Author: cvegnad

March 20, 2018

An Unbidden Visitor Audiobook Review

An Unbidden Visitor is a tale of family, friends, and fear.

About An Unbidden Visitor

March 1913: Struggling to make ends meet, widow Bridget Murphy finds life in rural Ireland difficult, raising six children while farming her small acreage. With the help of neighbors and friends, Bridget is able to cope with the many arduous tasks and chores required of her.

When an unnatural and terrifying force invades their house, threatening their family, Bridget is surprised to see so many backs turning on her. Fearing for themselves, those she once counted on for help and support will not risk their safety for her. Father Smyth, their priest, is the only one who stands alongside their family in the battle against the uninvited and fearsome poltergeist. But, prayers alone won’t run the farm. Will Bridget find a way to save her home and her family before there’s nowhere left to turn?

My Thoughts

I have always loved the paranormal, as a teenager I would devour books about history and legends. This was one of the first things that attracted me to this audiobook, not to mention the beautiful setting! I couldn’t wait to start listening to this short story that drew me in with its setting and plot.

I was initially shocked at the length of the audiobook (around thirty minutes) but it makes sense for a short story. Dianne packs a lot into that time and left me craving for more. Bridget is an amazing and strong women doing the impossible – raising six children on a farm alone after her husband dies. When a spirit enters her home, it is almost too much to handle.

When she looks for help, she finds she is all alone. Friends turn their back on her in fear. This is one of things that I loved learning about as a teen, the superstitions and beliefs behind the paranormal especially during these time periods.

I loved the build up of this book, the narration was excellent and helped to set the mood of the book. For such a short book, it is packed full of history, faith, paranormal and great character development. I would love to have more! I think the characters would make for a great story especially with this background.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and Audible.

Rating: 4/5

Audio Excerpt

About the Author

Dianne Ascroft writes historical and contemporary fiction, often with an Irish connection. Her writing includes a ghost tale inspired by the famous Northern Irish legend of the Coonian ghost, An Unbidden Visitor; a short story collection, Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves, and a historical novel, Hitler and Mars Bars.

Her series The Yankee Years is a collection of Short Reads and novels set in World War II Northern Ireland. After the Allied troops arrived in this outlying part of Great Britain, life there would never be the same again. The series strives to bring those heady, fleeting years to life again, in thrilling and romantic tales of the era.

Dianne lives on a small farm, in Northern Ireland, with her husband and an assortment of strong-willed animals. When she’s not writing, she enjoys walks in the countryside, evenings in front of her open fireplace and folk and traditional music.

About the Narrator

Elizabeth Klett spends her days teaching English literature at a university in Houston, TX, and reading Dr. Seuss to her daughter. She has also been a professional audiobook narrator since 2011, with over 100 titles available at Audible and elsewhere. She has performed in a variety of dramatic projects, reading roles ranging from Lady Macbeth to Antigone to Juliet. She can also be heard voicing various characters in audio dramas at The Online Stage, and reading poetry at Rhapsodize Audio. Her audio narration and voice-over clients include: ACX, Audible, Findaway Voices, Duple Media, Essential Audiobooks and Listen2aBook.

The Giveaway!

An Unbidden Visitor Giveaway: Book & Bookmark

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

March 19, 2018

TruthSpell Book Two in The TruthSeer Archives

In TruthSpell, what if every lie you heard caused you pain?

About TruthSpell

Thrust into the role of saving the stones of power, Shaeleen is still learning how to manage the magical abilities she has been given. As the holder of a TruthStone, every lie she hears or tells causes her immense physical pain.

Sent to find Princess Diamonique to prevent a civil war, Shaeleen travels with her brother, Wizard Protector Cole, and her friend, Orin. But her journey veers off course when she discovers an evil shadow power threatening the magic of Wayland.

As Shaeleen gathers the other stones of power, she discovers a TruthSpell that can force others to tell the truth and do her bidding. Will this help her save Wayland’s magic? Or will she become a monster worse than the one she is fighting against

My Thoughts

The exciting story of Shaeleen and the power of the stones continues in book two, Truth Spell.

In book one, Shaeleen was given what some might view as a special gift and others a curse, the Truth Stone – which gives her great powers to know the truth but also gives her physical pain when someone around her lies. For a young girl in her teens, this is at times almost too much responsibility but she carries it with grace, humour and sensitivity. In book two, we get to see much more of her personality and watch her grow in confidence, maturity and compassion. I love her character and Mike throws in great moments of humour with her love of sweets.

