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The CHAUCER AWARDS for HISTORICAL FICTION First Place Category 2014 WINNERS
Chanticleer Book Reviews is honored to announce the First Place Category Winners for the CHAUCER AWARDS 2014 for Historical Fiction, a division of Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Writing Competitions.

The Chaucer Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of historical fiction. The First Place Category Winners will be recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala held in late September 2015.

Chanticleer Reviews is proud to be a literary affiliate of the Historical Novel Society.

The CHAUCER FIRST PLACE 2014 Award Winners are:
- Women’s Fiction: J. L. Oakley for Timber Rose
- Legend: Kevin Allen and Emma Rose Millar for Five Guns Blazing
- Legacy: Michael D. McGranahan for Silver Kings and Sons of Bitches
- Pre-History: Mary S. Black for Peyote Fire
- Ancient History: Rebecca Locklann for The Thinara King
- Roman/Grecian Classical: Elisabeth Storrs for The Golden Dice: A Tale of Ancient Rome
- Middle Ages: Helena P. Schrader for St. Louis’ Knight
- Late Middle Ages: Lilian Gafni for The Alhambra Decree: Flower from Castile
- Elizabethan/Tudor: Syril Levin Kline for Shakespeare’s Changeling: A Fault Against the Dead
- 1600’s: Donna Scott for Shame the Devil (manuscript)
- 1700s & 1800s: Karleene Morrow for Destinies
- Turn of the 19th Century: Ruth Hull Chatlien for The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte
- Twentieth Century: David Brendan Hopes for The One with the Beautiful Necklaces (manuscript)
- World Wars: Gregory Erich Phillips for The Love of Unfinished Years (manuscript)
- Young Adult: Sharon Short for My One Square Inch of Alaska
- U. S. History: J. P. Kenna for Beyond the Divide
- World History: Michelle Rene for I Once Knew Vincent
CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to all of the 2014 Chaucer Finalists! Congratulations to those whose works were selected for First Place Category positions. Good Luck to the Chaucer First Place Category Winners as they compete for the CHAUCER AWARDS 2014 GRAND PRIZE position!

The 1st Place Category Winners compete for the CHAUCER AWARDS 2014 GRAND PRIZE position. The 2014 CHAUCER category winner was announced at the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala in September 2015. See the Grand Prize Winners.
- The deadline for The Chaucer Awards 2014 was June 31, 2014.
- The deadline for The Chaucer Awards 2015 is June 31, 2015.
GRAND PRIZE Overall Chaucer Awards Winner from 2013:

Sean Curley, Propositum

To view the 2013 Chaucer Award Winners, please click here.

To compete in the 2016 CHAUCER Awards or for more information, please click here.
CBR’s rigorous writing competition standards are the reason literary agencies seek out our winning manuscripts and self-published novels. Our high standards are also another reason our reviews are trusted among booksellers and book distributors.Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media, L.L.C. retains the right to not declare “default winners.” Winning works are decided upon merit only. Please visit our Contest Details page for more information about our writing contest guidelines.

Please do not hesitate to contact Info@ChantiReviews.com with any questions, concerns, or suggestions about CBR writing competitions. Your input and suggestions are important to us.

Thank you for your interest in Chanticleer Book Reviews international writing competitions.
July 15, 2015
A stunning new Sci Fi novel: THE GREAT SYMMETRY at Super Launch Price of 99 cents!

If you could hold in the palm of your hand an object that could change the course of humanity’s future. What would you do?

Archaeologist Evan McElroy has made a discovery about an extinct alien race. But Evan’s corporate sponsor sees the potential to make huge gains if the new findings are kept completely secret. Step one of their plan is to kill the entire research team – starting with Evan.

As Evan flees for his life, his trajectory awakens a long-buried struggle. The Infoterrorists, who believe all ideas are screaming to be free, have been waiting for the right moment to take on the seven great families that control all of civilization. This could be their opportunity. Or, it could be time for millions to die.

“The Great Symmetry” is pure classic science fiction from the great-grandson of science fiction pioneering author H.G. Wells, James R. Wells.

