Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Best Books

  • I’M KONA LOVE YOU FOREVER: Book 6 of the ISLANDS of ALOHA MYSTERY Series by Joann Bassett

    I’M KONA LOVE YOU FOREVER: Book 6 of the ISLANDS of ALOHA MYSTERY Series by Joann Bassett

    Sixth in the eight-book Aloha Mystery Series, “I’m Kona Love You Forever,” fits well into this highly entertaining cozy mystery sequence with locales of the islands of Hawaii. Most importantly, it shares a wonderfully executed stand-alone mystery, something so crucial in any excellent amateur sleuth series.

    Lili and David, both just months under 18, go to “Let’s Get Maui’d,” a wedding planning shop owned by Pali Moon, the protagonist of the series. The couple have set a wedding date three weeks away. They come armed with their birth certificates. David’s is certified, Lili’s is a copy. But Hawaiian law requires a certified copy of birth certificates in order for those under 18 to wed. Pali steps in and contacts a friend who works in the Maui Vital Records office to speed up the more than a month wait for a formal request so that the kids can marry on their chosen date.

    That’s when Pali discovers the birth certificate copy Lili holds is that of a girl who died at birth. “In early January it fell to me to tell the bride she was dead.”

    Pali is a sucker for young love and vows to help the kids out. As she digs further to track down Lili’s actual birth certificate and obtain a corrected copy, she goes to Kona, the place of Lili’s birth. The mystery only deepens and Pali uncovers so much more than anyone anticipates. Family secrets and deaths complicate the situation. What has Pali gotten herself into?

    Readers meet the people in Pali’s life (some of whom are quite quirky), along with Lili’s and David’s families and friends. JoAnn Bassett excels in bringing these characters to life and interspersing the vivid descriptions to immerse us into the Hawaiian locales.

    Subtle references to prior stories add a seamless continuation of the series, while not confusing the present story. This story certainly ensnares the readers in its mystery while immersing them in Hawaiian culture.

    The realistic dialogue, dashes of humor, and interesting subplots speed the progression of the main plot, which has plot twists that keep readers both guessing and involved within the story. The author does not disappoint with the surprising conclusion of this murder mystery. The rich sights and exquisite sounds – the overall experience of Kona on the island of Hawaii – the Big Island – are yours for the taking and enjoying from your favorite reading perch.

  • OLD EARTH by Gary Grossman – an ancient secret, a secret society, intrigue and espionage

    OLD EARTH by Gary Grossman – an ancient secret, a secret society, intrigue and espionage

    A historical fiction thriller in the vein of “The DaVinci Code.” An ancient secret, safe-guarded for 400 years discovered. A fast-paced thrill ride with a secret society determined to keep the discovery hidden from mankind.

    Old Earth is a gripping tale of historical intrigue and espionage that leads readers on a journey that spans 400 years. The book weaves science, politics and religion into a high-octane thriller. With locations ranging from a cave in Montana to Vatican City, Grossman has created a tale that often leaves you wondering if you are reading a work of fiction or an actual historical account.

    As the book opens, the year is 1601 and you find yourself crawling through a cave in Italy with none other than world renowned scientist Galileo Galilei. He discovers a mysterious black “wall” buried deep within the cave, something that will have implications later in the story and will impact many people. The composition of the wall fascinates Galileo as it absorbs all light and is covered in odd markings. In fact, this discovery plays a role (in Grossman’s telling) in Galileo being accused of heresy by the Catholic Church. What Galileo fears more than repercussions from the Catholic Church is the unprecedented turmoil on all fronts, including religious and secular governments, that will befall mankind if his discovery is revealed.

    The plot thickens as a secret society of powerful individuals is formed to safeguard this secret — a secret so big that, if revealed, will cause society to fall apart — for 400 years.

    Fast forward to the present when a group of students, led by Professor Quinn McCauley, is on an archaeological dig in Montana with high hopes of finding dinosaur bones. What they unearth instead is the well-guarded secret Galileo discovered some 400 years before, a black wall. When the secret society reveals itself, Dr. McCauley finds his life in danger. What ensues is a thrilling global quest for the truth that makes for a page-turning read.

    The book does have spots that take some effort to wade through. This mainly occurs during the early stages of the book where a fair amount of time is spent setting the stage for the story and developing characters. However, the reader’s persistence will be well rewarded in the end.