Shaeleen struggles a bit more with the powers she has been entrusted with. She found at times that they would take over her especially as she adds more power stones to the Truth stone. She has to learn not only how to control the stones but also how to control her own emotions and the way the stones can take over her with their power. She doesn’t want to become one of the people that she is fighting against. We learn a lot more about the Shadow stones and the plot that was building in book one. Shaeleen must learn quick in order to fight back against the shadow.

This was an excellent second book in this exciting series. The plot really takes off in this installment leaving you craving for more in book three! I loved every moment and can’t wait to read book three.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn’t reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn’t put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.

Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.

Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys – writing!

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

March 19, 2018

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream Book Review

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream vividly recounts the journey of an African-American woman from rural, segregated Mississippi through academia, corporate America, and politics. It is the story of how she triumphed even when, more often than not, the ugly realities of racism and sexism tried to deter her.

About From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream

This book tells the broader story, too, of how her life epitomizes what the Civil Rights Act and Equal Rights Amendment have meant and have not meant for blacks and women as she has lived through their maturation during the last 50 years. What better time than now to examine how these two seminal and defining events played out in the life of an ordinary African-American woman who believed in all of America s promises?

What better moment than today to look deeply at the life of a woman who prepared herself and worked tirelessly to achieve her goals only to realize that many lay beyond her reach and that of most women and most blacks. From Liberty to Magnolia shows readers, especially aspiring women and minorities with whom her story will have special resonance how to navigate and ultimately embrace the challenges at every major crossroads and be triumphant.

A Discussion Guide is included for use by book clubs, classes, and group discussions.

My Thoughts

This is an incredible, powerful and moving book written by an inspiring woman. Dr. Ellis has a powerful way with words that draws you into her story, her life, her hopes and her fears. You can’t stop reading her story as she is so many of us. She is honest and her story is raw and heartfelt. She shares many intimate details that must have been hard for her but it empowers women to speak up and out against the same treatment towards themselves.

As a woman, you can connect immediately with her story. We are constantly struggling to make it in the world, always giving more of ourselves and pushing ourselves harder than our male counterparts to prove our worth. You may have felt gender discrimination yourself at some point in your life or you may have felt gender stereotyping. I know for myself having someone tell me what a woman should do or behave like, instantly makes me want to prove them wrong and I have had this instinct in me since a child. She shares so many intimate details from her life, from domestic abuse to emotional abuse in postgraduate education.

She shares an honest and open view of growing up black. Reading her story of being black, the treatment she received (and her family and those around her) is eye opening and shocking. We are talking the 60s, 70s, 80s and more recently. We clearly as a human race have a long way to go in acceptance and understanding. Even though she was treated unfairly many times due to her race and gender, she never let this turn to hate. She could have harboured a lot of anger but instead she fought to change perceptions and build understanding.

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream is a powerful and honest book that empowers and builds understanding. You can find yourselves in many moments of Dr. Ellis’ life and when things feel hopeless she gives you courage. This book should be a mandatory read for all young adults (and adults).

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Janice Ellis, Ph.D, has been an executive throughout her career, first in government, then in a large pharmaceutical company, later as President and CEO of her own marketing firm, and finally as President and CEO of a bi-state non-profit child advocacy agency. Along with those positions, she has been writing columns for four decades on race, politics, education, and other social issues. They have appeared in a major metropolitan daily newspaper, The Kansas City Star; a major metropolitan business journal, The Milwaukee Business Journal; and for community newspapers The Milwaukee Courier, The Kansas City Globe, and The Kansas City Call. She began her career writing and delivering radio commentary for two years for one of the largest ABC radio affiliates in Wisconsin. Later in her career she wrote and delivered a two-minute spot on the two largest Arbitron-rated radio stations in the Greater Kansas City area. She has also written for several national trade publications, focusing on healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Ellis published an online magazine, USAonRace.com, for seven years dedicated to increasing understanding across race and ethnicity, in which she analyzed race and equality issues in America. The website continues to attract thousands of visitors per year. The site also has a vibrant Facebook page with fans numbering in the thousands. Five years ago, Dr. Ellis launched a companion site, RaceReport.com, which aggregates news about race relations, racism, and discrimination from across the United States and around the world daily. Dr. Ellis also has her own website, JaniceSEllis.com, which houses a collection of her writings and where she continues to write about race inequality, gender inequality, politics, education, and other issues related to the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Janice Ellis, a native daughter of Mississippi, grew up and came of age during the height of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. Born and reared on a small cotton farm, she was influenced by two converging forces that would set the course of her life. The first was the fear and terror felt by blacks because of their seeking to exercise the right to vote along with other rights and privileges afforded to whites. The second was her love of books, the power of words, and her exposure to renowned columnists, Eric Sevareid and Walter Lippmann, whose work solidified her belief that the wise use of words is what advances the good society.

