I have had The Savannah Project by Chuck Barrett on my TBR since 2012, but didn’t pick it up until 2014. I was so excited to grab it and don’t know why I waited so long to read it.
I cracked the book open and didn’t realize it was St Patrick’s Day…here and in Savannah Georgia. The Prologue socked me in the gut and I braced myself for what was to come. I have had my eye on The Savannah Project and The Toymaker since 2012, so it is high time I Knocked them off my reading list.
Jake Pendleton will meet Ian Collins, an assassin that will change his life forever. A man who vowed an eye for an eye, a blood vengeance.
I have never really understood all the IRA, Sinn Fein issues, but I have read and continue to read novels about them, trying. An eye for an eye is never enough. I can never understand sacrificing innocent lives. How can that be right?
As I read along, the story grew deeper, more desperate and dangerous. Jake scrambles to understand what is happening. The action is non stop as they travel the globe creating devastation wherever they go. Bodies will fall and I wonder who will be left standing.
The story doesn’t end here and I eagerly begin The Toymaker. The characters have captured my curiosity and I have to know what will become of them, whether they are the worst villains imaginable or persons who will sacrifice their life for others.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
The truth can be a dangerous thing.
Terrorism, duty, and personal safety collide when Jake Pendleton, an investigator for the NTSB, is called to investigate an aircraft accident in Savannah, Georgia during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The accident, which at first appears to be quite run-of-the-mill, turns out to be anything but. Since Jake is not willing to pretend there are no suspicious circumstances and more than the usual share of rather unlikely “coincidences,” he sets off a veritable avalanche of secrets, violence and treachery. Aided by an unlikely partner, Gregg Kaplan, the air traffic controller who was the last person in contact with the airplane that crashed, Jake sets out to untangle the webs of deceit and to find a vicious killer.
Nothing is as it seems, nobody is who you thought them to be. Nothing is sacred. Nobody is safe.
The Savannah Project is an action packed political thriller with a twist around every corner. If you like thrillers by great authors like David Baldacci, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and others, then you’ll enjoys this book as the author incorporates his 3M formula for his novels: Murder, Mystery, & Mayhem.
His books have reached Amazon Bestseller status in the following categories: • Espionage & Spy Thrillers • Political Thrillers • Political Thriller & Suspense • Action & Adventure • Terrorism Thriller
Action and Adventure, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Fiction
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2010
ABOUT CHUCK BARRETT
Chuck Barrett is the award-winning author of The Savannah Project, The Toymaker, Breach of Power, and Disruption of his Jake Pendleton series, and Blown, and Last Chance of his blockbuster Gregg Kaplan series. He is a graduate of Auburn University and retired air traffic controller. He also holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
He and his wife, DJ Steele (also an author) currently reside in Northern Colorado.
Awards: —BLOWN 2016 Writers Digest Self-Published Book Awards
—Breach of Power Winner of the 2013 Indie Excellence Award in Political Thrillers. Finalist in the 2013 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure category.
—The Toymaker Finalist in the 2013 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure & Mystery/Suspense categories.
—The Savannah Project Finalist in the 2011 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure category. Second Place in the 2011 Reviewers Choice Awards Mystery/Thriller/Suspense/Horror category. Honorable Mention in the 2011 ForeWord Reviews Book-Of-The-Year Awards Thriller/Suspense category.
One of Christine E Schulze’s reasons for writing The Amielian Legacy was to enthrall readers with a fantastical adventure, with characters that will grab the reader’s imagination, bringing them along on an epic quest. Larimar: Gem of the Sea is the first novella of the series, and once I began reading, I didn’t stop until I was finished.
We begin with a map of the Four Realms, and at the end of the book Christine E Schulze explains their history.
Captain Jorah is at the helm of the Gem of the Sea, sailing on another adventure. There is no place he would rather be, and as we learn his story, we find this adventure was a long time coming. It will take him to places he never could imaging, encountering many magical creatures. He is good and kind. At times, his crew thinks he’s out of his mind, but they are loyal to the core.
Larimar seeks his help. Only a mortal can pull the sword, the Serpent’s Bane, from the stone and save the City of Larimar. Reminded me of a Charmed episode, and, of course, King Arthur.
If you love action and adventure, fantasy and characters that run the spectrum, from human to supernatural, quests to solve the riddles of myths and legends, then Larimar: Gem of the Sea by Christine E Schulze may be for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Larimar: Gem of the Sea by Christine E Schulze.
4 Stars
BOOK BLURB
A fearless captain and a mysterious girl who walks on water. An underwater city and a destined deadly curse. What could possibly go wrong?
Captain Jorah is renowned for being one of the youngest explorers to ever sail Zephyrian waters. He’s also notorious for landing his crew in situations they hadn’t counted on, involving man-eating mermaids and other dangerous misadventures.
