Pretty Is As Pretty Reads

About The Book:

 This is the slogan of the Sustainability Unit and of a country gone eco-hysterical. After nearly twelve months without rain and the hinges of the world barely still oiled, Thomas and his younger brother, Dustin, set out across a drought-ridden landscape in search of answers. What they discover along the way will change their lives, and their country, forever.

What I Thought:

 Thomas only wants whats best for for his little brother, Dustin. But that's kind of hard when it hasn't rained for a year and the government limited the use of many things. When Dustin seems to be coming down with something, Thomas decides it's time for a vacation, and a vacation it'll be.Together, Thomas and his girlfriend, Jerusha, take Dustin on a cross-country trip. Things soon start to get out of hand but at least they are having fun, well, that is until they are taken into custody by a couple of officers. But amazingly that turns into a small adventure as well, showing Thomas just how grown up Dustin is becoming. With a few bumps along the way, Thomas is left to make some life altering decisions. What will become of these crazy, fun-loving kids?

About The Author:

James Zerndt lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and son. His poetry has appeared in The Oregonian, and his fiction has most recently appeared in Gray's Sporting Journal and SWINK magazine. He recieved an MFA in Writing from Pacific University and rarely refers to himself in the third person.

About The Book:

 The Sacrifices of One Woman is an absorbing novel about choices. It relates how a woman with misplaced priorities is in danger of losing her identity, in a bid to hold on to her marriage and the luxurious lifestyle that comes with it. Cheryl comes from a working-class background and has strives to separate herself from her beginnings. She's always wanted a privileged lifestyle, and to get it, thrusts herself into her studies. Though she does well in school, it doesn't move her high enough up the social status ladder. She then meets and marries a doctor from an affluent background, and feels that her life is finally on the right path. But her upward status is not without cost. Her husband wants a wife he can mold, someone needy and dependent only on him. Is Cheryl strong enough to stand on her own two feet, or will the trappings of the life she has fought so hard to find keep her bound to a man that she married for the wrong reasons? Can she give up the mansion and all the luxuries? This powerful tour de force asks all the right questions about sacrifices and about who we really are.

What I Thought:

Cheryl had always planned to better herself when she got older. She wanted to make her life better, so when she had kids they didn't have to suffer like she did. So when she meets the man of her dreams a doctor as well, she fall head over heels in love with him. He's the nicest guy she's ever met, he loves her and only wants the best for her. But things are not always as they seem. Things change after they get married, he becomes more controlling and less understanding. He wants to form her into what he wants and doesn't want her to be independent. So she decides to set off on her own, start out with a new life. She tries to begin again so she can fend for herself and her two children. But things aren't as easy as they had seem to be.

About The Author: 

Linnette James-Sow grew up in Jamaica, is now a nurse, and lives in Northampton, England. Her inspiration comes from those who have had to overcome obstacles, but refuse to be broken. 

 Disclosure: This book was given to me for free by the Author for my honest review. 

About The Book:

What I Thought:

A woman with a history of wrong doings, feels she is in danger of no longer having her soul. She tells police she left a girl alone in the desert, and the girl is possibly dead. And that's when Atticus is brought into the mix. Having a history with this woman, they believe he can possible be able to tell them what her problem is. Being his ex-girlfriend he hates to know she's in town, he happy with his fiance and he knows his ex can cause trouble with that. And now he's been put on the case.

Rosemary hates to lay up in a bed cause of her injury and she especially hates it with her mother there. Her mom steadily nags her about Atticus and how he's never there for her. Rosemary can't wait to get back on with her job instead of just sitting there, she would love to know how everything is going with Atticus. And if he needs help with his newest case, only to find out who the case is about. What does this woman want?

About The Author:

Carlyle Clark was raised in Poway, a city just north of San Diego, but is now a proud Chicagolander working in the field of Corporate Security and writing crime and fantasy fiction. He has flailed ineffectually at performing the writer's requisite myriad of random jobs: pizza deliverer, curb address painter, sweatshop laborer, day laborer, night laborer, security guard, campus police, Gallup pollster, medical courier, vehicle procurer, and signature-for-petitions-getter.

He is a married man with two cats and a dog. He is also a martial arts enthusiast and a CrossFit endurer who enjoys fishing, sports, movies, TV series with continuing storylines, and of course, reading. Most inconsequentially, he holds the unrecognized distinction of being one of the few people in the world who have been paid to watch concrete dry in the dark. Tragically, that is a true statement.

