During the month of April, my book The Thorn went on a virtual book tour. After a month full of reviews, thirty of them to be exact, I am pleased to report that the book received mostly complimentary reviews. I learned a lot about my writing and about books in general by reading them. I come away from this experience with the following insights:

1. There is no such thing as a fiction book written for everybody. Quite a few of the bloggers took advantage of posting their reviews on Amazon or Goodreads. I had some 5-star ratings, but I also had some 1-star ratings. As far as I can tell, Romance readers (or those who prefer a more character driven story where the setting doesn’t matter much) did not like the book as well as those who prefer Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Speculative works. I think my characters do drive the story along, but not as much as some other genres.

2. Publicized genre has a great deal to do with reader expectations. I had a few reviews where certain elements of the story were judged against Fantasy, or to be more specific by sub-genre, Epic Fantasy. The genre “Speculative Fiction” still seems to be a little misunderstood in the market. Here is why I consider my book to be Religious Speculative Fiction: An underlying religious theme is present, but not overwhelming. Although similar to Fantasy in some respects, it has no myth and no magic. Although similar to Sci-Fi in some respects because the story takes place on another planet with two suns and three moons, it does not have the technology or futuristic setting of most Science Fiction. My conclusion: I will have to do a better job in the future making sure that my readers understand where The Thorn lies as far as genre classification.

3. The cover of a book also has a lot to do with those first impressions and genre expectations. Although I was pleased with the book cover when I first saw it, and I still think the cover will do well for attracting a YA audience, it may not actually fit the genre Religious Speculative Fiction very well. Some readers hated the cover. Too many of the readers expected the book to be YA Fantasy because of the scene pictured. And the book isn’t Fantasy. Even the glow-stones in the book have a scientific explanation. False expectations adversely affect the reading experience.

4. The book may end up appealing more to guys than to girls. I was pleasantly surprised that so many women did like the book. Some of them raved about it. But each of my current 1-star ratings came from a female reader. It may be too early to tell if my impression here is merely an over-generalization on my part.

5. The Chronicles of Gan series is only going to get better. Although I didn’t agree with every point made by the less-favorable reviews, I do plan on making one significant improvement: Heaven’s Garden (book two) is going to have more character development. There were so many characters introduced in book one that it was hard for some readers to identify with them. And some readers didn’t like the fact that there were so many POVs in The Thorn. If I haven’t missed counting one, there are ten characters used for point-of-view. I counted them all (even the first soldier who dies and is only on the scene for a couple of paragraphs). AH! The introductory page! Make that eleven. Dear POV punished reader: I promise to at least cut that down to half. Maybe even to just four.

In conclusion, I want to thank every single reader who took the time to read the book and post a review. Your insights were most helpful. If you haven’t put your rating out on Amazon or Goodreads, please be sure to do that!

I also wanted to mention that I’ve been collecting snippets of my favorite reviews all month long, and now I would like to share them. Please take a moment and visit my “Reviews” page by clicking on the menu bar of my website, or by going here: REVIEWS

Don’t forget to come back here and let me know what you think!

What do you get when you mix a bunch of well-meaning grannies (well, they’re not all grannies, but the image fits), with family in need, a technology geek, and a mysterious bad guy?

Lots of laughs.

I know Tristi personally. She makes me laugh. In fact, I think she should do stand-up comedy. Her sense of humor and skill of delivery are both quite good. In fact, at the 2009 LDStorymakers Writers Conference last spring, she had me laughing so hard that I had to wipe tears from my eyes.

This book is a little bit of a departure from her other novels, which are much more serious, but it is a jewel. The story is great fun. I liked everything about it, including the almost pocket-size hard-back form factor.

It is a fast read…almost too fast. It will leave you looking forward to future installments of this series! Go pick up a copy!

TO ORDER:  Secret Sisters

Tristi’s website
Tristi’s blog

From the back of the book:

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn’t mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn’t that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there’s more to the situation than meets the eye. It’s all in a day’s work for the Relief Society.

Price: $15.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC (March 16, 2010)
Genre: Comedic Mystery
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 260 Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-09-2
Product Dimensions: 5 x 7.5 inches

Disclaimer: Tristi is a Valor author. So am I. Valor provided me with a free copy. But I am not required to give a glowing review. Tristi is also my editor. She goes by the nickname (which I gave her), DARTH EDITUS when we are working on my manuscripts. But she is not mean or spiteful. In fact, if I said I hated the book, she would be just fine with that. Right Master Editus?

