Book Review of Hewhay Hall By Author by Susan Roebuck

Book Review By Author Tamera Lawrence

Hewhay Hall BY Author Susan Roebuck 5 out of 5 Stars *****

 

 

Hope. It’s such a simple word. Yet it’s what drives most of us. Hope for a brighter future. Hope for wealth, happiness, health. So when firefighter Jude Elliot loses a leg due to a bomb explosion, he has a hard time adjusting and suffers from traumatic stress disorder. But hope flairs anew in Jude as he discovers there is a place called Hewhay Hall – a place with innovative medicine and refined rehabilitation. It might just be able to turn Jude’s life around. So begins Jude’s quest to find the elusive Hewhay Hall. But all is not what it seems. For Hewhay Hall holds a dark seductive mistress and birdlike creatures. So what begins as a hopeful journey into the dark English swampland quickly turns to survival against evil.

HEWHAY HALL by Sue Roebuck is a true page turner. It held my attention from page one with its distinctive characters and unique setting. Then came the horror of Hewhay Hall and I was hooked till the very end. Jude Elliot was as likable as they come. Equally compelling was Tess as she tries desperately to find Jude. Miss Verity Slater was vile and fascinating. I couldn’t wait to see what made her tick and was not disappointed in the find.

HEWHAY HALL was a fascinating read that made me squirm a bit. I really enjoyed this horrific tale and would like to see more works from this talented author. Wonderful read! 

Book Review Mi'kmaq Song BY Author Pat Cher

Author Tamera Lawrence Rates 5 out of 5 Stars *****

Mi'kmaq Song

Newly divorced, Maggie lives a pretty mundane life. Taught by her grandmother the old customs and language of her ancestors, the Mi’kmag people, Maggie lingers in her memories. After her grandmother’s death, Maggie finds solace in her dreams where her grandmother still regularly visits and guides her. Maggie depends heavily on her own special song – something her ancestors relished. But Maggie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she takes a canoe ride and finds herself face to face with a ghostly ship from the past. Escaping from the pirates, she finds herself back on the coast only to discover things are no longer the same. Stuck in a time warp, Maggie comes face to face with a new terrifying reality as she struggles to escape the bounds of slavery. But all is not lost.


For Maggie meets Abtatuk, a special warrior who aids her through her perilous battle for survival and fills the empty void of her heart. MI’KMAG SONG by Pat Cher is a spectacular book filled with historical prowess and a breathtaking view of the Mi’Kmag people. Maggie’s adventures weave magically throughout each page as she battles for existence using her wits, courage, a few modern gadgets and of course her special song. I enjoyed taking this wild roller coaster ride with Maggie and Abtatuk.


The writer did a great job of creating this distinctive world, which I felt firmly a part of. I look forward to reading more books from this talented writer. This is one of the best books I have read in a while. Great job!

Guest Post: Book Reviews – Self Published Authors, by Tamera Lawrence

Jill Elizabeth posted this on June 21st, 2012
http://blog.jill-elizabeth.com/2012/06/21/guest-post-book-reviews-self-published-authors-by-tamera-lawrence/

Today’s post is a guest piece by author Tamera Lawrence, offering her thoughts on the perils – and rewards – of performing book reviews for (and providing feedback to) self-published authors. This is a subject near and dear to my own heart for a few reasons. First, I too am a reviewer who more than occasionally has found herself contacted by a self-published author seeking reviews and publicity. Second, because I’m hoping to be an author seeking reviewers at some point in the not-too-distant future. While I’m still not sure if I will go the self-publishing route (it’s not my first choice – I still suffer from the snobbishness of a girl who longs to feel the warm glow of validation that only a New York big publishing house can provide), I’m not ruling it out. Despite the aforementioned snobbishness, I want my books out in the world too – and if I try and no one wants to publish them for me, well, then I’ll just have to man-up and do it myself.


If you’ve gone that route, or even if you’re just curious about the process of book reviewing, Tamera’s piece should be a good read for you. Enjoy – and thanks again Tamera for sharing your thoughts and experience!

