Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Book Review: Bumped


Purchase at Amazon.com
Bumped
Sibylla Nash
A&RBC: 3.5 Stars 


Heading: Be Careful Who You Love


Elle Nixon is a well-known publicist to an elite group of celebrities. Elle is definitely in the middle of the social scene in the hottest city, Los Angeles. Elle’s life takes a drastic turn in Sibylla Nash’s novel Bumped. This novel takes readers into the life of a publicist who does not recognize bad company.
Elle Nixon loves and adores her boyfriend, Diego. The couple has everything going for them until Diego disappears and all hell breaks loose. Elle finds herself in the middle of scandal that even her public relations strategies will not work to set her free. Diego’s secrets are starting to unravel and Elle starts to realize that he has left her to take the heat. Will Elle fold?
Bumped is about a woman not being mindful of the company she kept and putting her eggs all in one basket. This book started slow for me but kept my interest. The author provides readers with an entertaining storyline with believable characters. I wanted to read more of Diego’s character and Elle’s reaction to his secrets. I felt there was not enough dialogue between the two characters. I do recommend Bumped to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

Monday, September 26, 2011

Author of the Week: Tracy L. Cooper



A&RBC: How did you become a writer?
Tracy: I started off really young writing poems and short stories. You would always find me writing something and keeping books full of everything.  

A&RBC: Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?
Tracy:  My inspiration comes from my own personal experiences as well as friends or friends of friends. Office gossip is a good source of drama. 

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your book?
Tracy: There are consequences when reconnecting with their past or still holding on to memories of someone they considered, “the one that got away”. You can even get in trouble on social networks trying to check out that blast from the past. So while you are fantasizing about old times, remember real life has a way of keeping you grounded and things are in your past for a reason.    

A&RBC: If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
Tracy: I think “Fannin’ Old Flamez” has several controversial subjects so I’ve already put that out there.

A&RBC: Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?
Tracy: I have a very hectic lifestyle, which limits my writing time. I listen and observe everything and everybody even taking notes if I have too. So usually late at night after everything is done I think about it all and the stories begin to write themselves.

A&RBC: What is your favorite genre of books?
Tracy: I really enjoy reading historical pieces and autobiographies of people that helped shape history. I also unwind by reading contemporary fiction.     

A&RBC: Are you an avid or occasional reader?
Tracy: I try to fit it in reading when I can but e-books have made reading more accessible to me and I can fit it in anywhere and at anytime. I’ve read more this year than in recent times. 

A&RBC: What are two things you want your readers to know about you?
Tracy: I am not perfect and my faults add to who I am as a person. My friends insist I am one of the funniest people they know and I should have been a comedian.  

A&RBC: If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?
Tracy:  I would interview J. California Cooper because I absolutely love everything she writes and I would like to know where she comes up with her stories. She makes her characters come to life.

A&RBC: What is or was your dream job?
Tracy: I always thought I’d be the Editor of a major fashion magazine like Vanessa Williams character Wilhemina Slater from now cancelled TV show “Ugly Betty”.

A&RBC: What new projects are you working on?
Tracy: “I’m working on the sequel to “Fannin’ Old Flamez” which was really an introduction of characters I had in mind for a trilogy. Book two is entitled “Puttin’ Out Firez”

A&RBC: Where can readers find you?
Tracy: I am currently working on my website but I am on Facebook and www.millerbeachpublishing.com



Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Book Spotlight: Watching Grandma Circle the Drain

Purchase at Amazon.com

About The Book

In his latest tour de force, Allen Smith takes on the challenges of life from his own gritty perspective. Everything from surviving on-line dating to enduring his first sigmoidoscopy and advancing age. Watching Grandma Circle the Drain is a collection of Smith's most entertaining work from his previously published columns. In addition to his own experience with struggling to learn Spanish and annihilating the game of golf, he gives the reader an inside look at some of the things they've never wondered about, like managing persistent telemarketers, what it's like to qualify as a sperm donor and some of the most unusual ways to make a living without a college degree. In part two, Smith takes aim at news stories by attacking issues like home schooling, women competing in the Tour de France, dozing air traffic controllers and the first person to marry (and divorce) himself. Watching Grandma Circle the Drain is a bite-sized, entertaining look at the way we complicate our lives. Once you read it, you'll never look at life the same way again.

