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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Book Review 3 Days in Paradise

GINGER'S SPICE
Flavored Reviews from the Indie Universe
by Ginger Gelsheimer

3 Days in Paradise 
by Chameleon Author









Hold on for a deep journey!

Brief synopsis: Dani is tormented by guilt from a secret from her past.  After a terrible accident, she must come to terms with that guilt. Things on not what they seem to be as she travels through this journey, or are they?

First, I loved, loved , loved the prologue! What a fun way for the author to connect with the reader.
I read 3 Days in Paradise in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. The pace was fantastic and it made you want to read just a little more. I was tired too, so that means a lot in my case. The author did a fantastic job at creating a sense that something was wrong without giving too much away.

Originality: I thought the story was creative and well done, especially given the deep subject matter. There were several twists I never saw coming.

Characters: The characters were well developed and likable.  I cared about Dani and what she was going through and even after just the prologue, I had to know what happened to her.  I felt the dialogue was natural and flowed well in the story.

Recommendation: This book goes well with a hot blueberry muffin and a glass of cold milk because it will be comforting when you’re done. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 3 Days in Paradise and would highly recommend it.

-Ginger

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Monday, January 27, 2014

Book Review Sorrows (The Rogue Saga)

GINGER'S SPICE
Flavored Reviews from the Indie Universe
by Ginger Gelsheimer

Sorrows (The Rogue Saga) 
by Donna Fernstrom







A Different Kind of Love Story

Brief synopsis: Sorrows (The Rogue Saga) is a story about Jay, a newly turned vampire who is agonizing over being turned without a choice. He is terrified of himself and what harm he may bring to others. Picked up by the Law Enforcement Circle just before he’s about to pounce on his first victim, he meets a whole cast of characters deeply familiar with the new world he has been thrust into. He fears Malachi, a monster from his past, never feeling safe.

Originality: I give the author kudos for putting an original spin on the vampire monster. Jay did at times reminded me of Louie from Rice’s vamps, when he self pitied himself and his situation, but overall this tale was unique. These vampires even do things like humans – shower, house hunt and oh… have sex (which was appropriately written without the excess detail-leaving something up to the imagination). The author also ties in a little magic with Gating from place to place and Kel, the mage.

Characters: I thought the characters were well developed, each with their own unique persona. I loved Naomi and her spunk and wished the author would have lightened Jay up a bit sooner with their relationship. I enjoyed following the story of Jay, but did feel bogged down at times with the depression hanging over him. Sprinkling some of the cool effects he inherited with his vampireness through some of the darkness, could provide a little relief here.  I was drawn in by the intensity in all of the relationships he had throughout the book running his emotional gamut to the max—jealously, fear, love.

Polish: The book is professionally done and well polished.

Recommendation: Have a nice glass of cab and a bloody steak with this one! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sorrows (The Rogue Saga) and would highly recommend it.

-Ginger

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

I found the pot of gold! It was at Google+!



So fun to look at old posts sometimes...

Well, don't I feel like it's Christmas today! I spend a ton of time online, talking with other Indie authors mostly from my Book Review Depot group-now Author's Cave. We share a lot and help each other figure out the grand universe of how to someday become a best seller, or something like that. Sometimes we talk about dinosaur or now bigfoot porn. oh and sometimes we have pie! virtually of course.

Anyway, after spending a day poking around in Google+, I feel like it's Christmas. It has to be the most underutilized and awesome tool out there and it doesn't appear that we are using it! Sure, most of us probably have an account set up, but how many are using it as a major tool every day?

I got into Google+ initially when my writing partner-hello Christinas Keats-and I needed a way to go back and forth between a Mac and PC. Perfect - Google Drive and Google docs. We can share, edit, comment and both be in the doc at the same time. 

Then...we moved up in the world into Google+ Hangouts! You can chat and video conference here - even in groups! Oh man, besides having a clear connection and non-interrupted video stream (like Skype) it has all sorts of fun things you can do with your screen - add glasses, the Eiffel Tower or a spaceship.

Oh, and this is my first Blog from Google+ :) I can do that here too. We'll see how it works.

Oh and I started a community for Book Review Depot, where I believe I can do a lot more through Google+ than with FB. Author's Cave.

My email and calendar were already in Google because I can't stand the new Yahoo format. I can get everything on my smart phone, all of my photo are there and Google+ will play around with fun things like adding snow to a photo or make a Christmas tree twinkle.

You can also create pages there for your books, or whatever like you can in FB. Going to do that after the new release of our Aurora Conspiracy franchise.

I think Google will even make you more searchable in their Google searches, which I don't know about you, but I typically say "Google it" when I need to find something. Sorry again Yahoo. But people don't Yahoo it.

...and as we all bow down to the high and mighty Amazon that controls our destiny... Google might be the one to give it a run for its money!

Ginger