Review: Blythe of the Gates by Leah Erickson

 

 

 

 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Blythe of the Gates by Leah Erickson is a deep emotional story that pulled me in from the start. The main characters went through a life of hell before they got to where they were. A young baby boy left in blood at a nunnery, was then working on a farm where he was abused, and then left as an orphan. He soon worked in a carnival where he meet an older man. One that had magic. The magic drew him in unlike anything else. It held promise of a better, happier life. Yet, the things we want in life are not always what we need. The boy becomes the magician. He meets our lady protagonist. From there, she has lived in fear of her husband. A sadness swept over me  like an ice-cube going down my back. It was depressing. She ended up living a rich lifestyle but was abused by the magician. Her happiness sapped out of her. Until, Sean…a man as ordinary as her. He makes her happy but not perfectly happy. Things spiral out of control and our lady find herself in one chaotic mess after another.

Blythe of the Gates featured themes such as marriage, abuse, and moving forward. Luna and her husband were both lost souls looking for happiness. After reading this novel, I am still not sure if Luna will ever find it. Her husband managed to  find a temporary form of happiness but it still never gave him the full satisfaction that he desired. This story was epic. The pages were dark, engaging, and mysterious…I enjoyed reading it. Overall, I recommend this book to fans of Unfortunate Events. It has the same resemblance but better.

 

 

Review: Trivium AFOQT Study Guide 2017-2018

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Trivium Test Prep’s AFOQT Study Guide 2017 – 2018 AFOQT Test Prep and Practice Test Questions for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test offers:

– A detailed overview of what you need to know for AFOQT, so that you know exactly what to expect on the AFOQT exam.
– Trivium Test Prep’s AFOQT study guide also covers all of the subjects over which you will be tested.

– Includes over 300 AFOQT practice questions for you to practice and improve.

– Test tips and strategies to help you score higher on the AFOQT.

– Trivium Test Prep’s AFOQT Study Guide 2017 – 2018 AFOQT Test Prep and Practice Test Questions for the Air.

 

Force Officer Qualifying Test includes: 
Verbal Analogies
Arithmetic Reasoning
Word Knowledge
Math Knowledge
Paragraph Comprehension
Situational Judgment Test
Self-Description Inventory
Physical Science
Table Reading
Instrument Comprehension
Block Counting
Aviation Information

&

TWO FULL AFOQT practice tests!

About Trivium Test PrepTrivium Test Prep is an independent test prep study guide company that produces and prints all of our books right  in the USA. Our dedicated professionals know how people think and learn, and have created our AFOQT book based on what research has shown to be the fastest, easiest, and most effective way to prepare for the exam. Unlike other study guides that are stamped out in a generic fashion, our AFOQT test prep manual is specifically tailored for your exact needs.

 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

This test booklet contains everything a qualifying air force officer needs to know. Excellent test taking strategies, knowledge, tips, and two full practice tests. Trivium AFOQT not only helps individuals practice test taking, but it also teaches them in each area. Big easy print to read. Three hundred and twenty one pages of detailed content. Answers and explanations for every part covered on the examination. I highly recommend this test preparation booklet to all.

Review: A Time to Stand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

In a small Georgia town where racial tensions run high and lives are at stake, can one lawyer stand up for justice against the tide of prejudice on every side?

Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, is living her dream of practicing law with a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta. Then a split-second mistake changes the course of her career.

Left with no other options, Adisa returns to her hometown where a few days earlier a white police officer shot an unarmed black teen who is now lying comatose in the hospital.

Adisa is itching to jump into the fight as a special prosecutor, but feels pulled to do what she considers unthinkable—defend the officer.

As the court case unfolds, everyone in the small community must confront their own prejudices. Caught in the middle, Adisa also tries to chart her way along a path complicated by her budding relationship with a charismatic young preacher who leads the local movement demanding the police officer answer for his crime.

