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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

REVIEW OF THE TRIP BY PHOEBE MORGAN (A THRILLER)

I want to welcome Phoebe Morgan to Books R US. Phoebe has written a new thriller called The Trip to be published on Oct 8th. Thanks for stopping by.

 

About the Book:

A new heart-stopping thriller from the author of The Wild Girls in which two couples go on vacation and murder ensues.

How well do you know your friends?

Four friends are on the vacation of a lifetime in Thailand. Until a vicious murder shatters their paradise.

Four friends who would do anything for each other—until now.

Only one of them committed a crime.

But all four know how to keep a secret.

And they’re all guilty of something…

About the Author:

Phoebe Morgan is an author and editor. She studied English at Leeds University after growing up in the Suffolk countryside. She has previously worked as a journalist and now edits crime and women’s fiction for a publishing house during the day, and writes her own books in the evenings. She lives in London and you can follow her on Twitter @Phoebe_A_Morgan. The Doll House is her debut novel. It became a bestseller, topping the IBooks charts at #1 and the Amazon charts at #35.

 

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed the book. Four friends, Saskia, Theo, Holly, and Lucas, traveled to Thailand on an epic adventure, and trouble followed them the entire trip.  The author wrote each chapter in the character's POV and tied it together to create a good thriller. Each character has a little secret that is developed in the story. Saskia had committed a crime in her past and is followed by her accomplice Caleb, who was looking to ruin her life. I thought I had predicted the ending but was wrong; twists and turns led to the ending. If you like adventure, mystery, thrillers, and new destinations, this book is for you.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Harper Collins:

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the ARC by the publisher via Netgalley and I was not compensated for my review

BOOK SPOTLIGHT OF THE SILVER FOREST BY J.D RASCH (INTERVIEW AND CONTEST)

 
I want to welcome J.D Rasch to Books R Us. J.D. is touring the blogosphere with iRead Book Tours. Mr. Rasch is the author of two fantasy novels Called the Silver Forest (Book One and Two). He has written a guest interview for my blog. Make sure that you enter the giveaway below. You may win a signed copy of both of the books. Thanks for stopping by.

 




Book Details:

Book Title:  The Silver Forest, Book Two by J.D. Rasch
Category:  Adult Fiction 18 yrs +,  438 pages
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Lamina Press
Release date:  July, 2024
Content RatingPG: Brief, non-explicit scenes of battles and one brief, non-explicit sex scene

“Engrossing, spiritual, thought-provoking and unique.” — Patrick J. LoBrutto, World Fantasy Award winning editor

"A respectable and compelling novel of accomplishment and discovery that introduces engrossing concepts accompanied by a moral and ethical fiber that compliments the story’s adventure." — Midwest Book Review

Book Description:

Will the young wizard Asmar decide his own fate?

Asmar continues his quest to defeat Malzus and retrieve the powerful golden pulcher staff. Aided by a mysterious figure known only as the Wanderer, Asmar must combat the many types of influences that try to control his mind.

But Asmar is yet unconvinced of the Great Council’s true intentions when they sent him on this quest. Again, he wonders if he must follow the path created for him, or forge his own.

The Silver Forest is a literary fantasy adventure exploring magic, morality, and self-determination. Please note that Book Two is the direct continuation of Asmar’s story, and should only be read following Book One.
BUY THE BOOK:
AMAZON
add to Goodreads
Begin THE SILVER FOREST with Book One:
Book Details:

Book Title:  The Silver Forest, Book One by J.D. Rasch
Category:  Adult Fiction 18 yrs +,  466 pages
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Lamina Press
Release date:  May, 2024
Content RatingPG-13: Non-explicit mentions of sex, and non-graphic battle scenes.

Book Description:

Asmar, a young and naïve wizard, is sent on an impossible quest—to stop the renegade wizard, Malzus, from finding the tree of wisdom.


The Great Council of wizards, desperate to find the golden pulcher tree, the source of all knowledge, sent nine wizards over the impassable seas to the far away land of Bracat—only to face years of frustration and failure.

Until one of their own turned against them.