*choking* I…..   can’t………….  breathe…..

I am here to tell you about a book by David J. West which literally left me in a state of wonder. I want to make it clear right up front that I am friends with David. We talk quite a bit about writing and the publishing industry and genres and markets and literary works and classics and history and archaeology and astronomy and geography and mound builders and the Old World and explorers and religion and this list could go on for quite a while. We have many of the same interests. But don’t think for a minute that this review is slanted towards the glowing-like-a-sun-about-to-go-supernova realm, simply because we are friends. His book is very good all on its own, friends or not. In fact, getting to know David and seeing the background he has as a well-read writer only strengthened my resolve to give this book a full five stars on Goodreads. And Heroes of the Fallen isn’t even my favorite work of David’s (it actually ties for second place).

Let me tell you why I recommend that you read his book…

Heroes of the Fallen is not your average historical fiction novel based on the Book of Mormon. A skillfully woven tale of nations in decline, intrigue, faith, and hope, it is a book filled with believable dialogue and expertly crafted characters. David is very good at creating villains. His writing voice is reminiscent of more classical works, and his love for reading certainly shows. With a myriad of storylines in this one novel, the reader does need to be prepared to pay attention so as to not get lost, but I promise you it will be worth it. The series promises to be a long one, and I look forward to knowing more about the characters: Amaron, Zelph, Onandagus, Bethia, Mormon, and Akish-Antum the Gadianton Grand Master. There are many others!

I eagerly await the second book in the series.

Might I suggest that you follow David on his blog, Nephite Blood, Spartan Heart. David recently had a couple of his short stories picked up to be included in anthologies. One of them is called “Whispers of the Goddess”, and is one of the best short stories I have read in a long time. I am sure he will post links to it when he can. When I was in high school, I read a lot of fantasy. Fritz Leiber was an author I really enjoyed. My plug for David: Although reminiscent of Leiber’s style and characters (in a very general way), I think “Whispers of the Goddess” is better than anything I read by Leiber. Hands down. And it is my favorite read of David’s works.

I can see I have made this review to be more than just a simple book recommendation… Yes, I am recommending the author here. He has more novels coming. His short stories are excellent. One of them, “Dance the Ghost (With Me)”, a Porter Rockwell tale, won first prize in its category at last years LDS Storymakers Conference. I recently read it, and in my opinion, it’s as good as Heroes of the Fallen. I look forward to David turning “Dance the Ghost (With Me)” into a novel.

Let’s sum up Heroes like this:

An epic tale of valor and degeneracy where heroes are beset on every side by wicked schemers–whose schemes, like a flood, threaten to drown them all–Heroes of the Fallen is sure to please any reader who enjoys a multi-threaded plot full of both historical wonders and vicious intrigues which rule the day. Heroes of the Fallen will have you praying for the good guys! — Daron D. Fraley, Author of “The Thorn” book one of “The Chronicles of Gan”

***

Now for some logistics on his book release…  His book launch party takes place this Friday. Here are the details:

You can order a copy of his book here: Heroes of the Fallen

Go say hi to David on his blog. Then go to his book launch. Tell him I sent you.

I don’t read romance. Occasionally I will read a suspense novel that has romance in it, and I know this book qualifies as romantic suspense, but it is not the norm for my reading shelf. As far as the romantic element of this story goes, Kimberly did a fine job with it…in my humble opinion…even though I am not qualified to have an opinion within the genre.

But I am qualified to judge one element of this book, and that is the part which pertains to the abuse portrayed in the story. For those of you who have not yet read the book, there is a young man named Tyson in it. Tyson is a witness to the abuse of his mother by his father. Those scenes in the book were really hard to read. In fact, I almost put the book down after the first chapter, never to pick it up again. Why? Not because Kimberly did a poor job with the story. Quite the contrary. She did an excellent job. Her portrayal of the situation is spot-on. So much so, that it was painful to read. And for me, it was very personal.

You see, as a young boy, I was Tyson. I witnessed my step-father do hurtful things to my mother. And the thoughts that go through Tyson’s mind in this book were very similar to the thoughts I had as a child. Thank heavens for burdens lifted by time, and the healing balm of forgiveness. I don’t hold anything against my step-father. We have talked and made peace with the past. As far as I know, he has put those things behind him.

