RHA Presents Inspiration From Above by Crystal Stockwell

Inspiration From Above is a very very dear to my heart because it has been written by my daughter Crystal Stockwell.

Crystal was the surviving twin at birth. She has complications and has been in a wheelchair since she was four. Crystal depends on someone to do all things for her because she has CP. God did bless her with a very sound and clear mind, and normal speech. Crystal graduated in a normal school with her peers. Her poetry comes to her in the middle of the night or while she is just sitting around and someone writes it down for her until she can get to her computer to type it out.

Her window to the outside is the computer. Two dreams she has always had, one to be able to walk again and the other was to write a book. I thank Author BK Walker for helping her make this dream come true. I hope Crystal's poetry touches your heart and your life in the way it was meant to when she wrote it. God Bless.

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My Review

Inspiration From Above
by
Crystal Stockwell
I have never had the chance to review a book of poetry until now. This book is not just any book of poetry, it is my daughter's first published book of inspirational poetry! I feel she was born with the ability to just write poetry and maybe to write books as well, we will see. I am hoping she will one day write a book on her very inspirational and sometimes traumatic life. I hope that my author friends will take it upon themselves to give this short read a chance and give her feedback.
I am in total awe of what are in what these pages hold, and I know when opened and read by others, it will touch their lives in some way needed at that time. It is an uplifting and spiritual/inspirational book. I do not feel it is totally spiritual but what are written in the pages are the words that were put into her soul and heart and I know this for a fact because I watched as this caterpillar became a butterfly.
I give Inspiration From Above five stars without hesitation *****
Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About the Author Crystal Stockwell from her own words

Crystal is a twenty-nine year old young
lady who has Cerebral Palsy.
She has been in a wheelchair since the age
of four. Although Crystal has had
her share of challenges in life, she has
always been a dreamer. Her biggest
dream is having the chance to share her
poetry with others. This book is
allowing her to do just that.
Crystal began writing poetry as a freshman
in High school. Through one
simple school assignment, she discovered
her talent for writing. Her first
poem, called Rainbow opened the door to
that talent. Crystal credits the
Lord for her gift of writing. She feels that
without him, this book would not
have been possible.
Inspiration From Above is a book of
inspirational poetry to lift the spirit
and calm the soul. Crystal hopes this book
will be a blessing to all who
read it, as it was to her to write it.

 

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RHA Presents As Blood Rages by Bitten Twice

The blood has never held so much turmoil for Alexander, a 2000 year old vampire, Dark Warrior for the Peace Keeper, and head of a web hosting company.


Bred for strategy and war, Alex battles one unfamiliar fight - the fight for love. Has Lina chosen Light's Warrior over him? Will he lose her forever?


Caught in the midst of a power struggle between heaven and hell twists of fate divides all close to Alex. Many fight for their lives. Unlikely allies help him to keep his friends and family together. 

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My Review of As Blood Rages

As Blood Rages
by
Bitten Twice

As Blood Rages is book two in the Macedo Ink Series. It seems like I just finished with the first one, anticipating the second one with baited breath because I could not wait to see where Bitten took the characters. I loved the first one because I felt like I was in the story itself, experiencing the same things they were. This impressed me immensely, and showed me the talent, imagination and brilliance of this author. She makes sure her work keeps the attention of the reader, so much so, it had me sitting on the edge of my seat and very hard to put down in order to get some rest!

As Blood Rages flows where Blood Moon left off, I am excited to see if there is going to be a third book?! Once again the love and passion runs deep and makes a great companion when all is quiet in the house and are cuddled up under the blankets in my bed. Each time I read a book with an author's interpretation of a male vampire, I find myself falling in love with the character or man behind the words...and Alexander is no different. Love stories involving the vampire can ,and usually are very intense and erotic. It allows me to be taken away into my imagination, shutting out the rest of the world....away from the problems life has to offer...into a world filled with mystery, suspense, love, anger, bitterness, passion, all the great things that make up a wonderful tale. But as the last chapter appears and I come to the final word of the book, I feel disappointed...........but only until I pick up the next one! *smile*

I did not give a lot away about Bitten's newest baby, As Blood Rages because I want you to be as spellbound and excited about the book as I was and am! Bitten Twice has never let me down on any work she has written, and As Blood Rages is no different. I HIGHLY recommend this book to not all paranormal/vampire lovers out there, but those of you who love a great suspenseful, intense love story as well.