This highly relevant and gripping novel challenges us to ask what it means to forgive while seeking justice and to pursue reconciliation while loving others as ourselves.

 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow is an interesting yet significant piece of literature. Here, readers explore the toughest of racial tensions by white versus black. A white officer shoots an unarmed black teen. The lawyer in this case is Adisa Johnson. An African American attorney in a man’s world. Tensions rise with each adding page. Anger, frustration, fear, and justice ring out everywhere. Then there’s  the romantic entanglements that make this story even more complex.  Writer Robert Whitlow adds to the suspense by creating several twists and turns that readers won’t expect. So many factors play a part of this plot. It’s easy to judge than to listen. Innocent people are under fire due to the situation presented inside…pressure builds and the drama as well. I was thoroughly impressed with the talent demonstrated by this writer. He created a believable, exciting, and intriguing tale. Hooking me in with every word. The main characters were well-developed. I look forward to reading more by Robert Whitlow in the future. Overall, I highly recommend A Time to Stand.

Review: Praxis II Elementary Education Rapid Review

Synopsis:

Cirrus Test Prep’s Praxis II Elementary Education Multiple Subjects (5001): Study Guide with Practice Test Questions will provide you with a detailed overview of the Praxis II 5001, so you know exactly what to expect on test day. We’ll take you through all the concepts covered on the test and give you the opportunity to test your knowledge with Praxis Elementary Education practice questions. Even if it’s been a while since you last took a major test, don’t worry; we’ll make sure you’re more than ready!

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Cirrus Test Prep’s Praxis II Elementary Education Multiple Subjects (5001): Study Guide with Practice Test Questions is a must have tool for all education majors in the elementary field. This test exam booklet has everything test takers need to know before, during, after taking the exam. Interested individuals can review the materials, learn new strategies, practice two full-length tests, and pass their certification examination with ease. Not just a study guide nor just a practice test taking book, but a book that teaches the individuals what they have to know. I loved it. As an interested education major, I highly recommend this book to all. 

Review: NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003)

Synopsis:

NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide: Rapid Review Test Prep and Practice Questions for the New York State Teacher Certification Examination (003) will provide you with a concise overview of the NYSTCE 003 test, so you know exactly what to expect on test day. We’ll take you through all the concepts covered on the test and give you the opportunity to test your knowledge with practice questions. Even if it’s been a while since you last took a major test, don’t worry; we’ll make sure you’re more than ready!

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Cirrus Test Prep’s NYSTCE English Language Arts CST (003) Study Guide: Rapid Review Test Prep and Practice Questions for the New York State Teacher Certification Examination (003) is an excellent book. It provides interested individuals with the knowledge and practice they need to pass their exam. Inside are two full practice tests as well as essays. Students can review terminology, learn new strategies, and practice taking the tests to pass. The materials on every page were concise and accurate. Detailed. It explains, teaches, and shows examples. I love when test booklets demonstrate those areas well. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to those wanting to be certified teachers in the state of New York. 

Review: Never Fear – Phobias

Synopsis:

For those who like their stories on the darker side …
19 Stories of phobia from New York Times bestselling master suspense authors F. Paul Wilson and Heather Graham with a “krewe” of dynamic award-winning storytellers.
Thomas F. Monteleone

E. McCarthy

Laura Harner

Lance Taubold

Elle J Rossi

Michael Koogler

Crystal Perkins

Richard Devin

Connie Corcoran Wilson

Mathew Kaufman

Aidan Russell

Ed DeAngelis

Jeff DePew

Don Marlowe

Holly Prentiss

Casey Parsons

Jason Pozzessere

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Never Fear – Phobias by 19 NY Times Bestselling Writers is one enormously dark collection. This anthology explores people’s worst phobias and makes them into stuff of nightmares. I was hooked. Definitely, not for those who don’t like so much horror, terror, and gore. Never Fear – Phobias is anthology readers don’t want to miss. The writing is superb. I enjoyed exploring the depths of each writer’s tale. 