When Jorah decides to search for the legendary underwater City of Larimar, he doesn’t account for the quest that follows. After being rescued from shipwreck by a mysterious young woman who walks on water and carries a singing seashell around her neck, he soon finds himself reunited with an old friend once thought lost to him. Before he knows it, he’s caught up in a race against time to save her yet again, this time from a looming prophecy about a deadly serpent destined to consume her entire race.
Can Jorah help her save her people before the dark prophecy completes itself?
The Amielian Legends is a collection of stand-alone young adult books, all set in the same fantastic universe, that can be read in any order. Read Larimar: Gem of the Sea today to discover new worlds filled with adventure, diverse characters, and whimsical magic.
Amazon:https://amzn.to/3WGhwew
Audible: https://amzn.to/3qisbQz
BOOK EXCERPT
Captain Jorah stood proudly aboard the Gem, smiling as his ship departed from the shores of Muriel. He closed his eyes and lifted his face to the sun, relishing its warmth on his fair skin, paler than usual from being cooped up too much this past winter. With a deep inhale, he savored the salty air and released a contented sigh. How good it felt to be one with his beloved ocean once more.
As they picked up speed, the wind tousled his shoulder-length hair about his face. He pulled the unruly locks back, tying them with a bit of twine, and a fond, bittersweet memory played before him. His mother, washing his hair as a young lad, admiring how its golden-brown hues were the same as his father’s. When he grew older, she would run her hands through his hair and say it was golden-brown like the sands of the distant lands he longed so much to discover. Much as he relished this life of adventure, he oft times wished he could trade it for one more simple, precious night with Mama, sitting on the shoreline, talking, and dreaming of a better life. At least he had fulfilled the greater part of her dream by building that life for himself, and so he would go on doing, with each new quest he undertook.
Jorah watched his kingdom of Muriel as it shrank on the horizon. The castle stretched high on the cliffs, its gold-gilded turrets glistening in the rising sun’s prismatic glow. The flags atop the turrets bore Muriel’s royal standard of two aqua-colored seals swimming in a perfect circle on a dark blue backdrop. As the flags waved at the matching banners that flew from the Gem’s masts, Jorah could almost imagine the castle bid him a fond farewell.
Then again, truth be told, he had seen little inside the castle’s walls in the past few years. He hardly recalled the feel of his fine satin sheets or the taste of fine wine. He preferred to be on the go, always seeking his next quest. At nineteen, he had already explored as many of Zephyr’s Islands as could be reached, discovering many unique creatures and plant life, including what had since become the most popular breeds of Thebazilian foxes. He was also one of few who’d dared to travel to the mysterious Western Realm, learning much from the diverse cultures he encountered there.
Jorah had abandoned a life of luxury to pursue his life-long curiosity. He did not seek gold or silver. Nor did he seek to conquer or establish new lands. No, the most favored treasure he sought was that of ancient civilizations, myths, and legends.
Thus, as Jorah bid Caracol, his first mate, to follow him into his cabin, Caracol inwardly groaned. What harebrained mission had the captain concocted this time? Were they searching for trolls, elves, or perhaps narwhals? Caracol hoped it was narwhals. He had always fancied seeing the great “unicorns who ruled the seas.”
Of course, Caracol, like the rest of the crew, looked up to Jorah. He was a good captain and an intelligent man. But Caracol also wasn’t the only member of the crew to question their captain’s sanity from time to time.
When the crew had first come together, they had thought Jorah crazy for believing in the ridiculous legends he was always digging up. Now, they thought him crazy because the legends nearly always proved true, and yet he still insisted on pursuing such “exhilarating journeys,” as he cheerfully called their oft-near-death experiences. The most exhilarating thing the crew usually found about such quests was the trip home, especially after their last mission, where they had nearly been devoured by man-eating mermaids.
Blessed Amiel, Caracol breathed the silent prayer with a shiver, as he recalled the mermaids’ slimy hands clawing at him. Please let it be anything but mermaids.
Despite his nagging worries, Caracol remained silent as he followed his captain into his cabin. After all, Jorah had kept them alive thus far. Surely, he would keep them safe on whatever new mission he had in store.
As Jorah unrolled one of the huge maps and spread it wide on the table, Caracol watched the familiar, eager glint leap into his captain’s bright green eyes.
“This,” Jorah said, pointing to a location on the map, “this is our new destination.”
Caracol peered over Jorah’s shoulder and instantly felt a headache coming on. His captain didn’t even point to a landmark. Rather, he pointed to some random part of the Zephyrian Ocean. Those usually ended up being the worst kinds of adventures. The mermaids’ seaweed stench rushed back to him, making his stomach roil.
Swallowing hard, he said, “That’s in the middle of the Zephyrian Ocean, Captain.”
