Her home is broken and so is her heart as she searches desperately for some semblance of love and peace. There are as many surprising turns and twists in this book as there are challenges to overcome which will leave the reader unable to put it down. As Raine struggles to interpret an anonymous letter, as well as visions and premonitions in her attempt to unlock buried family secrets, we wonder she can possibly restore her family and find the peace she desperately craves. This novel has everything, suspense fantasy, family drama and ultimately love. The writing is so profound and emotionally-wrought, your heart’s in your throat on every riveting page and will leave the reader gripped from compelling start to jaw-dropping finish! I wanted to pick up the sequel immediately! So will you!

Through the prophecy, he learns that one day he is to serve the future Prince of Wales. What’s real and what’s fantasy in this book, we aren’t exactly told, but I’m inclined to go do some research after this truly spellbinding tale! There are colorful characters, sacred scrolls, magic, dreams, and adventures galore in this captivating story. There’s ten years worth of adventures including deep caverns, a Fire-Dragon, King Richard and even a Travelling Circus! Of course, there’s a reason for everything as Crach was taught by his wise master and he will learn the meaning of it all and get help from Prince Owain Glyndwr as his prophet and seer. In the end, the reader is left ready to rise above his own “inner-dwarf” and find like Crach, there is a solution for every problem, and the answer was more simple than we imagined. There are many witty sayings and shrouded truths throughout, and we will come to learn with Crach that ultimately, “Justice always prevails.”

She avoids developing friendships with anyone, except for her dog Netter and her deceased witch-sister Stephenie who constantly remains in her thoughts giving often-times unwanted but needed advice. It’s an emotionally endearing relationship that provides a great deal of witty dialogue throughout the book. Some of the unsolicited advice begins to wear Ashlie down, and she ends up making an excellent friend named Ericka who she begins to confide in. Finding love, however, was out of the question until vampire Aidan Crane entered her life. Being a vampire made him more durable than a fragile human but his one weakness, fire, was the one power Ashlie seemed unable to control. Suspense and danger lurk at every turn of the page, but the most compelling drama is how will Ashlie find a way to be with the boy she loves, despite the possibility of a high cost to herself? There is great intrigue in this vampire-witch relationship involving deep introspection and gripping dialogue. The reader will hang on each painfully honest and heartfelt word right down to the surprising ending in which we see the true meaning of sacrifice.

For fifteen years the world of Ever-Earth has endured droughts and famine, but it gets much worse when a mysterious force suddenly appears and begins destroying lands and villages. They call this unknown force, the “Ghost of Switchyard.” When a young boy named Christian Castle survives an attack that killed thousands, he sets off on a journey to prevent a great war from taking place. In fact, Christian should have never have grown up at all were it not for the mysterious Providence that takes place in the first chapter. Christian learns many important lessons from the old man that saved his life which will serve him later on his journey. The book is full of witty dialogue including one fascinating exchange between Christian and his grandfather after a game of chess. “Almost isn’t winning,” says his grandfather whose sacrifice of a knight ultimately leads to his victory. “Sometimes the right sacrifice will secure your place as the victor – you’ll be wise to remember that.” Christian takes this and many other lessons to heart and so will the reader in this and mesmerizing drama.

Will Earnest, a nationally-known religious figure, but his reputation is destroyed after a humiliating scandal which costs him everything. Ten years later, Will seeks to rebuild his life, but he has a very painful secret. Set against the backdrop of the ongoing “War on Drugs” and the bitter cultural divide of American politics, Painkiller is essentially a story of redemption and love, but it goes well beyond that. Painkiller actually tackles some critical issues in culture and politics and does it in a way that both informs and entertains readers.