Review: Never Fear – The Tarot

Synopsis:

13Thirty Books asked twenty-six authors to agree to write stories based on the Tarot, with the cards determining which stories the authors would write. 
Over the course of several months we reached out to some of the best genre authors and proposed our idea. 
Once we had our authors, we took a tarot deck and a list of all twenty-six names. We would read the author’s name, shuffle the deck, and draw a card. 
That tarot card and its traits were all the authors had to go on. 
The card was removed, the deck was reshuffled, and the next name was read off. 
This anthology contains twenty-six stories based on the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana and the four cards of the Minor Arcana. 
Award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors combine their talents to deal out twenty-six dark tales influenced by the Tarot. 
Authored by Heather Graham, Authored by Lori Avocato, Authored by Michael M. Hughes, Authored by Tim Waggoner, Authored by Tara Nina, Authored by C.M.C. Dobbs, Authored by Michael A. Stackpole, Authored by Matthew Costello, Authored by C.L. Wilson, Authored by Tori Eldridge, Authored by Lisa Mannetti, Authored by Patrick Freivald, Authored by Jamie Rush, Authored by Rebecca Paisley, Authored by Edward DeAngelis, Authored by Richard Devin, Authored by Lance Taubold, Authored by Jeff DePew, Authored by Lee Lawless, Authored by Hal Bodner, Authored by Jennifer St. Giles.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Never Fear: The Tarot is authored by twenty-six different writers. This amazing collection was fascinating. I surprised at the depth of this anthology book. Each piece was cleverly written in a way that either chilled readers to the bone or kept them in suspense. Intriguing, well-done, and highly entertaining. I enjoyed reading each short story. Another reason, I’m happy with this collection was that I was able to experience a variety of new writers. The only writer I was familiar with was Heather Graham. Then, I learned that I had been missing out by not reading works from the other 25 writers. Overall, I was throughly impressed. Dark and mysterious. I recommend this to readers everywhere. 

Review: Dead Time

Synopsis:

If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?
From award-winning author D. L. ORTON comes book three in the Between Two Evils series…
Shannon fights to stay alive inside a rogue biodome and discovers something totally unexpected… Peter. Lani is forced into the role of the reluctant heroine but rediscovers her street-kid mojo and sets out to find everything she’s lost. Diego receives another dirty sock (and a note) from the poorly aimed fireball express: “The window between universes is closing.” If Diego has any hope of getting back to Iz, he must get to the Magic Kingdom and power up the time machine before it’s too late. 
What could possibly go wrong?
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Dead Time by DL Orton is book three to an entertaining series. Cleverly written by the award-winning writer. I can see why…her talent shines forth on each page. The plot grabs my attention. Leaving alert for what may come next. Fast-paced, edgy, and thrilling to read. Dead Time takes readers from their seats and sends them forth into the book. I was hooked. DL Orton has once more captured my interest. Her latest novel is a fantasy time-travel adventure that snatches readers up….overall, I recommend this novel to all. 

Review: Daddy’s Gone A Hunting

Synopsis:

In her latest novel Mary Higgins Clark, the beloved, bestselling “Queen of Suspense,” exposes a dark secret from a family’s past that threatens the lives of two sisters, Kate and Hannah Connelly, when the family-owned furniture firm in Long Island City, founded by their grandfather and famous for its fine reproductions of antiques, explodes into flames in the middle of the night, leveling the buildings to the ground, including the museum where priceless antiques have been on permanent display for years.
The ashes reveal a startling and grisly discovery, and provoke a host of suspicions and questions. Was the explosion deliberately set? What was Kate—tall, gorgeous, blond, a CPA for one of the biggest accounting firms in the country, and sister of a rising fashion designer—doing in the museum when it burst into flames? Why was Gus, a retired and disgruntled craftsman, with her at that time of night? What if someone isn’t who he claims to be?
Now Gus is dead, and Kate lies in the hospital badly injured and in a coma, so neither can tell what drew them there, or what the tragedy may have to do with the hunt for a young woman missing for many years, nor can they warn that somebody may be covering his tracks, willing to kill to save himself . . .
Step by step, in a novel of dazzling suspense and excitement, Mary Higgins Clark once again demonstrates the mastery of her craft that has made her books international bestsellers for years. She presents the reader with a perplexing mystery, a puzzling question of identity, and a fascinating cast of characters—one of whom may just be a ruthless killer . . . 
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

