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Book Review - Into Thin Air by Valerie Maarten

Clearly a 5 Star story.

I started this book with some trepidation, knowing the subject matter would be one that appalled me, and sickened me. Like most, I would love to turn my head and pretend these things don't happen in the real world. They do. Into Thin Air opened my eyes not only to the reality of the world Maia, China, India and Becca lived in, but to the real life dangers the internet poses to young girls and boys. I love social media, as does most of society today. I love my on-line friends and family. But I will be much more careful in speaking with my grandchildren about the dangers now. More dilligent in educating them not only to not speak to strangers, but also to not develop on-line friendships that their parents don't know about. Social media is here to stay, as are the dangers related to it.

Ms. Maarten takes you deep into the world of sex-slavery, and the lives of three young women who plot and plan their escape. All seems hopeless until when confronted with bringing another young girl into the same horror that has filed their lives, they fight back. Led by Maia they risk their own lives to save each other, a friendship with bonds stronger than blood. You will find yourself on the edge of your seat, reading quickly to turn the page, perhaps chewing on a nail, as you hold your breath, both in fear and anticipation. A gripping read, that you won't want to put down until the very last page, and even then you will be wanting more.

Book Recommendation - Into Thin Air by Val Maarten

I started this book last night, and I'm only 25% into it, but doubt can seriously say I love this book. Maia, a young woman kidnapped into sex-slavery at a young age must now make a decision--fight for her life, and the lives of those around her, or die as those before her have.

I really like this young woman. She's forced to make decisions that most of us would never even dream of, and forced to live with the decisions she's made. Could you choose one life over anohter? And what would you do to save an innocent child from going through the pain, shame and degredation you have been forced to live with?

An amazing book by what I believe will soon be an author whose name you recognize.

I look forward to giving you a complete book review hopefully by tomorrow. I truly hate it when life gets in the way of the things I love--like finishing a great book and grabbing another one.

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7 Great Books $1.00 on Kindle - World Book Day

It's World Book Day, and we have some awesome Dollar Day Deals on some truly great books! Prices subject to change without notice.

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Five Star Reviews

As a professional environmental analytical chemist I was already predisposed to have fun with this new story by Libby Fischer Hellmann, one of my favorite Chicago mystery writers. I was not disappointed; Libby did a wonderful job of interweaving some Georgia Davis backstory, several interesting interpersonal relationships, and tense environmental drama, into a believably frightening murder mystery! The story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, which can be a disaster for the reader (and author!) if not laid out well, and Ms. Hellmann succeeded admirably in letting us have the present and past story fragments coordinated beautifully in the push towards the denouement, imho. The resolution of both the mystery and the drama was quite satisfactory, and I greatly enjoyed the looks at the many facets which comprise Georgia Davis!
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Five Star Reviews

I really liked this book. But although this is the first one written about Jacody Ives, there is a recently released a prequel titled "Sacred Secrets." That's the book to start with.

"The Gifts" is a supernatural mystery thriller. I'd like to say I couldn't put it down, but honestly, I don't read that fast and I do need sleep at night and still have to go to work each day. So it took me a few days to read it. But it was a fun ride, and the suspense kept me wanting to know what happened next.

I hope it's not too long before Prather's next book. I'm hooked. Unless something unexpected happens, I will read anything she writes.

I'm waiting Linda . . .

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Five Star Reviews

Having read the first book of this series, The Gifts, I was so excited to have this prequel released! How did I spend a snowy day you ask? Doing the laundry that really needed attention, baking some goodies for my family, or reading this book for 6 hours straight? If you went with option 3, you win!! I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it.
Sometimes I find that in a mystery book, you are left to your imagination about the characters, but with Sacred Secrets the characters are rounded out nicely. I was drawn into their experiences, laughed with them and felt everything they felt.

I can't wait for the next installment... keep 'em coming!!!

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Five Star Reviews

Utterly impossible to put down. A full throttle read that will keep you guessing until the end. I love the characters and the way that they interacted together.

Catherine is a beautiful reclusive psychic who has assisted the police is several cases. Cody, the detective who is responsible for having Catherine hired has fallen in love with her although he knows nothing of her mysterious background. His love is put to the test when Catherine is considered a prime suspect in a serial murder case.

Cody is forced to work FBI agent, Bryan Wilkes, and the action really begins. Catherine is aided by her friend Rosetta, who is captivating and adds a little humor to a serious situation. Rosetta is a whiz with a computer and promptly gathered information that is vital to solving this bizarre case. Eventually all four are forced to work together and journey into a dark realm that what could hold Catherine's destiny.

There are so many facets to the story that as the reader you want to find out what other secrets are going to be uncovered. The ending was very satisfying as we learn who Catherine Mans really is and what her future will bring.

I would like to thank the author for gifting me a complimentary copy and the opportunity to review this first rate mystery.

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Five Star Reviews

Alicia is a murder mystery writer. And someone is copying the murders in her books. She's completely freaked out and worried. Her publisher and son come to comfort her, but it doesn't stop the harassing phone calls or the break in. It also doesn't stop the guilt and worry.