Armed with a golden staff to amplify his power, the rogue wizard Malzus fled the wizards’ city of Dolcere and began a ruthless hunt for the tree.

Meanwhile, in the small, protected village of Tuland, Asmar, a misfit, is suddenly called to Dolcere. There, he learns that he is to become a wizard, tasked with stopping the death and destruction caused by Malzus.

The Great Council tasks Asmar with not only defeating Malzus but returning the golden staff to them. But Asmar doesn’t trust the wizards and their influence over him. Can he break the cycle of violence and selfishness and determine his own destiny?
Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads
 
Meet the Author:

J.D. RASCH is a writer, artist, social activist and author. His debut fantasy series, The Wanderer, explores social, political and religious themes. His writing, like his painting explores the mysteries of the world and our place in the greater scheme of the universe. For many years he worked in international finance, both in developed and emerging economies. Even in his work in finance he was interested in social justice, developing ways to assess the social behavior of companies. He also serves on a number of not-for-profit boards in an attempt to make the world a better place.

Connect with the author: website instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Aug 5 – Liese's Blog – book spotlight of THE SILVER FOREST – BOOK ONE
Aug 5 - Country Mamas With Kids – book review of BOOK TWO / giveaway
Aug 6 – Liese's Blog – book spotlight of THE SILVER FOREST – BOOK TWO
Aug 7 – Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 8 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of BOOK ONE / giveaway
Aug 13 – Ilovebooksandstuffblog – book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 14 – Cover Lover Book Review – book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 15 - China Sorrows – book review of BOOK ONE / giveaway
Aug 15 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of BOOK TWO / giveaway
Aug 19 – WELCOME TO MLM OPINION'S REVIEWS – book review of BOOK ONE / giveaway
Aug 20 – WELCOME TO MLM OPINION'S REVIEWS – book review of BOOK TWO / giveaway
Aug 20 - China Sorrows – book review of BOOK TWO / giveaway
Aug 20 - Books R Us - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Aug 21 – Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's – book review of BOOK ONE / giveaway
Aug 22 – My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews – Book Review of BOOK TWO / giveaway
Aug 23 – Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's – book review of BOOK TWO / giveaway

INTERVIEW:

The Silver Forest, Book Two by J. D. Rasch

Author Interview: Books R Us

1. If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?

Definitely Remer. Asmar is too much of a commitment and the others are a bit too serious. I like the fact that Remer is self-effacing, and he also gets to have a love interest.

2. Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

The inspiration for my stories comes from wanting to explore questions that I have. At one point I was thinking of writing an essay on ethics, but that seemed too dry and uninteresting. Instead, I thought that I could write a fantasy novel and put my characters in different situations and think about how they would react. So, much of the inspiration for my stories comes from politics, religion, social justice, and science.

3. Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?

I live with writer’s block, but I used to listen to other author’s talks and what they did to overcome it. Everyone seemed to have the same solution – write. Don’t worry if it’s any good as you can always go back later and redo it. So, if I hit a point where I don’t know what to say, I just keep writing and eventually it becomes clear. Then I go back and edit out the fluff.

4. Why do you write fantasy? If you were to write in another genre, what would it be?

I write fantasy because I think it’s the best format to explore social issues. I like the fact that I make the rules, I control the environment of the characters, and nobody can tell me that something doesn’t really exist if I got it wrong. I’ve thought of some ideas that would fit in better with SciFi and may someday pick up that story. My background is in economics and I have been fascinated by our financial system and how people believe that money actually means something and that there’s a reason why we should have such a divide between rich and poor. I find writing SciFi more daunting as it involves trying to forecast technology and you’re bound to get that wrong. So, we’ll see.

5. Can you talk about the next book in The Wanderer series?

I don’t want to talk too much about the next book as I don’t want to give away plot lines. But The Silver Forest, Book Two continues the quest Asmar and his friends are on. There are a few plot twists so I hope there will be some surprises along the way. But the book isn’t really about surprises, but rather getting readers to think about the choices they make. If I can do that through my writing I’ll consider the books successful.