CLICK HERE for the direct link to the Amazon Page and the 99 cents special! Hurry — Offer ends July 26st!

July 11, 2015
WAITING FOR LOVE by Alexandra Maria Proca – Collection of YA Short Stories on Contemporary Issues

Waiting for Love is a collection of brief short stories by 16 year-old Alexandra Maria Proca. All told, there are eleven short stories, most about two pages, that cover topics ranging from war to Alzheimer’s disease. No matter the subject matter, Proca’s varied stories told from creative perspectives and are very original. The central theme for the collection is that the stories follow a similar pattern and end with a series of rhetorical, thought-provoking questions.

A standout story is The Rules, a tale of a man with amnesia in a dangerous wilderness and the lengths he must go to in order to survive. There is some nice writing throughout, particularly description, as when Proca describes, “His innocent voice melts into my heart like as the soft bread rolls would sizzle with butter during our Sunday family gatherings.” Proca’s one longer story, the collection-ending The Fight, introduces more dialogue and delves into character with greater depth.

Proca tackles these subjects with the fervor, but the brevity of her stories does not allow for much depth. Several of the stories have real potential and could be served well by a deeper exploration of their themes at greater length. The subjects she tackles are ones of such complexity that they cannot possibly be addressed satisfactorily in only a few pages. Perhaps these short stories are studies for longer works? Let us hope so. In particular, Forgotten, already heartfelt, feels ripe for a longer story. “Arms,” a very original story told from the perspective of the bars in a prison, demonstrates Proca’s ability to write from varying and creative perspectives. A longer piece from a similarly offbeat perspective could be incredibly interesting.

Proca has an innate sensitivity that will serve her well in the future. Her stories demonstrate a keen observational awareness of the world around her. Perhaps Proca’s developing writing voice would be better served writing about subject matter more familiar to her—a day in the life of a teenager can be just as powerful as an insight into world issues if it is told with authenticity and heart. Introspective insights into the minds of today’s young people could make for a formidable collection–one that would be appreciated by teens and adults alike. Her empathy and awareness would make for a powerful voice.

Overall, Proca’s effort displays heart and a passion for the written word. While the stories are clearly those of a 16 year-old, they are well written and show a passion for writing craft. Proca’s determination and follow through necessary to finish and publish a polished collection of short stories indicates that this is only the beginning for the young writer.

July 11, 2015
AMEERA, UNVEILED by Kathleen Varn – Chick Lit

Ameera, Unveiled is inspirational story of how, with courage to chase her dreams, Kat transforms herself to become Ameera, the exotic belly dancer of the Palmetto Oasis Middle Eastern Dance Troupe. This is a story about of how exhilarating and frightening it feels to take yourself out of your comfort zone and chase your dreams, and the amazing experiences you can have just by trying.

Kat spent most of her life doubting herself and her abilities–especially her ability to learn how to dance. Now at the age of 48, she finally feels comfortable enough in her life to finally pursue her dream of dancing by enrolling in a belly dancing class taught through the local high school. Through each lesson she timidly works up the courage not only to learn to dance, but to discard the self-doubt that she had burdened herself with for too long.

Kat finds herself having to battle with her inner-critic’s heavy doses of self-doubt, and anxiety. The story reflects on how some women allow their inner critic to dictate their lives for far too long.

Kat’s journey is about how hard it is to overcome years of believing you aren’t good enough to do something, but how what happens when you go ignore your inner self critic and follow your dreams. Kat realizes it’s not about a lack of talent that is holding her back, but her own self-doubt.

The author, Kathleen Varn, skillfully weaves scenes of everyday women transforming into exotic belly dancers. She vividly portrays, with detailed descriptions of their well-practiced routines and dance moves, and how through their diligence they are able to wow their audiences.

The dancers develop such a strong sense of individualism and self worth as they learn to move in exotic ways. The delightful interactions between each of the dancers is inspirational as they bond as a troupe.The camaraderie developed within the troupe is one of friendship and support that only a sisterhood of girlfriends could create.

