Teaser Tuesday #62 – Europa: Awakenings by P R Garcia

Posted on March 8, 2016 by fundinmental

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TeaserTuesdays-ADailyRhythm3 Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Pam Garcia offered me a copy of Europa: Awakenings, Book I of the series, and just by looking at the cover (the one at the bottom of the post), I knew I wanted to read this. There are two covers, the one below and the one I have at the bottom of the post. Which do you like best?

Want to make a visit to Atlantis?

Add me to Goodreads

MY TEASE

“I am sorry, but for now I am not allowed outside,” Europa said. “I must remain behind these walls.”

“What do you mean you’re not allowed outside?” Terrance asked, suddenly very concerned Europa was being kept a prisoner in her own home.

“It is for my own protection,” Europa said, seeing the concern on Terrance’s face. She realized he couldn’t comprehend why she was confined to the house. “It is okay, I have agreed to it.”

(156 of paperback)

GOODREADS BLURB

When the Oonocks sank their golden city of Atlantis beneath the ocean, only the words of Plato gave testimony of its existence. Now learn a new thought of who the Atlantians were and why they had to sink their city that eventful night. Find out why 6000 years ago, the race known as the Oonocks left their beautiful lilac waters of *******’s ice moon Europa to begin a new life on Earth. Discover the real Atlantians. Europa is a twenty year old human female who has never heard of the Oonocks. And although she’s heard of the legend of Atlantis, she’s never giving the story much thought. Her life has been fairly normal, as normal as any royal child’s can be. The secret of who she really is has been kept from her, but she does know that she is of royal birth, the next leader of her people, that her great-great-great grandparents had to flee their country, which no longer exists, and that their enemy’s descendants may still be hunting them. Therefore, she follows a strict set of security rules. Safe and happy, she lives on an isolated estate along the coast line in northern California. But her safety is an illusion, for their enemy has returned and is stalking the future queen, waiting for his chance to end her life. The day after her birthday, Europa’s perfect word is destroyed when JeffRa assassinates her mother, thinking she was Europa. As she struggles to deal with her mother’s death, Europa’s world is turned upside down when she discovers a secret attic above her mother’s bedroom. There, she finds picture of her parents hundreds of years old. But most terrifying of all is her mother’s diary. Inside, Queen Medaron wrote that Europa would be born human and never know who she really was. Europa desperately searches for the answers as to who she is, as she flees before the assassin. Along the way, Europa will lose almost everyone and everything she loves. In order to survive she must find the queen inside her. She must learn and accept the true story of Atlantis and the Oonock race

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Monday Mini – A ray of hope in Mutation Z: Drones Overhead by Marilyn Peake @marilynpeake

Posted on March 7, 2016 by fundinmental

I have been eating up Marilyn Peake’s zombie series, Mutation Z. This is the fourth book, Mutation Z: Drones Overhead, and the story continues at an M & Ms pace, I gobble them up.

You may not be so hungry after sharing dinner with some of these guys.

If you are a zombie, conspiracy, genetic engineering lover, you can check out the series with Mutation Z: The Ebola Zombies, #1, FREE.

Mutation Z is now available in boxed sets for .99. Check them out and my reviews below.

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

Mutation Z: Drones Overhead by Marilyn Peake is the fourth novella in this zombie series that had me feeling like upchucking one minute and kicking ass the next.

Journalist Hunter Morgan awoke in McAllen, Texas, and remembered the massacre. As he raged, tearing apart the cell he had been placed in, they shot him with a tranquilizer dart…but there is a ray of hope and it is more important than ever he survive.

The virus is reaching epidemic proportions and a madman is running the Zombie Hunters.

The situation becomes more dangerous. Isolated and housebound, they plot their next course of action. They had to stop THEM before the situation reached an apocalypse, wiping out humanity.

Can it be stopped? Is it already too late?

With governments running AMOK, the media spewing lies and terror, the zombie population growing and the attempt to stop them reaching a level of savagery nobody could have foreseen, the clock is ticking and time is running out.

