Chanticleer Book Reviews

Author: chanti

Bernadette Pajer presents “Emotional Triggers” at CAC
Bernadette Pajer, author of the immensely popular Professor Bradshaw Mystery Series, will present a session on “Emotional Triggers that Resonate with Readers” at the Chanticleer Authors Conference 2014

Emotional triggers unleash the reader’s imagination and create a resonance between the author and the reader. They build castles in the reader’s mind, they instill fear, or hope, or love, in the reader’s heart. Best of all, triggers engage the reader by allowing them the extreme pleasure of participating actively in the story.

In this workshop, Bernadette Pajer will share her hard-earned “aha” moment that led her to coin the term “Triggers” and will show how you can use this powerful tool to engage your readers and create a loyal readership.

Seattle author Bernadette Pajer’s Professor Bradshaw Mystery Series is traditionally published by Poisoned Pen Press. This fast-paced and highly entertaining series takes place in Seattle in the time of Tesla. All four books in this series thus far have earned the coveted Washington Academy of Sciences Seal of Approval for Science.
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An excerpt of Chanticleer's review of this award winning series:
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“Pajer’s vivid writing takes readers to this exciting time that is in the crossroads of scientific investigation and innovation, when automobiles and horse drawn carts compete for the same streets, and the United States reels with political unrest and social upheaval. Readers will warm to the curmudgeonly and reserved professor who has a heart of gold and a penchant for investigation.”

Discover how “emotional triggers” can take your writing to a new level and increase your readership–no matter what the genre, fiction or non-fiction!

We invite you to meet other members of the Chanticleer International Community of Authors at this fun and informative three day event featuring:
- CBR Awards Banquet – You don’t have to be a CBR winner to attend this exciting event.
- Sessions, workshops, and panel discussions
- Keynote Speakers: Shari Stauch, Tyler Bird, and Diane Isaacs
- Networking opportunities
- Prizes and drawings
- Books By the Bay Bookfair
Join us at the elegant Hotel Bellwether on beautiful Bellingham Bay. Register today!
September 6, 2014
Jennifer Kohout presents “Audiobooks – ACX” at CAC
Jennifer Kohout, co-founder of “Unbound Words,” a digital bookselling technology-based company, will present a session on Audio Books – ACX at the Chanticleer Authors Conference 2014.

After practicing law for ten years, former attorney, Jennifer Kohout decided it was time for a change. She has been writing full-time since 2012 and has published ten titles, five of which are currently offered as audiobooks.

Too many authors have been left out the quickly growing digital audio market. Today’s busy “readers” listen to books while they commute, exercise, stand in line, or even while taking care of household chores. Today’s fast-paced lifestyle demands multiplexing!

Audiobooks can help you reach expand your readership by allowing you to reach this busy target market. Jennifer will present an overview of ACX, the leader in audiobook technology, to get you started and headed in the right direction to take advantage of this new publishing tool.

Get your title up and out there to this growing market! ACX has revolutionized the audiobook creation process. ACX puts you in the driver’s seat! ACX was just acquired by Amazon, the leading provider of audio content and entertainment.

Jennifer is also an author of dark and sexy paranormal romance novels that are considered to be “unconventional. She has seven novels and three novellas published.

Jennifer Kohout will also demonstrate at how “Unbound Words” can increase your book sales at the Books By the Bay Festival on Sunday, Sept. 21st, sponsored by Chanticleer Book Reviews.

We invite you to meet other members of the Chanticleer International Community of Authors at this fun and informative three day event featuring:
- CBR Awards Banquet – You don’t have to be a CBR winner to attend this exciting event.
- Sessions, workshops, and panel discussions
- Keynote Speakers: Shari Stauch and Diane Isaacs
- Networking opportunities
- Prizes and drawings
- Books By the Bay Bookfair
Join us at the elegant Hotel Bellwether on beautiful Bellingham Bay. Register today!
September 5, 2014
The Paranormal Awards 2013 for Supernatural Fiction: First in Category Winners
The Paranormal Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Supernatural Fiction.

