STATUS REPORT # 50

I’ve had one hell of a time since my prior post this past Friday. Later in the day I received a phone call from the REHAB facility my OH is going to be discharged today. But how can they, as my dear still can’t really walk, go to the bathroom, etc.

I spent yesterday making countless phone calls to the individual monitoring/approving the continued care, and several individuals at the facility who’ve been hard to reach.  It turns out the individual there who handles communication with the monitor wanted to get a jump on what he has to do. The facility needs to send out a status report each week for approval for an extended stay, which they didn’t do at that time, but doing it today. So without having sent out a new report, this cad at the facility caused me to basically shout down doing really anything on the internet.

I’m now waiting anxiously to hear word of what’s happening as I need to have 24 hours to arrange for things, and to clear out the spare bedroom we have in our apartment for a home attendant to stay in. On a bright side, the person responsible for my time in hell, said he’d been advised me that the therapists told him my OH isn’t ready to go home.

As I wrote this I received a home call from the Director of Social Work for the facility stating she’s been advised of the situation and apologize profusely for what I’ve been put through.

Hopefully I’ll be able to review a book or two by Sunday. Perhaps, I really must strive to return to the posting of what I’ve done in the past; such as writing Five Sentence Fictions, posting author spotlights, and interviewing authors of my choosing. I might even consider return to slowly writing my currently writing endeavors [like two or three pages a week] as the sales of my books have unfortunately been slow.

Please read my last post regarding my giveaway and KINDLE Countdown.

THANKS for following my blog and your very kind support.

Love

Robin Leigh

A GIVEAWAY AND MORE !!!

I’m giving away 25 KINDLE copies of my second book “Micro Fiction – An Anthology.”  The giveaway ends on May 28, 2015 @ 5:15 PM –ET [New York time] and is open in the US and UK.

Here’s the link:

https://www.librarything.com/er/giveaway/list

Once there hit Control-F [find] and type in my name ROBIN to get quickly to my book and hit ENTER.

From 12:00 AM [GMT/PT] ON May 24^th until May 30^th @ 11:00 PM [GMT/PT] I’m offering the book as a KINDLE Countdown for 99 cents / 99 pence.

Would love for you to check out the reviews

US:  http://www.amaz.comon/dp/B00QH15K4M   

UK:   http://www.amazon.co,uk/dp/B00QH15K4M                                                                                                                           

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-072 - THE BITCH IN YOUR HEAD

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through a giveaway on LibraryThing [dot] com and the following is my honest opinion for the book.

I extremely doubt there’s a woman alive who’ll admit to being a bitch, primarily because of the negative stigmatism associated with it and the exaggerated stereotypes it conjures up. Some women might even use the excuse of “Well, it’s that time of the month,” in an attempt to cover up and deny their bitchy behavior.

There’s an undying desire to be a perfectionist in many women which brings this negative quality to the surface and then is witnessed by others. This causes others to respond harshly to the woman’s actions; however, at the same time this woman can’t acknowledge what she has done since she believes she’s been helpful. When these confrontations occur, these women become resentful and may at times begin shutting down trying to help others.

Their blindness to this becomes more evident when these women begin being a perfectionist regarding themselves. I’m too fat. I’m not pretty enough. I must do something regarding my hair. These are a few of the items which are destroying their self-image, etc.; despite their having received compliments from their husbands and others.

Dr. Plumez has done a wonderful job through the pages of her resource book in attempting to remove the rose-colored glasses these women are wearing which allows their inner demon to thrive, transforming them to the bitches everyone else sees. There are times when the bitch manifests to others that their emotions become like a gun with a hair trigger, ready to go off at any moment.

Denial has always been part of a woman’s psyche. But now, because of this book, this part of their psyche has the possibility of being crushed so their unforgiving inner critic can be soften, if not banished completely.

While bitchiness is an inherited woman’s issue, there are some men who suffer from the same condition; and G-d knows they’ll NEVER admit to suffering from it.

For trying to open the eyes of women everywhere and begin their liberation process of their bitchiness so they can become more endearing to those around them, I’m giving this book 5 STARS.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1493007904

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1493007904

STATUS REPORT # 49

I’m glad I’m a Book Reviewer as it helps me keep part of my attention off of my OH who’s still in REHAB and who I’d love to have back in my arms and in our bed, sleeping next to me.  We had so many plans with both of us being retired now.

I’m slowly moving towards increasing my presence on the internet which I’ve neglected to do because of ALL the things which have transpired since just before the beginning of the New Year. One of these things is I’ve consented to be interviewed on a blog, something which I haven’t done for a year, if not more. Will let you know when the interview goes LIVE.