Maybe it is was me, but I didn’t feel the level of urgency that I felt leading up to #4. Maybe because, in Drones Overhead, we cover details of how they stay hidden, what they do to disguise themselves, and planning what comes next. We can’t be running willy nilly or no one will survive.

Needless to say, I can hardly wait to read Mutation Z: Dragon in the Bunker, #5. The title alone makes me think something even more terrible is going to go wrong (if such a thing is possible) and I want to be there!

4 Stars

The first 3 novella reviews: Mutation Z by Marilyn Peake @marilynpeake

You can find out more about Marilyn Peake and her books HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Sherry’s Shelves #72

Posted on March 6, 2016 by fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves #72 is my weekly update from February 28 – March 5, 2016.

I read some wonderful books and have some great giveaways going on, so be sure and scroll to the end of the post to check them out!

Sunday Post #201 Countdown to Spring..

Stacking The Shelves {200}

Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews
Bought, Borrowed & Bagged is hosted by TalkSupe
**all images are linked to Amazon (I am an affiliate)**
**The small amount helps keep my blog running**

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Raindrops keep falling on my pool…
(c) Sherry Fundin

We had a little bit of rain this week and cooler weather at night but I have been spending some time outside, getting a head start on the yard. The pool is sparkly clear and I feel like jumping in, very soon. I have also been going through my email files, moving and deleting, organizing them better. Spring cleaning my computer is as important as spring cleaning my house…but it takes so darn long and my eyes are crossing. I do feel a sense of accomplishment. Now…on to some more fun stuff.

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NEW TO fundinmental

I won Colton’s Surprise Heir by Addison Fox, Book II in The Coltons of Texas romantic suspense series on Freda’s Voice. Thank you ladies and I look forward to reading it…soon.

FOR REVIEW

Pam Garcia offered me a copy of Europa: Awakenings, the first book of the Eruopa series for review. When I saw the cover…and read the blurb, there was no denying, I HAD to have it. Science fiction and fantasy are taking me on a trip to the underwater world of Atlantis. After reading about the author and her love of the ocean and all its critters, I can hardly wait to get started. A woman after my own heart!

I read this first book, Betrayed by Jaye Frances and loved it (see my review and enter the giveaway here), so I am excited to get my hands on Book II of the World Without Love series, Reunion (erotica). It’s unusual for me to read erotica, but I love Jaye Frances’ writing and there is so much more to the story than sex. It deals with the subject of human trafficking and the enslavement of women.

I will be reviewing Silenced in the Surf by Kate Dyer Seeley for a tour in April. Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on March 29, 2016. This is the third book in the Pacific Northwest Mystery series and I am excited to dive right in. I got all three books signed by the author, so get ready for some cozy mystery murders. They are in the correct reading order in the pic below and normally I would begin with the first book in the series, Scene of the Climb, but I want to make sure I get Silenced in the Surf done in time for the tour…

LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

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THIS WEEK ON fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves
Monday Mini Review – Mutation Z #4 Marilyn Peake
Teaser Tuesday – The Hatching
Review – Celeste Files: Unjust by Kristine Mason
Mosaics
Wordless Wednesday
Giveaway & Review – The Body Market by DV Berkom
Review – Hidden Chamber of Death by Hawk MacKinney
Friday 56 & BB – In Contempt by Christopher Darden
Saturday Shorts Review – Water & Fire by Demelza Carlton

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Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

What are you reading?

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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Saturday Shorts – Beyond Belief by Helen Smith

Posted on March 5, 2016 by fundinmental

Beyond Belief by Helen Smith is An Emily Castles Mystery that may cozy up to some of you mystery lovers out there.

I won this book some time ago, sorry I forget where.

Cover: Scott Barrie

The cover makes me think of a movie and I am in a box of popcorn.

What does it say to you?

MY REVIEW

Beyond Belief’s cover makes me think we are off to the carnival and that seems to be true.