They hit it off at first, then Avery learns that Talon is a vampire which pretty much wrecks the burgeoning relationship until that is, he saves her life and proves to be a …wait for it…genuine stand-up vampire! After already losing her parents to a gruesome murder, Avery’s sister Kyrie is killed by vampires, and she’s ready to throw in the towel when Talon indeed gives her a reason to live and love. Yes, they also fight together to destroy an enemy almost as old as the world itself, the dominant vampire Cain who seems to be invincible. There are several compelling subplots here and even shrouded biblical overtones as to who exactly Cain is and what is Avery’s higher purpose. Ultimately, this is a highly imaginative and very detailed book which will keep the reader enthralled and guessing to the heart-stopping and stunning conclusion.

Stripped of his job and hitting the bottle Stephen hits rock bottom and can only see one way out, ending his life. Before he can go through with it, Agent Maguire turns up at his door. That’s when the real fun starts!  Maguire offers the second chance to end all “second chances,” and a real opportunity to do something meaningful with his life. “Hi, I’m John Candy and welcome to Legendville.” Yes, you read that right, “John Candy.” Project Blue Chrysalis was established in 1948 by Joseph Kennedy Jr. and Adolf Hitler and offered a  place where the rich and famous could live out their lives in comfort away from the never-ending scrutiny of life in the public eye, all faking their deaths in order to join the growing community living within the confines of the Project. From Ronald Reagan to Martin Luther King to Buddy Holly “Sheriff” Jimmy Hoffa. They are here and many more!  But I digress, Detective Stephen Lewis becomes Noah Franklin and is tasked with stopping a murderer before his work can be completed. Surrounded by the worst that society has to offer and being pressured by superiors to deliver Noah must do everything in his power to bring the killer to justice. This book almost literally has everything to offer. Murder mystery, conspiracy thriller, tragedy, comedy and that a shot at redemption all played out in a very witty and engaging writing style that will leave the reader thoroughly entertained and may be seeking a one-way ticket to “Legendville.”

In reality, it’s much more than a mystery including great lessons about true friendship, second chances, and even budding romance. Of course, there is non-stop action to boot. When her brother Alex is reported to have died accidentally, things don’t add up for Kristy, and she enlists the help of Cameron, her brother’s best friend, to help her uncover some shocking secrets involving a deadly domestic terror plot. Kristy learns to lean on, trust and fall in love with Cameron, despite his rocky past, which proves to be a very entertaining subplot. Back to the plot, there is one surprise after another and then, believe it or not, a BIG SURPRISE in the end! Oh, and wait till you get to the Epilogue!

The author has done a truly fantastic job of tackling significant issues and doing it in an entertaining and thought-provoking way. This story will inspire the reader to think for his or her self and honestly believe that change is possible and sometimes it starts with one “dreamer.” In this story, it’s a man named Jeff who is captivated by the ideals of a young woman named Addie and becomes inspired to make a major difference in changing our world!  The soundtrack for this book would be an added bonus! You will see when you read it!

For our hero, Jacob, the chance to escape a difficult and misunderstood life will not come without risk. He and three other “pure Souls” will be faced with the arduous task of retrieving the 4 stolen “Dremalite crystals” and thus save “Ever Dream.” Jacob is chosen for his heart and the skills he possesses. There are vivid depictions and colorful metaphors in this book which show that sometimes we have to step out into another world to dream and see what we are capable of becoming. Like Jacob, the reader will be asked what mediocre existence and less than fulfilling life are they ready to flee to Ever Dream to escape? What if there is risk? What risk would you be willing to take to fulfill your destiny? Pick up this book, and you may begin to dream again!

She’s been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to save her dying child Jordan who’s been diagnosed with a deadly disease called metagenesis. “People would do anything for a chance to save their child,” wouldn’t they? It will come at a steep price for Grace who is supported by her best friend Kay on the ultimate “Vegas Vacation,”The two will embark on a trip back in time as part of an illegal clinical trial with ramifications beyond what either one of them could have imagined!  Will Grace be able to save her son? Her marriage? Mankind?