  • The ORDER of the LILY by Catherine A. Wilson and Catherine T. Wilson, a captivating and breathtaking14c tale

    The ORDER of the LILY by Catherine A. Wilson and Catherine T. Wilson, a captivating and breathtaking14c tale

    Twin sisters separated at birth, one cosseted in a lavish lifestyle, the other hidden away behind convent walls meet through letters. In Book 1, The Lily and the Lion, the sisters Cécile d’Armagnac and Catherine Pembroke begin to puzzle out the political reasons behind the separation. They finally are united, but soon their lives are threatened by the power-hungry William Montagu, Earl of Salisbury. Separation being safer than staying together, the sisters part ways once more, this time as fugitives.

    This second installment opens with Cécile and Catherine on the run with their protectors, the knights Simon Marshall and Gillet de Bellegarde. Cécile, having sacrificed her virginity to Edward, the Black Prince, to save her sister’s life, lies in the hull of an England-bound ship, sick from pregnancy and the rough seas. When the Prince’s men commandeer the vessel, Catherine quickly returns the favor by masquerading as Cécile. She’s whisked away to the Prince, while her sister continues to England.

    Lovers’ misunderstandings ensue in the two kingdoms. Cécile and Gillet spar prettily at his Kent family estate, passion and jealousy taking turns as her belly blooms and lovers both threatening and tempting appear. Catherine, on the other hand, quietly falls for Simon, who masks his affection as he keeps her safe from the Prince’s lustful eye. Catherine’s charade lasts only until Salisbury uncovers the truth, compelling Catherine and her cadre of protectors to find a way to escape.

    Their route, however, carries its own agenda. Simon takes Catherine first to a monastery, and then on to the Paris seat of the Knights Templar, as he continues his quest to find the missing, mysterious Lady of Scotland. It’s a subplot that fits into the sisters’ breathtaking saga when the Earl of Salisbury appears, seeking the Lady as well as Catherine. The chase ends at her beginnings, at the convent in which she grew up. Danger quelled for the time being, relationships are allowed to blossom, both for Catherine and for Cécile, whose day of happiness is embellished by an unspoken mission Gillet must attend in the near future.

    This teaser caps a string of events that carry the story forward with expert pacing, passionate entanglements, and a rich language full of clever colloquialisms and a good deal of humor. In contrast, however, the scenes of subjugation remind us of the maltreatment of women that was common and condoned by society. Early in the tale, Cécile is shocked to see Gillet’s sister-in-law routinely beaten by her husband, and then horrified to find her encased in a scold’s bridle. Cécile’s attempt to help the woman results in being subjected to harsh punishment for interfering.

    If there’s one positive outcome to this horrible subjugation is that Cécile stands up against injustice–no matter what the cost. And that is the arc of Book 2: the sisters finding their power in a cruel era of patriarchal oppression. To witness this maturation shines a hopeful light on the third book of the series, The Gilded Crown. The authors have written a captivating and historically accurate story with characters that are vividly portrayed.

    Historical romantics of all ages will enjoy this rollicking affair that continues the story of spirited twins who do battle with cruel relatives, nefarious noblemen, misunderstood suitors, and above all, the constraints on women’s power in 14th-century England and France.

  • DOCTOR KINNEY’S HOUSEKEEPER by Sara Dahmen — The LARAMIE Grand Prize winner – captivating and heartwarming

    DOCTOR KINNEY’S HOUSEKEEPER by Sara Dahmen — The LARAMIE Grand Prize winner – captivating and heartwarming

    A timeless and heartwarming romantic historical fiction amidst a dramatically painted panorama of pioneer life in America’s heartland.

    Recently widowed, easterner Jane Weber hopes for a secure, quiet position as a housekeeper to a physician in the newly forming Dakota Territory, never imagining the many turns that life has in store for her.

    Dr. Patrick Kinney welcomes Jane’s application because she did simple nursing chores during her late husband’s illness. Arriving in Flats Junction she is met by the auburn-haired doctor, the independent and rather acerbic general store proprietress Kate, and an enigmatic Sioux landlady, Widow Hawks.

    Each evening when she leaves the doctor’s house after their companionable supper, a cowboy named Bern walks her to Widow Hawk’s strange dwelling. To the doctor’s delight, Jane displays talents as a cook, gardener, and secretary. But, still depressed after a dutiful marriage and sudden widowhood, she cannot fathom that the Doctor would show an interest in her as a woman, believing instead that he is courting Kate.

