Today the book tour for this Romance “Elli” by Tina DeSalvo stops here.
Read about the book, find out more about the author and enter in two giveaways. That’s right I said, Two!
Remember to follow the tour and comment to improve your chances of winning the giveaways! I’ve even linked up to the next stop on the tour.
A book is the only mean of time travel known to man. And historical fiction is the best way to know your ancestors. Therefore this genre has grabbed my attention since quiet some time. This was the sole reason why I decided to read this book as soon as it was given to me.
The cover page is tastefully done. It takes you instantly to the roman empire which was at its worst phase which is described in the book. The book is about Eterlimus who is the master of a pleasure house when the ruthless king Tarquinius has got hold of the entire kingdom with force and treachery. Eterlimus’s family was killed by the same king. He was the sole survive of the family when Flavius took him under his wings and raised him like a son. Eterlimus did not harbor the idea of revenge because he was taught better. UNTIL, one of the girls in his pleasure house was assaulted and mutilated on Sextus’s orders.
Eterlimus wants to avenge the girl and hence births a plan of Sextus’s downfall, which throws more people in fire than he hopes to.
The story progresses quickly. It is not one of those fat history text books. The writing is also very gripping. You will find yourself on the edge of the bed desperate to know what happens next. The narration is more like a play than a story. There situations are in simple English whereas the dialogues are loaded with ancient English. There is also a mix of tenses in the book at few places. The narration is in past tense but certain places it jumps to present tense and first person.
The characters carry shades of gray. Each one is darker than the previous one. There are few instances in the book which you may find shallow. The love story of Eterlimus and Alba is not very convincing. It felt like an obligation to put it in the book.
The book overall gives you the feel of ancient Rome which was exactly what i was going for. The characters are described without being partial. The book ends with a suspense. This book calls for a sequel.
The book is a fair attempt by the author. I would like to see what he has in store for us next.
Reviewer: Veena
I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
I.T. Geek is a short memoir about escaping the never ending rat race of the corporate world, for an idyllic life on the farm. Or so that’s what the author originally thought. Although it is a quick read, Molteni manages to pack in a dozen life lessons gained through this experience. She starts off with an overview of how she went from a computer IT geek, to retiring early and buying a 15 acre farm for cows, pigs, goats and poultry.
She touches on many fundamental ideas central to human life and happiness. Pursuing money versus happiness. Setting priorities and what comes first, career, family or your dreams? Each chapter ends with a 1 sentence summary of the lesson she learned.
Here is a quick synopsis that was sent to me along with this book to review from After Dark Reading Nook.
Have you ever wanted to ditch the nine-to-five job and move as far away as possible from the rat race? Have you ever just wanted peace and quiet in a rural setting away from the sprawl of suburbia? Have you found yourself daydreaming about pasture lands and farm animals on a daily basis?
That’s exactly what the author found herself contemplating – more often then not – while working at a high tech job in Seattle.
With her husband 3,000 miles away in Florida and the passing of her father, she knew it was time to make some serious changes in her life. She was ready for an adventure, but little did she know what lay in store for her at the ‘fixer upper’ farmhouse she and her husband would soon become the owners of.
S.A. Molteni has spent over thirty years in the Information Technology field working for various Fortune 500 companies. During those years, she and her husband had always dreamed of living on a farm once they became retired from the rat race.
This collection of essays follows the author in her sometimes humorous transition from “I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak” and depicts the lessons that are learned along the way once farm animals become a large part of her life.
I am sure many Americans have had these exact thoughts. Too many of us are going to a job we hate and dreaming of what we would do if we had the chance to start all over again. This book resounded with me personally as I am currently going through a bit of a crisis like this. I just about loathe going to my job every week and we recently bought a 25 acre farm. Along with the land and the animals comes a big learning curve and many responsibilities. I am hoping to somehow turn the farm into my full time job at some point. So I was very excited to read this memoir and see what tips I could gain, and see how a fellow hobby farmer made the transition.
