Review & Giveaway: The Grand Adventures of Madeleine Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire by Emily Craven

 

Title: The Grand Adventures of Madeleine Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire {#1}

Author: Emily Craven

Published: September 2012

Watch a podcast

Status: Read on April 20, 2013 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

“Just wanted to say, this wasn’t how I imagined the start of my grand adventure; a prig for a housemate and some unidentifiable (possibly Mexican) amphibian called Duncan. My vision of studio loft apartments, spacious and bright come nowhere close to describing this disturbing student housing. I mean, I’m paying a fortune, I have to find a job, and all I get is some crummy, two bedroom apartment with paint peeling off the walls, a cupboard for a kitchen and a bathroom that makes a moss infested cave network look like a barren desert plain. Seriously, there is enough mould on those tiles to start producing our own penicillin tablets.”

And so begins The Grand Adventures of Madeleine Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire in New York where Madeleine will be studying photography at a prestigious private arts college. Having left behind her friends and family in Australia she is on her own, adjusting to her new life while lurching from one hilarious encounter to another.

I have to admire Craven’s creative approach to storytelling, and admit to being somewhat surprised it actually works. The Grand Adventures of Madeleine Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire is told entirely in Facebook status updates, notes and private messages as Madeleine communicates with her friends and family. From the descriptions of her first day at college, where her housemate’s stowaway chameleon causes havoc, to her photographic study of cross-dressing little people and her crush on her cute, if self absorbed neighbour, Kevin, Madeleine apprises everyone of every step of her journey. Her family and friends are variously supportive, concerned and disbelieving in their replies, and each update earns Madeleine more ‘Likes’ from an unseen audience.

But it’s not all about Madeleine, from afar she is called upon to defend her wayward genius brother, comfort her hypochondriac best friend and continue to tease Tim about his relationship with his toaster. These ‘conversations’ give the story added depth and develops a uniquely connected cast, especially as her New York friends join her friendship circle.

Despite the unconventional format, The Grand Adventures of Madeleine Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire reads well. Anyone familiar with Facebook will quickly become comfortable with the rhythm of posts and comments. It’s a short read at just about 150 pages yet there is plenty happening to ensure the reader’s interest.

I was disappointed at the rather abrupt ending though, even with the knowledge that Craven expects to continue Madeleine’s adventures. In fact Craven is hoping that readers will become involved in shaping the story by joining the various Facebook pages she has established for her characters. It is an ambitious idea and though one I admire, I’m not sure it’s one readers are ready for quite yet.

The Grand Adventures of Madeleine Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire is a funny, lighthearted story of a twenty something Aussie making her way in the Big Apple. Well written and entertaining it is a unique contemporary read and I hope to be privy to Madeleine’s next adventures.

Join Em Craven and Madeleine on her adventures at: The Grand Adventures Of Madeline Cain Facebook Page

 

See your favourite characters interacting and join in! Like These Pages and Go For It!

 

Madeline Cain; Kathy Bloomingdale; Tim Gleeve; Cliff Wheeland; Kevin Doherty; Nadine Cain:; Mike Cain; Kim Enuik

The Grand Adventures of Madeleine Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire

is available to purchase

@AmazonUS I @AmazonUK I @Kobo I @Bkclb

ENTER TO WIN

 Emily Craven is offering you the chance to win

 1 of 2 electronic editions ((epub, mobi or PDF), of

The Grand Adventures of Madeleine Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire

 Open worldwide

 To Enter

 

CLICK HERE

 

Entries close May 5th. Drawn via Random.org

 

Review: Long and Short Australian Stories by Margaret Lynette Sharp

Title: Long and Short Australian Stories

Author: Margaret Lynette Sharp

Published: Createspace April 2012

Status: Read on February 22, 2013 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

This is the second volume of stories I have read at the request of self published Australian author, Margaret Lynne Sharp. The first, A Taste of Life and Love in Australia contains 28 engaging stories that provide a pleasant afternoon’s reading, and this collection is not dissimilar.

There are 20 vignettes of varying length in Long and Short stories of Australia, though most are less than half a dozen pages long. Primarily they feature relationships – sometimes beginning, occasionally ending. Each story is carefully sculpted to communicate the immediacy of emotion and action as succinctly as possible. Sharp’s storytellers are a mix of ages and genders, though primarily young and female, told in both the first and third person. It’s an interesting variety of perspectives and Sharp inhabits them well.

The writing is well crafted though occasionally a little too stiff and formal, using, for example, ‘mien’ instead of expression, several times. And even though they are used correctly, there is an odd over use of colon’s that I found distracting when they appeared repeatedly through out the text.

Suitable for romantics of a range of ages, Long and Short Australian Stories is a congenial, mellow short story collection and an easy read for a quiet evening.

Margaret Lynette Sharp’s short story volumes are available to purchase

@Amazon

Click here to read Margaret’s guest post, published earlier today

Learn more about Margaret Lynette Sharp at

Blog I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads

Review & Giveaway: Escaping the Arroyo by Joyce Nance

Title: Escaping the Arroyo

Author: Joyce Nance

Published: June 2012

Read an Excerpt

Status: Read on February 19, 2013 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

Drawing on court documents, interviews, five years of research and Colene Bush’s first hand account, Escaping the Arroyo combines fact with considered conjecture to create a compelling account of an unspeakable crime.

Escaping the Arroyo is based on the tragic true story of college coeds, Julie Jackson and Colene Bush who were kidnapped at knife point by Michael Guzman from Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1981. Nineteen year old Julie was raped and murdered while twenty year old Colene was stabbed 33 times and left for dead by her callous attacker. Exhibiting an extraordinary instinct for survival, Colene crawled more than 150ft, negotiating two steep embankments, in search of help and survived to identify the young man who nearly destroyed her.

The book begins with a harrowing account of the moment Colene Bush was discovered, bloody and barely breathing, on the side of the I-40 by two young men who glimpsed her pale, partially nude body in the glare of their headlights.
The story then shifts to illustrate the personal histories of Michael Guzman, Julie Jackson and Colene Bush in short vignettes. I found this a little disorientating initially, often only two or three pages in length and the perspective identified by date and place rather than name, I found the changes abrupt but eventually a rhythm emerged, leading to the moment the lives of Michael, Julie and Colene collide.
The next section of the book covers the trial of Michael Guzman, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Julie and the attempted murder of Colene, despite his attempt at an insanity defense.
But for Colene, and Julie’s fiance, James, Guzman’s conviction was little comfort as they tried to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

The story of Escaping The Arroyo is compelling though the writing could do with a little more polish. I felt instances of awkward syntax and the intrusion of the authorial voice interrupted the flow of the narrative at times.

While I think Nance covers the case well, I would have liked to know a bit more about Colene’s life post attack. It can be inferred that Colene struggled badly after her experience but Nance only relates incidents, such as the inexplicable discrimination against Colene by the police and paramedic training institutions, without sharing any real insight into why they occurred.

A tribute to the victims of a vicious killer, Escaping the Arroyo is a fascinating account of a terrible crime and it’s aftermath, and it is a story I am glad Joyce Nance decided to tell. To Colene Bush, I extend my sympathy and my heartfelt admiration for her incredible bravery.

Available to Purchase

@Amazon

About the Author

Joyce Nance, award winning documentarian, video editor, Albuquerque Sports News publisher, and paralegal at the Public Defenders Office, has written her first book. Although she already has a degree in accounting, she is currently pursuing a second degree in Criminal Justice and working on her next true crime book. Originally from California, she now lives in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area.

Website I Facebook I Twitter

Enter to Win

Joyce Nance is offering my readers the opportunity to win

one of three Kindle copies of Escaping the Arroyo

To enter

‘Like’ Joyce Nance’s Facebook page  and leave a comment stating you saw this review at Book’d Out before February 28th

Joyce will draw the winner at random.

Good luck!

Review & Giveaway: Beneath Outback Skies by Alissa Callen

Title: Beneath Outback Skies

Author: Alissa Callen

Published: Random Romance February 2013

Status: Read from February 01 to 02, 2013 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

Beneath Outback Skies is a winsome contemporary romance set in rural Australia by debut author Alissa Callen, published under Random House Australia’s new digital imprint, Random Romance.

Paige Quinn is determined that Banora Downs will not succumb to the drought forcing outback farmers from their properties, it is her home and despite the harsh conditions, she cannot imagine a life elsewhere.
With resources stretched to breaking point, Paige is unimpressed when her father, Connor, announces he has approved for a paying guest to stay at the farm. In her experience, city-slickers are nothing but trouble and Tait Cavanaugh, with his charming smile and caffeine addiction, can’t leave soon enough to satisfy her.
Tait is looking forward to a break from the office, even though he still has work to do at Banora Downs. An agri business consultant, his role is to assess the future of the property, without tipping his hand to Paige, at the request of her father. That’s not the only secret Tait is keeping though… he wasn’t always a city boy.

While I would have preferred a little more external conflict to enliven the plot, I enjoyed the storyline of Beneath Outback Skies. Though primarily a traditional romance, there is a touch of mystery surrounding Tait and I was intrigued by Connor’s motivation to pair Paige with Tait, beyond his attempts at matchmaking.

I liked Paige who is practical, independent and willful and I admired her determination to keep Banora Downs viable. I did wonder that she seemed almost friendless, even though it is explained, that as Banora Downs is an iconic station, she is desperate to hide the true extent of the farm’s woes in order to support morale in the community.
I grew quite fond of Tait as well who proved to be kind and considerate, willing to help out and quietly adding small luxuries to the lives of Paige and Connor without needing recognition.
I though the pace of the romance between the Paige and Tait was well thought out, the physical attraction is obviously there to start with but the author gives the pair time to get to know each other, which i appreciate.

The setting of Beneath Outback Skies is well developed. I was able to imagine Banora Downs as both the thriving property it once was and the dustbowl it has become. I especially liked the way the author explored the ravages of drought, not only on Paige’s property, but also amongst the townspeople, touching on the high rate of depression and suicide in rural communities.

I thought Beneath Outback Skies was an engaging and satisfying contemporary rural romance. I am especially pleased that Random Romance titles are available internationally and I believe that romance fans from all over the world will enjoy getting to know Paige and Tait at Banora Downs.

Read an Extract

Available to Purchase

@Random House I @Amazon Kindle I @Google Play I @iBookstore

About Alissa Callen

When Alissa Callen isn’t writing she plays traffic controller to four children, three dogs, two horses and one renegade cow who really does believe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Once a teacher and a counsellor, she remains interested in the life journeys that people take. She also is partial to historic homesteads and country gardens and has been known to drive hours to see an open garden. She currently lives on a small slice of rural Australia in central western New South Wales.

You can find out more at www.alissacallen.com

Enter to Win

1  Kindle edition of

What Love Sounds Like by Alissa Callen

Outback speech pathologist, Mia Windsor, believes her morning from hell is over. Then suited-up, city-boy Kade Reid strides into her office and announces he and his wide-eyed niece are the clients that she will be living with for the fortnight. Kade Reid adheres to a single edict — money is as important as breathing. But when he becomes an instant father to four-year-old Tilly, he escapes to the only place he was allowed to be a child…the family property of Berrilea. As Mia and Kade work together to help Tilly overcome her speech delay, can they face their fears in order to give Tilly the family she so desperately needs?

*open worldwide*

*You must be able to claim the gift from AmazonUS for Kindle

To Enter

Click here to like Alissa Cullen’s Facebook Page

Entries Closed – Congratulations Cheryl M

Entries close February 17th 2013

Winner drawn via Random.org

Good Luck!

Review: Inheritance by Kate Loveday

 

Title: Inheritance

Author: Kate Loveday

Published: Scribes Ink Publishers March 2012

Synopsis: An inheritance is usually a blessing . . .could it also be a curse? Yallandoo, the cattle station in the rugged, beautiful and potentially dangerous hinterland of Far Northern Australia – passed down through generations from English ancestors. Now willed to Cassie Taylor, a young woman from the busy metropolis of Sydney. Can a city girl cope with the challenges of running this vast property? Who is out to stop her? And why?

Status: Read on December 20, 2012 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

Set in rural Australia, Inheritance is an engaging contemporary romantic suspense novel by Kate Loveday.
Cassie Taylor is stunned to learn she has inherited Yallandoo, a cattle station in the Far North, after the tragic death of her aunt and uncle. Though intimidated by the challenge, she is determined to honour the family legacy and refuses to sell, much to her neighbour’s chagrin. Eager to ensure the drought stricken station continues to thrive, Cassie plans to supplement the farm’s income by diversifying into eco tourism, but her efforts are sabotaged by complaints, threats and arson. Facing increasing financial pressure, unless Cassie can put a stop to the disruptions she faces losing the place she now calls home.

Cassie proves to be a likeable protagonist, she takes on her inheritance with the best of intentions and though she is not completely inexperienced, she recognises she has a lot to learn. I really liked the way in which Loveday portrayed Cassie’s bond with Yallandoo, both with the land and it’s people. Yallandoo is vividly described from the dusty cattle yards to the lush tropical rainforest. Loveday is respectful towards the Indigenous, weaving their history with the land seamlessly into the story.

The romantic element of the story takes the familiar path through denial, wild attraction and misunderstandings before reaching it’s happy ever after. I have to admit, I wasn’t such a fan of Mark, there were a few elements to his character that I found quite unappealing, and as such I was lukewarm about the burgeoning relationship between the pair, though eventually I was reconciled to it.

While I felt the thread of suspense started too late in the story, I thought the author developed a strong line of intrigue. Neighbour Mark makes no secret of his desire for Cassie’s property to expand his own, and with his brother pushing for him to close the deal, his romantic interest in Cassie could be seen as little more than an expedient business move. Ben’s unscrupulous deal with Stella gives them both motive for delaying Cassie’s plans, and both seem more than capable of carrying out the sabotage designed to undermine Cassie. Or is it someone from her past who wants to see Cassie fail, hoping she will return to the city to find comfort in his arms? Discovering the identity of at least one of the culprits provides an unexpected twist to the mystery.

Inheritance fits neatly within the popular ‘farm-lit’ genre, incorporating romance and intrigue against the backdrop of rural Australian life. I found Inheritance to be an enjoyable, well written story and would happily recommend it.

Available to Purchase

@AmazonUS I @AmazonUK I @Smashwords

Kate Loveday at

Website I Blog I Goodreads I Facebook I Twitter

Review: Lethal Inheritance by Tahlia Newland

Title: Lethal Inheritance {The Diamond Peak Series #1}

Author: Tahlia Newland

Published: Catapult Press October 2012

Synopsis: If last night was real, Ariel should be dead. She’s not, but her mother has disappeared, there are bruises on her neck and the hideous beast in the photo looks frighteningly familiar. You can’t send police into a tunnel that doesn’t exist after a villain they can’t see, so when shadow demons kidnap her mother, Ariel has to mount the rescue mission herself. Hot on the trail, she enters a hidden layer of reality only to find that the demons are hunting her, and they feed on fear. Ariel must defeat them before they kill her and enslave her mother. But how do you kill terrifying demons when your fear makes them stronger? A quirky old guide teaches her how to locate and unleash her inner power, and while battling hallucinogenic mist, treacherous terrain, murderous earth spirits and self-doubt, she falls in love with Nick, a Warrior whose power is more than either of them can handle.  Ariel’s journey challenges her perception, tests her awareness and takes her deep into her heart and mind to confront, and ultimately transcend, her fear and anger.

Status: Read from December 14 to 15, 2012 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

Lethal Inheritance is contemporary young adult fantasy adventure by Australian author Tahlia Newland. Seventeen year old Ariel is stunned to learn of a hidden world that exists alongside her own when her mother is abducted by demonic creatures, a world she must now enter if she is to rescue Nadima from their clutches. With only a dagger once wielded by her father and an elderly guide to lead her, Ariel must conquer her fear to defeat the Serpentine and save not only her mother, but the world for their evil.

Every chapter Of Lethal Inheritance introduces a new facet of Newland’s elaborate world building as Ariel journeys through the Hidden Realm. Serially confronted by Gimps, Wraiths, witches, hallucinogenic mists, shifting stones and whispering reeds, Ariel, Walnut and Nick are challenged in their quest for Diamond Peak at every step.

Ariel is plagued with fear, self doubt and anger, the very emotions that give the demons of the Hidden Realm their strength. Forced to learn the skills needed to defend herself during her journey she struggles during any confrontation and is easily distracted by her negative emotions. While sympathetic to her limitations, I would have preferred her not to ‘freeze’ quite so often but to be fair Ariel does keep going despite often being overwhelmed by the threats she faces.

Walnut is both Ariel’s physical and spiritual guide, a Swami like figure, who says little but teaches Ariel what she needs to know. Nick is an apprentice of sorts to Walnut, similar in age to Ariel, he still struggles with the self control he needs to master. Inevitably, the two teens develop a mutual attraction during their journey.

The spiritual lessons imparted within Newland’s story are not subtle. Drawing heavily on accumulated metaphsyical philosophy relating to identity, self awareness, positivism and ethics, I found it a little heavy handed at times, however the emphasis is probably about right for Newland’s intended YA audience.

I also thought I recognised influences from literary fantasy and sci-fi classics such as Alice in Wonderland, The Lord of the Rings and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. In some ways the structure of the story reminds me of Enid Blyton’s Wishing Chair tales, albeit for a much more grown up audience, as the group travels between different lands within the Hidden Realm.

An engaging tale, Lethal Inheritance blends action, magic, humour and a touch of romance into a young adult fantasy adventure with an inspirational message. The good news for fans is that Newland plans to follow it up with a series of four novels to feature Ariel and her quest.

Available to Purchase

@Amazon US I @Amazon UK I @Kobo Store I @Smashwords I @iBookstore I @B&N

In Print: Catapult Press

For a limited time you can download the prequel ‘Run’ for free.

CLICK HERE

Learn more about Tahlia Newland and her work

@Website I @Facebook I @Twitter I @Goodreads I @Amazon

Review: Being Anti-Social by Leigh K Cunningham

Title: Being Anti-Social

Author: Leigh K Cunningham

Published: Vivante Publishing May 2012

Synopsis: Mace Evans is single at thirty-eight. When her much unloved older sister, Shannon, declares that Mace is anti-social, she embarks on a journey to understand her condition; whether she was born that way or if it is the accumulation of thirty-eight years of unfortunate encounters with other humans and dogs. For reasons unbeknown to Mace, she has an affair with a work colleague, which brings an unexpected end to her perfect marriage. And as if the self-imposed torture and regret is not enough, Mace endures ongoing judgment from her older sister and mother, which further exacerbates already tenuous relationships. With support from her four best friends, merlot and pizza, and with guidance from her life coach and mentor, Oscar Wilde, Mace recovers to a degree, but in her quest to understand her anti-social ways, she finds herself wondering about the quality of the fabric that keeps her network of friends intact. When Mace’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, Mace searches for common ground on which to connect before it is too late.

Status: Read from November 22 to 23, 2012 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

Despite Being Anti-Social’s cartoonish, pastel cover art I disagree with it being labeled as chick-lit. It lacks the light hearted approach to life and love that defines the genre and instead is a fairly serious minded analysis of character, though there are the occasional flashes of dry humor, mainly from well placed quotes by Oscar Wilde, who certainly has sage advice to offer for every occasion.

When Mace Evans is accused of being anti-social by her older sister she gives the complaint considerable thought. While she admits her idea of a good time is an evening spent alone with a bottle of merlot and a slab of chocolate on her couch, she resists the idea that she “unwilling or unable to associate in a normal or friendly way with other people”. Over the course of a year or so, as Mace approaches forty unmarried and childless, she examines her past and present relationships in an effort to define herself.

Being Anti-Social is well written but I found it difficult to sustain interest in what is essentially a first person monologue. Perhaps if I had been able to identify with Mace it wouldn’t have been such an issue but I found it difficult to like, or even understand her. She treats the people in her life carelessly, often with barely veiled contempt, and I thought her behaviour bordered on narcissistic, expecting family, friends, lovers and even colleagues to accommodate her personality ‘quirks’. Though there are incidents that counter her selfishness, and some signs of growth, I didn’t warm to her, which I think is crucial in such a character driven piece.

As I was unable to make that crucial connection with the main character, Being Anti-Social did not really work for me, despite the author’s technical proficiency. However I do think this novel would find an audience amongst readers who can relate to Mace and her journey.

Available to Purchase

@AmazonUS I @B&N I @BookDepository I @Smashwords

@BookworldAus I @Angus&RobertsonAus

Leigh K Cunningham is a lawyer with a career as a senior executive for a number of public companies in her home country of Australia. She has master’s degrees in law (Master of International Trade & Investment Law) and commerce (Master of Commerce) as well as an MBA (International Management). RAIN, Leigh’s first title for the adult fiction market (April 2011) was named the winner in the Literary Fiction category at the 2011 Indie Excellence Awards. RAIN was also awarded a silver medal at the 2011 Independent Publisher Awards (IPPY) in the Regional Fiction: Australia/New Zealand category. RAIN was #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for Women’s Fiction (December 2011). Leigh’s first two children’s books, THE GLASS TABLE and its sequel, SHARDS are recipients of silver medals from the Mom’s Choice Awards. SHARDS was also a finalist at the 2011 Indie Excellence Awards in the Juvenile Fiction category. BEING ANTI-SOCIAL is Leigh’s latest title (May 2012). It has been awarded the Gold Medal at the 2012 Readers Favorite Awards in Chick-lit.

Website I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads I LinkedIn

Review: Sydney Blue by Bruce A Wallace

Title: Sydney Blue

Author: Bruce A Wallace

Published: May 2012

Synopsis: In this pacey Australian crime novel, ex-reporter Nat Barker finds himself on a racetrack in the middle of a feud between two warring bookmakers. One of them just happens to be Barker’s best friend, out to avenge his father’s murder. The other wants to end the feud—permanently—and Barker is standing in his way.

Status: Read on November 15, 2012 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

Taken at face value, Sydney Blue features Nat Barker, an unemployed reporter with a gambling habit. Indebted to his best friend, a local bookie, Nat reluctantly agrees to work off the $20,000 he owes by helping Hamilton with a few simple tasks that quickly prove deadly.
Readers may recognise however, that Sydney Blue is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, complete with ghostly visitations, a vengeful son driven to the edge of madness and a drowned lover.

It’s been a long time since I last read Hamlet in a stuffy classroom so it took a while for the parallels to emerge but really I think Sydney Blue is an entertaining tale in in it’s own right. Instead of a throne being the Uncle’s target, it is the control of the family bookmaking business that is at stake. Set in Sydney (Australia) the story is well paced with plenty of action and suspense as Hamilton grows desperate to prove his uncle responsible for his father’s murder.

Nat is caught in the middle of Hamilton’s obsession. Poking around on his friend’s behalf sees him shot at, beaten and in trouble with the law all while trying to manage Hamilton’s absurd plans, including a You Tube movie and a fencing duel on Bondi Beach. I like Nat’s character, he is loyal to Hamilton and willing to defend his friend. His cynicism is tempered by a sense of humour and while he doesn’t back down from a fight he doesn’t go looking for trouble.

Sydney Blue is an entertaining, clever story for fans of PI type mysteries, and Shakespeare. A quick and well written read I am happy to recommend it.

Available To Purchase

@Amazon

Bruce Wallace is a technical writer from Sydney, Australia. He also likes to write crime fiction about the city he lives in and about the people—good, bad and ugly—that he meets in the streets of the Kings Cross red light district and on the beaches of the eastern suburbs.

Review & Giveaway: Cage Life by Karin Cox

Title: Cage Life

Author: Karin Cox

Published: July 2011

Synopsis: Karin Cox explores the choices and compromises we make in love, and how they can trap or liberate us depending on our mindset in Cage Life. Comprising of two short stories, each tale comes with an unexpected twist that makes reading all the way to the end imperative. In “Cage Life”, a young mum feels like a prisoner in her own home. Her decision to escape the bonds of marriage and motherhood, just for a few hours, has unexpected consequences that force her to a re-evaluate what it really means to be loved, to be married, and to be free. In “The Usurper,” unconditional love is explored within the boundaries of age and longing. Basil is in his eighties, with an illustrious career in law enforcement behind him, when he meets Carla — a beautiful, energetic and much younger mistress. But when Simon appears on the scene, can Basil keep her or does she, in fact, keep him?

Status: Read on November 12, 2012 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

Karin Cox worked as an editor in Australia and the UK before turning to writing full time. She has written dozens of titles including travel guides, poetry, children’s books and fiction. Cage Life is an electronic publication containing two short stories that explore the common theme of love. I thought them both well structured within the constraints of the format, and elegantly written.

In the first story ‘Cage Life’, after which the book is titled, Cox thoughtfully explores the emotional restlessness of a young wife and mother who is chafing against the confines of her quiet life, and the dramatic consequences she faces when she takes that life for granted. Unexpectedly dark and emotionally raw I ultimately thought Cage Life to be a moving tale of redemption and hope.

In ‘The Usurper’, Cox questions the surety of unconditional love in the face of aging as Basil questions his young mistress’s loyalty to their relationship. The unexpected twist in this story in particular is stunning, the shift in perspective took me completely by surprise but worked brilliantly.

Cage Life can be quickly devoured in a lunch time or commuter trip but will leave a lasting impression. If this collection is representative of Karin’s writing talent, I am sure she will find success as an author of fiction.

Available to Purchase

@AmazonUS I @AmazonUK I @Smashwords I @Kobo

About the Author

Karin Cox is an Australian editor, poet and author, and a full-time mum to an infant daughter and a black cat with the improbable name of “Ping Pong.” Trained as a professional editor, Karin has published poems and short stories in anthologies worldwide, and has written more than 28 natural history books, social history books, children’s storybooks, and travel guides, as well as ebooks Growth, Cage Life and Hey, Little Sister.

Website I Blog I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads

ENTER TO WIN

Karin Cox is offering

15 Amazon Kindle Gift copies of Cage Life

to the first 15 readers to email her at

karinwork [at] hotmail [dot] com

with “Cage Life Giveaway” in the subject line and your Amazon account email address included.

Open worldwide

Don’t miss out!

Review: Feral Bells by Peta Jo

Title: Feral Bells

Author: Peta-Jo

Published: 2011

Synopsis: Lydia Vermont’s life isn’t all that complicated. Work hard, have a nice apartment and don’t end up back in Townsville – rules that have served her well. That is until her sister, newly wed, pregnant and on the fast track to divorce, moves in. Now family obligations, interfering friends and a disastrous one-night stand have Lydia in a spin. Is this the life she really wants? It’s only after tragedy strikes, Lydia realises the rules no longer apply and she must come to grips with new boundaries and new possibilities.

Status: Read from November 09 to 10, 2012 — I own a copy {Courtesy the author}

My Thoughts:

With humour and heart, Feral Bells (formerly title Wedding Etiquette for Ferals), explores the complications of family, ambition and falling in love.

Feral Bells is written primarily in the third person from the perspective of twenty something Lydia Vermont, alternating with the first person point of view of Chris Taylor. While Lydia was thrilled to escape provincial Townsville for the bright lights of Queensland’s capital city, Chris is eager to finally be returning to his family’s farm after three long years of study. Their paths initially cross in the most unusual of ways and from then, the pair seem to be on an inevitable collision course, but reconciling their dreams appears to be an impossible task.

Lydia certainly wasn’t looking for love. Apart from a lousy boss or two, she has her dream job and takes pride in her modern city apartment far from the Townsville population of ‘ferals’. It’s not until her newlywed, and pregnant, younger sister leaves her cheating husband on her wedding night and comes to stay, that she starts to wonder if her busy, sophisticated city life is all she dreamed of.
And when tragedy strikes, Lydia is forced to reassess her priorities.

On the verge of returning to the family farm on the outskirts of Townsville in Charters Towers to take over for his father, Chris is bemused by yet another elfin beauty fleeing his roommate’s questionable hygiene the morning after. Just a few day later he is shocked to discover the mystery woman is partnered with him in his sister’s wedding. Her taste in men should be enough to frighten him away, but his attraction doesn’t seem to be ruled by logic.

Feral Bells is a character driven novel and Peta Jo’s has created strong, well rounded leads, supported by minor characters who have their own personalities. The author retains the distinct rhythm of Australian speech and its regional accents, demonstrating a talented ear for dialogue. I thought there were a couple of plot dead ends, such as the surprise appearance of Lydia’s father, but overall the story pieced together nicely and I appreciated the epilogue to tie up the loose ends.

While I want to avoid spoilers, I have to mention that Peta Jo approaches a particularly sensitive subject within the storyline with a genuine appreciation for the trauma surrounding it. Having been through the experience more than once I felt that the author treated the matter with the respect it deserves, but rarely gets, in either fiction or real life.

A satisfying fiction debut from a fledgling Australian author to watch, Feral Bells is an engaging novel of romance, drama and humor, touching on several relevant contemporary issues.

For your chance to WIN a copy of Feral Bells, click here to read Peta-Jo’s guest post

Available to Purchase

@ Bermingham Books

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

Feral Bells by Peta Jo

 “In taking leave of a group of strangers – it makes no difference whether you have been introduced to them or merely included in their conversation – you bow “good-bye” to any who happen to be looking at you, but you do not attempt to attract the attention of those who are unaware that you are turning away.” – Emily Post, 1922.

FRAGMENTS of Lydia’s evening came filtering through like starbursts. She met her friend Kathleen for drinks after work to decompress. What had started out as a momentous day in her fledgling career became another exhausting attempt to get along with her supervisor.

But Kathleen had her own news. Big news. She was drinking a mocktail, she had pointed out ever-so innocently, and this meant two things: one, she was pregnant, and two, all that irritating, carefree vivacity of hers would evaporate into a self-absorbed, baby-talking zombie, the likes of which Lydia had nothing in common, let alone time to indulge.

Laying still, Lydia was at least relieved to recall that she’d had the decency to congratulate Kathleen before drinking herself into a legless, self-pitying stupor.

As the cognitive wheels turned, Lydia realised just how many glasses of alcohol had met her lips last night.

She remembered sculling a drink in cahoots with a bar-fly stranger, insisting he drink with her in the absence of Kathleen’s voracity. Wine had sloshed beside her laughing mouth, down her chin and over the most expensive item from her wardrobe, a DKNY set.  Recalling her disregard for the large, wet stain it had left, Lydia knew she’d been a mess last night… and had she really been wearing an Akubra?!

Larger shards of memory pierced Lydia’s slumber. She stirred and frowned at herself. Shrouding lights reflecting off a shot-glass and a burning sensation deep in her chest. She couldn’t remember Kathleen being there, couldn’t remember anybody’s actual face, though she was certainly surrounded by a group of people.

Another panel of clarity, revealing flannel, a heavy scent of pine aftershave and beer brought Lydia to the fore.

Beard rash on her face and the recollection of being hauled off the dance floor dared Lydia to open her eyes once and for all.

Hesitantly, she took in a roof with beige paint coming off in large bubbles. This was not her bedroom.