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  • VALENTINE’S DAY SWEET READS with LOVE from CHANTICLEER – Romance, Historical Romance, Western Romance, Thriller/Suspense Romance

    VALENTINE’S DAY SWEET READS with LOVE from CHANTICLEER – Romance, Historical Romance, Western Romance, Thriller/Suspense Romance

    A Valentine to Mark Twain, a beloved American Author 

    “Both marriage and death ought to be welcome: the one promises happiness, doubtless the other assures it.”
    – Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain

    Editor’s Note: Samuel Clemons writing as Mark Twain is a beloved author to Fairhaven, a village in Bellingham, Wash. where Chanticleer Reviews’ home office is located and where the company was founded. On August, 14, 1895, Mark Twain spoke to  a full house at the Lighthouse Hall (700 seats) and received a standing ovation. Admission was seventy-five cents and one dollar for the best seats. This was the last stop in his United States tour. He arrived from presenting in Seattle on August 13, 1895. His next stop was Vancouver, British Columbia before heading out west across the Pacific Ocean for a world tour.

    February 14th is really one of the strangest holidays we celebrate with its origins in the early Church, mired with martyrs. No one really knows for sure if there was one Valentini or two, or perhaps an entire herd of them, but, it is believed that Saint Valentine lost his head over converting people to the Christian faith. The head in question now resides in “…glass reliquary in a small basilica in Rome, surrounded by flowers.” [Atlas Obscura] 

    Editor's Note: Did we mention that Sharon Anderson, the author of this article, writes horror...

    For us, February 14th is the day we all wear our hearts on our sleeves (literally), write little notes professing our love to one another, exchange candied hearts (Necco hearts may not be on the shelf this year because the company that purchased the popular brand said they, “Didn’t have time…” ), buy long-stemmed red roses for those we love (One site claims that in 2010, over 110 million long-stemmed roses were sold! That’s a lotta roses!), and chocolates… let’s not forget about the chocolates!

    Susan Marie Conrad offering CHOCOLATES at her book signing, The INSIDE PASSAGE.

    Whichever way you celebrate February 14th,
    we’ve got some fabulous reads lined up for you that are just
    too sweet to pass up!

    A Valentine of Great Reads for YOU from Chanticleer! 

    The Art of Enchantment by M. A. Clarke Scott is a well-paced escape for those hungering for art, history and a hot ride with a handsome Italian hero.

    M.A. Clarke Scott won the 2016 Grand Prize in the Chatelaine Awards for this novel!

    Daughter of Destiny: Guineviere’s Tale, Book 1 by Nicole Evelina is rich in historical detail and fantastical landscapes. This novel takes a brilliant twist on the historical perception of Queen Guinevere: she has magical powers, but will her gift be enough to save her people?

    Nicole Evalina not only won the 2015 Chatelaine Grand Prize for this novel and took home the Overall Grand Prize!

    Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren is a fast-paced romantic thriller complete with secret assassins, notorious secrets, steamy passion nights abound on this luxury Caribbean cruise – in other words, exhilarating! This is the fourth book in the Threads Romantic Thriller series and won Grand Prize in the 2017 CIBA CLUE Awards.

    Find Me Again by Janet Shawgo is a mystery, a conspiracy theory, and an amazing love story that crosses generations—all combined into one amazing read. Although there are two more novels in the series, each book stands alone.  Wait For Me.  WWII  Women  Look For Me.   Civil War Historical Fiction

    The Winters Sisters Series by Joanne Jaytanie contain elements of genetic engineering, strong women and the men who love them and nods to the author’s beloved dogs. These are hot romantic thrillers!

    Under an English Heaven by Alice Boatwright has twists and turns aplenty that will make any cozy fan enjoy this easy read, and enough descriptions of the bucolic village landscape and teas to make anyone who loves all things British happy. A second Ellie Kent Mystery is promised sometime this year.

    Building Mr. Darcy by Ashlinn Craven is a fun, fast-paced cozy reveals what happens when the witty and charming Mr. Darcy springs to life as an A.I. But, is he more than his two developers can handle?

    Seize the Flame by Lynda J Cox is a romantic Western celebrating second chances and proving that lightning not only strikes twice – but sometimes in the exact same spot.

    Threads of Passion by T.K. Conklin is a paranormal romance, western-style, that will leave you begging for more!

    The Blackbird by Kristy McCaffrey is a steamy, intelligent historical fiction set in the Arizona desert where the harsh environment matches the characters who populate it. This is the fourth book in McCaffrey’s Winds of the West series. 

    Hot Scheming Mess by Lucy Carol is a hilarious, fast-paced sexy cozy mystery with a believable lead and a gripping plot. Sassy, smart, and FUNNY!

    Mistress Suffragette by Diana Forbes is an engaging, stimulating, and action-packed novel that examines the facts of life, the challenges of social restrictions, and the woes of youthful love through the eyes of a sharp-minded, sharp-shooting young woman.

