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  • BLUE: a novel by Kayce Stevens Hughlett – transcends genres with its complexity of story and psychological suspense

    BLUE: a novel by Kayce Stevens Hughlett – transcends genres with its complexity of story and psychological suspense

    This lyrically written, beautiful story of three emotionally broken yet connected women begins in present day, illustrating the current struggles each faces to simply hold it together and get through each day. The tale then slowly unravels—as these women’s lives unravel—to reveal the mystery in their past that connects them.

    We meet Izabel—a young woman who arrived on Shaw Island in Washington State without any memory of her life up to that point. Taken in and cared for by the nuns, she then trained as a doula, a birthing coach. Izabel now lives on Orcas Island and is a valued member of the community, but it soon becomes apparent that she is struggling with the re-emergence of repressed memories.

    As those memories surface, her current life begins to deteriorate: She dreams of a teenage girl, experiences birthing pains after a particularly difficult night with one of her clients, and almost melts down in a coffee shop when a name mentioned by a friend sounds horribly familiar. Izabel knows that she must deal with whatever is happening to her and turns to a close friend and mentor for help.

    Not far away in Seattle, we meet Monica, a single, clinically depressed woman with a closeted addiction. Her life is unraveling, and she has no idea how to put it back together. Through a sequence of events she meets Jack, a psychotherapist, who cares deeply about her and supports her as she grapples with overcoming her problems.

    And Daisy dreams in shades of blue about the fantastical world of Tausi in which creatures talk about philosophy and an evil master is plotting her demise. Is she having a near death experience? Or is she really dreaming? Where is she?

    Kayce Stevens Hughlett has used her extensive background in therapy and as a life coach to create a novel about the deeply rooted psychological connections between all of us. Blue is a story that is at times wonderfully whimsical, and at others, poignant, heartfelt, and even suspenseful.

    But most of all, it is an uplifting tale about how three women who have spent years only half alive and struggling, and who, with the help of a supportive network of friends, eventually deal with past traumas and are able to find their way back to each other.

    Blue transcends genres with its complexity of story and psychological suspense. It would not be a surprise if it appears on Oprah’s Book Club list. A poignant, inspiring tale of three women, emotionally damaged by the events of their lives, who ultimately find their way back to each other.

  • MURDER AT THE LEOPARD by R.M. Vassari and Lucia Olivia Lampe, a historical mystery novel

    MURDER AT THE LEOPARD by R.M. Vassari and Lucia Olivia Lampe, a historical mystery novel

    Many times, collaborative efforts by authors—especially with regard to their debut novel—suffer from fledgling attempts to master both the craft and the melding of two writing styles. Not so for this stunningly well-written, debut historical mystery.

    Murder at The Leopard, the first book in the Vespers Series set in Palermo, Italy during the thirteenth century, brings to life a fascinating time in European history. Vassari and Lampe have captured the essence of this era, providing a wonderfully complex tale of greed, past betrayals, revenge, and murder.

    With a deft hand and a talent for storytelling, the authors introduce you to a rich cast of characters, from local tavern owners to spies under the employ of a despot ruler. A simple farmer and his very pregnant wife travel to Palermo, hoping that God will grant their wish for a boy.

    A long-lost brother, an old crusader who has returned home after decades and harbors old secrets, accompanies them. A wealthy merchant sends his ne’er-do-well nephew to guide them on their journey whilst placing him under orders to spy on King Charles’ preparations for war. Local tavern and inn owners hope for good commerce during the upcoming Holy Week celebrations. Against this backdrop, an engaging and entertaining murder mystery unfolds.

    The main heroes of the Vespers Series are the tavern owners Ysabella de Rogerio and her charming husband Amodeus. In this first novel, they’ve timed the opening night of their new neighborhood tavern with Holy Week, to take advantage of the pilgrims who are flooding into Palermo. Unfortunately, the religious holiday also brings together old enemies, and the celebrations at The Leopard quickly turn serious when a wealthy merchant, Ludovico, is murdered. The sheriff arrives, and after a brief investigation, wrongfully arrests Amodeus for the crime.

    Soon after, a second murder occurs, further jeopardizing the reputation of The Leopard and the life savings Ysabella and Amodeus have poured into their tavern.

    It’s up to Ysabella to prove Amodeus is innocent, find the real killer, and save their business. As she begins to dig deeper into the lives of those involved, she uncovers past betrayals, greed, a thirst for revenge that hasn’t faded in the forty years since the Crusades, and even the dirty deeds of spies working to topple the current king.

    Vassari and Lampe have employed accurate historical detail—along with likable and complex characters that quickly become old friends—to give readers an entertaining and engaging read from the very first page. Highly recommended for those who love historical fiction or a good rousing mystery!

