THE ALIAS - A new book by Mandi Tucker Slack

by Cindy R. Williams

I found The Alias fascinating. Not only did the plot take you on a roller coater ride with some pretty high loops but you really came to know the characters. Most of them were extremely likable and those that were meant to be the bad guys were very bad. The kind that you really want them to get what is coming to them.

The lead character, Jacey was pleasant, hard working, kind, trusting, and as decent as could possibly be, which made her perfect as the target for a no-good, bad mob guy with narcissistic tendencies with a propensity to abuse. Readers will applaud her strength and her deep searching inner resolve as she faces her life head on and takes matters in her own hands in order to create a world that is safe for she and her innocent son.

The book is well written. The descriptions, settings and scenes seem real. One can picture being in the room as the action unfolds.

The mother, Jacey, often called her nine year old son, and her friend good friend, Melissa, "babe."  This seemed a bit odd. If I called any of my sons "babe," especially in front of any other human being, they would be mortified. I'm not too sure that many girls that are friends refer to each other as "babe."

Now, "babe" aside, the book was a page turner.  The topic of wife abuse is serious, and yes, it was treated as such throughout the book. I appreciate how the main character realized she needed time to tackle much of what she had been through before she began a new relationship. This makes her a good, strong example of healing and growing and learning that each of us has the right to respect and even love.

This is one book that you will definitely cheer for the good guys and wish you could get your two cents in where the bad guys are concerned.

I look forward to reading more novels by Mandi Tucker Slack. In fact, her next book, TIDE EVER RISING, is on my reading list right now.

Links to everything Mandi Tucker Slack and her books:

Mandi's website

The Alias - You Tube Link

To get your own copy of THE ALIAS, click here.

Here is a preview of Mandi Tucker Slacks next book,

TIDE EVER RISING.

Be one of the first to get your copy of TIDE EVER RISING - click here

Kadence Reynold’s favorite pastime is exploring old ghost towns, but when she and her sister, Maysha, stumble across an old journal and cheap pendant hidden in the depths of a crumbling foundation near Eureka, Utah, their world is suddenly turned upside down. Immediately, strange dreams and premonitions begin to haunt “Kadie” as she learns more about the author of the journal, Charlotte Clark. Kadie sets out on a journey to learn more about Charlotte and her family, and she and Maysha travel to Bremerton, Washington, where they discover Charlotte's still living twin sister, Adelaide and her family.

Kadie and Maysha, upon arriving in Washington, are immediately immersed in Adelaide and Charlotte’s story. Kadie soon learns that Charlotte disappeared the night of a tragic fire that took the lives of Adelaide’s entire family. With the help of Logan Mathews, Adelaide’s handsome grandson, and Charlotte’s ever disconcerting presence, Kadie delves into the past. Hoping to solve the mystery of Charlotte’s disappearance, Kadie immediately discovers the secrets contained in the journal will toss her and Adelaide’s family into a world filled with mystery, past regrets, and dark unknowns.

MandiTucker Slack - Author of Romantic Suspense:  The Alias,  Tide Ever Rising

http://www.mandituckerslack.com

http://mudrockandpinknailpolish.blogspot.com/

Shinar 54 by D. Corey Sanders

by Cindy R. Williams

I met Corey Sanders, the author of Shinar 54, at a book signing in Thatcher, AZ this past Spring.  Sitting across from him, I saw a quiet and thoughtful man with a ready smile. Sanders wears many hats. He serves as a Judge and a Stake President. As I asked him about his book, he became animated as he described the Shinar society. Our visit was fascinating. I expected the book to be full of surprises, much like the man. I was not disapointed. Shinar 54 has many story strings, each intertwining and bringing intrigue to the fabric of the book.

Here's the back of the book blurb:
Jona MaCracken is a broken ex-Marine with PTSD and a host of other personal issues. He stumbles upon a website promising relief from all his ills. The only catch is that he must immigrate to Shinar 54, a Utopian city in the Nevada desert to obtain the wonder cure and to meet Lisa, his enchanting recruiter.

Shinar is the enclosed haven for millions of people who have overcome sickness and pain. The outside world believes Shinar is a powerful and dangerous doomsday cult. Shinar prepares its people for the next life with a singularity of purpose that impoverishes the United States and sets the two nations on a collision course. As the political and economic tensions ratchet up, the world spirals down into an epidemic of fear, bigotry, and propaganda. World war is imminent. Jona and Lisa find themselves in the middle of it.