About The Book:

 Keedu and his army of dark mages have fled after their defeat at the hands of Bill Marshall in Sentinels of Far Sun. While most are content to find a quiet planet and stay out of the way, Keedu thirsts for revenge and is desperate to regain his honor, even though no force can stand before the Master of the Stones. On a small planet at the edge of the galaxy, Keedu encounters the most evil enigma of his home world, who is conveniently willing to help.Osphalon the demon fed on the life energy of Keedu’s ancestors for millions of years and knows the Master of the Stones will eventually seek him out for his crimes. He convinces Keedu to walk backward in time and change the course of Earth’s history in order to keep Bill Marshall from his destiny and secure Keedu as ruler of the galaxy.All of humanity will suffer and billions will be enslaved, just to keep one man alive but safely away from the Stones. Will Keedu’s plan succeed, or will Bill’s family and the Stones be able to save us all?

What I Thought:

Karl J. Morgan has done it again, with the second development in the Heart-Stone series.

What would you do it someone wants to travel back in time to stop you from receiving your destiny? Sit by and let it happen? Fight? Fight, is the answer Bill Marshall chooses even if it means putting his own life in danger. Not knowing that he has to save man kind from eternal enslavement, he jumps to the chance.

Keedu and his army were outcast the day Bill defeated them. Willing to do anything to bring honor back to himself, he calls on the help of Osphalon, a dark spirit. Not knowing much about Osphalon, Keedu may have just put himself and his kind in grave danger. Will it be worth it in the end?

About The Author:

Karl J. Morgan was raised as an Air Force brat, traveling around the country (and world) and never quite fitting in anywhere. As a young boy, he fell in love with the science fiction of Victor Appleton's Tom Swift novels. Later, his favorite writer became Isaac Asimov (especially the Foundation series). The pioneering science fiction television programs like the original Star Trek and Lost in Space helped Karl to believe there is much more to our universe than we can see. While attending the University of Iowa, he studied astronomy under the legendary Dr. James Van Allen. He also took classes in classical mythology and Asian religions. Of course, he took time to earn a degree in finance as well, which led him to a long career in business. With such a diverse background and a sincere love for the written word, Karl began to write. His first book, Remembrances: Choose to Be Happy and Embrace the Possibilities was written to help others (and himself) remember that we chose our lives and those who surround us. It also teaches that this life and this world are far more mysterious and magical than we could hope to imagine. Now, he is focused on science fiction and fantasy. He follows the exploits of Dave Brewster, an unemployed accountant who finds himself far in the future exploring new worlds. Yet, through the new adventures and new cultures in space, we are reminded that the purpose of each life is to be happy and to love and care for our family and friends.

 Disclosure: This book was given to me for free by the Author for my honest review.

About The Book:

 Charlie (Charlotte) Rossi's only inheritance from her estranged Uncle Mike is Run for the Roses, a stallion her deceased uncle claims is magic. Though what Charlie finds when she visits her horse is veterinarian Dr. Wade Phillips and his mesmerizingly blue eyes. Within weeks, Charlie purchases a ranch in Cave Creek, Arizona, quits her advertising job, sells the New York condo, and heads west in her little BMW convertible. Roses-now heartier and some how younger looking-anxiously awaits her arrival at Wade Phillips' veterinary stables. Meanwhile, Charlie's cousin, Tony Lambini-aka the short dude from New York and the sorriest Mafia member ever-plots to steal Roses. While tailing Cousin Charlie cross country, Tony gains a hitchhiker, Chief Flying Eagle, who demands Tony take him to his reservation in Phoenix. In New Mexico, Charlie picks up Bluebird Smith, an eighteen-year-old Apache running away heading to California with her Great Dane, Tiny. Charlie's plans sound like adventure to Bluebird and she detours her life to Cave Creek and takes up residence with Charlie in her quaint-but-somewhat-cramped apartment above a barn. Once in Phoenix, Tony makes his move for Charlie's magical horse, with the "help" of the chief's nephew, Mad Coyote Joe. Charlie has more than Cousin Tony to worry about when she falls under the "spell" of cowboy and woman-chaser, Jeff Olsen. Jeff's spell includes dumping her friends and her responsibilities to Roses for dance halls and two-stepping. Charlie's fun-filled nights carry a price and her magical stallion begins to age once again. She is reminded that if she fails to choose the right man, Roses will die. And Doctor Wade Phillips decides he's had enough of Jeff Olsen.