And I don’t blame my mother, either. I understand how hard it was to have the strength to fix that part of her life. I can’t count the number of nights she loaded us kids in the car and took off down the highway, only to turn around and head back home in the morning. I think the fear of the unknown, and not knowing if she would have the means to support herself and us kids if she left for good, compelled her to keep running back.

But when I was nine, I did what my mother didn’t have the strength to do. I left. I went to live with my Dad. He remarried, a divorced mother of three, and they combined families. That journey through my teen years in a combined family wasn’t easy, but I can tell you this, I learned to love my family dearly.

I will be forever grateful that the Atonement of Christ can heal all hurts.

Why do I share this? I think Kimberly’s book is very well done. It has a very happy ending. It was a great read. I could imagine this book being recommended by battered women shelters… I think it could do wonders for someone who just doesn’t have the strength to take control of their life. It might give them that little extra bit of determination to make a change so they can be happy. Perhaps it will fall into the hands of those who really need to hear the message. Maybe it will give them hope.

Two thumbs up for Kimberly’s story. She did a fantastic job with it. The characters are real. The emotions are real. Read the book. And if you feel inspired to do so, maybe you’ll even share it with someone who might need it. You may just change their life forever.

You can order the book here: I’ll Know You By Heart

Find Kimberly here at her website, and here at her blog.

From the back cover:

The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn’t realize they’d met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, she turns to Jared for support, but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving. With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome to be together seem insurmountable.

Is it possible for love to conquer all? I’ll Know You By Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity. A story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal, it is ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

Price: $16.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 275
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-13-9

DISCLAIMER: This is another book by Valor Publishing. I got a free copy. But I made no promises to give a good review, so you can’t count it as compensation. In fact, if I would have hated the book, I would have said so. And unlike some politicians I hear about, I don’t take bribes. They shouldn’t either. Shame on them.

Summer in Paris is a YA Coming of Age/Romance novel, and therefore certainly not the type of book I normally read. But I was intrigued by the title and the back cover copy. And I think as an author it’s a good thing for me to read different types of books. It keeps the saw sharp.

I can say without hesitation that I really liked the book. The setting of the story is in Paris, Idaho and much of the action takes place around the small towns which line the shores of Bear Lake, a clear, ice-cold body of water which lies right on the Utah and Idaho border. In my opinion, Bear Lake is one of the prettiest places in the Mountain West region.

I have been there. I’ve gone swimming in the lake. I’ve had the raspberry shakes for which Bear Lake is famous. Michele’s descriptions were spot on. So much so that I wish I could go right now and have one of those shakes.

I also really liked the characterizations in the book. In fact, because of the setting, and the laid-back wholesome lifestyle which is represented by the Williams family, the book made me feel a little homesick. My mother is a lot like Frankie Williams. I grew up on a small chunk of paradise in Cody, Wyoming. The property has a fish pond, a huge garden, lots of yard to care for… my parents even have chickens. But I digress…

Kenzie Williams, a spoiled and selfish teen at the beginning, blossoms into very nice young lady who is not afraid to work. I was very impressed by the transformation. In fact, I think this book would make a fantastic gift for any young person who feels… ENTITLED. My own teens are pretty good kids. But a little nudge toward working harder and appreciating what they have, definitely wouldn’t hurt them at all. I plan on having them read the book. Sneaky, aren’t I?

The book is fun. It’s a clean read. And Michele is a very good writer. I highly recommend it!

***

Kenzie Williams feels like she has it all; wealth, friends, popularity and talent. But when her father tells her that he has declared bankruptcy, her whole world in New York City turns upside down. Her parents’ solution while they sort through their financial and marital problems is to send Kenzie to live with her relatives in Paris . . . Idaho!

Feeling like she’s been sentenced to three months in Hickville Prison, Kenzie arrives in Idaho feeling like a square peg, with name brand clothes, in a round, horribly podunk, hole.

Leaving everything she loves behind, Kenzie is forced to get up at the crack of dawn, do chores, and hang out with her cousin’s loser friends. She feels like she’s about to die until she meets Adam White, the town outcast, whose been accused of killing his best friend and is being blamed for some trouble that’s been happening around town.

Not only is Adam the best-looking guy she’s ever seen, but he’s also the most fascinating guy she’s ever met and Kenzie is determined to get to know him and find out his secret. But, the longer she stays in Paris, the more she realizes, Adam isn’t the only one keeping secrets.