In the past week, as you can tell following my blog, I’ve reviewed four books from four different genres.  Right now I’ve got two books in my possession waiting to be read/reviewed with four more books yet to be received. My reviewer ranking has improved once again since last week.

I truly would love to get back to all of my writing endeavors which I see finally happening the beginning of next month.

THANKS AGAIN for being here and have a GREAT WEEK with whatever you do !!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-071 - DREAM OF ME [Book 1]

I received a signed copy of this from the author through a internet giveaway and the following is my honest opinion for the book.

As I read this book by Quinn Loftis, being a child of the 1950’s I couldn’t help but hear Mr. Sandman by the Chordettes echoing in my mind. If you read the lyrics for the beginning of the song you’ll see why.

Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream

Make him the cutest that I've ever seen

Give him two lips like roses and clover

Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over

Sandman, I'm so alone

Don't have nobody to call my own

Please turn on your magic beam

Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream

In his story the Sandman [Dair] while he does have tasks he must fulfill in regards to his newest project, Serenity, he’s totally enthralled by her beauty, both her outer and inner. However, given he’s immortal Dair doesn’t really have any lonesome nights, but he does fill her nights with his captivating presence. Dair is the type of man every woman dreams of having as their own, especially with the sound of his voice and the way he interacts with Serenity.

I found the storyline to quite sweet and full of innocence as she has never had any sort of relationship with the opposite sex before and he has never experienced the emotion of love before.  But the book is not all this, to complete the dichotomy there are moments of sadness and evil which brings everything into balance.

I believe this book should be classified more as a NA [New Adult] rather than a YA [Young Adult] due to the nature of some of the things which transpire. The writing is quite good in its completeness and the emotions which it skillfully elicits from those who read this book. For the dreams this book creates for its readers living the fantasy which is the story I’m giving it 5 STARS.

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SYZPMCY

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00SYZPMCY

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-070 - THE GOOD MOMMIE’S GUIDE TO RAISING [ALMOST] PERFECT DAUGHTERS

I bought a copy of this book to support this author who I’ve come to know through the same internet support group we both belong to and the following is my honest opinion for this endeavor by Ms. Jules.

This book gives sound advice to all MOMMIES who want to change the way they’d been treated [imagined they’d been treated] by their mothers so their daughters won’t feel the same way about them growing up.  This book also helps the mothers of today better understand the reasons for their mother’s actions towards them.

I feel the title of this book is exclusionary.

The reason I’m saying this is quite simple as it tends to exclude ALL of the single fathers in the world who are attempting to raise one or more girls, without having the experience of being one themselves.  And while this book deals with raising daughters many of the points the author has made I feel are also applicable towards their sons.

For the sound advice she has given her readers, I’m awarding Ms. Jules 5 STARS.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-069: FREDDIE and BIBELLE: An Extraordinary Encounter

I received a signed copy of this book from the author through a giveaway on Goodreads and the following is my honest opinion for the book.

“Freddie and Bibelle” is a quintessential book which children should read as one of their first books. The book’s wonderful color illustrations the book contains which will fascinate its young readers, the language used by the author is quite clear and simple for them to understand as well.

Besides being a fun read, this book also communicates the important life lessons about the true meaning of friendship and helping others in a manner which doesn’t hit the child over the head with its message, nor is the book talking down to the child. Either one of these two things could easily turn the child off; resulting in these lessons being easily lost.

For wanting to educate our young children regarding these lessons, how can I not give this book 5 STARS.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UE4PSRM

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00UE4PSRM

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-068 - MAGNOLIA SECRETS

Any woman who’s been in a relationship which can best be described as being troublesome, regardless of the reason can easily see why Lainey had chosen to have a night of escapism and engage in a wanton act of infidelity.

Miles away from her small town, where everyone who knew each other as well as their business, Lainey encounters Walker and they share a one-night stand of unforgettable memories. Who knew that shortly after this that their paths would cross again when he moves to New Hope to move into his late great-aunt’s home and takes a job in the town’s police department?

When the police chief has a picnic Lainey and Walker encounter each other again and he realizes the shocking truth, Lainey’s is his boss’ wife. Secrets abound almost everywhere, but the first one he wants to know is hers.

As a police officer, Walker is interested in finding out why people have suddenly started to die. The problem is his boss doesn’t want him to work on the case and belittles the deaths by brushing them aside. Is his boss hiding secrets?

The passion the two main characters have for each is far from being denied, yet despite their circumstances they’re willing to risk everything. Can these two lovers uncover the secrets in the town before a merciless individual can extinguish any hope for happiness?

While the storyline as crafted by Ms. Hale keeps you glued to her book, the book could use some additional editing to tighten it up which is why I’m giving this book 4 STARS.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QKT752Q

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00QKT752Q

STATUS REPORT # 48

I’m glad my OH is in REHAB now and closer to home but I’d rather it would have been in a better facility, as it had been first one to offer acceptance for the admission.