Book Reviews – Self Published Authors
by Tamera Lawrence

As a Book Reviewer, I have read all kinds of books by many wonderful writers. Many are traditional books. But many are by self-published authors. Without the benefit of an editor, a self-published author can be alone with the editing process. A really great story can get bogged down with unnecessary wording. There is also the dreaded dangling modifier.Although writing is fun, it’s also a lot of work. Sometimes an author is too close to their story. The writer forgets that a reader needs to see what the writer wants them to see. Feel what they want them to feel. The setting, time period and characters and plot need to stand out early on so that a reader gets hooked right from the beginning. A reader needs to care about the outcome – grab onto a character and stay hooked.

Recently, I had to create a few really tough book reviews. I always try to find something good in the writing. Writers can be so sensitive. I certainly don’t want to discourage anyone. And everyone can learn. Improve. I am always learning. I find that the talent is usually there, but the stories are all over the map. I often have to re-read areas to figure out what is going on. Dig. Dig. Dig. Sometimes I will have to search through the manuscript just to find out the time period. An abundance of characters can also leave me looking to grasp onto someone, anyone. The other issue is that often writers tell a story instead of showing it through their character’s points of view. This dulls the story. The reader can’t connect with the characters.

I would suggest that a writer latch onto the many resources available for writers. If you can’t afford an editor, find a trusted friend to read your book – someone who will be honest with you. Reading groups can also be helpful. Sometimes putting your book aside for a few days or weeks can help a writer look at their manuscript with fresh eyes – often finding mistakes or areas that are questionable. You will now be able to see what your reader can’t if rushing through this process. And if you can’t see it then set the book aside again until you can. There is also Natural Reader, which will read your manuscript back to you. The Internet has great resources for writers – critique groups.

Every word should count.

As a book reviewer, I love to experience the wonderful array of books that I have had the privilege to review. Each writer is special and unique. There is so much undiscovered talent. The competition is fierce. So make your efforts count.

As writer I can benefit from my own advice. I deal with the same issues and always working to improve my craft. I have some great mentors and trusted allies. This support helps me to stay focused and to grow.

Don’t ever get discouraged. Get a backbone. And whatever you do – keep writing!

***

About Tamera Lawrence

As a child, I had a vivid imagination and many imaginary playmates. I read anything I could get my hands on and wanted to write books like Laura Ingalls.

In high school, I aspired to become a writer. But life for me took a different turn. I married young and had 2 small boys before I could blink an eye and began helping my husband achieve his own goals. So writing took a back seat as I concentrated on running an excavating business. Along the way, we had four more children, making us a family of 8.
Whew! Still, I wrote in my spare time, writing mostly poetry. As my children grew, I wrote my first novel. It was 150 pages long. I sent a sample to an agent, who remarkedly called me and told me I had talent. He said my book needed to be about 350 pages and that I needed to learn to polish my material. I was thrilled.

So… I took some writing courses, learned how to write, edit and polish. I met a teacher and author, who took me under her wing and showed me how to use POV as well as keep a story flowing. Her influence has greatly helped me in the way a college never could. “THE POND” was half written when I began my schooling and I finished the book in 2007.

I have 2 more books that I am currently working on. I would have to say that my writing a novel comes second nature to me and the challenge now is writing the perfect query letter. It’s amazing how I can write 400 pages of a novel and yet struggle with that one single letter.

But I’m finally figuring it out. OR so I think!

Anyway…God bless all writers.

For more information on Tamera and her work, check out her blog.

Book Review of Strand of Pearls: One Woman's Journey to Light and Peace By Author Deborah Livingston

Strand of Pearls: One Woman's Journey to Light and Peace

By Author Deborah Livingston

A COMPELLING READ, May 21, 2012

By

Tamera Lawrence "Author Tamera Lawrence"

This review is from: Strand of Pearls: One Woman's Journey to Light and Peace (Paperback)

If the 1960's families stuck together even though it wasn't always for the best. Often to suffer
the consequence were the children. Deborah Livingston was one such child. Deborah's
parents were very diverse. Her father was much older than her mother and very controlling.
Her mother was young, innocent and tried to please her husband despite his violent
mood swings and drunken fits. And having unwanted children only flamed this reunion in an
ugly way - especially when sons were preferred to daughters.

As a baby, Deborah can remember breaking her mother's pearls. Her innocence faded as her father beat her. The hands that could be so gentle had turned into weapons of rage. This began a childhood of fear, confusion and pain. Being called "stupid" was a phrase often sent her way. Whippings were a common occurence. She was not the only one to suffer. Deborah's mother was another victim to her husband's violence. This woman had failed to protect Deborah in so many ways.