    Soon she begins to perceive some fault lines in the pleasant exterior of Flats Junction, notably the violent prejudice of some people, including Bern, against Native Americans like her newfound confidante, Widow Hawks. And soon, too, Jane will have to reveal that she is pregnant with a child conceived shortly before the death of her husband.

    After a series of traumatic events force Jane to acknowledge her strong feelings for Patrick, she resolves to leave Flats Junction and start her life over yet again. But she doesn’t reckon on the good doctor’s equally strong feelings or the lengths he will go to in winning her over.

    Author Sara Dahmen has clearly researched the era, vernacular and settings of her richly complex story. She brings into focus the joys and deprivations of life on the American frontier, the rigid proprieties that pertained in relations between the sexes, and the cutting edge of racial hatred that rankled towards the local displaced and marginalized American Indians.

    She sheds light on fascinating small details of everyday life in 1881—cookery, clothing and medical care. Dahmen also conveys a keen awareness of the sometimes desperate needs of a woman’s heart, as her heroine wavers between her unexpected passion for Patrick and the possibility of a respectable, but unexciting, match with someone else.

    Captivating and vividly portrayed, “Doctor Kinney’s Housekeeper, ” is a delightful read that is refreshing and original as it is entertaining.

  • New Issue of Chanticleer Reviews Magazine — FALL 2016

    We are excited to present the latest issue of the Chanticleer Reviews e-magazine!

    Chanticleer Reviews Fall 2016 IssueThis issue features an exclusive interview with Kathy L. Murphy, the Queen of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club. Find out more about her 650 book club chapters in this article, written by Sean Dwyer, on page 7.

    What is your WRITER Horoscope? Check out page 38 to see what the stars have in line for your writing life.

    As a special treat for the cold Autumn days ahead, we have included a heartwarming short story by Sean Dwyer, The Mystery of the Little Match Girl.

    And, we are always excited to spotlight our Chanticleer Award Winners.

    The majority of the magazine is dedicated to our reviews, including some great new book discoveries from Historical Fiction to Children’s Books to Westerns to Cozy Mysteries and chilling Thrillers. Not to mention some reviews of Chic-lit, Science Fiction, and Self-Improvement. And, with Halloween right around the corner, we had to include reviews of top Paranormal reads!

    We want to thank award-winning author and artist, Nancy Canyon, for allowing us to feature her artwork on the cover, “Pink Adler.”

    Hint: You can always find saving discount codes in every issue! 

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    Special Offer: Those who subscribe now will receive a free paid one year subscription when we take the magazine from an e-zine to a print magazine.

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  • WOLF EYE’S SILENCE – Book 1 by Elisabeth Ward – an enlightening and satisfying tale of the Old West

    WOLF EYE’S SILENCE – Book 1 by Elisabeth Ward – an enlightening and satisfying tale of the Old West

    This is a page-turning story of survival that takes place in the Old West. It is a story about one cultures struggle to maintain their identity while the other embarks on expanding their own. “Wolf Eye’s Silence” is the first in a five-book series by Elisabeth Ward. Set in the Wyoming Territory and covering the time period from 1864 to 1880 the story follows two brothers. Deeply entrenched in the interactions between the Cheyenne and the onrush of whites from the East are twelve-year old Samuel Ferguson and his thirteen-year old brother Johnny whom we follow over the course of twenty years.

    In the opening pages of the book the brothers are separated from their parents and wagon train which has been attacked by Indians. Their father is killed in the wagon train attack and they watch helplessly as their mother is led away by rope, a captive of the attacking Cheyenne. As first instincts take hold they do what anyway young boy would do: they run and hide. Eventually they are rescued by a US Army scouting party and taken to Fort Teton.

    The boys are taken in by the commanding officer, Major Armstrong and his wife, Bessie. The boys however handle the horrible event that they witnessed in opposite ways. Johnny readily adapts, pitches in to assist in day-to-day life, but Sammy becomes withdrawn, barely speaking or interacting with others. Major Armstrong imparts a respect for all inhabitants of the West including the Indians but sprinkles this with caution. Johnny in particular consumes this teaching and eventually joins the US Army.