Things are finally beginning to fall in place as I’d read/reviewed the last book I’d received from the multitude of giveaways I’d won recently. I now have about five book I’m waiting to received which is allowing to return reading books which have been written by members of the internet support group I belong to. These are the ONLY two sources I get the books I review as I don’t accept requests to review books.

I’ve decided to take some more time off from doing any work on the current writing endeavors to totally clean our apartment and catch up with doing some laundry; luckily I’ve got lots of clothes to wear.

I’m happy to report my current Amazon Reviewer Ranking is now at 8,137 with a 97% approval rating for 131 reviews. 

THANKS AGAIN and have a GREAT WEEK with whatever you do !!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-067 - SOULS: A Novel

This is the second book by Jennifer Hinsman I’ve had the pleasure of reading/reviewing. The first had been “Angel of Death” which I’d won through an internet giveaway.

I’d enjoyed reading this book and the fact the author didn’t disappoint me as some of the same elements which drew me and probably others as well into the storyline of her other book are present here as well. Both of her books share having a murder, the mystery surrounding it, and a romance between the protagonist and some great looking guy; however this time the erotic element is gone which I felt was great.

I love having Ann becoming a cougar and falling in love with a much younger man who I estimate to be about ten years her junior. The book is loaded with suspense and enough twists to keep you wanting to read the next page and the next, right up to the totally unexpected one when Ann finally deduces who had been her twin sister’s murderer.

With a storyline which had me riveted reading the KINDLE Edition until the last page, how can I not give Ms Hinsman the 5 STARS I’m giving her?

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085N82W2

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0085N82W2

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-066 - CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK

I’d won a copy this book as part of a giveaway offered by Patty Blount and as I always do when I receive such a book I give my honest opinion for it. In this case it’s the novella she’d written for this anthology. 

I found the other three novellas written by other authors to be quite endearing, with each one telling a tale which only could have taken place in one of the best cities for the Christmas holidays, New York. Memories of a love from years ago, trust, forgiveness, a rekindled affair are all elements which went into these three stories. There’s an entire spectrum of emotions in these pages, emotions which pull you in as you can almost sense what the characters are going through.

As for the novella written by Ms. Blount there is a definite kismet which has taken place between the two main characters, Elena Larsen and Lucas Adair. They paths had cross several years before at the yearly remembrance which is held for families of those that had perish on 9/11. Both share the loss of their mothers and all the memories which go along with it. While Lucas has gotten over the grief for the most part with all the volunteering he’s done, Elena still carries it with her and hasn’t allowed herself to trust others even the one she’s close to and loves. These two almost share a past surrounding a crystal snowflake. With Christmas being the season of love and hope, can these two individuals connect with each other and start a relationship.

I truly loved what each of these four stories which is why I’m giving Ms. Blount and the other three authors 5 STARS for the endeavors they’ve written here.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/194224004X

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/194224004X

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-065 - REWIND TO YOU

This book is third of the three books I’ve recently won which had been offered as part of an internet giveaway by the publisher and the following is my honest opinion for this book.

As with any young girl there’s a strong desire to have the best summer possible after graduating high school and before heading off to college. So Sienna, her mother and brother head off to Tybee Island, where the family had spent countless summers before. But this time it’s different, there’s a lot of guilt her father is no longer alive having been killed as she had been driving the car.

Sienna would love to have the memories of that night disappear, however this is impossible as visions keep on playing in her mind each time she sees a site from a happy moment in her life during one of her stays on the island.

During one of these mental rewinds of the past she blacks out, but luckily one wonderful hunk of a guy, Austin Dobbs, comes to her aid and she immediately gets smitten and her first true romantic relationship ensues. While she has a history, he has issues; yet somehow they make something out of it. 

Ms. Johnston has created a wonderful coming of age story, one which will have you feel the roller coaster of emotions along with the characters of the book. The story tugs at your heartstrings and has you shedding tears for them; and might have you recall memories of when you’d been around Sienna’s age; which is why I’m happy to this book 5 STARS.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7W1FS8

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J7W1FS8

STATUS REPORT # 47

Sorry for the lack of a status report for these past two weeks, I’ve been going through a lot, but things are a LOT BETTER NOW. To begin with, I’m glad my wonderful OH is out of the hospital and now is a REHAB facility which is about 2 miles from where we live instead of a little more than a half-hour away [mostly parkway driving].