I give As Blood Rages five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

                                             

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As Blood Rages is brought to you and sponsored by 

Leave a comment to be eligible for a free e-copy of this book!

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My Interview with Bitten Twice:

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Where are you from?
I’m a transient and as such I have been ‘from’ many places. The journey started in Georgetown, Guyana in South America and has pit stopped in several countries and numerous towns along the way.
Tell us your latest news?
I just came back from the Florida Writers Association’s tenth annual conference which was amazing. I met so many awesome author’s, agents, and publishers there. Phenomenal!
When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing when I was very young. I was given a journal to write in to document my day, but to be honest with you my days weren’t as exciting as when I used my imagination to enhance the days activities.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In 2007, when I hammered out my first book, A Blood Moon.
What inspired you to write your first book?
The writer’s strike of 2007 was in its glory and I like many others was not happy with the disappearance of my vampire shows like Moonlight and BloodTies. I felt like I could create a viable product. Something in me just sparked and in two months I had a rough manuscript that I was calling A Blood Moon.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I write in Limited Omniscient POV.
How did you come up with the title?
For the first book, that was easy. A full moon is stereotyped to bring out the worst in people while a Blood Moon is thought to bring out the hunter. I felt it was a great foundation to begin my series with.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I usually write about love and conflict. In As Blood Rages, the underlying theme is built on the premise of a house of cards. If your love has a foundation like a house of cards, when circumstance presents itself as a façade that same love may not have the strength to survive due to a shaky foundation. Believe that those who love you would strive to never hurt you. Have that faith that each relationship is its own and you are the only commonality.
How much of the book is realistic?
Well the book is an Urban Fantasy so some of the settings are real, but all of the action and fun are surreal while some of them may be ‘for real!’
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I think as a writer that you pull personality traits from people within your circle of influence. If I were to write something that only held my perspective or manner of reacting it may be gather quite a bit of edust. But people themselves are so much fun.
Have you ever sat in a mall and just watched the people go by?  
It’s better than television. You’ve got drama, comedy, and more.
What books have most influenced your life most?
I would have to say the Bible is a great source of inspiration. I love the history and like any book when you’re writing it’s open to interpretation. I love books by vampire authors; known or unknown. I think its excellent to check out what’s hot and what’s new.
I actually grew up reading whatever I could get my hands on. Like the James Herriot books and one Kathleen Woodiwiss book “Shanna” that changed the way I looked at life forever. As a young headstrong girl myself, I now shaped the idea of the perfect man and what adventure looked like.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I would love to be mentored by the late L.A. Banks. I love her books.
What book are you reading now?
I’m actually in between books right now, but my next one will be Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. That book has been recommended to three times, that’s a sign.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I just read some J.R. Rain books and loved them, but I’m not sure he is a new author. I also like the Denise Verrico books and Jayde Scott’s novel. I also recently read “A Whisper of Lies” by Cherry-Ann Carew which was out of my genre but that had me up all night.
What are your current projects?
I’m just in the editing process of a compilation of short stories about Incubus and Succubus. These were inspired by a really great dream.
I’m also working on For Blood Money, the third in the Macedo Ink (vampire) series.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Bertena Varney as an author and as President of Mystical Events has been an awesome support system for me. I must also mention Elizabeth Lorraine and the Florida Writer’s Association. I know you asked for one, but they are all up there as awesome resources for me.
Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is most definitely a business for me. It stopped being a hobby in 2007 when I got serious about it. I make sure that all in my circle understand that I write for a living and not for a dream.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’m satisfied with the latest book. I think someone new could jump into it without leaving the existing readers feeling like it moved slowly. I’m loving the next one though. I think it’s difficult to be attached to the one when you are already enthralled by the next.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I would have to blame it on that childhood journal. Although I never really finished any of those daily short stories.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I teach time management and making sure that others respect your time. Sometimes it is difficult to turn down offers to have a good time and sit at the computer with the same focus.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
My favorite author is L.A. Banks. Her writing was intense, relatable, and vibrant.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I love to travel and when I do, you can expect to hear something about the locale that I’ve been to in one book or the other. I love to explore new geography and culture.
Who designed the covers?
You can find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/GiiPsy/387411134504
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The editing of the book is always the most difficult for me.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Consistency produces.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Figure out what type of writer you want to be and then research and hone your craft.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you and I hope you enjoyed the experience.