Marco Frano, Jona's friend and confidant is on his own mission to rescue his younger sister,(Keniesha) from certain death. Can he do it through intrigue and alliances?

Set in the not-too-distant future, Shinar 54 is a story of conflict between good and evil, truth and lies, and the clash of opposing values. Ultimately, it is a tale of renewal, redemption and reconciliation.

How to categorize this book? A book review of Shinar 54 on Smashwords labeled it: mystical, fantasy, apocalypse, cult, dystopia, allegorical, truth, utopia, allegory, apocalyptic, end of the world, good vs evil, escape, conservatism, liberalism, moderate, yin yang, political ideology. Like I said, the book is many things.

Shinar 54 is available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

PROMISES by Carolyn Twede Frank

Cindy R. Williams

Here's the back of the book blurb:

Hattie is barely twelve when her pa's "business adventures" move her family to the new town of Tropic, Utah. Her pa views the town as opportunity. Hattie is hopelessly shy and views it wit apprehension. More than anything else, Hattie wants to be like her father---note afraid of meeting new people, talking to strangers, and sanding up for herself. So it is with trepidation that she accepts her pa's challenge and promises to make new friends.

Hattie forms more promises as she struggles to make friends, finding companionship in places she wouldn't have expected and learning that there is a difference between complaining and standing up for one's self.

Promises is a heart-warming story of friendship with a touch of mystery and adventure set in the days before Bryce Canyon became a national park. Drawn from the memoirs of early Utah settlers, it is a realistic glimpse into the past and a delightful story for readers ages eight to eighty.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book at first look. It seemed like this little Hattie girl was going to be a little whimp. However, I knew it would be interesting to take a peek into what the Bryce Canyon area was like back in the settlement days so I gave it a go.

I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked Hattie. What a charming character. It was fun to see her grow and learn to speak up for herself. Sometimes I wanted to get after the villain on Hattie's behalf--you know how the mothering instinct thing kicks in when you see someone picked on--but alas, I had to sit back and mind my own business and read the book.

Frank does a nice job in her descriptions of the area. I would love to explore the cave she writes about. If the cave is really there, it sounds like it would be one of those town secrets that only the residents know about.

It was interesting to get a glimpse into the LDS Church at that long ago time. The members had the same problems that are dealt with today, just with a different twist.

Promises is another fun summer read.

PROMISES is pulished by August Corp Press, Kaysville Utah.
Visit Frank at  http:www.carolyntwedefrank.com

IDENTITY ~ by Betsy Love

Betsy Love

 (How can you not love Betsy's enthusiasm for life . . . or is it the snow?")

Betsy Love recently published her first book, IDENTITY. Her second book will be out any moment now. Good on ya, Betsy!

Here is the blurb for IDENTITY.

While vacationing in Mexico, two similar-looking young women find themselves caught in a chain reaction of mistaken identities. Amelia is a wealthy heiress and business owner, and Savannah is a sweet Mormon girl deciding whether or not to serve a mission. When they end up on the same flight to Phoenix, Savannah and Amelia unravel the sequence of events that wreaked havoc on their trips, and they make plans to resolve the subsequent misunderstandings. But their flight is cut short when the plane crases, killing one of the young women and plunging the other into a world of intrigue and deceit where identity means everything.

What a tasty premise. You have two girls who look so much alike, they are mistaken for each other. Who didn't think about being a twin and switching places? How many fun tricks you could play? Then you have one who is wealthy, living a glamorous life, and the other one a Mormon, living a wonderful life full of love and family and all things truley important here on this earth. Add to it that you don't know which one survives the plane crash, plus, there is something dangerous going on and the young lady who survived could be in big trouble. Really, what's not to like about this story?

Going in with high expecations, I was not disapointed. IDENTITY delivers. 

Writers Mirror gives IDENTITY 10 Stars.

Published by Walnut Springs, IDENTITY is available at Deseret Book and other fine stores.

You can visit Betsy Love at www.sweetbetsylove.blogspot.com

Bitter Blessings - a novel - Christine Mehring

Review by Cindy R. Williams

The clock in the kitchen pounded out the seconds, and the neighbor's wind chimes clanged their chaotic melody until I thought my brain would explode, and then, finally, Gram said, "There was an accident on the highway this afternoon. Your mother was in it."

