In the spirit of seasonal ghost stories, this wintry collection will send a tingle down your spine, but may also warm your heart.
Six short stories range from waiting for a mysterious midnight train, attending a party with an unexpected guest, a life-changing reunion for a miserable family, receiving a holiday greeting unlike any other, a visit from an unusual group of carolers, and a journey through a blizzard with a twist.
Grab a blanket, your favorite hot drink, and settle in for some Winter Chills.
Authors & Stories:
By D.B. Carter: Departures and Arrivals The Christmas Card
By Derek R. King: Defying Convention
By S.J. Lomas: The Holiday Party The Carolers
By Natalie Reeves-Billing: Go With the Wind
This book is an anthology of chilling Winter tales. It is the perfect night time, hot cocoa, fire place read. OR! Bonfire, S’mores, chilly night read! Either way these stories were all wonderful.
I love the different writing styles and different ideas from each author. Some of these stories just blew my mind with their twists and turns and out there endings. Some of them had me on the edge of my seat. But all of them were amazing.
It is a quick, fun read by some amazing Authors, and that’s why it is number 3 on my all times favorites list. You really can’t go wrong with this one, I promise.
When the human race is battling for survival and leans on the military… humanity’s “evolved” cell phones into mental chips provide great strength but can also lead to their demise when a central authority is controlling push notifications… molding the new world.
Chaos is sure to ensue!
A soldier’s life is saved by his mental chip and precious Bear Serum, we follow his journey as the world around him evolves and changes. Politics, power and greed shape his journey in the 4-level planet, Earth 2.
A dystopian, stylistic and action-packed sci-fi graphic novel.
DIGITALLY INTERACTIVE!
The Author:
I have lived in and around the inspiring city of Detroit my whole life. I graduated with a degree in Industrial Design launching my design career at a packaging manufacturer. My career evolved over the course of a decade from a designer to developing an internal studio, guiding big brands through the creation process for their next awe-inspiring package. Color, graphics and form play in constant motion within packaging and I craft those elements together for an enjoyable customer experience. As an artist, I find many ways to express my creativity. Through drawing, painting and writing I enjoy discovering the path of turning my stories into a tangible art form. My YouTube channel is loaded with sketch & 3D print videos!
This book was amazing! With the art, the QR code’s, and the messages within the texts, I honestly can’t pick what my favorite aspect is!
The art is great, even in the black and white pages I read. I found myself searching the pages for hidden words and pictures. It was a style I am not used to in my Graphic Novels, and I loved following it across the story.
The writing style is unique, but not in a bad way. Sometimes the thoughts read more as a list, or poem even, broken up in odd ways as if they were not finished thoughts. I feel like it fit the characters and the story so well though.
I enjoyed all the characters, it’s hard to pick who to root for in this story haha!! I think I was rooting for the last bear soldier the entire time.
I feel like you could read into the texts as many different warnings and messages for future use with technology. It also shows that even the end of the world won’t stop the evil of politics and greed.
The Realms of Arrika had endured the deadly consequences of the Deathless invasion for years. Now it was our turn to suffer.
While the developers of Second Skin sought to regain control of their ‘creation,’ the victims of their overreach struck back at their oppressors. The Gods’ effort to free their people unintentionally released a wave of mystical energy that would lead to the total destruction of our world. When Alex learns of the impending doom, he rushes to join his friends in the one place he believes might be safe from the coming cataclysm.
Yet the destruction of everything he’d ever known was only the beginning of the challenges Alex will be forced to deal with. Even before the dust settles, new threats rise up to confront him. With his old world in ruins, a completely different one begins to rise from its ashes. Can his small group of companions survive when the hazards of Second Skin come hunting for them?
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of graphic violence and deals with mature/adult themes.
Continue the Second Skin Adventure With: Echoes: A Second Skin Novel (Second Skin Book 6)
Second Skin: Wayward (Second Skin Book 7)
Second Skin: Reckoning (Second Skin Book 8)
The Author:
M Damon Baker lives in sunny Florida with his family, dog, and 8.5 million alligators. M Damon was inspired to write his first novel after discovering the LitRPG genre, but has since moved on to explore other categories. Keep up with him and be the first to discover his new releases by following M Damon on Amazon and his social media sites: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damon.grey.1401 Twitter: @MDamonBaker1
This is the fifth book of the Second Skin series as a whole, BUT this book starts a completely new Arc. I was unsure how I felt about leaving our characters for a group of Noobs, but it was done very well. I have loved Second Skin and the world and characters that came along with it, so I was nervous to leave our beloved Arrika for the “real world”. M Damon Baker kills it with the transition, it’s not far fetched, or completely otherworldly and I love it.