Reviews

Laughter is infectious. After reading Watching Grandma Circle the Drain by Allen Smith readers will definitely be full of laughter. This collection of short stories will place readers in the front seat of a comedy show with full excess.
The first section of stories are about dating and becoming an adult. The second section of stories, which are in news format tell about different topics of everyday interests. My favorite story is “Television Shows that Didn’t Make the Fall Lineup,” which gives descriptions of different shows that networks will not be using for their fall lineup. The descriptions are full of unbelievable humor and would actually make good shows.
Watching Grandma Circle the Drain is an entertaining book about everyday thoughts and life told in the point of view of a comedian. It is funny, full of energy, and will have readers laughing to the point of tears. I enjoyed this book but I am unclear why the author chose this title. I do recommend it to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
4.5 Stars


Book Review: Blended Families


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Blended Families
Valerie L. Coleman
A&RBC: 4.5  Stars
Heading: Many Blessings
It seems there are more and more blended families due to single-parent homes. Parents have to be aware of whom they are bringing around their children. Blended Families by Valerie L. Coleman provides readers with stories about individual’s that have blended family homes and how these families deal with the change.
This 28 chaptered book captures the family units at their worse. It also explains how they turn their family units around. Blended Families expresses how God steps in to help these families repair their injury to their homes. This book gives readers guidelines and the tools they need to make their families whole. I have many favorites but I will tell you only about one so as not to spoil the book. “Reconnaissance Mission” is about a stepmother who cannot take anymore of her stepchildren abusive behavior. She turns her problems over to God and he gives her instructions. When she listens to Him her outcome becomes more than she expected.  
Blended Families is about restoring families through prayer and godly intervention. It is true that this book will minister to readers who are in need of help and are uncertain of their family’s future. The author put together a wonderful anthology of writers wanting to help others. I recommend Blended Families to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Author of the Week: Allen Smith

Author Photo & Book Cover

A&RBC:    How did you become a writer?
Allen: My first major work was my master's thesis – a 320 page gargantuan that nobody has read since the day it was published. It took me over a year and a half to write it and taught me some of the most valuable skills you need to learn as a writer, like writing discipline, getting comfortable with loneliness, no income, managing hysteria and sitting in the dark for extended periods of time. 


A&RBC:  Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?
Allen: The characters that I write about are all around us – real people just trying to muddle their way through an ever-changing world. I've found that writing about what real people do in stressful situations is much more entertaining than anything you could make up on your own – like the 13-year-old chess player who got busted for taking steroids just to be able to compete on a professional level ("Steroids Invade the World of Professional Chess"). Granted, I didn't write it about a specific 13-year-old, but there's probably a young boy somewhere in the world who has followed the problems of his favorite, juiced-up baseball hero and wondered if steroids might help his chess game. If the characters lack depth, I'll look for one characteristic they possess and run with it. Our faults and shortcomings make the most entertaining reading.

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your book?
Allen: For the most part, my book is made up of genuine struggles that people face, but twisted slightly out of proportion: getting old, being out of shape, dating, struggling to learn a foreign language and other things they perceive as being important at the time. After reading my book, I hope readers will understand that what may seem like the most important problem in the world to one person is just so much fluff to someone else. A teen-ager getting her tongue pierced is important to her, catastrophic to her parents, but entertaining to the rest of us.

A&RBC: If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
Allen: Since almost everything I write about is controversial to someone, there are a long list subjects to choose from. I'm currently working on the humorous benefits of being homeless. Many people have discovered that their "American Dream" has changed. It's no longer about buying a house with a white picket fence (which gets foreclosed on after they lose their job) or getting married and raising a family (after their third divorce and all their kids get sent into drug rehabilitation). I know those sound like horribly depressing topics, but believe it or not there are humorous ways to write about them. In my book, I found a way to make a story about airline bombing funny (see "Sticky Bomb Threat Foiled").

