Cheryl's Book Nook

I met Mr. Parker on Shelfari. He is nice, smart and a good writer. His books have the theme of Christianity in them. Now you might think well I am not going to read them then as books want to force there beliefs on you. Well I can tell you that Mr. Parker does not do that. He only makes reference to God, The Bible and maybe inserts some passages but he does it in an appropriate way. So if you are looking for something new to read or want to take a chance on a new book than check our all of Mr. Parker's books. For most of Jeremy Dillon’s life, it has been just him and his dad. They share a great connection with each other. That all changes when the new girl in town, Maria Masterson captures Jeremy’s attention. Jeremy is intrigued by Maria. She wears dresses to school. Maria was also the first person to start a debate with the science teacher, Mr. Bogue on Darwin’s theory about the evolution of man. Jeremy has never known different. His father has raised him on the beliefs of Darw...

I just recently discovered this new author. Well as you all know me I love sharing my discoveries of new authors. I introduce you to Debbie Alferio , author of the Forever series. First off let me say thank you for doing this interview. It was a pleasure. Thank you! The pleasure is all mine, and I appreciate your interest in me and my work. What’s your idea of a relaxing day? Sleeping late, doing some writing in my pj’s until early afternoon, having lunch, and then just hanging out with my husband and sons for the rest of the day. Where do you draw your inspirations from? Who are your inspirations? The inspiration for my books actually came from a dream. In the dream, I was talking to a man I didn’t know and addressed him as Mitch, although I know no one by that name. When I woke up, I began to write the story that was forming in my head. Six months later I had completed my first novel, A Forever Kind of Love , and my “dream man” became Mitch Tarrington, my lead character. I feel that ...

Hello All. Ok, so if you have probably heard great things about this book Sisters of Misery. Well even if you haven't you have a chance to win a signed copy over at http://bookfinds.com/blog/?p=466 Enter today as this contest ends August 8th. “Shivery…Megan Kelley Hall hits one over the fence with her debut novel — a true Gothic that skillfully combines the dangerous mischief of a modern clique with the bad girls whose prank gone-mad ignited the Salem witch trials.” Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author of THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN and THE MIDNIGHT TWINS BookFinds is giving away 3 signed copies of Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelley Hall !

I have just read a very powerful book titled Surviving Ben's Suicide by Mrs. C. Comfort Shields. Her book is about her boyfriend Ben, who took his life. I know this type of book might not be for everyone and that is fine. Mrs. Shields was nice enough to do an interview with me about her book. See both my review and interview. My review Fifteen years ago Comfort’s boyfriend, Ben decided to end his life. This may seem like the end but really it is just the beginning for Comfort. Read her story about life, helping people, encouragement, and empowerment in Surviving Ben’s Suicide. When Comfort first met Ben, she thought he was very cute. Ben was in the Navy. As Comfort and Ben’s friendship turned into a relationship, things were going good. They would spend their time together just talking about life as well as how much they liked each other. There was something about Ben that made him unique. He liked to run at night in addition to carrying on deep conversations in the middle of th...

What makes a rumor? That is the question. We all know what a rumor is. It can be described as "an unverified account or explanation of events circulating from person to person and pertaining to an object, event, or issue in public concern". In The Watercooler Effect, Nicholas DiFonzo explores as well as explains why we as a society latch onto rumors in addition to how they get started. DiFonzo provides the reader examples of some very popular rumors and myths. He explains that some times a rumor can get started just by someone providing minimum information or the listener mixing up some information. Think of it like the game “telephone”. The more people who pass on the information, the less the end result turns out to be from the beginning. So why do we spread rumors or even claim a hint of legitimacy to these facts if all rumors are just that…..rumors. It’s because it’s one way we communicate. One of the biggest reasons we pay any attention to hearsay is fear. You say we...

It's Sunday. That means I bring you another fine edition of The Sunday Salon. This time I want to introduce you all to a wonderful woman by the name of Sandy Lender . She is the author of Choices Meant for Gods and her latest Choices Meant for Kings . Choices Meant for Kings will be released this fall. Choices Meant for Kings is the second book to Choices Meant for Gods . It seems to pick right back up again. Where the old prophet has died and Amanda Chariss, Protector of the Master, Nigel Taiman, her dragon, and the rest of Amanda’s army are preparing for battle with Julette and Drake. For those of you who are new to these books by Sandy Lender than you are in for a treat. If you like fantasy, adventure, and humor than you need to read this books. So the story begins with Sorne Jeel has now become the new prophet. Julette or the dragon as she is called is a powerful sorcess who has traveled to Lorendell to see King Vrel Wendan. Julette is there to convince King Wendan to join...

