Review - One Voice Too Many by Paul Martin Midden

One Voice Too Many by Paul Martin Midden

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Blurb From Goodreads

Do we really know each other? Jeremy Walker seemed like a decent human being: hardworking, independent, intelligent. But he has a past that he can not quite shake and a terrible secret that only he knew. Despite a history of rocky relationships, he was determined to make a success of his relationship with Macy, an attractive woman who was similarly smart and independent. Will he succeed? The obstacles loom large.

My Review

The book starts really well, easy to follow and well written. Jeremy gets out of his car, walks and walks and walks until he stops at a diner, orders food and then just breaks. Whilst Jeremy lands in hospital the book jumps back to when he first meets Macy and even goes back to his previous relationship and family life.

We slowly learn the other side of Jeremy and how he "copes" and functions everyday and how his family see his behaviour. The book for me dragged in some places and then spelled out every thing else so you didn't have to think about anything as it was all laid out for you in minute detail.

Jeremy is socially awkward although he hides it well, as we follow his story we see his coping strategies and how it unravels and effects those around him. I think maybe if your into psychology and studying human behaviour you will really like this book but I went into it thinking it was a thriller and just felt it was a really long and drawn behaviour study with a story around those observations of Jeremy and his wife.

In the last quarter I thought something big was going to kick off but again it was more about behaviour and interaction than the big finale I thought was coming. Sadly this is a 2/5 for me. Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy, I would read this author again as the writing was smooth and easy to read it was just the focus and little actual content I had issue with.

This book is available on amazon for anyone wishing to read it.

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Review - I Am Scrooge, A Zombie Story For Christmas by Adam Roberts

I am Scrooge: A Zombie Story for Christmas by Adam Roberts

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Blurb From Goodreads

The legendary Ebenezeer Scrooge sits in his house counting money. The boards that he has nailed up over the doors and the windows shudder and shake under the blows from the endless zombie hordes that crowd the streets hungering for his flesh and his miserly braaaaiiiiiinns! Just how did the happiest day of the year slip into a welter of blood, innards, and shambling, ravenous undead on the snowy streets of old London town? Will the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future be able to stop the world from drowning under a top-hatted and crinolined zombie horde? Was Tiny Tim's illness something infinitely more sinister than mere rickets and consumption? Can Scrooge be persuaded to go back to his evil ways, travel back to Christmas past, and destroy the brain stem of the tiny, irritatingly cheery Patient Zero?

My Review

Well it is an odd little story to say the least. At 153 pages it is a tad too long, I feel it started out decent and got a few smirks if not giggles but then it just went off into madness. The story follows loosely the original Christmas Carol (with the character Scrooge, Marley and the 3 ghosts) and then comes the zombies.

It isn't meant to be taken serious and I would think written for a laugh so don't pick it up with any real expectations however it does go quickly down a bizarre road. From meeting some big names ie Jack The Ripper and Dickens, to time travel and a new explanation about what Christmas really is about and how zombies fit into it all.

It has the gore for the hardcore zombie fans who expect nothing less but to be honest, other than that I wouldn't go into it looking for anything more as it offers little else. A promising start that quickly goes downhill, for me it was more so with the second ghost and his horrific murder of the english language. Sadly another 2/5 for me.

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Author Interview with David A. Koop

Contact Information:

Author’s Name: David A. Koop - pronounced “Cope”

Website Address: www.somedaygroup.com

Blog Address: www.somedaygroup.com/category/blog/

--
What is the title of your book? Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It!
The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man

What is your book about?
My book is about my life… my childhood and
growing up, my adventures as a young man, my varied and successful business
careers, my love for my son and my family… all the things that made me
the kind of man who could successfully battle and survive a terminal cancer
diagnosis. The book tells of my duel with cancer from diagnosis, through surgery,
chemotherapy, and my ultimate recovery and ongoing war with chronic pain and
other side effects of having survived. Throughout the book, I share my personal
philosophies on life, success, and the one true thing that matters in this life… our
personal relationships. I also include tips for those going through cancer or other
serious illnesses and for those who care for them.



Why did you decide to write it? I looked death square in the face when my
doctors told me I had less than 9 months to live and should “get my affairs in
order.” I know, first hand, that the “someday” we all dream of doing this or that,
may never come. I wrote the book to encourage people who are fighting cancer
or other serious illnesses to be positive and focus on something to live for. For
those who have been fortunate enough not to face serious illness, I wrote the
book to encourage them to recognize that someday may never come. TODAY
is someday! Live your dreams, now. Tell your family you love them, now. Heal
old wounds, now. When our time is up, all we get to take with us is a heart full
of memories of those most dear to us. No one on their death bed looks up and
says, “GOD just one more day please, just one more day in the office and I can
finish that Thompson report.” No, they ask to have more time with their family
and friends.