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Trailer of As Blood Rages

The Morning Afterlife by Sonnet O'Dell

If remembering could bring about the end of everything, would you still try?

 

Karrin wakes up on the side of the road with selective memory loss, she knows her name and age but nothing more about herself. She walks the highway back to a town to find all but a few people have disappeared and that there are strange but beautiful beings hunting them down. It seems to her that some great apocalyptic event happened but she just doesn't remember it.

Karrin however is in more danger than she realizes as someone in her new group of friends is more deadly to her than those hunting them down. When she finds one of them, a young man roughly her own age named Gabe injured, she goes against all she's been told and helps him. Gabe in return wants to help her, help her to remember. Karrin's memories, however, could put her in even more danger and bring an end to everything she now holds dear.

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My Review

The Morning Afterlife
by
Sonnet O'Dell

The Morning Afterlife takes you into a 'what if' reality. I felt I knew where the book was going pretty much after the first chapter but it had me in such a grip, I was excited to keep reading. Even if you think you know everything about what happens to a person during life, after life, or before, this book still puts the questions there and gives the reader something to ponder.

Sonnet shows her great talent in just a short period of time in this short novella. I was very impressed how she was able to hold my attention and put me into the story the way she did. I seemed to be able to feel everything Karrin was experiencing and so very intrigued about the world she had discovered as she walked from the trees into the city. What if there was a place or a reality like this, would there still be good and evil? Would there really be beings out there trying to help you or to harm you? To encourage you or to discourage you? To show you the light or to show you the darkness?
This book totally fascinated me and I was wanting more by the time I reached the ending. I felt like I read it in the blink of an eye. It may be a short story, but it packs a powerful punch in a small amount of time and it puts your brain, imagination, and even your spirituality, and the world as you know it, to the test. And makes you think, "do I really know everything there is to know about life and memories?"

Sonnet has done it again with her vivid imagination and her ability to keep the reader's attention and to push the buttons on our reality and what we believe.

Without pause or reservations, I give The Morning Afterlife five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com

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About Sonnet the author taken from her site *

Sonnet was born at the John Radcliffe in Oxford and spent the first six years of her life living in the town of Abingdon close to both her grandparents and most of the rest of her family. 

She moved after that to Cornwall for three years and then to Devon for another three before moving to where she has lived for the last fourteen or so years.

Sonnet now lives in Worcester, Worcestershire, famous for Lea & Perrin’s Sauce and as the site for the last battle of the Civil War.

Sonnet has had a passion for the written word from a very young age and enjoys nothing more than to read a good book. The world created by words.

Some of her favourite authors include Laurell. K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, Molly Harper and Rick Riordan.

Her own work tends to be worlds of Urban Fantasy, alternate reality and contains a heavy amount of magic, mystery and mythology.

 Sonnet is a Leo, which is a creative Fire sign and often influences her in her works.

Sonnet likes:

Books, movies, comedy, music, anime, animals and anything that is so unbearably cute is make her want to squeal   >_<

Sonnet dislikes:

Bullies, broccoli, haters, criminals and people who talk at the theatre

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Dark Moon by Maggie Tideswell

What can be more exciting than a title change!

 During the edit it became clear that the title Storm's Choice was too cutesy and sweet - and therefore misleading. Make no mistake, the story is romance, but there is more to it, as the cover announces boldly.
My editor from All Things That Matter Press asked me to think of something different/better. I went blank
In the end
Personally I have always felt that the title was all wrong - and lets face it, the title of the book has a very important job - to give the reader a one-word synopsis of what the book is about. In this case, yes, Storm has a choice to make, but that's not all.
There are elements of witchcraft in it - don't get me wrong, there aren't people running around waving wands about! Nor is it a textbook on the craft. Read it with an open mind!