“Yes, Caracol, and do you know what’s in the middle of the Zephyrian Ocean?”
Caracol didn’t have any idea, but he had the reluctant feeling that he would momentarily find out.
“I don’t know, Captain.”
“The ancient City of Larimar, also known as the ‘Gem of the Sea!’” Jorah tensed, as though he might burst from his rush of excitement. “It’s the legendary city of the Larimar people, named after one of their ancient queens, ‘Larine,’ and ‘mara,’ their word for ‘sea.’ The Larimar people are elves, skilled in magic that allows them to control the very ocean waves…”
Elves, Caracol reflected, as the captain rambled on. Elves aren’t so bad. The last elves they had encountered had given them weapons, jewels, and other gifts. The King of Arabis had been quite impressed with all they had brought to trade, after that expedition. Caracol began to feel a bit more at ease.
“…with amazing buildings constructed from the larimar stone. It’s the most magnificent city ever built on the ocean floor.”
Oh, dear, Caracol thought. Ocean floor. Of course, there hadto be a downfall somewhere. His thoughts darted back to mermaids, and a knot twisted in the pit of his stomach.
“On the ocean floor, Captain? How will we know where to stop sailing and dive below? How will we know when we’ve found this city?”
The determined, decisive gleam Caracol had witnessed far too often in Jorah’s eyes flashed in them now as he said, “Oh, we’ll know, Caracol. Believe me. If the legends are true, and I’ve never yet pursued a legend that wasn’t based in some truth, we’ll know.”
ABOUT CHRISTINE E SCHULZE
Christine E. Schulze has been living in castles, exploring magical worlds, and creating fantastical adventures and romances since she was too young to even write of such stories. Her collection of young adult and children’s fantasy books, The Amielian Legacy, is comprised of series and stand-alone books that can all be read separately, but also weave together to create a single, amazing fantasy.
One of her main aspirations for The Amielian Legacy is to create fantasy stories with characters that connect with readers from many different backgrounds. Her current focus is to include racially diverse characters and those with disabilities. The latter is inspired by Schulze working with adults with autism and other developmental disabilities at Trinity Services in Southern Illinois.
Schulze draws much of her inspiration from favorite authors like Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Diana Wynne Jones, favorite games like The Legend of Zelda, and especially from the people in her life. Some of her exciting ventures include the publication of her award-winning Bloodmaiden, as well as The Gailean Quartet with Words Matter Publishing. Her books for younger readers include In the Land of Giants and The Amazing Captain K.
Christine currently lives in a cozy Hobbit hole, but you can visit her on her website: http://christineschulze.com.
Book Title: A Daughter’s Journey by Myra Lee Glass Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 132 pages Genre: YA Historical Fiction / Adventure Publisher: Coleche Press Release date: Feb 2023 Content Rating: G: Written for a high school school project by a highschooler
Book Description:
The year is 1938 and a family in the small South Carolina town of Beaufort faces serious adversity. After the birth of her long-awaited son, Mary Banks dives into a dark postpartum period, throwing her into a deep depression. Thinking that her sister, Rose, is offering her a helping hand, Mary leaves her family and goes to Boston in search of a medical cure, not to be heard from again.
Where is Mary Banks? What has Rose done with the much-loved mother and wife of the Banks family? Finally, Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle can wait no longer. She gathers her wits and her courage and without a word, runs off to heroically rescue her beloved mother in faraway Boston. This is where the adventure begins……
The cover for Deep As The Sky, Read As The Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig is EXCELLENT! It says it all, a woman pirate on the high seas. I would have grabbed the book no matter what, so, yes, a cover does have a big influence over me when it comes to choosing books.
I love anything to do with water, and women pirates, well, how awesome is that? They can be just as vicious as the men. Sometimes it’s a choice between fighting or death, and Shek Young chose life. She can birth a baby and behead an adversary. Her life is a strategy, with few she can trust. She suffers losses, but cannot let it show, or those watching on the sidelines, waiting for an opportunity, would see it as a sign of weakness, putting her life in jeopardy.
In the beginning, she had no power over her life. Once she found it, she did everything to keep it. Yes, she had to make compromises, but she was the one making the choice, not someone making it for her. And what waits for her at the end? Will her death be violent?
Deep As The Sky, Red As The Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig is an action packed adventure novel of life on the high seas and how many of those who chose or were forced came to be there, living, loving, fighting, dying.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Deep As The Sky, Red As The Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
For readers of Outlawed, Piranesi, and The Night Tiger, a riveting, roaring adventure novel about a legendary Chinese pirate queen, her fight to save her fleet from the forces allied against them, and the dangerous price of power.