I thought with the quirky characters, the psychics and fortunetellers, the psychic wiener dog (LOL) and the humor, horror, murder and Emily, I thought I may have a roller coaster ride coming. Alas, that was not the case. I don’t know if it was the writing style, which seemed dry to me, or my expectations were too high, but I felt something was lacking and I found it unsuspenseful. I did finish reading it, because I was curious about the murderer and I try to finish every book I pick up. Sometimes the ending will make it worth the read for me. Not this time.

I did not find Beyond Belief by Helen Smith a worthy read, but reviews are subjective so you may want to check this out for yourself.

The 84 Amazon ratings go from 5 to 1 with an overall average of 3.8 out of 5 stars.

2 STARS

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

When famous psychic Perspicacious Peg predicts that someone will drown at the Belief and Beyond conference in the seaside town of Torquay, twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles is recruited to investigate.

The potential victim of this “future crime” is celebrated magician Edmund Zenon. He provokes outrage and excitement by offering £50,000 to anyone who can prove the existence of the paranormal, then announces he will stage a daring walking-on-water stunt the same weekend.

Potential suspects include local fortune-teller Madame Nova; kindly Bobby Blue Suit and his three psychic dachshunds; grieving parents Sarah and Tim Taylor; and religious cult members Hilary, Trina, and the Colonel.

Edmund Zenon doesn’t believe he’s in danger. If he’s right, Emily will enjoy a weekend of séances and positivity circles, puzzling over nothing more troubling than the fish supper menu at the Poisson d’Avril restaurant.

But if he’s wrong, Emily will have to use good old-fashioned detective skills to solve the case. Fortunately Emily’s best friend, eccentric philosophy professor Dr. Muriel, is on hand to assist.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.
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Bette Lee Crosby’s What The Heart Remembers Review

Posted on March 4, 2016 by fundinmental

Bette Lee Crosby’s What The Heart Remembers is Book III in the Memory House Collection. I have been a fan of Bette Lee’s work since I first began reviewing and blogging in 2012 and remain so, eagerly anticipating each new story.

I love the softness of the cover and will happily travel to Paris with Max. I am excited to learn her story.

Cover: Damonza.com

Add me to Goodreads now

MY REVIEW

I was very excited to hear Bette Lee has another book for the Memory House Collection, What The Heart Remembers. The Memory House Collection is like a warm pair of arms on a cold winter’s night and I look forward to snuggling under my comfy blanket and beginning to read. I am very eager to learn Max’s story.

I feel these books can stand alone, and familiar characters occasionally return, popping in and out of the stories. Many have gifts, so it is no surprise they find each other and become close friends.

Ophelia had expected the memories to stay with the house she had given to Annie, but you know what happens with expectations and assumptions. They don’t always turn out the way you plan. Max Martinelli would find out…and so would I.

Max’s story starts when she returns to the States from Paris, but Julienne never showed up as expected. Here we are with expectations again. Do we all do that? Do you? Do you put your life on hold…waiting? Max did. There is only one thing to do…a trip to Paris is in order.

But…you can never go back. Have you ever been to your school reunion or went to visit the house you lived in thirty years ago? Everything changes and life would be pretty boring if it didn’t, don’t you think?

This is one of those times that my expectations might have bushwhacked me. Maybe they were too high, but Max’s story fell a bit flat for me.

Max…what can I say about Max. I first met her in The Loft and she came across as a strong and confident woman, taking nothing from noone, independent and self sufficient. As I read on, to me, she came across as wussy and in denial, unwilling to see the truth. I know her trip to Paris will not turn out like she plans, but Bette always manages to put in a twist or two that keeps me on my toes, a way of spinning the tale to make me feel there is hope and a happy ever after for all of us.

Her books I’ve read have mostly been 5s with a 4 or two thrown in, but I was disappointed with this one. Maybe my expectations were too high. After all, expectations leave us open to disappointment. This is still a worthy book and one you will want to add to your Memory House Collection.

I never fear, there is always the next book…Baby Girl.

I received a copy of What The Heat Remembers by Bette Lee Crosby in return for an honest review.

3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

CAN YOU TRULY TRUST THE MEMORIES OF YOUR HEART?