    The Passage Home to Meuse by Gail Noble Sanderson is an epic journey back to the post-war world of the 1920s where Noble Sanderson’s characters explore whether love can indeed conquer all.

    The Boundary Stone by Gail Avery Halverson – This story is set against the backdrop of the black plague, one woman of note risks everything to follow her calling and find her true love…

    Dare Devil: A Georgian Historical Romance, Book 3 of the Roxton Family Saga by Lucinda Brant

    A Girl Like You: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel by Michelle Cox is about a brave and daring darling of the Great Depression puts herself in harm’s way to solve a mystery and endear herself to the handsome detective whose job it is to solve it.

    Check out our list of Chatelaine Award Winners here.

    Please let us know, who is your favorite romance author?

     

  • CORONADO’S TRAIL by Carl and Jane Bock – Mystery, Thriller/Suspense, Literary

    CORONADO’S TRAIL by Carl and Jane Bock – Mystery, Thriller/Suspense, Literary

    M&M Grand Prize Winner Badge for CORONADO'S TRAIL by Carl and Jane BockAn ill-fated Spanish expedition in 1541 plays into present-day concerns about preserving Santa Cruz County’s (Arizona) heritage and environment. Along with an engaging yarn, Jane and Carl Bock offer the reader food for thought by presenting a microcosmic picture of the mindless destruction of time-honored customs, traditions, and mores in the pursuit of money and power.

    When deputy sheriff Calvin Creede of the Sonoita substation in Santa Cruz County receives a call from Maria Obregon, the widow of Calvin’s best friend, neither suspect where the call will lead.

    Maria has discovered the partially exposed remains of an old pickup in the San Carlos Wash, an arroyo near her goat farm on the 40,000 acres, Rocking M cattle ranch. The vehicle had not been visible before. Nothing new there, as frequent flooding reveals items previously buried in the sand. But this seems different because Maria’s dog, Boomer, is behaving as if there’s something still hidden inside the cab.

    Calvin’s investigation of the find, from running its license plate, unearthing it, and solving a 1995 missing person case, to determining that the driver had been murdered, has a domino effect. In winnowing facts from legend and gossip, he also unearths lifelong grudges, rivalries, and broken hearts that continue to impact families in the community.

    Concurrent with the murder investigation, Calvin must address the lawless behaviors of radical environmentalists, drug and human traffickers, and unethical antiquities hunters, which all, in varying ways, relate to the decades’ old murder. If this weren’t enough to sift through, he also must deal with his feelings for Maria, to whom he’s pretty sure he’s just become engaged.

    Coronado’s Trail contains multiple levels of storytelling and subplots, and in the Bock’s skillfully crafted narrative where everything fits like an intricate puzzle. In addition to a complex and compelling plot, the authors’ use of imagery adds a visceral dimension to the mood and tone that is sure to transport readers to experience the mountains shimmering in the heat, the rumble of thunder in the distance, the cooling monsoon rains… you get the picture. By the time the last page is turned and the novel complete, a kinship to Arizona’s high desert will be in your bones. All this to say, after vicariously traveling Coronado’s Trail, you may wish to walk it for yourselves.

    Coronado’s Trail took home the M&M Grand Prize for Mysteries in the 2017 CIBAs.

     

     

  • AWAY at WAR: A CIVIL WAR STORY of the FAMILY LEFT BEHIND by Nick K. Adams – Historical/Bibiography, Family Saga, Civil War

    AWAY at WAR: A CIVIL WAR STORY of the FAMILY LEFT BEHIND by Nick K. Adams – Historical/Bibiography, Family Saga, Civil War

    In 1861, like so many other American men, David Brainard Griffen took leave of his family and enlisted in the army, volunteering as a soldier for the Union. Also like so many other American men, he hoped he’d be home in a few months, that this Civil War would soon be over, and he’d be reunited with his wife, Minerva, his daughters, Alice, seven-years-old, Ida May, five-years-old, and his infant son, Edgar Lincoln. To minimize the pain of separation from his family, he wrote them letters from the field of battle, more than 100 accounts of what he was doing and witnessing as a 2nd Minnesota Volunteer. While the book is one of historic fiction, the letters are genuine, and the characters are based on actual people. The author of this fine account, Nick K. Adams, is the great-great-grandson of Corporal David Brainard Griffen.

    As compelling as the Corporal’s letters are, the mainstay of this book is about those left behind on the Minnesota prairie. In the introduction, Adams notes, “I invite you, dear reader, into the lives of this family who represent the high personal cost that waging war – for whatever cause, good or evil, inevitably produces.”  In this manner, the reader spends time with a family doing the best it can while the head of the household is away.