     

  • SECOND CHANCE by Linell Jeppsen, a western thriller

    SECOND CHANCE by Linell Jeppsen, a western thriller

    In the early years of the twentieth century, the northern woods of Idaho were known for their booming mining towns. Families filed and worked claims, hoping to make a decent living and create a home for themselves on the Western frontier. Unfortunately, those booming mining towns also had their fair share of crime. Claim jumping, the violent practice of stealing valuables and producing claims, was commonplace.

    In the fifth book of The Deadman series Second Chance, Linell Jeppsen uses this fascinating setting to craft a story about a trio of rich and powerful men who have made it their goal to acquire mining claims in Wallace, Idaho, using whatever means necessary. The local miners and their families who get in their way tend to end up dead.

    Matthew Wilcox, recently retired from law enforcement, has established a new detective agency with his son, Chance. He and Chance are just coming off their first case, a successful sting operation against an illegal boxing scheme. Matthew is looking forward to some relaxation and training sessions with a new stallion they’ve acquired. But the newly installed telephone rings, and the news on the other end isn’t good: Matthew’s lady friend, Annie Thurston, has been nearly beaten to death and her friend is murdered.

    This new case, Matthew quickly learns, is larger in scope than what he and Chance have handled in the past. What begins as a series of relatively simple-looking claim jumps and acts of violence  in the Northern Idaho woods ends up stretching all the way to the playgrounds of the rich and powerful in Seattle. The Wilcoxes are up against very powerful, very connected, evil villains.

    Jeppsen has written a fast-paced, entertaining historical mystery set in the Northwest in a timeframe that is unusual for the western genre—the early twentieth century.

    Using extensive research and her in-depth knowledge of the area, she provides an authentic blend of mystery and western genres, plenty of action, and even a bit of romance. Her ear for the vernacular of the time is dead-on, and her knowledge of the locales, from Idaho to Puget Sound, is clearly extensive.
    Readers will be drawn to the characters from the very beginning, and will enjoy spending time with them again as they take on a trinity of bad guys.  The Deadman series is an action-packed, engaging blend of western and mystery fiction not to be missed. 

  • Chanticleer Authors Conference 2015 Schedule

    Chanticleer Authors Conference 2015 Schedule

    cac3-150x1501.pngSchedule of Sessions at the Chanticleer Authors Conference 2015

    This is the projected schedule as of September 22, 2015. Please check back frequently for updates and more details. Thank you!

    To find out more information about the presenters and their sessions, please click here! 

    Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 CAC15 Sessions and Events will take place at the Bellingham Yacht Club at Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, Wash. 

    9:00 a.m. Registration Opens in the BYC Lounge

    9:30 a.m.  Saturday  Sessions @ BYC

    • Fireplace Room: Characterization—Creating Memorable Characters to Keep Your Readers Coming Back – Pamela Beason, award winning author, private investigator, editor
    • Ward Room:  Social Media Savvy for Authors: Building and Author Platform Using the Best Social Sites for YOUR Audience, presented by Shari Stauch, CEO of Where Writers Win

    10:45 a.m. Saturday Sessions  @ BYC

    • Fireplace Room:  Community Marketing – James R. Wells
    • Ward Room: Platforms (not shoes!): How to Position Yourself as Expert on a Topic – Cami Ostman

    12:00  Saturday Casual Luncheon (included) in the BYC Lounge 

    1:10 p.m. Sessions and Workshops begin @ BYC

    • Fireplace Room: WattPad Wonderful, presented by Amanda June Hagarty
    • Ward Room: Barnes and Noble’s New Publishing Platform, presented by Stefanie Winger, Barnes and Noble Community Development Manager
    • Main Lounge:  BOOK COVERS – What you need to know – a ‘no holding back’ conversation! presented by Kiffer Brown

    2:10 p.m. Sessions – Saturday

    • Fireplace Room: Kindle World: What is it? And How Do You Get Your Works on this Elite Amazon Marketing Platform – Janet Oakley, award-winning author writing in a Kindle World.
    • Ward Room: How to Use BOOKS I LOVE App to Build Book Buzz,  presented by Elizabeth DiMarco

    3:10 p.m. Sessions – Saturday  

    • Fireplace Room: How Barnes and Noble Services Can Help You Increase Your Readership and Book Sales, presented by Stefanie Winger of Barnes & Noble
    • Ward Room: Taming Your Inner Critic by Cami Ostman, author, family therapist and a life coach.

    4:10 p.m. Saturday DAILY PANEL DISCUSSION in the WARD ROOM – Ask the Panel Anything (almost anything) 

    5:10 It’s Happy Hour at the Bellingham Yacht Club – The Bar is Officially Open! 

