New Book: Finding Sara by Nancy DeMarco

It's back to reality for The Edible Bookshelf. We're going to step out of fantastic worlds and the paranormal to investigate the life of Sara Morgan. Get ready for manipulation and betrayal, love and humor, voices, and a bit of mystery with Nancy DeMarco's, Finding Sara, newly published by Briona Glen Publishing. 

"Sara Morgan sees herself as an outcast with no hope of a normal life. Her best friend is her horse, and her only dream is to ride at Rolex, the most prestigious equestrian event in the United States. 
Reaching her goal would be difficult enough if she were normal, but twenty-five-year-old Sara is anything but. She’s been in a mental hospital, she hears voices in her head, and she has no memory of mowing down her abusive ex-husband with a truck. Under the watchful eyes of her father and legal guardian, Sara attempts to build a life of her own. 

Enter Paul, a geeky software engineer who collects yogurt cups and plastic bags. Short, bald, and a bit of a nerd, he’s never had a girlfriend, and falls for Sara in a big way. With the help of Cassie, Sara’s pushy friend from college, Sara and Paul sort out the awkward, confusing and often amusing trials of new love. 

In this funny and frightening story of courage and hope, Sara walks a dangerous path. Unaware that an awful secret hides in her dreams she might just be a danger to herself and others. Her life is a lie, and not everyone is on her side." 

Read along with me by getting you copy of Finding Sara today at Amazon. 

Review of Anathema

For a people who have been conquered and subjected to slavery, believe in a prophet meant to save them is difficult to give up. Their faith that they will one day be rescued spurs hope and planning. Reychel, a simple slave, has no notion of the prophecy. Her life has been sheltered beyond any other slave’s, even to the point of never being allowed to go or look outside except in her master’s presence. She knows nothing but the life of a slave…until her best friend goes missing and a mysterious coin is left in her place. Her friend’s disappearance changes everything. Reychel is thrown into more intrigue, secrets, and danger than she ever imagined could exist in the outside world.

This basic idea of Anathema sounds interesting. That’s what I thought when I downloaded the book. The idea behind the story is a thought provoking one with a lot of potential.  Unfortunately it didn’t live up to that potential. As a whole, the book was interesting. There were many chapters that finished with a good enough hook that I wanted to turn the page, but in general the book fell short of my expectations.

The lack of consistency throughout the book was frustrating. The characters did not use consistent speech patterns. At times they spoke like old world villagers. At other times they spoke like modern teens. The characters themselves were often inconsistent, being clever at one moment than oblivious at the next, or sure of something then speak as if they had hardly considered the idea. The flow was also a problem in many cases. The idea that there were “gifted” people was never brought up until Reychel met one, but then she suddenly recalled many times that she had seen gifted slaves in her master’s house. I wasn’t sure if the author forgot to mention these gifted people earlier on and thought having Reychel remember would suffice, or she thought she was revealing some secret.

Many authors like to drop subtle hints as they write to either increase curiosity, guide readers toward the right conclusion, or trick them into leaning the wrong direction. This can be a wonderful tactic to draw readers in, but subtly is the key. I’m about to reveal some spoilers, but I need to in order to explain why this writer’s hints stole much of the tension from the story.

The first time Reychel is allowed to look out a window while in her master’s presence he asks her to tell him a story, as he usually does. Reychel’s story becomes a tale of her escape from slavery. The fact that Reychel was forbidden to look outside at any other time had been emphasized so much by that point that it was no surprise when Reychel’s “story” came true. I immediately assumed Reychel’s gift was prophecy related to looking at the sky. The frustrating part of the writer’s not-so subtle hints was that the characters in the book were all completely oblivious to this fact and just couldn’t figure out what Reychel’s talent was supposed to be.

 Another instance was after Reychel and her friend Ivy have a fight and Ivy runs away, Reychel sees a vision of Ivy living luxuriously and looking very fiendish. When Reychel hears that her former master has suddenly announced his marriage to a mysterious girl, again it was readily apparent to me that Ivy was that mystery woman. But the other characters were at a loss to figure out who the master was marrying and passed off Ivy running away as a non-issue even though she told them before leaving that she knew an important secret about Reychel. Of course, Ivy turns out to be the master’s fiancée and reveals the devastating secret she knew, ruining Reychel’s plans.