The new characters are just as great as the previous ones and I fell in love immediately. You always have a feeling that no one is safe, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Alex and Jen are quickly making their way to the top of my favorite literary characters in LitRPG.
The world is our world, just in the future and I enjoy how technology plays its roll in the newly formed ways of the story. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but it is cleverly done.
As a gamer there is nothing more exciting then starting a new character, or a new world. I feel like Backlash grabs every emotion that comes along with those feelings and turns them into a reality of sorts. I love this series so much, and I am so excited to see what comes next and how it all inter mingles with previous books.
If you have never tried a litrpg novel before, I would highly suggest this series. It’s is done perfectly, but not overly complicated.
Can’t wait to see where we head off next in Echoes! 5 Stars for this book of course, I can never put them down once I start!
Photo Credit: Stephanie Meyer on Amazon Product Images
The Book:
It’s here! #1 bestselling author Stephenie Meyer makes a triumphant return to the world of Twilight with this highly anticipated companion: the iconic love story of Bella and Edward told from the vampire’s point of view.When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met inTwilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun. This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger? In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love. “People do not want to just read Meyer’s books; they want to climb inside them and live there.” — Time“A literary phenomenon.” — The New York Times
The Author:
Stephanie Meyer
Stephenie Meyer is the author of the #1 bestselling Twilight Saga, The Host, and The Chemist. Twilight has enraptured millions of readers since its publication in 2005 and has become a modern classic, redefining genres within young adult literature and inspiring a phenomenon that has had readers yearning for more. The series has sold 160 million copies worldwide and was made into five blockbuster feature films. Stephenie lives in Arizona with her husband. Her website is stepheniemeyer.com.
First, I am going to start off by saying I have been a die hard Twilight fan since my early 20s. The reasoning is complicated, but long story short it gave me an escape when I needed it so badly. No joke, I have read the Saga 18 times, working on 19 now.
The wait for Midnight Sun has been over a decade and I have to say, I wasn’t expecting its release ever. I was so bummed when the first quarter of it was leaked and Stephanie decided to shelf it for awhile. When I found out it was finally being released I thought it was a hoax haha. Needless to say I bought it, listened to it, and of course loved it!
I was not expecting Midnight Sun to be as long as it was, Twilight being one of the shorter of the Saga, but I wasn’t mad. Not only do we see everything from Edwards perspective, but we get so much more insight on everyone! Obviously because Edward can read thoughts.
I think my absolute favorite thing in this book is you really get to see how amazing Edward and Alice work together with their gifts. Also, seeing Alices gifts first hand through Edwards mind is a huge bonus. Not to mention, how much Jasper gravitated towards Bella, and how carefree our dear Emmett is.
I love how this book dives deeper into Edwards hate for what he is, and even being in Bella’s life. In my opinion it also makes Bella more adoring. Which let’s be honest, she seems quite boring in the other books haha.
I was extremely excited to see the workings of Bella’s Dad and Moms minds also, to see what types of minds created Bella’s gifts. Now I am sure Charlie is a shield like Bella, just not as powerful, but I am so curious to see what Reneas gifts would be if she was turned. I will not give my reasonings, because I don’t want any spoilers lol. Anyway, Love love love this book!!
If you know me at all, you wouldn’t expect anything less. 🙂
Journey back to the city of Amaford through the eyes of someone new.
Roland, a Halfling from the small town of Berstead, journeys into the depths of the infamous city looking to escape his past. Employed as an apprentice to a master scribe, he finds himself within the city’s Tin District. Discover how despite his calculative, tentative nature, and social awkwardness Roland finds everything he previously lacked. Until the presence of a mysterious voice sends his world spiraling into the chaos that is Amaford.