I had a difficult time putting together my thoughts for this. There were two ways I could go about reviewing it, as just a reader looking for a short, interesting read. Or, I could look at it through the lends of a fellow animal lover and hobby farmer. I chose the animal lover/farmer perspective, but will include some short thoughts as just a reader at the end.
In my opinion, if you are reaching for this book, then you already have some interest in buying a farm or farm animals. People may use this as a reference and starting point, and looking for tips on how to get started. From that perspective, I was left disappointed.
I was hoping Molteni would go into greater detail about the particulars of animal husbandry and the day to day workings of the farm. The first half of the book glossed over a lot of this, and made it almost seem too easy of a transition from corporate Seattle to rural Florida. Eventually the second half of the book picked up. At one point the author hits her stride and really describes the gory details involved in this lifestyle (using chains and a winch to help birth a calf). But the first half just seemed…cobbled together and all about how cute the animals were.
A few things stood out to me that I really can’t let go. The lay person with little to no animal husbandry knowledge wouldn’t even notice, but if people are reading this looking to follow in the author’s footsteps, then I have to mention the following events that bothered me.
Molteni explains in one chapter that they got two different types of cows hoping to breed them and milk them. Unfortunately she got one breed, the Angus, that is meant for beef and not dairy. I am confused why she didn’t research what types of breeds are best for milking versus beef.
Next she has a chapter about getting baby chickens. We got our chicks from the same hatchery, and they actually do come in the mail! I wish she had gone in to more detail about the brooder box, managing temperature, socializing the birds etc. Also, I’m not sure why she got bantams for eggs. Bantams are small chickens that lay very small eggs.
Next, they tried to add a farm dog to their menagerie. Molteni and her husband rescued a Border Collie named Jasmine. I’m not sure if they wanted a dog for a general companion, herding or livestock protection. She never really explains. Different breeds are used for different purposes. We have a Great Pyrenees for a livestock guardian, but would never use a herding breed for this purpose. Again this seemed like a lack of research. Border Collies must be brought up with the animals from a young age, something you can easily read about online. At one point the dog scared the cows into a dangerous stampede. Jasmine did not work out and eventually had to be re-homed.
The biggest concern I had with this book was the chapter about the goat Sweet Pea. Now, if you do any research into preparing your farm for goats, the #1 thing you will find is the importance of proper fencing. Sweet Pea had a knack for getting out of the improper fencing, as goats will do. They are notorious for this. The problem got so bad for them, the author taped pvc pipe to the goats horns so she couldn’t stick her head through the fencing. This made me so mad. Just get proper fencing, or don’t get goats if you aren’t set up for them. Instead they tape pvc pipe to the animal and make light about her escaping and leading a rogue band of goats down the road. I don’t find it funny when animals escape into the road. I just don’t get it.
I don’t mean to be too harsh. I don’t doubt she loves and cares for these animals. Other parts of the book she goes into lots of detail about researching and preparing for the animals. So maybe in these chapters she forgot to mention it? I wish she would have at least acknowledged the mistakes she made with the goat and the dog, so that people reading this book don’t try the same thing.
I loved the later chapters with the explanation of bottle feeding the calves and having to medicate and tube feed them. That must be the aspiring vet in me. I just wish all the chapters had been written in the same vein.
Now, when looking at this book from just the average reader perspective, I was still a tad disappointed. It just seemed like the first and second half were disjointed. The first half of the stories really didn’t have much detail. I kept thinking I would get to the good stuff, but before I knew it, the book was almost over. The whole time I was just thinking “where’s the meat?” Where’s the substance? Instead it just kind of seemed like she took a handful of tidbits about her animals and tried to turn them into poignant moments. And some of them really were. The sad circumstances of Half-Calf’s death most certainly deserved it’s own chapter. But the same cannot be said for the first half of the memoir.
