Review of “Finding Amanda” by Robin Patchen

“Dr. Gabriel Sheppard eyed the girl in the doorway. She’d be perfect.”

findingamanda After reading that first line in Finding Amanda by Robin’s Patchen I immediately had a thousand questions swirling around in my head. Who is she? Why would she be perfect? And what was he planning to do…? Amanda has much to celebrate about her life. A master Chef, a Published Cookbook, and a Blog with countless of followers; it seems she is living the American Dream. But Inside Amanda is falling apart. Amanda is determined to publish a memoir that those close to her feel is a mistake. But exposing the monster that Dr. Sheppard is feels far more important than saving her marriage, or even protecting her life. So many times I slammed the book shut irritated that Amanda was not making the decision I wanted her to make- Only to find myself coming back anticipating which way she would choose and where she would go. Robin does an outstanding job of pulling the reader along, teasing you with bits of tension that are so thick one could feel the pain of each of the characters. I found myself liking Amanda, loving her husband, enjoying the moments through their eyes- And hoping doom wasn’t lurking close by. Finding Amanda is brilliant suspense with as many twists and turns as anything done by Hitchcock. I promise you will find yourself swept away by the scruff of your neck. Robin is an author and freelance editor from Edmond Ok- You can find more out about her at her website below. http://robinpatchen.com/

2015 READING GOALS- A Bold New Adventure #AmReading

bridgetohavenI have to admit, I’m not one that likes to move outside of my comfort zone. Maybe it’s my OCD that kicks in every so often, but when I’m within the perimeters of what feels normal, then I feel as if I can breathe. And let’s face it, breathing is important. It’s a necessity for life, an essential element for one to survive. But every so often we have to take steps in life that are necessary for us to grow. Which means, dealing with change.

Most who know me know I love to read. Not a day goes by where I don’t have a book in my hand and opened. Getting lost in a world of fiction to me is one of the greatest joys a person can have. And who doesn’t love escaping life for a fraction of a moment? To me reading is both joyful and therapeutic to the mind.

But occasionally I find myself caught up in the same routine, reading the same style of stories, same genre, same authors. Why? Because I know what I’m getting, it’s in my comfort zone, it’s safe.

But this year I’m trying a bold new approach. (I should have probably typed TRYING in bold letters actually) Because trying is what I’m doing. Not saying that I will stick it out, but certainly trying.

My goal is to read one book a season (four books this year) in a genre I don’t normally read in and / or write in. For me that means probably some Romance or literary fiction.

So there you have it. And I’m starting off this winter with a book by Francine Rivers A Bridge to Haven.

And I must say, I’m only two chapters in and I’m enjoying it. I have several on my list, but four is ultimately my goal for this year. Four books outside my genre. If you have any suggestions, then I would love to hear them. So please, drop me a message and let me know.

 

Surviving Henry Review- @ErinTYoung #BookReview #asmsg #ACFW

Erin+Taylor+Youngs+BookErin Taylor Young has penned a book that left me completely tuned into the story, earning me strange looks in coffee shops and from across the room as I could not find a way to contain my laughter.

I can honestly say that after three chapters Erin Taylor Young had become one of my new favorite authors. By page 29 I was smiling, by page 30 I was laughing, and by the time Henry met Angel (The owner of his K9 University) I found myself unable to put the book down, as I read up until two in the morning.

Surviving Henry is not your typical run of the mill Dog Book- It’s a story of a rogue K9 that loves life and teaches his owners to do the same. As I read I was reminded of some of my favorite dog movies growing up (Turner and Hooch, Homeward Bound, and of course the classic Lassie) however, Henry beats them all in both laughter and lesson…

Erin shows us through her relationship with Henry a life lesson in God’s unconditional love.

This is one book I plan to keep on my shelf and re-read from time to time.

My Friend Louie is OUT!!!!! #MFLouie #99cents #ASMSG

9465038_origMy new novella is now available on Kindle, Smashwords, and other devices where ebooks are sold.

I really hope everyone enjoys it, I definitely enjoyed the journey I took while writing it.

On a side note, if you have time today stop by http://www.kirstinpulioff.com/ and check out her incredible review of the book.

 

Duane Dexter and His Big Foot Babes – A Review of Simon Okill Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again #ASMSG

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I was hesitant to read “The Phantom Bigfoot,” partly because I was unsure what to expect exactly. But after about sixty pages I found myself unable to set it down. The Phantom Bigfoot Strikes again is a YA novel about Duane Dexter, a teen with no mom or dad and a very humorous prankster who has no problem keeping the local sheriff off her track. He does so knowing that he is the chosen Guardian of the forest with one assignment- Protect the local Bigfoot creatures. Without question Simon keeps the reader turning the page with anticipation of what will come next. Extremely funny, and definitely worth the time and investment. I highly recommend it for both YA and Adult readers.