The Author:
Zack brooks is a new writer who likes to dabble in the fantasy world. He deals in the generic fantasy realm, but also dips his toes in the world of urban fantasy. With his main series being the Trials of Amaford, it becomes clear that sarcasm could be considered his first language. Outside of writing, Zack is a husband and a father of three. All whom he lives to embarrass at every opportunity. Being a nerd and a homebody in New Hampshire it’s no wonder he has chosen to spend what little free time he has clicking away and filling in those blank pages that scream to be filled. You can connect with him at: Facebook – Facebook.com/zackbrooksauthor Twitter – Twitter.com/zackbrooksauthor Website – Www.zackbrooksauthor.com Or shoot him an email at: zack.brooksauthor@gmail.com
Okay, so this book and number 3 are extremely close to each other. I wanna say maybe even tied haha. (You will find out number 3 next week.)
I loved everything about this Novella! The world is beautifully written. The characters are lovable and relatable. I couldn’t put it down.
This is actually the second Novella in the series, so if you’re looking to to read them maybe start with How Not to be a Rogue. They are both equally amazing, I promise. I just remember I enjoyed this one just a smudge more haha. (No number 3 isn’t How not to be a rogue.)
With a wonderful setting and amazing characters, the story and plot are also really fun. It’s a fast paced adventure that I can guarantee you won’t want to put down.
Hey everyone! I know it’s a little late, but with everything going on and now homeschooling all three of my kids, the days have kind of melded together haha. I’m sure most of you can understand! Today I am going to release the first of my top 5 Indie books of all time! I am so excited to finally get this out there. There are SO many amazing Indie Authors that deserve all the recognition in the world!! We will be starting with number 5, and making my way to my absolute favorite Indie book to this day! Hope you Enjoy!
5.
Chaos by: Jimi Rodriguez
The Book:
Surviving in a school of magic and murder is not easy!
Jacob Titus is a forgotten boy from Eslor Island. With an absent father and a mother who battles Alzheimer’s disease, Jacob has long learned to care for himself. When he is discovered by a magical talent hunter, Jacob makes the difficult choice to leave his home and enter the Valcrest School for the Promised.
As his school years go by, Jacob has to spend as much time trying to stay alive as he does finding a cure for his mother. As violence and blood lust at the school escalate, Jacob must learn to figure out who he can trust. All he wanted was to save his mother. Now he must save himself.
The Author:
Jimi Rodriguez is an author from Houston, TX. After graduating from The Ohio State University, he became a teacher in his hometown. He went on to obtain a Master’s Degree from Ohio University. He lives in Houston with his wife and two children. For years, he told his students stories of the characters in From Chaos Comes Order. The characters were a work of friendship, as many major roles in the story were conceived by his friends in writing and life. Finally, he created the series From Chaos Comes Order. Book One: Chaos is his debut novel. From Chaos Comes Order is planned to have four books in total. Book Three: Savior is coming soon!
The first thing that drew me to Chaos was the cover, it is absolutely amazing! The second is the synopsis, Magic school? Blood lust? Um…. Sold!!
Anyway, I was really excited to pick up this book and read it and it obviously did not disappoint! The characters are all perfectly made for the story. I enjoyed the development each character had throughout and it was very well written! Even some of the more frustrating characters stood out to me, all they need is a hug right? I love them all!!
The setting was perfect! Not to out there crazy, but beautiful for the Magical world that it creates. The descriptions throughout are very well done and believable.
The plot is amazing. I finished this book in one day! I just couldn’t put it down. Each chapter just leaves you craving more! I laughed, cried, and loved every minute of it!!
After more than a decade, when sisters Nikki, Sami, and Tori Knotek hear the word mom, it claws like an eagle’s talons, triggering memories that have been their secret since childhood. Until now.
For years, behind the closed doors of their farmhouse in Raymond, Washington, their sadistic mother, Shelly, subjected her girls to unimaginable abuse, degradation, torture, and psychic terrors. Through it all, Nikki, Sami, and Tori developed a defiant bond that made them far less vulnerable than Shelly imagined. Even as others were drawn into their mother’s dark and perverse web, the sisters found the strength and courage to escape an escalating nightmare that culminated in multiple murders.
Harrowing and heartrending, If You Tell is a survivor’s story of absolute evil—and the freedom and justice that Nikki, Sami, and Tori risked their lives to fight for. Sisters forever, victims no more, they found a light in the darkness that made them the resilient women they are today—loving, loved, and moving on.