And the world collapsed around me . . . again.

After the death of her mother, everything seems to spin out of control for Megan. taking care of her grandmother--who refuses to received help from anyone--and her two younger sisters, Megan must depend on her best friend Adam to get through these hard times. But when she discovers an old family secret, Megan must choose between trusting her family and following what her heart tells her to be true. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this debut novel shows that the power of love brings the best blessing even during the bitterest trials.

This back of the book sure caught my attention.  I finished it in a few hours. My heart went out to most of the characters. Mahring is able to paint a complete picture of a troubled family. She gives the reader a sense of the raw emotions a teen feels as she faces life. Her writing is brave in that she doesn't gloss things over nor does she sugar coat the issues.

Thank you Christine Mehring for this heart-felt and gut check novel.  Well worth the read.

Writers Mirror gives Bitter Blessings 9 Stars!

Bitter Blessings - a novel  by Christine Mehring is published by Bonneville Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.

Click here to purchase Bitter Blessings by Christine Mehring.

The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch

Do you enjoy a well written escape into a sweet romance?  -- sweet meaning, clean romance. You will find it here in The Guise of a Gentleman by my friend, Donna Hatch. I remember when she read the first chapter to us at our American Night Writers Chapter meeting. It was fun to hear and a thrill to get to add thoughts to the questions she asked as she was in the polishing stages of the novel. Now, here I sit with the finished book in my hands, tickled pink for Donna.

Let's start with the cover. There is a skull and crossbones pirates flag in the top left corner. The top right has a handsome man and a lovely lady a half an inch from kissing. You see a close-up of the back of a lady standing on the shore looking out at one of those cool pirate ships with the sails furled.

A quote from a best selling author appears on the front which reads "A fine specimen of a pirate romance."  The quote is 100% correct. What a fun romp with pirates and a unique situation with a lovely and impossible romance with a pirate that is much more than he appears to be.

Donna weaves intrigue and romance with this great escape into a world of long ago. I 've heard Donna talk about all the research she did on pirates and how they lived and it shows. That's what makes this book such a great escape. Donna gets it right.

I give The Guise of a Gentleman TEN SMILES. Ten is the top of the rating system here on Writers Mirror.

To learn more about Donna Hatch and other books she has written go to:  www.donnahatch.blogspot.com

The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch is available at: Amazon.com

The Star Prophesy

The adventure begins with the blog tour
for
The Star Prophecy
by Joan Sowards

We will be giving away THREE copies of The Star
Prophecy.It's easy to enter.
1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why
you're excited to read The Star
Prophecy. Remember to include your email address.
2. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or
facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an
additional entry.

Good Luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on January 28.

The Star Prophecy Book Blurb
Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his
friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

The Star Prophecy Book Review
by Cindy R. Williams
A new favorite book by Joan Sowards. The first time I held the book in my hands, I got a little tingly all over. The name and the front cover alone looked to be a great escapade.

Intriguing premise. To become acquainted with people in the Book of Mormon times. To see their everyday way of living, thinking, acting and overall culture through the author's eyes was captivating. Sowards gets under the skin of her characters. She shows a good story rather than tells it.

Enoch was a strong character built around integrity. Yet he was given human frailties making him real. My heart went out to his little brother. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and do some major mother nurturing. Kumeni reminds me of many a teenager, a few of my own included. He has to experience things in his own way and learn from the school of hard knocks. I warmed up to him from the get go.

The Star Prophecy is rich in character, story line and adventure. I highly recommend it.

The Star Prophecy Blog Tour
January 10
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
January 11
Totally Tina
January 12
Peggy Urry
January 13
Tangled Words and Dreams
January 14
Kaylee Baldwin
January 17
Of Writerly Things
January 18
Writers Mirror
January 19
Bonnie Gets a Say
January 20
The Blessing of Family Life
January 21
Anna del C. Dye's Blog
January 22
Renee S. Clark

Book Review ~ "Summer in Paris" by Michele Ashman Bell

SUMMER IN PARIS by Michele Ashman Bell

    

      "I declared bankruptcy this morning. We've lost everything." Kenzie's father took a breath and continued. "We have thirty days to auction off our belongings and move out of the house."
      Kenzie's mouth dropped open with disbelief. "Bankrupt," she whispered. That one word had the power to reduce her life from chauffeurs and credit cards to nothing.
     "While we sort this out," her father continued, "we've made arrangements for you to stay with your aunt and uncle in Paris."
     Paris. That wouldn't be so bad.
     But wait . . . her uncle didn't live in Europe. He lived in Idaho.