The theory goes that if the honeybees die out, man will eventually follow. Scientists desperately race to develop a vaccine and apply it prematurely with ghastly results. The virus has mutated and made a further leap from plants and into the immune systems of humans and animals. Enter Jason Lambert, a Park Ranger, who seems to be humanity’s last hope. He’s part Dr. David Banner, part Jason Bourne. He’s a kick-butt monster-killing machine and yet kept sane by his journaling as he seeks to uncover clues that will save mankind. The author has done a truly outstanding job of taking a very real and complex problem (disappearance of the honeybees) and turning it into a very compelling, entertaining and even humorous story. The reader will laugh, shriek and cheer for Jason Lambert as he “kills screamers” and whether they are a metaphor for a much bigger problem, we’ll let the reader judge.

There’s a job that only he can do, and it turns out it’s a pretty big job, saving Mankind from destruction. It turns out Mike isn’t exactly one of us earthling’s and is simply here among us to “observe and report” to the Galactic Council when a funny thing happens–he falls in love with a woman named Julie. The inevitable day comes when “the bomb” is fired and though Mike knows his orders, the love of his life, Julie, is pregnant with his child, and she tells him what deep down he already knows. He has to get involved. He has to do the right thing. He has to fulfill his destiny and do what only he can do. It turns out Mike, at his core, is very much like us humans, wrestling with feelings of unworthiness as he wonders if maybe “he wasn’t the right man for the job after all.” It doesn’t matter. Mike knows what he must do. Which begs questions for the “Loner” in us all. “What’s my purpose on this earth?” “What ‘inevitable day’ or threat am I waiting for to decide it’s time to do my duty? Will Mike succeed? More importantly, will the reader?

She meets a mysterious man named Christophe who sets in motion a whirlwind of events connecting her to a spirit of the past. Death and destruction seem to follow Raine everywhere. Fearing for her own life and safety of her sister, China, Raine knows she must find a way to put a stop to the Jackson Curse that has tormented her family for over a century. She wants peace for her family, but there’s one big problem, “Raine has a secret.” And the reader will be spellbound seeking to find out what it is as suspense and intrigue fill every page. The author has done a captivating job in following on the success of the first book by keeping up the deep emotional angst, the heart-wrenching and soul-stirring drama so prevalent in the first book. Readers have definitely found a heroine they can love and perhaps in some way relate to in Raine Jackson. She is not without flaws or those Jekyll-Hyde like conscience wranglings that make us root all the more that she would break the curse and find the peace and “freedom” she has long sought.

The reader will be challenged to take a much more intricate look at things he or she may have previously taken for granted. You think you know how the world works? There are deep questions in this book that would be great for discussion groups. This is not entertainment for entertainment’s sake but entertaining in a way that compels the reader not to “check-out” but to “tune-in” and understand what truly is going on in the world around them. Every idea, every pensive question proposed by Humphries begs a hundred others.  From “Home,” to the fitting conclusion, “Courage,” readers will be asked to take “baby steps” in “seeing the whole picture” and finding their own.

Instead, the author does a masterful job of making us think about what good we truly could accomplish in this world if we a good “wish list.” “But it’s gonna take money, a whole lot of spending money” as the song goes and so Keith Greenhalgh has that covered when he wins the “Euromillions” lottery. However, it’s much more than money, it’s ingenuity, it’s hard work and perhaps most of all, compassion for those around him that prove Keith to be an exceptional man with or without the lottery winnings. There are some great quotes and object lessons throughout the book that will truly engage the reader to consider hat he or she would do if they had the resources and opportunity given Keith Greenhalgh. The better question might be, what are we doing with what we’ve already been given and what is still left on our “wish list” and why?

The reader will be challenged to take a much more intricate look at things he or she may have previously taken for granted. You think you know how the world works? There are deep questions in this book that would be great for discussion groups. This is not entertainment for entertainment’s sake but entertaining in a way that compels the reader not to “check-out” but to “tune-in” and understand what truly is going on in the world around them. Every idea, every pensive question proposed by Humphries begs a hundred others.  From “Home,” to the fitting conclusion, “Courage,” readers will be asked to take “baby steps” in “seeing the whole picture” and finding their own.