Janice Ellis became determined to take a stand, and not accept and allow the conditions of that farm life, or the strictures of oppressive racial segregation and entrenched sexism limit what she could become. She became determined to use whatever talents God had blessed her with and the power of words to help improve the human condition. FROM LIBERTY TO MAGNOLIA is her first book.

You can connect with Janice on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

March 14, 2018

Small but Mighty: The MYNT ES Tracker

Life can feel like a whirlwind at times. We are constantly on the go, pressured to do more and more at home, work and in our precious moments of free time. Our minds are constantly full of to do lists and thinking about the next item or place to go that it can be easy to misplace or lose items.

Hands up if you have ever misplaced something in the house, car or office? Do you remember the sheer frustration and hopelessness that comes with that? I know that I do.

When I have too much on my mind and I lose something as simple as my keys in the house, it can bring me to tears. But what if you could prevent the emotional upheaval from ever happening?

The MYNT ES tracker ensures that you will never have these moments again. Known as the “compass for finding things”, this small but powerful tracker easily attaches to any item that you want to keep safe and tracks its whereabouts at all times (from keys to a laptop to even your car’s parking spot).

The tracker is about the size of a typical loyalty reward card that attaches to your keys and not much heavier making it easy to attach to any item and carry around with you anywhere. We loved the sleek design of this tracker as it wasn’t obvious, heavy or distracts from the item it is on. The tracker has the MYNT logo on it, which we thought made it look really sharp – almost like Superman’s cape.

Key Features of the MYNT ES Tracker:

higher ring volume than previous models (80dB)
battery life of up to 12 months and uses a replaceable battery
connects to MYNT app (which is free to download and use)
small and sleek design
remote controller and camera shutter features
compatible with iOS 8.0 and above, iPhone 4S, 5C, 5, 5S, 6, 6 PLUS and iPod touch 5, iPad mini and newer devices. Android 4.4.4 with Bluetooth 4.0 and later.

One of the best features (besides its sleek design) is the connection to the MYNT app on your cell phone. The set up is incredibly simple and connects within seconds. This app allows you the power to connect with your personal items that you have attached the tracker to at any time with the push of a button on your phone. It also works both ways if you lose your phone – use the tracker to find your phone, a win -win situation.

Ready to stop the frustration and worry that comes from losing items?

If you want to take control of your life and be preventive, you can now purchase a MYNT ES on Amazon or learn more about the product on their website.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

March 14, 2018

Make March Gooey with The Slime Book #DKMakerMarch

Over 30 gloopy, gooey, colourful slime recipes will mesmerise youngsters by showing them how to make and have fun with slime in The Slime Book.

About The Slime Book

Play, poke, push, pull, and pop awesome easy-to-follow slime recipes, all of which use inexpensive, accessible, and safe everyday products that can be found in your home. Create Monster Slime with googly eyes, prepare for an eruption with Volcanic Slime and tuck in to some yummy edible chocolate slime – all of this and more!

All projects in The Slime Book are shown with clear step-by-step images and a vibrant final image of the slimy creations. Learn the science behind these slime creations with amazing fact boxes and carry on the fun with recipe variations. The latest addictive kids’ activity, making your own slime is the ultimate sticky and squidgy fun – are you ready to create slime? Then get goo-ing!

Our Thoughts

March is one of those funny months where it is wet, cold and dreary outside most of the month. Most days are spent inside because of the wet weather. While this is great for our gardens, for parents this can be a nightmare! We need to be armed with loads of activities and crafts to keep our children busy and occupied.

One great solution? Get slimey with The Slime Book!

Kids love slime and I think if parents got over the mess it can make and be honest, we love it too. The feeling of the slime as it passes over your hands (sometimes it just grosses me out) and the feeling of wanting to get someone with your slime (watch out kids) can be the best feelings ever! How can you not fall in love with the gooey greatness of slime?

The Slime Book has an amazing selection of slime recipes using everyday items in your home (baking soda, glue, etc). The recipes were very easy to follow and had large, bold pictures to accompany them. Each slime recipe was easy for us to do together and for the kids to mix up on their own. They all had a rating from easy to hard which helped us to identify which ones would be easier for them to complete on their own and which ones would need a bit more supervision. They had some really unique ideas on how to make your slime pop (sparkles, pom poms, etc.) which I have never seen before or would have thought possible. The mess was minimal and well worth the joy on their faces!

With enough recipes to keep both your child and you occupied throughout the whole month, The Slime Book is a definite must have item this March. You can purchase your own copy of The Slime Book on DK Canada.

What do you plan on making this March?

Disclosure: I received the above book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.