 

Enter the Giveaway:

THE SILVER FOREST (BOOK TWO) Book Tour Giveaway

Sunday, August 18, 2024

CHECK OUT H.A.L.O NO-KILL SHELTER. ADOPT A PET TODAY

 

shelter, adopt
I have been volunteering at an animal shelter called H.A.L.O. The shelter was started in 2006 with a mission to create a NO-Kill safe haven for abused and injured animals in Indian River County, Florida. 

H.A.L.O will NEVER euthanize based on age, space, medical needs or behavioral issues. Once an animal walks through our doors, we make a pledge to provide them with care that takes care of all of their physical, emotional and medical needs until a fur-ever home is found.

 I volunteer in the Vero Beach adoption center located in the Indian River Mall. The main shelter is located in Sebastian Florida. In the main shelter you can find cats, kittens, puppies, and small animals that are cared for until they find their for-ever home. 

There are numerous kittens and older cats that need a loving and safe home. Let me introduce to some of the great cats and kittens that are available for adoption or fostering in the Vero Beach location. There is a retail store where you can get all of your pet  supply needs. SO if you are in the area stop by and visit with the animals that need loving homes. Please donate to the shelter.

 PETUNIA

 

Petunia, 2014, H.A.L.O Cat
PETUNIA (DOB 2014)

 

Meet Petunia. She is an older cat and a bit shy. She will warm up to you when she gets to know you.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 BOB

Bob, HALO Shelter
BOB (DOB 2021)
Bob is a rowdy wild child who loves to play, wrestle and that includes play bites. He is adventurous and gets into trouble at times. When I clean the cat's rooms, he is always trying to get my attention and help me in his own way.

 

 

 

 

 

DUDE AND SQUEAKS 

 These sweet bonded brothers are beautiful but unfortunately they are both deaf as most blue-eyed white cats are. They love to play especially with a laser pointer. Even being deaf they can get around just fine. So come on by and check them out. You will fall in love with them.




 

KITTENS 

 

There are so many adorable kittens available for adoption. Check out the video below and you will want to take them all home with you. You will even get to see BOB in action. 




H.A.L.O LOCATIONS FLORIDA

MAIN SHELTER:

Address: 710 Jackson Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: (772) 589-7297                                                                                     

Email: halonokillrescue@gmail.com

VERO BEACH ADOPTION CENTER- INDIAN RIVER MALL:

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Sunday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Address: 6200 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32966
Phone: (772) 778-8798
Email: janh@halorescuefl.org

RESCUED TREASURES:

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Drop-Off Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Address: 911 US Highway 1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: (772) 571-6725
Email: amandaj@halorescuefl.org


Donate to H.A.L.O




Friday, August 16, 2024

Review of the The Cartographer from Greenwood (Book 1) by Lisa Konig

I want to welcome Lisa Konig to Books R Us. Lisa is the author of the fantasy novella The Cartographer from Greenwood (The Cartographer's Travels: Book 1). Thanks for stopping by.

 

 About the Book:


 In a stormy night, a strange elf stumbles through the doors of Lord Aeglas' manor in Snowcreek. He is injured and it is not his love for drawing maps that has driven him out of his home for many years. Will he learn that he has to fight for what is dear to him or will he continue his travels and avoid the arguments awaiting him at home?

 

My Thoughts:

It's nice to read a lighthearted story with characters who interact beautifully together. I especially liked the relationship between Soread and Aeglas from the first time they met during the storm. Aeglas treated him like a son and helped him recover from mental and physical ailments. Soread had some underlying feelings about his family that came out during the story. Conflict, healing, kindness, and empathy were rolled into a lovely novella that included fantasy and a great ending.

Purchase the Book and Connect with the Author:

Twitter

Amazon

 

 


 

 

Disclaimer:

 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



Thursday, August 15, 2024

Review of The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

If you are looking for a great novel with great characters and a magical story-line then I recommend The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

 

About the Book:

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

I truly enjoyed the book. The author included two different timelines in the story-line, with each chapter told from the perspective of a character. There was a connection between the past and present, and each woman had to overcome hardships. The book contained elements of fantasy, magic, romance, and historical fiction, all woven together into a wonderful novel. I especially loved the relationship between Martha and Henry as they searched for the lost manuscript and bookshop. All of the secondary characters added to the story especially Madame Bowden Martha's employer. She would show up numerous times to assist Martha with a difficult situation. I did not predict the ending and it was magical.