Good Morning All. I have read about this fun new thing I am going to do on my blog. J. Kaye found it on Should Be Reading blog http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/ . Every Friday, those who have blogs will write a post at their own blog, and then come back to Friday Finds and leave others a link to follow on that week’s “Friday Finds” post here at Should Be Reading. For those who don’t blog, you can just tell us about your “Friday Finds” in a comment on that week’s post. So in edition to The Sunday Salon, I will also be running the Friday Finds as well. So you should expect to see new books I have found at this time.

Ok, so what gets your attention more quickly and faster than a dead body? That’s how Clouds Over Mountains starts. Perry Mason goes in front of the civilians and Navy officers to re-account his story of what happened that night. Perry tells them that it was a foggy evening when Seaman Franks shouts that he spotted something propped up on the dock. When Perry and Franks go to investigate what was on the dock to their surprise they find the body of a man. Koji Imaichi wants to figure out why Navy pilot Yasuo Saito so many years ago disappeared, especially after surviving the attack by the Americans on the Navy carrier Akag at Midway. So Imaichi, an ex-cop decides to pose as a reporter to get answers from Saito. The problem is when Imaichi shows up at Saito’s doorstep in Japan; Saito gets scared and runs away. The chase is on now. Imaichi follows Saito from Japan to his childhood home and finally to Hawaii. Just when Imaichi thinks he has lost track of Saito a new twist gets thrown in the...

If you think the cover is pretty scary then you need to read what's inside! DEA Agent Castro Baxter and his partner, Ted are out on a stakeout, when all of a sudden Ted starts having convulsions. Ted’s whole body is rapidly swelling. Before Castro can get help Ted dies. Castro’s boss thinks Ted died of a drug overdose but Castro believes that’s not true. When Dr. Alexandra Blake gets involved, her tests prove Ted didn’t die of an overdose but of something more horrifying. Before Alex knows it people all over are dying. It is turning out to be a major outbreak of the dangerous kind. Alex will have to use every part of her knowledge as well as wits about her in order to keep more people from dying. That’s the easy part. The obstacle will be staying alive. The people responsible for starting this whole epidemic don’t appreciate Alex sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. Will the bad guys end up on top this time or can Alex come out the hero? Readers who have followed Dr. Alexandr...

One of my favorite blogs to visit Booking Mama is giving away a copy of Stone Creek. Head on over here http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/2008/07/review-stone-creek-and-giveaway.html but hurry as this contest ends July 31st. Summary: In the small town of Stone Creek, a random encounter offers two lonely people a chance at happiness. Danny, a young widower, still grieves for his late wife, but for the sake of his five-year-old son, Caleb, he knows he must move on. Alone in her summer house, Lily has left her workaholic husband, Paul, to his long hours and late nights back in the city. In Stone Creek, she can yearn in solitude for the treasure she's been denied: a child. What occurs when Lily and Danny meet is immediate and undeniable—despite Lily being ten years older and married. But ultimately it is little Caleb's sadness and need that will tip the scales, upsetting a precarious balance between joy and despair, between what cannot happen...and what must. An unforgettable novel ...

I am so glad to share with you all my review of Paula Quinn's latest A Highlander Never Surrenders. I love reading books that take place in Ireland/Scotland. I hope you will enjoy my review and purchase this book for yourself. The year is when Scotland’s Third Civil War has re-emerged. Oliver Cromwell has died. General Monck of the New Model Army wants to see Charles II restored to power, so he enlists the help of men like Lord Robert Campbell, Earl of Argyll, a Presbyterian and Graham Grant, highlander, Royalist and first in command of the MacGregor clan. Claire Stuart has been captured by some Puritan Roundheads. Claire winds up getting rescued by Lord Robert Campbell and his friend Graham Grant. Unfortunately Claire is anything but happy to see Robert and Graham. Claire is on a mission to save her sister, Anne from getting married to General Monck. Actually Claire is more than mad she is out to kill someone and that someone winds up being General Monck. But first Claire has t...

