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Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Review of Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey (CONTEST)

I want to welcome John Grisham and Jim McCloskey to books R Us. They are the author of a great nonfiction story Called Framed. To be released on October 15th. Thanks for stopping by. The publisher is giving away a copy of the book to 100 lucky winners. Enter below to win.

About the Book:

In his first work of nonfiction since The Innocent Man, #1 bestselling author John Grisham and Centurion Ministries Founder Jim McCloskey share ten harrowing true stories of wrongful convictions. Impeccably researched and grippingly told, Framed offers an inside look at the injustice faced by the victims of the United States criminal justice system.

A fundamental principle of our legal system is a presumption of innocence, but once someone has been found guilty there is very little room to prove doubt. Framed shares ten true stories of men who were innocent but found guilty and forced to sacrifice friends, families, wives, and decades of their lives to prison while the guilty parties remained free. In each of the stories, John Grisham and Jim McCloskey recount the dramatic hard-fought battles for exoneration. They take a close look at what leads to wrongful convictions in the first place, and the racism, misconduct, flawed testimony, and the corrupt court system that can make them so hard to reverse.

Told with page-turning suspense as only John Grisham can deliver, Framed is the story of overcoming adversity when the battle already seems lost, and the deck is stacked against you.

Connect with the authors:

John Grisham

Jim McCloskey:

 

 My Thoughts:

 I have to say, "WOW." This book on injustice and racism in the law enforcement and judicial systems is unique. As someone who typically finds non-fiction books a bit dull, I found this one a pleasant surprise. Each chapter vividly portrayed the struggles of those who were wrongly arrested and imprisoned, often due to coerced witnesses and judges who turned a blind eye to evidence. The authors' skillful presentation of each case's facts and impact on individuals and their families was commendable. A Great Job done Gentlemen.


Disclaimer:

I was given a free copy of the book by the publisher and Netgalley and I was not compensated for my review. Contest ends on September 23 2024 and is only available to the US only. Good Luck.

 

Win A Copy of the Book

Sunday, August 25, 2024

REVIEW OF THE NOVEL APRIL STORM BY LEILA MEACHAM

I want to introduce you to a fantastic mystery novel: April Storm. Thanks for stopping by.


About the Book:

 

Kathryn Walker enjoys an enviable life. Her husband is an accomplished doctor, her children are bright and successful, and she devotes herself to charity work that uplifts her Suburban Colorado community. Settling into a new year, her life couldn’t be better. . .

Until April.

For Kathryn, April has always rained trouble—but this time may be even stormier than the fraught past she’s trying to overcome. Already distraught over the child she miscarried in this same cursed month many years ago, the emotionally fragile woman isn’t ready to consider the overwhelming evidence that someone may be trying to take her husband—and her life.

 

My Thoughts:

This is a fast-paced novel with a twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The protagonist, Katherine, and her family have had their share of problems, but it reached a turning point in April. At first, it took me a while to figure out what April had to do with the story, but as the story progressed, I was drawn into the mystery. A private detective is following Katherine, and with the help of a stranger, she figured out who hired the PI and why she is being followed. This is a fantastic posthumous novel that kept me engaged, and I plan to read the other books by the author.

 



 

Disclaimer:

The publisher gave me a free copy of the book for my honest review, and I was not compensated for my review.

Friday, August 23, 2024

REVIEW OF HEXES AND HOOLIGANS (Magical Mystery Book Club #5.5) BY ELIZABETH PANTLEY

The Magical Mystery Book Club is a group of adventurous people who travel into books and become amateur sleuths. Every time they enter a book a new adventure begins. I want to welcome Elizabeth Pantley to Books R Us. Thanks for stopping by.

 

About the Book:

 

Hexes and Hooligans takes the club into a charming and idyllic world of gnome-like people who love the earth, celebrating, and honey. What they don’t like is the mysterious ailment that is turning students at the local college into hideous versions of themselves.

The timing is terrible, as it coincides with the upcoming Honeybee Moon Festival, the community’s biggest celebration of the year.

The event is only a week away. Can the motley group determine what’s causing the students’ transformations, stop it from spreading, and get them back to normal? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home to Colorado



My Thoughts:

This novel is a delightful blend of fun, charm, and adventure. It's the first book in the series I have read, and I fell in love with the cat Frank and the ghost Molly. The author's creativity is evident; all the characters, including these two, contribute to an interesting and engaging story line. I am already excited about the next book in the series and eager to see where the Book Club takes us next.




Disclaimer:

The author and Voracious Readers gave me a free copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.


 

 

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Review of The Cartographer's Return (The Cartographer's Travels: Book 2) by Lisa Konig

I want to welcome Lisa Konig back to Books R Us. The second book The Cartographers Return (Book 2) is scheduled to be released 9/1/24. 

About the Book:


Years have passed since the cartographer Soread from Greenwood has left Snowcreek. Now he returns, driven by trust towards the Lord and the Lady of Eridris and accompanied with secrets he wishes to keep
.

 

 

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

The second book in the series was a captivating read. Soread, the protagonist, journeyed far and wide, making maps and hiding some secrets. His return to Snowcreek after many years was a heartwarming moment, as he was accepted once again by Aeglas and his wife. To fully understand Soread's journey, I recommend reading the first book in the series. In the end, it was the unwavering support of his friends that helped Soread conquer his fears, a testament to the power of friendship. I hope Lisa continues to write more books in the future.

Purchase the First Book:

Amazon




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

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