Book Spotlight--World At War

If you like reading about the apocalypse and just want to get a glimpse of what is going on in the world, or perhaps, you are familiar with Tim Lahaye's "Left Behind Series", you may like
Pamela Funke's book  The World at War (See picture below) which is her second book in the apocalypse series.

Here is a blurb from her book:
The second book in the exciting The Apocalypse series.

Join General Alexander Ludlow as he continues on his mission to save the world. At least that is what he thinks that Operation Dark Angel is all about. He is however starting to suspect that this mission is not all that it's cracked up to be. The world is in complete chaos as major nations wage war on each other and the world is on the brink of World War III.

The Group is secretly continuing Operation Dark Angel with much success. Unknown to the rest of the world they are the ones who are behind the strange and devastating attacks on Israel and around the world. What is it that they are really after when they are supposed to be bringing peace to an out of control world?

Italian President Nicolaitanes Balac is steadily gaining political power and recognition. The entire world is watching this one man and wondering if he will be the one to save them from the chaotic spiral that the world is headed towards. Is he really who he appears to be or is he something more sinister? Can he save the world? Do we even want him to? Is this who mankind should rely on for help or will this be the worst mistake that mankind has ever made?

Book information:
The World at War by Pam Funke
ISBN: 978-1475102260 
Publisher: CreateSpace
Softcover (528 pages)

Where to order her book:
Amazon  Createspace  Amazon.UK

Her websites:
Blog  Facebook  Twitter

Book Review: Eternal Eden

Some time ago I downloaded a  book called Eternal Eden. I wanted to read something that was  paranormal romance but not about vampires, ghosts or shapeshifters.  I searched Amazon.com and came across Eternal Eden by Nicole Williams. It looked interesting and there was no mention of the above entities.  I knew it was a secular book because I never came across any books written by Christians , but I wanted ideas.

As I read, the book,  I got more intrigued, but questioned if I should continue because as it turned out the paranormal element was immortality.  As a Christian, I  knew that only God was and is immortal and all those who were raised to new life after death. (Interesting the  main character was raised to new life but not to live with God.)  Those who died are raised immortal and live with God. However, I put that aside and continued to read this interesting book.

 I love the love between the two characters who seemed to have about everything on earth trying to keep them apart, including the evil council and John Townsend, but I thought for sure, the two will find their way to  be together forever.  I was disappointed and this is why I gave it 4 stars and not 5 stars on Goodreads. I should have given it 3 stars, but I thought the author had a very good imagination or did research on what immortals do and live by, etc.  I was disappointed because twice, they were kept from being United-- first by John's evil counsel and then later by the hero's (William's) father's council. 

Knowing this book  was the first of the trilogy, I decided to read the synopsis of  the other two books, hoping maybe there was a silver lining in the clouds-- hopes were dashed again. I just will not read the other two books she has written.

One of my WIP is a Christian Paranormal Romance and that my friends and followers will have a good ending!

My Interview with Carmen DeSousa.

If you are like me, you like happily ever after stories and the author I interviewed writes such stories. I had the wonderful privilege of reading two of her books: She Belongs to Me and The Land of the Noonday . She is also the author Entangled Dreams and When Noonday Ends. Her genre specialty is Romantic Suspense.  Before I began with the Interview, here is what she says about herself:

About me:

I characterize my stories as modern-day fairytales, as they overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a fairytale be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping but not graphic and will make you love, laugh, cry, gasp, and hope.

Both of my published novels, She Belongs to Me and Land of the Noonday Sun, have reached bestseller status right alongside Nicholas Sparks, J.D. Robb, and other great authors.

Carmen also wrote a couple of short stories with an edge of paranormal to them:  The Depot  and The Pit Stop.

1. Hi, Carmen! Can you tell us a little about your first book She Belongs To Me?

‘She Belongs to Me’ is a true romantic-suspense, meaning it is a fifty-fifty mix of romance and mystery with a line of suspense running equally through both genres. In other words, the mystery and the romance will always have you on your toes, wondering what happens next, whether it’s the “Will their relationship make it?” or “How did she really end up shot in the head?”

2 What is your inspiration for writing She Belongs To Me?

Honestly, I just had a lot to say, and I was tired of not being able to find books that gave me a great romance and mystery without resorting to graphic and erotic scenes. Yes, I want to be swept off my feet and chew on my nails in anticipation, but I don’t want to have nightmares or get accused of reading ‘mommy porn’. So I thought, if they can make Rated R books into great PG13 movies, why not just start with a PG13 book to begin with. Of course, I think my books are appropriate for ages sixteen and up, but that was my goal.