Look what I received. Julie at Booking Mama http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/ gave me this award. You should check her out. She has so many great authors visiting her book club. Her book club is made up of moms and daughters which is great. She gives you in sightful reviews about books and than how her meets went the next day. Plus she occasionally holds contests. You will see me comment there pretty much all the time. Thank you Julie. Once an award is received, the rules are: 1. Put the logo on your blog. 2. Add a link to the person who awarded you. 3. Nominate at least seven other blogs. 4. Add links to those blogs on your blog. 5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog. So here is my list in no order. Becky at http://nomoregrumpybookseller.blogspot.com/ Amy at http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/ Linda at http://lindasreadingblog.blogspot.com/ Lisa at http://onlinepublicist.net/ Shoshana at http://thisbookforfree.com/ Naida at http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/ Debbie at...

I have not read this book but I like westerns and thought this one sounded good. Even today the American West remains a frontier of mystery and intrigue, filled with the spirits of trappers and traders, Native Americans and settlers. These spirits have been sighted while haunting the West's beautiful and rugged land. InGhosts of the Old West, acclaimed Western author Earl Murray conveys these stories in a narration so eerie and so chilling we advise reading this with all the lights on in the safety of your home.Saddle up, my friend, and take a ride into the unknown. Traveling through Murray's West, you'll encounter: a soldier at Fort Laramie, dead for almost two centuries, who still insists on silence during war-strategy meetings, and La Llarona, also known as the weeping woman, who roams the hills and valleys of the Spanish Southwest. You'll hear stories of the Little People with their hidden powers and the Snake People, who are feared by the Native Americans to this...

First off let me start by saying that I have not read many Beach Read books but Tan Lines has got to be the best one of the year so far. If you don't believe me than just read my review and if that isn't enough I am giving away a extra copy of Tan Lines to one lucky reader. US only. Sorry. Bloggers: To enter you can do any or all of these items. Post a comment till July 31st. Every comment you make will earn you 1 entry. Blog about this contest as well as add me to your blog roll and get 2 entries. Post a link back to let me know you did this. Also for every person you refer to my blog who mentions your name. You will get 3 entries. Non Bloggers: To enter you can also Post a comment every day on my posts till July 31st. Every comment you make will earn you 1 entry. Also for every recommendation you make to me on beach reads will earn you 2 entries. Last but not least email me and tell me why you want to read this book and it will earn you 3 entries. Also I hope you will all ...

Thank you to J. Kaye for letting me read this book. Samuel Carver gets paid to make accidents happen. He can be classified as a hit man. His jobs usually involve him eliminating bad people like terrorists and human traffickers. Sam’s boss, Max gives Sam his latest orders to take out Ramzi Hakim Narwaz a terrorist. This mission just may be his last as it will have him running for his life. Sam accomplishes his mission. He makes Ramzi’s car crash into a cement wall at the Alma Tunnel. The date is August 31, 1997. What Sam doesn’t know is that the crash has actually took out America’s princess, Princess Diana. While Sam is trying to survive he meets Alexandra “Alix” Petrova. Alix is hired to take eradicate Sam. Sam and Alix come up with a plan to join forces instead in order to learn what is going on. Buckle up your set belts and get ready for the ride of your life! From the first moment I read this book summary I have been wanting to read The Accident Man . Just the concept of the plot ...

The Crimson Fold features two vampire stories from Teri Adkins and Susanne Saville . Cravings by Teri Adkins . Lucinda Campbell was bitten by Malcolm five years ago but she received a blood transfusion and so she is now half human/half vampire. Unfortunately Lindy was seeing Detective Joe Andrews at the time. Joe couldn’t handle Lindy’s new self and they broke up. Now Lindy requires Joe’s help. Someone or some ones are attacking both vampires and humans. Former vampire master Surgis was kidnapped. He was found dusted by sunlight. Now Larry Brown a human was taken for his life but Malcolm Montay the new master believes that Larry is still alive. So Lindy comes up with an idea to have the humans and vampires join forces and protect each other so no more killings happen. Malcolm and Joe think it is a crazy idea but they do strike a deal to have the humans protect the vampires during the day and the vampires will protect the humans at night but only if Lindy is in charge of the operation...

