Category: iRead tour

March 5, 2018

Walk with Me Review

Everyone sees the world differently and this is my collection of the quirkyness that I call life – Walk with Me.

About Walk with Me

Whenever I’m asked “which is the best camera?” I pretty much respond: “the one you have on you.” In fact, most of the images in this book were taken with my cell phone simply because I always have it with me.

This is not only a book about street photography but a visual diary, or collection of quirky, unusual and sometimes just plain weird photos I’ve taken over the course of the last decade.

As a street photographer, I need to be an assiduous walker. My sneakers often take me to little known, hidden corners, seaweed strewn (and sometimes stinky) beaches and really cool back alleys of my rather small island city of Victoria, BC.

I’ve also included images of curiosities I’ve seen throughout my travels.

Everyone sees the world differently and this is my collection of the quirkyness that I call life.

My Thoughts

I love photography – with a simple photo so many feelings can be expressed. We can guess at the emotion, the weather, the smells and the taste. A great photo draws you in and leaves you imaging exactly what is behind the image.

Debra is an incredible photographer – her images express so much meaning and thought. This book shows photos of the simple every day to the beauty of nature and architecture. You wonder at the meaning behind the expressions of the individuals on the bus and street – where are they going, what are they feeling? The images of the streets – you can almost hear the noise, smell the smells and feel the vibration of energy. Her images come alive in this book.

Walk with Me is a beautiful display of Debra’s travels and the incredible experiences she has had. She captures raw and real moments, moments of laughter, hope and sometimes I feel of sadness. It reminded me to always stop and take in the beauty of each moment, as there is beauty in everything.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, iTunes and Blurb.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

“My dad always carried a camera under the seat of his car and was constantly taking pictures. I think that his example, together with pouring over National Geographic magazines as a child fuelled my curiosity for the world around me.

I am a documentary photographer and street photography is my passion. Some of my images have been chosen by National Geographic as editor’s favourites and are on display in the National Geographic museum in Washington, DC. I also have an off-kilter sense of humour so I’m always looking for the unusual.”

You can connect with her on her website.

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.

February 26, 2018

The Clock Flower Book Review

In The Clock Flower, the three FIGs—Females of Intellectual Genius—as they are called, have graduated from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women after returning from New York City where Dara learned why her mother abandoned her all those years ago, and they are now attending universities where they can further their special talents.

About The Clock Flower

Dara Roux, abandoned when she was seven years old by her mother. Exceptionally gifted in foreign languages. Orphan. Accepted to Yale University.

Mackenzie Yarborough, no record of her parents or where she was born. Exceptionally gifted in math and problem-solving. Orphan. Accepted to MIT.

Jennifer Torres, both parents killed in an automobile accident when she was sixteen. Exceptionally gifted in music and art. Orphan. Accepted to Julliard.

The three FIGs—Females of Intellectual Genius—as they are called, have graduated from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women after returning from New York City where Dara learned why her mother abandoned her all those years ago, and they are now attending universities where they can further their special talents. This means they will be separated from each other and from Carolina, their much-loved mentor and teacher who is “one of them,” for the first time in their young lives. They vow to try living apart for one semester, in the so-called real world that doesn’t include the orphanage; but if things don’t work out, they will come up with another plan—a plan where they can be together once again.

Dara is invited through Yale University to take part in an exciting archeological project in China. Jennifer, once again visualizing black and white images and the unusual sounds of another cadence that seem to be connected to Mackenzie, is engrossed in creating her next symphony at Julliard. Mackenzie, because of her genius at problem-solving, is personally chosen by an US Senator to get involved in a mysterious, secret research project involving immortality that is being conducted in a small village in China—not too far from where Dara is involved with the archeological site. Once there, however, she finds herself facing a terrifying death from the blood-dripping teeth of an ancient evil dragon. Her best friends, the FIGs and Carolina, rely on their own unique genius and special talents to save her as she discovers the truth of her birth parents.

My Thoughts

I loved the first two books in this series based on three incredible young women and this part did not disappoint.

The FIGS are three special young women who are gifted in different areas – math, languages and the arts. They are also all orphaned and have been guided by Carolina, a special woman in her own right.

This book focuses on Mackenzie, who has been gifted in math. She does not know who her parents are or even where to start but in this book we learn quite a bit more. The girls head off to university and this is where Mackenzie has her first contact with her birth family, without realizing it. She also becomes tangled in an evil plot that could see her death. This book was very exciting although a tad bit too quick, I would have loved to have learned a little bit more about Mackenzie’s background. I find her to be the quieter one in the series and it was nice to see her come to life, be the center of attention and find her roots.

This was an excellent book from start to finish, with a growing anticipation throughout the novel to find out the ending which keeps you reading throughout the night.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Barbara Casey is the author of several award-winning novels for both adults and young adults, as well as book-length works of nonfiction true crime and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. Her nonfiction true crime book, Kathryn Kelly: The Moll Behind Machine Gun Kelly, has been optioned for a major film and television series. In addition to her own writing, she is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Agency. Established in 1995, she represents authors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. Barbara is also a partner in Strategic Media Books Publishing, an independent publishing house that specializes in cutting-edge adult nonfiction. Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with her husband, and three dogs who adopted her: Benton, a hound-mix; Fitz, a miniature dachshund; and Gert, a Jack Russel terrier of sorts.

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.

February 12, 2018

The Good Man Book Review

Who is The Good Man in a world where an enemy may be a friend, an ally may be the enemy, and governments deny everything?