    Sammy however takes a different life path. Major Armstrong begins to realize that in essence Sammy is being kept prisoner in the fort as he has no interest in the military life. Sammy is sent to live outside the fort on a homestead with “Miz” Lizzie Heiter and her son Josh. Lizzie Heiter is a widower who can stand her ground and becomes a central and enjoyable character to this tale.

    This engrossing story, like life contains, fleeting moments of joy sprinkled amongst the pain, anguish of losing family, and fear of what lies ahead with the Indian nations. Through it all Elisabeth Ward builds a compelling story that enlightens readers while keeping them engrossed in the daily struggles of an unpredictable and agonizing collision of cultures. Author Elisabeth Ward does an exceptional job bringing the very real struggles of survival to with of the story’s cast of fascinating characters vividly to life in this book.

    Sure to satisfy, this well-crafted and fast-paced story is aimed at an older young adult market and those who enjoy a satisfying Old West tale that takes place after the gold-rush and during the building of the First Transcontinental Railroad.

     

     

  • NARADA’S CHILDREN: A Visionary Tale of Two Cities by Woody Carter – exploring universal values

    NARADA’S CHILDREN: A Visionary Tale of Two Cities by Woody Carter – exploring universal values

    A colorful fable resonates with contrasting modalities of mysticism and social action, exploring how culture and religion can separate us or bind us together.

    Narada is a traveler and a stranger when he first meets the lovely Hohete and her people in the ancient city of Ja’Usu. Given water, food, and shelter by Hohete’s family, Narada is sharply questioned by village elders who are stymied by his forthright statement that he is a representative of a deity named The Great Mystery. So they conspire to remake him as a storyteller, to reduce his power and profit from his talent for spinning yarns by selling refreshments to his audience.

    Narada hoodwinks them, though. He gathers all the people, even the despised Oromo beggars, and arranges for the poor to be given food instead of buying it. He then weaves a wondrous story of another city, Oakland, California, in the early twenty-first century; there, Arthur Renfro, a community activist, is trying to improve conditions for his fellow African Americans.

    The people of Ja’Usu are magically able to “see” the story as Narada tells it, becoming immersed in the strange ways of a civilization where women have power, and rejected groups like the Oromo may be objects of social concern, not disapprobation.

    Narada subtly constructs his parable, measuring the relative power of religion, psychiatry, and social change to improve individual lives and using Ja’Usu and Oakland as contrasting examples. In Oakland, Arthur Renfro proposes meditation as a radical method to resolve the deep inner conflict within the spirits of his people. In Ja’Usu, the tale of Arthur’s quest for equality and aid for minorities will gradually break down ancient taboos, presenting the potential of liberation for women like Hohete and for the oppressed Oromo.

    Narrative theologian and author Woody Carter has worked with organizations concerned with the welfare of African Americans like those he depicts in Narada’s Children.

    Carter’s use of language is enchanting and emotive, evoking folk memory like a tribal griot. Like his audience in the fire-lit square of Ja’Usu, readers will be lulled and lured into his tale and see, perhaps, how their own perceptions accord with “the imperishable records of celestial light” from which the Narada draws his wisdom.

    Through the interactions of people in two great cities—one ancient, one modern—Narada’s Children explores the universal value of genuine fairness and equality. Masterfully written, this uplifting and encouraging work is a spiritually transporting tale that is much needed by those of all races and creeds—especially in today’s turbulent times.

  • THE EX LOTTERY by Kim Sanders – a clever twist on the modern day fairy tale

    THE EX LOTTERY by Kim Sanders – a clever twist on the modern day fairy tale

    When art teacher Tory Adams trades in her heartache for a lottery ticket romantic sparks fly in this humorous tale of misunderstandings, half-truths and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

    Elementary school art teacher Tory Adams grew up believing in the power of love. But after three disastrous relationships, Tory realizes that the “love-at-first-sight” tales spun by her grandmother exist in a time and place of memory, far from the reality of Tory’s world. Or do they?

    On a whim Tory buys a lottery ticket, basing the numbers on the dates she was unceremoniously dumped, and when her numbers come up gold, men start crawling out of the cyberspace woodwork. With an overnight tally of 23 marriage proposals, Tory needs an out.

    Her best friend, Emma, prods Tory into a full head-to-toe makeover, trading in her small town Southern style for a sleek, new cosmopolitan look. And the new Tory “Victoria” Adams is transformed inside as well as out. She packs her designer bags and boards a plane to Ireland, in the hopes of buying the castle where her grandparents kindled their great love.