Here's another book contest. Alea at Pop Culture Junkie is holding her first book contest. Head on over hear for all the details http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/2008/07/giveaway-angus-thongs-and-full-frontal.html

So you have all seen the book contests Hachette is doing. They are giving away 14 books to five winners. If you have not won yet than here's another chance. Tracy at Bookroomreviews is holding a contest. Head on over here for all the details. http://bookroomreviews.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/win-a-set-of-fourteen-books/

As I told you all yesterday, I would have an interview with Sharon to share and so here it is. Enjoy. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. I appreciate the opportunity, Cheryl. Thank you. What’s something about you that we’d be surprised to learn? Hmmm. . .maybe my age, that I'm sixty and publishing my first novel. Or maybe not. Isn't 60 the new 40? What’s your idea of a relaxing day? A day when I don't have to cook. Having raised three kids, I suffer from terminal kitchen burn-out. Thank goodness, Wayne is masterful in the kitchen. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Be yourself. And what is the worst? Be yourself. I'm painfully shy. I think a lot of writers are, that's why we bury ourselves in our writing. In marketing my novel, I'm having to step fully out of my comfort zone and that's not easy. Which comes first for you … the character or the plot? Generally, the plot idea comes first. Then I add the nec...

I am so exicted to present to all of you hopefully a new author, well a new author to me. Her name is Sharon Cupp Pennington . Her book is titled Hoodoo Money (isn't that a fun name) . Also come back tomorrow and see my interview with Mrs. Pennington. Braeden McKay a popular children’s author and her friend, Angeline St. Cyr are in New Orleans. Unfortunately for Braeden being in New Orleans is not all fun as it is also a working vacation for Braeden. While out and about visiting different places in the Big Easy, Angeline takes a nickel from the grave of Simone Dubois, who was known for being a gypsy hoodoo woman. If only Braeden had known than what she knows now, she would have stopped Angeline from taking that coin. Ever since that day things have went wrong for both Braeden and Angeline fast. The only good thing to come out of the Big Easy is Detective J. Sanderson Montgomery. Montgomery and Braeden may not have met in the best of circumstances but the longer they spend time tog...

Here is another new author I want to introduce you all too. Bob Avey is the author of the Kenny Elliot mystery series, which includes Twisted Perception , released April 2006, and Beneath a Buried House , June 2008, several short stories and various non-fiction articles. He lives with his wife and son in Broken Arrow , Oklahoma where he works as an accountant in the petroleum industry, and when he’s not writing or researching mystery writing techniques, he spends his free time prowling through dusty antique shops looking for the rare or unusual, or roaming through ghost towns, searching for echoes from the past. Through his writing, which he describes as a blend of literary and genre, he explores the intricacies and extremities of human nature. Bob is a member of The Tulsa NightWriters, The Oklahoma Writers Federation (active board member for 2006), The Oklahoma Mystery Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. Here's my review. Tulsa Detective Kenny Elliot has a new case to solve...

You all know J. Kaye and if you don't than you must be living under a rock! LOL Just Kidding. Well here's your chance to check her blog out. She is holding a contest where 3, yes 3 winners will receive a copy of Immortal. Go here. http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/2008/07/giveaway-immortal-by-traci-l-slatton.html AP Press Release From rags-to-riches to burnt-at-the-stakeModern day Renaissance woman shares 14th-century storyNew York, NY – Manhattan doesn’t normally conjure up thoughts of the Italian Renaissance. But inside one Upper Westside home, chats about the Renaissance are as normal as laundry. In fact, novelist Traci L. Slatton says her husband, the renowned classical figurative sculptor Sabin Howard, talks about Renaissance masters every day, as if they breathe, sweat and walk among us.“For me, two of the major achievements of this century and a half were the development of the human figure in art, and the humanism that was rooted in ancient philosophy but spread i...

It is 1870 in Emerson, Colorado. Pearl Lloyd is a strong, tough, no-nonsense woman. So when Davidson Smythe comes to her ranch stating that he is the new owner, Pearl shoots first and asks questions later. Unfortunately for Pearl, Smythe has proof in the form of the deed to prove he really is the new owner of the ranch. Pearl knows that can't be true as she herself has the deed to the ranch. When Pearl goes in search of her deed she finds it missing. The people of Emerson, Colorado want Pearl gone from their town now matter how they have to do it. Pearl is not going down without a fight. So Pearl and Smythe decide to team up together to fight the townspeople of Emerson in addition to helping Pearl to retain her ranch. Pearl had a great personality. I loved the fact that she was so strong that she could take care of herself. You usually do not read many westerns where the women are just as tough as the guys. I thought Smythe made a good opponent to Pearl, especially if he can put up...

