Chanticleer Book Reviews

Blog

  • The LIGHT of GRACE: Journeys of an Angel by Kasey Claytor – an epic spiritual journey

    The LIGHT of GRACE: Journeys of an Angel by Kasey Claytor – an epic spiritual journey

    “The Light of Grace” by Kasey Claytor begins at the end of Grace’s final material/physical life on earth. She transcends into her angelic form and following a life review, Sophia, her former guardian angel, introduces Grace to the new charges she is to guide.

    During her new role as guard and guide for people assigned to her, Grace continues to evolve. Her charges each live during vastly different time periods on earth. Mumbie, a woman, lives in primitive earth times. Garth, a Christian male, lives in the middle ages. Arnina lives in the technological age of the twenty-first century. Alistair lives in the twenty-ninth century, described as the salubrious Light Age.

    In a surprising twist, the omnipotent narrator introduces himself by writing “And of course there is me. I am not a physical being, but I have been…”. The story teller describes the lives of each of these characters, from birth through life’s experiences until death, including their relationships and sufferings amidst supernatural guidance from Grace. To provide each character with visible and palpable loyalty and unconditional love, a canine spirit takes a physical form and stays by each one’s side.

    Edifying dissertations give readers a smorgasbord of spiritual precepts combining multiple teachings and explanations from both Biblical and Eastern sages. Readers who enjoy the writings of Deepak Chopra or Wayne Dyer will find Grace’s metaphysical journey enlightening as it spans thousands of years both into the past and into the future.

    The characters’ universal life situations trigger recognition of universal truths as they struggle to deal with war, death, love, hate, loss, drug use, jealousy, lust for power, success, failure, self- incrimination, torment, deep love, compassion, peace, and joy. Sufferings are portrayed as necessary stepping stones for the evolution of souls with the spiritual guidance of angels whose main tools are unconditional love and the absence of judgment, trusting that everything is what it must be.

    You may want to gather with others to explore and discuss your observations as you accompany Grace and her special emissary, Aelfraed, on Grace’s spiritual journey crossing planes of existence and enduring trials and tribulations revealed through each character’s telling. The characters’ lives are vividly portrayed via the settings, lifestyles, and beliefs of the eras in which they live.

    The Light of Grace: Journeys of an Angel by Kasey Claytor will make an excellent selection for book clubs interested in reading and discussing works that are spiritually and metaphysically oriented. It also will be a compelling read for anyone seeking answers to the mysteries of life, death, and what lies beyond.

     

  • VALENTINE’S DAY by April Kelly, — a Rick Valentine Mystery, Book 1

    VALENTINE’S DAY by April Kelly, — a Rick Valentine Mystery, Book 1

    A clever plot, engaging characters, and a solid dose of self-deprecating humor make this detective mystery unique and a highly entertaining read.

    Rick Valentine, a twenty-something, newly minted private investigator, is discovering that setting up one’s own PI business isn’t all that easy.

    Clients aren’t lining up outside his office door and those who do come are more interested in having him find their lost cat than solve a real crime. Rick doesn’t exactly have an instinct for the business, either—once he’s stumbled onto a crime, he’s more likely to dig himself deeper with the bad guys than help put them behind bars. In fact, most of the people in Rick’s life seem to spend their time looking out for him, making sure that he survives to fight another day.

    However, readers don’t make it very many pages into this cleverly written novel before realizing that there is far more going on behind the scenes than first appears to be the case.

    A past employer who keeps Rick afloat by tossing him odd jobs here and there might also be connected with the death of Rick’s father. His “receptionist” no longer acts like a receptionist at all, instead exhibiting an alarming proficiency at handling a very large, very lethal gun.

    Are these two drawing Rick into a life-threatening situation, keeping tabs on him for some reason having to do with his past, or helping him survive as he builds his business? And why are there two truly scary, murderous thugs suddenly looking for him?

    April Kelly begins this first novel in her Rick Valentine Mystery series by gently introducing the reader to quirky, humorous characters and carefully laying the foundation for a more complex plot that is tied to past events in the main character’s life.  After settling into thinking you are reading just another humorous cozy mystery, you suddenly realize you are hooked, thoroughly enjoying yourself, and unable to put the book down. This is fun! Clues pile upon clues, nothing is as it seemed in the beginning; Rick’s past is far more mysterious than it originally appeared to be and all those entertaining people you met early on have become compelling characters you truly care about.

