"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Sir Richard Steele

Monday, November 12, 2012

Blog Tour Stop for GPS With Benefits

I am pleased to announce the release of GPS With Benefits by Vanessa Morgan for kindle on November 1, 2012. This is a funny short film script about a GPS with a mind of "her" own. The film based on the script will be shot in 2013.


   This is a short funny read about a man who is buying a new car and a GPS comes along for the ride, so to speak. It is impossible to go into anything specific because this is not a book read but a script for a film. In addition, it is short and is over as quick as it starts. That is not to say it is not worthwhile. This is an extremely quirky and funny read that had me laughing out loud. I suspect that the film will be priceless. Despite the shortness of the work, there is no doubt what is going on and just picturing it in my mind had me rolling on the floor. Quite different then Vanessa's other works, but imaginative all the same. I dare say there are some screen writers out there who could take some lessons from her. Considering some of the films being shot all in the name of entertainment, it would be a blessing to actually want to see one that is being produced. 

I give GPS With Benefits 5 out of 5 stars

















Monday, October 29, 2012

Review of Vampire by Amy Mah

Since the author of this unusual and humorous book is herself unusual and a bit off the charts, I am doing something a little different with this review. Of course, I mean that in the most loving way. You don't doubt me, do you, Mistress Amelia? I think it is necessary to give a brief account of how our Amy sees herself and her writing. This is borrowed from Amy's blog with some minor editing on my part. Clears throat! 

The author, Amelia Mah, is a 20 something snarky, sarcastic and cynical author who has a very popular blog of how she sees the world from the point of view of a modern teenage vampire. Following the success of her first book, "FANGS RULE A Girls Guide to being a Vampire," she has now expanded the idea of life as a teenage vampire into a full novel. Amelia has given her avatar her own name so you can see the world first hand from a very bored teenage vampire that has been forced to remain a teenager for far too long. She may have very good teeth and the ability to hang from ceilings but life is far from easy.

Below you will find the full color illustrated version of Vampire by Amy Mah. The edition that I read was the first printing and was not illustrated. Since I love the new version, I have decided to share that with you. 


Vampire
Amy Mah
Reardon Publishing
ISBN 9781874192619



   This is not your typical vampire story where vampires are jumping in bed with humans or are entangled with werewolves for one reason or another. This is the story of a teenage vampire who is just trying to survive in her day to day existence. It is humorous and will make you laugh out loud when  Amy is just being her own unique self. She has a way with words that is like no other. This book gives us insight as to how how Amy meets her boyfriend Max and becomes best friends with his sister Ice, who were introduced in her first book. Amy is so outrageous that you can't help fall in love with her. I'm sure she would have something to say about that... No matter! The book is a delight and if you are into the strange and unusual, you must get your copy and see for yourself. You better get a copy unless you want to hear from the author. She has her own version of bending you to her will. In all seriousness, get your copy, it is a great book.
    Disclosure: I received a copy from the publisher for reviewing purposes.

I give Vampire 5 out of 5 stars   

Links: 
www.fangsrule.com/buy.htm and can be found on the amazon US and UK sites.








No Holly for Christmas Book Blast and Giveaway


It is my pleasure to take part in the book blast and giveaway for No Holly for Christmas. Below you will find a review of the book and details on how to enter the giveaway. Good luck to all and enjoy!