3 Is there anyone in your book who is based on someone you know?

Yes, but that’s all I can say about that. :)

4. In your bio, you said you were on your own at 17. Can you give us a little information about your life?

Well, that would be a horror story, and I try to keep my writing non-graphic. But yes, I am an only child, and I have barely one parent left. I was tossed around from house to house as a child, and I’ve been through almost everything imaginable, but I’ve always had my reading, writing, and an angel who went by the name of “Gram”, who made my life turn out pretty good, so I’ll never complain.

5 Who is your favorite Romantic Suspense Author?

Sidney Sheldon. Even though he is gone, he was my first love and will always be the reason I started writing.

6 You wrote some short stories “The Pit Stop”, and “The Depot”. What makes those books paranormal?

‘The Pit Stop’ and ‘The Depot’ are part of a mini-mystery series with a paranormal edge. Unlike some stories that paranormal is the primary focus, I try to give just a hint of paranormal, so that it is believable. The Depot’s Ghost Story is actually based on a real story. 

7 On your website, CarmenDeSousa.com, you explained why you write Happily Ever After Stories. Do you have one of your own? Did you grow up in an unhappy situation and got whisked away by your hero?

Yes, boy, you’re digging deep. LOL! I had a very traumatic life up until meeting my ‘knight in smoky armor’, as he too needed a little polishing before he was ‘shining’. But we do have a ‘love at first sight’ story. I called my grandmother after our first date and told her I’d met the man I was going to marry. Thirteen days later, he asked me to marry him. Thirty days later, we eloped, but then remarried in front of our family. We’ve been married twenty-three years and have two boys ages sixteen and twenty-one. Yes, I’m definitely living my happily ever after.  

8 If someone would offer you a movie contract for She Belongs to Me and you could chose anyone you wanted to play Jaynee and Jordan, who would they be and why?

I actually haven’t looked into current day actors, but Hugh Jackman if he were younger would play Jordan. I did see someone the other day who could be my Jaynee, but I forgot her name. Oops. But, on a side note, next month’s contest will be a ‘pick the character’ contest. So, please join me, and we’ll decide together.

9 What is your secret to becoming Best Seller?

Sadly, I’d like to say that it’s because I wrote a great novel, but that’s simply not the case. While my first novel does have 100+ reviews in the US and UK averaging 4.3 stars, which is comparable to most mainstream authors, that’s not how I became a bestseller. After all, no one knew me, so there was no way for them to know my book was any good. I’ve landed on the bestseller list about ten times now, because I socialize with my readers and they tell their friends. I am always on Twitter and Facebook, answering as many questions as I can, and I have a lot of book clubs that pick up and promote my books to their readers.

10. Do you have any advice to anyone interested in becoming an author?

Please don’t think it’s easy. It has to be your dream, as you will end up working fifteen-hour days. But if it’s your dream, never give up! Because nothing feels better to a writer—other than the family stuff, of course—than hearing that someone loved your book. It’s the greatest. :)

Carmen with loves  to connect with her readers and fans. She loves to talk all things books.  You can find her at these websites:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

I encourage  you that if you haven't downloaded any of her ebooks or  ordered a paperback, to do so. You will not be disappointed.  I have to tell you to start with She Belongs to Me. (You will see why when you get into her second book)

You can order her books at

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Thank you Carmen for allowing me to interview you.

The Land of the Noonday Sun

I just finished a book that was given to me by my dear author friend Carmen DeSousa.  The Book? The Land of the Noonday Sun. Carmen  writes what is called  Happily Ever After stories so you know her books have a good ending. And who doesn't like Happily Ever Afters? Personally,  I hate books that don't end well like Jane Eyre. Her book is also classified Romantic Suspense.
The Land of the Noonday Sun is about two young people who had dreams and plans  that did not come to pass but what did happen was much better than they hoped.  Chad is a Whitewater guide who had a troubled past and he is part owner of an outdoor store called the ROCK.  Cassandra is a daughter of a  wealthy  attorney who had dreams of becoming an attorney, but after the death of her father, those dreams never came to pass. Her connection to Chad is her mother.  When Cassandra  was very young, her mother left her father and her and later married a doctor who is Chad's father.  Her mother was very much involved in Chad's life and in helping him become a better person.
Her mother, Jasmine died before Jasmine could ever see her again, but  left a  will for her and chad.  This will brings them together and romance begins to bloom.
 I was disappointed that I did not fine any Suspense in it until towards the end. I guess I compared it to She Belongs To Me.   Cassandra is kidnapped and the author leaves you wondering who did it.  She  weaves in characters who could be possible suspects and makes you think one of them did it. I know I was wrong.
There is one little surprise in middle of her book that you will miss if you have not read her first book.

I still say She Belongs To Me is better than this one, but this one is good too.