In Mary Higgins Clark’s novel, Daddy’s Gone A Hunting, I was terrified. A young woman realizes the man that is playing as her father really isn’t her father after all. Then, there’s someone stealing from her real father’s company. Murder is just around the corner…and soon, the young woman will find herself in a deadly situation. The mystery was great. I was guessing all along. The suspense and intrigue was there like always. Once more, I was impressed with Mary Higgins Clark’s writing. Her novels never disappoint me. Overall, I highly recommend Daddy’s Gone A Hunting to all. 

Review: Almost Human

Synopsis:

Almost Human is a thriller where creatures with the enormous strength and power of a chimpanzee and the intelligence and size of a human are sought out and discovered in a remote compound in equatorial Africa. The special bond between trainers and their animals is central to the story. Drs. Ken Turner and Fred Savage follow rumors of chimp-human hybrids. The scientists want to study the hybrids, but government operatives want to exploit them. The resulting conflicts threaten Turner and Savage’s research and their lives, as well as the lives of many others. Can they stop the murderous onslaught in time?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Almost Human by Kenneth L. Decroo is a fascinating thriller. The entire plot hangs onto the theme of: what happens when the line between ape and man is blurred? That question lingers in my mind long after this read. I keep thinking what if…and what will happen if that were indeed a reality. We are already hearing about robots taking over humans in the workforce…what is to say that scientists won’t go so far as to blur the lines between ape and man. 

Almost Human is exciting and terrifying at the same time. The impossible comes possible. Scientists working on experiments that no one really wants to know about…and soon, it will hit the papers. Secrets will come out…and the fear of the unknown will conquer those involved. The plot takes readers to Africa were these experiments occur. Ape-human hybrids…danger is just lurking on every page. The intensity of this wild situation will send readers with nightmares and chills as they explore what happens when the lines become blurred. Kenneth L. Decroo is a talented writer. I was awed and chilled by what his words showed. Interesting scenarios. The characters were brilliant. Both the good and the bad made it believably real. Overall, I recommend Almost Human to readers worldwide. 

Review: Cozzi Cove (New Beginnings)

Synopsis:

Cozzi Cove, Book 4
Welcome back to the romantic and magical place called Cozzi Cove, seven guest bungalows on the New Jersey Shore.
This summer, Cal and his new husband, Michael, along with sister, Taylor, and her wife, Carla, prepare for the first in the next generation of Cozzis. To add to the action: Cal finds his great-grandfather’s diary, exposing a shocking surprise; Michael and Taylor weigh new job opportunities that could take them far away from Cozzi Cove; red-letter Christian and new houseboy, Billy Dean, gets his wish when meeting Jesus and John at the cove; summer guest, Nijad, can’t decide which sibling he prefers—Annabel or Andrew; and Jonathan, an occult enthusiast, encounters a sexy vampire.
As usual, nothing is as it seems when romance blossoms once again at Cozzi Cove. What secrets, mysteries, and passions lie waiting to unfold? Find out in Book Four of the Cozzi Cove series.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Cozzi Cove: New Beginnings by Joe Cosentino is the fourth best gay romantic comedy I have read. The entire Cozzi Cove Series is perfect thus far. Each book represents new events, political agendas, sexy characters, and happy endings. Plus, Joe Cosentino has once more added his brand of humor to this book. I can’t decide which book within the series is the best. Because each one is unique and ties together. The writer has a flare for creating the juiciest plots, unexpected twists, and a romance that sizzles with passion. The heat is a amazing…