I encountered the same problem when Reychel and her friends come up with a plan to rescue prisoner’s from her former master. Over and over again the characters reiterated how simple the plan was, how easy it would be, how it couldn’t possibly fail. It was so overemphasized that I, as a reader, knew the plan was doomed-which it was. One small, barely noticeable hint does so much more than blatant, repetitious hints will ever do.

The one aspect of the book that kept me from really connecting with the story or the characters was its lack of emotion. The first several chapters make a point of mentioning Grey, another slave, that Reychel has feelings for. But when she escapes she doesn’t have a single thought about this boy. No request to rescue him as well, no longing to see him again. She doesn’t even remember he exists until she ends up back in the palace trying to rescue the prisoners. And while Reychel is away from the palace, she meets another young man, Mark, that she makes some friendly comments about, but shows no internal devotion to. Yet when Ivy accuses Reychel of stealing Mark’s attention, everyone acts as if it is obvious that Reychel is in love with Mark. Throughout the book there were scenes where the characters spoke of something being very passionate, but preceding that there was very little internal emotion. This gave the book a rather bland tone at times.

Anathema was an interesting book. It had a very good idea at its base that I simply felt was not utilized to its full potential. I was intrigued at times, but I did not have the overpowering urge to keep reading. I didn’t connect with the characters enough to worry about their future, though that may have been partly due to the fact that the hints told me what was coming up and left little suspense. I enjoy a good love triangle, and though this book hinted that this would play a bigger part in the second book, I have a hard time seeing it suck people in since Reychel forgot the existence of one of the boys for almost the entire book. Overall, I wanted more from this book. I don't think I will read the other books in the series. 

Would I recommend this book? It wasn’t a bad book-the basic story line was interesting-but it wasn’t a great book. I would only recommend it as a casual read.

Who would I recommend this book to? If you’re looking for a light fantasy, you may enjoy it. If you’re a detail oriented reader like I am, you may want to pass.

Anathema is the first book in the Cloud Prophet Trilogy, and it is available for FREE on iBookstore, Smashwords, and Amazon. 

Reality in Fantasy

As I've been reading Anathema, an interesting question has come up. How real does fantasy have to be? For instance, Anathema, is set in a world make up by the author, but it resembles a middle ages type town. The reason I bring up realism is because often the speech patterns of the characters in this book are not very consistent. At times the characters speak like any villager might, but at other times-sometimes within the same paragraph-more modern speech patterns slip in. Do inconsistencies like this in fantasy bug anyone else? Personally, I think even in fantasy, the setting, dress, speech, and attitudes need to be as realistic as possible. Create your world and stay true to it.

New Book: Anathema

I'm switching up the queue a little do to a slight publishing delay for the next book on this list. So I went searching for a new book to read. What I stumbled upon was Megg Jensen's Anathema: Cloud Prophet Trilogy Book One. It's a great title for a book, but the cover really sparked my interest. The blurb is equally engaging. I'm excited to get started. 

"Sheltered from the outside world with no hope for escape, slave girl Reychel dreads her fifteenth birthday - when her master's symbol is burned on the back of her bald scalp. Her best friend disappears the night before, leaving her to face the branding ceremony alone. She soon discovers nothing is as it seems when people desperate for freedom beg for Reychel's help.

Can Reychel learn to believe in herself?" 

Anathema is the first book in the Cloud Prophet Trilogy, and it is available for FREE on iBookstore,Smashwords, and Amazon. Books two and three (Oubliette and Severed) also also available for purchase, and have equally eye catching covers. Anathema was released by DarkSide Publishing in 2011. You can learn more about Megg Jensen's books by going to her blog: http://meggjensen.blogspot.com/.

Guest Post on "My Crazy Corner"

A few weeks ago The Edible Bookshelf featured Apryl Baker's "The Promise." Apryl's blog My Crazy Corner has been featuring author guest posts all month long and Apryl was kind enough to invite me to write a guest post for her blog. Check out the link below to find out more about Twin Souls and Inquest, and how I went about writing them.

http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-author-delsheree-gladden.html

Review of Laid Out and Candle Lit

Anyone who says small towns are boring has obviously never been to Brownsboro, Tx. The names or the townsfolk alone are enough to get you smiling. Add in skunks, better than sex cupcakes, a Texas Ranger, a local girl who talks to the dead, and murder…well you can see this “podunk” town is anything but boring. 