The Paranormal Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Gothic and Paranormal Fiction as defined as stories that are set in a normal world where there are supernatural or speculative characters or elements that are beyond the range of scientific explanation that interact in what is otherwise considered a normal construct. Gothic fiction (also known as literary horror i.e., Frankenstein, Dracula, and Poe’s works (not graphic horror) is also another sub-genre of Paranormal Fiction.

We are honored to post the Official List of 1st in Category Winners for the Paranormal Awards 2013.

These 1st Place Category Winners have been read cover to cover and have made it through seven rounds of judging. The authors of the winning titles will receive a Chanticleer Editorial Book Review and promotional package.

First Place Category winners will compete for Overall Best of Paranormal Awards for Supernatural Fiction 2013. Overall Best Book for the Paranormal Awards 2013 will win a $250 purse and will compete for the Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Awards Grand Prize for Best Book 2013 and a $1,000 purse (U.S. Dollars). Awards will be announced and presented at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet on September 20th, 2014.

The Overall First Place Genre Winner for the Paranormal Awards 2013 is:

Lisa Voisin, The Watcher

The First Place Category Winners Titles & Authors of the Paranormal Awards 2013 are:
- Young Adult: Spirit Legacy by E.E. Holmes
- Contemporary Gothic: Poe, Nevermore by Rachel M. Martens
- Angels/Demons: The Watcher by Lisa Voisin
- Historical: The Immortal American by L. B. Joramo
- Mystery/Thriller: The Dream Jumper’s Promise by Kim Hornsby
- Romance: Montana Mustangs by Danica Winters
- Urban/Edgy: The Third Option by Ben A. Sharpton
- Supernatural Powers: Witch’s Malice by David Hutchison
- Vampires/Werewolves: Dancing on the Dark Side by Mairin Fisher-Fleming
Honorary Mention for Best New Manuscript: Bayview by Penny Page

Congratulations to the Paranormal Writing Competition 2013 Finalists and 1st in Category Winners! https://www.chantireviews.com/2014/03/26/paranormal-awards-2013-finalists-official-list/

The staff and judges at Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions want to thank everyone who participated in the Paranormal Awards Writing Competition 2013.

We invite you to participate in the 2014 Paranormal Awards! Click here for more info.

CBR – Discovering Today’s Best Books with International Writing Competitions!
June 29, 2014
Guy Kawasaki, author of “APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur”

Chanticleer’s review of APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur was a key component of its successful launch. I would recommend CBR to authors who are passionate about their craft.

June 16, 2014
The CLUE Awards for Thriller, Mystery, & Suspense Fiction: First in Category Winners
The CLUE Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Thriller, Mystery, and Suspense Novels.

We are honored to post the Official List of 1st in Category Winners for the CLUE Awards 2013.

These 1st Place Category Winners have been read cover to cover and have made it through seven rounds of judging.

The Clue First in Category 2013 Winners will receive:
- a Chanticleer Editorial Book Review package
- Digital CBR Blue Ribbon badges
- CBR SEO package
- Social media promotion
- Adhesive stickers
- Chanticleer 2013 Best Books 1st in Category Listing
First Place Category winners will compete for Overall Best of the CLUE Awards for Thriller, Mystery, and Suspense Novels 2013. Overall Best Book for the CLUE Awards 2013 will win a $250 purse and will compete for the Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Awards Grand Prize for Best Book 2013 and a $1,000 purse (U.S. Dollars). Awards will be announced and presented at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet on September 20th, 2014.

The Overall First Place Genre Winner for the Clue Awards 2013 is:

Clyde Curley, Raggedy Man

The First Place Category Winners Titles & Authors of the CLUE Awards 2013 are:
- Romantic Suspense: Small Town Storm by Elise K. Ackers
- Steamy/Action/Thriller: Buried Threads by Kaylin McFarren
- Debut Novel: The Last Dance by Lonna Enox
- Historical Mystery: Forevermore by Jim Musgrave
- Caper/Adventure: Too Many Violins by Mark Reutlinger
- Private Eye: Fire Trap by Richard Mann
- Police Procedural: Eleven by Carolyn Arnold
- Classic Detective: Raggedy Man by Clyde Curley
- Mystery/Crime: Deadly Recall by Donnell Ann Bell
- Amateur Sleuth: Death Over Easy by Toby Speed
- Thriller/Suspense: Grind His Bones by Richard Newell Smith
- Medical: Without Consent by Bev Irwin
- Psychological Thriller: The Grave Blogger by Donna Fontenot
Congratulations, again, to the CLUE Awards 2013 Finalists!