    Kelly has used her background as a television writer to skillfully develop a far more entertaining mystery novel than is typical of the genre. Valentine’s Day is highly recommended for those who love a good whodunit, endearing characters, and some laugh-out-loud moments.

  • Third in the Seven Must-Haves for Authors series by Kiffer Brown

    Third in the Seven Must-Haves for Authors series by Kiffer Brown

    dreamstime_m_51247787What is the cornerstone of any successful author’s promotional platform? 

    Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Publishing!

    I was asked by Orna Ross of Alliance of Independent Authors to share what I consider to be the “Seven Must-Haves for Independent Authors” at  UPublishU event that was held at the Book Expo of America 2016 held in Chicago. Of course, I agreed!

    However, the Seven Must-Haves are applicable for all authors whether they are self-published, small press published, traditionally published, or hybrid published. Today, I am addressing the second of the Seven Must-Haves for Authors. 

    What is the cornerstone of any author platform? Editorial Book Reviews

    Why? Why is it that the big traditional publishing houses have staff and contractors whose main job responsibility is to secure editorial book reviews for their upcoming releases? 

    First a PDQ lesson about the different types of reviews (and, yes, books should have all four):

    • Editorial Reviews by professional reviewers in the publishing industry (required by librarians before purchase)
    • Peer Reviews by peer authors or same genre authors who further up the top-selling list
    • Consumer Reviews by individual consumers (readers)
    • Manuscript Overviews: these are pre-editing, pre-publication evaluations

    Why are Editorial Reviews Important to Traditional Publishers?

    • Editorial Reviews are needed for pre-launch sales, bookseller tradeshows, sales catalogs, distributor catalogs, sell sheets, and to create marketing collateral.
    • Editorial Reviews establish credibility and competence in the publishing marketplace.
    • Editorial Reviews help set the tone for reader interaction.
    • Editorial Reviews give readers the language and vocabulary to write consumers reviews, thereby, increasing the number of consumer reviews a book receives.
    • Editorial Reviews distinguish your work from the millions of other books that are vying for the reader’s attention and help to crystallize what your book is about (book discovery tools).
    • Editorial Reviews support your author platform by adding evidence that your work has been evaluated and validated by publishing industry professionals.
    • Editorial Reviews are critical to your book’s success in today’s digital age of publishing. Many potential readers may never see your book in print at a book store, but your reviews will be easily available on the internet, add credibility to your books in a digital environment.
    • Editorial reviews connect readers and promote discussion on social media, forums, and book clubs.
    • Editorial Reviews give authors and their publicists something to post, blog, and chat about with their works that a publishing professional has said about a work. Authors can easily re-tweet, share, like, and comment on their Editorial Reviews without sounding “self-promoting.”

    Editorial Book Reviews are consistently one of the most powerful tools available to traditional publishers for promoting their books–making them one of the most powerful tools available to Indie authors for the promotion of their books.

    Authors must recognize the need for strong credentials to demonstrate competence to potential readers, book buyers, librarians, and media professionals.To address the question that comes up the most and to clear the air, I ‘d like to answer this question:

    What about “paid” editorial reviews? Are they “wrong?” 

    Chanticleer Reviews is sent Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) on a regular basis from the Big 5 traditional publishing companies for us to consider to review for “free.” We are sent the ARCs of future releases six months to a year ahead of the scheduled title launches.

    Let me confirm that these big traditional publishing companies never “pay” for editorial reviews and will, most likely, admonish those authors and publishing houses who do pay for editorial reviews.

    However, I am here to set the record straight. All editorial/professional reviews are paid for–one way or the other. Most indie authors and publishers could not afford to pay Chanticleer Reviews what the traditional big publishers pay us in-kind with promotion and publicity.

    Chanticleer at BEA ChicagoWhoa! That’s right. It is just that the big guys don’t pay us in cash or Paypal. They pay us in-kind with advertising, promotional considerations, press releases, having Chanticleer Reviews name appear on covers of thousands and thousands of books, helping us build relationships with the all important book distributors, and helping us (Chanticleer Reviews) to earn prestige among the traditional publishing houses. How much would we have to pay for this type of priceless promotion? I can’t even think about the number of zeros that would follow the dollar sign. Conversely, how much would we have to charge authors and smaller publishers who do not have staff and contractors to run the p/r machine to match the type of compensation that the big guys offer with each ARC that we receive from them in the mail or from Net Galley?