No Holly For Christmas

No Holly for Christmas
Julie N. Ford
Whiskey Creek Press 2011
ISBN 9781603139328

   Brian McAlister is on a special assignment for the DA's office. He is not happy to be there; but the special assignment is because his father has turned ill and he is stepping in for him. Brian has been unable to move on with his life because he was jilted twice by a long time girlfriend. He has remained in love with her despite the fact she is married and has children. Best of all, she is married to a district court judge who despises Brian.
   Holly Cananaugh-Winter is an ex-socialite who was left practically penniless following the death of her husband. She has been keeping a secret since his death and is determined to keep it that way. She is raising her two daughters alone when she first encounters Brian. There is a definite physical attraction that neither one can deny.
   This is a wonderful story of suspense, healing, giving and love that you won't want to miss. It would make a wonderful addition to your Christmas reading collection. The storyline flows smoothly and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Brian is a bit of a womanizer and has major commitment issues because of being jilted by his former lover. Even though he has an attraction for Holly, he does not want to admit it might be love. Holly is a piece of work. For most of the story, she has the feel sorry for me attitude. She considers herself almost destitute because she has to shop at a lower end company like Walmart for groceries instead of paying twice as much at a high dollar store. She no longer has a home in the country club area; but has a comfortable home to live in. She is actually ashamed of this fact. There are several woman who have befriended her and they are probably the only true friends she has ever had. She is extremely materialistic and you want to smack her. By the end of the story, she is turning her life around and she is becoming likable.
   Brian and Holly become closer as the story progresses because an assassin is out to kill Holly. He has been hired by a powerful man, who like so many, has his eye on wealth and position. Will Brian be able to keep Holly and her children safe? Will the holidays be a season of joy and happiness or will the past prevent them both from going after what is important?
   I wish to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to review.

I give No Holly for Christmas 5 out of 5 stars



Giveaway details:

Enter to win a $25.00 gift card from Barnes & Noble when you purchase the .99 ebook and/or hard copy from Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Just email your conformation number to us at Steph&Jules bloggers@vbooktours.com by November 1st.



Two additional ways to win:

Enter to win a free hard copy and/or ebook (your choice) of No Holly for Christmas when you do one and/or both of the following between Tuesday, October 29th and Thursday, November 1st:

Like Julie N. Ford on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JulieNFord.Author?ref=hl
            or
Follow Julie N. Ford on Twitter https://twitter.com/JulieNFord














Monday, October 1, 2012

Cover Reveal for Purgatory Reign by LM Preston


It is my pleasure to be part of the cover reveal for LM Preston's new book, Purgatory Reign. Below you will see a picture of the cover along with pre-order info and the book trailer.


Purgatory Reign by LM Preston
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Action Adventure

Cover: Attached. Full Cover and Front Cover

Book Trailer Linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atvKA9E4bPI&feature=youtu.be

Read samplehttp://www.freado.com/book/13273/purgatory-reign

RaffleCopter Prize Pack: Paperback ARC of Purgatory Reign, $20 Amazon Gift Card, T-shirt, LM Preston ebooks Flutter Of Luv and The Pack
 (code is below)<a id="rc-bc05446" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc05446/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>

Release Dates:
eBook (March 2013)
Print (May 2013)

Pre-Order:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Purgatory-Reign-Series/dp/0985025131/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344012202&sr=8-1&keywords=purgatory+reign+by+lm+preston

Barnes & Noble: coming soon

Indie Bound: coming soon

Books A Million: coming soon





Monday, September 24, 2012

The Pack Retribution Blog Tour


The Pack
Retribution Book 2
LM Preston
Phenomenal One Press 2012
ISBN 9780985025106

   Someone is out to hurt Shamira and those she loves. She is not about to take this lying down. In order to find who is after her and her family, she must give up the one she loves and who has found a way into her heart, Valens. He refuses to give up easily and neither will the rest of her friends. They are all  determined to join forces with her  and determine who is out to destroy her and those she loves just because she helped to save the children on Mars.
   This is the second book in the Pack series and is full of adventure, action, and killing. This is a wonderful story set in the future where Mars is inhabited and the computer age is something that many just dream about. Shamira is the leader of her group in training and is in love with a young man in her group named Valens. She has trust issues that stem from many years when she was blind. Even though Valens has told her repeatedly of his feelings for her, she has difficulty in allowing herself to get too close. Will she be able to open herself to trust and depend on others or will it cause her downfall? Throughout most of the story, Shamira is her own worst enemy and continually blames herself for everything that happens. She is also a bit explosive and does things without thinking of the consequences. Despite all of this, her friends are always there for her. Her love for her family can never be called into question. She will fight for them even to her own death if necessary. Valens is a really cool guy who is totally devoted to her and loves her despite her shortcomings. The story line is well executed and flows nicely from the first book in the series. 
   If you like YA reads or are just into action packed stories with lots of adventure, I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed. 
   Disclosure: I was provided a copy for reading and reviewing purposes.

