Interview with Anne Elizabeth (The Power of a SEAL)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Many military books have been written by and about SEALs. The Power of a SEAL by Anne Elizabeth is a suspense-romance novel that highlights the SEAL community. It blends a mysterious plot, some romance, and a realistic look at those serving. Readers gain an insight into the personality of a SEAL. They are truly the selfless warriors that do not require any accolades: humble, bold, strong, brave, with an inner calm during the missions. …

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Interview with Jayne Ann Krentz (Promise Not to Tell)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Promise Not To Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz is a breath-taking story. While the first in the series, When All the Girls Have Gone, was spell-binding, this book leaves the readers’ heart pounding as it is more of a thriller than a mystery. Krentz delivers an impactful series by focusing each novel on one of three brothers. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but in not reading the first people will miss …

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Interview with Charles Todd (A Casualty of War)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Casualty of War by Charles Todd is a winner. This Bess Crawford mystery has the war coming to a close. The story explores the impact World War I had on all who witnessed it: officers, soldiers, doctors, and battlefield nurses. Fans of Bess will not be disappointed as she is still as independent, steadfast, intelligent, and resilient as ever. Per usual she seeks justice and works within societal norms where readers are able …

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Interview with Carey Baldwin (Countdown)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Countdown by Carey Baldwin is a story ripped from the headlines. Juggling two professions, psychologist and pediatrician, has helped her with formulating different storylines. This novel is a departure from her last one, and is much more of a fun read. The plot begins with what appears to be someone drowning on the beach of Tahiti. Forensic psychiatrist Caitlyn Cassidy and FBI Agent Atticus Spenser are enjoying some R and R while preparing for …

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Interview with Melissa de la Cruz (Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Pride And Prejudice And Mistletoe by Melissa De La Cruz modernizes Jane Austen’s classic Pride And Prejudice. She turns the characters on their heads by switching the roles: Fitzwilliam Darcy, the male protagonist in the original novel becomes Darcy Fitzwilliam, the female heroine in the new novel, while the female lead in the original, Elizabeth Bennet, has become the male hero, Luke Bennett. Darcy Fitzwilliam is twenty-nine and extremely career oriented. In the first …

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Review – The Christmas Room, The Ghost of Christmas Past, Last Christmas in Paris, Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe

Book Reviews by Elise Cooper With the holiday season here, readers can find novels that blend a good mystery within the Christmas atmosphere. A word of warning, these are not “sugar and spice and everything nice” holiday books. Yet, they are very realistic, believable, and leave readers with a good feeling at the end, a feeling of faith and redemption. The Christmas Room by Catherine Anderson is one of these special stories. Two holiday generational romances touch on grief, healing …

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Interview with James Rollins (The Demon Crown)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Demon Crown by James Rollins, a Sigma Force novel, blends action, adventure, science and history. Per usual, he takes a unique idea based on some truth and builds a narrative around it. Readers, in typical, Rollins style, learn something, while being entertained at the same time. In this latest novel, the characters see creatures flying through the air wondering if it is a bird, a plane, and then realize they are gigantic wasps. …

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An Excuse for Poor Conduct by Kate Dolan

Title: An Excuse for Poor Conduct Author: Kate Dolan Series: n/a good story, skilled writing I would like to thank Kate Dolan and Author’s Den for allowing me to read a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a nice short story. Dolan’s writing, mechanically, is more skillful than I expected. Quite professional, actually. The setting of the almshouse and the indigent circumstances of the characters were interesting, a welcome change from the privileged doves and roosters …

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Year One by Nora Roberts

Title: Year One Author: Nora Roberts Series: Chronicles of The One #1 a dark, magickal mix of Zombieland and Heroes I was thoroughly impressed with the ingenuity and world-building in this novel. It’s probably been done before, but I’ve never seen the end of the world caused by dark magic. A deadly virus spread with crazy ease and speed, killing billions of people—but also unlocking supernatural abilities in others. And there were also ordinary humans who just seemed to be …

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Interview with Laura Griffin (Touch of Red, Cover of Night)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Touch of Red and Cover of Night by Laura Griffin have plots with an intricate suspense, and well-developed characters. The intensity on the pages is prevalent in the story along with the character’s relationships. Touch of Red is part of the Tracer series and Cover of Night is part of the SEAL series, but each can by read as a stand-alone. Cover of Night starts off with a bang when journalist Karly Bonham witnesses …

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