Emotionally scarred, Deborah grew up burying her emotions. This began a lifelong battle to control her roller coaster of feelings and learn how to accept them for what they are despite her fears of rejection. STRAND OF PEARLS is a heatfelt memoir, honest and intriguing as Deborah learns how to love, forgive and accept her fears. What a wonderful title so fitting to the emotional links in Deborah's story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this touching tale.

Nicely done.

Book Review of "First Watch" by Author Jennifer Chase

"First Watch"

GRUESOME FUN, May 9, 2012

By Tamera Lawrence "Author Tamera Lawrence" (Pennsylvania)

This review is from: First Watch (A Short Story) (Kindle Edition)

Welcome to John McGraw's nightmare, where reality meets unreality. This lonely traveler's life will be forever changed by the wail of a siren and an encounter with the undead. This spell binding tale twists and turns with a desperate need for release. Chase has a knack for setting the stage and keeps the pages turning in a frantic pace. This horrific tale delivers in both suspense and supernatural despair.

Well done and worth the read!

Tamera Lawrence's Reviews > "Boy Who Dreams" (Destiny Awoken, #1) By Author Cesar

Tamera Lawrence's review ***** (5 Stars)

Apr 03, 12

Read in April, 2012

Sixteen year old Jordan Fitzpatrick is a boy that dreams. Not ordinary dreams, but extraordinary dreams. Images of dragons flourish in Jordan’s nightmares, visions of school, death and sometimes destruction. But Jordan is also besieged by a terrible need to save something. He dreams of a shadow people and of mysteries. In school, he learns in Religious Studies how to meditate, to understand dreams and OBE – out of body experiences. But when his brother is in the hospital, Jordan has the strangest dream of all. His brother’s spirit introduces him to Lavender Shop – where Jordan discovers a scroll that is somehow connected to him. Now Jordan is on a mission to find his destiny and understand his foreboding dreams that are guiding him. A book about understanding dreams will help lead him through the journey. The more Jordan unravels his future premonitions, the more the past races up to catch him.

"THE BOY WHO DREAMS" is a well written book with interesting characters, dialogue and a vibrant setting. The writer has a wonderful way of describing Jordan’s surroundings and bringing to life the boys intense dreams and nightmares. Jordan is as likable as they come, struggling with his brother’s untimely death and also the average teen issues of fitting in at school and even bullying. The setting of the story is also enhanced by pictures throughout the book. Cesar has written a well-rounded novel full of mystery and intrigue that anyone of most age groups can read and enjoy. A remarkable read filled with adventure.

The Pond" By Award Winning Author Tamera Lawrence takes the "GOLD"

Readers Favorite Book Review and 2011 Award Contest

Fiction - Mystery - General - Category

Author Biography

Tamera Lawrence was born on February 21st in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Methacton High School. She loves to write and is an avid reader. "THE POND" is her first novel. Currently, she is working on several writing projects and loves to support other writers as they follow their dreams.

Book Review Reviewed by Fran L. for ReadersFavorite.com

***** Five out of Five Stars

Eight-year-old Carl Weber died for no reason. When his mom dropped him off at his friend Mike’s house, the maid slammed the door in his face and left this poor child out in the cold. Hoping to find his way home, he decided to cut through what he thought was a frozen pond, only to meet a cold and frigid death. Twenty-five years later, when Mike Adams, his wife Donna, and seven-year-old daughter Kim move into his late mother’s mansion, unexplainable things begin to happen leading back to Carl’s death: things fall, break, and spill for no apparent reason, and the silence of the countryside is deafening. What is really behind his death and what is behind the unusual occurrences in this town?

Award Wining Author Tamera Lawrence delivers an ending that is filled with strange and unusual surprises and a clever twist that you won’t expect. Not only are the characters well defined, strong and believable, but they blend together creating a compelling, heartbreaking story. Great read for those who enjoy a good mystery.

You can Purchase "The Pond" in paperback format at Amazon for $16.95 PURCHASE HERE!!!

You can Purchase "The Pond" in Kindle Format for $2.99 at Amazon PURCHASE HERE!!!!!!