I give The Pack Retribution 5 out of 5 stars 

Please find some important links below:














Saturday, September 15, 2012

Review of Inkarna


Inkarna
Nerine Dorman
Dark Continents Publishing 20121
ISBN 9780983160397

   Ashton Kennedy is most definitely not a nice guy. He cheats on his girlfriend, takes massive amounts of illegal drugs, knocks up a drug lord's sister, just to name a few. He is an ass-wipe at its finest. Elizabeth Rae Perry, a member of an ancient Egyptian cult, finds to her misfortune, to be reincarnated into his body. 
   Elizabeth has to come to terms with ending up in a man's body along with trying to discover why House Adamastor's chapter house is empty. To top things off, she has to find a way to keep a secret she didn't know she was supposed to keep. If everything wasn't bad enough, she encounters a malicious ghost who just might be dangerous. Lets not leave out the fact she just may be falling in love.
   All I can say is, wow, what a story! This is not my usual type of read. I am a vampire type of gal. Yeah, I know. Isn't everyone now a days? This book takes us into a different realm and quite an interesting place it is. We first encountered Inkarna in the book written by Nerine and Carrie Clevenger, Blood and Fire. I fell in love with the character then and couldn't wait to get more of him. He is another bad boy that a woman needs to stay away from. Shouldn't every woman come across one of those in her life? I was having a difficult time getting my head wrapped around this educated proper woman reincarnating in a man's body. The author does such a fantastic job of bringing this character to life that it just seems the natural thing to happen.
   The story line develops beautifully with the lead in from Elizabeth's life before until she ends up in the body of Ashton Kennedy. I have to say I was just a bit confused in the beginning when all the different terms were used from Kha to Akh to name just a couple. This was all new territory for me, but this did not deter from the story. By the time the story had developed fully, I knew what was going on even though the terms are unfamiliar to me. 
   It is interesting reading about a woman reincarnating into a man's body and learning to adjust to the feelings and reactions that are happening in her body as a man. The author does such a wonderful job that you can believe this can happen. The words are like a photo jumping off of the page. 
   I originally wanted to read this book because of Blood and Fire. I am so glad I did because it took me out of my comfort zone into another world to explore. I certainly hope there will be more to come from Inkarna. If you are looking for a different type of read, this is the one for you.

I give Inkarna 4 out of 5 stars
   
















Monday, September 10, 2012

Blog Tour Stop for R.J. Sullivan and Haunting Obsession


R. J. Sullivan resides with his family in Heartland Crossing, Indiana. His first novel, Haunting Blue, is an edgy paranormal thriller about punk girl loner Fiona "Blue" Shaefer and her boyfriend Chip Farren. R.J. is hard at work on the next chapter in Fiona's story, Virtual Blue, coming soon from Seventh Star Press.  R.J. is a member of the Indiana Horror Writers.
Website: http://www.rjsullivanfiction.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/R.J.SullivanAuthor
Twitter: @RJSullivanAuthr


R. J. Sullivan is the author of the new novella Haunting Obsession and I am more then pleased to be part of the blog tour featuring his new book. Following are a couple of pictures from the story that are as haunting as the story itself. 



Take a look at the beautiful Maxine.


Maxine literally digging into Daryl.



Haunting Obsession
R.J. Sullivan
Seventh Star Press 2012
ISBN 9781937929886

“She wants to be loved by you…alone!”

Daryl Beasley collects all things Maxine Marie, whose famous curves and fast lifestyle made her a Hollywood icon for decades after her tragic death. Daryl’s girlfriend, Loretta Stevens, knew about his geeky lifestyle when they started dating, but she loves him, quirks and all.

Then one day Daryl chooses to buy a particularly tacky piece of memorabilia instead of Loretta’s birthday present. Daryl ends up in the doghouse, not only with Loretta, but with Maxine Marie herself. The legendary blonde returns from the dead to give Daryl a piece of her mind—and a haunting obsession he’ll never forget.