And the troupe will need all the support and confidence that they can muster when they are surprised by one of their dance gigs when it turns out to be held at a clothing optional resort in Jamaica. Kat finds herself out of comfort zone in more ways than one as do several others of the sisterhood. But with each other for friendship and motivation, they are all empowered to explore, take chances, and believe in themselves.

Ameera, Unveiled by Kathleen Varn, is a coming of age story of a diverse group of middle-aged woman supporting each other to follow their dreams and to go outside their comfort zones and routines. Reading Kat’s journey made me want to put on a shimmery scarf, an exotic flowing skirt, and learn to move in a fashion beyond my own comfort zone. It is an inspiring and fun story that reminds us that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and unlock your inner goddess.

July 1, 2015
LIFE on the FARM by Heather Gardam, a Children’s Book about Farm Life

Ten-year-old Patti is a curious child who lives on a farm and longs for a horse. She also longs for her family to recognize that she’s growing up and isn’t a baby girl anymore.

Patti is wakened on the morning of her tenth birthday to a ruckus in the barn. It turns out that a mink has snuck into the chicken coop. Patti immediately heads outside to help her dad and brother save the chickens and their baby chicks. Things don’t go quite right, but one chick is saved. Patti’s dad offers her the job of nursing it back to health. On the way back to the house, her parents and brother surprise her with a shiny silver and blue bicycle for her birthday. It isn’t the horse she longs for, but Silver is a wonderful present and it’s a big bike for her to grow into. And that everything is not perfect, nor does everything work out just right is the beauty of Gardam’s story.

Patti spends her tenth year working hard to prove to her family that she is growing up. On her trusty bike, Patti sets out on a series of adventures filled with discoveries that will delight any young person reading this book. Patti longs for her family to see her as growing up and able to pull her own weight around the farm. She wants to make a good impression as someone her family can count on and who will help out.

Each chapter in this book is a snapshot of young Patti’s life. Through the ups and downs of everyday life, we learn more about Patti and her family life on the farm. Patti works hard doing her chores around the farm, learning new skills like milking the cow and tapping trees for maple syrup. She is a curious and observant child and continually surprises her family with her knowledge and perseverance.

Whether it’s working hard to put out a fire in the hay-field or serving dinner to the threshers, Patti proves that she can be counted on. She surprises her family when she trains Chicky for the Fall Fair and with her strength under pressure when her brother Jamie is hurt. Patti impresses them with her level-headedness when she’s caught in a blizzard and deals with a bully.

Patti discovers growing up isn’t easy and grown ups don’t always have the right answers. Everything continuously fascinates her: learning about bees, driving a tractor, trying to figure out how grownups think, and understanding the strange things they say and do.

Through a series of adventures that will entertain and delight young readers, Patti learns that people can be very different from each other and live very different lifestyles from her family’s. Patti also discovers she is stronger and smarter than she thinks and that she can make a difference in the lives of those around her. Most importantly, she learns that she belongs to a loving and supportive family that even includes her big brother.

Gardam’s Life On The Farm will captivate young readers with its authentic voice and earnestness. Patti’s journey is filled with the curiosity, the adventures, and everyday delights that Gardam herself experienced as a child growing up in rural Ontario, Canada.

June 24, 2015
NO GOOD LIKE IT IS, Book One by McKendree Long, a post-Civil War Western

In his meticulously researched, debut historical Western, McKendree Long takes the reader on a journey to the Civil War era, as experienced by homesteaders and soldiers in the far-flung outposts of the Old West. A must-read for fans of the genre!

Second Lieutenant Thomas “Dobey” Walls, a West Point Graduate, and Corporal Jimmy Melton, a non-commissioned soldier, meet at the military outpost of Fort Gibson, just off the Arkansas River, in 1859. As they work side-by-side to protect wagon trains traveling through their territory, fighting off roaming bands of raiders and Kansas “Jayhawkers,” the two men become fast friends.