Inside this latest novel, readers will find out just how close Cal’s family is and how it’s growing. A baby to come. Michael is once again having some sad moments where he feels like an outsider. He Issue of finding a job has him feeling out of sorts. But he and his husband Cal are close. Their romance made me blush. So bold and strong…felt believable. They each compliment the other. Joe Cosentino has sprung an interesting plot with the new title. Of course, the story follows as the title suggests, new beginnings. I loved how the woman carrying Cal’s and Micheal’s baby was while pregnant. Her comments made me laugh so hard. The struggles women go through while carrying a baby for nine months…can be crazy. Then, the interesting set of charcaters add spice and variety to Cozzi Cove. There’s never a boring moment at the Cozzi Cove place. Buzzing with cool people, new budding romances, and more surprises lie ahead. I have read many gay fictional pieces, but none of them have as much life to them as Joe Cosentino’s Cozzi Cove Series and Nicky and Noah Series have. It’s like Joe pours his whole heart, soul, and mind into each character, scene, and plot. I feel an array of emotions from the pages that hit me hard and good. It a book doesn’t provoke an emotional response than it’s not worth reading. I could feel and almost see the charcaters as they went about their lives. Cozzi Cove: New Beginnings is a definite must read. I know with a doubt that readers worldwide will fall in love with this book as much as I have. Overall, I highly recommend it. 

Review: Follow the Bloodshed

 

Synopsis:

Robin had gone toe-to-toe with Lilith, losing everything. Now she is back in the explosive final chapter of the Executioner Trilogy for revenge. After emerging from Hell, lying in her cold and dark grave, she is thrust into a world that she would’ve never thought possible; filled with creatures she never imagined. And her power is growing. Los Angeles is a ghost town, with the world following close behind. It is up to her to stop Lilith and bring humanity back from the brink of extinction.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

OMG! Once again, Kindra Sowder has rendered me speechless. I am so totally in love with this talented writer’s work. This final chapter of the Executioner Trilogy has sent me over the edge of my chair. I was immediately thrown back into the dark edgy world of paranormal beings. Robin is the leading female character that readers everywhere will love. She’s tough, brave, and her power is getting stronger each time. Just how powerful she will be this time around is something readers have to figure out for themselves. There is only one goal for Robin…defeat Lilith for good. Only time will tell if that happens…Revenge, romance, and action all brilliantly wrapped up in one irresitible novel. Kindra Sowder has a talent for swallowing readers whole and planting them straight into her dark worlds. Fast-paced, well-written, and well-developed. Follow the Bloodshed is a paranormal urban read that I highly recommend to all. Readers everywhere will be satisfied with this final chapter and hungry for more by Kindra Sowder.

 

Review: Seashell Meditations for Children

 

Synopsis:

A Seashell Meditation for Children combines the entire 10 story collection into one. Now, you get 10 fun and interactive stories that introduced meditation for beginners in the form of a short story rhymes using a seashell as an interactive tool for focus and fun all in one book. Reading the story to the child will guide them through a creative journey as the story takes them to exciting places to use their imaginations and explore. With each story, there is a QR code available to scan with your smart device for background meditation music and sounds while reading the book to the child. There are so many benefits of meditation. It helps to relax kids, teach mindfulness meditation and can create a practice that lasts a lifetime.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Seashell Meditations for Children by Patricia May is a collection of ten short stories. Each story is different, yet each one involves a seashell. The stories are imaginative, creative, and fun. Children everywhere will enjoy following along whether they are read to or they read it themselves. The illustrations are pretty and fit in well with each short tale. Beautiful colors on every page. Relaxing, educational, and well-done. Patricia May has created a book that both parents and children will love to read and explore together. I love how descriptive the stories are. I felt like I could hear and see everything described. Peaceful and highly engaging. Seashell Meditations for Children is a must read for all. I highly recommend it.