   Haunting Obsession is a Rebecca Burton novella and will keep you enthralled from the beginning to the end. This wonderful story pays homage to the late great Marilyn Monroe; but her unpleasantness should not be taken as a commentary on Ms. Monroe, as is pointed out by the author. A rather nasty woman she is to say the least; but we are talking about a haunting here and it just may bring some shivers up and down your spine. 
   The story line is well written and may actually make you believe in ghosts. Maxine Marie is a tantalizingly gorgeous woman who makes a man drool in her afterlife much as she did while alive. She has her own unique ways of getting a man to do her bidding. The power just may have went to her head and corrupts her in ways that are beyond mortal control. Poor Daryl doesn't know what hits him until he sees a side of his obsession that he is not expecting. 
   The author has such a descriptive way with words that makes the story come alive on the page. This is a short fast read that holds your interest from the beginning. Haunting Obsession is my first read from this author and it will definitely not be my last. If you are looking for a quick read and are into the paranormal, this is the story for you. You won't be disappointed.
   Disclosure: I was provided a copy for reviewing purposes.

I give Haunting Obsession 5 out of 5 stars













Monday, August 27, 2012

Review of Blood Bonds


Blood Bonds
Levi Montgomery
CreateSpace May 2012
ISBN 9781461115687

   Denny and Mikey were best friends, blood brothers, after being spit brothers as young boys. One day, Mikey is whisked away by his father never to be seen again. Life goes on and Denny grows up and marries the girl he has loved since he was a boy. He remains in his small hometown and works the family farm after his parents die. Many years later, Michael, the blood brother Mikey,  and successful lawyer, returns. Things just aren't what they seem. An evil lurks under the surface just simmering to get out.
   The basic premise behind this story was very good. There is a love story with some drama and evil waiting to get out. The story did not flow very smoothly though. It bounced around in time frame a bit and became a little confusing. It made for a jerky feeling to the story line. There were spots where sentences were duplicated in the same paragraph and spots where words were missing and some spelling errors. It could have used some good editing. For this reason, it kind of turned me off from the story. I had some difficulty getting through the book. I think with some good editing, it could be a really good story. For this reason, I could not give it a higher rating.
   Disclosure: I was provided a copy for reviewing purposes.

I give Blood Bonds 3 out of 5 stars.
   






Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Review of Ethos Morning Star


Ethos Book 1
Morning Star
Desiree Finkbeiner
Hydra Publications June 2012
ISBN 9780615638638

I started doing something different when a book trailer catches my eye and really gives you a synopsis of the book. This one fits the book perfectly, so rather then write it, you can watch it.



Below are some of the pictures from the print version of the book. I am seriously considering buying a print copy of the book. I loved this book and can't wait to read the second one. If I can get a signed copy from the author, I just might do that. 



   This is the first book in the Ethos series; a YA urban/paranormal read that is excellent for any age group. I got caught up in this story from the beginning, and the further along I read, the more I enjoyed it. I had trouble putting it down and the only reason I did was because life just got in the way.
 I have gotten in the habit of reading reviews after I read a book, to see where they stand in relation to what I read. It is very interesting to do this. Sometimes, I wonder what book the person was reading and other times, I am in agreement with the reviewer. The ones that stand out the most are those who are obviously just spouting off for reasons known only to themselves. 
   I do find it interesting when a reviewer gives a review a low rating because they don't like a character. I say, okay! Do you not like a mystery because you don't like the murderer? Well, in this case, I didn't care for our female protagonist, Brianna. I found her sheltered and immature considering she was twenty-one years old. Did this make me not like the book.?Absolutely not! She did grow along the way and came out stronger on the other end. She had episodes of immature behavior throughout; but all in all she did a lot of changing. Kalen, our male protagonist, was an amazing guy. He had strong morals and was committed to his role in life. Eventually, love between him and Brianna wins over and changes the course of events. The story line is well written and flows smoothly throughout. Despite the fact the ending was a bit predictable, it made a wonderful lead in to the next installment. The dragonflies added a unique twist to the story that I absolutely loved. The author has such a way with words and her descriptions make you feel like you are in the gardens and can smell the fragrances all around you. The critters, as I call them, are also quite unique. I am not sure you want to run across one of them on a dark night. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the cover art. I find it absolutely gorgeous. 
   Well, I think you can tell I loved this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a great story, especially if you like fantasy reads. Try it. I don't think you will be disappointed.
   I wish to thank the author for providing a copy for reviewing purposes.