No Good Like It Is follows the daily lives of these men as they work at the Old West outposts, journey to Texas to join up with the famous Texas Terry’s Rangers during the Civil War, and ultimately search for the remaining members of a Wall’s homesteading family in the wilds of Texas Panhandle country.

Long’s gifted ear for the true vernacular of the time and his detailed descriptions of the Old West place the reader right in the middle of the action along with these two men and the colorful characters they encounter during their adventures.

Walls and Melton embody the best of human values, exemplified through the valor of their actions, their honesty, and their determination to fight for what they believe to be just and right. These men leap off the page, remaining memorable long after the reader finishes the book.

But above all, this is the story of men who meet and become friends, and whose characters are shaped by a series of dramatic historical events that defined our country.

This novel goes beyond the typically simplistic view of the Civil War, delving into the divided loyalties of the homesteaders in the American West who found their families and friends fighting on opposite sides of the war. Long accurately portrays the dangers and shifting alliances of the Old West during the war, exposing the reader to a very different view of the war’s effects on the western states.

No Good Like It Is, the first of three gritty action-packed novels that follow the adventures of Dobey Walls and Jimmy Melton, well written with historical accuracy and authentic dialog. Readers will be eager for the sequels.

June 20, 2015
HAWKINS LANE, by Judith Kirscht, a literary romantic mystery

Judith Kirscht has penned a poignant story of two good people who struggle to escape their past and carve out a fulfilling life together. At its very core, this novel asks the compelling question of whether you can overcome the influences of family, and also, whether you can survive the consequences of your own actions.

As far as the people of the small town of McKenzie Crossing are concerned, Ned Hawkins is from the wrong side of the tracks. And that’s putting it mildly—his father is a convicted murderer, his brother an alcoholic with a violent streak. Ned has spent his entire life feeling trapped and attempting to outrun his family’s legacy.

As Hawkins Lane opens, Ned has escaped on his daily trek into his beloved Cascade Mountains to find peace and solace. By chance, he comes upon a young woman, Erica Romano, fishing in a creek far from town. Erica is also escaping from the demands of her family, though their circumstances are very different: Erica is the daughter of the town’s new physician and related to the rich and powerful McDonald family, owners of the local mill.

For both, it is love at first sight. Ned has grave reservations about exposing Erica to his family and wants to protect her by keeping his distance. Erica persists, convincing him that she needs him as much as he needs her.

Unfortunately, family almost always finds a way to impact one’s life, and depending on the family, that impact can lead to tragedy. Ned’s brother, who has been spiraling out of control ever since their father was sent to prison, ends up in trouble with the law. Erica, who is by nature a risk-taker, places herself in danger far too often, and the mountains are not always a forgiving place. However, when Ned’s father is released from jail he spreads his own brand of poison, driving deep wedges and creating divided loyalties. Erica and Ned are challenged in ways that even they could not predict nor expect.

Hawkins Lane is an excellent and, ultimately, a redemptive story about the heart-wrenching tragedies a family can survive, and about the healing powers of nature and friendship. The characters and the story will linger long after the last page is read and you will be captivated from the first page.

June 18, 2015
FIRE at WILL’S by Cherie O’Boyle, a West Coast Cozy

When a psychologist calls on her powers of observation to solve a murder, she uncovers a secret that some in her small eclectic Californian community would rather keep buried. Fire at Will’s by Cherie O’Boyle introduces Estela Nogales as an amateur sleuth with a wry sense of humor, a keen sense of observation, and two border collies as sidekicks in this engaging new cozy mystery series.

Estela prides herself on doing a good job of navigating the petty grievances and animosities of her Arroyo Loco neighbors. And if it weren’t for a few rule enforcing cranks she and her beloved dogs could enjoy all of the open space and clean air that her picturesque, coastal mountain community has to offer.

Will Rosenblum, the neighborhood’s biggest grouch, has made it a habit to stick his nose where it’s not wanted, going out of his way to ignite the ire of every one of his Arroyo Loco neighbors, so when his house goes up in flames suspicion lands in all directions, including at Estela’s feet.