When Shek Yeung sees a Portuguese sailor slay her husband, a feared pirate, she knows she must act swiftly or die. Instead of mourning, Shek Yeung launches a new plan: immediately marrying her husband’s second-in-command, and agreeing to bear him a son and heir, in order to retain power over her half of the fleet.
But as Shek Yeung vies for control over the army she knows she was born to lead, larger threats loom. The Chinese Emperor has charged a brutal, crafty nobleman with ridding the South China Seas of pirates, and the Europeans-tired of losing ships, men, and money to Shek Yeung’s alliance-have new plans for the area. Even worse, Shek Yeung’s cutthroat retributions create problems all their own. As Shek Yeung navigates new motherhood and the crises of leadership, she must decide how long she is willing to fight, and at what price, or risk losing her fleet, her new family, and even her life.
A book of salt and grit, blood and sweat, Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea is an unmissable portrait of a woman who leads with the courage and ruthlessness of our darkest and most beloved heroes.
ABOUT RITA CHANG-EPPIG
Rita Chang-Eppig received her MFA in fiction from NYU. Her stories have appeared in The Best American Short Stories 2021, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Conjunctions, Clarkesworld, The Rumpus, Virginia Quarterly Review, and elsewhere. She has received fellowships from the Rona Jaffe Foundation/Vermont Studio Center, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, the Writers Grotto, and the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University. She lives in California.
Book Title: Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 484 pages Genre: Adventure Publisher: North Raven Books Release date: March 27, 2023 Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
MY REVIEW
It is wonderful to be back in Spruce View with characters I have come to know so well. Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains is the fourth book in the Rocky Mountain series. I have loved spending time with everyone, struggling through their issues ad the find their place in the world.
The Prologue shares a story of Two Wolves, loosely based on a Cherokee legend. I love that each book starts out with a different tribes legend. I love that we have an animal rescue center, and Kachina, a wolf pup is in dire need of their help.
We meet a new guy, Doug. All my spidey senses went on alert, but that could just be me. I am always looking around the corner for this or that bad thing or bad person to make an appearance.
I was able to spot some trouble coming and I had to know how everything would pan out. There is so much going on and so many new adventures for the characters, there was never a dull moment.
I have loved this series, reading one book right after the other. Natascha Birovljev is an amazing author, filling the book’s pages with vividly described environments, characters that had me laughing and even shedding a tear or two or three and mysteries to be solved. I feel like I have learned a lot about ranching and the Native culture.
Could there be more coming in the Rocky Mountain series? We could end here and I would be satisfied, but I would love to have more and keep up with the gang.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow Wolf by Natascha Birovljev.
4 Stars
Book Description:
What if the untamed wilderness held the key to unlocking the deepest desires of the heart?
In the shadow of the majestic Rocky Mountains, whispers of untold stories and hidden destinies come to life. Welcome to the world of The Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains, the fourth installment in the gripping Willow Ranch series. Here, three humans and a she-wolf navigate a treacherous landscape of love, loss, and the unforgiving wilderness.
When fate intertwines the lives of Rosie, the resilient groom, Cody, the enigmatic cowboy, and Woodwind, the mystical Cree Indian, their fragile dreams and deepest fears are unearthed. At the heart of it all is the Willow Ranch, a place where passions ignite, and lives are forever altered. Can they trust the strength of their bond and the power of love to guide them through the storm?
In this haunting tale of self-discovery and the quest for redemption, each character is forced to confront their own demons. As Cody grapples with the crushing weight of his brother’s suicide, Rosie fights for her horses and her home amidst swirling deception. And Woodwind, haunted by self-doubt, must find the courage to save the she-wolf and the woman who has captured his heart.
As careless decisions threaten the future of the Willow Ranch, the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains presents a formidable challenge. With time running out, the friends and staff must pull together and believe in the magic of community to save their home and their happiness.
Dare to venture into the wild unknown, where heartache and hope collide, and where the call of the heart is a siren song that cannot be ignored. “Song of the Wild: Call of the Heart” beckons you to the Willow Ranch, where the secrets of the wilderness hold the key to love, courage, and the power of unity.
Embark on this unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery today – answer the call of the heart and unlock the secrets hidden within the wild.
Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.
Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.
Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.
Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.
Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.
Book Title: Shadow Grizzly of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 352 pages Genre: Adventure Publisher: North Raven Books Release date: March 27, 2023 Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
MY REVIEW
Shadow Grizzly Of The Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovjlev is the third book in the Rocky Mountain series and the best one…so far. The characters lives are moving forward as they face obstacles placed in their paths.
Each book starts with a Prologue, sharing a Native legend. The Great Bear is based on an Iroquois legend and, of course, I think most of us know of the constellation.
Natascha Birovjlev had me chuckling right off the bat. These are a couple of my favorite quotes:
“Wash it off, put a bandage around it, and I think you’ll live, Boss.”
