Monday, February 29, 2016

Out of the Blue: True-Life Experiences of Awakening, Revelation, and Transformation by Mary Terhune

Mary Terhune has graciously allowed the public to learn about her own spiritual awakening. Mind you, it is much more than a spiritual awakening. Usually books of this type begin with a near death experience but this one is refreshingly different. To be honest, I almost put my book down because of her first vision of Jesus but I read on and am so glad that I did continue. One thing I did gather from this book is that everyone's spiritual journey/awakening will be deeply personal to them but the end result will be the same. Everyone's path to enlightenment is different. It cannot have been easy for Mary Terhune to write this book as it details some things that other people may never be able to talk about but she seems to have gained such a peace of mind and spirit that it was important for her to share her experiences.  I was particularly intrigued by her journey in preventive and curative medicine. There is so much division and sadness not only in the world today but also on a personal level. I think books of this type may appeal to some people but not others. It will depend on if they are ready to consider the possibility Ms Terhune tries to share. If it can help even one person who is in personal turmoil to understand what she is saying then it will be a wonderful thing. I am hoping that she has plans for future books to expand on some topics she discussed in this one. I want to thank Hay House for allowing me to read this wonderful book (via Netgalley) for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Three out of Five Stars

Friday, February 26, 2016

What Really Happens When You Die?: Cosmology, time and you by Andrew McLauchlin

One of the questions that seems to be relevant and so universal to us all as well is what happens when we die and there are countless books that try to answer this mystery. What Really Happens When You Die: Cosmology, Time, and You by Andrew McLauchlin is a refreshing new take on this question because it is not written by anyone involved with the paranormal (eg psychics, mediums) or philosophers and near death experiences but is written by someone who actually has a background in physics and developed a theory using the renowned Stephen Hawking's own work in physics "A Brief History of Time". He makes a very compelling argument using the most current and up to date knowledge we have in physics and cosmology right now. It makes for a very compelling read and I am very curious as to what other physicists will think of this theory and the book itself. I really recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this age old question and would like to think about it from a new angle.
I received a copy of this book from Arcturus Digital (thank you so much!) via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

Five out of Five Stars

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Hunting Monsters: Cryptozoology and the Reality Behind the Myths by Darren Naish

I have always been fascinated by cryptozoology and have read many books which either promote a belief in them or a belief completely against them. This book is refreshing as it discusses the history of many types of cryptids and the mythology behind them. The book is very well researched and it is very interesting to note how the popularity of certain cryptids seem to change over time and how there seems to be a definite time when some cryptids seem to start to appear and others to disappear. Highly recommended for anyone interested in cryptozoology.

Five out of Five Stars

Friday, February 19, 2016

The Haunting of Melmerby Manor by David W. Robinson

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel which I received for free from the publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I had assumed that it would be a good old fashioned ghost story but it is oh so much more. I really don't know what category fits "The Haunting of Melmerby Manor" at all. Yes, there are ghosts and a haunting but there is also a murder to be solved, stolen pirate video discs, and a caustic dry humor which I enjoyed very much. Judging from the reviews I read before I started reading this book it seems that this is one of those books you either love or hate. It just so happens that I am the former.
A paranormal investigator named Lady Concepta Rand-Epping otherwise known as Sceptre and her two friends, Pete and Kevin investigate a haunted manor house but a routine "lock-down" (think Ghost Adventures) turns out to be more than they expected when they find a dead body on the property. Aided by her ghostly butler Fishwick who died in WWI during the Battle of the Somme trying to protect and serve her great grandfather, Sceptre and her friends try to solve the mystery of Melmerby Manor.
I really enjoyed the banter between Sceptre who is a psychic and Pete who is definitely a skeptic. No matter what evidence she finds, Pete always finds a way to debunk her evidence. Kevin is hilarious as well with his bluffing and his weapon of choice when threatened. I also like how both sides of the paranormal question are addressed as well. I think it is a wonderful start to a new series and I am looking forward to book two very much. 


Four out of Five Stars

Monday, February 15, 2016

The Doorkeepers by Graham Masterton

This book started with a bang and didn't let up until the very last page. Graham Masterton has a way of writing that keeps you hooked. 
Josh receives the worst possible news that anyone can receive. His sister, Julia has been missing for almost a year and then her mutilated body is found in the Thames. She is far from the first victim of a suspected serial killer but the police are no closer to finding the perpetrator. Josh decides to fly to England to investigate on his own and what he discovers will shake the foundation of everything he has ever known about the world.
I was literally fascinated by the ideas that Graham Masterton put forward in this book and I found it a very interesting and entertaining read. It delves into not only sheer horror but there is a hint of science fiction speculation as well.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

Four out of Five Stars

Hat by Paul Hoppe

My son who is 7 actually recommended that I read and review this book. Apparently, he really enjoyed it.
A boy finds a hat on a bench and he imagines all kinds of uses for it until his mother gently suggests that perhaps someone else might need the hat more than he does. The story is sweet and cute and I like the idea of thinking of others before yourself.