I took a few days off from reading/reviewing books so I can just relaxed after coming home from the hospital until my OH got transferred after I’d left on Thursday. With more time available, not having to travel I’d read/reviewed three books over the weekend, luckily this had included one children’s book, and a short novel; with this done I’ve whittled the number of books I have in my possession to read/review down to two, with three more on the way.

With my backlog of books needing to be reviewed down to a manageable level, I’ve decided to return to my writing endeavors. The first endeavor I’ll be working on is going to be my MG/YA Urban Fantasy entitled “The Secret of the Well.”  Hopefully, I’ll be able to type the elusive final period by the end of the month.

And then I’ll love to finish writing my Contemporary Romance novel entitled, “His Darkest Secret.”

I’d love to THANK everyone who has contacted privately with your kind words of support these past seven weeks, it’s meant a lot to me.  Please visit my profile on Amazon and check out the books I’ve reviewed, you might find something to read.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A19QLCLVPLZH0B

I’d also love for you to check out my two books either for yourself or as a gift for the young girl in your family, remember summer is here and it’s a great time to read a book.

http://www.amazon.com/author/robinleighmorgan

THANKS AGAIN and have a GREAT WEEK with whatever you do !!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) 

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-064 - NO QUARTER: DOMINIUM - Novella 1

I received a signed copy through a giveaway on GoodReads and the following is my honest opinion for this novella.

I’m a romance author and the main reason I don’t venture into writing Regency or Historical Romances is the amount of research needed to make sure the things written about are correct. While errors in regards to editing are “acceptable”, factual errors aren’t.

Ms. Evans has basically done a decent job in this regards, however there are times in which the language being used is not appropriate for the time the story takes place, which some editing should be able to resolve.

The storyline deals with a shipwreck, in which two young sisters [Atia and Livia] survive and wind up in the worst city possible during the years the story takes place, 1869 in Port Royal, Jamaica. It is here they get kidnapped, separated and wind up in the slavery system which is prevalent at this time.

This first novella is essentially about Atia since she doesn’t get reunited with her sister Livia until towards the end.

When they get separated Atia becomes the prize in a card game. When the scorned French pirate, Gator Gar, becomes enthralled by the sheer beauty she possesses he quickly sets out to free her from her predicament. With a price on both of their heads they make their way to the Blue Mountains after which the attraction they have for each other becomes intense. There is unexplained outbreak of scarlet fever in the city which aids them in their escape.

While I enjoyed the premise for this volume of the serious, the storyline itself could be tighten up a bit. All-in-all, with all things considered, I’m giving this first volume of the series 4 STARS.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SYVPPSO

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00SYVPPSO

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-063 - KICKIN' LENNY SCORES A GOAL

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. It should be note I’d won a copy of the first book of this series through a giveaway on LibraryThing.com and had written a review for it as well.

Once again, Michael Stubben has succeeded in communicating to young readers an important life lesson; this time the lesson Kichin’ Lenny learns deals with sportsmanship and teamwork.

While Lenny is a great goal keeper, his younger brother is a great scorer; and each longs to be like the other. When Lenny finally scores a goal, he enjoys what he has done and then realizes he has had the same fun feeling when he succeeds in blocking the goals being attempted by the other team.

The author in writing this book doesn’t talk down to the child reading it but draws the readers into the story and its lesson by addition of humor.

I’m pleased to give this book 5 STARS.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1942485026

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1942485026

BOOK REVIEW # 2015-062 - BENEATH SCARLETT VALLEY

I received a signed copy of this book from an internet giveaway I’d entered and the following is my honest opinion of it.

”Beneath Scarlett Valley” by Ms. Dempster is a multi-genre YA paranormal romance novel which contains elements of a fantasy and mythology. On the surface Harper and Cassidy look like two beautiful sisters; however they share a horrific secret, they’re actually two 117 year old half-breeds consisting of being part human and part Furor who have an insatiable to kill again and again every time the demon rage of this side rears its evil head; which is why they’ve returned to their childhood home in Scarlett Valley. It is here they hope to find and then drink from the ever-moving Source of Immortality so they can replenish theirs.

When Harper and Cassidy return to Scarlett Valley, Cassidy has had her fill of an endless life and while she desires to welcome Death with open arms she’s still committed in helping her sister find their quest. However, love comes into Cassidy’s life in the form of Sebastian, the school’s swimming star, and now she’s reconsidered ending her existence.

To add suspense to the story Ms. Dempster adds not only a adversary, the Seer, whose mission is to the prevent the Source from being found; she also has characters who they’re what they appear to be. The pacing of the story with its numerous plot twists add to the enjoyment of reading this book.

The only thing I found which might have improved the book, in my opinion, would be a better title. [Suggestion: “The Source of Immortality”].  But, in the end, I’m giving this book 5 STARS.

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ME9VKUO

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ME9VKUO