The deadline for the Clue Awards 2014 was September 30, 2014.

We are now accepting entries for the CLUE Awards 2015.

Click here for more information about how to enter the CLUE Awards 2015 for Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Novels, a division of the Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions.
June 7, 2014
Fiona Rawsontile, author of “Starlight Fortress”

“Thank you for the wonderful review! Please pass on my thanks to your editor, who not only read the book carefully, but also took the effort to pass on her recommendations to me. It’s been a pleasure working with you, and I’ll recommend your service to others!”

June 6, 2014
Dale B. Jackson, author of “Unbroke Horses”

“Chanticleer’s editorial review is excellent and I appreciate the time you have taken to do such a great job with it.”

June 6, 2014
Register for the Chanticleer Awards Banquet, Conference, & Book Fair
We are excited to announce Chanticleer’s Awards Banquet, Book Fair, and Mini-Conference!

Register Today! Please visit our CBR Awards & Conference Page.

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 20th & 21st at the Bellwether Hotel, by beautiful Bellingham Bay, Wash.

Meet other members of the Chanticleer Community of Authors and Readers at this fun and informative two-day event featuring:
- CBR Awards Banquet
- Books By the Bay BookFair at the Bellwether
- Mini-conference with workshops/social media sessions/marketing lessons
- Networking Opportunities
- Prizes and Drawings
The Chanticleer Awards Banquet will be held Saturday, September 20, 2014

Chanticleer Awards Banquet Information:
- We will announce the Chanticleer Grand Prize Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions 2013 Award- winning author and title at the Banquet and present the $1,000 award.
- Ten Overall Best of Genre Awards will also be presented at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet with the $250 prize for each of the Best of Genre winning authors and titles. (10 awards of $250 for each Blue Ribbon division of the Chanticleer Writing Competitions).
- The Banquet will start with a Cocktails at 6 in the evening. Dinner will begin at 7:30.
- Tickets and Reservations are Required. Seating is Limited. Guests are welcome to attend.
Books By the Bay Book Fair at the Hotel Bellwether, Sunday, Sept. 21st from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.
- Open to the Public
- Author Readings
- Prizes & Drawings
- Events & Exhibitors
- Cash Bar with Local Beers, Wine, & Cocktails
- Food will be available for purchase
- Jazz starts at 4 p.m.
Mini-conference for the Chanticleer Community: Sat. & Sun. Sept. 20 & 21

CBR mini-conference will take place from 9 a.m until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20th. Lunch and Break snacks included.

Sunday, Sept. 21st from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21st. Coffee Break included.
- Master Workshops
- Keynote Speakers
- Social Media Sessions
- Marketing & Book Promotion Sessions
- Networking Opportunities
For those arriving on Friday, Sept. 19th, we are hosting a Cash Bar Cocktail Hour and other fun events.

Registration is now OPEN!

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of the members of the Chanticleer Community of Authors and Readers!

Your support and participation is greatly appreciated!

Here are some photos of the event and the winners from last year. Our very first CBR Awards Event!

Now that was something to CROW about!
June 6, 2014
The Somerset Awards for Literary & Mainstream Fiction: First in Category Winners
The Somerset Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Contemporary, Mainstream, and Literary Fiction.

The Somerset Awards is a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions. This contest division is named after W. Somerset Maugham (1874- 1965), author of “The Moon and Sixpence,” “Of Human Bondage,” “Razor’s Edge,” and other literary masterpieces. Maugham was trained and qualified as a medical doctor. He served in the Red Cross ambulatory corps in WWI, then was recruited in the British Secret Service. During and after the war, he traveled extensively.

We are honored to post the Official List of 1st in Category Winners for the Somerset Awards 2013.