 

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 DARK MOON TRAILER

 

 

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MY REVIEW

Dark Moon
by
Maggie Tideswell

Wow what a love story! This book had me from the very first word! I have once again fallen in love with a character! You know the commercial 'shop for a diamond or a piece of beautiful jewelry at Jared's'? Well, the 'Jared' in this book is spelled Jarred but he's just as beautiful! If only these men actually existed in real life. *daydreaming* But I digress...

Maggie has done a brilliant work keeping the reader on the edge of their seats with the love triangle between Jarred, Trevor and Storm. There is a lot of mystery, magic, passion, frustration, suspense, sadness, loss and of course unconditional, undying love in Dark Moon. Maggie's book almost brought me to tears a few times, and I found myself saying, (out loud of course), " No way! Don't let that happen!" "Don't open the door!" "Oh, just face it  you're in love with him. Give him a break! "Don't look him in the eyes!" Oh, and that doesn't compare to the things that were in my mind! I never wanted this book to end!

This is the first work I have read by Maggie, but not the last because after this review, she is sending me her next book to read and review!!! Oh, if Dark Moon is just a sample of her work, I just can't wait. Of course I haven't gotten over having to let Jarred go yet...wow what a hunk of a man!! Enough to give a woman some really good dreams. *wink*

I highly recommend this book and I give it without a hesitation five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About Maggie the Author *taken from author's site*

I write spooky, wacky. things-tah-go-bump-in-the-night kind of books. Follow me on twitter @LunaMags
http://maggiestorm.blogspot.com/
My first book, Dark Moon, has been released by All Things That Matter Press. It is available on amazon, barbs&noble and kalahari.net, in paperback, kindle, nook and gobii. See the cover in my pictures. In South Africa it will soon be on the shelves of Exclusive Books, CNA and other fine bookstores.

Broken Captive by BK Walker

Jenna Mathews lived a life of pain. With an abusive mother and a father that doesn't have time, isolation swamps her. Pain envelops her daily and her only release...self mutilation. When Jeff Simon reaches out to her, showing her what love truly is, Jenna feels hope for the first time in her life. Hope falls short though when Jeff is tragically ripped from her life, and she turns back to doing the only thing that gives her an escape.

What the future has in store...is beyond what she could have ever fathomed.

A heartfelt, fictional short story pain, love and healing.

 

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My Review

Broken Captive
by
Bk Walker

Bk is not only a very talented author but my dear friend as well. She approached me wanting me to 'squeeze' in a short story she had written. As a friend, I told her I would always make time for her. And I am very glad I did.

Broken Captive did not feel like a 'story', it felt like reality. Cutting is a very real and serious issue with our young people these days. And yes, it even affects some adults. People do this because they usually have no other release for the whatever pain or issues they are going through at the time. In this book, Jenna had no father, and her mother was a drunk who slept around with any man who would have her and was physically abusive to her.  Jenna felt she was an outcast with no real friends. Instead of just killing herself, she cut herself to release that awful feeling of hopelessness. That was her pattern until she met a boy named Jeff, who would profess his unconditional love to her and prove to her there is another way. He became her rock, her salvation. Until tragedy struck.

This book brought me to tears and made my heart skip a few beats. This is a book that stays with you because it is based on fact. Oh, the characters have been changed etc. but this is life. And if not taken care of, it will usually lead to suicide either by the cutting or just because they can't take it anymore. This book may have been a short read, but it hits the reader with a hard, powerful punch right in the gut and heart.

I recommend all parents read this, and after they have read it, give it to your child. I hope that a person who is going through this very real illness picks this book up, and let it make a difference in their life. I am very proud of my friend BK because she has made a difference.

I give this book without hesitation five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About BK the author

 
B.K. Walker is working as a Pediatric Home Care Nurse,  and has had a love for reading and writing since she was a child.   B.K. also runs several blogs,  where she hosts author interviews and organizes virtual book tours for other authors,  helping them to promote and market their work.  She lives in Pennsylvania with her three children,  a Pitbull named Rancid,  a Dachshund named Sadie,  a cat named Whiskers (aka Shitigan), and a goldfish named Albert. 