    6:00 p.m.  Casual Dinner at the  BYC

    7:30 p.m. The Penny Stinkers Band starts – dancing sure to follow

    SUNDAY, September 27 – CAC 15 moves to the Hotel Bellwether

    Registration will be held in the Bellwether Ballroom

    • Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.
    • Sessions begin at 9:10 p.m. daily

    Coffee & Tea will be available in the Bellwether Ballroom

    Exhibitors and Sponsor Tables will be in set-up in the Bellwether Ballroom 

    The CAC 15 Book Room will open at 11 a.m. in the Bellwether Ballroom’s Atrium.

    • Book Room is OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
      • 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (Sept. 27, 28, & 29)
    • Book Room will be open for CAC participants at 9:30 a.m.

    9:10 – 10:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • Sub-genres in Fantasy and Science Fiction and How It Relates to Reader Expectations, presented by Lindsay Schopher, Steampunk Author and Writing Coach – Board Room
    • 7 Steps to a Great Author Website: It’s All About Function vs. Form, presented by Shari Stauch of Where Writers Win – Admiral’s Room
    • Riding the Radio Tiger, presented by John Trudel – Compass Room

    10:10 – 11:00 Sessions – Sunday

    • Rev up Your Writing Process with Agile Project Management, presented by Tom Wise and Nancy Bechtel-Wise – Compass Room
    • Story Telling in a Modern World, presented by Diane Isaacs – Admiral’s Room
    • Kaffee Klatsch  – Creating Your Indie Marketing Plan with Susan Colleen Browne – Bellwether Ballroom

    10:30 – 11:30 Bublish Webinar – Sunday

    • BUBLISH – How to Use Bublish, presented by Kathy Meis, CEO of Bublish and Joy Caps, Marketing Director – Board Room

    11:10 – 12:00 noon Sessions – Sunday

    • Digital Writers: Cutting Edge Resources and Tools of the Trade, presented by Dawn Groves, International Communications Expert – Admiral’s Room
    • Like Icarus Taking a Selfie: Driving Sales with eBook Discount Promotions – James R. Wells – Compass Room

    12:10 Luncheon with Keynote Presenter: Diane Isaacs, Bellwether Ballroom

    Sessions resume at 1:10 – Sunday  (Sessions are 40 – 50 minutes including Q&A unless otherwise noted).

    1:10 – 2:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • Website Options for Authors, presented by Rochelle Parry, Megabite Design – Board Room
    • My SciFi Publishing Journey, presented by Ben Coles, Titan Books – Board Room
    • Blogging for Writers: Doing the Least to Generate the Most, presented by Dawn Groves, Inter’l Communications Expert – Compass Room

    2:10 – 3:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • The Book Pitch, presented by Sara Stamey, Book Doctor – Compass Room
    • Creating Original Worlds, presented by Lindsay Schopher – Board Room
    • Book to Film Labyrinth – the art of loglines, high concepting and pitching, presented by Diane Isaacs – Admiral’s Room

    3:10 – 4:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • How to Set-up Mailchimp by Rochelle Parry, Megabite Design – Board Room
    • Children’s Books in Today’s Market, presented by Ben Coles, publisher of Promontory Press – Compass Room
    • Continuity Editing Tools and Tips, presented Diane Garland, Continuity Editor – Admiral’s Room
    • Kaffee Klatsch: Social Shenanigans, presented by Social Media Master Amanda June Hagarty – Ballroom Room

    4:10 – 5:10 Sessions – Sunday

    • Increase Your Author Website’s Traffic with SEO Optimization, presented by Gary Pickering, CEO of CLICKMONSTER – Board Room
    • Discoverability Tools & Strategic Planning for Heightened Visibility – PDQ, presented by Kiffer Brown – Compass Room
    • Daily Panel – Sunday – SciFi Fiction Authors – Admiral’s Room
      • Robert Slater
      • James R. Wells
      • Vijay Laksham
      • Jesikah Sundin
      • Moderated by Ben Coles, author of the Virtues of War series with Titan Books

     “Appy Hours” sponsored by BOOKS I LOVE mobile app – A New Book Discovery Tool

     The Book Room will be open.