Right from the first chapter, Brownsboro snags your attention. When Tizzy Donovan makes her daily jog through the cemetery to talk to those who are gone, but not necessarily quiet, she finds a body that’s not supposed to be there. That gives the whole town a dose of drama they weren’t expecting. The Texas Ranger assigned to the murder walks in thinking it will be an open and shut case. But the first murder in Brownsboro in fifty years proves more difficult than he expected. Who knew maneuvering the secrets and lies of small town living would be so hard?

But the mystery is really only part of the story. Tizzy and Ridge are presented with a problem almost from the first moment they meet. Although attracted to each other in an almost painful way, Tizzy is the main suspect in a murder case and Ridge is there to put someone –and it’s not looking good for Tizzy-in jail for the murder. Not to mention both of them have difficult pasts that making letting someone in even harder.

When I first announced Laid Out and Candle Lit, I promised it would make you laugh and cry and everything in between. I hadn’t actually read the book when I said that, but I have had the privilege of reading an early copy of Ann Everett’s second book, You’re Busting My Nuptials, which was hilarious and sexy and heartwarming all at the same time, so I knew this one was going to be good too.

And it was!

I had so much fun reading Laid Out and Candle Lit. The mystery was great. I had sneaking suspicions here and there, but Ann did a great job of never giving you too much of a clue to ruin the mystery. She threw out so many very plausible options for who murdered Marlene, that pinning one down was difficult. My only complaint about the mystery is that I would have liked to have felt a little more anxiety about how Tizzy was going to come out of the ordeal. Otherwise, I really enjoyed trying to figure out which of locals were hiding dirty little secrets. As the investigation progressed, I was right there with Bubba, saying, “This just keeps getting better and better.”

The romance between Tizzy and Ridge was steamy and torturous at the same time. I think just about every reader (well at least the women) will fall in love with Ridge. Who can resist a tall dark and handsome Texas Ranger wearing a pink feather boa as he plays tea party with a four-year-old? And Tizzy is such a good, kind person that I was just dying for her to find some happiness. Despite Tizzy’s sweetheart status and Ridge’s heart-melting personality, nothing about this story is easy. The second they get close to each other something pulls them apart-whether it be misunderstandings, fear, or psychos, simply enjoying each other seems impossible. Just when you think everything is gumdrops and lollipops for Tizzy and Ridge, you read on and the warm fuzzies go out the window! I loved it.

The mystery and romance were fantastic, but what really pulled everything together was the town and its inhabitants. Ann mentioned in her interview that much of Brownsboro came from real life, and obviously that’s the way to do it. I loved all the little quirks and tidbits that go along with small town living. I grew up in a small town myself, so hearing that someone lives “out in the boonies” made me laugh out loud because I thought that phrase was just another one of those weird things my mom used to say. Details like the town only having one stoplight and one warning light immediately bring smalltowners like me home, and the gossip and excitement of knowing everyone else’s business in a small town is definitely all too familiar. What was really great about Ann’s description of the town was that it doesn’t only speak to those familiar with rural living. You also get to see the town through Ridge’s eyes, which helps to pull in those who’ve never had to experience their entire town knowing exactly who drove you home last night and whether or not they left before dawn.  

Overall, the book was fabulous. I loved every word. I have a lot of respect for writers who can put humor to good use (I’m not one of those, trust me) because it adds a whole different layer to the story. But you won’t just laugh as you read Laid Out and Candle Lit. You’ll tear up when you think nothing is going to work out, and you’ll be grabbing for tissues when it does. Your heart will melt when Ridge says the sweetest things you’ve ever heard, and when little Gracie steals the scene. In short, you’ll love the book down to the last word, and then you’ll be bugging Ann to find out when book two is coming out! Even having already read the second book I still can’t wait to read it again. Go get your copy of Laid Out and Candle Lit today, and don’t plan on doing anything else for a few days because you won’t want to put it down.

Would I recommend this book? Of course!

Who would I recommend this book to? Pretty much everyone. There’s so much to love about this book, every reader will connect with something-whether it be the town, the characters, the mystery, or the romance…or Sweet Thangs Bakery! There is some sex in the book, though, for those who prefer not to read that, but it certainly isn’t the main focus of the book.