    One feels like an invisible member of the clan while watching Minerva and her children go about their ordinary, but in many ways, extraordinary lives. Their days are made up of chores. They care for chickens and livestock, barter eggs in the nearby town of Alba for fruit, shoes, and fabric. They make candles out of beeswax and tallow and plant crops to harvest. Livestock are slaughtered. Minerva teaches her daughters to make cheese, a skill she learned during her girlhood in Vermont. They visit with family members who live in the area, enjoy spring and summer days and bundle warmly for the frigid Minnesota winters. Alice attends school and, eventually, Ida May does as well. Edgar Lincoln graduates from baby clothes to his first set of overalls.

    It’s the minutiae of life, the everyday details that build and hold this family, and every family, together. But the reminder of the Civil War is always there. Alice uses a game of checkers to explain warfare to her little sister, and the family gathers to read and reread letters from a husband and a father they miss dearly. They write to him, as well, letting him know how they are coping in his absence. And, of course, there is the added tension of not knowing how long the war will last and whether Brainard will be among the fortunate men to make it home.

    Like the best young adult novels, this book draws a universal audience.  Every reader will feel enriched reading this vivid, charming, and poignant account of farm life in the mid-19th century amidst the backdrop of the Civil War. In addition to an account of family life, one learns much about practical matters in a rural, historic setting.

    Teachers who use Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books in their curriculums will want to add Away at War: A Civil War Story of the Family Left Behind to their lesson plans. There’s a connection between the authors; Alice Griffen married Laura Ingalls Wilder’s cousin. For those interested in simply reading Brainard Griffen’s letters, Adams published them as a collection in an earlier work, My Dear Wife and Children:  Civil War Letters from a 2nd Minnesota Volunteer.  Put in the context in this lovely novel, however, the letters are a reminder of what was happening in these lives when pen wasn’t put to paper, when a mother and her children had to do whatever was necessary to get through the day and rest for the coming one. This book is both simple and profound, a reminder of a time and place during a tumultuous time in American history.

    Away at War: A Civil War Story of the Family Left Behind won 1st Place in the 2017 CIBA competitions for unique stories of the United States, the Laramie Awards.

    My Dear Wife and Children: Civil War Letters from a 2nd Minnesota Volunteer won Mr. Adams 1st Place in the 2016 CIBA competitions for Memoir, the Journey Awards.

     

     

     

     

  • TIPS for POTENT DIALOGUE by Jessica Morrell – a Writer’s Toolbox Series

    TIPS for POTENT DIALOGUE by Jessica Morrell – a Writer’s Toolbox Series

    “Dialogue is Action. Action is Dialogue. ” – Robert Dugoni, Amazon Bestselling Author

    Make sure that yours sizzles! 

     

    Dialogue electrifies and ignites fiction. It brings characters and conflicts into focus, especially when characters argue, coerce, and threaten. Here are a few reminders about how to keep dialogue sizzling:

    Skip the throat clearing, greetings, and pleasantries.

    Don’t warm up; jump right in.

    Ditch the names.

    Write dialogue that creates consequences.

    If there are no consequences, question why you’re including it.

    Justify every repetition. 

    Dialogue Reveals Characterization 

    Dialogue reveals the inner person. Distinguish your characters from each other by nailing their primary personality traits and bearing before you sketch the scene. Distinguished, serious type? Witty? Argumentative?  Shy? Eccentric? Commanding presence? Their word choices will reflect this.

    Dialogue reveals the characters’ emotions, even when characters try to hide them. Know where they stand on the topic before, during and after the exchange. Some examples: defensive, guarded, nervous, furious, torn.

    LOTR setting the relationship between Gandalf and Frodo.

    Subtext

    Speaking of topics up for discussion, don’t be afraid to allow the convo to shift directions or uncover hidden motives–the real reason they’re talking.

    Dialogue works best if at least one character is uncomfortable, off-balance, guarded, or unsure.

    Subtext is part of dialogue. A particularly powerful subtext trick is for a character to hedge, avoid answering, try to change the subject.

    Typically dialogue is adversarial; it’s about characters vying for power, dominance, or control. Give at least one character an agenda.

    If you’re not using dialogue to reveal the truth of relationships, you might want to analyze writers who do.

    Dialogue zings when characters are saying no to each other.

    Know the dynamic that exists between the characters. 

    Sometimes just nailing the essence or context of an exchange makes it easier to write. Ask yourself what lies beneath the scene. A refusal? Subterfuge? Prying or demanding answers? Explaining a situation? Asking for something that’s hard to ask for? Is this a power play?

    As in real life sometimes characters interrupt.

    Take Care with Beats

    Take care with beats–the small inclusions of gestures, actions, reactions. Too many eye rolls, gazing off in the distance, gazing into each other’s eyes, fighting back tears and the like, can annoy the reader. You want readers to imagine many of these reactions.

    Be Aware of the “White Room” Syndrome

    Add small actions or activities for a natural flow–fixing dinner, washing dishes, walking, shopping, getting dressed.  In my editing gig, I’ve seen too many characters sitting across from each other staring unblinkingly into each other’s eyes far too often. It’s not the way most of us talk most of the time.