    Official Opening Night Dinner with a Short Keynote Presentation by Cami Ostman begins at seven o’clock in the evening at the Bellwether Ballroom

    Monday, Sept. 28 the CAC15 continues at the Hotel Bellwether

    • Registration will be available in the Bellwether Ballroom’s Atrium beginning at 8:30 a.m.
    • The BOOK ROOM will be open to attendees and presenters at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
    • The BOOK ROOM will be open to the GENERAL PUBLIC at 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
    • Exhibitors, Sponsorship Information, Coffee and Tea, etc. will be n the Ballroom
    • Sessions are 40 to 50 minutes including Q & A time unless otherwise noted

    9:10 – 10:00 Sessions – Monday

    • Managing Your Author Marketing Resources presented by Lindsay Schopher, Writing Coach — Board Room
    • How to be a Best Seller? It’s All About the Influence! How to Grow Your Audience Using Key Industry Influencers, presented by Shari Stauch, CEO of Where Writers Win — Admiral’s Room
    • Planning a Series – Pamela Beason  (ninety minutes) – Compass  Room

    10:10 – 11:00 Sessions – Monday

    • Working with Illustrators and Illustrations –  Ben Coles – Admiral’s Room 
    • Planning a Series continues – Pamela Beason – Compass Room
    • Kaffee Klatsch with Diane Isaacs and Kiffer Brown – The Ballroom

    10:30 – 11:30 Session Webinar

    • Creating TOMA (Top of Mind Awareness) with Readers presented by Joy Capps, Bublish – Compass Room

    11:10 – 12:00 Sessions – Monday

    • Riding the RADIO Tiger, presented by John Trudel – Compass Room
    • The State of Independent Publishing Panel Moderated by Sean Curley – Admiral’s Room
    • Creating TOMA Webinar continues until 11:30 – Board Room

    Monday Luncheon with Keynote Presentation by Diane Isaacs 12:10 in the Bellwether Ballroom

    Sessions continue at 1:10 p.m.

    1:10  Sessions – Monday

    • Community Marketing, presented by  James R. Wells – Board Room 
    • The First Five Pages, presented by Jennifer Snow – Compass Room
    • Compound Interest for Your Books, presented by Christine Smith – Admiral’s Room

    2:10 Sessions – Monday

    • WattPad Wonderful, presented by Amanda June  Hagarty – Compass Room
    • Book Buzz Your Way, presented by Kayce Hughlett – Board Room
    • Five Pillars of Engaging Readers, presented by Kiffer Brown – Admiral’s Room

    3:10 Sessions – Monday

    • Websites for Authors, presented by Rochelle Parry, Megabite Design – Board Room
    • Kindle World, presented by Janet Oakley – Compass Room 
    • Understanding Book Distribution, presented by Ben Coles – Admiral’s Room
    • Kaffee Katsch: Selling to Millennials and Digital Natives – Fox Deatry  – The Ball Room

    4:10  Sessions – Monday 

    • Increasing Author’s Website Traffic Using SEO Optimization, presented by Gary Pickering, CEO ClickMonster –  Board Room
    • Traditional Publishing from Pitch to Contract and Beyond, presented by Jennifer Snow – Compass Room
    • Daily Panel – Admiral’s Room

    5:10 – 5:40 AUTHORS’ PANEL Discussion in the Ballroom – Open to the Public

    “Appy Hours” sponsored by BOOKS I LOVE mobile app begins at 5:15 – Cash Bar; Complimentary Appetizers

    7:30 p.m. Join up with a restaurant group or strike out of your own! 

     

    TUESDAY, September 29th is AWARDS Banquet and Gala Evening 

    • Registration will be available in the Bellwether Ballroom’s Atrium beginning at 8:30 a.m.
    • The BOOK ROOM will be open to attendees and presenters at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
    • The BOOK ROOM will be open to the GENERAL PUBLIC at 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
    • Exhibitors, Sponsorship Information, Coffee and Tea, etc. will be n the Ballroom
    • Sessions are 40 to 50 minutes including Q & A time unless otherwise noted

    9:10 Sessions – Tuesday

    • Top Twenty: “Outside the Box” Book Marketing Ideas! How Thinking About Your Readers Will Sell More Books, presented by Shari Stauch, Where Writers Win C.E.O. – Admiral’s Room
    • Keeping it Short: Writing Novellas, Novelettes, and Short Fiction to Enhance Your Writing Career and Increase Your Readership, presented by Susan Colleen Browne – Board Room
    • Selling to The Trade, presented by Bennett Coles – Compass Room

    10:10 Sessions – Tuesday

    • ACX – Audio Books: How to Make Your Books Available on this Platform for Today’s Busy Readers, presented by Janet Oakley – Compass Room
    • Like Icarus Taking a  Selfie – Driving Sales with Epub promotions – James R. Wells – Admiral’s Room
    • Kaffee Klatsch – Increasing Your Internet Identity’s Foot Print, presented by Kiffer Brown,  Christine Smith,  Amanda Hagarty, & Fox Deatry – The Ballroom

    10:30 – 11:30 Session – Bublish Webinar – Tuesday

    • Marketing with Metadata, presented by Kathy Meis, CEO Bublish – Board Room

    11:10 Sessions – Tuesday

    • Branding for Authors, presented by Steve Lundin – Admiral’s Room
    • Cooperative Book Publishing, presented by Sara Stamey of Bookview Cafe – Compass Room

    12:10 Luncheon with Keynote Presentation by Shari Stauch at Noon in the Bellwether Ballroom

    Sessions resume at 1:10 p.m.