Three out of Five Stars

Sunday, February 14, 2016

What Lies Between by Charlena Miller

I have to be honest. When I first started this novel I thought it was going to be a plain romance and wondered how on earth I would get through it. The story was definitely not I expected but more about that later on.
Nothing has ever been easy for Ellie Jameson and she has had to learn the hard way that the only one you can rely on is yourself. Then a letter arrives informing Ellie about an unexpected inheritance in faraway Scotland. She decides to leave America behind and see what awaits her on the Glenbroch Estate. Yes, there is a romance with a absolutely perfect Scot but there is also a lot of intrigue and mystery as Ellie tries to get Glenbroch up and running.
Now I will explain what I meant when I said the story was not what I expected. This would have been typical romance with intrigue in a foreign land except for one important fact. Charlena Miller's description of Scotland and it's people is so very lush and detailed that you feel as if you are there with Ellie. That isn't surprising since I understand that the author did in fact visit Scotland but it takes talent to be able to describe it in such detail. I always wanted to visit Scotland and now with "What Lies Between" by Charlena Miller I really want to go there. Highly recommended. I received a copy of this book from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

Four out of Five Stars

Thursday, February 11, 2016

The Horrible, Miserable Middle Ages: The Disgusting Details about Life During Medieval Times by Kathy Allen

I actually picked up this book for my 7 year old son as he is currently interested in "history". I decided to also take a look as I have always been fascinated by the middle ages. This is actually a well researched and full of gory facts that will appeal to any young child who is interested in those times.

Four out of Five Stars

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

T. Rex and the Mother's Day Hug by Lois G. Grambling

My five year old son Sammy (who can read very well) actually picked this book out and I thought I would take a quick look.
It is so gosh darn cute!
The little T. Rex tries to think of how to show his mother that he loves her for Mother's Day and doesn't understand her little hint that the best gift is a hug. Instead, this little guy tries to impress his mother but creates absolute havoc with his gifts. His latest "gift" is hilarious and mortifying.
Thankfully, mama rex can see the love behind the gesture and little T. Rex finally understands that the best gift any child can give his/her mom IS a hug for Mother's Day.
I really connected with this book because my little Sammy is very curious and does create havoc all the time. I also completely agree (and always tell my kids) that the best gift they can give me is a hug and I love you. Definitely see if you can find this one to read to your little one for Mother's Day.

Four out of Five Stars

Things We Fear by Glenn Rolfe

This is the second book I have read by Glenn Rolfe and I found it a fast but interesting read. The terror is more subtle than the previous book (Blood and Rain-very bloody and gory and highly recommended) I read but I ended up staying up late because I did not want to put it down.
Aaron and Emily are elementary school teachers who keep their mutual attraction under wraps until school lets out for the summer. Their plan to find out where their romance will go is overshadowed by someone who is also obsessed with Emily and will go to the extreme to "win" her affections.
I don't like to give anything away in my reviews so I don't spoil it for other people but I will say I was taken aback by the ending. It did not disappoint me as sometimes life doesn't turn out the way you expected it to.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher (thank you!) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Four out of Five Stars

Monday, February 8, 2016

Dastardly Bastard by Edward Lorn

Having recently read and enjoyed "Life After Dane" by Edward Lorn, I quickly requested to read and review another of his books. I was definitely not disappointed. In fact, I was drawn in from the first page and devoured the book at night.
A group of diverse people decide to go on a guided tour of Waverly Chasm for various reasons. Little do they know that they are going to have to face their darkest fears in order to escape the horror of Waverly Chasm. 
Edward Lorn does not throw any punches. He does not slowly introduce the characters and develop the plot but tosses you right in the middle of it from the beginning which is not easy to do but he accomplishes it. The amazing thing is that nothing is lost in the quick start to the book. The characters are explained and well developed as is what these people are facing on this horrific tour.

Four out of Five Stars

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Seven Modern Plagues: and How We Are Causing Them by Mark Jerome Walters

I have always been interested in infectious disease, how they affected human history, and most importantly the threats we are facing today.
The author chose seven modern plagues but could have chosen so many more. I really found the book to be well researched and very informative as well as very well written for readers. It would be a great introduction to those who are unfamiliar with diseases but who want to learn a bit. A few years ago, I read about prion disease in detail and was very impressed with how accurate Mark Jerome Walters was on the topic. It was obvious he did much research and made sure it was accurate and up to date. It really is a must read and a wake up call for all of us. He repeatedly makes the connection that many of these diseases have been caused by our own human behavior whether it be changing the climate or the way we interact with animals or cultivating the land. I really recommend it to anyone who wants to know how and why these diseases are coming to light and why there is a very real threat of a coming plague. I received a copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

Four out of Five Stars

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Reclaimed (Fire and Ice #1) by Kim Faulks

Natalie Sommers is an armed bodyguard. She has completed two tours in Afghanistan with the Australian Army and carries five different weapon licenses. To say she is a tough, no-nonsense woman, is an understatement. But underneath the tough exterior that she shows, lies the truth that she won’t admit - that she is lonely. 

So when she is hired to escort the rich and gorgeous Alexander Ash around the dazzling backdrop of Sydney she can’t help but become seduced by his fixation of her. 

But it is no accident that Alexander has walked into her life, as he has met her, loved her and fought for her before. 

Alexander Ash has sworn he would love her forever, even if it means searching for all eternity…and eternity is a long time for a vampire. 

The Fire and Ice Series is a tale of undying passion and love as Natalie is torn between two immortals that hold a secret so deadly that it will tear her world apart.

Three out of Five Stars