He bent over and grabbed an apple and took a bite. “Hmm, these would make a great apple pie.”
“If you make it, I’ll eat it,” replied Lyla.
Rosie is a new character that has come to Willow Ranch. She is the niece of Eric LaForge, a trapper and friend of Lee’s father. We also have Woodwind, coming to join us. He is Lonefeather’s brother, recently released from prison. He will face some challenges, and I wondered what his story was. We will also meet Dorothy and Sam. OMG. This nine year old girl stole my heart. Her mother calls her Starshine. It is a fitting name, seeing she lights up the world around her. She is much older than her age, being raised by a single mother who shares the important things with her, preparing her…
“Seeing the world through the yes of a child can make us adults start to believe in dreams again.”
I love learning the history of the Natives and can see why they feel so much resentment and confusion when Natascha Birovjlev shares their story of the residential schools. I love when an author has me surfing the web, doing my own research, wanting to know more. I can feel their anger and disgust as I learn. But that is the past. Now, WE must figure out where we go from here.
He put his arm around Sam, who was also crying softly and pulled her tight. “Thank you for being here,” he whispered to the girl. “A shared burden is easier to bear.”
OK, here come the waterworks, even though I knew this was going to happen.
“Okay, but can I have whipped cream on top?” Sam replied between sobs, wiping her eyes.
The innocence of this sweet, sweet child breaks my heart and puts it back together again.
Shadow Grizzly Of The Smoky Mountains by Natascha Birovjlev is the third book of the Smoky Mountain series and the one that has hit me the hardest. I laughed with the characters, I cried with the characters, and, at the end, I felt all was right with the world. I am excited to find out what comes next for the Spruce View residents.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow Grizzly by Natascha Birovljev.
5 Stars
Book Description:
Can love triumph in the face of adversity and the shadows of the past?
In the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, a gripping tale of love, danger, and destiny awaits.
Discover the enthralling story of rancher Lee, who finally gets permission to lead horseback tours in the wilds of Canada. His dreams of family and shaping the future of Willow Ranch hang in the balance. If he fails, he loses everything.
As Lee embarks on his quest, his sister Lyla returns from the Yukon to take charge of the wildlife station. Destiny reunites her with Lonefeather Jones, a Native American dreamcatcher weaver grappling with demons from his past. As the flames of their long-hidden feelings spark to life, they must confront the shadows that threaten to keep them apart.
Amidst the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains, new challenges test the courage and unity of Willow Ranch’s residents and friends. As relationships falter, death looms, and darkness threatens to consume the light, can the power of love prevail?
Join the unforgettable characters of the Willow Ranch series in this heart-stopping third installment. In a breathtaking landscape where mysteries lurk around every corner, you’ll be captivated by tales of love, adventure, and the unbreakable human spirit.
Uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows of the Rockies. Will love conquer the darkness before the last light on the horizon fades? The answer lies within these pages.
Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.
Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.
Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.
Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.
Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.
Book Title: Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 446 pages Genre: Adventure Publisher: North Raven Books Release date: March 27, 2023 Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
MY REVIEW
I love how each book of the Rocky Mountain series starts with a Prologue and a Native story. The Prologue of Shadow Crow Of The Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev is a Lenape legend. I have always been fascinated by the Natives culture and this series has been excellently translated. As far as ranch life and horses, Natascha Birovljev lives what she writes.
“Dad’s dead, Chuck muttered. “I still can’t believe it.”
Now, he is returning to Spruce View with his raggedy pickup and his best friend, Goat, his mule mare. It’s a loss, but also a blessing that he was pulled from hunting camp he was working at that had become hell for him. Chuck had up and left. No goodbye to anyone.
He inherits his fathers trapline. And thus starts the mystery.
I love books that have crows in them and they will make an appearance, here and there throughout. Are they a sign for Chuck? Are they trying to tell him something? Is he listening?
It is wonderful to be back with some familiar characters. As soon as I finished one book, I picked up the next.
Lyla is a Cree woman and has been involved with Nick, co owner of Willow Ranch. I don’t want to go into too much detail about the book because it is a series and I don’t want to give anything away, but Lyla will have some life changes. I love her dog, Mr Mud. What a fun name.
In Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck doesn’t come off so well. He pissed me off, more and more. Is he really so dense he can’t see what’s coming, or is he so wrapped up in himself he can’t see past his own state of mind.? Through most of the book I was hating on the men, Chuck and Nick. Can they be redeemed, because they sure have some issues.
I am so excited that I have all four books of the Rocky Mountain series by Natascha Birovjlev. As soon as I finished one, I picked up the next one, getting more and more involved in the characters lives. I try not to judge them, because the author is the one telling the story and the characters are talking to her. Their reasons are there own, and as the story unravels, I was able to understand their reasons and motivations for their actions, right or wrong.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow Crow by Natascha Birovljev.