    Know When to Break “The Rules” 

    Don’t be afraid to include weird or inappropriate dialogue if it makes sense for the overall plot. Ron McLarty’s The Memory of Running is one of my favorite novels. It’s essentially the story of a family who is forced to cope with a daughter and sister’s mental illness–schizophrenia. It’s a sad, hilarious, and poignant story with one of the best character arcs around for Smithy Ide the protagonist. The absurdity of Smithy’s uncle’s comments and jokes help balance out the bleakness and unpredictability of Bethany’s illness. Uncle Count is the kind of guy who always has a dirty, racist, or offensive joke no matter the occasion and is clueless about how inappropriate he is, how unwelcome his jokes are. He usually starts with, “Have you heard the one about the two priests who walked into a bar?”

    If you’re staging an argument it needs to escalate. Words need to land like blows. – Jessica Morrell

     

    The BASICS

    Avoid lengthy answers, exchanges to keep the pace perking along. The whole conversation can go on for several pages, but keep each of your characters’ back-and-forths to 3 sentences (or so) or under.

    Keep tags simple. The she said, he said parts of fiction should appear invisible or natural.

    Say no to chortles, rejoinders, retorts, and demands. Allow the dialogue to inform the reader about the speaker’s tone.

    I’m going to be adding examples of effective dialogue here, so stop back.

    In case you haven’t read this beautiful book,  The Memory of Running. I cannot recommend it enough. And yes, I realize I’ve recommended it before.

    Editor’s Note: The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty was first published as an Indie by the author because it was rejected repeatedly by agents and publishing houses. It went on to get picked up by Penguin  and became a national bestseller.

     

    Writer’s Toolbox

     

    POTENT DIALOGUE TIPS by Jessica Morrell – a Chanticleer Writer’s Toolbox Series post

     

    Jessica Page Morrell
    Jessica Page Morrell

    Jessica Morrell is a top-tier developmental editor and a contributor to Writer’s Digest magazine, and she teaches Master Writing Craft Classes at the Chanticleer Authors Conference that is held annually along with teaching at Chanticleer writing workshops.

    Jessica will teach a Writing Master Class and advanced writing craft sessions at CAC19.

    Keep writing, Keep dreaming, Have heart. – Jessica

     

    Jessica understands both sides of the editorial desk–as a highly-sought after content development editor and an author. Her work also appears in multiple anthologies and The Writer and Writer’s Digest magazines. She is known for explaining the hows and whys of what makes for excellent writing and for sharing very clear examples that examines the technical aspects of writing that emphases layering and subtext. Her books on writing craft are considered “a must have” for any serious writer’s toolkit. For links for her writing craft books, please click on here.

    Chanticleer Reviews and OnWord Talks will interview Jessica for more of her writing tips and advice. Stay tuned! ~ Chanticleer (who hails from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales).

     

  • The SEMI-FINALISTS for the SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary, Contemporary, and Satire Fiction – the 2018 CIBAs

    The SEMI-FINALISTS for the SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary, Contemporary, and Satire Fiction – the 2018 CIBAs

    The SOMERSET Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Literary, Contemporary, & Satirical Fiction. The Somerset Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The #CIBAs).

    Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring contemporary stories, literary themes, adventure, satire, humor, magic realism or women and family themes. This division of the CIBAs is the SOMERSET Book Awards.  We will put them to the test and choose the best among them.

    The following titles and their authors have progressed from the ShortList to the Somerset Book Awards Semi-Finalists positions.

    Please click on this link to access the digital badges and for information about Semi-Finalists book stickers.

    Congratulations to the Somerset Book Awards 2018 Semi-Finalists:

    • Nanette Littlestone – Bella Toscana
    • R. J. Hershberger – Kicked by a Sparrow
    • J.P. Kenna – Allurement Westward
    • Debu Majumdar – Night Jasmine Tree
    • Chief John J. Mandeville – Bar Tales  
    • V. & D. POVALL – Jackal in the Mirror
    • V. & D. POVALL – Secrets of Innocence
    • Petra March – A Different Kind of Lovely
    • Patrick M. Garry – In the Shadow of War
    • Tim Gingras – RVN   
    • Barbara Stark-Nemon – Hard Cider- a novel   
    • Joe English – A Place Called Schugara   
    • Donna LeClair – Inch By Inch    
    • Patricia Sands – Drawing Lessons    
    • Edythe Anstey Hanen – Nine Birds Singing   
    • Michelle Rene – Maud’s Circus 
    • Ellen Notbohm – The River by Starlight  
    • Bob Holt – Cowboy
    • June N. Foster – The Girl and the Golden Leaf   
    • PJ Devlin – Wishes, Sins, and the Wissahickon Creek   
    • Beth Burgmeyer – Silent Echo   
    • Megan A. Clancy – The Burden of a Daughter    
    • Conon Parks – Some Kind of Ending    
    • Lenore Rowntree – Cluck   
    • Tikiri – Disowned   
    • Yorker Keith – Awakening of the Summer  
    • Linda Watkins – Summer Girl, A Novel   
    • John Hansen – Unfortunate Words
    • Diane B. Saxton – Peregrine Island   
    • Susan St. John – Mad Mischief, A Novel     
    • Claire Fullerton – Mourning Dove   

    Information about the #CIBAs Long Lists and Short Lists and Announcement Rounds.