I give Morning Star 5 out of 5 stars












Monday, August 20, 2012

Interview with Desiree Finkbeiner




It is my pleasure to welcome the multi-talented, Desiree Finkbeiner, to my blog today. She is not only a fantastic writer, but she is an illustrator and designer. Please help me welcome her to my blog today.



1- Tell the readers a little bit about yourself.

I'm a mother of 4 children and currently training a micro potbelly pig to certify as an autism therapy animal. So on top of my writing and art, I stay busy constantly.

2- How long have you been writing and what other projects have you completed besides Ethos?

I've been creating little books since I was a child, but wrote my first middle grade novel at age 12. Then spent several years interested in poetry and songwriting (wrote hundreds of songs) and recorded and released seven studio albums as a songwriter. Then took a break for babies till I picked writing back up seriously in 2009. I wrote a 155,000 urban fantasy/crime thriller but set it aside after it didn't pick up any speed with publishers. After joining a critique group, my skills were sharpened and then I hit the keyboard and started writing the Ethos series. Ethos, Morning Star, received three offers for publication within the first couple weeks of submissions. 

I signed with Hydra Publications because the staff was friendly and honest. Aside of the Ethos series, I am also working on a steampunk series called. 'The Elevator'.


3- What was the inspiration for Ethos Morning Star?

It all started with the dragonfly. I developed a plot around something I thought would attract readers based on what was selling well in the art and writing markets, then just gave them my own spin.

Please watch for my review of Ethos Morning Star which will be posted here on my blog tomorrow. I will include the book trailer and some wonderful pics from the print book version.

4- Did you create the art work and the cover design for your book?

I did. First and foremost, I am an illustrator and designer, so I felt it would be a waste not to lend my skills to help package my writing as well.

5- Do you have a WIP? If so, can you tell the us about it?

'The Elevator' is a steampunk sci-fi for young adults that borrows elements from the Matrix, 1984, Inception and City of Ember with a unique twist. Not sure if that helps describe what the story would be like, but my son (who loves sci-fi) is crazy about this story. 
In short: Boy's father and friend goes missing b/c they 'ask too many questions'. Thought crimes are punishable by imprisonment or death. Boy discovers a link with disappearances and these strange 'inspectors' walking around the city with clip boards. He traces them all back to City Hall, where he discovers a strange elevator that seems to be the source of the inspectors. A conspiracy is uncovered that changes everything the boy believes about the world he was born into. No spoilers on where the elevator goes, but he discovers a sinister plot and tries to save his friends and family from what he discovers... before it is too late.

6- I know you worked with a band, do you miss it or do you keep your hand in the business in some way?

The music industry is pretty much a thing of the past. One cannot be 'partially involved' with music it seems. It's all or nothing, and I'd rather devote my creativity to literary arts and visual art. Part of me misses it, but I have found my place in the literary and arts worlds, and I love it! I prefer to just play music for my kids now.

7- Are you still involved with your art work as much as before or has your writing forced you to cut back?

Obviously, I have to divide the time, but the two go hand in hand. I work with a lot of other authors to design book covers and work with the art too... design and promotional materials for my own writing etc. It's like having my own built in designer and publicist.

8- Where can we find your art work?