The Author:
#1 New York Times and Amazon Charts bestselling author Gregg Olsen has written more than thirty books, including Lying Next to Me, The Last Thing She Ever Did, and two novels in the Nicole Foster series, The Sound of Rain and The Weight of Silence. Known for his ability to create vivid and fascinating narratives, he’s appeared on multiple television and radio shows and news networks, such as Good Morning America, Dateline, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, and MSNBC. In addition, Olsen has been featured in Redbook, People, and Salon magazine, as well as in the Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times, and New York Post. Both his fiction and nonfiction works have received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including prominence on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. Washington State officially selected his young adult novel Envy for the National Book Festival, and The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year.
A Seattle native who lives with his wife in rural Washington State, Olsen’s already at work on his next thriller. Visit him at http://www.greggolsen.com.
Going into this book I had to prepare. I really enjoy reading crime novels, but knowing this was based on true events, and involved children, I treaded lightly. I don’t know what I was expecting from this novel, but it wasn’t what I got. Yes I expected it to be heartbreaking, and sad, but never could I expect the amount of Evil this one person could posses. Not only was this abuser Evil, but used some of the most outrages manipulative tactics I have ever seen. The things that this one person did, and got away with will blow your mind. It almost doesn’t even seem real.
The emotions you have reading this book are intense. You can go from Anger, to Relieved, to Outrage in a matter of minutes. It was very well written.
The only thing I have to say is, and I can not explain this, reading it was hard. I don’t know if it was the format it was written, or what, but My mind tended to wonder as if it could not keep my full attention. So, because of this I downloaded the audiobook and decided to try to listen to it, it made a world of difference. I finished it in two day. So if you are having trouble reading this for any reason, I would suggest getting the Audiobook and listening to it. Hope this helps.
5 Stars!
This book was very well done. With the hard topics it covers I was worried I wouldn’t be able to finish it, but once you start you can’t stop. I am so glad I tried the AudioBook or this review may have been completely different.
After a harrowing encounter at the bottom of the world, biologist Adalyn Price wants nothing more than to get away from it all. Hounded by the media and the scientific community alike, her sister Penelope is the only person that stands between Ada and her nightmares. And when a stranger’s proposal sparks Penny’s interest, Ada is forced to rethink her plans.
José Narvaez, a researcher studying life in the Amazon, approaches the sisters after stumbling across a creature that had roamed unseen for 12,000 years. For millennia, tribes have passed down stories of monsters living in the jungle.
Now, evidence has come to light that threatens to reveal the hidden truths in age old myths. Reluctantly, Ada and Penny agree to join his expedition, aiming to provide the world with proof that monsters do exist, and deserve to be protected. But the Amazon doesn’t give up its secrets without a fight, and there are more than myths and legends in the flesh haunting the uncharted Amazonian wilderness. Some monsters are more human than not.
Also includes an exclusive short story that continues Ada and Penny’s adventures!
The Author:
First and foremost, I wanted to write a tale of action and adventure. I drew my inspirations from the pulp adventures of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Lester Dent, and Robert E. Howard, among others. More modern influences include James Rollins, Preston and Child, and Steve Alten. As a kid (let’s be honest, even today), I am fascinated with the ancient world. From dinosaurs, to mega fauna, to prehistoric civilizations, all of them led me to be an archaeologist and a history teacher. My main goal is to entertain. I want the reader to go for a ride. I sincerely, hope you enjoy “Existence”. Leave a review if you feel so inclined. I appreciate any and all feedback. There will be more on the way.
Existence takes you on a crazy adventure through the Amazon looking for things that should not exist. The book is so well written and researched you will forget it’s Fiction. Time passed quickly as I was dragged into the pages with the group, heart pounding, the scenes come to life.
The research that went into this book had to be extensive, and it shows how much the Author cares to not only be entertaining, but educational as well. I learned quite a lot about the Amazon, and even more so about some extinct animals. It was fascinating how the facts were mixed in with the entertainment.
The characters are well written and relatable in so many ways. From anxiety, to bravery, and love it’s all there. They were well rounded and likable. I even liked the bad guy thrown in!
Another small note, as silly as it is. I loved how the chapters had titles. I miss reading chapter titles and being excited for what was to come.
5 Stars!
A quick read, well researched, and well written novel. It keeps you on the edge of your seat during the Adventure, and there is not one dull moment.
Years ago, Beth Lathrop and her sister Kate suffered what they thought would be the worst tragedy of their lives the night both the famous painting Moonlight and their mother were taken. The detective assigned to the case, Conor Reid, swore to protect the sisters from then on.