So hurry up and go get your copy!

http://www.anneverett.com/ 

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Interview with Ann Everett - author of Laid Out and Candle Lit

Ann, thank you so much for agreeing to do an interview for The Edible Bookshelf. I've had the privilege of reading an advance copy of Ann's second book, so I know her writing is funny and her characters are memorable, but I wanted to know more about Ann, her books, and her writing. Read on to find out more!

1) What was the inspiration for Tizzy, a southern girl who talks to the dead? That's a good question! 

Of course she had to be southern. She had to be sassy. She had to be pretty. But, I also wanted her to be a little odd, a good mother, sister, daughter, and friend. It was important she be close to her family...because I'm close to mine, so that part of the story came natural. In addition, I wanted to show that despite her sassy attitude, she's unsure of herself, especially when it comes to men. Her name came from a doll I bought my daughter when she was a little girl. Also, there was a tv show on many years ago with a character with that name and I loved it.

2) I know you live in Texas. How much of Tizzy's hometown comes from actual observations? 

I'd say all of it. Since the story takes place in the real life town of Brownsboro, which just happens to be my hometown. It really is the way I describe it in the book, just one main street, one caution light and one red light. Ridge pretty much nails it from a stranger's point of view. He describes it as dismal. But, for me, when I was growing up there, I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to live anywhere else.

3) I have to know more about the interesting names in your book, like Pattiecake and Sugarpie. Did you have specific reasons for giving some characters unusual names and others more common names like Rayann? 

Nicknames are HUGE in Texas. I only have one uncle who actually goes by his given name, the rest of them go by nicknames. Pattiecake and Sugarpie are actual people in my family. I wanted to include them in the book, so I thought what could be more appropriate than having a Pattiecake and a Sugarpie owning a bakery. As for Rayann, that's kinda a typical thing in Texas, as well, to combine a man and girl's name...Rayann, Jimnell, Bobbie Sue, etc. It was just another aspect of Texas I wanted to show.

4) Tizzy's special ability doesn't seem to take the regular "I see dead people" track. How did you decide how Tizzy would interact with the dead? 

I didn't want the book to be paranormal, so talking to dead people is just a small part of the story. However, I did give it more attention in the second book. I wanted for it to be more of a quirky part of Tizzy. Just a little something to set her apart from the cast of characters.

5) You are a very funny writer, but you also write a very good mystery. If you had to categorize your writing as only one or the other, which one would you pick? 

Thank you. I pick humor. My publisher picks mystery. I think because humor isn't a big category and mystery is. Many times on some sites, there isn't a category for humor, so by choosing mystery, my book can be listed on most sites.

6) I think anyone who reads your work will guess that you are a Janet Evanovich fan, but what other authors are you inspired by? 

I do like Janet Evanovich and I love Jennifer Crusie. They have very different styles and I think my writing is a combination of both. I have over the top characters like Janet, but more serious content like Jennifer.

7) Do you have any interesting rituals or unusual tricks when you write? 

Really I don't. I have to have complete quiet. I don't even play music when I write. I do play it at other times for inspiration, but turn it off when I sit down at the computer. However, I have been thinking I might start wearing a crown when I write! Maybe it would give me more confidence!

8) The sequel to Laid Out and Candle Lit is coming out this year from Briona Glen Publishing. Can you tell us more about the sequel and any other projects you are working on? 

In the sequel, You're Busting My Nuptials, it takes up kinda where Laid Out and Candle Lit, left off. Of course, you don't need to have read the first book in order to read the second one. I've tried to write it as a stand alone book. Naturally, you'd be more familiar with the characters if you'd read the first one, but hopefully, I describe them well enough, and give enough back story in the second book the reader won't feel lost.
In YBMN, I've raised the humor level quite a bit. More over the top characters and hopefully more laugh-out-loud moments.
There will be a third installment of the Tizzy/Ridge series, but not for a while.
Pattiecake and Sugarpie are working on a cookbook which will be published next. "Sweet Thangs" will be filled with cakes, cookies, pies, and all things sweet. Each recipe included in the cookbook is a recipe the ladies have served over the years...and many at "Sweet Thangs Bakery" in the books.