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from SLUSH pile to the 2018 Long List (aka the Slush Pile Survivors) to the Shortlist. We incorporate the Long List when the judges request an additional round of judging to accommodate the number and/or quality of entries received.  These entries have progressed from the  Shortlist to the 2018 SOMERSET SemiFinalist positions.

    These  Semi-Finalists positions will compete for the coveted First  Place Category Winners of the 2018 SOMERSET Book Awards.

    Grand Prize Ribbons!

    The First Place Category winners will automatically be entered into the SOMERSET GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition.  The 16 CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse. First Place Category and Grand Prize Awards will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Bellingham, Washington during the annual Chanticleer Authors Conference. 

     

    For more information about the submitting to the 2019 Somerset Book Awards or the other 15 divisions of Chanticleer International Book Awards, please click here.

  • The LAST DETECTIVE by Brian Cohn – Dystopian, Alien Invasion, Mystery

    The LAST DETECTIVE by Brian Cohn – Dystopian, Alien Invasion, Mystery

    We’re all part of the same universe… aren’t we?

    Here’s a novel that courageously tries to be a number of things simultaneously: bafflingly murder mystery, apocalyptic science fiction, a polemic on racism/systemic bigotry and historical allegory. It’s all woven into an engaging mix, fuelled by a question for the ages that everyone, from philosopher to fisherman has asked at one time or another, Does God truly exist?

    Brian Cohn’s is a straightforward apocalyptic story that begins with news of an alien invasion. While on a routine murder investigation, Detectives Adrian Grace and Yuri Petrov soon lose interest in the crime scene when the sun is blotted out by an unbelievably huge spacecraft. Two years later, the aliens ¾ known as the slicks for their skin texture and tone ¾ rule the Earth. Food is scarce, electricity non-existent, real booze and prescription (even non-prescription) drugs run out and the less fortunate of the survivors of the alien v. human war are summarily shipped off to labor camps never to be seen again.

    The godless slicks seem to be soulless creatures who are only interested in their conquests, survival, and domination. They believe themselves to be the superior race. It doesn’t take long to get the feeling that either Hitler or Stalin (or both!) were Cohn’s models for these world-controlling invaders.

    Murder, as it turns out, is unknown in the alien race. They simply have no concept of this. So, when the apparent murder of one of the slicks, causes the Authority to call upon Grace, imploring him to use his considerable skills and solve the death of the unlucky “visitor,” the story really gets going. Aside: The Authority is a group of humans who have circumvented the labor camps by offering their services to the aliens.

    From that point on, readers will soon learn to realize that no one tells the truth (even a Roman Catholic priest), that nothing is what it appears to be (imagine “fake terrorists” getting away with murder), and how love in the age of alien invasion plays out.

    Fans of this genre will likely enjoy this fast-paced sci-fi despite some editing bumps in the narrative, and be talking about it for some time after they finish. Most, in fact, may be looking for more from this author.

    The Last Detective won 1st Place in the 2017 Cygnus Awards.

     

     

     

     

  • DEADLY PROOF: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery, Book 4 by M. Louisa Locke – Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense

    DEADLY PROOF: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery, Book 4 by M. Louisa Locke – Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense

    Annie Fuller, a part-time clairvoyant/landlady, is determined to improve her life. As the daughter of a financial investor, Annie knows a great deal about bookkeeping and investments. Putting her knowledge to good use with her fledgling accounting business, the pretty widow seems on-track again since moving to San Francisco, opening her home to boarders, and transitioning from her former job as the fortune-telling Madame Sibyl.

    Having agreed to marry attorney Nate Dawson, she can almost touch the happiness she deserves after her disastrous first marriage, but when Nate is hired to defend a woman accused of murdering her boss, Annie turns private investigator in an attempt to help her fiancé with his first solo criminal case. At first, Nate’s biggest obstacle is the client herself, Florence Sullivan, who refuses to even speak to him for several days. Soon the issue becomes the sheer number of suspects who wanted Joshua Rashers, the ruthless owner of a printing company, dead. But as Annie and Nate’s sister Laura begin to dig deeper into the lives of Rasher’s family and employees, they will soon face deadly dangers of their own.

    Strong personas form the nexus of this series, which features many of the same characters in both novels and novellas. Most of the characters have elaborate backstories that really “flesh out” the novel’s plot, but a familiarity with the previous stories isn’t a necessity for the reader. Readers will fall in love with Annie’s intelligence, Laura’s tenacity, Nate’s devotion, and Florence’s fortitude. Throw in the eclectic boarders and one feisty Boston Terrier, an unforgettable cast emerges that readers will adore.

    Though the dynamics between characters is interesting, the real value of the novel lies within its portrayal of the struggle for women in the late nineteenth century. Set in the 1880s, the events of the novel aren’t far removed from the Civil War that ravaged the country, and while that war was fought for the equality of all men, subjugation of women would continue for another fifty years. And though the plot makes use of actual suffragette Emily Pitts Stevens, the novel covers much more than women’s suffrage. It explores all aspects of prejudice against women, including the rights of female workers and business owners as well as a woman’s place in the marriage relationship. From Annie’s financial independence to Laura’s dream to become a lawyer, the women fight for a place in a literal man’s world. Even Annie’s upcoming nuptials bring questions of propriety over personal enjoyment, and every woman in the novel–married or single–feels the bite of mental bondage in some way and none more than Florence who is being tried in the media based in part because of the sensationalism of her gender.

    Deadly Proof: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery, Book 4 won First Place in the 2017 M&M Awards.

  • The CRIMINALIST: A Novel of Forensic Science Suspense by John Houde – Thriller/Suspsense, Mystery, Sex-Slave Trade

    The CRIMINALIST: A Novel of Forensic Science Suspense by John Houde – Thriller/Suspsense, Mystery, Sex-Slave Trade

    Beautiful, blond Russian photographic models and half-sisters, Anna and Vika, are excited, but also a bit nervous, as their trans-Atlantic flight reaches its destination of Los Angeles. Vitaly, their photographer in Russia, has sent them at the request of his brother, Mikhail, who will photograph the sisters at beach locations along the Pacific Coast near Santa Barbara.

    Mikhail—a fiftyish-looking bodybuilder with a salt and pepper goatee—meets the sisters, and they are soon heading north, the girls transfixed by the sights of Los Angeles and the California terrain en route to their new venue. Mikhail drops them off at a motel, suggesting that they rest up. This they do, but they awaken to growing needs for a fix—alcohol for Vika, heroin for Anna. Mikhail returns and takes Vika with him to pick up the necessary booze, needles, and drugs. He’ll pick them up in the morning for a shooting day at the beach.

    In this suspense-filled novel, board-certified 25-year veteran criminalist John Houde shares his knowledge in this field—much of it published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences and other professional venues—with both young adult and older readers seeking an exciting tale of crime and murder investigated at crime scenes and in crime labs of California’s police and sheriffs’ departments. Evidence gathered by these organizations comes to be used by the FBI to bring down an international ring of criminals engaged in human trafficking of young women. The crime and mayhem are lightened by a little American-Russian romance and the close relationships that develop among the ‘good’ characters.

    Houde intricately weaves many threads into his story, with parts played by colorfully crafted characters, among them the Russian trio; Santa Barbara Police Department criminalist Paul Connert, who is determined to help Vika find her missing sister; SBPD officer Kyra and her partner, Tina, a University of California-Santa Barbara graduate student, whose thesis involves research on the method of nanoparticle-mediated medication delivery to treat drug and alcohol addiction; and a crime investigator turned criminal right under his coworkers’ noses.

    What makes Houde’s novel most fascinating, however, is his skillful use of accessible language to enable his readers to enter the contemporary world of criminal investigation and see how forensic evidence is collected, examined, and used to solve crimes that might otherwise never be solved. If this book piques your interest in this scientific field, you’ll want to read Houde’s Crime Lab: A Guide for Nonscientists.

    The Criminalist won First Place in the 2017 CLUE Awards.

     

     

     

  • Fun and Inspirational Good-Fortune Horoscopes for Writers for the Chinese New Year – the Year of the PIG!  by 殿堂级 Diàntáng Jí (Chanticleer’s cousin)

    Fun and Inspirational Good-Fortune Horoscopes for Writers for the Chinese New Year – the Year of the PIG!  by 殿堂级 Diàntáng Jí (Chanticleer’s cousin)

    Happy Chinese New Year!

    Tuesday, February 5, 2019, is the Lunar New Year that

    Celebrates the Year of the Pig! 

    The Year of the Pig is believed to be a time of simple pleasures and new friendships while older friendships will flourish. The Year of the Pig is a good year for contemplation and introspection and then to use these experiences to discover and explore new areas of our lives.

    The Chinese New Year Festival is celebrated from February 5th (New Moon) for 15 days until February 19, 2019 (Full Moon).

    Lucky Colors for the Year of the Pig are  Red, Orange, Pink, along with White and Gold.

    Below are Chinese Horoscope forecasts for those who live the Writing Life

    Note from Kiffer Brown:  Chanticleer believes that we each make our own destiny by being optimistic and positive, being kind and loving, by dreaming and inspiring, being bold and doing, by appreciating and being grateful, and by expanding our awareness of the Universe. Enjoy and have fun!

     

    If your sign is a Pig (kind, friendly, and curious):

    Focus on the networking aspect of your writing career. Working with experts will benefit your writing career. Surround yourself with authors from whom you can learn. Be physically active to spark creativity. Try writing in sunny places. To earn income, you must work hard, but your hard work will pay off with dividends and bonuses. You will find new plots and twists to add to your works. Be sure to participate in social gatherings that are associated with the publishing world and use these times to network.

    If your sign is a Rat (amiable and creative):

    Now is the time to make connections with top authors who may benefit your writing career in the future. Begin this with interacting with them in social media. Support and strengthen relationships with these potential allies. Work well with them, appreciate them. Do not consider them competition. Attend social events, renew your interest in local writing clubs and organizations. Connecting with nature by taking daily walks will be advantageous. Be sure to stay hydrated while you work.

    If your sign is an Ox (leaders and loyal friends)

    This will be a time of renewal and strength for you. Do you have a work that you would like to resurrect and continue to work on? This will be the year to do it. Try new opportunities and places to sell your books. Are there selling platforms that you have been interested in trying? This is the year to do it! There are other places to sell your work other than bookstores. While finding new venues to promote your works may be difficult, they will be rewarding. You may not be interested in joining social scenes and going to others book signings and events, but you should!

    If your sign is a Tiger (passionate and have courage)

    Choosing the right people for your writing groups, critique groups, and promotions will be integral to the success of your writing career this year. This is a year not to neglect family and your significant other so you can write. Try to avoid sitting for too long this year. Get out outside (with those family members or your significant other) whether it walking, bird watching, gardening, or hiking. You will find advice and support when you need it.

     

    If your sign is a Rabbit (friendly and possessing great common sense):

    Try not to make everything perfect—how many times have you re-edited that sentence? Ask for advice from more experienced authors. Don’t be too stubborn to ask for help. Being alert and willing to move forward on your work-in-progress will increase your opportunities to be successful as a writer. This will be a great year to make new friends. Try to find creative outlets (outside of writing) to relieve stress and tension in your life—perhaps painting, woodworking, music?

    If your sign is a Dragon (passionate and quickwitted)

    Increasing pressure and deadlines will help you have a productive year and stay on target for your goals. Don’t lose sight of them. It will be a busy year so be sure to pace yourself. Be practical and rational in your planning and decision making this year. Try to keep an even keel and try not to become easily upset or agitated. Find a hobby that you find calming and pursue it—perhaps yoga or Tai Chi? Also, good deeds and charitable actions will ensure that good fortune continues. Don’t forget to reciprocate your fellow authors with reviews and positive promotion of their works.

    If your sign is a Snake (wise and almost mystical):

    There will be many opportunities for you to progress in your writing career this year, but not without challenges. You may want to consider reorganizing your work area and methods. Stay on track with your work-in-progress. You may find yourself being sensitive to the remarks of your writing/ critique partners. However, you can get through conflicts with openness, honesty, and charm. Don’t let small edits or critiques frustrate you. Make sure that you get enough sleep. Be sure to take breaks throughout the day especially if you feeling exhausted.

    If your sign is a Horse (independent and high-spirited):

    You will work hard this year, but your efforts will not go unrewarded or unnoticed. Do not hesitate to ask for help or advice from your fellow writers, readers, and mentors. Organization and timing will create opportunities for success. Satisfaction from a job well done is what motivates you—not wealth and fame. Writer’s block can be subdued by changing the locations of where you write. You are capable of working on several works-in-progress at a time. If you remain passionate and dedicated, you are sure to achieve your writing goals. Be aware of distractions from writing partners, but remember that they are there for support, but you must not lose focus.

    If your sign is a Goat  (artistic and compassionate):

    You are naturally hardworking and steadfast. This is the year to see your work-in-progress through—perhaps consider serializing it?  But make sure that your heart is in the story. Make no mistake, you will be putting a lot of time and effort into your work, but you will be appropriately rewarded. You are known for being a quiet observer of human nature which shows in your writing. However you may find it difficult to write conflict scenes, but you can do it. You just have to raise the stakes. You tend to be hard on yourself. Try to be kind to yourself as you are to others.

    If your sign is a Monkey (confident and innovative) :

    This year you must be proactive in your writing. Do not wait for the muse to come to you. You must write and focus on writing whether or not you are in the mood. Your diligence will be rewarded. Just be patient and do not procrastinate and your writing career will benefit this year. You tend to be competitive in just about anything that you do. However, you view everyone as a teacher and can always learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. Be sure to stretch frequently as you write and make sure that schedule allows for enough sleep (because of your social demands, which you thrive on.)

     

    If your sign is a Rooster (progressive thinkers and doers and unafraid to be different):

    You are serious about your work and straightforward in your actions. It probably is unnecessary to advise focusing on your writing goals and projects or to tell you to diligently plan for your goals because you already are. However, remind yourself to be optimistic along with seeing and expecting the best of yourself and others will attract positive energy to you. Projects that allow you to express yourself creatively will bring about the most success for you emotionally and financially even though you are considered to be a logical and rational thinker. You are a perfectionist, but no matter how difficult something is, you will not give up. That being said, you would benefit from yoga and other stress reducers. Try to replace bad habits with good habits as far as diet and exercise go.

    If your sign is a Dog (honest, loyal, and hardworking):

    This year you will find to be cheerful and of good fortune more so than last year. It is a good time to learn or research a new topic that you want to write about. Also, a good time to pick up new skills for promoting your writing career. It is a time for fresh starts. Try to be a bit more carefree and not to worry so much. Try to have balance in your writing life and other areas. Take time to pamper yourself. You will see many opportunities coming your way. Creativity will be at a high point. You will need passion, drive, and confidence. Don’t be worried and anxious.  Your past support of other writers will serve you well in your future endeavors.

    Are You Wondering How to Determine Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?

    Use the handy table below to find your birth year.

     

    We hope that you enjoyed this fun blog post that is meant as a way of thinking about new perspectives. 

    Chanticleer believes that we each make our own destiny by being optimistic and positive, being kind and loving, by dreaming and inspiring, being bold and doing, by appreciating and being grateful, and by expanding our awareness of the Universe.

    Happy Chinese New Year 2019! – Year of the Pig!

    The Chanticleer Reviews Team  

  • The SEMI-FINALISTS for the PARANORMAL Book Awards for Supernatural and Paranormal Fiction – the 2018 CIBAs

    The SEMI-FINALISTS for the PARANORMAL Book Awards for Supernatural and Paranormal Fiction – the 2018 CIBAs

    Paranormal Fiction AwardsThe PARANORMAL  Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of  Paranormal and Supernatural Fiction. The Paranormal Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The #CIBAs).

    Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring magic, the supernatural , weird otherworldly stories, superhumans (ex. Jessica Jones, Wonder Woman) , magical beings & supernatural entities (ex. Harry Potter), vampires & werewolves (ex. Twilight), angels & demons, fairies & mythological beings, magical systems and elements. We will put them to the test and discover the best among them for the 2019 Paranormal Book Awards!

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from SLUSH pile to the 2018 Long List to the SHORTLIST and have competed for the 2018 PARANORMAL Book Awards SEMIFINALISTS  positions.

    All Semi-Finalists will receive official notification by email and will be tagged in a Facebook Announcement and promotion—if they are following Chanticleer Reviews on Facebook. Facebook will only allow us to tag those who follow CR on FB. Click on this  Semi-Finalist badge link to the downloadable digital badge and for information about Semi-Finalists book stickers.

    Congratulations to the Paranormal Book Awards Semi-Finalists! 

    • Christine Grabowski – Dickensen Academy
    • Vince Bailey – Path of the Half Moon
    • K.A. Banks – Anthesteria
    • Gina Detwiler – Forsaken
    • Jeny Heckman – The Sea Archer
    • Nick Korolev – The 13th Child
    • Franklin Posner – Suburban Vampire Ragnarok
    • Linda Watkins – Storm Island: A Kate Pomeroy Mystery
    • Elaine Williams Crockett – Do Not Ask
    • London Clarke – The Meadows
    • Joy Ross Davis – Peaches and Lace
    • Joy Ross Davis – Countenance
    • C.A. Larmer – Do Not Go Alone (A Posthumous Mystery 2)
    • Claudia Herring – Obsessions of a Djinni
    • C.A. Larmer – Do Not Go Gentle
    • Joy Ross Davis – The Madwoman of Preacher’s Cove
    • Olivia Bernard – The Balance and the Blade
    • Anne Francis Scott – Lost Souls
    • Elizabeth Crowens – Dear Mr. Hitchcock
    • Andrea Murray – Something New

    All SemiFinalists will receive high visibility along with special badges to wear during the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala.

    These titles are in the running for the First Place Category Winner positions of the 2018 Paranormal OZMA Book Awards novel competition for Supernatural and Paranormal Fiction. Good Luck to All!

    Grand Prize Ribbons!

    The First Place Category Winners will be announced at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony. The First Place Category winners will automatically be entered into the PARANORMAL GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition.  The 16 CBR Grand Prize Divisions Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse. First Place Category and Grand Prize Awards will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Bellingham, Washington.

    We are now accepting submissions into the 2019 Paranormal Book Awards writing competition. The deadline for submissions is October 31st, 2019. Please click here for more information. 

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com. 

Chanticleer Book Reviews