As the ashes settle, a body—thought to be Will’s—is found at the back of the house. Also, Will’s memory impaired wife is missing. A round of finger pointing brings everyone’s actions into question causing Estela to realize that the only way to clear her name is to launch her own investigation.

With so many suspects Estela starts to wonder if Will’s demise could have been an orchestrated community effort. Armed with her knowledge of human behavior and sharp powers of observation Estela examines the motives and actions of each person in Arroyo Loco and discovers an ugly secret.

In this first installment of the Estela Nogales series the author uses a small, isolated location with a captive, vocal population to skillfully address the question of how well we really know our neighbors or, for that matter, our friends. Although some are locked into mistrust and others prefer denial, Estela’s unwillingness to allow wrong to prevail compels her to reveal the inconvenient details buried beneath the public facade.

With humor and keen insight into human nature, author Cherie O’Boyle offers up a clever cozy mystery filled with a varied and quirky cast of characters. From the strudel-baking Freda von Liesing to Arroyo Loco’s resident metaphysical hippie Sunshine Rainbow, each character is a classic slice of the diverse California lifestyle. O’Boyle’s inventive homage to the HOA rules-gone-crazy communities springing up all over the country makes Fire at Will’s laugh-out-loud fun!

June 17, 2015
The Man With the Overcoat by David Finkle; a contemporary NYC novel

Arts writer David Finkle’s anti-hero, Skip Gerber, has many obligations—lukewarm devotion to his sort-of fiancé, obedience to his smother-mother, loans to his ne’er-do-well brother, and a tedious job at a New York City law firm founded by his father. But in the space of twenty-four hours, all that could change.

It starts with an overcoat, handed to Skip as he’s leaving work one ordinary late afternoon, shoved into his hands by an anonymous man with these words: “Here you go, and be very careful with it.” Minutes later, Skip realizes he’s stuck with the coat and starts trying to figure out how to get rid of it on his way to a supper date with his fiancé. He begins to examine the coat, tries it on, and finds it to be of unusually good quality and, also remarkably, a perfect fit. Inventorying various items he finds in the pockets, he embarks on a mission to return the coat to its rightful owner.

He roams the city on foot and by taxi, being tailed in traffic by a mysterious black limo and, on the sidewalk, by two young thugs in hoodies, constantly checking his cell phone for calls from the increasingly peeved fiancé, his nagging mother, and his brother trying to cadge a loan. But Skip gradually gets too wrapped up in the enigma of the coat to care about these distractions.

Everyone he encounters tells him what a great garment he has acquired. Voice mails remind him to take care of it. Hustling uptown, downtown, and all around the park, following clues seemingly emanating from the coat, he goes from a once grand building that might have offered a hint about the coat’s owner, to the statue of a man holding what looks to be the selfsame coat, to an abandoned tailor’s shop where perhaps the coat was created.

As the hours pass—compulsively checked on his fake Rolex—his fiancé dumps him by voice mail, his brother divests him of some cash, and he drops his childhood nickname. The coat yields more intriguing clues: a weird stone that might be a Mayan artifact and a shiny Indian-head penny.

David Finkle is a New York based writer (The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Village Voice) who knows his setting well, describing the city and its denizens vividly. He strews bon mots through the narrative like a man feeding pigeons in the park, and deftly guides the reader through the increasingly complex thought processes of an erudite Everyman with an overcoat that gradually becomes a symbol of quality—quality of cloth and tailoring, quality of life.

Twenty-four hours after he was the coat was thrust in hands, Edward has followed his instructions to care for it, has chased down his clues, and knows what to do next. The Man With the Overcoat by David Finkle is an entertaining top-shelf work of contemporary fiction that blends mystery, fantasy, and comedy. This is a tightly written story with rich and complex subtext that makes reading it a sublime pleasure.

June 6, 2015
Book Expo of America 2015 Tidbits Part 1 by Kiffer Brown

After returning from Book Expo of America 2015, I received many emails and texts from friends and colleagues asking me: “How was BEA?” or “Did you discover anything useful?” or “What was the buzz at BEA this year?”