Always willing to hear from her readers,  she encourages everyone to join her mailing list or contact her directly by email.

bkwalkerbooks@comcast.net

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Coming Soon

 

 

 Immortyl Kisses - Warrior Rising

 

This title is the first novel, revised from the Immortyl Kisses - The Collection Series. I am in the final editing stages.


Other Titles I'm currently working on:

High Heels & Handcuffs
To Love  A Wolf
Night Secrets II - Corbin's Descent
Serpent Seekers

Roses in Winter by Leslie Stuart

~~  Forever isn't long enough... not for their love ~~

 “Come over here, Riley. We’re adults. Let’s talk.” But that burly furious man just stood there, as far away as humanly possible, for a full five minutes. She counted. She had become good at counting precious seconds.
       “Talk?” He finally spat, “you left me Savannah! You walked away and never looked back! I didn’t exist anymore. Not to you! We have nothing to discuss!”
       “I’m sorry. For everything. Really I am.”
       Breathing slow and deep to keep from crying, she leaned weakly against the oak headboard that Riley had once lovingly hand carved with trailing ivy and their initials, underscored by the mantra they lived by since childhood:
        "Forever Isn’t Long Enough"
        Words he’d etched into her heart.
        Four years older, Riley worked at Graystone afterschool and weekends since he was fourteen. Savannah was a pesky little heathen running wild; ignored by parents, and too high strung to politely play with guest children. She clattered and pestered, following Riley around, making his workload seem lighter.
        That’s when it began. She was ten. He was fourteen. They fed horses and smiled. They raked leaves and laughed. They washed dishes and shared secrets. 
In truth, romance blossomed years earlier. Their mothers were friends and when Riley first saw that tiny baby with lush dark chocolate hair, unique violet-blue eyes, and pouty rosebud lips, he boldly proclaimed that someday he would marry Savannah.
        He meant it. Savannah only had one boyfriend. Riley. Ever. No other boys even tried.
        She was claimed at birth. No man dared challenge Riley Rosemont for what was rightfully his. But he gave her plenty of time for innocence. Although they loved each other fiercely, Riley never even kissed her until the summer she turned fifteen. He was nineteen, becoming a man, but he wisely didn’t take things any further for another two years.
        He was her first, in every way possible. Savannah liked to think she was his first, too. Riley was her truest friend. He always solemnly swore that someday, when they were old enough for adult commitments, she’d become Savannah Janine Rosemont.
It had a nice sound. Soothing. Hopeful. Like walking through a sun-drenched wildflower meadow with a gentle verdant breeze tenderly stirring the sublime scent of wild roses.
       Mountains of roses. Red roses gleaming in the golden sunlight.
       She loved Riley her entire life.
       Then one day, Savannah just couldn’t anymore. 

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My Review:

Roses in Winter
by
Leslie D. Stuart

I have fallen absolutely in love with this wonderful masterpiece by Leslie Stuart! Roses in Winter takes you on a journey between two people who were destined to be together since birth. The day Savannah was born, Riley knew he was going to marry her, being a few years older than her. Their journey is not an easy one, filled with love, passion, grief, anger, and inner soul turmoil each feeling blame for different things that have happened in their lives. But fate works in mysterious ways, and when all is said and done, fate and destiny usually win over all obstacles life can put in your path.

It was very hard to put this book down and I truly enjoyed putting myself into the story as a third person, standing in the shadows, just out of sight as their lives played out. I could feel the pain and anguish they dealt with in light of a tragedy they both had to live and deal with in their own way.

I hope to be able to read more work by Leslie and I highly recommend this book and give it five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About the author, taken from her site

I live in Tucson, Arizona with my husband, son, three spoiled cats, and a bird who likes to watch TV. I also have a step-son and step-daughter who live nearby and our family was recently blessed with a beautiful smiling granddaughter! :-)
       I moved frequently as a child and saw amazing places. I've lived in Oregon, Montana, Minnesota, and several locations in Arizona. While married, we also lived in Monterey, California. (Loved it!!) 
       Many of my books are fictional twists of real places I've visited.
       I LOVE ROSES :-) 
       I grow them, share them, and collect beautiful pictures. Our house is surrounded by 100+ rose bushes; all highly fragrant and thriving, in colors ranging from buttery yellow, delicate pink, vibrant orange, rare purple, and of course deep red.
       When I'm not  writing the Destiny Whispers Collection, I enjoy hiking in the mountains, exploring new places, and walking beside the sea. 
       My favorite beach is Silver Strand on Coronado Island, California. My favorite mountain is Mt. Hood in Oregon, and my favorite city is Boston.