Here are the various links where you can find Desiree and her work:

Publisher: Hydra Publications (March 28, 2012) www.hydrapublications.com
Author websitewww.finkartstudio.com
Author facebook fanpagewww.facebook.com/finkartstudio
Author twitterhttps://twitter.com/finkart
Author Blog on Bloggerhttp://desireefinkbeiner.blogspot.com/





































Monday, August 6, 2012

Review of Deadly Policy


Deadly Policy
A Silver Sleuth Mystery
Mitzi Kelly
Avalon Books 202
ISBN 9780803474734

   A rash of stolen cars brings Millie's daughter and her boss under suspicion because all the cars are insured by their company. Good old Millie convinces her two best friends and neighbors, Edna and Trish, to help her find who is responsible and clear her daughters name. Of course, the chief of police, Henry Espinoza, is not going to help because he is not concerned with car thefts. Millie decides they have to come up with a plan to make him want to help. The problem is, there is no love loss between Millie and the Chief. It will take everything Trish and Edna can do to keep their friend out of trouble and out of the Chief's hair.
   This is the second book in the Silver Sleuth Mystery Series. I read the first one and enjoyed it; but I have to say this one is even better. Millie is the most cantankerous old woman and you just want to choke her at times. She is, however, true to a fault and would do anything to protect her family and friends. She has a mouth that won't quit and storms ahead with no thought to her actions. She will have you laughing out loud. Trish is a bit of a whip, but she can't take charge worth a hoot. Edna is sweet and soft spoken and has absolutely no backbone. They are the three most unlikely friends you would ever want to meet. Add in the fact they go off like a trio of inept investigators, and a police chief who would like to strangle Millie and you have a humorous, totally unbelievable mystery. On the other hand, it becomes so ridiculous it is funny and believable. If you enjoy a funny and outrageous mystery, you will love this one. It is a no brainer read that will give you a great deal to smile about. Makes for a wonderful afternoon read with a good cup of tea. I highly recommend it.
   Disclosure: I was provided a copy for reviewing purposes.

I give Deadly Policy 5 out of 5 stars
   



Interview with Amanda McNeil and a Review of Waiting for Daybreak


It is my pleasure to welcome author, Amanda McNeil, to my blog today. She is her today to answer some questions for us and promote her book Waiting for Daybreak. Lets get started.


Amanda is an energetic, masters degree educated, 20-something happily living in an attic apartment in Boston with her shelter-adopted cat.  She writes sci-fi, horror, urban fantasy, literary fiction, and paranormal romance.  She has previously published short stories and a novella.

1- Tell the readers a little about yourself.
I grew up in Vermont and moved to Boston about 7 years ago.  My interest in everything and anything naturally led me into librarianship, and a late-blooming passion for health care and science funneled me into medical librarianship.  When I’m not working or writing, I’m working out, playing video games, cooking, or exploring Boston.  Ok, ok, and snuggling my kitty.

2- Have you always wanted to be a writer? How and when did you get started?
Absolutely, writing has always been my passion.  When I was very little, four or five, I wrote, illustrated, and bound my own book about a grasshopper.  Since then, I’ve always written, although when I finished graduate school was when I became more strict with myself about goals and time spent on it and such.

3- Can you tell us about the Mental Illness Advocacy Reading Challenge you are involved with. How did it come about and what exactly is it?
Well, actually, I’m more than involved with it--I created it!  At the time I was working for a psychiatric medical library, and I was becoming more involved in fighting stigma.  I’d seen other reading challenges around other book blogs focusing on removing stigma and supporting other minority groups, such as GLBTQ or people of color.  I looked and didn’t find one at all for mental illness, so I created the Mental Illness Advocacy Reading Challenge.

The challenge basically asks readers to choose a level (4, 8, or 12) and then read books, fiction or nonfiction, featuring a person or persons with a mental illness but who are not demonized.  The hope is that the power of reading to open us up to other worlds and viewpoints will help people understand mental illness better and remove some of the stigma.  Additionally, for those who have a mental illness, the reading challenge seeks to provide them with some comfort by seeing themselves featured in books.  I offer up a list of recommended reads sorted by illness to help folks get started.

4- I know you started a new job in March of this year. Tell us what it is and what does it entail?
I’m an education and information services medical librarian at a library that supports one of Boston’s medical schools, as well as that school’s teaching hospital.  My job is incredibly varied and interesting.  I spend a lot of time helping medical students learn how to do medical research, but I also help school of public health students conduct their research and prepare for their comprehensive exams, teach residents strategies for Evidence-Based Medicine, teach dental students strategies for Evidence-Based Dentistry, and lots more teaching!  I also spend time working in reference, and on the weekend I supervise work-study students and help keep the circulation department running smoothly.  I also do a lot of one-on-one reference sessions.