These 1st Place Category Winners have been read cover to cover and have made it through seven rounds of judging. The authors of the winning titles will receive a Chanticleer Editorial Book Review and promotional package.

First Place Category winners will compete for Overall Best of Somerset Awards for Contemporary, Mainstream, and Literary Fiction 2013. Overall Best Book for the Somerset Awards 2013 will win a $250 purse and will compete for the Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Awards Grand Prize for Best Book 2013 and a $1,000 purse (U.S. Dollars). Awards will be announced and presented at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet on September 20th, 2014.

The Overall First Place Category Winner for the Somerset Awards 2013 is:

Jeremy Bullian, Individually Wrapped

The First Place Category Winners Titles & Authors of the Somerset Awards 2013 are:
- Contemporary: Chocolates on the Pillow by Sean Dwyer
- Satire: Brain: The Man Who Wrote the Book that Changed the World by Dermot Davis
- Mainstream: The Prodigal by Michael Hurley
- Speculative Fiction: Individually Wrapped by Jeremy Bullian
- Adventure/Suspense: Tarnished Hero by Jim Gilliam
- Literary: The Opposite of Everything by David Kalish
- Women’s Fiction: Cheating the Hog by Rae Ellen Lee
- New Adult: Saving Faith by Patrick M. Garry
Congratulations to the Somerset Writing Competition 2013 Finalists and 1st in Category Winners!

The staff and judges at Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions want to thank everyone who participated in the Somerset Awards Writing Competition 2013. The selection process was quite competitive.

We are now accepting entries into the Somerset Awards for 2014. Click here for more info.

CBR — Discovering Today’s Best Books with International Writing Competitions!
May 4, 2014
An Editorial Review of “Candles in the Window” by Karl G. Larew

Candles in the Window, by Karl G. Larew, follows a group of college students as they make their way through a year of school at the University of Connecticut in the 1950s. The military draft was in full swing, young women were pursuing college degrees in more than negligible numbers, wives still had to have their husbands sign contracts for them, and homosexuality was considered a heinous crime.

Candles in the Window is brilliantly told in a non-traditional manner rather like the storyline of the Mad Men TV series. (Keep in mind that Mad Men script was first aired in 2007 while Candles in the Window was originally published in 1999.) There is no typical plot line of rising action, climax, and quick resolution. Rather, the story takes place over the course of one academic school year at the University of Connecticut (or UCONN as it is called throughout the novel).

This work chronicles what happens to a group of students who attend school there. The focus of the narrative is shifted regularly between eight to ten characters. The author makes the characters come alive with spot-on dialogue and pieces of reality from this era when society’s social norms are about to experience a great upheaval.

There is one character who serves as the axis for the story, and that is the alluring character of “Silky” (aka Susan Schreiber). However, no one really seems to know her or her whole story, in fact, no one even seems to be able to agree on what her first name is. Nevertheless, she’s beloved by everyone despite, or perhaps because of, the mystery surrounding her. Her story comes through in bits and pieces.

When tragedy strikes part way through the school year, the students must learn to cope and several of them find they need to reevaluate what they hold dear along with how they define relationships and love. The conversations between them often wax philosophical, as conversations between college students are wont to do.

Readers should be aware that the novel’s prologue sets the stage and framework for the story. We get the opportunity to see Silky through the different perspectives of the other characters as the story progresses. Be advised by this reviewer to read Candles in the Window’s epilogue for a more satisfying conclusion and for tying up most of the threads. Again, if you are a fan of Mad Men, (which I am) and how its characters grapple with rapidly changing realities and social norms, then Candles in the Window comes highly recommended.

The novel cleverly documents the contradictory and conservative morals of the 1950s. Readers will experience a world where female college students have curfews and male students don’t, unmarried individuals are expected to know nothing about sex, and religious tension is often swept under the rug. This novel intelligently and authentically explores the true nature of humans against the standard of this era’s “traditional family values” that come on the heels of the two great wars.

Candles in the Window by Karl G. Larew is a captivating and intriguing account of young people who find themselves increasingly at odds with the dictates and mores of “The Greatest Generation” as they contend with new advents just on the horizon: civil rights, war protests, equal rights, and the sexual revolution.

April 30, 2014