       I believe in the power of love. Love changes lives. People are not perfect. We make mistakes, choose unwisely, and we suffer the consequences. But real love picks us up when we are down, dusts us off, and set us on the right path again. 
       I am grateful to be married to a wonderful man; my best friend. We do everything together. We love to travel and explore new places together. We share so many beautiful memories. Even ordinary days feel special when spent with someone who knows you by heart. After 13+ years of marriage, we are closer now than I ever dreamed possible! 
       Love is a gift that I truly cherish.
       I began writing the Destiny Whispers Collection after developing the autoimmune disease, Lupus. What a life changer! Fortunately, I'm in remission now and I live a fairly normal life. (No more suntans for me! LOL) 
       Your health is a gift we often taken for granted. Every day I take handfuls of vitamins, faithfully take my prescriptions, and focus on staying positive and strong. Lupus was awful, so painful, mentally and physically debilitating. But as I gained control over the symptoms, I gained new emotional clarity. I saw life differently. 
       Lupus changed me as a person. I am a better woman today, because I was forced to stop and re-evaluate life. I discovered how strong my spirit can be. I learned humility and gratitude, appreciation for little joys, and discovered first-hand that my attitude makes all the difference. I can make today beautiful, or awful. 
       I choose to make this moment beautiful :-)
       Life deserves and exclamation point!!! (Yeah, I know... not proper literary form...)        But <!!!> I think proper is for my book pages and :-) & !!! is for REALITY.

The Boogedyman by A. P. Miller

"What if the Boogeyman was real?" Plagued by horrific boogeyman nightmares since childhood, Murray Thompson is deathly afraid of the things that he thinks "go bump in the night". The one thing that keeps him grounded is his psychiatrist of many years, Dr. Rosen. With regular visits since he was 11 years old, Murray feels progress should have been made already, but with his dreams becoming more intense and "real", he thinks something needs to be done. Going to see his family, Murray believes that this is the break he needs to keep sane. Feeling at home, and safe around his family, it works for a time. But when the nightmares start up again, he once more relies on Dr. Rosen for help. Once back, Dr. Rosen takes Murray on a journey to root out his longtime phobia and find out if there is cause for his fear or all in his mind.

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My Review

The Boogedyman
by A.P. Miller

I came across the opportunity to read and review The Boogedyman by A.P. Miller from a group in Facebook. I was told that this book is in several schools and libraries and I was grateful my review was wanted after offering it.

This book held my attention from page one and it was packed full of thrills, terror, and spine tingling suspense for a short read. I was a little disappointed when it ended. I do have to confess but I thought I had it figured out from Chapter One and I am very seldom wrong because I have a talent in predicting the ending to movies and books with little knowledge of them, usually just from the first chapter in a book to the first 30 mins of a movie. So, I was very pleased when I discovered I was in fact wrong about the ending.

This book although in schools, I don't think it would be for small children. The author showed brilliance in describing the inside of  the mind of his character when allowed to be altered by medications. The wonderful imagination of A.P. Miller set the stage for the reader to be pulled into the story therefore feeling the sheer terror of madness. I was able to feel what characters were feeling and going through, and sometimes it was a bit frightening. I loved it!!!

I highly recommend this book and give it five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau

http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About the Author taken from their web site*

We are the writing team of AP Miller. We live in sunny and mostly warm Las Vegas, Nevada with our three dogs who are plotting for world domination, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Our writing is based on the belief that our readers' needs are of the utmost importance. We are committed to meeting those needs. Our readers are very important to us and we enjoy meeting and hearing from each and every one of you! We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best books possible in the industry.

Patti has been a long time published author since 1989. Her very first trilogy, "Thief of Hearts" was published with a small press in NYC. The company was purchased by a larger one, and the series was forced to sit back on her shelf collecting dust. The series will make its debut shortly.She has a thirty year background in fiction and script writing, newspaper and magazine writing as well as publishing, which has enabled her and her husband to become the prolific bestselling authors they are today.
 
