Category: book review

November 16, 2016

Cremelino Prophecy Tour

“Forgotten lines of ancient magic and the power of the throne. One will make them both his own if his heart sees the true power. . . “ So begins the ancient Cremelino Prophecy.

The Path of Destiny, Book One of The Cremelino Propechy

In this new Young Adult/Teen fantasy series, Darius San Williams, son of one of King Edward’s councilors, cares little for his father’s politics and vows to leave the city of Anikari to protect and bring glory to the Realm. But when a new-found and ancient power emerges from within him, he and his friends Christine and Kelln are faced with decisions that could shatter or fulfill the prophecy and the lives of all those they know. Wizards and magic have long been looked down upon in the Realm, but Darius learns that no matter where he goes, prophecy and destiny are waiting to find him. You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

The Path of Decisions, Book Two of the Cremelino Prophecy

In the second book of this young adult/teen fantasy series, Darius San Williams, now the first commander of the King’s Elite Army struggles with his emerging and ancient powers. After winning his first battle against external foes, he must decide now to follow the King or to take matters in his own hands. Back in Anikari Christine wrestles with how to confront oppression against her people, while in Belor, Kelln must escape the clutches of an evil wizard and warn Darius. Mezar, the captured Gildanian quietly watches everything closely and harbors a secret of his own. Each of their decisions will determine the fate and destiny of their friendship and their kingdom. You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

The Path of Peace, Book Three of the Cremelino Prophecy

In the conclusion of this magical Young Adult/Teen fantasy trilogy Darius DarSan Williams, newly crowned King of the Realm, is being pushed and tested on all sides by others vying for power. His best friend Kelln is in Mar trying to find the escaped Preacher and his daughter, while Mezar discovers a plot in Gildan that could tear the Realm apart, and put Christine in danger. All are being watched over and guided by the mysterious Cremelino horses. They hold one final magical secret that could help Darius save those he loves and find the path of peace. You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

My Thoughts

A fantastic young adult series that even adults can enjoy! It is fantasy series full of magic, suspense and adventure. I was drawn right into the story and could not put the series down. The first book gives us the all the background information of the magic of Darius, the disagreements between the different groups of people in the Realm and the rising of the Preacher. The second book is where the story really comes to life, Darius comes into his own and it is so exciting! You can’t stop reading because the suspense and adventure is amazing. So much happens in this novel that you feel as though nothing more can possibly happen but sure enough book three is just as good.

I loved the connection of the magic, the horses and Darius and Christine. It was so exciting! Especially to watch the magic grow in Darius as he learned how to control his magic and what it needs to work. The three books are well written, played out and lead into each other very well. They are incredibly exciting and full of suspense. These are perfect books for young adults but even older adults who love fantasy.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

I was born in California and have lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. I really cannot remember a time when I 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 I just couldn’t put that great book down). Though I have read all sorts of genres I have always been drawn to fantasy. It is my way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women. Other than reading, I 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; I have appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. I also enjoy hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. I have a beautiful wife who has always supported me and three beautiful children who have been the center of my life. I began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in my early adult years. I have worked in corporate finance most of my career. That, along with spending time with my wonderful family and obligations at church have made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as my children have become older I have returned to doing what I truly enjoy – writing!

The Giveaway!

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

November 15, 2016

David Travels to the Past

In David Travels to the Past, David wants to learn more about the past and painting, his teacher finds a way for him to do so!

About David Travels to the Past

David is a young and restless apprentice painter who wants to know everything about painting. His intelligent teacher, the Master Messina, invents a way of transporting David through time to prehistory. They go there looking for the origins of art, but once they are there nothing will be as they thought.

In a second adventure they travel towards the unknown art of Mesopotamia. This time they won’t go alone. The sympathetic and intelligent Angela will travel to the past with them bringing her particular point of view.

My Thoughts

I love art and art history. I can spend hours pouring over books and at the museum taking in the art, its history and the culture of the people who came before us. David Travels to the Past is an excellent comic style book for older children to early teens (I even enjoyed it) as David learns first hand about art history.

David is your typical pre-teen (we don’t really know his age but he reminds me of a pre-teen/teen through his actions and words. He is frustrated with some of his work and his teacher decides to take him back in time to experience first hand the art and culture of the people. In the first part of this book, he learns about cave paintings, hunting and the rituals of their people. In the second part of the book, he travels to Mesopotamia and experiences a whole new set of art, a lion hunt and a new travel companion in the form of his teacher’s niece. Because of the nature of comic strips, they had to pack in a wealth of information in a smaller space but they did an incredible job of it! Not only were we able to learn about art history but we also got to experience David’s struggles and excitement of experiencing this very new world. There are two words that are in the book (hell and damn) which I feel would be okay for an older child especially in the context they are used (‘damn deer’) but I wanted to let you know in case this was something that made you uncomfortable. The book also addresses death in a beautiful way in the pre-historic ages as this was a very real part of their lives. This book is a great addition to your older child’s library that will inspire them to learn more about these important times in our history both in their art and culture.

You can purchase a copy of this book in the US through Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble. In the UK through Amazon and Kindle. In Australia, through Fishpond, Booktopia and Kindle.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author and Illustrator

María José is a teacher. She won international illustrations awards.Gonzalo has a degree in art history. He works in museums and as a tourist guide.

You can connect with them on website, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

The Giveaway

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

November 8, 2016

Trust My Heart Book Review

In Trust My Heart, Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible.

About Trust My Heart

The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant’s fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home.

My Thoughts

It is so incredibly hard to learn to trust and love again once our heart has been broken. We become cautious and not as willing to trust again. New relationships become difficult as we can read the wrong meaning into something innocent as we judge the new person by old standards. This is very true in this story, as Jami was hurt when her Father left her at a very impressionable young age and Grant’s ex-wife left more distrust then good feelings after their divorce.