How did you get your book published? I worked with an editor in Colorado. He
has worked for decades in the book industry, including writing books for Readers
Digest. The first draft I sent him came back lacking the praise I was sure I would
receive. He pointed out what were some flaws in my story line. The book had
holes in it based on me subconsciously assuming that the readers would know
what I know. They weren’t there… how could they? So, rule number one, tell the
whole story. It took the original draft and two more total rewrites to get to the
book I have today.

Getting the email from my publisher that my book had made it onto the Top 10
Bestseller list was a huge boost of encouragement and the royalty checks are nice
too. The biggest lift comes from the reader’s; people who don’t know me, people
who have read my book and feel compelled to share how it has helped them or
touched them... that is the best part of all. As a writer, I have no idea what people
are going to think, but when they share their true heartfelt feelings it is just
wonderful.



What types of readers will be interested in your book? My book is for more
than just someone suffering from a serious illness or adversity. It is of interest to
friends, family members, caregivers, and medical personnel (one reader actually
reads passages from my book to his staff at staff meetings!). It is also for anyone
who is looking for inspiration to transform their own life. I ran away at 15. Never
graduated from High School, yet I became a very successful business person and
even served as an adjunct professor of law at Denver University College of Law.
In this way, my story appeals to people in the business world as well.



What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books
in the same category? My book is written in a conversational style. As if we
were sitting in my family room sharing a glass of wine. It is a deeply moving and
personal account of my life, my love for my son and my unfailing ability to believe
in something greater than myself. Readers will come away ready to create the life
they have been dreaming of.

Do you plan to publish more? Yes. I am working on the next book now, having
completed the first several chapters. It is based on the workshops that my wife
Carrie and I teach. With years of gender studies and as PAX licensees, we work
with men and women to help them create meaningful and lasting relationships at
work and home.

Review - Double Dead by Chuck Wendig

Double Dead by Chuck Wendig

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Blurb From Goodreads

Coburn’s been dead now for close to a century, but seeing as how he’s a vampire and all, it doesn’t much bother him. Or at least it didn’t, not until he awoke from a forced five-year slumber to discover that most of human civilization was now dead—but not dead like him, oh no.

See, Coburn likes blood. The rest of the walking dead, they like brains. He’s smart. Them, not so much. But they outnumber him by about a million to one. And the clotted blood of the walking dead cannot sustain him. Now he’s starving. And nocturnal. And more pissed-off than a bee-stung rattlesnake. The vampire not only has to find human survivors (with their sweet, sweet blood), but now he has to transition from predator to protector—after all, a man has to look after his food supply.

My Review

Aw I so wanted to love this book, the idea is pure brilliance however the story just didn't cut it for me (to be fair I had huge expectations). Some of it is really good to be honest for example we get to know how the disease started and spread and I love that and find it is usually lacking in zombie books (and movies). All questions that were raised throughout the book is answered which is another huge must for me.

However there was so much I disliked, for this to be a fair and honest review I had to give a two star rating. The vampire is a poor show compared to what we have viewed over the years, he gets his butt handed to him more often than not. His attitude really sucks for the most part (I did start to warm to him near the very end) and some of the dialogue seemed just a bit over the top although some of it was funny. That said the things I didn't like my o/h thought was quite funny (I read it out to him) so I definately think that whilst I thought the book was ok some readers will love it.

The other characters are varied and have some good traits but again there was noone who stood out for me or stayed with me, well maybe creampuff :D The way it ended I think there will be more to the series, will I get it? Yes I think so and hope that Coburn is more endearing and a better vampire than our first meeting. The writing of the book is very easy to follow and barring the swearing (which doesn't bother me but sometimes it just seemed over the top and there for the sake of it) I quite enjoyed the authors style of writing. 2/5 for me this time but I am very picky so if your a zombie and or vampire fan give it a try

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Review - Cancer It's A Good Thing I Got It! by David A. Koop

Cancer - It's a Good Thing I Got It!: The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man by David A Koop

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Blurb From Goodreads


David Koop Conquered the World of Business.

He Wasn't About to Let Cancer Put Him Under.

David Koop had it all-a storied business career, beautiful son, and prospects as far as the eye could see. Then a surprise cancer diagnosis turned his life upside down. It was osteo sarcoma-a form of bone cancer-and it was growing on his spine. Doctors told him to get his affairs in order.

More than three years later, Koop continues to beat the odds. Cancer: It's a Good Thing I Got It! is his eye-opening account of a remarkable journey through hospitals, treatments, friendships and emotions as he struggles to maintain a positive attitude and will to live. In this frank and uncensored look at one man's battle with cancer, Koop reflects on his life before and after the diagnosis. The surprising conclusion will leave you awed at the strength of the human spirit: far from a death sentence, the medical woes unleash a powerful self-assessment that leads Koop to a whole new sense of purpose-and the love he has sought all his life.