Reading this blurb on the back of the book had me thinking two things. This Kenzie is a spoiled brat, and the book is going to be full of situations that will humble her to the point of becoming a nice and likable person.
I was right on both accounts. The personal growth arc that Bell creates for her main character is well done.

At first I had little sympathy for Kenzie. I felt like saying, "Oh waaaahh." Kenzie just seemed like a girl with a silver spoon and the world owes her a living mentality. Bell soon changed that image by giving glimpses into Kenzie that proved that she really was a nice kid with bad things happening to her. Bell dug deep into the character and created a well rounded young lady that rose to the occasion.  My respect grew for the socialite as the story progressed.

One of my favorite characters was Rambo, aka Adam. He is about as perfect as a guy can be even though he has been kicked out of the social stratosphere for a horrible crime he was accused of, but not convicted. He brought a breath of fresh air into the town, and the story. He also seemed to bring the best out in Kenzie.

Bell fleshes out the surrounding characters by creating firm images complete with, mannerisms, and personalities.

Kenzie was given the farm chore of gathering eggs from the hens. Bell did a great job making it seem real and added humor to the situation. Readers will experience it right along with Kenzie.

I got a little confused when Kenzie turned her nose up at oatmeal for breakfast because of her strict diet as a ballerina, yet ate shakes and french fries without batting an eye. I chocked it up to the fact that she must be allowing herself the full experience of living a new and different life.

"Summer in Paris" is a fun read about coming of age and a little romance twisted throughout. Bell throws in a good mystery to keep you turning the pages. I recommend the book to read while lounging on a hammock in Paris, Idaho or France. Your own back yard will actually do just fine.

"Summer in Paris" is another quality book published by Valor Publishing Group LLC.

    Michele Ashman Bell

To purchase "Summer in Paris" CLICK HERE

Book Review ~ "I'll Know You By Heart" by Kimberly Job

The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn't realize they had met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, Stephanie turns to Jared for support--but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving.  With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome seem insurmountable.

Is it possible for love to conquer all?  "I'll Know You By Heart" is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity---a story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal---ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

So far so good. I love a good story, and a good romance at that. I knew from the very first page that I was in for a bit of a rough ride following Stephanie as she dealt with and faces her horrific trials. Kimberly Job doesn't hold back on the reality of the pain, suffering and fear that accompany abuse by a spouse. She also fills the reader with hope, and comfort as she takes them on a journey of discovery, strength, honesty, and healing.

In the story, Stephanie has three children and lives in constant fear from her husband's violent temper. She puts up with it for years, convincing herself that it's really her own fault and that if she could only be better, or prettier, or perfect, etc., he would not treat her this way. It was a harrowing look inside what a battered woman deals with. Job is spot on in when she writes the scene where Stephanie grows a back bone; when the abuse spills over to her sixteen year old son. I was with her, urging her along as I read. This can't continue. She MUST take responsibility and not allow her children to be abused. Job writes with such clarity, insight and honesty that the characters become real, their pain and suffering flows out of the pages and into your heart.

This novel is not all about the anguish and tragedy of abuse, but also one of great hope, healing and growth. Job brings the story to life and takes the reader on quite an emotional ride. One cannot help but be changed after reading this book. Stephanie comes full circle when her Spirit is no longer surrounded by constant fear. She is able to recognize those inner whisperings and follow her heart. The reader is able to come to grasp with our eternal nature along with Stephanie in the story.
  
Job has created a masterpiece of hope. "I'll Know You By Heart" is a must read.

To purchase your own copy of "I'll Know You By Heart"
by Valor Publishing Group LLC.,  click here.

Book Review ~ "The Thorn" by Daron D. Fraley

"The Thorn" by Daron D. Fraley is a new release by Valor Publishing Group, LLC. Writers Mirror has been invited to participate in the book blog review tour. Let's start with the captivating blurb on the back.

Three tribes are at war on the planet Gan, unaware that the sign of Christ's birth on an unknown word--Earth--is about to appear in the heavens.

