know I won’t tell you.  You’ll have to read it for yourself and find out! 

A charming book, in which you befried the main character Jess and just want her to be happy whatever it takes.  She has a wonderful relationship with her young son Rory which having a young son the same age myself, I could totally relate to.  Well written and perfectly developed characters make this an effortless and most enjoyable read, and you want to just keep on turning the pages to find out who she chooses, or if indeed she chooses either of them!  The homes and places that Gilli portrays are so expertly created that you can completely picture them and envisage the scenes as they unfold. 

I loved this book, it was emotional, sad, happy, funny and just generally fab!

Gilli Allan started to write novels in childhood.  She went to Croydon Art College when she left school and went on to do a variety of jobs including shop assistant, beauty consultant, barmaid and property.  She was happiest in her favourite job which was as a commercial artist.    She started to write again when she stopped work to have her son and Torn is her third novel. 

You can follow Gilli on Twitter
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Review - Our Eyes Met Over Cantaloupe by Anee McAneny

A thoroughly enjoyable read from yet another author who is new to me. 

Journalist Millie Morris's Mom runs a very special cake shop - The Secret Lives of Cupcakes which one day gets a very special wedding order - Millie's ex boyfriend.  The rogue that one morning when cooking her eggs, announced that he was leaving her for someone else which came as a total surprise to her. 

When he comes around to her new home to talk to her about whether he's doing the right thing or not she tries to be nice, as that's her nature, even though she thinks she's really not the right person he should be discussing this with, her feelings for him are questioned.  When she finds herself covering an important court case, she discovers that the bride and the lady she was dumped for is the leading lawyer on this particular case, which puts her in a very bizarre position. 

Anne writes in a lovely way, her writing is extremely humerous and she has created the most delightful characters especially Millie, and her friend Pauline, that you 'get' right from the start.  Her style of writing is easy to read, and just generally enjoyable. 

Lots of laugh out loud moments from the moment you start reading along with a good storyline and the great characters hook you from the start of the book.  With twists and turns and hilarious events along the way to keep you interested, it certainly was a book that I'd recommend to others.  It was good fun, and really enjoyable.  I've read some great reviews from her other books too, details of which I've added below and I shall really look forward to looking them up and reading them soon. 

Anne McAneny, has also written two other books: CHUNNELING THROUGH FORTY (humor/chick-lit) and FORETELLER (fast-paced mystery thriller). She has written several screenplays which have been successful in contests and are now circulating through Hollywood in the hope of making it to the big screen. Anne lives in Virginia with her family, two ferrets and a cat whose name changes weekly. He currently answers to "Mythical Flarb" and "Food."

You can get more information about Anne and her books here. 

You can follow Anne on Twitter here. 

Interview With Jennifer Chase

Earlier this summer, I was lucky enough to review a fabulous book called Dead Game by Jennifer Chase.  It was a cracker of a thriller and I loved every minute of it.  Jennifer is an award winning author and criminologist and all round extremely interesting and very clever lady and I was lucky enough to poke my nose into her life when she agreed to answer some questions for my blog.   Thanks so much Jennifer, really looking forward to reading more of your work - you know I'm now a fan for life!

You have quite a CV Jennifer.  Can you tell us a little about you and your life?

Thank you for having me here today!

I’ve always loved to write whether it was scribbling out funny lines for my stuffed animals when I was a child or writing short mystery stories in high school.  I think I secretly wanted to be Nancy Drew! 

Things don’t always turn out the way you want – sometimes it just takes longer to get to where you want to go.  I ventured into the business and corporate world in the exciting occupation of accounting.  Yes, I know, I still get funny looks about transforming from accountant to thriller writer.  It’s a process!  I’ve written professionally in areas of copyrighting and articles in magazines and newspapers, but I still wanted to write a novel.  There’s that process thing again!       

As well as writing, you have lots of experience to offer people in many ways.  Can you tell us a little about what else you do?