Full of humor and occasional grief, this memoir of a life still in progress will move you to make changes for the better. You'll come away inspired to live your life to the fullest and embrace the gift of personal relationships. And you'll find hope for meeting the unexpected challenges that can strike when you least expect.

My Review

When I first got this book I looked at the title and felt really uncomfortable, I mean it is cancer and they are saying it is a good thing! It also stirred up a lot of notice and comments as I carried it about and took it with me to read by just about everyone who saw it. Since reading the book and hearing Davids story I totally understand it's title and would say to everyone don't judge or dismiss it until you have read it.

The story is in short chapters and reads just like diary entries or like conversations with the author, it is very well done and really easy to follow. Any big words or procedures are explained so well that whether you have any medical knowledge or not you will be able to follow it with ease. Almost the first half of the book deals with the initial telling of the diagnosis and what lead it and his life up until that point, relationships, jobs etc. There is also quotes at the start of every new chapter which are also in themselves quite moving.

In the actual content some people might feel it is hard going as this is a truly honest account of what he went through from before, during and after his diagnosis. It is a open and both heart breaking and warming story of one man and his family dealing with something most of us hope to never have to encounter. From physical complications after treatments to the mental anguish of trying to cope after being told you are going to die. Trying to live with and beat the odds and breaking to the news to his family.

This book stirs up a host of emotions, sadness, joy, grief, laughter, hope, inspiration to name just a few. I feel this would be a quick read for most as it is hard to put down (it took me so long as work and Christmas has gotten in the way) but I could have easily read this in on sitting had time permitted.

I think this book would be a great read for anyone, whether you have been touched by cancer, feeling down or just want an uplifting (true) story then this is a book for you. I really enjoyed it so it is a 4/5 for me.

I would like to thank David for introducing me to his book and sending me a copy and sharing his journey with me. You can also find David here http://www.somedaygroup.com/ for updates on how he is doing.

You can purchase the book via Amazon.co.uk for £18.95 paperback or for the kindle £7.15

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Review - Coffee At Little Angels by Nadine Rose Larter

Coffee at Little Angels by Nadine Rose Larter

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Blurb From Goodreads

Phillip, Sarah, Kaitlyn, Caleb, Maxine, Grant, Melanie and Josh grew up in a small town where they spent their high school years together as an inseparable clique. But high school has ended, and they are all living their own “grown up” lives, each under the impression that their group has basically come to an end. When Phillip dies in a hit and run accident, Kaitlyn summons the others to all come back home, forcing a reunion that no one is particularly interested in partaking in.

Coffee at Little Angels follows how each character deals with the death of a childhood friend while at the same time dealing with their own ignored demons after years of separation. Events unfold as the group tries to rekindle the friendship they once shared to honour the memory of a friend they will never see again.

My review

Sadly this book just didn't do it for me. At the beginning I thought we were going to get a ghost account of how things were after Phillip is killed. However he is only in it very briefly at the start (a few small appearances and again at the end). I thought it was going to have him walking us through it as the story went on).

I didn't form any interest in any of the characters and had to keep going back to reread the chapter to remember what it was about. I was constantly mixing Melanie and Maxine up too and the characters seemed more caught up in their own nonsense than the fact that their friend had died.

The story itself (once you remove the whose who issue) is really easy to read I just found it a bit confusing and annoying that they were mostly self involved and poor old Phillip who is the reason they all get back togerther is pretty much not the focus.

If you like a story that is not too serious and don't mind it jumping around a bit then this is for you. I did like that the chapters were quite short as they went from person to person so I could put it down and pick it up every 5 or 10 minutes rather than being locked into big chapters.

Sadly I just didn't gel or connect with this book at all but would like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to try this book, 2/5 for me this time.

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Competitions winners are..........................

For the printed copies of the author giveaway

vivian walton

Mark Bridger

Mark Rewhorn

Rachel Craig

Vanessa Rozee

For the ebook copies

Valerie Hartley
laura stewart
Patricia Avery
kelly koya
jennyb

For the black Kindle cover the winner is Maci234 and the white kindle cover is
Brit86. Maci234 I don't seem to have anyway to contact you, please message me your details so I can post the cover to you. If I haven't heard from you in a few days I will pick another winner, thank you.

Thank you so much to everyone who took part and apologies as I was meant to announce the winners on Saturday but it has just been so hectic with the run up to Christmas. I have sent the details on to the author for the Confessions Of A Corporate Slut and I will get the Kindle covers out as soon as I can.

Please remember Decembers pre-loved giveaway is still open so if you haven't already you can still enter for it.