During a bloody skirmish with Gideonite troops, Jonathan of Daniel spares Pekah, a young enemy soldier, gaining his trust forever. These two distant brothers from estranged tribes covenant with each other to end the war being waged by a self-proclaimed emperor, and soon discover the intentions of a far more dangerous foe--a sinister general bent on ruling those he can bring into subjection and destroying all others. 

I must admit my curiosity was piqued by this mixture of history and religious beliefs being tied together and viewed through the eyes of people living on another planet. I'm not a big fan of war books and movies, but started reading with hopes of a good tale. I was not disappointed. Fraley weaves an interesting story of three very different groups of people dealing with intrigue, power, murder, romance, obedience, faith, trust and forgiveness.

The names of the characters were excellent and in keeping with the story. Battle strategies were mapped out with finesse. Fraley seems to know how to stage a war. The weapons he described lent themselves well to the story. The Thorn was quite unusual, and an interesting object in itself. The sword Jonathan used was particularly fascinating. Stones that glowed with light when rubbed were another good creative touch.

The two sister suns, Aqua and Azure, were mentioned by name often throughout the book which leads one to believe they play some significant part yet to be revealed. Sniffling and teary eyes by grown men and hardened soldiers gave me pause now and then.

Spoiler Alert: The anointing of the King and the two marriages were lumped together in one event which seemed a little anti-climactic and a bit rushed since each event was a big deal.

Included in the book is a preview of chapter one of the next book which contains a disturbing hook. As an advocate for the sanctity of one's person, and particularly my daughters, I was upset to leave the new situation unresolved, but isn't that what a good hook does? I'll have to read book two and hope there is some kind of justice.

Fraley takes us on a journey back in time and gives a good look into what might have been in a universe far away. He certainly makes the possibility come alive in his novel.

To purchase your own copy right now  click here.

BOOK REVIEW ~ An Angel on Main Street by Kathi Oram Peterson

Today on Writers Mirror is a book review of "An Angel on Main Street," by Kathi Oram Peterson. The back cover blurb gives a good synposis and hook.

          Micah Conners promised his mother he would be good in his new town. But with Christmas being only three days away, being escorted home by the sheriff does not bode well.  Can the towering office be trusted not to tell what happened?  Perhaps the ramshackle stable that has appeared on Main Street will side track him from spilling the day's events--or maybe his interest in Micah's widowed mother would do the trick.  The last thing Dawn Conners needs is to hear her son is in trouble.  She has enough to worry about with her husband gone and her daughter, Annie, ill. 
          Even though Micah has told his sister the rustic structure in the middle of town is simply part of the town's decorations, Annie is sure that unseen angels are building the crude stable--which means baby Jesus is coming, and He can make her better.  Terrified that his little sister might die, Micah vows to find the baby Jesus for Annie, even if it is only a plastic doll.  But as Micah gets nearer to his goal he finds that angels are closer than he ever would have believed.  

The blurb sounded interesting. I thumbed through the 100 page book published by Covenant Communications and thought it looked like a nice clean read.  What I didn't count on was getting so involved in the story that I forgot to focus on reviewing the book.  I just enjoyed it.  I won't spoil the ending, but I did find the book page turning and my eyes moist.

Kathi has a clear writing voice. Her characters are strong and most of them quite likable.  I have always tried to out think the author as I read. I usually figure out 'who done it' by about half way through a book. This time I didn't figure it out until about three quarters of the way.  The only thing that seemed a bit out of whack was that several times Micah drew very adult conclusions and I had to double check that it was Micah saying or thinking these thoughts.  Overall the entire book is a masterpiece in creating human emotions in both the characters and the reader.

The responsibly Micah feels toward his mother and sister is touching. His character shines through and shows that Micah is a good kid deep inside.  The feeling extended beyond the book to include most youth. It is a comforting message that we have some wonderful young people in this troubled world.

The town sounds like a great place to live and has a good variety and flavor of people. Kathi allows her characters to achieve a good growth arch. She includes just enough physical and character hints that each of them come alive.  They become real people, people you care about, people you want to know. One of my favorite characters was Kora, the quirky owner of the greasy spoon. Every respectable town needs a flamboyant Kora with her crazy earings for every season.

I highly recommend this book as a heart warming Christmas story. It's the whole package. It's a wonderful journey of wondering if God loves us, then why do bad things happen to good people. In "An Angel on Main Street", Kathi shows us just how much God truly does love us. 

"An Angel on Main Street" is deserving of  FIVE GOLD STARS!