    1:10 Sessions – Tuesday

    • SHOW ME THE MONEY: Pricing Strategies for Indie, Hybrid, Traditional, Digital E-books, and Print – Running Real-World Publishing Numbers –Discussion led by Pamela Beason, Susan Colleen Browne, and Ben Coles – Admiral’s Room
    • Continuity Editing Tools & Tips, presented by Diane Garland – Board Room
    • BOOKS I LOVE App – the App that Creates Book Buzz – Be on the forefront! Learn how to install, use the app, and share on social media. BookSnips, Happenings, Author Events, and More, presented by Elizabeth DiMarco, CEO of Books I Love app. Compass Room

    2:10 Sessions – Tuesday 

    • Yipida – a new platform for selling books, presented by Paul Wegenast, CEO of Yipida – Admiral’s Room
    • Children’s Books Market, presented by MaryAnn Kohl, Literary Agent/Publisher – Board Room
    • Marketing Business Models for Authors, presented by Jennifer Snow – Compass Room

    3:10  p.m. Special Session with Robert Dugoni, #1 Amazon Selling & New York Times Bestselling Thriller Author, will present a special session in the Ballroom.

    4:30 Daily Panel Discussion with Robert Dugoni – The Future of Publishing will be held in the Admiral’s Room

    5:45 Book Signing in the Ballroom Atrium

    6:30 Appetizers Served in the Ballroom 

    “Appy Hours” sponsored by BOOKS I LOVE mobile app

    The Chanticleer Writing Competitions Awards Banquet and Gala begins at 7:00 in the evening in the Ballroom

    Opening Remarks will be made by Robert Dugoni.

    After Awards Cocktail gathering to continue at the Hotel Bellwether’s Fireplace Bar and Lounge. Don’t miss out on the fun!

    Please continue to check back as we update the schedule and add more detailed information.

    Stay tuned!

    Please email KBrown@ChantiReviews.com for more information.

  • LASTING, LEAVING, LEFT by Robin Dyke, a poetry collection

    LASTING, LEAVING, LEFT by Robin Dyke, a poetry collection

    Every experience is a brush stroke on our life’s canvas. When our life ends, the artwork is completed; what will we leave behind for the world to see? Robin Dyke’s collection of poetry Lasting, Leaving, Left penetrates the deeper questions of what it means to live: Will I make a lasting impression on the world? How has the world made a lasting impression on me?

    Dyke’s works are the perfect balance of poetic eloquence with modern language. Lasting, Leaving, Left will engage and inspire poets and non-poets who seek to reflect and question their lives.

    Dyke’s book is organized into three sections: Lasting, Leaving, and Left. The first section, Lasting, groups together poetry focused on memories or concepts that have emotionally influenced each poem’s speaker. Such ideas ranged from recollections of a deceased grandfather, to the relationship between war and humanity.  

    The next section, Leaving, discusses the different stages people go through in their lives. One of the most unique poems I found in this section described a person playing a pinball game. The individual goes through several strategies to win the game, but once it is over, a new game begins. As time passes, we constantly leave one moment to enter another.

    The last section of the book, Left, introduces the notion of what people have left behind when they are gone. The final poems of this collection leave the reader to question him or herself about how they live their lives. With every poem, the speaker is thoughtful and gently pushes the reader to contemplate such profound questions.

    While the poetry incorporated numerous literary devices, the level of diction is perfect for readers who are not die-hard poetry lovers. Dyke’s poems are inviting to read, but they still leave the audience with wonder and opportunity to reflect upon their own life experiences.

    Nonetheless, poetry fanatics will appreciate the simple, yet thought-provoking ideas Dyke presents. Pretentious vocabulary would only overshadow the rich and naked moments of life that his poetry illustrates.

    Lasting, Leaving, Left allows individuals to find themselves reflected in poetry and use it as a lens to look into their own way of living. Readers can relate to the moments when they have endured losing a loved one, felt true love, or wondered where their life is going. Poetry is intended to connect us with the different facets of humanity. It is a vital form of expression that brings awareness to our intellectual and emotional selves.

    Dyke calls himself an “imagined dream caster” and that “poetry is a new expression of his work as a consultant and educator.” The final notes by Dyke point out that with the three Ls of this book, there is one final L to consider: Living. Through every leg of life’s journey, we need to embrace each moment to the fullest.

    Dyke’s poetry offered me a different perspective of living; life is a fluid cycle that is beautiful in the pain and pleasure it brings. Lasting, Leaving, Left is a poetically pristine read for individuals searching for another viewpoint on how they live their lives, with a dash of alliteration and rhyme.