4 Stars
Book Description:
Do you believe in the power of love and ancient magic to overcome the obstacles of the heart and the wilderness?
Dive into an enchanting journey of love, adventure, and mystery set in the captivating wilderness of Canada.
In The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck and Lyla find themselves drawn together by their shared love for the Canadian wilderness. However, while Lyla embraces the strength the mountains provide, Chuck returns to his hometown a bitter man, determined to sell his inherited fur-trapper route, and leave once more.
When a lucrative offer from a cunning businessman and a chance encounter with the enigmatic Wahleeah enter the picture, Chuck’s plans for a swift exit are thrown into disarray. As the possibility of staying in his hometown starts to feel like an adventure rather than a punishment, Chuck finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of emotion, danger, and intrigue.
Lyla, appointed by her Native American tribe as the protector of wild horses, faces her own challenges. With a tumultuous relationship and her dreams of transforming the wild horse territory into a protected reserve on the line, a mysterious figure named Lonefeather Jones enters her life, igniting a magical spark within her. But will this newfound magic be enough to overcome the setbacks and jealousy that threaten to tear her world apart?
As secrets are uncovered and lives intertwine, the Willow Ranch residents find themselves facing trials that will test their courage, love, and loyalty. With legends of the First Nations woven into the narrative, this tale of ranch life and the untamed beauty of the Canadian wilderness will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Unravel the mysteries of the Rocky Mountains and immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains.
Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.
Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.
Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.
Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.
Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.
Book Title: Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 372 pages Genre: Adventure Publisher: North Raven Books Release date:March 27, 2023 Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
MY REVIEW
‘They’ say to write about something you know and that is what Natascha Birovljey has done in Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains. If you check out her bio, you will see that she emigrated from Germany to Canada and lives with her horses, like her characters, Lee and Lyla. Her translators, Hilary Whiteley and Anna Fin did an excellent job, making the novel flow smoothly and easy to read.
I love the Cree influence and the Prologue shares a story based on the Yinnuwok First Ntaions people. More than once, Natascha Birovljey had me surfing the web, checking out this and that. I love when an author does their research.
A phone call from Lee’s Aunt Jeanne has him and his sister, Lyla, coming home to Willow Ranch. His father has cancer and the clock is ticking down on his life. His grumpiness made me think of my father, when he was bedridden. It’s hard for a strong, independent man to let others take over.
His photography career will play a part, and as a lover of photography and animals, I found a connection with him, until….well, he does something that made me think, what the….why would you do that? Is he really that dense? That gullible? And Naira, a Cree woman who runs a wildlife sanctuary, why would you say that to her? But, you will need to find out for yourself what I am talking about, because mum is the word.
Lyla has a connection to animals, nightmares, and feels like someone is keeping secrets from her. After a while, I began to figure out some of it, but I was happy that I wasn’t right about everything.
When I read about the burrowing owls, it made me think of a TV program I watched about them. They are such cute little animals and definitely serve their purpose in the novel.
Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains by Natascha Biroljev was everything I had hoped it would be and more. If you love reading about the Native culture, animals, especially horses, second chances, love and forgiveness, I feel this is a book for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains by Natascha Biroljev.
4 Stars
Book Description:
Have you ever felt the call of the wild, beckoning you to a place where the beauty of nature takes your breath away?
Get ready to be swept away by the powerful and heartwarming tale of Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains. This story of love, family, and friendship will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Follow the journey of siblings Lee and Lyla Meyers as they leave their lives in Germany behind and return to their roots in the Canadian Cowboy Country. Nature sets the tone in this breathtaking setting where freedom requires courage, and the magic of love between untamed hearts can be found around every corner.
As Lyla and Lee rediscover their family and their roots on the Willow Ranch, they are welcomed by the stunning Rocky Mountains and the unforgettable horses that roam freely. The beauty of the wilderness is nothing short of magical, but danger lurks around every corner. The siblings are tested in ways they never could have imagined, and their courage is put to the ultimate test.
New love relationships blossom and the bonds of family are renewed, but a dark family secret threatens to tear everything apart. Lyla and Lee are willing to risk everything to save their beloved ranch and the family they have grown to love.
Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains is a breathtaking adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. If you believe in the power of love and the strength of family, this book is a must-read. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the Canadian wilderness and the wild spirits that call it home.
Book Title: Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 446 pages Genre: Adventure Publisher: North Raven Books Release date:March 27, 2023 Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
Book Description:
Do you believe in the power of love and ancient magic to overcome the obstacles of the heart and the wilderness?
Dive into an enchanting journey of love, adventure, and mystery set in the captivating wilderness of Canada.