    That being said, editorial reviews must come from objective, trusted, and unbiased professional editors and reviewers. 

    Chanticleer Book Reviews was established in 2010 when independent authors were still treated unfavorably by many in the book industry, including editorial review companies. Chanticleer was founded on the principle that all authors deserve an equal chance at success. Today, indie authors are finally winning the respect they deserve and Chanticleer remains the young upstart, championing the new, the innovative, and the leading-edge of the book industry.

    “Chanticleer Reviews has quickly risen to the ranks of the premier, respected trade reviews in the industry. Their opinion is highly valued by independent and traditional publishers alike. They have been a wonderful resource for me as an unknown, indie author trying to obtain recognition for my work.” Michael Hurley, author of The Prodigal, The Vineyard, The Passage, and others.

    What do editorial book reviewers look for when evaluating a book?

    • Is the story compelling?
    • Professionalism of editing and formatting
    • Characterization
    • Pacing
    • Continuity of story-line
    • Intriguing opening
    • Satisfying ending (not necessarily “happy”)
    • Uniqueness of story
    • Writing craft
    • Plotting craft
    • Other genre specific criteria

    At Chanticleer Book Reviews, if your work is not well-received, our editors will write a “evaluation” that addresses the major issues and problems found so that the writer may work on improving the quality of the work in question. 

    We do not publish “negative” reviews, but we do give constructive feedback to those who submit their works for an editorial review.

    Positive reviews generate content for:

    • Social Media Posts
    • Point of Sale Marketing Materials
    • Shelf Talkers
    • Press Releases
    • Author Platforms and Websites
    • Meta-data
    • Blogging
    • Interviews
    • Book Discovery
    • Distribution Reviews
    • Increasing Book Sales

    Chanticleer Book Reviews are for the serious author ready for professionally reviewed, unbiased, objective assessments of their work.  

    Does your book to have this “big 5” advantage?

    IF not, submit your work today for the Chanticleer Editorial Review package!

    For more information about the editorial review process at Chanticleer Reviews, please click here.

    To find out how to submit your book for a Chanticleer Editorial Review, please click here.

    SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER for Chanticleer Reviews e-news subscribers: 

    And, as a special for those who have read all the way to the end of this article, please accept this discount code for a $50 discount off from the standard $345 rate which includes a two-year digital promotion campaign from date of review posting to the Chanticleer Reviews website.

    $50 Discount Code:  $50CRDISCBEST

    #1 Must Have:

    What is the traditional publishing tool that authors can implement to propel their writing careers to new levels and to earn an income from selling their books?  Click here to read the post: #1 Must-Have 

    #2 Must Have:

    What is the single most important publishing tool for first-time authors? Click here to find out

    Kiffer-Brown-CBR-132x150.jpgAs always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com

    Best, Kiffer Brown

    Inform, Involve, Engage! 

  • The ONLY CLUE — The Neema Mystery Series, Book 2 by Pamela Beason – a gorilla mystery

    The ONLY CLUE — The Neema Mystery Series, Book 2 by Pamela Beason – a gorilla mystery

    When three gorillas disappear, Dr. Grace McKenna stands to lose not only her livelihood and her professional reputation, but also three close friends, in this lively new novel by animal advocate and author Pamela Beason.

    Grace, assisted by a crew of young advocates from the Animal Rights Union,  reluctantly fulfills a request from her project funders to hold a public exhibit of Neema, a mother gorilla, her baby Kanoni, and Neema’s giant, grumpy mate, Gumu. A dedicated cop, Matt Finn, supplies the project’s security protection (and Grace’s romantic interest).

    After the public event,  the apes vanish, a huge pool of blood on the floor of the gorilla compound is “the only clue” to what might have happened. Did they escape into the wild?  Were they “liberated” by ARU operatives, or captured by exotic animal traders?