What I Thought:

What are you suppose to do with a horse? Look at it? Charlie knows close to nothing about horses or taking care of them. She's just been sprung in to the whole ranch life, being from the city. She left her life in the city, everything she knew, everything normal, to take on the ownership of her deceased uncle's ranch. Now, she's a city girl in the middle of the country with a horse and she doesn't even know how to ride.Where's help when she needs it? All she has is a rude vet with beautiful blue eyes, her wit and a possible magic horse.

Tony knows that his uncle always believed that stallion was magic and now his cousin has it in her possession. She doesn't know anything about horses or the country, she is going to need the help. And that's when he's gonna make his move for the horse. He starts his journey across country only to get stopped by hitch-hiker, who he drives to New Mexico. He begins again but is stopped again, by an Apache, will he ever get to that ranch and get that horse?

The Author:

Billie Bierer is a South Carolina award winning author who lives in South Carolina. She is a member of South Carolina Writers Workshop and Western Writers of America. She lives on a farm with her husband and her beloved Arabian horses. She has three grown children and six grandchildren and is at work on her next novel. 

 Disclosure: This book was given to me for free for my honest review. 

About The Book:  

The Kingdom is dying…

The Darkness is coming… the balance between Order and Chaos is rapidly shifting and the world is falling towards evil and horror, and all the misery that Chaos will bring.

But there is hope…

Pardigan’s had enough, he’s only 12, but he’s breaking into the home of one of Freya's richest merchants... and he’s doing it tonight…

A burglary that will change their lives forever sets four friends upon a quest, a race against time, to locate three magical objects and complete an ancient and desperate spell.

Sailing their boat The Griffin, the crew are quickly pursued by The Hawk, an evil bounty hunter and master of dark sorcery, and Belial, King of Demons and champion of Chaos who seeks to rule the world of man… yet first he must capture the crew of The Griffin and end their quest…

What I Thought:

 The Pardigan creeps along in the dark house, everything quiet except for the soft snores and a cats meow. Being there for one sole purpose he must finish his job as quickly as possible, that's not something to hard for Pardigan to do since he's done this many times in the past. He opens the closet, grabs the object, and with barely glancing at the contents he sneaks back out, with a soul noticing. 

When he finally gets back to his hideout he opens the bag and dumps everything out on the table. Finding everything he wanted plus some, he pulls a knife and a book from the many things.Setting the knife aside he tries to open the book, but has no luck reading it since it's all in a foreign language. But then something amazing happens the knife glows as he holds it near the book, making the words change to were he can understand it. But the book holds more than he could have ever imagined.

Bartholomew Bask awakens to a mess, his clothes not clean and set out and his food not sitting on the table in his massive room. He talks sternly to his hand maid before getting completely up for the day. Then something just doesn't seem right, he looks around the room. Everything seems to be in order but then he notices a small mess in front of the closet. He races over and snatches the doors open to find his bag gone with nothing left but a little bit of dirt. 

The money and jewels gone, is nothing compared to the book and knife missing. The book and knife holding something very powerful gone with out a trace could be dangerous. Especially in the wrong hands, he had to find the person who took it and fast, but how?

About The Author:(in the authors own word)

I was born in England and spent most of my youth growing up in the Essex countryside. It’s a beautiful part of England, up near the Suffolk border, but I was born with a heavy dose of 'travel lust' so as soon as I could get a passport and adventure the world, I packed a rucksack and went exploring!
It was a bit of a risk and my parents weren’t too taken with the idea, but I’m still traveling and have been lucky enough to live and travel in loads of countries all over the world. In fact, I’ve now lived for more years outside of England than I ever spent living there – It is, after all, a great big exciting world!
I’ve worked and trained as a carpenter, and then a house restorer… I’ve picked loads of different types of fruit - from grapes in France to avocados in Israel. I traveled with the Bedouin in the Sanai desert for several months and even did a stint as a stock broker in Hong Kong. I’ve called Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains home, and then moved on and loved the clamor of central Hong Kong, it’s been a ride and a blast.
In my later years, I came back to Europe and restored an old farmhouse in deep rural Burgundy, dallied in Amsterdam for a number of years, and then came south in search of the sun again. I’ve always vowed to return and sink some roots back in English soil... but I haven’t got there yet, maybe someday, there are just so many interesting places out there. I do live a little closer to England now, just outside of Barcelona, Spain in the middle of the forest with my dogs and two wonderful children, it’s a great place to write.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, my writing is mostly fantasy and many of my experiences in Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East come to life in my writing. I’ve seen and done some pretty strange things on my travels and bumped into some incredible characters, so writing fantasy is almost like writing fact for me… sort of. When I started writing Shadowland, I had the intention that there would be no fantasy in it at all, but then came the druids and then one of the main characters, Cal found he had a pretty strange affinity with wolves, so my historical fiction became historical fantasy… but it’s made it a very popular book!