About The Good Man

In 1948, Vienna was divided among four powers: France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Jack Marshall had served with Walker during the war, and now, working together for The Company, they are tasked to do the inconceivable. Could former Nazis really be recruited to assist the U.S. in the atomic race? As their team moves forward, they quickly discover they are not the only ones looking for these men. And the others in the search may just have the objective of murder.

In this tale of historical noir, of corruption and deceit, no one is who they say they are. Who is The Good Man in a world where an enemy may be a friend, an ally may be the enemy, and governments deny everything?

My Thoughts

Friends, enemies, spies, deceit all in the backdrop of post World War II Vienna – The Good Man has it all and more.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this novel. I could not put it down. The plot itself was completely unique and was not what I was expecting at all. The novel is set in post World War II Vienna, where the effects of the war can still be seen in both the people and the architecture. It is here that two war veterans come together again with a task that many of us could not understand. In a race against the Russians, the Americans are looking for information from former Nazis. The only problem? They are not the only ones who are looking for these former Nazi members and the others looking for them have a more deadly agenda on their mind – revenge and murder.

Into this is thrown an alluring analyst, a young girl who has seen far more than she should have ever seen and a missing coin that is highly valued. Who can you trust when everywhere you turn you find lies and death? How do you even keep yourself alive amidst the corruption and torture?

This novel was laid out in an exciting manner with the plot ever-expanding and changing. Just when we think we know what is going to happen next, Gabriel throws in quite the twist (and maybe even a murder!). I learned a lot from this novel and did some of my own research afterwards, I find that this is the mark of a great novel – making you think and crave for more. It is well written and thought out, Gabriel puts his all in his work and this is definitely one of his best novels so far. Historical, suspense and all readers alike will love this novel.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5+/5

About the Author

Gabriel Valjan is the author of The Roma Series from Winter Goose Publishing. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts, where he enjoys the local restaurants, and his two cats, Squeak and Squawk, keep him honest to the story on the screen.

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.

February 6, 2018

SNAP! Change Your Personality in 30 Days Spotlight Tour

In SNAP! Change Your Personality in 30 Days, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Small’s breakthrough plan to improve your personality for a better life!

About SNAP! Change Your Personality in 30 Days

Experts in psychiatry and psychology have long believed that our personalities are essentially set from early childhood and remain consistent throughout life. However, the latest scientific research contradicts this long-held assumption. New compelling evidence indicates that we can change our personalities – either on our own, with the help of a therapist, or a combination of the two – and meaningful personality change can be achieved in a snap! – as quickly as 30 days. These groundbreaking findings have shattered the false belief that we are locked into our negative personality traits – no matter how much they hinder our potential happiness and success.

As you read SNAP! you will gain a better understanding of who you are now, how others see you, and which aspects of yourself you’d like to change. You will acquire the tools you need to change your personality in just one month – it won’t take years of psychotherapy, self-exploration or re-hashing every single bad thing that’s ever happened to you. If you are committed to change, this book will provide a roadmap to achieving your goals and becoming a better you.

From New York Times bestselling author, head of the UCLA Longevity Center, and expert in neuroscience and human behavior, Dr. Gary Small, a practical look at the key components of personality development and tools and techniques for bringing the positive aspects of your personality to the forefront so you can become more successful, attractive, happier, and psychologically healthier.

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

About the Authors

Dr. Gary Small, (Los Angeles, CA) is a professor of psychiatry and director of the UCLA Longevity Center* at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior. His research, supported by the NIH, has made headlines in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Scientific American magazine named him one of the world’s leading innovators in science and technology. Dr. Small lectures internationally and frequently appears on the Today show, Good Morning America, PBS, and CNN. He has written six books, including the New York Times best seller, The Memory Bible.

Gigi Vorgan (Los Angeles, CA) has written, produced, and appeared in numerous feature films and television projects before teaming up with her husband, Dr. Gary Small, to co-write The Memory Bible, The Memory Prescription,The Longevity Bible, iBrain, The Other Side of the Couch, and The Alzheimer’s Prevention Program. She lives in Los Angeles with Dr. Small and their two children.

The Giveaway!

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Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour. I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 5, 2018

Tribal Affairs Spotlight Tour

In Tribal Affairs, Dahlia, a centuries old genie, lies hopelessly trapped in a damaged golden locket charm attached to an ankle bracelet. When Liana wears it for the first time, strange things begin to happen.

About Tribal Affairs

Dahlia, a centuries old genie, lies hopelessly trapped in a damaged golden locket charm attached to an ankle bracelet. Its owner, sixteen-year-old Liana, wears it for the first time during her father Jamison’s opening night illusion spectacular. Not only does its presence cause Jamison to folly his performance, but it also starts a chain of bizarre events that lead to a showdown with Dahlia’s mortal enemy, Stefan, and an unsuspecting romance between Liana and his son.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Matt Dallmann has a background in acting and holds a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. His films and screenplays have been featured at film festivals across the United States including Cinequest, Big Apple Film Festival, Seattle’s True Independent Film Festival, DragonCon and Zero Independent Film Festival. His piano compositions have been published for commercial use and he is a member of ASCAP. Matt is also the Co-Founder and Vice President of the boutique medical billing firm VGA Billing Services, Inc. in New York City. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.

You can connect with Matt on his website and Pinterest.

The Giveaway!

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Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour post, I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.