    Grace can’t believe Neema would desert her, because the two have a close kinship based on their mutual use of sign language. Matt is sure someone connected with the project freed the gorillas on principle, or stole them for cash. He focuses on Tony Zyrnek, father of Jon, Grace’s most trusted assistant. Tony just got out of prison, is charming to a fault, and has a slew of highly questionable, greedy associates.

    The project goes on lockdown, with Grace justifiably fearful of the consequences if word of the disappearance gets out. Matt and Grace are torn apart by the calamity, making it harder for both to function.

    Matt’s investigations become increasingly complicated by crimes outside the compound, but his thorough police work gradually uncovers important evidence about the fate of the missing apes. Major revelations also result from Grace’s desperate delving into the bizarre international underworld where rare animals are bred and sold for profit.

    Beason’s book, the second in her “Neema” series, will excite, enchant, and educate. Readers unaware of the innate intelligence of apes may be surprised to learn that Neema’s rather sophisticated communication abilities are based on verified fact. Beason skillfully shows us the human world through gorilla eyes.

    Both dedicated animal rights proponents and people new to the dynamics of ape/human interaction will empathize with Gumu, Neema, and Kanoni’s struggles; while fans of the “locked room mystery” genre will fix their attention on the plight of the humans and their efforts to find more clues before it’s too late.

    The Only Clue is a well-crafted mystery to inform as well as intrigue and captivate, opening an engaging realm of fictional exploration and speculation—the special bond that can happen between gorillas and people. Highly recommended.

  • PORTIA BENCH by Robert Boyd, a horror thriller novel

    PORTIA BENCH by Robert Boyd, a horror thriller novel

    Ill-fated Clint Matheson. He lands what looks like the stellar job of his career—managing construction of a new highway across British Columbia, in time for the Expo 86 World’s Fair in Vancouver—only to find the highway must cross Portia Bench–a tableland that is ideal for a roadway. 

    However, it is actually a graveyard. Centuries ago, a First Nations chief lost his bride there in an earthquake, and in his grief he forever cursed the land. Later, a horrible train wreck took more lives, including those of circus animals. So when Clint’s team starts surveying this cursed ground, spirits awake, and start fighting back.

    Survey teams are slaughtered when crew members suddenly go berserk. Surviving crew members see bewildering visions and hear incomprehensible noises. Clint, who learns of the legends from a contemporary chief and his daughter, plus a museum director knowledgeable about the Kootenay Central Railway, finds that maybe he shouldn’t have been so quick to dismiss the legend of the curse, especially once he starts seeing some of the visions himself.

    But Clint can’t make his bosses believe, and they refuse his begging to reroute the highway. He has to find some way to stop the spirits from going crazy and get the road built. Meanwhile, crew after crew comes to grief. Even nature conspires to set back the project, with harsh winters and mysterious wildfires.

    The story takes on a Grade-B-horror-movie flavor as the body count rises as an entire work crew is murdered. The plot of this story is about supposed progress interfering with a cursed landscape and unleashing primeval forces. Clint has to wrestle with some serious conflicting interests along with finding himself romantically distracted by Chief Edwin’s daughter, Cindy. 

    The most intriguing aspect of Portia Bench is the regional history brought to life by the author, who clearly has done his homework, and knows from experience the hardships of building roads across the high backcountry of western Canada. The central mystery of the story is: Will Clint be able to come up with a solution, or will the spirits wipe everyone out? The odds are against Clint and he must risk all to find a way.

  • THE BLEAK: a Sam Dyke Investigations, Book 4 by Keith Dixon

    THE BLEAK: a Sam Dyke Investigations, Book 4 by Keith Dixon

    “The ninth rule of private detection states that you should never take on a client you think might be nuts. I wasn’t entirely convinced this was the case with the woman who’d called me that morning, but I was certainly tending that way.”

    Sam Dyke is a private investigator whom you can’t help but enjoy getting to know. Readers will quickly get to understand Dyke’s character by his sharing of his detective tenets.

    The case involves a distraught female named Margaret, who is deeply concerned over the recent behavior of her boss Nathan. Though apprehensive, Dyke takes on her case anyway even if it goes against his better judgement.

    What unfolds is a fast-paced thriller based in England, specifically in Crewe, where a number of questionable suicides have taken place. One of these suicides turns out to be Margaret’s boss.