About The Book:

 Although earthquakes are common in Southern California, the tremors that woke Bill Marshall from a sound sleep were different. Hordes of unworldly monsters invade his home desperate to kill him and his family. Miraculously, Sentinel Lance Allright arrives in time to stop the attack. The Earth Heartstone has been broken. To prevent further incursions, Bill and Lance must step through the stone and discover why these events are happening. They travel to an ancient world and face the same attackers seeking revenge against the most vile and powerful Beings in the universe. But why attack Goola and Earth? Heartstone is a journey of discovery, which will forever change Bill Marshall’s view of life and the universe. While unspeakable evil may wait around each corner, the power of good and the stones lies within each of us.

What I Thought:

Massive earthquakes, destroyed buildings, missing animals, and everything demolished, what more could go wrong? Bill thought he had seen it all but what he didn't realize was, there was so much more that lie on the horizon. Some of the things that he has experienced are so shocking that even he, couldn't believe it. Insects so outrageous in size that a SWAT team had to be called in. Bill is aware that something just isn't right, so he has decided to investigate, to see what has suddenly happened to the world as he knows it.

There is a dark being set on destroying the world. Bill has tried to reason with himself about this but how is he ever going to be able to fight this evil force and save the world all on his own. The two different worlds come together, to try and fight this evil force, but with an evil force on the loose both worlds are in grave danger. Do they have the power to stop it?

About The Author:

Karl J. Morgan was raised as an Air Force brat, traveling around the country (and world) and never quite fitting in anywhere. As a young boy, he fell in love with the science fiction of Victor Appleton's Tom Swift novels. Later, his favorite writer became Isaac Asimov (especially the Foundation series). The pioneering science fiction television programs like the original Star Trek and Lost in Space helped Karl to believe there is much more to our universe than we can see. While attending the University of Iowa, he studied astronomy under the legendary Dr. James Van Allen. He also took classes in classical mythology and Asian religions. Of course, he took time to earn a degree in finance as well, which led him to a long career in business. With such a diverse background and a sincere love for the written word, Karl began to write. His first book, Remembrances: Choose to Be Happy and Embrace the Possibilities was written to help others (and himself) remember that we chose our lives and those who surround us. It also teaches that this life and this world are far more mysterious and magical than we could hope to imagine. Now, he is focused on science fiction and fantasy. He follows the exploits of Dave Brewster, an unemployed accountant who finds himself far in the future exploring new worlds. Yet, through the new adventures and new cultures in space, we are reminded that the purpose of each life is to be happy and to love and care for our family and friends.

About The Book:

 Searching for a way to help her best friend, Rachel, through a psychological break, Lily McMaster travels to a small town where she must seek a guide into the backcountry of Northern Idaho. But before she can start her journey, Lily begins to have hallucinations, causing a crippling bloodheat that threatens to tear her in two. Are the hallucinations a glimpse of her own psychological break with reality? Or could they be glimpses into a past she might share with the hard, muscled warrior who guides her? As she and her companions travel to the site of both her past and future, she discovers the bloodheat foretells the coming of her birthright as the Awakener of Souls, and the man who walks by her side holds the key to her salvation.

What I Thought:

 Lily McMaster heads to the back country of Northern Idaho, in search of a way to help her best-friend. Knowing hardly a thing about where she travels, she confides in a burly man. Though he is scarred and mysterious, Lily is almost automatically drawn to him. As desire starts to set in, Lily has a hard time focusing on the matter at hand. And soon finds out the things she never knew about her birth parents, which could be a little strange. Lily soon starts to question her meaning in life, will she ever know the truth?

Gavin Jones is anything but perfect. He's been alone for years. He busies himself with his work, drowning the world out. When Lily comes to him for help, he can't help but want to protect her. With her not knowing who she really is, he is determined to help her with the research and send her back home. But things become complicated as their desire for one another comes into play. 

About The Author (from the authors words):

I am a Navy wife and mother of three. Stationed in San Diego, writing is my passion that has helped me deal with my husband's many deployments over the past fourteen years. I hope to make my readers, laugh, sigh, and root for my characters I so enjoy creating.

 Disclosure: This book was given to me for free by the Author for my honest review.