Max Martinelli spent her junior year of college in Paris, and fell in love. Julien was a wickedly handsome young man who was crazy in love with her, or so she thought. He was a free-spirited artist and she an aspiring architect—impressionable, young, and standing on the brink of womanhood.

That was over three years ago but the memory of him still haunts her. Max’s life is stuck on hold because she can’t stop wondering what would have happened if she had gone back. Was Julien simply part of the magic of Paris? Or was he meant to be her destiny?

After a New Year’s Eve party that ends in disaster and bad dreams, Max decides to find out once and for all. She is going to return to Paris and search for Julien. But will her search bring forever after happiness or a truth so ugly it will change her life forever?

ABOUT BETTE LEE CROSBY

USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby’s books are “Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances.” – Midwest Book Review

The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby’s writing is, “A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures.”

Samantha from Reader’s Favorite raves, “Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down.”

“Storytelling is in my blood,” Crosby laughingly admits, “My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write.”

It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win twenty awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award.

Crosby’s published works to date are: Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee’s Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011). A Cupid inspired romance, Wishing for Wonderful, is scheduled for release in November 2014 and Book Three of The Wyattsville Series, Passing through Perfect, will be be available in January 2015.

MY REVEWS OF BETTE LEE CROSBY’S NOVELS

Esther’s Gift

The Loft

Passing Through Perfect

Memory House

Jubilee’s Journey

Blueberry Hill

What Matters Most

Spare Change

Cupid’s Christmas

Cracks In The Sidewalk

The Twelfth Child

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Mardi Gras Disaster in This Would Be Paradise by N D Iverson

Posted on March 2, 2016 by fundinmental

With the recent passing of Mardi Gras, there is no way I was going to miss sharing This Would be Paradise by N D Iverson. All I can say is, “I got out just in time”.

This Would Be Paradise by N. D. Iverson

GENRE: Post-Apocalyptic

BLURB:

In a world where a virus has spread turning most of the population into flesh eating monsters, there are two friends partying it up in New Orleans when the infection hits. Far away from home, they are trapped and trying to make sense of all that has happened with the help of new friends and enemies along the way. Zombies aren’t the only thing to fear…

EXCERPTS:

The doors opened with a buzzing sound. The main lobby was devoid of people; even the receptionist behind the front desk was gone. Usually there was at least one person standing there with the phone glued to an ear. Did I sleep through a fire alarm or something?

I slowly made my way to the buffet area, looking around for a sign of life. Everything was set up but looked like it hadn’t been touched. Strange, considering it was already afternoon. Normally stale cereal and that one scary looking sausage that seemed to have been there all week would be all that was left by now.

I poured myself some coffee from the giant stainless steel percolator, watching the steam waft up from the foam cup. The smell alone helped invigorate my dulled senses. Sipping the hot liquid, I started to look around to figure out what was going on and maybe see about some maid service. We weren’t messy people, but somehow our hotel rooms always managed to look like a disaster zone – overflowing garbage, towels on the ground, running out of the mini-shampoo bottles sized for the head of an infant.

All the tables in the dining area were open, no one sitting around enjoying the mediocre hotel-provided food. I felt my hackles rise. Usually there was at least one person or group in here at all times. A noise that sounded like someone eating caught my attention and I stepped over to the booths that lined the wall.

“Hello?” I called out as I rounded the tall booths.

The sight that greeted me was not what I had expected. A woman covered in what appeared to be blood, was kneeling over a larger mass on one side of the booth. Her shirt was torn down the front revealing her daisy spotted bra and deep scratch marks on her chest. She snarled at me, flecks of whatever she’d been eating spraying from her red stained lips. I took a big step back.

She slowly got up from the booth, all her attention now focused on me like I had just insulted her outfit. I could see the thing she was on before much more clearly now. Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit! It was a man. There was a gaping hole in the body cavity, knotted intestines dangled down the side. I retched at the sight. Did I unknowingly step onto the set of a horror movie?