     

  • I REMEMBER HORSEBUNS by Rafe Mair, a historical memoir

    I REMEMBER HORSEBUNS by Rafe Mair, a historical memoir

    In this delightfully well-written, very personal memoir, Rafe Mair, who describes himself as a British Columbian first and a Canadian second, tells the story of his childhood and beyond as he grew up in Vancouver. Mair was a politician in Premier Bill Bennett’s cabinet in Victoria, then left politics behind to host the radio show Open Line. An opinionated commentator and a lover of history, Mair describes himself as having a “revolutionary bent.” His reminiscences of Vancouver and British Columbia during a time of great growth and change are insightful and fascinating.

    Mair begins his story on a humorous, explanatory note of the book’s title, recalling the early years of Vancouver, during which commodities such as bread, eggs, and milk were delivered to one’s door by horse-drawn wagons. One side effect of these deliveries was the frequent pile of “horsebuns” left behind in the street, which came in very handy for the fertilization of the “Victory Gardens” during the war! Mr. Mair also gives a humorous, yet serious definition of what it is to be a true British Columbian.

    Yet underneath the humorous anecdotes and light-hearted reminiscences, this memoir is a modern historical record of British Columbia and Canada, as told by a man who deeply understands the politics, culture and history of his homeland. He juxtaposes intimate portraits of his family with detailed renderings of events that shaped his hometown and province. His childhood, spent in Vancouver’s neighborhoods, provides a picture of the immigrant communities that became the foundation of the city’s modern, cosmopolitan culture. His love for his country, as well as his in-depth knowledge of it, shines through on every page.

    As an adult, Mair was active in fighting for or against legislation he strongly believed would aid or threaten the very survival of his province and its cities. These events are described with an insider’s understanding of what was at stake. Mair continues his work to this day, as an environmental activist and community leader.

    Readers of this memoir are entertained and also given an insightful rendering of Canada and its culture that they would never glean from reading history books. Highly recommended for Canadians who want a deeper understanding of the events that have shaped their country and culture, as well as for Americans who want to better know their neighbors to the north.

  • THE SEARCH OF GRACE by James Gottesman, a suspenseful women’s fiction novel

    THE SEARCH OF GRACE by James Gottesman, a suspenseful women’s fiction novel

    In November 1972, the sisters of St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Missoula, Montana were stunned to find that a small child, approximately two years old, had been left on their doorstep in the middle of the night. Though she appeared to be in good health and had clearly been well cared for, she carried no identification. After six weeks of attempts by the orphanage and the police to discover who she was, the sisters decided to name her Grace Helena Pine, and to give her a birth date of January 1st.

    This incident was the first of several that led Grace to believe—as many orphaned children do—that no one would ever truly want her. Her biological parents, an absent yet silently malevolent force in her life, had never wanted her; potential adoptive parents who loved her were forced to give her back to the orphanage. And once she turned eighteen, even the orphanage asked her to leave.

    Through luck and no small amount of determination, Grace eventually meets and marries a young doctor, has children, and achieves her own professional success as a professor in linguistics. Years of counseling and hard work have paid off in terms of a reasonably normal life with a family she deeply loves. Nonetheless, she remains haunted by the traumas of her childhood, many of which are similar to those suffered by children in her circumstances. Deep down, she understands that she will never be completely whole until she knows where she came from.

    Through serendipity, her daughter and her nephew both see a woman on the news who looks so much like Grace that both children think she is Grace. The woman even has the same unique mannerisms. Grace decides to investigate, and as she slowly unravels the truth about her past, she unknowingly threatens the lives of others as well as her own. Someone very powerful doesn’t want the truth revealed.

    A former oncologist, James Gottesman uses his extensive medical knowledge as well as detailed research into the psychology of abandoned children to craft a fascinating suspense novel. He accurately portrays the plight of illegitimate children in the late twentieth century, institutionalized by wealthy and powerful families afraid of the potential stain on their good name. Gottesman also shows how such an emotionally fraught situation can cause the biological family members to react with denial and suspicion, making it difficult for the child to ever develop a meaningful relationship with them. However, as Dr. Gottesman reminds us: genetics are irrefutable and will almost always cause the truth to come out.
    Gottesman’s characters are engaging and well-developed; his story builds on itself as the tension heightens and the suspense builds. Highly recommended for those who enjoy women’s fiction novels with literary complexity, but that are still page turners. The Search of Grace is a riveting and satisfying read.

  • GOD FACTOR SAGA SERIES by J. Nell Brown, a historical paranormal series

    GOD FACTOR SAGA SERIES by J. Nell Brown, a historical paranormal series

    NOTE ABOUT REVIEWS: While Chanticleer typically does one book review post per book, we chose to have reviews for these short stories and book in this series all together on one webpage. We felt they all complement each other and deserve to be read together to give a greater perspective to the series. All reviews were written by K. Patterson.