Overall, this was a quick (less than 1 Hour) read about a topic near and dear to my heart. I wish there had been more detail and lessons learned specific to mistakes made with the animals. The anecdotes themselves are entertaining, but I’m not sure these stories were best suited for a book, maybe for a blog series. If you are looking for a light, short read about hobby farming then check this out. If you are wanting a more in-depth look at transitioning from corporate to farm life, look elsewhere. S.A. Molteni seems like somebody I would like to get to know and discuss the foibles of starting a hobby farm, but the book unfortunately fell flat in my opinion.
Reviewer: Sarah
First, I must say for the record that I was blown away by the talent that this author, Augustine Sam, displayed in this book. It isn’t just the writing style, but the way the author selectively words the story making it all flow amazingly smooth.
It’s a mystery thriller that peaked my interest when I was provided the description. Once I had read what it was exactly about I couldn’t wait to dig my books into it.
I found, while reading, that the author had carefully developed a complex plot that captures the readers attention fully on page one. Descriptive details in the story are amazingly vivid than in other books I’ve read in similar genres.
If I had to choose one thing I liked the most about this book I would have to say that it’s the fact that it is a unique story. I didn’t once feel as though I had read it, or heard about it before.
Recommending this book is the easiest decision I’ve ever made hands down. Anyone can easily be sucked in loosing time while reading this brilliant book. Thriller book lovers will be left speechless after reading this one.
I was provided an ARC copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Reviewer: Kristin
First, I must say for the record that I was blown away by the talent that this author, Augustine Sam, displayed in this book. It isn’t just the writing style, but the way the author selectively words the story making it all flow amazingly smooth.
It’s a mystery thriller that peaked my interest when I was provided the description. Once I had read what it was exactly about I couldn’t wait to dig my books into it.
I found, while reading, that the author had carefully developed a complex plot that captures the readers attention fully on page one. Descriptive details in the story are amazingly vivid than in other books I’ve read in similar genres.
If I had to choose one thing I liked the most about this book I would have to say that it’s the fact that it is a unique story. I didn’t once feel as though I had read it, or heard about it before.
Recommending this book is the easiest decision I’ve ever made hands down. Anyone can easily be sucked in loosing time while reading this brilliant book. Thriller book lovers will be left speechless after reading this one.
I was provided an ARC copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Reviewer: Kristin
Book Description:
Kendall Jennings usual work is fluff magazine pieces, but when a terrifying mass killing occurs, she’s the one with the survivor exclusive, and the go-to reporter for the crime.
Detective Lance O’Grady and his partner are concluding the open and shut case, when another horrific massacre occurs. Then another. How can evil strike so many times? And why do none of the killers have a violent profile?
Pulled inside the investigation, Kendall clashes with O’Grady even as she’s drawn to the aloof detective. Both will discover somebody’s sending a message, and if the meaning is not deciphered, soon many more will die.
Deadly Messengers, an unputdownable thriller, poses the question: Does a killer lurk inside everyone? The answer is more frightening than the crimes.
When I was offered “Deadly Messengers” to read in exchange for a review I was excited, but hesitant. I hoped that it wasn’t a thriller than had the same theme that had been already done. Once I began reading, I quickly realized it was a theme and story completely out of the box.
Susan May brings the book to life with her intense and suspensful descriptions. The scenes that contain the murders are so poetically written that the words just flow. When reading you can expect goosebumps.
The plot and story are complexed and constructive leaving the reader practically begging to know who done it. She shows her creativity and her talent for writing such vivid imagery in this spectacular written thriller. It absorbs the reader pulling them deeper into the book.
Susan May is without a doubt an author to follow. I have to recommend this must read to any reader.
Reviewer: Kristin
Click here to see more about “Deadly Messengers” by Susan May
I received a copy of this book from the author and After Dark Reading Nook in return for a fair and honest review. Thank you for this opportunity.