In The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck and Lyla find themselves drawn together by their shared love for the Canadian wilderness. However, while Lyla embraces the strength the mountains provide, Chuck returns to his hometown a bitter man, determined to sell his inherited fur-trapper route, and leave once more.
When a lucrative offer from a cunning businessman and a chance encounter with the enigmatic Wahleeah enter the picture, Chuck’s plans for a swift exit are thrown into disarray. As the possibility of staying in his hometown starts to feel like an adventure rather than a punishment, Chuck finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of emotion, danger, and intrigue.
Lyla, appointed by her Native American tribe as the protector of wild horses, faces her own challenges. With a tumultuous relationship and her dreams of transforming the wild horse territory into a protected reserve on the line, a mysterious figure named Lonefeather Jones enters her life, igniting a magical spark within her. But will this newfound magic be enough to overcome the setbacks and jealousy that threaten to tear her world apart?
As secrets are uncovered and lives intertwine, the Willow Ranch residents find themselves facing trials that will test their courage, love, and loyalty. With legends of the First Nations woven into the narrative, this tale of ranch life and the untamed beauty of the Canadian wilderness will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Unravel the mysteries of the Rocky Mountains and immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains.
Book Title: Shadow Grizzly of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 352 pages Genre: Adventure Publisher: North Raven Books Release date:March 27, 2023 Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
Book Description:
Can love triumph in the face of adversity and the shadows of the past?
In the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, a gripping tale of love, danger, and destiny awaits.
Discover the enthralling story of rancher Lee, who finally gets permission to lead horseback tours in the wilds of Canada. His dreams of family and shaping the future of Willow Ranch hang in the balance. If he fails, he loses everything.
As Lee embarks on his quest, his sister Lyla returns from the Yukon to take charge of the wildlife station. Destiny reunites her with Lonefeather Jones, a Native American dreamcatcher weaver grappling with demons from his past. As the flames of their long-hidden feelings spark to life, they must confront the shadows that threaten to keep them apart.
Amidst the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains, new challenges test the courage and unity of Willow Ranch’s residents and friends. As relationships falter, death looms, and darkness threatens to consume the light, can the power of love prevail?
Join the unforgettable characters of the Willow Ranch series in this heart-stopping third installment. In a breathtaking landscape where mysteries lurk around every corner, you’ll be captivated by tales of love, adventure, and the unbreakable human spirit.
Uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows of the Rockies. Will love conquer the darkness before the last light on the horizon fades? The answer lies within these pages.
Book Title: Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 484 pages Genre: Adventure Publisher: North Raven Books Release date:March 27, 2023 Content Rating: PG for romantic elements
Book Description:
What if the untamed wilderness held the key to unlocking the deepest desires of the heart?
In the shadow of the majestic Rocky Mountains, whispers of untold stories and hidden destinies come to life. Welcome to the world of The Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains, the fourth installment in the gripping Willow Ranch series. Here, three humans and a she-wolf navigate a treacherous landscape of love, loss, and the unforgiving wilderness.
When fate intertwines the lives of Rosie, the resilient groom, Cody, the enigmatic cowboy, and Woodwind, the mystical Cree Indian, their fragile dreams and deepest fears are unearthed. At the heart of it all is the Willow Ranch, a place where passions ignite, and lives are forever altered. Can they trust the strength of their bond and the power of love to guide them through the storm?
In this haunting tale of self-discovery and the quest for redemption, each character is forced to confront their own demons. As Cody grapples with the crushing weight of his brother’s suicide, Rosie fights for her horses and her home amidst swirling deception. And Woodwind, haunted by self-doubt, must find the courage to save the she-wolf and the woman who has captured his heart.
As careless decisions threaten the future of the Willow Ranch, the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains presents a formidable challenge. With time running out, the friends and staff must pull together and believe in the magic of community to save their home and their happiness.
Dare to venture into the wild unknown, where heartache and hope collide, and where the call of the heart is a siren song that cannot be ignored. “Song of the Wild: Call of the Heart” beckons you to the Willow Ranch, where the secrets of the wilderness hold the key to love, courage, and the power of unity.
Embark on this unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery today – answer the call of the heart and unlock the secrets hidden within the wild.
Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.
Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.
Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.
Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.
Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.
“I have imagined us having sex more times than I can count,” Just check out my ceiling. “But we can’t see each other again after today and having sex’ll it harder to let go.”
I have enjoyed Mimi Jean Pamfiloff’s humorous writing style and am curious to see what happens to Huff in Just Mr Love. He was a wimp, a nerd, but after an accident, he developed super powers. Of course, something given, something taken. I’ll leave it to you to find out for yourself. But, just to entice you a bit more, here are my thoughts.