A&RBC: Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?
Allen: I have none. I don't use outlines and I write whenever the urge hits me. I do, however, write everyday and spend a lot of time researching a subject before I start writing. Often times, the research will help me develop characters and generate new ideas. For instance, in the piece I wrote called, "The Great Sperm Audition," I learned a tremendous amount about a multi-million dollar industry that flies below most people's radar. While most would never dream of masturbating for a living, it makes for interesting reading.

A&RBC: What is your favorite genre of books?
Allen: I read all types of books but am especially drawn toward well written fiction, humor and autobiographies. Last year, I went on a rampage and read about all of my musician heroes from the 1960s like Grace Slick, Jimmi Hendrix, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton. The interesting thing about all of them is that none wanted to be famous – they just wanted to be good at what they do. I think writers can learn a lot about their craft by looking at what others have gone through to become successful, but not necessarily famous.

A&RBC:  Are you an avid or occasional reader?
Allen: I am constantly reading several books at a time. I'll usually read one book about my craft, another about the business end of writing or technology (like using social media) and another one that's lighter – usually a good fiction or humor book. Since getting my first Kindle and iPhone, I've found that I can carry my entire library with me wherever I go. I can read for 5 minutes or an hour, wherever I am. Good writers need to use their time wisely.

A&RBC: What are two things you want your readers to know about you?
Allen:  am a self-taught writer. While I do have a college degree, it has nothing to do with literature or journalism. I was aptitude tested in 1989 and found to have natural writing abilities – which is why I was able to enjoy writing a master's thesis based on biochemistry. It wasn't until sometime later that I discovered how much I enjoyed writing about the humorous side of life. It's not easy and few people do it well. Through my own circuitous career, I've discovered that there's nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it. The proof: I'm making money writing while living in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. What could be better?

A&RBC: If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?
Allen: I'm a big fan of David Sedaris. He's a great example of someone who couldn't hold down a job doing anything. Then, his work appeared on NPR and his career took off. David has a unique way of taking a mundane subject like stripping paint off of a wall or working as an elf in Macy's Santaland and making it funny. He proves that there is humor in just about everything in life if we know where to look for it.

A&RBC: What is or was your dream job?
Allen: I've been fortunate enough to follow my dreams, most of my life. Unhindered by a wife or family (and I mean that in a nice way), I've gone wherever the wind took me. After high school I volunteered for the U.S. Navy during the height of the Vietnam War. After leaving the Navy, I went back to school for a couple of years, then snow skied professionally for the first of several times in my life. That was followed by 10 years as a hairdresser (see "A Hairdresser's Lament" in my book), earning a masters degree in Exercise Physiology and working with heart disease patients, 20 years in the computer industry, then back to the ski industry. Through all of those pursuits, I continued to write – my real dream job. I'm currently living in Vail, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, following various writing pursuits. Through the wonder of the Internet, I've written for clients all over the world from the comfort of my office or living room. Isn't life grand?

A&RBC: What new projects are you working on?
Allen: With a new book out, a lot of my time is currently spent marketing it. But, I'm continuing to write about the complexities of life and how we manage to get ourselves into so many pickles. Who knows? There could be another book out sometime next year!

A&RBC: Where can readers find you?
Allen: My website, www.snowwriter.com is the best place to begin. The site contains a brief author bio, a portfolio of some of my work (the more serious stuff) and two full pages devoted to my books, "Ski Instructors Confidential – the stories ski instructors swap back at the lodge," that was published in 2005 and "Watching Grandma Circle the Drain." You can also follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/snowwriter and Twitter at @Snowwriter.   






Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Book Review: The Deal, the Dance, and The Devil



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The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil
Victoria Christopher Murray
4 Stars


About The Book
What would you do for five million dollars? Adam and Evia Langston have lived in their own little garden of Eden since the two married at the age of seventeen. Working their way up from the humblest of beginnings, the Langstons have thrived beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Now they live in the finest home, drive the best cars, and indulge in all the trimmings that signify their massive success. But then the recession hits and rips apart the family’s financial stability. Unable to support their three children and other relatives, Adam and Evia find themselves drowning in financial trouble and teetering on the brink of complete disaster. With nowhere to turn, the Langstons have no idea what to do.
Until Shay-Shaunté, Evia’s multimillionaire boss, comes to the Langstons with a five-million-dollar offer that seems so hard to refuse. Will the Langstons make this deal? Or will they recognize that the glitter of five million dollars may be far from gold?