To all my fellow bloggers and readers. A while back I introduced you all to Becky at http://nomoregrumpybookseller.blogspot.com/ . She is the one I am so jealous of as she scores so many great books to read. LOL! Ok, well anyways she is hosting her first interview and a book giveaway with author Delaune Michel . A southern gal. Her first book is titled Aftermath of Dreaming. So check out Becky's blog this Saturday. Also be warned as you are going to want to make her blog a favorite. Here's information about her book. Aftermath of Dreaming Hypnotic and beautifully written, Aftermath of Dreaming is an incandescent first novel of modern life and love. Other than the little problem that she is waking up screaming in the middle of the night, life is wonderful for Yvette Broussard. Her jewelry design career is taking off, she's back with her sort-of boyfriend, and best of all, she no longer thinks about her once-in-a-lifetime love, international movie star Andrew Madden. Until...

KNOW YOUR ENEMIES It’s good advice—and Kate always thought she did. But everything has changed: there’s a new force at the head of the Thrall collective. A force brilliant enough and ruthless enough to hide its sinister plan behind humanitarian work—building and funding halfway houses to ease the victims of drugs and the Thrall back into society. And then Kate discovers that another part of the plan is rescinding the rules of fair play by which the Thrall have always dealt with humans. Kate is no longer Not Prey. Now she is just like everyone else: Prey. Uncovering the plot is a start, but stopping it is another thing entirely. Kate must not only call on all of her own resources, but all of those that belong to her werewolf boyfriend Tom. But the Thrall collective has a brand new way of getting to Kate: a very personal series of attacks designed to tear her from Tom. Kate has to decide: save her relationship with Tom, or save the future from the Thrall?

Ok. J. Kaye is holding another book raffle. This time it is for an ARC of Sisters of Misery. Book Description There are some girls who have everything... She has the right clothes, the right friends, and the right last name, but fifteen-year-old Maddie Crane sometimes feels like an outsider in her clique in the wealthy, seaside town of Hawthorne, Massachusetts. And when her gorgeous, eccentric cousin Cordelia LeClaire moves to town, Maddie is drawn toward her ethereal, magical spirit and teeters even more toward the edge of her friends' tightly-knit circle... Then there are the jealous ones... Kate Endicott and the Sisters of Misery--a secret clique of the most popular, powerful girls in school--are less than thrilled by Cordelia's arrival. When Kate's on-again, off-again boyfriend Trevor takes an interest in Cordelia, the Sisters of Misery become determined to make her pay... Now Maddie must choose between the allure and power of the Sisters of Misery and her loyalty to he...

Sounds like my kind of book. This one is going on my wish list to get. Alexei Volkovoy--known to the underworld as Volk--is a hardened veteran of the conflict in Chechnya, a gun-for-hire now living in a lawless Russia, serving two corrupt masters: one is Maxim, a psychotic Azeri mafia kingpin, the other a mystery man known only as "The General." When Volk and his lover, a wild-eyed, white-haired young Russian named Valya, are hired by both men to steal the same lost painting from the Hermitage Museum, Volk must choose which to betray, and what that betrayal will cost him. His decision will lead this honest thief into the dark heart of the new Russian oligarchy, where only cash and violence can open doors.

In the tradition of Kathy Reichs and Jeffery Deaver, a talented novelist introduces a gutsy forensic investigator caught in the middle of an explosive crisis Early one Thursday morning, forensic scientist Theresa MacLean is called to the scene of a gruesome murder. The body of a man has been found on the front lawn of a house in suburban Cleveland, the back of his head bashed in. Although it's not the best start to her day, Theresa has been through worse. What unfolds during the next eight hours, though, is nothing she could ever have imagined. Downtown at the Federal Reserve Bank, her police detective fiancé is taken hostage with six others in a robbery masterminded by two clever criminals. When she arrives at the scene, Theresa discovers that the police have brought in the city's best hostage negotiator: handsome, high-profile Chris Cavanaugh. He hasn't lost a victim yet, but Theresa wonders if he might be too arrogant to save the day this time around. When her fiancé is ...

Ms. Amiri asked me if I would be interested in reviewing her latest book Druid Quest. Due out in August 08. I said yes and asked if she would be willing to do an interview also. She agreed so here it is. Enjoy and I hope you purchase the book. Check out my review in the coming weeks. I appreciate you taking the time to do this interview with me. Explain what a day in the life of an author is like? How long does it take from start to finish to complete a book? When I’m off from my day job, I begin around 8 am, go to the computer, pull up a completed rough draft for rewrites or a new project to write fresh. It depends on how high my energy level is. I usually have one finished rough draft and two with only a few chapters written. So I always have plenty to do. Then I eat and work on my writing some more. I switch over to reading and answering e-malls or sending comments on my space. After super, I watch a little TV or read. Back to writing for an hour or two. I go to sleep and wake up ...