Lately, I’ve been working on my latest novel project Dark Mind and keeping focused on the steadily approaching deadline before the holidays.  I offer assistance to other writers with blog articles, ghost writing, and research with crime scene and police procedures as well as publishing services.  In addition, I study crime trends and keep my skills and experience honed in criminal profiling as a consultant.  My plate is full, but I love every minute of it!       

What inspired you to create Emily Stone and how long was she a work in progress? 

Emily Stone was created out of a personal experience I had with a violent ex-neighbor who threatened my life for more than two years.  It was a hair-raising experience that seems more like a movie now looking back.  It was during that time that I became interested in forensics and criminal psychology before all of the CSI shows on television.  I was hooked and went back to school to earn a forensic bachelors degree and a masters in criminology.  I developed friendships with local law enforcement individuals.  But, writing kept surfacing in my mind.  My experience with the neighbor inspired Emily Stone who hunts down serial killers and pedophiles anonymously and then emails her findings to the local police.  I thought about this idea for about eight years before I wrote the first chapters of Compulsion.

I would love to see Dead Game as a film.  If you could cast a famous actress for the role of Emily Stone, and an actor as Rick, who would you cast and why?
I’ve thought about this because I love movies as well.  There are some wonderful actors out there.  I have to say I could see Angelina Jolie as Emily Stone because she’s proven that she can be tough as nails but feminine.  As for Rick Lopez, I could see Leonardo Dicaprio because he’s an amazing actor and I think he could bring this character to life.  Also, the serial killer Samuel in Dead Game, I could definitely see Christopher Walken playing the role.  What an incredible trio that would be!  

Being nosey, where do you find your most inspiring place to write?

Inspiration can strike me at any time especially when I’m out walking with my dogs on the beach or in a large park.  Nature and solitude seem to strike an inspirational chord with me and my mind freely contemplates all sorts of ideas.  However, I find that I do my best writing when I’m in my home office.  I feel comfortable, relaxed, and everything is right where I need it. 
 

As you know, I'm a huge James Patterson fan and Dead Game reminded me very much of his style of writing.  What types of book do you like to read and who are your favourite authors?

First, wow, thank you for that wonderful compliment.  I love Patterson novels too.  I think his earlier novels have influenced me with the short, quick chapters that keep you reading.  I love to read suspense thrillers as you can imagine and there are many, many authors out there I love to read.  I’m finding new independent authors everyday!  I enjoy reading Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Jeffrey Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, David Baldacci, Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and oh my, I could on and on.  I do try and read other genres such as science fiction and horror.   

What role does social media now play in the promotion of a book for an author?  How do you relate to the whole social media revolution?

Social media has made so many opportunities possible for authors, whether they are independent or mainstream.  It’s amazing.  However, there are so many opportunities and ways to promote your books that it can be overwhelming.  How do you choose?  What really works for your specific genre?  There are not enough hours in the day to do everything.  I’m the type of person that asks a lot of questions.  I’ve spoken to other authors, promotional specialists, and publishing companies to try to gain some insight.   

I’ve approached social media with the basics, such as Twitter, Facebook, and blogs with people who love to read and write crime fiction.  I’ve found great connections, increased book sales, and found real friends, which are priceless to me.  Also, I have an active blog that I write about 2-3 articles weekly.  I try to keep things simple and not jump into the newest social media craze until I see what it has to offer and the time it takes. 

What's next for you, are you writing more and if so, can you tell us a little more?

I’m just completing my third Emily Stone novel Dark Mind, which will be available in time for the holidays.  Emily’s next adventure takes her to the island of Kauai hunting a child abductor, but she runs into the island’s first serial killer.  It’s her toughest investigation yet because of the difficult island climate, unprepared police department, and uncooperative local community.  I’ve created this thriller to have several suspects to keep readers guessing too! 

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

 

You can read my review of Dead Game here.