Review
The Devil comes in many forms with a mission to make you lose your faith in God. The Langston’s in The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil by Victoria Christopher Murray learn firsthand about the Devil works. Adam and Evia Langston have the perfect marriage and family. Adam an Evia has three beautiful children, successful careers, and lives in an upscale neighborhood. When Adam is laid off from work, everything seems to go downhill.
Shay-Shaunte’, owner of Ferrossity is a strict businesswoman always ready to seal a deal. When Shay-Shaunte’ notices Evia’s family struggles she becomes concerned. Shay-Shaunte makes Evia an offer that she is sure she will not pass up. Evia does not realize that Shay-Shaunte’ has a boss as well and one who likes to see results.  Will Evia take Shay-Shaunte’s the offer?
The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil is about being blessed and how it can easily be taken away. It is also about making a deal with the Devil and not realizing until it is too late. It is hard to struggle and most will do whatever it takes to stay in the lifestyle they are accustom to.  It really amazes what people will do for money.  Readers will be entertained and surprised by the characters in this exciting book. I recommend this book to others.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Book Spotlight: The Sunday Morning Wife

About The Book
The old saying is true. You never know what's going on in someone else's home. From the outside looking in, Yolanda Clarke appears to have it all. She's a beautiful woman, and her husband, Timothy, is the pastor of BrightStar Tabernacle. They seem to have the perfect life. But, looks are certainly deceiving. Yolanda has become a puppet on a string, totally controlled by Timothy. While everyone at church thinks he walks on water, Yolanda knows the person behind the mask. His constant verbal tirades, physical and emotional abuse has become unbearable. In walks Andre Hunter. He's the type of man that can make any woman forget all her troubles. His chocolate skin, pearly whites, and beautiful smile enthrall Yolanda. She has never entertained the idea of infidelity, but the abuse and lack of intimacy at home makes her adulterous affair justifiable in her mind. Andre gives Yolanda everything she's missing at home- respect, conversation, and passion behind closed doors. But, Andre is hiding secrets of his own. Will Yolanda finally climb from the abyss of despair she's lived in with Timothy and move to a brighter tomorrow with Andre? Or will she forever remain "The Sunday Morning Wife?"

Purchase at Amazon.com

Review
It is not healthy to stay in a relationship or marriage that is doing harm to you. What go on behind closed doors are not subject to outsiders opinions. It is acts that are not supposed to be revealed to anyone. In the Sunday Morning Wife by Pamela D. Rice, readers will be able to judge for themselves if Yolanda Clarke’s environment could have been avoided. Yolanda is married to Timothy Clarke, pastor of Bright Star Tabernacle church. Pastor Clarke is loved by everyone especially his parishioners and even his beloved wife but never judge a books by its cover.

Yolanda works as a social worker counseling those in need. When one of her cases hits home Yolanda will learn to take a look into the mirror. She soon realizes that her marriage is in dire needs of help but what do you do when there are distractions leading you in another direction.

Andre Hunter is the ideal man for a woman who’s looking to be swept off her feet. Andre is intelligent, caring, and an attentive listener, which causes excitement when he meets Yolanda Clarke. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Andre believes that they are meant for each other whereas, Yolanda knows that even though being with him feel right that it has to be wrong.

The Sunday Morning Wife is domestic violence at its worst. The Devil is always busy and he definitely is in the main characters of this entertaining book. While reading this book I went through different emotions of frustration, anger, and confusion. After finishing the book I did not know whether I wanted to feel sorry for the main character or fuss at her character. I know that it is easier said and done and readers need to put themselves in Yolanda’s shoes. I really enjoyed this book, however, there were some points that I do not believe were carried though especially toward the end of the book. Overall it is an intense book to read and I definitely recommend it to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
4 Stars

Book Review: The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box


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The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box
Valerie J. Lewis Coleman & Christopher Reid
4 Stars