Price: $14.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC
Genre: YA Coming of Age/Romance
Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 210 Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-17-7
Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches

You can order the book here:   Summer in Paris

***

DISCLAIMER: I received a PDF copy of this book from Valor Publishing, the same publisher who carries my novel. Since reading a PDF version of a novel on a computer is not easy on the eyes, I can honestly say that no bribes were taken in exchange for this review. I may or may not get an actual hard copy of the novel. But I hope I do, so I can have my daughters read it. I think they will like it a lot.

I believe that The Sapphire Flute, Book 1 of The Wolfchild Saga by Karen E. Hoover is a story which will capture the imagination of Young Adult readers, male and female, although it may appeal to girls a little more. I am not sure where I read this, but somebody compared this story to the works of Terry Brooks. Having been a huge fan of the Shannara series as a youth, I immediately seized on that idea. And I agree!

There are a few parallels with the Shannara series, but they are not readily noticeable, and The Sapphire Flute remains quite unique. I personally thought it was a very enjoyable read, and a great fit for the mainstream Fantasy genre.

My strongest praise for the book, however, comes not just because the book is well written, with likable characters who you can root for, and a creative magic system on Rasann, but because the book is CLEAN. I have read a fair amount of modern fantasy yarns, and many of them resort to graphic descriptions of sex or lust to interest their readers. Not so with The Sapphire Flute. This is a book I would allow my youngest daughter and my youngest son to read.

In fact, I did have one of my older daughters read it, and she said, “Dad! It was amazing!”

That is high praise from a girl who reads a lot!

My only gripes with the book: I thought the story moved a bit fast in some scenes. That doesn’t bother me much, however, because I can see that it is really two, almost separate stories following two main characters, their stories woven together. It just makes the reader have to pay close attention in order to keep things straight. The second disappointment is also minor, and is related to the first. From the beginning of the story, the reader knows that these two young ladies are going to cross paths. But they never quite do. Or at least not in this first book of the series. I will just have to wait for the sequel!

***

From the book:

It has been 3,000 years since a white mage has been seen upon Rasann.

In the midst of a volcanic eruption miles outside of her village, Ember discovers she can see magic and change the appearance of things at will. Against her mother’s wishes, she leaves for the mage trials only to be kidnapped before arriving. In trying to escape, she discovers she has inherited her father’s secret–a secret that places her in direct conflict with her father’s greatest enemy.

At the same time, Kayla is given guardianship of the sapphire flute and told not to play it. The evil mage C’Tan has been searching for it for decades and the sound alone is enough to call her. For the flute to be truly safe, Kayla must find its birthplace in the mountains high above Javak. The girls’ paths are set on a collision course…a course that C’Tan is determined to prevent at all costs.

Price: $19.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC (March 16, 2010)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 370 Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-07-8

Karen’s blog: http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com

Valor Publishing (where you can order a copy): http://www.valorpublishinggroup.com/Books/the-sapphire-flute.php

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher, the same publishing company which is publishing my own novel. In fact, my book and Karen’s book are being released on the same day. But, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, even though I do like Karen, and will probably have to sit next to her at some future book signing. If I would have hated the book, I would have withdrawn from the Virtual Book Tour, and not done a review!

I begin this post with tears in my eyes–tears which have welled up as my heart has been taken on a journey of both pain and hope in the reading of this magnificent book. Let me say a few words about that journey.

First of all, in the spirit of complete disclosure, this book is being published by Valor Publishing Group, LLC, the same publishing company which is publishing my own novel in March of 2010. I received the Advanced Readers Copy free of charge. A few months ago, I was asked if I wanted to be part of the Blog Tour by Tristi Pinkston, Senior Editor at Valor, and I eagerly accepted. I am under no obligation to like the book. I am under no obligation to say nice things about the book, even if I do like it. I made no promises of any kind to Tristi or to Valor except for one: I would write a review, and I would be honest. If I were to hate the book, I would say so.

Second, I want all who read this review to know, I struggled with the book at first. The way that the chapters are laid out, with a painfully frequent jumping from one scene and place and year to another, and then back again, and this done several times, made the book a difficult read. I talked with Tristi about my concerns and was told two important things:

1. The final version of the book will have a chronology in it so that the reader can more easily figure out where they are on the timeline, and not get lost in the history.

2. When I asked about certain methods of style employed by the author in the writing, I was encouraged to consider the novel more of a “Dramatized Historical Narrative” than a Historical Fiction Novel. That encouragement helped me to look past the point-of-view changes which I found at times to be confusing.