    Armed with her new attitude, a box of keepsakes and her grandmother’s Claddagh ring, Tory is determined to follow her dream and find the blue dragon of her childhood. But plans are never etched in the proverbial Blarney stone and when the world’s most eligible woman collides with the world’s most reluctant bachelor sparks do fly.

    Author Kim Sanders (“Shades of Gray”– a murder mystery) delivers a fun, eclectic cast of characters in this humorous tale of misunderstandings, half-truths and miscommunications. From Tory’s two geeky exes who are out to claim their parts of the lottery pie to the super-sexy Irish rogue, Shane, whose reluctance and secrecy could lose him the woman he loves, Sanders illuminates the human condition with a gentle insight that has the reader rooting for each character regardless of their motives. And then there’s Tory’s ex, Carter, a Special Forces man of mystery, whose revelations have the power to hurl Tory back into heartache.

    Set in the pastoral beauty and magic of the Emerald Isle, “The Ex Lottery” is a clever twist on the modern-day fairy tale, part rom-com, part travelogue and one hundred percent romance that demands a follow-up book. First Place in the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and Winner of the Chatelaine Award for Contemporary Romance, Kim Sanders’s “The Ex Lottery” is a must-read entertaining romp in the grass for anyone who believes in “romance and happily ever after.”

  • BELIEVE by Annaliese Darr — Magical Realism & Mysteries

    BELIEVE by Annaliese Darr — Magical Realism & Mysteries

    Spring O’Flaherty has an unusual problem. From childhood she’s been not only clairvoyant, but also able to see auras. These are not just faint, she can see them if she squints auras, but vibrant auras, dark auras, life force fading auras –a virtual kaleidoscope of energies always swirling.

    Fortunately, she comes from a loving and religious family that understands her special talents and helps her deal with them the best that they can. Her father is a preacher in the Blue Ridge mountain country of western Virginia, and often takes the family on revival trips and her mother doesn’t discount her daughter’s unique “gift.”

    Even with her family’s support, Spring has some terrifying experiences in her youth that made her suppress her powers and reject God. (“Holding the person you love as he bleeds out is enough to turn anyone into a cynic,” she tells her mom.) She walks away from the painful past and works hard to build a normal life, becoming an attorney in Atlanta where she tries to block her “gift.” Her new world disdains and disavows the mysterious, intangible forces, which suits Spring just fine.

    That is, until she meets Jed Collinsworth, a charming, handsome, and well-bred Southern gentleman who is also a top-level district attorney from a wealthy family. When her dream comes true and he asks her to marry him, she then begins to balk from fear that learning of her powers will not only repel Jed personally, but that worries that her “gift” becomes public knowledge that it might ruin his career.

    So, she seeks help from a psychologist, who takes her back to the beginning. Through revisiting her memories, she starts to integrate who she was with whom she is, while hoping to find a way to live with her gift, and trying to be honest with the man she loves without scaring him off or ruining his career.

    Annaliese Darr, the author, writes of the Appalachian culture of tent revivals, blue grass & gospel music, and beliefs in “psychic gifts” and the old ways with a deftness and clarity that juxtaposes Spring’s new life chapter in the big city. Darr’s dialogue and characters are refreshing and captivating while her heartwarming story encompasses mystery and murder.

    The novel is split between her backstory, brought out through the counseling sessions, and the front story of how she deals with Jed and her powers (“I could feel the noose of destiny tightening around my neck”). The narrative is straightforward with no ruffles and flourishes, but is written sometimes with witty and loving banter and sometimes it is written with palpable sadness that steps the reader through a complex tale and time switches without confusion. Darr balances the mystery of “what happened?” with “what happens next?” as she capably builds the suspense and tension on several fronts.

    Spring’s refusal to tell Jed her secret is frustrating to him and to her—especially because Jed is someone whom we, the readers, can believe can deal with it. However, at the point her hesitation turns implausible, we recognize the true battle Spring is fighting. Readers will find themselves rooting for Spring (and for Jed) and for the bad guys to get what they so justly deserve in this very special story that will touch your heart and pull you in.

  • The M&Ms, Chanticleer’s Mystery & Mayhem Novel Contest & Book Awards Official Finalist List for 2016

    The M&Ms, Chanticleer’s Mystery & Mayhem Novel Contest & Book Awards Official Finalist List for 2016

    Mystery Writing Contest The Mystery & Mayhem Writing Competition recognizes emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of  Cozy Mysteries and Classic Mysteries. The M&M Awards is a division of Chanticleer International Novel Writing Competitions.