Everyone wants commitment in his or her relationship and Debra Hampton is no exception to this rule. In the Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box by Valerie J. Lewis Coleman and Christopher Reid, readers step into Debra’s world of shattered relationships and unanswered questions. Debra takes the advice of her friend Sherry who introduces her to a relationship guru, Doc Reid.
Doc Reid is a well known guru that helps women learn what they want and need in a mate as well as what, they are doing wrong. Doc meets and helps Debra understand why her lunch with men has not change while giving her techniques to help overcome her downfalls.
The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box is relationship therapy wrapped within 256 pages. This book will help readers understand what to look for in a mate. It had a relatable and clear message, which made it entertaining while keeping my attention until the end. The well-developed characters will leave an impact on readers. I recommend the Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Book Review: When Love Isn't Enough

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When Love Isn't Enough
Stephanie Casher
3.5 Stars

When Love Isn’t Enough by Stephanie Casher, readers are introduced to Samantha Merrick, a college student dealing with a broken heart. A chance meeting at a cliff changes Samantha’s life. Samantha soon realizes that she must make the decision to stay on the rollercoaster or get off.
Tony does not know that one day he will look out his window and see his soulmate. Tony has been dealing with a long distance relationship that has run its course. When he meets Samantha, he feels that he has been sent an angel. Will he be ready to make hard decisions regarding his life?
Angela is a woman determined to keep her man. Angela feels after giving Tony four years of her life that he does not want to leave their relationship.  Angela comes up with a plan and does not care who it may hurt in the process.
When Love Isn’t Enough is about love, relationships, and making hard decisions. The author provides readers with relatable characters that give the story life with their realistic issues. This book was interesting to read but did seem to take forever to reach the twist in the story. I do look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend When Love Isn’t Enough to others.
This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
Amazon: 4 Stars

Monday, September 5, 2011

Winners Announced!!!

The winners are in for the Book Giveaway for Sellout by James W. Lewis.

The winners are:

LaShonda Silver
Elaine Coats

The winners will be sent a email requesting mailing information. Stay tuned to next months book giveaway. Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Sellout

Purchase at Amazon.com
Sellout
James W. Lewis
4 Stars
Many people say that you cannot help whom you fall in love with. On the other hand, those same people usually say date within your own race. Sellout by James W. Lewis covers this topic of interracial dating. Penelope Miller is a caucasian bombshell that fall for the man she believes could be the one. Penelope does not believe her family will approve since he is of another race. Tammy McDonald is a loan officer that has not had luck in the relationship department. After Tammy meets, Dale Bristol it seems their relationship starts to grow and Tammy’s luck is turning around.
Terrell Jackson a black optometrist has decided to date outside of his race. Terrell gets this ideal because he cannot deal with his girlfriends accusations. Dedrick meets a wonderful woman and their relationship is starting to blossom. Later in their relationship, Dedrick starts to realize that things are not as they seem.
Sellout is about dating and the decisions four individuals will have to make regarding their relationships. Readers will be on the edge of their seats anticipating what will happen next. The author’s connects these four individuals in unsuspecting ways that are entertaining and exciting. I definitely recommend this book to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Alan Wills
A&RBC Reviews

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Book Review: Bride and Groom Money Talk FAQ

Bride and Groom Money Talk FAQ
Dr. Taffy Wagner, CEPF
5 Stars
Does every engaged couple talk about living arrangements, bank accounts, and finances? If not then reading, Bride and Groom Money Talk FAQ by Dr. Taffy Wagner could enlighten them on the importance of discussing these topics. Many couples realize too late that talking about finances and other aspects of marriage should have been completed before saying I do.
Dr. Wagner presents the questions that couples do not like to approach or do not know how to approach in their relationship. In this, eight chaptered book topics on debt, bills, budgeting, parents, accounts, and in-laws are covered. I appreciate the “Begin Money Talk” section that explains why couples should talk about money talk. It will help couples go into their marriage with opened eyes and minds.
Bride and Groom Money Talk FAQ is about starting a new future with a clean slate. This book covered topics that are difficult to talk about and often avoided. I enjoyed the end of the chapter case studies called Along The Journey because they provide readers examples of each one of the topics and how they affect real individuals. I believe each engaged or non-engaged couple could benefit from this book. I definitely recommend this book to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

Purchase at Amazon.com