ASYLUM book review

 

The Reviews are coming in for ASYLUM. Here is a recent one. 

KarnagesMistress rated it it was amazing

Shelves: giveaways, 2021-wcpl-reading-challenge

This book properly belongs in the horror section. Humans are the biggest monsters of all, and Asylum is full of them. There is an intensity to this story, and I did have some disturbing dreams after my second late-night reading session. The descriptions of the various parts of the old asylum left me with the need to take a shower. I thought that the story flowed nicely, carrying you right along with it. A quick read, but not an easy one-- Tamera Lawrence's characters are far too real. Rose Hill isn't real, but it is based on reality. Even without a traditional serial killer thrown in the mix, what happened in places such as these is the stuff of nightmares. That's another thing that Tamera Lawrence accomplished with Asylum: while this isn't quite a book about social justice, she make me think about these issues.

THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE Book Review

 

The Haunting of Maddy Clare

Review 

NOT YOUR AVERAGE GHOST STORY 

 

Three ghost hunters go on a quest to bring about evidence to prove ghosts do exist at a historical time where ghost hunting is anything but normal. None, however, are prepared as to what they encounter, a spirit unlike any other, haunting the very barn in which a young woman had hung herself. The entity, Maddy Clare, has been having tantrums, her rage knowing no bounds. What follows is a play of wills between a ghost and a young woman, whose life up until then had been pretty mundane. Sarah Piper had considered herself plain and boring. She is anything but - surprising not only herself but the two men who have underestimated her.

Over the years, I have read plenty of ghosts stories and have written a few of my own. What I like about Simone St James’s ghostly tale is that it is different from the normal bump-in-the-night ghost story.  Maddy Clare is terrifying and yet at times woeful. This ghost story kept me guessing as to what happened to Maddy Clare in real life, the story heartbreaking, and her revenge a soothing balm. Sarah Piper was a great character and the love story between she and Matthew was well played.  

I highly recommend this read.

Tamera Lawrence 

Author of GHOST OF MAYFLOWER, PENNHURST GHOST OF MAYFLOWER II, THE POND & ASYLUM (March 10, 2021) 

THE THINGS YOU FIND IN ROCKPOOLS Book Review

 

Review

 

Billy Wheatley is not your average kid. A bit on the loner side, Billy likes to explore Silverlea beach and likes to do research on hermit-crabs at a place he calls the rock-pools. Living with his dad, Billy feels he can’t measure up to his dad’s expectations, especially when it comes to surfing. Young Billy hates the water. He has an unnatural fear of surfing, a bit of discourse between father and son. Things get stranger when a teenage girl goes missing. Billy becomes his own detective, trying to solve the case, but trouble is just around the corner as he begins pointing the finger to a suspect. Things get crazier as Billy’s dad becomes more obtrusive. As Billy unravels the mystery and gets himself into trouble with the law, Billy’s dad has a new mission – force Billy to surf and face his fears. But does Billy have a right to be afraid of the water. Things are not what they seem.

THE THINGS YOU FIND IN ROCKPOOLS by Gregg Dunnett was a good read with a few unexpected twists. I thoroughly enjoyed this fishy tale.

 

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence

Author of GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER I & II, THE POND & coming soon ASYLUM

MISSING: EXTRAORDINARY RELATION OF ORDINARY PEOPLE

Heart-broken Zia Quiser, a Pakistani born American national has been hit hard with the loss of several family members, including his beloved daughter. In an effort to console himself, he decides to learn several languages, something she had wanted to do. When Z signs up on the internet to learn a language, he uses a username dedicated to his daughter. A similar username replies to his inquiry. Intrigued by this coincidence, Zia reaches out to the Russian woman, behind the name. Charmed by her silky voice, Zia and Lena Volkova hit it off as they share their language skills and discover a bond between them. Then Lena goes missing, setting off a chain of events that will send Zia back to the roots of his heritage.

Mian Mohsin Zia has a fresh voice that is easy to discern. I enjoyed this book. 

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence 

HISTORICAL HOUSE TOUR: BOYERTOWN PA

My parents enjoyed the evening.

On Friday, December 6^th I attended the Boyertown Historical Holiday tour - a 2-day event. In the past, I have been on other tours in other townships but think I have found my new favorite. 

And to think it was right in my own neck of the woods!

The weather was perfectly chilled for a December evening, cool and a bit blustery but our hearts were warmed by opening doors and welcoming smiles. 

Numerous businesses and homes participated.

People touring with us were in a festive mood.  Houses popped in color and displays. The homeowners were kindhearted and loved sharing the history of their homes. Treats were plentiful. Hot chocolate a must. I enjoyed the yummy cheeses and wine. Then of course, there was the shuttle buses toting us around – most welcome for my weary feet. The drivers were thoughtful and most had Christmas music echoing throughout the drive.

The Festival of Trees stood out, memorable for the beautifully displayed trees also raffled off at the end of the event. (The Boyertown Area Multi-Service sponsored this charity event.)

All-in-all, it was an enjoyable evening – one I eagerly look forward to repeating next season!

Here are a few highlights from our tour.  

Beautiful trees 

Generous treats for guest!

This bedroom was located at a farm in Gilbertsville

A favorite books sits on this chair

   

The reason for the season! 

Farm in Gilbertsville - a favorite of the night

This homeowner was a gracious host. 

A charming porch sit and wait for the shuttle's arrival

               

Wishing You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas! 

Author Tamera Lawrence 

THE SILENT GIRLS

                                                    

When teenage girls begin to turn up missing, its up to Frank Rath to link their connection. This former detective finds himself swept back into the line of duty, though he’s physically beat and mentally drained. But someone knows the good detective is seeking clues and is watching his progress. When his adoptive daughter begins her own detective work, the danger to Frank’s family takes a turn for the worse. Now time becomes of the essence as Frank works to solve the mystery before its to late.

THE SILENT GIRLS By Eric Rickstad is a gritty down to earth mystery. Frank Rath is only to likable and with his imperfections, a true saint on the march towards justice. This book gives new meaning to Teens in Crisis. I enjoyed this creepy tale of hometown secrets. A good read.

          Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence

http://tlawr66.wixsite.com/authortameralawrence

JAKE LUCID DREAMER BOOK REVIEW

JAKE LUCID DREAMER BOOK REVIEW by Author Tamera Lawrence

The teen years are a time of growth and change. It’s one of the hardest times for some kids, especially those who are bullied by their peers. And twelve-year old Jake is on the receiving end. After losing his precious mother, Jake has withdrawn into himself, struggling with his feelings and awkward family life. His dad is trying to play both parent roles, while his younger sister seems to be unaffected by their mother’s loss. Jake finds solace deep in the night in his animal dream world, where he is an active participant. He prefers this world where he can be in control but like any healthy child, dreams must end, and with the rising sun, reality begins. School life is hell. Awkward and small, Jake is ostracized by his classmates. This he can handle. It’s the threat of being beaten by the class bully that keeps him on edge. But Jake is slick, and it takes a cunning mind to stay one step ahead of a flying fist.

JAKE LUCID DREAMER by David J Naiman is a heartfelt tale bringing one face to face with memories of their own teen issues while doing so in an entertaining way. Jake is a likable teenage, who one can only admire. The bullying scenes were cringe worthy with one hoping for a resolution. David does a fantastic job of bringing this wonderful boy to life. I highly recommend this tale for teens and young adults.