I love a good murder mystery. And this one's a good one. This is a short story that packs a lot into only a few pages. And it's well worth the read. I had no clue until the very end who the murderer was. And I'm usually good at guessing these things. My only complaint was that it wasn't nearly long enough. I can't wait to get my hands on more from this author.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

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Five Star Reviews

Second Chances had a common theme throughout and centered around two families. The lives of two families were forever changed overnight. We first meet Hanna while she is babysitting 7 year old Kadi. As Kadi sleeps, Hanna calls her hot tempered ex-boyfriend who broke up with her because he had already moved on. Hanna tells him she's pregnant and they agree to meet later that night. The next morning, Hanna is found dead. Kadi's father Ryan Crowe, is accused of and eventually convicted of murdering Hanna. Ryan is sentenced to 20 years in prison. Hanna's younger brother, Dain, vows to kill Ryan in 20 years when he is released from prison. The ripple effect of one incident caused many more families to suffer because one person chose to remain silent by not telling the truth.

Second Chances is told from each character's view, but mainly Dain and Kadi. As a reader, we were able to read how each character is feeling and thinking at the time. We were able to understand the purpose of their actions as they happen. As adults, Dain and Kadi end up in the same bar not knowing each other's past. It is now 20 years later and Kadi is on her way to reconnect with her dad. Dain is waiting to make his move to make his vow a reality. He's set to kill Ryan Crowe. Until he runs into Kadi. Dain is struck by Kadi's beauty and Kadi is intrigued by Dain.

I really didn't care for Dain's rage and abusive nature. If he didn't possess such anger and violent thoughts, he could be a really great guy. I personally don't associate with anyone with that type of personality, especially as a parent and wife. I wouldn't want that around my family. When Dain and Kadi were together, they both seemed to spark each other's rage and feed off of each other. At times, their relationship was tumultuous roller coaster.

Kadi plays detective to prove her father's innocence. Meanwhile, Dain is doing his own investigating. With the same passion and determination over finding out the truth, their friendship eventually turns into more. They are both investigating the same case but fail to share what they learn.

Kadi and Dain's love for one another is a strong bond. Through the maze of finding out the truth to who killed his sister Hanna, he is unable to fully give himself to Kadi. At least not until he knows the truth. He needs to know if Ryan Crowe is innocent.

Second Chances is about two families finding a second chance at life, love, family, and the future. Overall, this book was an exciting, romantic, and suspenseful read.
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Five Star Reviews
This was a great read. I was rooting for Danielle from the first page. I love the fact that this story is based on real events too.

There are sad and funny moments throughout the book and you find yourself siding with Danielle throughout it.

The writing is superb credit to Mel for such an enthralling read.

A worthy five star read.
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Indie Spotlight - Twitter Pay It Forward

Looking for a good book to read, or some new twitter friends to follow? Look no further.

@YK_Greene @jameswriter @chrispetersentx @JChaseNovelist @Virgilsbaby @PmcKinnes @ValMaarten @theaatkinson @AnnettePaul1 @BetCar1 @ElsaRieger @SusanLeighNoble @stevenkonkoly @jonno_go @LynneEllison1 @JohnBetcher @jacodypress

There's Romance In The Air With Indie Authors

Amazon Kindle UK Bargain Bin - Ebooks for less than £3.00

Second Chances by Valerie Maarten

"Second Chances" (reg. price $2.99)
Premise: After 20 years of the pain and suffering from the loss of a loved one, Dain and Kadi must confront the ghosts that haunt their past, present and future. Will they, in turn, be able to embrace their Second Chances?
The set-up: After the release of the man that killed his sister, Hanna, another girl is mysteriously murdered in the same fashion. All suspicion was then cast to Ryan Crowe for the deed. Now Dain’s wrath is beyond reasoning.
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Dain sat mindlessly in front of the television set, flicking channel after channel at a dizzying pace. He didn’t want to watch it, but he didn’t have the courage to turn it off. Somehow, his family’s pain had merged with another family’s grief and it was one big story. All of the news stations lead off with the story of Hanna’s murder. Dain was numb and beyond consoling. Libby had wisely screened all of his calls and even filtered his call with his mother and sisters, which was unusual. Though he was grateful.

He stared blankly at the screen. Then a phrase…a word made his heart lurch forward. His back stiffened and his ears perked up. ’What?’ He turned up the volume so he could hear.

“The convicted murderer, Ryan Crowe has just received a ‘Get out of jail free’ card from his daughter, Kadi Crowe. It has been reported that she has provided the authorities with an alibi of her father’s whereabouts on the night of the murder and he will be walking through these doors…a free man.” He heard the reporter’s words, but he couldn’t believe them.

“Here they come right now!” He could hear the raw excitement in the young reporter’s voice. He cringed.

“Ms. Crowe, is it true that you’ve provided your father with an iron-clad alibi of his whereabouts, last night?”

Words overlapped and questions were being hurled in the air with hopes of being answered.

“Ms. Crowe, as a Child’s Right Advocate, don’t you find your position to defend your father…ironic, since he’s been accused of violating the rights of those you’ve vowed to protect?”

He watched intently as Kadi and Ryan made their way through the horde of people that waited outside the police station. His anger began as a slow simmer, seething just below the surface. He could feel the intense heat welling up…up.

“Mr. Crowe, how does it feel to have nine lives? Are you feeling lucky?”

Kadi had a frightened look on her face, eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights. Slowly. His temper was oozing to the surface like lava. Hell hot and dangerously close to eruption.

“Maybe you should play the lottery. No one seems to be as lucky as you are right now.”

She feigned innocence, clinging to Ryan Crowe as if he was a cherished being, worthy of such attention. Then it happened. It was like the unexpected eruption of a volcano. He had reached his tolerance level and his rage came spewing forth with deadly consequences.

“LIBBY!” His voice was so loud and so threatening, everyone within earshot froze in place. No one even dared to move.

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Website http://thewriteworld.webs.com/