The woman had managed to get herself out of the booth, slipping a little on the blood coated floor. The coffee fell from my hand, as she started toward me, her face contorted into a feral mask. I took off running back the way I’d come, my earlier fatigue forgotten as adrenaline pumped through my veins.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

D. Iverson is young author trying to find her niche in the world. She has a business degree; to which she is still trying to find a practical application for. She has bounced from half-baked ideas of becoming a forensic pathologist (cut short when the option for attending an autopsy came up and she rather quickly decided maybe that wasn’t for her), a member of a rock band (sadly, neither her nor her friends could play instruments or sing, not that it’s a requirement these days…) and many more.   This Would Be Paradise is her first completed book, which has started a chain reaction of one-too-many book ideas dancing around in her head. She plans on wrangling in these ideas and making full fledged books from them. So keep an eye out on the horizon for more works to come! For more information, please visit her website at: http://ndiverson.weebly.com/

You can purchase This Would Be Paradise here: Amazon and at all major eBook retailers!

GIVEAWAY

D. Iverson will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn host.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.
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Monday Mini – FREE – The Academy @robertdugoni

Posted on February 29, 2016 by fundinmental

The Academy is the first story (a short) of the Tracy Crosswhite series by Robert Dugoni.

The simple cover tells me a lot. What does it say to you?

Cover: Salamander Hill Design Inc

Get it free on Amazon by clicking on the cover below!

MY REVIEW

The Academy is a short story that shows the determination and fortitude in one woman’s story to serve a higher purpose.

After the disappearance of her sister, Tracy chose her mission in life, to become a police officer. Her ultimate goal was to be the first woman detective in homicide.

The need to have a woman on the Seattle police force opened a door her.

The Academy reads as if it is a true story of the good ol’ boy network in police departments all over the country. She held her own against the bigoted and sexist assholes that did all they could to make her life a living hell. And through it all, she goes above and beyond to help a fellow female officer.

Tracy takes no shit, but goes about fighting her battle in the right way. My feelings of respect and admiration for her makes me want to read more. I can only think her story will get better. I would recommend The Academy to all those who are looking for inspiration and a happy ending.

4 Stars

From Goodreads: Driven by the disappearance of her sister, Tracy Crosswhite quits her job as a high school science teacher to join the Seattle Police Department. While most of her classmates and instructors at the academy want her to succeed, Detective Johnny Nolasco is hell-bent on keeping the boys’ club intact.

The training sessions offer plenty of opportunities for humiliation, but Tracy’s not the type to give in. Fueled by a confrontation with her in the middle of a class, Nolasco is determined to see Tracy fail. Tracy, harboring memories of the loss of her sister and the disintegration of her family, has too much at stake to let one pigheaded detective stand in her way. With so much to lose, will she make the cut in this competitive world?

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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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Sherry’s Shelves #71 – Never Enough Time

Posted on February 28, 2016 by fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves #71 is my weekly update from February 21 – February 27, 2016. I have been working in the yard, messing with the pool, doing spring cleaning, blogging and reading…not necessarily in that order. Time got away from me and I forgot about my Sunday post, so this is just a short update. I have some great giveaways and reviews, so look around and see if something interests you.

Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews
Bought, Borrowed & Bagged is hosted by TalkSupe
**all images are linked to Amazon (I am an affiliate)**
**The small amount helps keep my blog running**

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LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

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THIS WEEK ON fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves
Monday Mini Review – The Academy by Robert Dugoni
Teaser Tuesday – BEtrayed by Jaye Frances
Giveaway – Tag Team Event for The Lie by Ashley Fontainne
FREE Thriller – Jackpot by Susan Fleet
Wordless Wednesday
Giveaway – This would be Pardise by N D Iverson
Review – The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone
Friday 56 & BB
Review – What the Heart Remembers by Bette Lee Crosby
Saturday Shorts Review – Beyond Belief by Helen Smith

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Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

What are you reading?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
Problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.
Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – Hastings’ Dead by Rohn Federbush

Posted on February 27, 2016 by fundinmental

I am excited to have Rohn Federbush visiting fundinmental today. When I saw the setting for Hastings’ Dead, Michigan, I felt I had to share, seeing Michigan is my home state.