    Review of FROZEN PRAYERS by J. Nell Brown: Book 1 of the God Factor Saga

    Readers caFrozen Prayers by J. Nell Brownn expect a superb blend of genres in J. Nell Brown’s Frozen Prayers: Book 1 of the God Factor Saga. This novel is a suspenseful biblical fantasy that weaves love and the paranormal into the lives of two individuals. This is not only a perfect read for someone wanting an enduring love story, but for anyone wanting to explore profound ideas about spirituality and God.

     

    In 1977, Cillian Finn is born of his mother Mary Finn, entering the world in a dank, dark shack on a    remote island off the Antrim Coast of Ireland. He is the child of rape and unwanted by his mother. That same year, Daniela Cavanaugh is born to missionary parents Austin and Jeanette, in a hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Though she is deeply loved and wanted by her parents, she is a black child growing up in the South, during a time of rampant discrimination. Growing up thousands of miles apart, Daniela and Cillian’s lives will nevertheless become deeply intertwined.

    Shy, young Daniela dreams of a normal life, her days spent playing with a best friend and kindred spirit rather than dealing with the cruelty of reality. However, Daniela possesses a gift—the ability to see far into the past and into the future when she dreams. Her prayers, encouraged by her father, have the power to unlock the mysteries of the world, to bring about wars, and to protect the life of the lonely boy Cillian, living an ocean away in Manchester, England. If Daniela quits dreaming and praying about her kindred spirit, Cillian, what will be the impact on his life?

    At its simplest, this is a novel combining spiritual and paranormal elements in a love story about a young girl who possesses the power of prophecy. It is also the tale of an epic battle between mortals and immortals and of unlocking the mysteries God intended for the world.

    However, J. Nell Brown uses this story to reveal deeper questions about spirituality and how we conduct our lives. Exactly what can one accomplish through the power of prayer? And if you knew how your life would end, would you choose to live it differently? In this deeply spiritual first novel in the God Factor Saga, J. Nell Brown has crafted a heartwarming, sometimes heart-wrenching, and always suspenseful novel that is sure to linger in the minds of readers long after they read the final pages.

    Review of HOUSE GUEST by J. Nell Brown, a prequel short story to the God Factor Saga series

    House Guest by J. Nell Brown  A prequel short story to J. Nell Brown’s God Factor Saga series, House Guest, is an excellent read for   anyone who loves a story that immerses a historical setting into the realm of the paranormal.        Readers of the God Factor Saga will also be thrilled for this new addition to the spiritual and heart-  wrenching series.  

      House Guest tells the tale of the demon Nomed, sent out of the underworld to accomplish a mission    for Lucifer in return for a greatly desired job promotion. Nomed’s assignment is to kill two eight-year-old children, Cillian Finn and Daniela Cavanaugh. Lucifer considers these children to be agents of his enemy, Elohim, who must be stopped before they can achieve their destinies.

    Set in the early days of World War II, House Guest blends rich historical detail with spiritual, paranormal, and horror elements, providing a gripping and entertaining read. 

    Review of A GENERATION OF LIGHTED EVERGREENS by J. Nell Brown: First  Novella in The God Factor Saga series

    A Generation of Lighted Evergreens by J. Nell BrownThe first novella in the God Factor Saga, A Generation of Lighted Evergreens brings readers of the series more spiritual journeys and deeper connections with its minor characters.

    This is the story of Austin Cavanaugh, ten years prior the birth of his daughter Daniela. Austin toils  away in the sugar cane fields of South Florida, drowning out the harsh, grinding reality of his life by  dreaming of the day when he will meet and marry his kindred spirit. He dreams of a future in which  his little girl will lead the life he always envisioned for himself.

    Will Austin’s deep spirituality and belief in God bring him through the trials of his life, to a time in which he will see his dreams realized? As with all of the God Factor Saga stories, J. Nell Brown spins a tale of spirituality that asks important questions about the power of religion and prayer, and enlightens readers with ideas that go beyond the natural world.

     

  • VALHALLA REVEALED by Robert A. Wright, a historical thriller

    VALHALLA REVEALED by Robert A. Wright, a historical thriller

    The year is 1945, and governments around the world are debating how to navigate the political and economic fallout from World War II. The trials in Nuremberg seek to punish those who participated in the Third Reich, whether they are members of the military, or businessmen who produced the armaments that gave Germany its fearsome power. Former officers of the Third Reich have fled to South America, hoping to evade capture. Though the Marshall Plan is helping to rebuild the war-ravaged economies of Western Europe, all eyes are turning toward the Stalinist Soviet Union, wondering whether an even larger threat now looms.