About The Book:

 In December 2011, Lauren (“LoLo”) Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now? In Still LoLo, Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren’s life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It’s a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are—no matter what.

My Review:

Lauren's life was anything but ordinary. She is a wonderful fashion journalist, intern of Gossip Girls fashion dept., and runs here own magazine. She has a busy life but when tradgity strikes, God does the unbelievable. Having been struck by the plane’s spinning propeller blades, Lauren was rushed to the hospital, fighting for her life, the world watched in shock and horror. After many major surgeries and tons of prayers, Lauren was still alive. But she had suffered brain trauma and lost her left hand and left eye. Many thought that this would be the end of her career, but they were wrong.This book tells of the amazing life of Lauren and what it really takes to be beautiful. And with God you can over-come anything. This book show the amazing things God can do.

About The Authors:

Lauren Scruggs is a fashion journalist and the founder and editor-in-chief of LOLO Magazine, an online lifestyle experience magazine that integrates coverage of the food, fashion, beauty, health, and travel industries. She has served as a contributing editor at MyItThings.com, SMUStyle, and PR Couture. A 2009 Dallas Baptist University graduate, Lauren has worked in the Michael Kors showroom and reported from New York, Paris, and Montreal Fashion Weeks. She was an intern in the fashion department of the television series Gossip Girl. See her magazine at www.lolomag.com.

Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs are authors, speakers, and counselors. Their writings include the widely used book I Do Again, which chronicles their thirty-year story of marriage, betrayal, infidelity, divorce, emotional damage and scarring, forgiveness, reconciliation, trust, and remarriage to each other. Jeff and Cheryl are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries in Dallas. They speak at conferences and weekend worship services in churches across the nation, sharing their love story of hope, redemption, restoration, and God taking hold of their lives. See their website: www.hopeformarriages.com.

Brittany (Scruggs) Morgan is Lauren’s fraternal twin. She works in accounting for a commercial insurance company and is married to her best friend, Shaun.

Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer known internationally for his literary collaborations with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. He has authored or coauthored more than twenty-five books, including the New York Times bestseller We Who Are Alive and Remain, with twenty of the last surviving Band of Brothers. See his website: www.marcusbrotherton.com.

About The Book:

 When Rosie, Carrie, and Grandma are asked to help out at Last Chance Corral, a nursemare foal rescue, Rosie is shocked when she experiences firsthand how cruel some people can be to animals. During the week at Last Chance, the girls learn that the God who knows when a sparrow falls to the ground works through the kindness of others to provide for the animals He created. For the foals, and the girls, Last Chance Corral is a life-changing experience.

Tender Mercies is the fourth book in the Sonrise Stable series, heartwarming stories of an extended homeschooling family as they live, learn, and love together. Mixing adventure, life lessons, and realistic horse experiences, the series is a must for readers who enjoy family values, Christian faith, and, of course, horses!

My Review:

Tender Mercies starts out with the wonderful view from a colt. He has eyes for only his mother and a nice boy that takes care of him. The boy brought the colt and his mother out daily to get exercise and brought them back in at night to keep them safe. But one night the boy is awakened by the sounds of whining horses. He runs to the stall where the colt  he named Sparky stood all alone, his mother taken from him. What lays ahead for this poor colt?

Rosie and Carrie watched as Grandma paced back and forth talking on the phone. They begged her steadily to tell them whats going on and when she finally does they barely can contain their excitement. They head out the next day to the Last Chance Corral. A place where horses and foals a like are taken good care of and raised properly. And now Rosie, Carrie, and Grandma will be helping there. The lady that owns the place is getting six new foals, ones of which Rosie and Carrie wants to take home. But they cant, they are here to help her with the new foals she is receiving. But this job isn't all it cracked up to be. Will they make it through this long week or just give up?

About The Author(Vicki Watson's own words):

 My love of horses began when a teenage neighbor offered me my first ride, on the back of her horse. From my 8-year-old perspective, it seemed like the biggest horse in the world. From that moment on, I was addicted. Horses were to become a very important part of my life, although I never could have imagined, at the time, how much God would teach me about Himself and my relationship to Him through these wonderful animals. The Sonrise Stable series combines my love of God and horses in stories that I hope will help children learn more about both. I have a vision for ten initial books in the series, taking the main characters through one year. Beyond that I'll see where God leads me. I have been blessed with three daughters and homeschooled each of them through high school. I enjoy trail riding my Rocky Mountain mare, Nikki, hiking, photography, and playing guitar. I work from home as a  and computer programmer and enjoy the variety and flexibility that allows.

 Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.