Beth moved on, throwing herself fully into the art world, running the family gallery, and raising a beautiful daughter with her husband Pete. Kate, instead, retreated into herself and took to the skies as a pilot, always on the run. When Beth is found strangled in her home, and Moonlight goes missing again, Detective Reid can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu.
Reid immediately suspects Beth’s husband, whose affair is a poorly kept secret. He has an airtight alibi—but he also has a motive, and the evidence seems to point to him. Kate and Reid, along with the sisters’ closest childhood friends, struggle to make sense of Beth’s death, but they only find more questions: Who else would have wanted Beth dead? What’s the significance of Moonlight?
Twenty years ago, Reid vowed to protect Beth and Kate—and he’s failed. Now solving the case is turning into an obsession . . .
The Author:
Luanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-four novels that have been translated into twenty-four languages. In 2002, Connecticut College awarded Rice an honorary degree, and she also received an honorary doctorate from Saint Joseph College. In June 2014, she received the 2014 Connecticut Governor’s Arts Award for excellence as a literary artist.
Several of Rice’s novels have been adapted for television, including Crazy in Love, for TNT; Blue Moon, for CBS; Follow the Stars Home and Silver Bells, for the Hallmark Hall of Fame; and Beach Girls, for Lifetime.
Rice is a creative affiliate of the Safina Center, an organization that brings together scientists, artists, and writers to inspire a deeper connection with nature—especially the sea. Rice is an avid environmentalist and advocate for families affected by domestic violence. She lives on the Connecticut Shoreline.
Everything about this novel is so elegant. The characters, the setting, even the crime scene all have a certain beauty to them. The way the author describes the art and scenery is an art in itself. I loved being transported to this beautiful place.
The story is very tragic, but again it is done with such Grace. The Character who is killed is honored throughout the entire book. Even though we never get to meet Beth, we definitely get to know her through her loved ones.
The ending, WoW! I did not expect that. It really goes to show who you can and can’t trust in life.
All the characters were so well done. You love the ones you’re meant to, you’re suspicious of a few, and you even dislike a couple. And the entire thing works so well with this story.
5 Stars!
This Novel is everything I expected it to be and so much more. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the characters as I have. I was sad to see it end.
When true-crime writer Olivia Cruz disappears with no signs of foul play, her new boyfriend, Lincoln Sharp, suspects the worst. He knows she didn’t leave willingly and turns to attorney Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger to find her before it’s too late.
As they dig through Olivia’s life, they are shocked to discover a connection between her current book research on two cold murder cases and the suicide of one of Morgan’s prospective clients.
As Morgan and Lance investigate, the number of suspects grows, but time is running out to find Olivia alive. When danger comes knocking at their door, Morgan and Lance realize that they may be the killer’s next targets.
The Author:
#1 Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journalbestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A lifelong lover of books, she started writing as a way to preserve her sanity when her youngest child entered first grade. During the next few years, she joined Romance Writers of America, learned a few things about writing a novel, and decided the process was way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, She Can Run, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. She’s also garnered Golden Leaf and Silver Falchion Awards, along with two nominations for a RITA and three Daphne du Maurier Awards. Her other novels include She Can Tell, She Can Scream, She Can Hide, She Can Kill, Midnight Exposure, Midnight Sacrifice, Midnight Betrayal, Midnight Obsession, Hour of Need, Minutes to Kill, Seconds to Live, Say You’re Sorry, Her Last Goodbye, Bones Don’t Lie, What I’ve Done, and Secrets Never Die. She holds a second-degree black belt in Kenpo karate; teaches women’s self-defense; and lives in a messy house with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs, and two rescue cats.
This is the sixth in this series, but I read the others before Pixie Ponders was a thing, so I’m going to do a general review of the series. I picked up the first book in this series on a whim, the cover caught my eye and the description sealed the deal, I was not disappointed.
I love all the characters, it’s that simple. Morgan, her kids, her dad, Lance, Sharp, all of them are so well written and likable. They are all relatable for different reasons and are probably some of my favorite characters ever put into a novel.
Every single one of these books has caught my attention and ran away with it. I’m pretty sure not one book in this series has taken me over 24 hours to finish. The Mysteries are always well thought out and well done. The endings are always a surprise. Never a disappointment.
If you enjoy Mysteries and Private Investigators I can guarantee you will love these books.
5 Stars for this entire series!
I look forward to these coming out and am checking constantly for the new one. One of my favorite series of all time.
Pixie Ponders & Reviews 