Thursday, August 7, 2014

A Review of A CIPHER IN THE SAND by Sandra Bolton


Book Description:
Even before the plane touches down in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Sarah Nelson questions her motives for being there. Murder and romance were not on her list. The year is 1985 and Ronald Reagan is president. Following a recent divorce, Sarah joins the Peace Corps. She is assigned to the northern coast of Honduras, a poverty-stricken tropical paradise. The Garifunas, a unique Afro-Amerindian culture, are her nearest neighbors. Her closest ally in times of trouble is the ancient female tribal leader and spiritualist, Xiomara, who draws her into the mysterious world of the supernatural. Sarah's life is forever altered as the naive and idealistic woman encounters more danger and intrigue than she ever bargained for.

Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just Another Day in ParadiseJuly 27, 2014
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Cipher in the Sand (Kindle Edition)
A Cipher in the Sand by Sandra Bolton tells the tale of an American woman in the Peace Corp sent to Honduras as a teacher. She quickly becomes embroiled in the lives of the village people and faces the corrupt local police, men with violent and often deadly methods. The characters are so believably drawn that one forgets this is not a true life story. The beauty of the country and it's people play an important part in the story, as we watch our teacher's growth through pain and heartache. A quick, interesting read with great characters and a beautiful setting, but not just another day in paradise. I highly recommend it.

Monday, August 4, 2014

THE BASLICATO by Carol Ann Kauffman


Book Description:
When Dr. Brook Wilson agreed to take on celebrity Italian race car driver Jason Maxwell, known as"The Baslicato," as her patient, little did she realize their relationship would turn her calm, pleasant, well-ordered life upside down, sending her off on dangerous adventures in southern Italy and northern Ohio. As she prepares him for his big race, she must deal with his demented wife while driving her boyfriend, Dr, Garrett MacEgan into acts of criminal desperation in a attempt to hold on to her.

Excerpt:
"The headlines read Heir to Allessandro Auto Fortune Kidnapped Here in Vistaverde.  It went on to report that Jason Allessandro Maxwell, affectionately known as ‘The Baslicato’, the creative automotive design engineer and the driving force behind the new Italian sports car, the ‘Licato,’ was overtaken by force and shoved into the back of a white van on Tuesday evening by two foreign-speaking men here in Vistaverde, Utah, on his way back from speed trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats, as reported by eye witnesses at the scene near the corner of Fairfax Ave. and State St. on State St

A ransom demand has been delivered to his father, the multi-millionaire Thaddeus Maxwell, according to a source who wished to remain anonymous.  Details of the demand have not been released to the general public.  Police Chief Thomas Whitecliff of the Vistaverde Police Department has not been informed of any activity.  Chief Whitecliff assures the citizens that the streets of Vistaverde are safe and this event is an isolated incident involving the internationally known celebrity racecar driver.  Chief Whitecliff stated that although the Allessandro-Maxwell family has not asked for local police assistance or intervention at this time, he and his department are willing to help in any way possible to track down and apprehend the kidnappers and bring Jason Maxwell back home safely.

Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Baslicato 4 April 2014
By Lacey D.
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
The idea of a book about a racing driver which is partially set in southern Italy attracted me and I wasn't disappointed. The plot was unusual and intelligent. The character of Jason/Richard was extremely well written and I definitely sympathised over his confusion at having another man's memories while in his own body. The love between Richard/Jason and Nicole/Brook was very touching and the chemistry between them was evident without being gratuitously described in a graphic way. Carol Ann Kauffman's characterisation was excellent.

This book is part of the Time After Time series but I found that although I started in the middle of the series it was still easy to understand what was happening. The books do not need to be read in order. I'm really looking forward to reading more in the series.


5.0 out of 5 stars A surprise of a read! March 27, 2014
Format:Kindle Edition
This author wrote a story that kept me intrigued and biting my nails all the way through! The characters are so vivid and likable! Recommended to anyone. It really is a captivating book with treachery at its core! A romance to last for all time. What a strange combination but it ooooh it works so well!

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing May 8, 2013
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This book was great! It had a little bit of everything in it! Italy, Racing Cars, good looking guys! It's a page turner for sure, and I think it's my favorite so far in the Time after Time series! These books are so good they always keep me coming back to read the next story! I love the theme of the reincarnated lovers throughout all the books, and the ability to read them out of order and not miss a thing! Check this book out, you won't regret it! It's a great read for the summer!


Friday, August 1, 2014

MURDER UNDER THE ITALIAN MOON by Maria Grazia Swan



Dear Gentle Readers,
    On July 17th, I shared with you ITALIAN SUMMER by Maria Grazia Swan.  It was the story of a twenty-something Italian woman, Mina Calvi, living in California who returns to Italy after the death of her lover for a quiet, soul-searching vacation that turns into murder.  If you remember, I was quite taken with it.
    Well, I just finished MURDER UNDER THE ITALIAN MOON by Maria Grazia Swan, and I highly recommend it.  It is a psychological mystery of murder and betrayal and a little romance, where people are not who they seem to be, and soon I suspected everybody!  Set in beautiful Florence and sunny Southern California this book with well-drawn characters and a swift-moving plot was  hard to put down and easily one of the best mysteries I've read in a long time.  Donatella York is one of those gentle souls with a kind heart who sees the good in everyone. She is every Italian girl.  Looking forward to the next roller-coaster ride by this author.
    If you're in the mood for a light-hearted romantic mystery with some Italian flavor, then DIO MIO! this one is for you!
    Hugs,
    Carol


LINK to buy:
http://www.amazon.com/Murder-under-Italian-Moon-Lella-ebook/dp/B00G7067FY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405993796&sr=1-1&keywords=MURDER+UNDER+THE+ITALIAN+MOON