    Dyke shares more of his detective axioms: “I’ve found that once I start a case it tends to move quickly. I hadn’t exactly started on this— whatever “it” turned out to be— but things still moved along at a click.”

    Sam’s focus rests upon the research facility where Nathan worked. In fact, Sam is asked by the CEO of the company to look into Nathan’s death as well. This was not well received by some of the employees. “Why are you letting Dyke into all this? He’s a little toe-rag who shouldn’t be truffling around looking for something that he won’t find.”

    Sam faces near silence and some pretty stiff push-back from some of those whom he interviews: “What do you think you’re going to find, exactly? What do you think people are going to tell you?”

    Sam counters with “I won’t know until they tell me. That’s the way it is in this game. One minute, complete ignorance, the next, enlightenment. Private detection is almost a spiritual act.”

    A real sense of danger and suspense culminates in some fairly intense moments for our main character. At times you are left wondering if Sam Dyke has taken on his last case.

    When Sam interview’s Nathan’s wife, Isobel, what she tells him gives him grave reason for concern. “In the last eighteen months I watched my husband change from someone who enjoyed his life, enjoyed his work and enjoyed whatever spare time he had left to spend with me. He changed into someone whom I barely recognized. He didn’t eat well. He didn’t sleep well. He spent more time at the office than any sane man should.”

    As the story progresses you learn of the bleak. Who or what is the bleak? You’re going to have to read this well-crafted detective tale to find out. Keith Dixon has given readers a thrill ride in this fast-paced story of hidden truths waiting to be discovered.

    Keith Dixon’s winning protagonist is Sam Dyke; a gritty British detective who can take as well as give. Fans of hard-boiled detective series are going to revel in following the cases of Sam Dyke, Investigations.

  • GREY DAZE: a Lance Underphal Mystery by Michael Allan Scott

    GREY DAZE: a Lance Underphal Mystery by Michael Allan Scott

    Disturbed by psychic powers and whisperings from his dead wife Sonja, freelance photographer Lance Underphal finds himself caught in a web of evil.

    When Lance’s lady friend Callie asks him to investigate the disappearance of her reclusive uncle, he and Jake Jacobs, a PI and former Navy SEAL, are on it. What seems like the natural death of a lonely old man reveals itself as murder. As Jake tracks the suspects, he discovers a pattern leading to government corruption at the highest levels—drug dealing and gun running involving biker gangs and the U.S. Dept. of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

    Lance is jailed, arrested on felony charges for Sonja’s death, all the while plagued with paranormal visions of the murderer. Hit from all sides, he suffers a heart attack.

    Sonja’s ethereal guidance and Lance’s innate toughness put him back on track, and after he and Jake deal with everything from a shyster lawyer to a drug-addicted killer to a biker gang covertly supplied weapons by the ATF, the story could be over. But further psychic insights into a cache of stolen gold and murdered souls crying for release force Lance and crew to press on.

    The third in the Lance Underphal Mystery series by Michael Allan Scott, Grey Daze dishes out action on every page. Scott clearly loves language and uses it deftly, depicting vicious battles to the death, steamy sex, and disgusting doings in a drug dealer’s den with equal zest and a refreshing absence of four-letter words.  He has created credible, multi-dimensional characters, using them as glue for his sudden scene switches and dizzying plot twists.

    Lance is an empathic anti-hero beset by middle-age aches and angst; Callie has her own sixth sense and is poised to accept a new romance; Sonja contributes unearthly messages ranging from wise, to wifely, to downright spicy; Jake is half muscle, half guts, and all heart. The circle is completed by a huge but affectionate pooch rescued from a life of crime.

    This murder mystery/thriller, based on real events (as per the author), is layered with plot twists and alarmingly vivid details, along with voices of the dead and visions of imminent peril, make Grey Daze an action-packed page turner. It is sure to please already entrenched Underphal fans and draw new ones to the fold. Highly recommended for thriller/suspense fans.