Andrew has been actively writing since he was twelve years old; and writing stories that are worth reading, instead of simply using for toilet paper, since he was nineteen. His beliefs about equality, libertarianism, and personal potential lend his works direction and endings that often quite differ from the formulas seen in most other literary works. He is a former editor with three now defunct e-book publishers.

He has studied and experienced a wide range of pursuits, ranging from courses in emergency medical procedures to several decades of training in martial arts styles from around the globe, to baking and sushi making. He is currently an amateur mui thai kick boxer hoping to go professional (in the ring or in the NHB cage, depending), and thinks boots were made for walking...unless they're high heeled boots worn by statuesque dommes. 

Growing Up and Liking It by Dolores Ayotte

 

Growing Up & Liking It

by
Dolores Ayotte

I find myself not being a huge fan of 'self help' books. Maybe for two reasons? One being maybe I think I have it all together and don't need any book telling me how I should I should feel or how I should be acting. Or maybe it's because I am afraid of what I might find behind the words someone else has written, that they may hit too close to home. But since I do not limit myself to just one particular genre, I agreed to read and review Growing Up & Liking It.

As I read, I found myself analyzing my inner self and the person I have allowed life to mold me into.  The more I read, the more I realized just how much of the 'real' me was missing. For so many years I relied on people and circumstances dictate how I was to live my life. I was one of those that would pretty much say what I thought people wanted to hear in order to be accepted and liked. After a period of time I could feel the 'real' me go more and more into the shadows and the me whom society accepted becoming stronger and stronger.

I have been married and divorced 5 times, each time I thought 'this is the one' or 'this one is my soul mate'. Each time, I got a huge slap of reality and a broken heart. I felt in some of the marriages like a robot, just existing. I felt my life and the purpose for me being on earth was to be a mom, wife, maid and so on. I existed each day to make the kids happy, the spouse happy or the neighbors happy. I gave up on making 'me' happy any longer and kept in the shadows. I found myself becoming depressed and feel worthless. At one point I had to go see a Dr. because if I did not get some help with my nerves, I told him I felt like killing my family. Back then, you could say that and not be taken out by a swat team.
By reading Growing Up and Liking It, it made me redefine myself. I realized that I was guilty of gossiping in the past, some in the present but made me to realize not to do it in the future because of how it DOES affect people. In the long term, gossiping can mold and shape a person's way of thinking about themselves or of others. Words can be a lethal weapon that can cut a person to his or her core. Sometimes it can't be repaired. Just as bullying can cause people to think so low of themselves, they find the only escape for them is suicide or self inflected pain such as cutting.

I can go on and on about the lessons I have learned from this book but I will stop here. And to be honest, I haven't learned anything new, the old things have just "reawakened" and come to the surface. Things that have been hidden for protection deep down inside the 'self'. I plan on reading the first self help book she has written, and maybe I can rediscover myself in other ways as well.

I recommend this book very highly for those of you who have found that life has caused the 'real' you to be hidden away, safe behind a locked door. Read this book and others by her, and you will find she has the key to let them rejoin your life.
I give Growing Up and Liking It five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About the author taken from her site

Dolores holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology as well as teacher certification in Manitoba, Canada.  She has taken courses in human relations and communication.  


Upon completion of the Education 1A program at the University of Manitoba, she became a primary school teacher. During her teaching career Dolores furthered her education by completing her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology from the University of Winnipeg.

After leaving her teaching career, she became a bank employee for a major financial institution for a number of years. In her earlier years, she volunteered her time by teaching Christian education, tutoring, working in the school library, and belonging to the ladies church group.

Upon moving to Pine Falls, Manitoba due to her husband's career change, Dolores assisted at Wings of Power and worked on the womens auxiliary at the local hospital. She also served on the Hospital Foundation Board.

She is now retired and spends half the year with her husband in a retirement community in Arizona.  For the remainder of the year, Dolores enjoys her children and grandchildren in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she was born and raised. She continues to learn from all the people who touch her life. 

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Come back to see my review of Dolores's first book I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay.