Thursday, November 26, 2009

To Everyone!

Allbooks Review wishes everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Allbooks Reviews, clients are our greatest advertising

Nov. 2009, Dear Shirley,
I am writing to say thanks so much for the 2009 Allbooks Editors Choice award for 'WE ARE ALL ONE' in the Inspiration & Spirituality category. Since receiving your award there has been a noticeable increase in media interest in my work and I have been offered more radio and magazine interviews as well as creating a platform for a variety of other opportunities.
I was offered (and accepted) a publishing deal for my next book 'NAKED BEING', and I believe the Allbooks award of January 2009 played a significant role in that. My new book is published by O books and is due to be released in May 2010. It's already listed on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Being-Undressing-Your-Transforming/dp/1846943035/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258992944&sr=1-4
To any budding writers out there, I highly recommend the professional and honest services offered by Allbooks and can personally vouch for the prestige and media interest which an Allbooks award can bring.
Thanks again Shirley, and all the very best for the future,
In peace and love,
Jonathan ( J.M.Harrison author of 'WE ARE ALL ONE' and 'NAKED BEING').
www.we-are-all-one.net

Monday, November 9, 2009

Someone Stop This Merry-Go-Round

Genre: Memoirs/Health

Authors: Alberta H. Sequeira

‘Warning,’ due to the graphic nature of this story……………………

This potent memoir is about Alberta Sequeira, her husband, Richie Lopes and their daughters, Debbie and Lori. Taking a quick glance at the family photos included, one might assume they look like the typical, small town, picture perfect family. A memoir that reads like a horror story, when the nightmare could no longer be contained behind closed doors.

Richie, had become an alcoholic, which is a disease affecting millions of people. Sadly, most of us will at some time, know or love someone with this demon. Alcoholism, predominantly hereditary, is always life altering, not just to the victim but the family and friends too.

As the disease progresses, behavioral changes begin. These changes happen slowly, so at first they are overlooked, suddenly they become unmanageable. The alcoholic is in a constant state of confusion, decision making becomes catastrophic, confidence disappears, their job suffers along with their health, and denial is prevalent. Nothing is as important as that drink, and the temporary escape they believe it will provide. Worse than not having a drink, is facing the inevitable physical and emotional withdrawal.

Richie had become physically abusive while suffering blackouts. In her many valiant attempts to keep their family together, Alberta endured in silence for a long time. She watched this well respected, easy- going man, that she still loved and had based her future on, deteriorate to the point of no return. Always shattering his promise to quit drinking cost him his business, accumulated unpaid bills, brought the threat of losing their home to the government, their marriage shattered and finally cost him his life. He was 45 years old.

The author, Alberta Sequeira, proves to us that life can move on, and she has. Now married to Al Sequeira, living in Rochester MA, she draws strength from his loving support, as well as from her daughter, Debbie. They courageously keep the painful memories from the past open, their goal is hope! Hope, that by reading their gut wrenching story, it will somehow reach and help other families battle this demon. Her desire to help people, has propelled Alberta, not only to write, but she is a frequent speaker at rehabs, or any organization working towards understanding the effects of alcoholism. Showing her battle strength again, she has promised us a sequel next spring, into the years following Richie Lope’s demise and the path Lori stumbled into.

This honest, truthful insight into alcoholism, written with the best of intentions, is well presented and although sad, her purpose is fully delivered and I highly recommend it. Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com
Available through Amazon.com or your local bookseller.

Title: Someone Stop This Merry-Go-Round
Authors: Alberta Sequeira
Publisher: Infinity Publishing
ISBN-13: 9780741454157
Pages: 344
Price: US$18.95 October 2009

Nutshell Guides

Genre: Astrology/Yoga/Chinese Medicine/I-Ching

Title: Nutshell Guides: I-Ching, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yoga and Astrology

Authors: Susan Hui, Ines Laimins and Lorie Torpey

A tiny boxed set of four guides that will peak your curiosity from the moment you open the box.

Four guides that contain charts and bullet points, are quick and easy to read, entertaining and fun, all in one box! Yoga, takes you through the poses, explains the breathing technique and introduces energy. Astrology, describes ascendants, planets, sun signs, and houses, giving readers a brief yet complete picture of astrology. Traditional Chinese Medicine, explains Nature and the Five Phases and how they affect you. The Zang-fu Theory is discussed. I –Ching, gives readers an Interpretation Chart. Each individual guide will answer your questions, give you inspiration and start you on your way to a new discovery. The format is new and interesting, little fold out charts instead of pages. The books fuse Eastern and Western philosophy, wellness and lifestyles, presented in a charming and entertaining style. Four great guides in a “Nutshell.” Great gift idea for those interested in Holistic practices or those that are just curious.

Susan Hui, Ines Laimins and Lorie Tropey live in Hong Kong. They call themselves the “Nutshell Girls.” Susan is from Hong Kong, while Ines and Lorie are originally from the US. The girls’ backgrounds include banker and former TCM enthusiast, dentist and current astrologer, and former fashion editor now a yoga teacher- Great credentials for creating these handy little guides.

Highly recommended for everyone spiritual and/or curious on your gift list by Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review. www.allbookreviews.com

Publisher: Nutshell Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-988-17966-1-5

Pages: 4 tiny guides in boxed set

Price: $39.99 US

Distribution everywhere

Nov 2009

The Geronimo Corndogs

Genre: Fiction/Humor

Author: Richard Palombi

Part history, part humor is what this story is. Set during the great depression with real life characters such as John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd, and the fictional Geronimo Corndogs. The tale begins with Dillinger and the Geronimo Corndogs, when they ask him to join a foursome bowling team in a league. From there begins a humorous tale of Dillinger and the Corndogs on a spree of muffed bank robberies, FBI chases and the pig stampedes.

With PETSA wreaking havoc in their desire to bring down Augustus, “the pet felon” and the jailbreaks, Melvin Purvis, J. Edgar (Hoover,) (the) F.B.I. and some funny (goings on) in the courts, including Augustus’ prison sentence as a “pet felon,” the story is part reality with a heavy dose of tongue-in-cheek humor.

While the characters are taken from the annals of the FBI with their Public Enemy #1, the Corndogs bring a unique aspect to the history of felons like John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd. The Nelsons foster one of the Corndogs (John Luther) and act as his surrogate parents while trying to teach him the finer points of being a criminal. They soon find out that John Luther is criminally dysfunctional and will never make it as a bank robber. Read about the various trials that the bank robbers have when working with the Corndogs.

If you enjoy a touch of humor in a story, this story is for you, with shortcuts that end up going to places unintended. Reviewer, Bob Medak Allbooks Review.

Available from: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Title: The Geronimo Corndogs

Author: Richard Palombi

Publisher: Stonegarden.net Publishing
ISBN: 1-60076-153-4
Pages: 186
Price: $9.95

Nov. 2009

Friday, November 6, 2009

As Long As He Needs Me

Genre: Psychological Romance

Title: As Long as He Needs Me

Author: Mary Verdick

Author, Mary Verdick has written a romance novel for today’s times. While most romances end when the couple finally overcome obstacles and get together, As Long as He Needs Me spans thirty five years of marriage. In essence this romance is saying, “Here’s the rest of the story.”

A middle-aged couple, Clem and Kitty Johanssen, who have had their share of ups and downs in marriage, embark on a cruise to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. Before the ship ever sets sail, two young swindlers get all of their cash. This incident starts their vacation on a sour note and soon through a series of slowly revealed flashbacks we learn the true history of their relationship.

Clem seems to withdraw within himself and Kitty reacts by finding solace in an array of different characters on the ship. It seems that although this marriage has lasted thirty- five years, it may not last until the end of the cruise! As the chasm widens between the couple, the reader is privy to the hard work and compromise that is takes in this day and age to make a marriage work. We see the fears, weaknesses and strengths of Clem and Kitty.

I read this book in it’s entirety in one day. I wanted to see what would happen to this relationship. By the end of the book, Ms. Verdick has created the feeling that the Johanssen’s are real people and the reader cares about what happens to this relationship. A good read and a good story.

Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1432724276

List price: $16.95

Nov 2009

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Thumb Flagging

Title: Thumb Flagging

Author: Jerome Peterson

Genre: Travel/Adventure

Bohemian Bum, Hippie Hobo, traveler within the American illusion of freedom. Thumb Flagging is a story of hitchin’ cross country, jumpin’ trains and hoping for the thousand dollar ride. Willy is the worldly philosopher with seemingly no roots, free and ready to hit the road. Jay is the innocent; tentative and afraid, insecure and easily led. Willy talks Jay into dumping their jobs for a few day and heading from sunny Arizona to visit Jay’s sister in Colorado, an easy trip unless your thumb flagging. Jay reluctantly agrees to the adventure and enters an entirely new world; the world of the footloose and free Bohemian Bum.

Yes, this is a story about hitchhiking, but it is more as well. It’s about one man’s growth, it’s about philosophy, it’s about psychology and sociology, and ultimately, it’s a love story. Peterson is able to wrap in about every human emotion and deal with them realistically. Jay starts out as the reluctant and fearful traveler and finishes his personal journey as king of the road. You see his strength and confidence build and feel him develop and confirm his morals and sense of place, all while friends, enemies and chance acquaintances spin in and out of his life. That’s the story of the road, a story that crisscrosses the country from Arizona to Colorado then California and all the way to Main and back.

What made the story most interesting to me was the cross section of society Jay encounters. We all have our impressions and prejudices when we see a thumb flagger. And, though our preconceived notions may be right or way wrong, this book takes you in an entirely different direction. It isn’t the hitcher that’s interesting; it’s the people that are compelled to pick them up. The sad, the disaffected, the do-gooders and the crazies, when a car stops you never know what you’ll get. And when you get that “thousand dollar ride,” it’s all worthwhile.

This is an interesting read, well written and a story with many lessons if you will let them in.

Reviewed by Allbooks reviewer Gregory J. Saunders www.allbookreviews.com

Eloquent Books, ISBN 978-1-60693-750-1

Price $32.50 US

Oct. 2009

The Judas Ride

Genre: Fiction, Christian, General

Title: The Judas Ride

Author: Peggy Sue Yarber, PhD

Imagine an unwed pregnant teenager, drug and alcohol addiction, rape, broken homes, abuse and the setting of a poor neighborhood ruled by street gangs. Add to the mix, Pastor Manny, an eccentric, immigrant pastor that worships John Wayne and follows sports and who wants to make a difference.

Young, 16 year-old Sonia is pregnant, with the possibility of two different fathers. She is being rebellious and leaves her middle class neighborhood to run with the “bad boys”. Once she is pregnant, she enjoys the attention, but too soon reality sets in.

“I hate this baby, I want it out of me. I want to be pretty again,” Sonia whined in a shrill voice.

“The baby is mine, right? And I say you have it and that’s final.

“You only want me to have it so I’m ugly and no one will want me….

As each chapter unfolds, in the fast paced, gripping book, we are reminded of the consequences of our actions and the dangers of going so far there seems to be no way out. Hence, the title The Judas Ride. Once Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus by kissing him on the check and the coming chain of events were set in motion, the “ride” could not be stopped.

The assortment of troubled characters seems to be taken out of the tragic headlines of the evening news, as they wind their way into the heart. The violence and darkness, if not condoned, becomes understood as each of the character’s lives comes to light. Tragedy lurks just around the corner and secrets kill; but hope lingers, as a pastor’s unconditional love and often-harsh words inspire hardened hearts to turn to God.

Miss Yarber has raised the awareness of the struggles and plight of too many of today’s youth. This novel gives the reader a conscience and we can no longer sit back in the safety of our suburban and rural homes and turn a blind eye to what is happening, a neighborhood at a time, in cities across our nation.

The eclectic cast and riveting story, not to mention the imaginative book cover, create a book that I would highly recommend to others.

Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com


Publisher: Tate Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60799-801-3

List price: $15.99

Oct 2009

Sunday, November 1, 2009

A Land Beyond Ravens

Genre: Historical Fiction

Title: A Land Beyond Ravens

AUTHOR: Kathleen Cunningham Guler


Fifth century master spy, Marcus ap Iorwerth, enjoyed being the go-to man for ferreting out information. He is a master of disguise and was trusted by many for thirty years. But now he knows too much about everyone and one slip of the tongue can mean his death.

During this time of King Uther, Marcus constantly blends into the landscape to find answers to looming questions that give men power. Uther’s teenaged son, Arthur, is next in line to the throne most people think will be available with Uther’s pending death.

Marcus supports Arthur moving into his rightful place, however Marcus’ wife’s psychic visions forecast the toughest battle and not the most pleasant outcome.

Novelist Kathleen Guler presents a clear portrait of this historical time period and the people who lived it. Her combination of verifiable research and use of myths from the time period are woven together to create a story from the perspective of other characters living in the time building up to King Arthur, Merlin, and the knights of the Roundtable.

Kathleen Cunningham Guler is the author of the award-winning Macsen’s Treasure series that includes Into the Path of Gods, In the Shadow of Dragons, and The Anvil Stone. She studied Celtic history and Arthurian legend for almost thirty years in the U.S. and Great Britain. She has published numerous articles, essays, reviews, short stories, and poetry.

A Land Beyond Ravens is a recommended read for anyone interested in Arthurian legend, mystery, spy, adventure, or romance. Reviewer: Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews.

Available through Amazon.com and other online venues.

Title: A Land Beyond Ravens

Author: Kathleen Cunningham Guler

Publisher: Bardsong Press

ISBN: 978-0-9660371-6-6

Pages: 384

Price: $25.95

October 2009

Beyond the Maps Boundary: A Timely Adventure

Genre: Fantasy/ebook

Title: Beyond the Map's Boundary: A Timely Adventure

Author: Nibi Soto, Illustrated by Chris Humphreys

They are the protectors and guardians of those trapped in time, and in each generation their journey begins again.

Mattie has grown up knowing nothing of her Inheritance, the complicated gift that will be bestowed on her upon her mother's death. She has never had any idea of the high destiny people in her mother's line have had for ages. When her mother disappears, she is forced to learn all this the hard way, and there is someone who does not want her to live to use her new talents.

Beyond the Map's Boundary is somehow both charming and tense, and the world the characters inhabit is deep and complicated, perfect for realistic fantasy. The only dark spot is that the characters are never allowed to flesh out as "real" people. Soto seems to wish for simplicity in the personalities of her creations, but what results are two-dimensional people who act in ways that seem to have no reason. The reader may get the sense that the author wanted something to happen, and made her characters do whatever it took to achieve that, even if this meant strange or contradictory behaviour. This could perhaps be linked to the author's desire to make this a tale for all ages, but this method does not quite succeed. If Soto continues the story in another book (and I hope she does), more emphasis on the characters will lead to a much more fleshed out narrative, and more compelling dialogue.

Nimi Soto's education has been varied and eclectic, and she draws on this wealth of experience in her creative projects. She currently lives in Utah, surrounded by family.

The action is riveting, and the plot will absolutely draw the reader in. The level of detail demands that this story be re-read and appreciated for its nuances. However, the weakness of the character voices and personalities make this an Average read.

Reviewer: J.Blackmore, Allbooks Reviews. www.allbookreviews.com
Available at: http://beyondthemapsboundary.com, www.Amazon.com

Title: Beyond the Map's Boundary

Author: Nibi Soto, illustrated by Chris Humphreys

Publisher: Thornock International Productions, Inc.

ISBN: 0-6152882-51

Pages: 309

Price: $9.95

October 2009