     

  • Quotes for MEMORIAL DAY and Suggested Books that remember the sacrifices of those who served their country – Kiffer Brown

    Quotes for MEMORIAL DAY and Suggested Books that remember the sacrifices of those who served their country – Kiffer Brown

    Quotes for Memorial Day

    “Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.” — President George Washington

    “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, an d for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”— President Abraham Lincoln 1865

    “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” — President Theodore Roosevelt

    “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official.” –President Theodore Roosevelt

    “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” — President Franklin D. Roosevelt

    “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” —President Franklin D. Roosevelt

     “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” — President John F. Kennedy

    Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States in remembrance of the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It is observed the last Monday of May.

    Originally, there were two different holidays celebrated by the North and the South to honor their Civil War dead in 1868. After World War One, the two holidays were combined to honor all Americans who died while in the military service.

    Veterans Day, which honors all U.S. veterans, is celebrated annually on November 11th–the day that WWI officially ended. V-E Day (Victory in Europe), May 8th, 1945 is the date United States and Great Britain celebrated defeating the Nazi war machine.

    We at Chanticleer Reviews are honored to present four excellent reads that exemplify the honor and courage of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military. For information about each book, please click on the link provided. 

    NON-FICTION

    NO TOUGHER DUTY, NO GREATER HONOR  by GySgt L. Christian Bussler

    GySgt. Bussler served three tours of duty in Iraq in 2003. The last tour (2005 -2006) proves to be the most challenging when Bussler narrowly escapes an IED blast with his life and sent home with injuries. The year proved challenging not just for Bussler, but for his whole team and it leaves each one of them forever changed. After recovery, Bussler then served as a Mortuary Affairs officer.

    Though now retired from the Marines, GySgt L. Christian Bussler is still active in the veteran community and acts as a mentor for other veterans. A truly magnificent and heartfelt memoir, No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor is a must-read for every American.

    Journey Book Awards, 1st Place award-winner.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY PTSD  by Christopher Oelerich (non-fiction)

    “I went away to war one person and came back another, and in my wildest dreams would never have chosen to be the one who came back.” – Christopher Oelerich

    For those who suffer from PTSD, understanding that they are not alone and that they can help themselves is a huge step toward embracing a recovery program. Oelerich, as one who has experienced combat and traumatic events, wrote this book as a “How To” guide for combat soldiers, like himself, who suffer from PTSD.

    Christopher Oelerich relates his own personal history, beginning from when he was drafted into the military during the Vietnam War, and continuing through his return to civilian life and his own rocky road to recovery.

    GENERAL in COMMAND – The Life of Major General John B. Anderson by Michael M. Van Ness

     A remarkable biography chronicling the adventures of a farm boy born in 1891 who rose high rank in the US military and served with distinction in two world wars as a combatant, officer, and sage observer. He served in the Mexican War, WWI, the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Great Depression, and WWII. 

    HILLBILLIES to HEROES: Journey from the Black Hills of Tennessee to the Battlefields of World War II – The Memoir of James Quinton Kelley by S.L. Kelley.  

    A farm boy from the hills of Coker Creek, Tennessee to driving tanks across France and into Germany as part of an initiative that ultimately saw the end of Hitler’s Third Reich. A heartfelt recollection of the sacrifices of America’s soldiers in WWII.

    FICTION

    None of Us the Same by Jeffrey K. Walker 

    Love. Honor. Friendship. Exactly what we need from a historical fiction novel, at exactly the right time. WWI. 

     

    WAIT FOR ME

    Wait For Me by Janet K. Shawgo  –World War II  (historical fiction)

    The often-unknown role of women in wartime as travel nurses and pilots, as well as the use of herbs for natural healing, adds interesting and relative historical content to the story. The WASP pilots and their active role in the war effort was particularly fascinating reflecting Shawgo’s vigilance with her medical and military history research. 

    After the prologue shows Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, establishing the World War II setting, the story begins on September 23, 1940 in New York.

    Readers may find it interesting that Shawgo, along with being an award winning novelist, is also a travel nurse who goes where and when she is needed for national disasters.

     

     

     

     

     

    LIfe on Base: Quantico Cave review

    Life On Base:  Quantico Cave by Tom and Nancy Wise  (contemporary fiction)

    A riveting portrayal of the lives of children whose parents serve in the armed forces. Being a teenager is hard enough, but adding the constant uprooting and moving from base to base adds its own unique challenges as well as rewards.