Now, with those two points in mind, I will give my overall impression of the book.

I found Mark Shurtleff’s writing to be beautifully descriptive, the story enjoyable to read, and the characterization believable. There are times which I felt the book read more like a history textbook than a novel, but I believe that fits well within the description of being a Dramatized Historical Narrative.

The history contained in the book is utterly fascinating. As I read, I kept asking myself, “Why did I not know this? Didn’t I learn about Dred Scott in school?”. Yes, I believe that I did learn a little about him. What the history textbooks wanted me to know, at least. And much of history contained in textbooks since I was a kid is either glossed over, or revisionist with the intent to distort the facts, in my opinion. But I am not here to talk about my conservative political views.

No book is perfect. Even this book, I am sure, has its flaws and incorrect historical facts. It would be an education in itself to try and find them. But, I don’t have the background or the time to research it so that I might verify every single point, and there are thousands of such history facts in this book. Let me say this, if even eighty percent of this book is historically spot-on, the book would then be a treasure trove. And I get the feeling the percentage is much, much higher.

Aside from all of this, I do want to share what the book made me feel…

Dred Scott is a national hero, or he should be.

The pain I felt as I read about his incredible journey through life brought tears to my eyes.

The wonder I felt as I realized that with all of the complexities of men’s lives–intertwining, affecting each other, hampering at times and helping at others, and the barriers which wicked men place in front of those who have a right to seek liberty–that God could still work his wonders through men, whether they realized they were instruments in his hands or not, deeply impressed me.

The admiration I felt as I learned about Dred, his family, the Blows, and the people who wanted to help him, made me to feel the burning fires of patriotism even stronger than I did before, and forever solidified my feelings towards Dred Scott to be the same which I have always felt for Abraham Lincoln: That these men were blessed by God, which blessings in turn, blessed us all.

My final word about the book… Wonderful. I encourage anyone who has a desire to experience the fires of freedom burning within their heart to read this book, one which I believe is destined to be talked about for a good long time. Congratulations to Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff: Well done!

Glenn Beck’s Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine by Glenn Beck

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book GREATLY impressed me. And it made me very, very angry about the corruption in our government. So much so that I attended the Tea Party gathering at the state capital building today (9/12/09), something I have never done before. Rallies and protests are not generally in my nature. But I have had enough.

I have a word to say to every Senator and Representative in this country: A sleeping giant is awakening. In 2010 and 2012, every single one of you who will not uphold the Constitution, who insists on turning a blind eye to corruption in our government, who refuses to force the Federal Government to stop spending away the futures of our children and grandchildren — WE ARE GOING TO GET RID OF EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU. I hope you like your new job flipping burgers or running a taco stand.

LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!

Glenn Beck: Keep up the good work!

View all my reviews >>

Utah State Attorney General Mark Shurtleff’s ground-breaking new novel, “Am I Not A Man: The Dred Scott Story” is now available for preorder at a reduced price.

An illiterate slave, Dred Scott trusted in an all-white, slave-owning jury to declare him free. But after briefly experiencing the glory of freedom and manhood, a new state Supreme Court ordered the cold steel of the shackles to be closed again around his wrists and ankles. Falling to his knees, Dred cried, “Ain’t I a man?” Dred answered his own question by rising and taking his fight to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dred ultimately lost his epic battle when the Chief Justice declared that a black man was so inferior that he had “no rights a white man was bound to respect.”

Dred died not knowing that his undying courage led directly to the election of President Abraham Lincoln and the emancipation proclamation.

Dred Scott’s inspiring and compelling true story of adventure, courage, love, hatred, and friendship parallels the history of this nation from the long night of slavery to the narrow crack in the door that would ultimately lead to freedom and equality for all men.

You can order your sale-priced, signed and numbered limited edition copy of “Am I Not a Man” by visiting http://www.valorpublishinggroup.com before Labor Day. There are only 5,000 copies of this special edition being printed and once they’re gone, they’re gone … and the sale price ends on Labor Day. You can request that Mark personalize your inscription, and your book will be mailed to you before the stores even get their copies. For more information, visit http://www.valorpublishinggroup.com

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I am very excited to get my hands on a copy of this book. In our day where judicial activism seems to be rampant and the Constitution of the United States is frequently trampled by those grasping for power, I think the subject matter of this book is very timely. After you read the book, swing back by here later and tell me what you thought of it.