    Businessman Paul Hoffman, whose family was first introduced in Beyond Ultra, struggles to deal with his grief over the ravages the war has forced upon his family. With a mother and brother dead, another brother missing, and a father exiled in Spanish Guinea, Paul must hold the family together while managing its business interests on three continents—the vineyards in Spain, commodities businesses in Africa, and import/export companies in the United States.

    While dealing with divided family loyalties and attempting to lead his family forward, Paul also copes with his grief and survivor’s guilt over the deaths of his family members, as well as a haunting desire to discover what happened to his missing brother Hans, a German U-boat captain who disappeared at the end of the war. Paul’s search for answers will take him to the corners of the globe and uncover secrets with ties to international military and spy networks.

    Employing meticulous research, in-depth knowledge of real historical events, and a deft hand for describing famous figures of the post-World War II era, Robert Wright has crafted a novel rich in detail and amazing in scope. Readers are introduced to people such as Heinrich Mueller, infamous leader of the Gestapo, exiled former SS officers in Paraguay, Stalinist Soviets, and William Donovan, head of the wartime OSS and predecessor to the CIA.

    While the people of Western Europe and America re-awaken after a long and arduous war, complacent in the knowledge that their governments are back in control of world events, Wright reveals the true historical impact of decisions made by a small group of powerful businessmen largely unknown outside their inner circle. Valhalla Revealed is an astonishing novel—it is hard to cover the breadth of it in a review. The informative 540 pages will fly by with intrigue and surprise. Fortunately for its readers, Beyond Ultra, the prequel, will help satisfy the desire to unravel more of Robert Wright’s epic saga of two families whose destinies are intertwined.  

    Highly recommended to those who love historical fiction and international espionage thrillers.

  • THE TREASURE OF MALAGA COVE by John Gillgren, an adventure children’s novel

    THE TREASURE OF MALAGA COVE by John Gillgren, an adventure children’s novel

    Reading John Gillgren’s The Treasure of Malaga Cove is its own enjoyable treasure hunt. I was immediately immersed in the adventures of history, the ocean, and more suspense than I anticipated from a children’s book. The author takes his readers on a captivating series of diving adventures and page-turning treasure hunts with the Cali Family as they try to solve mysteries of the high seas.

    The story begins in 1577 on Sir Francis Drake’s flagship the Golden Hind. While looking for an easier path to Asia, this ship endure storms, battles with the Spanish and Portuguese, and Drake himself faces the mutiny of his own crew members.

    The plot fast forwards four hundred years into the future. The novel’s protagonist Carmine Cali discovers a skull while learning how to dive in the Malaga Cove in southern California. Waves of mystery wash over the setting as Carmine can’t find the skull on a second dive. He spends several years with his wife, Elaine, and his three children, Snail, Carmen, and Caroline, trying to prove that the skulls exist, and link them to the flagship the Golden Hind and its crew members.

    Gillgren is extraordinary at crafting a realistic and engaging narrative. The planning that Carmine and his family do for each of their dives, in addition to the time constraints, are point on with how a divemaster would construct his or her plans. Readers will anticipate every moment of action as the story pulls them in with the dangers that lurk in the ocean, whether it be the high tides or the sharks casting shadows beneath the water’s surface.

    Readers will appreciate that Gillgren has created such a dynamic protagonist. Carmine’s protective watch over his family highlights his strong character as a father and protector. His reluctance to leave the water when they’ve found new information is realistic and captures the reader in the moment of discovery. He’s a character all readers will love and root for to find the truth in the end.

    Suspense is the buried treasure in and of itself in this tale, and readers will never experience a dull moment. The plot twisted and turned in every direction, revealing by the end which character is deemed untrustworthy. The things I learned about Carmine’s family are presented in such a way that readers look forward to learning more about their individual character arcs in subsequent novels.

    While many events unravel quickly, this is still an appropriate book for a younger audience and for a family to read together. It’s a fun story with straightforward dialogue and plot. And while the author judiciously presents responsible diving techniques and know-how, readers without diving knowledge will be able to follow along with it.

    If anything, I think more detail of the reefs around Malaga Cove would have been a great addition to the story. The ocean adds a rich context to the tale, as well as an element of unexpected danger. However, the lack of some description made me revel in the details that were present.

    Gillgren has delivered a mystery story ala Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew, but with more contemporary individuals playing those roles. The Treasure of Malaga Cove is a fantastic novel for children and their families wanting to dive into the depths of mystery and adventure. I will certainly read the next books in the series:  The Treasure of Ching Shih and The Treasure of Ocracoke Island.

    This is the first book in an adventure series that will invite readers of all ages to set sail into the high seas of their imagination with the adventures of the Cali Family as they hunt for mysterious treasure.

     

Chanticleer Book Reviews