    The story focuses around young Stephen, a “military brat”—a term that these children use to distinguish themselves from their civilian counterparts. Stephen finds himself uprooted once again from his most recent home in California and moved across the country to Quantico Bay, Virginia. His father is a Marine and relocating often has become a part of Stephen’s life. However, becoming accustomed to something is not the same as liking it.

    “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.“
    Mark Twain

    “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” – Maya Angelou

    “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” —Joseph Campbell

    MemorialDay

    Remembering those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice….

    As my father who passed in 1981 from 100% service-connected disabilities (a Marine Corps lifer with WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam conflict in his military service) repeated,  

    “May we never forget freedom isn’t free.” —Unknown

    [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • DAUGHTER OF DESTINY: BOOK 1 OF GUINEVERE’S TALE by Nicole Evelina, the Grand Prize Best Book

    DAUGHTER OF DESTINY: BOOK 1 OF GUINEVERE’S TALE by Nicole Evelina, the Grand Prize Best Book

    The Series 2021 Grand Prize Badge for The Guinevere's Tale TrilogyGuinevere asks us, the readers, to listen to her words in the prologue of Daughter of Destiny, book one in The Guinevere’s Tale Trilogy. She implores, “I will take back my voice and speak the truth of what happened.” So shall the lies be revealed and Camelot’s former glory restored.”

    Daughter of Destiny is the first of three historical fiction novels narrated by Guinevere in the series of Guinevere’s Tale, by Nicole Evelina. Her tale begins during her young turbulent childhood in fifth-century Britain. It is a time of struggling to come to grips with her special powers. She’s studying to become a priestess, competing against her future lifelong enemy Morgana, and coping with the politics and violence ravaging her homeland in England’s fifth century. The novel follows Guinevere as she is separated from her family in Northgallis, during her early years in Avalon. It follows her training in the magical arts and eventual return to her war-ravaged homeland.

    This is no amateur first attempt at writing a novel—Evelina’s writing is lyrical and powerful. Her natural talent for storytelling is obvious from the first page as she captivates the reader with her tale told from Guinevere’s engaging perspective.

    Even more impressive is the author’s extensive research behind the series. Her knowledge is evident as she constructs a richly-drawn fictional world of fantastical landscapes and sorcery. She immerses the reader in legend, magic, and tragic love, all set against the backdrop of misty Avalon. The author clearly loves her subject and passes on that passion through her telling of Guinevere’s story.

    What makes this series brilliant, however, is that Evelina takes Guinevere’s story far beyond its common historical re-telling. Guinevere is not merely a woman destroyed by her own weaknesses in loving the wrong man, as history would like us to believe. She is also a woman of power, intelligence, and special gifts who, from her early childhood and beyond, strives to use her talents to help her own people.

    Guinevere is an independent woman of strength and fortitude, who finds herself at odds with a world in which her gifts are a liability, and her passions put her and her homeland at great risk. Evelina’s account is a riveting and captivating page-turner. 

    This first offering by Evelina is rich and stunning, easily comparable to novels by other bestselling historical fiction authors. She has done her research and created a world that is compelling, historically accurate, and a realistic portrayal of the times balanced with the mystic and the magical. 

    This reviewer highly recommends Daughter of Destiny to fans of Arthurian and Avalonia tales, historical fiction, political intrigue, and heroic journeys. 

    The Guinevere’s Tale Trilogy won the 2021 Series Grand Prize Award for Best Fiction Book Series. 

    5 Stars! Best Book Chanticleer Book Reviews

  • Chanticleer Authors Conference 2016: A Photo Recap

    Chanticleer Authors Conference 2016: A Photo Recap

    The Chanticleer Authors Conference 2016 a weekend of Fun and Learning

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

    The Book Fair sold a lot of books!

    Everyone wanted their picture taken with our “special guest”

     Things may have gotten a little crazy during the Big Hair Makeovers….

    We celebrated a lot of 1st place Category winners!

    And then we celebrated the Grand Prize winners from each genre:

    And then came the final announcement of our Overall Grand Prize Winner!

    And the best thing about #CAC16: we fooled you all into thinking we are tidy and organized!

    The #CAC16 Aftermath - Our Chanticleer office on Monday after you all went home!
    The #CAC16 Aftermath – Our Chanticleer office on Monday after you all went home!
    [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Chanticleer Book Reviews