Ghost Writer Reviews The Award Winning Mystery Novel "THE POND"

Ghost Writer Reviews THE POND
Reader Rating: 5 Stars *****

"Enjoyable Read!" THE POND

Author: Tamera Lawrence

Since childhood, Mike Adams has had a guilty conscience about the accidental death of his best friend Carl. After arranging a play date with Carl at his home, Mike's family was called out of town due to a death in the family. The Adams' servant who answered the door sent young Carl away in the middle of a raging snow storm. Carl's mom dropped Carl off on her way to an appointment, and was not scheduled to return for several hours. Carl decides to walk home. Carl takes a short cut through Fanny's Farm.. Thinking that the pond was frozen solid Carl begins to cross the pond, and the semi-frozen pond cracks. Carl goes under and drowns. When the Adams family returns home, it several days before Mike learns of his buddy's death. Carl's death is not spoken of in the Adams' home and Mike's knowledge of what happened is limited to information garnered from conversations that overhears.

When Mike returns to the family mansion, with his own family, and begins asking questions, unexplained events begin to happen. After the occurrence of a number of inexplicable events, Mike begins to suspect that his elderly neighbors the Grays are connected to both Carl's drowning and the strange events occurring at his home.

"The Pond" is a rated PG tale of suspense. The lack of violence, explicit sex, and profanity makes "The Pond" an enjoyable read for young adults as well as mature adults. The paranormal ending was a surprising twist. Paranormal and Fantasy are very popular among young adult readers. The author maintains suspense throughout the story by slowly doling out information.

The Award Winning Novel "The Pond" is available in paperback for $16.95 BUY HERE! Or you can purchase in kindle format for $2.99  BUY HERE!

Did you know that you can send Kindle Formatted Books as gifts? Well, you can send as a gift to anyone that has an email account.

Do not have a Kindle, well, Amazon lets you download a free Kindle to use on you PC.

Book Review of "Grip: A Memoir of Fierce Attractions" By Author Nina Hamberg

Grip: A Memoir of Fierce Attractions (Paperback) $12.95 By Author Nina Hamberg

Reviewed By: Award Winning Author by Tamera Lawrence ("The Pond")

***** (5 out of 5 Stars) "Fantastic Read by a wonderful author!"  October 7, 2011

A typical girl, Nina Hamberg is caught between two parents who act more like children, then adults and later divorce. To make matters worse, Nina is ignored when she tells of a peeking tom looking through her bedroom window. Even the cops don't take her seriously. So when the stalker breaks in and attacks her, everyone acts surprised, even though the warning signs were already there but discounted. The attack leaves a stain in young Nina's heart as people around her avoid what happened, including her own father. As Nina grows, she tries to come to grips with what happened, but the effect of the attack is ever present. This becomes evident in her personal life as she seeks solace in the arms of abusers and rapists. Nina is petite, seemingly frail. But the gutsy woman trains in karate and faces down college professors and crude classmates to advocate for women's rights. Nina takes on violent youth in a group home, almost being raped in the process. Though life's knocks take their toll on Nina, she is a survivor. In the process Nina will find herself and the peace she longs for. She learns to forgive and in the forgiveness, learns to love herself just as she is.


GRIP is a wonderful memoir. Nina Hamberg is as honest as they come. She holds nothing back as she reveals the horrors in her life along with the triumphs. Not only was her book entertaining, but it reveals just how vulnerable human nature can be. I found the book refreshing and wonderfully written. I would highly recommend it and look forward to seeing more works from this wonderful author.

Book Review of "The Pond" By Author Tamera Lawrence

ReviewBy Kelly Schuknecht "Vice President, Outskirts Press


This review is from: "The Pond" (Paperback)

Something strange is going on in the Adams' family home! Michael Adams and his wife and daughter move back to his childhood home - an old home in a rural area with odd neighbors across the street where a young boy had drowned many years ago.

Unexplainable things begin to happen around the house, such as a grandfather clock being overturned in a room by itself, objects getting broken or moved and strange appearances of frogs. Donna Adams finds herself investigating these occurrences to get to the bottom of what is happening to her family, and find out what really happened to Carl Weber that day.

"The Pond" is a suspenseful thriller, sure to keep you interested until the very end.

Order your copy today!

"The Pond"

Paperback or Kindle Format (Special Pricing of Kindle $2.99)