    More than $30,000.00 dollars worth of cash and prizes will be awarded to Chanticleer Book Reviews 2016 writing competition winners!

    The M&M Book Awards FIRST IN CATEGORY sub-genres  are:  Amateur Sleuth, Romance, Animals, Cooking/Knitting/Hobbies, Blended Genre, Medical/Lab, Travel, Humorous, Historical, Classic British, Y/A, and Senior Sleuth.

    The following titles will compete for the SHORT LIST rounds. The works that make it on the SHORT LIST will then compete for FIRST IN CATEGORY Positions and Book Awards Packages.

    NOTE: This is the Official List of the M&M 2016 Finalists.

    The Finalists Authors and Titles of Works of the M&M 2016 Novel Writing Contest are:

    A Girl Like You by Michelle Cox

    Secret Life of Anna Blanc by Jennifer Kincheloe

    The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin by Regina Jeffries

    Murder by the Spoonful by Vicki Vass

    The Magic of Murder by Susan Lynn Solomon

    Banished Threads b Kaylin McFarren

    Member from Devon by Bruce Graham

    Skyrizer # 7 by Phillip Buchanon

    The Scarlet Wench by M. K. Graff

    Major Crimes by Michele Lynn Seigfried

    Death Runs on Time by A. B. Michaels

    A Scone to Die For (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries)  by H. Y. Hanna

    Killer Transaction  by Catherine Bruns

    Twelve for Twelve  by Dawn Rasmussen

    Secrets Revealed by Kate Vale

    Bells on Her Toes by Diana J. Febry

    Secrets, Lies, and Champagne Highs  by Jeanette Hubbard

     Under English Heaven  by Alice K. Boatwright

    The Body Next Door by Gay Yellen

    Death Unscripted by M.K. Graff

    The Erotica Book Club for Nice Ladies by  Connie Spittler

    Hot Scheming Mess by Lucy Carol

    Engaged in Danger: A Jamie Quinn Mystery by Barbara Venkataraman

    Sherlock Holmes and the Dance of the Tiger by Suzette Hollingsworth

    Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai by Traci Andrighetti

    Smart, but Dead by Nancy G. West

    Deathbed of Roses by Alannah Foley

    Homes and Watkins   by R. J. Lewis

    The M&M Finalists will compete to be on the SHORT LIST and those works will then compete for the M&M First In Category Positions, which consists of Seven Judging Rounds.  First Place Category Award winners will automatically be entered into the M&M GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition, which has a cash prize purse of $200.  The CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse.

    All First In Category Award Winners will receive high visibility along with special badges to wear during the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala.

    First In Category winners will compete for the M&M Awards Grand Prize Award for the $200 purse and the M&M  Grand Prize Ribbon and badges.

    • TEN genre Grand Prize winning titles will compete for the $1,000 purse for CBR Best Book and Overall Grand Prize.
    • A coveted Chanticleer Book Review valued at $345 dollars U.S. CBR reviews will be published in the Chanticleer Reviews magazine in chronological order as to posting.
    • A CBR Blue Ribbon to use in promotion at book signings and book festivals
    • Digital book award stickers for on-line promotion
    • Adhesive book stickers
    • Shelf-talkers and other promotional items
    • Promotion in print and on-line media
    • Review of book distributed to on-line sites and printed media publications
    • Review, cover art, and author synopsis listed in CBR’s newsletter
    • Default First in Category winners will not be declared. Contests are based on merit and writing craft in all of the Chanticleer Writing Competitions.

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

    Congratulations to the Finalists in this fiercely competitive contest! 

    Good Luck to all of the M&M Finalists as they compete.

    Short List  announcements will be made in our social media postings as the results come in. The 2016 First In Category Winners will be recognized at the 2017 Chanticleer Annual Awards Gala and Banquet.

    The M&M Grand Prize Winner will be announced at the April 1st, 2017 Chanticleer Writing Contests Annual Awards Gala, which takes place on the last evening of the Chanticleer Authors Conference that will be held in Bellingham, Wash. 

    We are now accepting submissions into the 2017 M&M Awards writing competition. The deadline for submissions is March 31st, 2017. Please click here for more information.