The story is very real, raw and painful. Sometimes you want to give the two of them a shake and to learn to trust each other, but we also know just how hard that can be. Lucky for these two, they have quite the determined and scheming friend in their small town who is hard at work to ensure these two find happiness.

Trust My Heart is an excellent story of faith, trust, forgiveness and finding peace. The journey to this is difficult and full of hard lessons but we have to face each one in order to be the stronger person we are at the end. I loved every moment of this special book.

You can find more reviews on the Litfuse blog tour page. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special-events decorating company, Carol J. Post’s résumé reads as if she hasn’t yet decided what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love of writing. She started as a child composing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles for religious and children’s publications. Now she pens fun, fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book award and selected as an RT Top Pick. When Carol isn’t writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. She also plays the piano and sings with her music-minister husband. Their two grown daughters and their grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all her nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

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

November 2, 2016

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa

For the first time in my adult life we are going on a vacation this year. Our destination? South Africa! My husband if from Southern Africa and has quite a few family members who live in South Africa so we wanted our boys to meet their family and see where their Dad grew up. We couldn’t wait to open DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to get familiar with all that South Africa has to offer.

About DK Eyewitness Travel Guide South Africa

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa is your in-depth guide to the very best of South Africa. From exploring the Palace of the Lost City to seeing the “Big Five” on safari in Kruger National Park to experiencing the multifaceted culture of a country with 11 official languages, visiting the “Rainbow Nation” is an adventure you will never forget.To help you make the most of your adventure, this guidebook includes a field guide to South Africa’s wildlife and the safari experience with detailed information on safaris, wildlife preserves, and local species.

The guide contains:

Detailed itineraries and “don’t-miss” destination highlights at a glance.
Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights.
Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums.
Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area.
Area maps marked with sights .
Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights.
Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations.

With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa truly shows you this country as no one else can.

My Thoughts

I am so excited to be going on this adventure with my family this year. I am also super nervous. This is the first time we have travelled as a family of four and the first big trip of my adult life. I am also super anxious and need to know everything before hand. When this guide arrived in the mail, I could not wait to pop it open with the kids.

The guide itself is visually stunning with a slightly harder cover and is easy to hold in the palm of your hand. The visuals are bright and have a combination of large, medium and small-sized photographs. The guide is divided by colours and I have to say I am shocked at how many different areas and regions there are. The guide has sections for how to use the guide, discovering South Africa and its history and then divided into areas. Each area looks at the history of the area, main sites to visit, shopping, entertainment and where to eat and drink.

We quickly went to the areas we are visiting and it had us so excited! We looked through the sections of Kruger and Sun City and already began to make plans for our visit in Johannesburg. Thank goodness we have family to help us when we are there. We gave them a few of our must see items from the guide and they are already organizing it for us on their side.

The guide is extremely detailed, thorough and will be an excellent travel company for us. This will definitely be in our carry on baggage for our trip.

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

Rating: 5/5

About DK Eyewitnes Travel Guides

For more than two decades, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides have helped travelers experience the world through the history, art, architecture, and culture of their destinations. Expert travel writers and researchers provide independent editorial advice, recommendations, and reviews. With guidebooks to hundreds of places around the globe available in print and digital formats, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides show travelers how they can discover more.

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

November 1, 2016

The Perfect Tear Book Review

In The Perfect Tear, Eleanor, a timid orphan, has no clue to her real purpose, but she also has no desire to become a subservient old maid, like the miserable nuns she is forced to with.

About The Perfect Tear

Eleanor, a timid orphan, has no clue to her real purpose, but she also has no desire to become a subservient old maid, like the miserable nuns she is forced to with. Eleanor believes Edward, whom she loves, will save her from being forced to take vows. She knows Mother Superior has no intention of letting her leave–her songs are the only thing keeping the grey mist at bay. Her devastation is complete when she discovers Edward is a prince and heir to the throne, but it is the impetus she needs to leave the safety of the abbey and go in search of her long lost father.

She doesn’t get far before discovering her true destiny. With only her instincts to protect her, she must match wits with a powerful being intent on the destruction of her world. If she does not find The Perfect Tear and release its healing power into the land, she will become an accomplice in the destruction of all she loves.

My Thoughts

An imaginative, unique story that leaves you wanting to know more, especially at the end! The Perfect Tear is magical with Eleanor and her connection to Tsera and the Earth, at the heart of our story.

Eleanor was orphaned at a young age but her childhood was very special. She is a special child who carries with her very unique abilities that are in tune to Mother Earth. She doesn’t understand her true purpose but she knows that her heart desires more than just being with the nuns. She is adventurous, fun and kind – just the type of friend anyone could ask for. She meets Edward, the prince and heir to the throne, but doesn’t realize who he is. They forge a strong bond of love and hope. She begins a quest that she understands in her heart but in her mind finds it difficult to comprehend as she has to save the world from destruction. This quest finds her forging new bonds, losing connections and fighting for everything she loves.

While this is going on in the human world, there is an intricate battle being played behind the scenes by Tsera, one of the ancients who designed the humans. This part was a bit harder to follow, especially in the beginning as we were given a lot of information to sort through and understand in order to fully appreciate the novel. But once you understand the history here, the novel makes so much more sense.

This was a unique tale full of surprise, hope and love. I loved every moment of The Perfect Tear and this would be a great book for both young adults through to adults.

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

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Connie Lansberg is a singer/songwriter, scriptwriter and now author with the publication of her first book The Perfect Tear. Connie studied script writing at AFTR and has had songs placed in major Australian TV series. She has just complete an album of songs connected to the book and will be performing these live at her weekly jazz gig in Melbourne.

Connect with her on Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

Book Trailer

The Giveaway

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