March to November is about love and loss, betrayal and trust, happiness and despair and the cycles of grief. It details the events of Tracey Duggan and her friends and family lives during the months of March to November, hence the title. The book is set in modern-day Belfast, Ireland. There are 4 predominate characters in this novel. Tracey Duggan, Molly Duggan, Dermot Duggan and Tommy O’Brian. It deals with the doomed marriage of Molly and Dermot, Tracey’s best friend and brother. Molly must accept that her love and obsession has left her for another woman and their impending “love child.” It details past abusive relationships and the terror that comes back to haunt Tracey in her budding relationship with Tommy. The author does an excellent job getting the reader to fall into the lives of these characters and make you feel like you are a fly on the wall watching or as a friend. I fell into despair with Molly at first and in love with Tommy as if I were Tracey. I had a love hate relationship with Dermot because I understood the betrayal Tracey felt but the lingering hope she had in this messed up situation they were in.
I never really fell for Sheila, Dermot’s new girlfriend. She seemed as cold as her apartment, all white and clean lines. She seemed distant and reserved yet at times showed her humanity when she thought of losing Dermot. She never seemed to connect with the pregnancy so the twist at the end was accepted as real.
Molly’s heartache was so real until it became almost too much. Her obsession with Dermot and her demented revenge set the pace for the downward spiral that her life took. I was so happy to see her get to the stage of acceptance and was hurt by the twist that spiraled to a bombshell for everyone to deal with near the end. I was happy to see the growth in Tommy and Dermot by the end of the book.
Out of the minor characters, Orla is probably my favorite. I love her no nonsense “grab life by the balls and hold on tight” personality. I laughed at so many of her comments. She really brought out the Irish setting with her way of saying things such as:
“F*** off! No way did I lead him on. He was drunk as a skunk.”
Fury pummeled Molly.
“Well, he’d have to be. Look at you!” she screamed and jabbed her forefinger at Orla. That slut always threw herself at men, Dermot couldn’t help it!
“Jesus Christ, that’s a bit low. I might not be Scarlett Johansson, but that randy f***er would poke a hole in the wall if the wall let him.”
I would recommend this to anyone looking for bit of romanticism with a twist.
Reviewer: Amanda
Click here to find out more about “March to November” by Byddi Lee
When I was first sent the book description “Azurite: Daughter of the Mountain Book One” by Megan Dent Nagle, to see if I was interested in reviewing it, I quickly found myself intrigued. Magic, imagination, fantasy and a twisting complex plot. I just couldn’t keep myself from wanting to see where the author would take the story and just exactly how it all would turn out. Because of my interest in just the mere description I had high hopes for this book and I wasn’t let down at all.
The author is remarkably talented and describes every detail in a well thought out story. She creates a fantasy world that yet seems so real to the reader. It was a read that kept me completely absorbed all the way through.
The main character, Zora, is easy to like and enjoyable. I found myself cheering her on at times. Megan Nagle is an amazing author who has potential to go far with her creativity and imagination. She weaves a story that books you in and doesn’t let go to the very last page, yet still by then wanting more.
This is a excellent start to a series and I’m sure Book Two will be just as great. I recommend this book to any reader who wants to get lost in another world for awhile and just escape.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Reviewer: Kristin
Click here to read about Azurite and find out how to get yourself a copy!
When I first Recieved “I Wish” by Elizabeth Langston I was overly excited. After reading the books description it sounded intriguing, different and tempting. I couldn’t wait. Upon reading this book I wasn’t disappointed a bit. It was exactly as I hoped and even more.
The main character Lacey is very relatable and likeable. I felt how hard she tried and how much weight she shouldered. I believe my favorite aspect of the story is when she discovers the Genie, or as called in the book Benevolent Supernatural Being (BSB). Her BSB, Grant, at first seemed stiff, but quickly he fell in place. Inbetween chapters when he submitted his reports to his boss it showed his side and how he perceives everything in Lacey’s life.
The author, Elizabeth Langston, out did herself with this one. Her creativity and outcome of the story deserves applause. I can recmend this book to every reader that wants to get lost in a great authors imagination.
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Reviewer: Kristin
The After Dark Reading Nook 
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