Welcome to Book Lovers Paradise

Welcome to my attempt at blogging. I am a true to heart bibliophile. Here I will discuss and review books as I read them. You are welcome to do the same. The only rules are no profanity, no politics, no religion, and have fun!
Donna

Friday, September 28, 2012

The Mapmakers Union


EVE HALLOWS AND THE BOOK OF SHADOWS
NIGHTMARE BOOK 2
by
Robert Gray

Ever since encountering The Source and its minions on Halloween, Eve Hallows has found life surprisingly quiet … not to mention adorably boring! So when Dad receives a Ouija message that she must return to Gravesville, Eve couldn't be happier—at least until she discovers the Director of URNS, also known as the Grim Reaper, has a special job for Eve … one that will lead her to New York City and to the true identity of The Source.

With The Book of Shrieks offering zero help and a new URNS agent driving the school boys—and Eve!—crazy, Eve's beginning to realize this whole saving-the-world nonsense isn't what it's cracked up to be.

All this and she still has to find The Book of Shadows

My review

Even better than the first book!!!!!!

If one lives in our world, as I do, this book is fabulous.  If one lives in Gravesville, it was horrible- horrible and ten more horribles!

I love the characters in this story.  Eve reminds me of human Marilyn living amoung the Munsters.  She's different but pays no attention to the differences.  Mom is a snake headed, petrifying gorgon.  Dad is a shapeshifter and brother Sam is a ghoul....The family is a tight unit.  You can palpate the love they feel for each other.

Due to recent events, Eve is made to feel 'unwelcome' in her hometown of Gravesville.  Why?  Well, she's human and not a monster.  Humans are scary, they are trying to kill the monsters.  Strange things are happening in Gravesville and Eve must fix them, along with her 'human' friends.  We meet a few new characters, including a succubus.

We also learn more about how Eve came to live in Gravesville. 

This is a perfect combination of YA, Horror, Paranormal and Fun! 

I give it 5/5 stars (or 5 teacups) and eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
That's a hint Mr. Gray...please keep me in mind when looking for reviewers for the next book!!

Thursday, September 27, 2012


The River
by Michael Neale
received copy from Booksneeze for review

about the book
“The River is a story that will transform how you see yourself and the world.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times best-selling author of The Noticer, The Traveler’s Gift, and How Do You Kill 11 Million People?

“You were made for The River . . .”

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.




My Review

The River is a heartwarming, gut wrenching novel that will touch your emotions in every way possible.

Gabriel is a 5 year old boy who witnesses his father drowning in the River.  Dad was attempting to save the life of another person and loses his struggle.  This event emotionally scars Gabriel in ways one can only imagine.  Events occur and the adult Gabriel is drawn to that same river.  He learns the truth about his fathers' love and respect for the river.

A wonderful story that uses the river as a metaphor for our lives and fears.  Face your fear and grow as a person.  There are religious tones in this novel that enhance this fantastic, inspirational story.




Monday, September 24, 2012


TODAY I HAVE A VERY SPECIAL BOOK
PLAY HIM AGAIN
BY
JEFFREY STONE

As most of you know, I love history.  Especially American history.  I love reading a book and learning new things.  This is an amazing book and I recommend it to anyone who likes history, the 1920's and a good story.

About the book:

It’s the Roaring Twenties but silence remains golden for Hollywood. Sound is scorned by movie moguls. It’s too expensive. Only two studios have sound equipment. Only one picture has contained limited spoken dialogue.

Matt Hudson, a rumrunner and the preferred bootlegger of the movie industry, wants to produce a talking picture. Hud’s gut tells him a talkie would rake in the dough at the box office but neither sound studio will lease him their facilities.

Hud’s oldest friend, con man Danny Kincaid, uses the talkie gold mine angle to con a transplanted Chicago gangster into buying a bogus sound device. But when the gangster gets wise, Danny ends up dead.

Now Hud has a score to settle and nothing can stop him from finding Danny’s killer. After Hud unravels a web of deception, blackmail, and murder that leads to a studio controlled by the gangster, he sets up another con to play the gangster again. A con that will either avenge Danny or get Hud killed.


My thoughts:

The Roaring 20's are alive and well!  
As a fan of American History, I was eager to read a book focused on the 1920's.  Prohibition, gangsters, bootleggers- it's all here, along with Hollywood and movies!

This book delivers exactly what it promises!  Matt Hudson (Hud) is a bootlegger looking toward the future.  His personal fascination is talking movies!  This book goes into detail about the history of early filmmaking.  This was all new to me- I love learning new things when I read a book!
This gave the book a more creative feel.  It wasn't just about the bootlegging gangster, shoot 'em up time in history- although that is a strong presence in the storyline.  

Hud is a not so innocent character.  He is a wonderful creation.  He skirts on the edge of the law and lives by his own code of ethics.  He is willing to cross the line when he feels it necessary.  In this book he is trying to solve the murder of his friend.

This book is a gem.  If you enjoy the 1920's or American History, you will enjoy the world created by Jeffrey Stone.  



On a personal note, I must apologize to Mr. Stone.  He sent me this book back in May to read and review.  While I read and reviewed it, I failed to place my review on Amazon, Goodreads and other sites.    I loved this book and strongly encourage others to read it.
At $2.99 it's a steal from Amazon (for your Kindle) or Barnes & Noble (Nook)  It is also available at Smashwords for $2.99
It can be purchased at the following sites






Sunday, September 23, 2012



Like history?  
I LOVE history, especially Scottish history.
Today we welcome J.R. Tomlin, author of Freedom's Sword.

about the book:
(from Amazon)
Before William Wallace... before Robert the Bruce... there was another Scottish hero... 
In 1296, newly knighted by the King of the Scots, Andrew de Moray fights to defend his country against the forces of the ruthless invader, King Edward Longshanks of England. After a bloody defeat in battle, he is dragged in chains to an English dungeon. Soon the young knight escapes. 
He returns to find Scotland under the heel of a conqueror and his betrothed sheltering in the hills of the Black Isle. 
Seizing his own castle, he raises the banner of Scottish freedom. Now he must lead the north of Scotland to rebellion in hope of defeating the English army sent to crush them.

Freedom's Sword is a prequel to A Kingdom's Cost, Book 1 of The Black Douglas Trilogy.



My thoughts

I loved this book.  It was well researched and highly readable. I double checked some of the dates, historical facts...all are accurate.
A lot of action, some of it quite bloody and violent, but it represented the time in Scottish history.
This book is the first in a trilogy.  
4 stars

about J.R. Tomlin
(bio from her Amazon page)
Born in the US, in Texas to be specific, to a Scottish father and American mother, J. R. grew up in both the US and Scotland, mainly in the Edinburgh area, attended university at the University of Texas at Austin and now lives in the US Pacific North West.

She writes both Scottish historical fiction and co-authors (non-Scottish) fantasy with C. R. Daems.

This biography was provided by the author or their representative.

for other books by this author, visit


She has an amazing website at

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Historical / War Fiction
Rating – PG