So…let’s get to it.

About the Book

Hastings’ Dead by Rohn Federbush

Amazon
Genre: Mystery / Romantic Suspense
Release Date: November 10, 2015
Length: 136 Pages

MY REVIEW

Hastings’ Dead by Rohn Federbush takes place in Michigan and the main characters attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor…GO BLUE. I hail from Michigan and root for the Wolverines during football season, so I was happy to spend some time in the small town of Hastings.

The villain is exposed from the very beginning, and boy is he messed up. I can almost feel sorry for him.

David wanted to stay in Hastings and Diane wanted to stretch her wings and fly. Well…

Arancia, nicknamed Range, and Ben, her boyfriend, attend the University of Michigan, but head to Hastings, Arancia’s home, for the Christmas holidays. She missed her small home town and planned to return there after college to teach. Ben wanted the big city life, where a lawyer can make a name for himself.

Problems arise immediately, but Range refuses to acknowledge them. I had a problem with Range. She ignores what her instincts are telling her. Is she just naive? Or is there more to the story?

Her brother, Coco is quite the character and I love his feisty personality. He could understand Ben better than Range, because he felt the same way. Until…

Hastings’ Dead reads like a cozy mystery. If anyone is the hero, it will be Range, but the peripheral characters supply a large part of the entertainment and contribute their problem solving to the story.

There was even a laugh or two and I loved when the brides to be made their grand entrance for the wedding. Very nice touch and it still puts a smile on my face as I write this.

I had some trouble with the writing, especially when dealing with Range. I didn’t like her very much and could not figure out what she was thinking. Was everything tainted by her need to live in Hastings? Well…the end was not what I thought and that is always a good thing and I enjoyed it. I really wanted more depth to the story, but Rohn Federbush threw in a twist or two to keep the story lively. If you like a quick read, murders to solve, and some romance, Hastings’ Dead could be for you.

“Since when is love a bad thing.”

“When demands snuff out freedom.”

I received a copy of Hastings’ Dead by Rohn Federbush in return for an honest review.

3 STARS

SYNOPSIS

What’s a guy to do when people don’t see things his way?

“Hastings’ Dead” is set in a small Michigan town, where a University of Michigan student, Range Goloso, has promised her father she’ll return to teach grade school.

In college Range falls in love with Ben Adler, a New York based law student who can’t very well start a lucrative practice without a substantial client base. She defends a local artist accused of pushing his girlfriend off the church bell tower when she wanted to leave town. Actually Range is upholding her town’s reputation and realizes her dreams of settling down in Hastings might be dead.

Hastings’ Dead – Excerpt

Prologue

Hastings, Michigan – Summer
St. Rose of Lima’s Bell Tower

David Dahlton encouraged his best girl to follow him up the narrow staircase. “Diane, you’ll love the view.”

Diane Pettergill shook her head. How many times must she wear herself out following him up creaking staircases to capture yet another view of their hometown? “Who’s going to look at your pictures?’

David sat down on the top step, realizing he had a problem. Photography would rescue him from farming drudgery without leaving the secure confines of Hastings. “Maybe I’ll publish a book someday.”

She smiled at him. “That’ll be the day.”

“Don’t you want to see our town become famous?” He noticed he hadn’t thoroughly cleaned the mud from his shoes. Maybe Diane was reacting to the smell of recycled pig food.

“I’m more interested in our future than this stupid town’s.”

“You don’t want to live here after we marry?” David’s mind spun out of control. He thought she loved him, wanted to have his babies and see them grow up in town. “Wouldn’t you miss your parents and your sister?”

“Betty said you wouldn’t listen.” Diane tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “We could visit, you know.”

Their life wouldn’t be the same. “We’d be strangers to everyone—even to our own folks if we stayed away too long.”

“You are a stick in the mud.” Diane turned her back on him.

He listened as she slammed the side door to the tower. David climbed up to the landing under the bell. Hanging over the side nearest the front door, he called to her. “Come back. I don’t want to lose you.”