I didn’t get as involved in Just Mr Love as I did in Mr Ultra Mega Love. Can’t say exactly why, but I still enjoyed the story. Not only is Huff trying to just survive, he has to deal with betrayal, danger, and loneliness. He makes some risky moves with the help of a new friend. Could she end up being a love interest? She is willing to put her life on the line forhim, and for a new start for herself. It will be interesting to see what develops.
I hate cliffhangers, but I love Mimi Jean’s writing, so that’s okay. Sometimes things happen.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Just Mr Love by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.
3 Stars
GOOREADS BLURB
( Reading book 1 isn’t required, but this is a series. Fun, new drama in every book!)
From New York Times bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a semi-raunchy Rom-Com with a dash of the impossible and a whole lotta dirty language, Just Mr. Love.
Is he a love machine or a weapon of mass destruction?
My name is Huff, and I used to be a wimpy nerd, but after an unfortunate event, I now have the strength of a hundred men along with other interesting abilities. Even my, eh-hem, man part is pretty special—a recent discovery. “I can’t believe it can do that!”
No one knows exactly how this happened, but now I have enemies. Some want to reverse engineer me, and others want me dead.
The only thing keeping me from losing my sh*t is River, the girl I’ve loved since the second grade. I’d do anything for her. Anything.
But every time we try to move out of the friend zone, something gets in the way. This time, that something is me.
I just might be deadly in bed.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2023
Published April 14, 2023 by Paper & Silver, Inc.
Language: English
ABOUT MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF
MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams.
Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.
She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.
Alllllll right, another science fiction adventure with Carmen Webster Buxton and a meet and greet with Darius in The North Edge Of Nowhere. The cover tells a story of its own and makes me eager to find out about the who and the what of it.
We find Darius ‘not’ sailing the seas on his disabled ship, drinking brackish water and a piece of bread that is hard as a rock. They had been drifting for ten days, when land was sighted. Darius was raised as a prince, so what was in store for him will be life changing in every way.
In the beginning, Darius tries to hide his identity, with bright red hair and a face such as his, the secret won’t be kept for long, Brian, Lord of Castle Muir, easily recognizes him. The Oath demanded from Darius and the ‘cost’ of the repair to the boat are his first introduction of the new culture he will have to learn to live in.
Daniel the Wanderer is a fabulous character, so richly developed and vital to the story, as are several others. The details Carmen painted of the world make pictures in my head, seeing the ocean, woodlands and creatures we will see and interact with.
Sometimes, when I crack open one of Carmen Webster Buxton’s books, they seem to start out slow, but really, I think they are laying a foundation, introducing the characters, for what is to come. Her study of human actions and interactions are fascinating. We watch characters grow, learn, mature…a psychological, indepth study of humanity. The more I read, the more involved I become.
Now that I have finished The Northedge Of Nowhere, I am moving on to Oaths And Promises, The Nameless World, Book II, by Carmen Webster Buxton.
4 Stars
AMAZON SYNOPSIS
On the nameless world settled long ago by human colonists, humanity has spread out. Darius is seventeen and was born and lived all his life in a warm southern climate. Raised as a prince, he conceives the desire to see his maternal relations, who live in and rule a city-state a good distance north of his home. But when disaster strikes on the journey, Darius is forced to travel even farther north, where he discovers his very existence is a kind of riddle to which only a few people know the answer. As he struggles to cope with a new way of living, a man named Daniel the Wanderer befriends him, and a cousin he didn’t know he had teaches him that women are not always meek and well-behaved. All in all, life is very different in the North.
ABOUT CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON
Carmen Webster Buxton spent her youth reading every book published by Ursula LeGuin, Robert Heinlein and Georgette Heyer. This combination of far-future worlds, alien cultures, and old-fashioned courting customs influenced her writing, especially in her ThreeCon series.
Carmen was born in Hawaii and experienced a peripatetic childhood, as her father was in the US Navy. Having raised two wonderful children, she now lives in Maryland with her husband Charlie, and a beagle named Cosmo. She writes science fiction (often including a romance, and mostly set in the far future), and the occasional fantasy.
Carmen has published many books:
WAKANREO SERIES Alien Bonds Alien Vows Alien Skies
HAVEN SERIES The Sixth Discipline No Safe Haven
THREECON SERIES (can be read in any order) The Nostalgia Gambit Saronna’s Gift Shades of Empire Tribes Worlds Apart
ALTERNATE HISTORY King of Trees
YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION Turnabout Drifters
FANTASY Where Magic Rules Bag of Tricks Hidden Magic
THE NAMELESS WORLD SAGA (coming in 2021) The North Edge of Nowhere Oaths and Promises
Carmen often blogs about ereaders, digital publishing, writing, and speculative fiction. Visit her blog to see what’s coming out next! To ask questions or to provide feedback on her books, send email to carmen.webster.buxton (at) gmail.com.
by a highschooler