Book Expo of America is the number one event in the publishing industry for North America. It alternates between New York City and Chicago. This year’s was in NYC; next year’s will be held in Chicago, May 11 – 13, 2016.

The publishing industry giants are out in full force with huge pavilions. Notice that I did not say “booths”. The banners in the photo on the right are at least fifty feet long and twenty-five feet wide if not larger. The installation of these megalithic banners must have utilized a crane and a professional crew to hang them from the rafters of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center, which is about the size of an airport terminal. These banners were every where and they definitely highlight the importance of book covers. But more on that later.

Everything at BEA is Done in a Big Way!

Top authors, celebrities, agents, industry captains, distributors, selling platforms (Kobo, Bublish, etc.) and huge publishing houses are vying for attention to create big buzz. Thousands and thousands of books are given away to attendees. Author signings are going on non-stop. See the photo below of A-list actress Julianne Moore.

Chanticleer Reviews did not have a booth or a table at BEA. And it was a good thing that we didn’t because we would have been lost in the crowd and probably relegated to the hinterlands. However, we were given an official BEA 2015 PRESS pass that allowed me to wander the entire show. The press pass gave me access to just about everything going on. It was a huge exposition/convention, with multiple presentations going on at all times, but I did manage to get some scoops that I want to share with the Chanticleer Community of Authors and Readers. Also, it is always a delight to meet and connect with Chanticleer Community members as well as to make new connections and friends!

The BEA Startup Challenge and the IDPF Innovation Awards at BEA 2015

The most exciting events that I covered were the BEA Startup Challenge and IDPF Innovation Award (International Digital Publishing Forum) which held competitions to recognize the best up and coming digital publishing start-up companies. I am honored to report that two of Chanticleer Reviews affiliates made the cut for the top contenders for the BEA Startup Challenge prize and Bublish made it to the shortlist for IDPF Innovation Awards.

Bublish with their Authorpreneur Dashboard and Powerful Book Marketing Tools.

The photo at the left is of Kathy Meis, CEO of Bublish presenting to the venture capitalists judging the contest.

Bublish has established and proven that using their digital marketing platform increases book sales substantially for independent authors and small presses.

The Books I Love mobile phone app is a brand new way of sharing the books that you love with friends.

The photo at the left is of Elizabeth DiMarco, CEO of Books I Love presenting to the venture capitalists and judges of the IDPF Innovation Awards.

The Books I Love App will be instrumental in helping books go viral. The app is a social media tool for book lovers and readers!

I am pleased to say that both businesses placed very well in the BEA Startup Challenge’s fierce competition. The photo shown was taken of the announcement of which businesses made the short list of the BEA Startup Challenge. (Think Shark Tank.)

BEA 2015 TAKEAWAY: Tools for DIGITAL DISCOVERABILITY of BOOKS are at the forefront of the BEA 2015 Expo.

Authors and Indie publishers should not underestimate the importance of the Internet in today’s new era of publishing. Utilizing the latest in digital technology tools to reach out to readers will help level the playing field between the industry’s Goliaths and the small presses’ and independent authors’ Davids.

Both of these organizations have generously donated to the Chanticleer Writing Competitions prize packages for the First In Category Awards Winners and the Genre Grand Prize Award Winners. I encourage all authors and aspiring authors to visit these two companies’ websites. Take advantage of their services to give your books a competitive advantage in today’s digital publishing era when two million new titles are launching annually.

Books I Love and Bublish are both sponsors of the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala 2015.

BEA 2015 Tidbits Part 2

Stay tuned for BEA 2015 Part 2 when Nely Cab, Vanessa Hoffman, Christine Benedict, Julie Gilbert, Janet Oakley, Millie West, Reanne Hemingway Douglass, Shari Stauch, Bruce T. Jones, BQB Press, and others will be featured. I will also have more tidbits on what is trending in the publishing biz.

June 4, 2015

Chanticleer Book Reviews