 


 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review.


Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Review of They Will Kill You Next by Tim Kizer and James Rice

I want to welcome Tim Kizer and James Rice to Books R Us. Tim and James are the authors of the thriller They Will Kill You Next. This is the third book in the Detective David Hudson series. Thanks for stopping by


About the Book:

Four years ago, a plane disappeared without a trace. Now someone is killing those who know what happened to it.
As David Hudson investigates the murder of suspected CIA assassin Charles Harris, he finds that the killing might be connected to the mysterious disappearance of a passenger jet that occurred four years before.

Harris had a hit list with five names in his wallet when his body was found. Days before he was murdered, he tried to warn the targets that a very powerful man wanted them dead.

As David tries to figure out how the people on the hit list are connected, he comes to suspect that someone is killing those who know what happened to the missing plane.


Digging deeper, David uncovers a conspiracy involving some of the most powerful men in America.

About the Authors:

Tim Kizer:

Mr. Kizer is an author of suspense and mystery fiction. He resides in Southern California. He is currently working on his new suspense novel.

James Rice:

 Mr Rice is an American author that writes suspense thrillers with twisted plots. He loves to travel and discover new cultures. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife.

My thoughts:

I had trouble keeping track of all the characters in the story due to choppy dialogue that distracted me. While I usually can determine who the killer is, it took me a while to figure it out. Nonetheless, the many twists and turns kept me engaged, and I was able to finish the book. However, I wish the author had developed the characters more to add depth to the plot. I have not read any of the other books in the series; perhaps if I had, I would have been able to relate to the characters better.


Books in the series:

Book 1: I know who Killed Your Daughter

Book 2: Don't Tell Them I am Alive 

 


 

 

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book through Voracious Readers only for my honest opinion and I was not compensated for my review

Sunday, August 11, 2024

REVIEW OF MURDER TOWN BY SHELLEY BURR

I want to welcome Shelley Burr to Books R Us. Shelly is the author of an international best seller Wake and she has returned with her novel Murder Town. To be published 11/5/24 by William Morrow. This is a thriller set in the Australian Outback that was originally published in Australia as Ripper.

 About the Book:

 Gemma Guillory has lived in the Australian Outback enclave of Rainier her entire life. She knows the tiny, red-dust town’s ins and

Murder town- Thriller, Ripper
outs by heart, knows the people like they are her family, their quirks as if they were her own.

She also knows her once charming town is now remembered for one reason and one reason only: three innocent people died there at the hands of a serial killer. The last stop on the Rainier Ripper’s trail of deaths fifteen years ago was her picturesque little tea shop. She knows that the consequences of catching the Ripper still haunt her policeman husband and their marriage to this day, and some of her neighbors are desperate enough to welcome a dark tourism company keen to cash in on Rainier’s notoriety as the “Murder Town.

When the tour guide is killed by a Ripper copycat on Gemma’s doorstep, the unease that has lurked quietly in the original killer’s wake explodes into the light, and Gemma is drawn into the investigation. Unbeknownst to her, so is a prisoner named Lane Holland, a former private investigator who earned a living cracking cold cases before he ran afoul of the law.

Gemma knows her town. She knows her people. Doesn't she?

 

About the Author:

Shelley Burris the author of the international bestseller, WAKE. She
works at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment in Canberra, Australia. She grew up splitting her time between Newcastle and Glenrowan.

 

 

 

 

Connect with the Author: 

 https://www.shelleyburr.com.au/

https://x.com/ByssheShelley

 

My Thoughts:

I have always been a fan of thrillers, but I found this novel to be a bit confusing. Many characters were involved in the story line, and I had trouble keeping up with them. I had to reread some chapters to figure out what was happening in the story. I found the beginning of the book a bit slow but it picked up near the end. There were times that I wanted to stop reading but I pushed myself to finish the book. The ending was not impressive and disappointing. I hope the author's next novel will be more engaging and interesting.

 




Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review