Meeting an unusual man with an unusual instrument, Bella is asked if she would like to try to play the orbaphone. “Oh yes,” she exclaims with child-like enthusiasm and so begins a magical journey to an enchanted world. Readers, young and old will dare to dream with Bella and like her may find their own metaphorical “orbaphone.”

Ramos and her partners battle the drug cartel on the border which leads them into a Mexican “war zone.” It’s an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride full of surprises right to end. But there’s much more, beneath the tough exterior, Gloria Ramos is deeply compassionate and forms a sincere bond with a 14-year-old troubled youth caught up in the mayhem. The reader comes to root as much for Enrique to reform as for Gloria to “survive and cope” in this compelling drama.

Dex and Trina and husband and wife despite the fact that one is human and one, well something different. Yet, their relationship is intense and meaningful, loving equals and loyal to the death. They strive to fight evil and protect the innocent in an increasingly complicated universe, and they do it while maintaining their deep emotional and physical bond. It’s a captivating adventure with some great laughs especially from a character named Jade. Enjoy!

“My story: Priceless” is a “true story” that “ends in life.” Inspiring is an understatement as we read of a couple’s struggle against the ever-growing problem of infertility. From the assumption of “total control” to a humbling realization and depression to “God showed up,” we agonize and rejoice with Hazen along her journey. She asks the most poignant question, “Can you put a price on your baby?” Then in painstaking detail, helps answer the question for others. Of course, the best answer of all comes in the “priceless ending!”

Growing up with an abusive father, we can’t help but feel sorry for him and wish, as he does, that “Mr. Wilson was his father” instead. He’s not, but this father figure does help teach Hunter some lessons that will ultimately help him turn his life around when he does get that proverbial “second chance.” It is a captivating story that teaches us it’s never too late to change and do the right thing.

Like all historical fiction, the author has given us the truth while also taking some liberties. However, they are the kind of liberties that readers could hope would be afforded to themselves either in life or post-mortem; especially should history dismiss them as a “villain.” Such is the case for one dubbed a real-life criminal (Frank James) who gets a shot at redemption in Gold City. In fact, we come to find out the difference between hero and villain is perhaps not as discernable as we may have thought.

Travers Gage, the hero of Gold City, is not a perfect man and yet he is a man who seems to make every individual around him better as well as the city he comes to call home. It turns out, one of those individuals is the afore-mentioned “real-life villain” who in the end becomes a “historical-fiction hero.” If that alone doesn’t make you want to pick up this book, there’s also your typical wild-west gunfights for the guys, and there’s romance for the gals.

As for those seven plots, in addition to the tragedy and rebirth already hinted at, we will find plenty of “comedic” relief along the “voyage and return” of our reluctant hero, who must do what no one else will do to save the town. In addition to “overcoming the monster” of Gold City, there is a much deadlier monster within he must “gun down” before the end of his “quest.” Yes, there are rags to riches as the name of the book might suggest but perhaps not the riches the reader would imagine.

The reader will be “rich” in imagination, envisioning each well-conceived character. But the contemplation won’t end there. The painstaking “what-if’s” presented by the author bleed on every well-crafted page and will keep the reader pondering long after putting the book down. You see, in the end, Gold City is not a post-civil-war story, nor a western romance nor any of those seven plots though that’s all here. Ultimately, Gold City is about the only thing that ever should make us pick up any book. Growth.

This is the reason we dream and hope and agonize with each turn of the page. This is why we root for the characters in the book, real-life or fictional. Though it may be too late for them, their stories being already written, our own continue to unravel. So those pensive “what if’s” fill us with hope so long as there is still another page left to turn. Whether we seek peace with Travers Gage or redemption with Frank James, will we also come to learn the lesson of Gold City? “Sometimes blood is all that saves us.”

Steve Wilson WMP EIC