Diane stopped her retreat down St. Rose’s front walk. She stood with her back to him. Then shaded her eyes as she looked up. “I’m not ready to say goodbye either.”

“Wait for me.” He wanted to ring the bell for the celebration in his heart. Instead he took several hurried photographs in each direction. He’d need to come back to get more shots. They’d known each other since childhood. Out on Route 43, only a corn field separated their farm houses. Both their families were among the first settlers of Hastings.

Once he reached her, Diane apologized, offering her hand. “I’m sorry. I know you love to take pictures. But, don’t you want to photograph the entire world?”

“It’s been done.” David dropped her hand. “I want the world to love our town as much as we do.”

“What makes you think I’d be happy in this dinky burgh?”

“Dingy?”

“Small. I said dinky.” Diane stretched her arms out. “I want to unfold my wings. Do something important before I die.”

That’s when David got the idea he couldn’t share. “Okay,” he lied. “I promise this will be the last time you ever need to climb a flight of stairs for me to click my camera in all four directions.”

“I knew I could convince you.” Diane smiled. “College will be more fun, together.”

David followed her up the stairs again. However as soon as they had both reached the landing, David lunged at her. He knocked her down against the west ledge, away from the view of any onlookers in town. For a second he wanted to turn her around to get a good look at her fear, but he decided she might survive and ruin his life.

“Let’s see how far you can fly with those important wings of yours.”

David watched her all the way down. In the struggling three-story fall, her body flipped over.

Diane stared right into his eyes until she hit the very hard pavement in the parking lot.

About Rohn Federbush

Rohn Federbush retired as an administrator from the University of Michigan in 1999. She received a Masters of Arts in Creative Writing in 1995 from Eastern Michigan University. Frederick Busch of Colgate granted a 1997 summer stipend for her ghost-story collection. Michael Joyce of Vassar encouraged earlier writing at Jackson Community College, Jackson, Michigan in 1981.

Rohn has completed fourteen novels, with an additional mystery nearly finished, 120 short stories and 150 poems to date.

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Trailer + Giveaway of FACSIMILE – Vicki L Weavil #FridayReveals #Month9Squad #Month9Books

Posted on February 25, 2016 by fundinmental

Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal! But wait it’s a Thursday you’re probably asking yourself! Yes it is but we have a super special reveal for you today and we will have a reveal tomorrow as well!

This week, we are revealing the trailer for

Facsimile by Vicki L. Weavil

an upcoming Month9Books Title!

Title: FACSIMILE

Author: Vicki
L. Weavil

Pub. Date: March
8, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Hardcover,
Paperback & eBook

Find it: Amazon
| B&N | Goodreads

For a ticket to Earth, seventeen-year-old Anna-Maria “Ann” Solano is willing to jettison her birth planet, best friend, and the boy who loves her. Especially since all she’s required to do is escort Dace Keeling, a young naturalist, through the wilderness of the partially terraformed planet Eco. Ann‘s determination to escape the limitations of her small, frontier colony never falters, until Dace’s expeditions uncover three secrets. One offers riches, one shatters Ann’s perceptions of herself, and one reveals that the humans stranded on Eco are not its only inhabitants.

Ann’s willing to sacrifice friendship and love for a new life on Earth. But when an entire species is placed in jeopardy by her actions, she must make a choice – fulfill the dream that’s always sustained her, or save the planet she’s never considered home.

.

Now here’s the trailer!

Vicki L. Weavil is represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel. Her Young Adult Fantasy, CROWN OF ICE — a dark YA retelling of H.C. Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” — is published by Month9Books. Two companion books to CROWN OF ICE — SCEPTER OF FIRE and ORB OF LIGHT — will be published in 2016 and 2017.
Her YA SciFi — FACSIMILE — will be published by Month9Books in 2016, with a sequel, DERIVATION, to follow.
A new YA Fantasy, THE DIAMOND THIMBLE, will be published by Month9Books in 2018.
She also writes adult SciFi.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win.
Title will be sent upon its release.

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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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