5- Tell us about your fitspo tumblr and how it got started.
It’s not really a fitspo tumblr, so much as a tumblr.  It has a lot of fitspo on it, but it also features other things that I just randomly find interesting or humorous, like quotes, links, memes, etc...  I originally started the tumblr as a place to keep the quotes from books I’m reading, but once I actually had my tumblr established, I discovered these large communities of feminists, veg*ns, and fitspo folks, and it exploded from there.  Tumblr is really quite fascinating.  I highly recommend people try it out for themselves.

6- Do you have a WIP? If so, can you tell us about it?
Indeed I do!  I’m using the dark fantasy setting of a Boston taken over by the dark gods of Lovecraftian fame to examine sibling relationships.  I’m quite excited, as it will be my first book told from multiple perspectives.

7- What types of books do you like to read and why?
I read around 50/50 nonfiction and fiction.  My nonfiction reads either support my hobbies like cookbooks for cooking or fitness books for working out or they’re educating me about a topic I’ve found I’m not so educated on or that I find interesting.  I go through definite phases in my nonfiction reading.  Last year, I read a lot on black women’s history.  This year, I’m reading more history of public health style books.  I also read a lot of memoirs.

My fiction reading focuses largely on genre books--scifi, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, historical fiction, and graphic novels in all of those categories.  I guess the why is that I’d rather be in a fantastical world that is unlike our own rather than read a book set in a world just like the one we live in.

8- What do you do for fun and relaxation?
Ha ha, well, I’m honestly not very good at relaxing.  I like to be constantly busy.  So, when I’m not working at my real, grown-up librarian job, I’m: working out, writing, reading, blogging, cooking, going to events in Boston, playing with my cat, hanging out with my friends, playing video games.  I reiterate that I fail epically at relaxation, although I am working on it. Yes, I’m working at relaxing.....


Thank you for having me, Eva! 


Blurb from Waiting for Daybreak

What is normal?

Frieda has never felt normal.  She feels every emotion too strongly and lashes out at herself in punishment.  But one day when she stays home from work too depressed to get out of bed, a virus breaks out turning her neighbors into flesh-eating, brain-hungry zombies.  As her survival instinct kicks in keeping her safe from the zombies, Frieda can’t help but wonder if she now counts as healthy and normal, or is she still abnormal compared to every other human being who is craving brains?


Review of Waiting for Daybreak


Waiting for Daybreak
Amanda McNeil
June 2012
Kindle Edition

   Freida has never felt normal. She feels everything deeply and has a habit of hurting herself when she feels really depressed. One day after an unusually bad night, she stays home from work. A virus breaks out and the world has turned into a bunch of zombies. She is not sure if she is normal compared to the rest of the world or abnormal because she doesn't eat brains like the rest of them.
   This is a rather unique take on the world of zombies. Inside of this story is the author's reading challenge for the mentally ill. I am not sure I said this correctly; but this book would probably fit into her reading challenge list. Freida has a bit of low self-esteem and suffers from bouts of depression where she does herself harm to punish herself when she does wrong. I won't go into the method because that would be a spoiler. Despite her depression, she takes charge of things and manages to survive the zombie outbreak. She learns to make do with the things she has and even creates a garden for herself on the roof top  of where she lives. The first part of the book is basically about her survival. The second half is a bit of a love story about her meeting another survivor of the virus. It is not clear immediately, but Mike obviously has some mental handicap also. Freida  is exceedingly happy because she now has another human being in which to live with in the horrible situation they find themselves.  Life does not always turn out the way we want it to. It is not always happily ever after. The ending is quite the turn of events. Read for yourself to see what happens. As I said, this is a unique zombie tale, but well worth the read. I think you will be quite surprised.
   Disclosure: I was provided a copy for reviewing purposes.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars