Morning Peeps & wishing you a very happy St Valentine's day!

In celebration of this special day - for lovers of all ages and around the globe, I've chosen two of my favourite novels and made them HALF-PRICE for a short period. So, you can get either of the books, THE SEEDS OF TIME or HARVEST for $1.50c or £0.99p.

The Seeds of Time, is set in the present and dips back to the second world war, spanning two generations. In the story, you'll meet love in many forms, betrayal, and salvation along with much action and adventure. It's hard to say what genre the book fits into best as it covers many; including romance, suspense, action, adventure and life changing subjects.

Quick Description:When Englishman Richard Barker suffers a devastating loss he yearns to come to terms with his grief. He is helped by two beautiful women, quiet and smouldering American, Sorrel, and the tempestuous and wilful, Miranda an old flame from long ago.

While Richard is battling with his feelings,  he enters into the dark, often surreal world of his dead father's past life spent during the Second World War. It is Sorrel's Grandfather, an American Air Force pilot, who contacts Richard with some intriguing news which helps Richard to his senses. Will Richard find that inner peace and love he's seeking?

AMAZON WORLDWIDE LINK    AMAZON US   AMAZON UK

HARVEST is a continuation of The Seeds of Time.
Quick Description: Billy returns home and marries his love. Richard discovers he is torn between love and duty.

When Richard discovers an old war-torn photograph of a woman and two children he is shaken to the core. What dark secret has his father kept from his  wife and family? Enter a world where tragedy rests alongside joy, describing the indestructibility of love in past & present lives. This is a story of deep romance, bravery, survival, heartbreak and happiness, all poignantly & convincingly conveyed.

AMAZON WORLDWIDE LINK   AMAZON US   AMAZON UK

You can also purchase the double volume of The Seeds of Time and Harvest, entitled The Crossing, Books 1 & 2 on:

Barnes & Noble(Nook)   Kobo   Apple iTunes  AMAZON WORLDWIDE



Thank you so much for dropping by - I hope you enjoy!

Faithx

Afternoon Peeps!

Over the last few months, I’ve been talking to fellow writers about reviews and what makes a good qualified review. It is something which has troubled many of us for some time. First though, I have to qualify this by saying… let’s not forget it takes time and trouble to read a book and write a review… however short, long, good or bad the review is.

I believe some people forget that the purpose of a review is not to caress the author’s ego or to put them down. A review is written so readers can ascertain the calibre of a book. By being given correct information and opinions on the book, readers can make their own decision on buying and reading that particular book.

So what should a reader look out for in a review? Everyone is different, but I’ve included my main criteria below.

I need to know the genre is one I want to read. I won’t read genre I hate, no matter how many 4 or 5 stars the book has. The only exception is when the book is remarkably different from others in its genre – then I might be tempted.

I like a brief description of the plot – just a few lines will hook me if it’s written well.

A description should state the level of expectation. For example if the book is based on murder or horror then it should say how blood thirsty the scenes are. Some people hate lurid passages, some adore plenty of gore. Other topics that should be mentioned in a review are whether there is religion, strong sex, politics or distasteful subjects such as child molesting.

To not include scenes like this might incur bad reviews from a purchaser. If I buy a book with good reviews then I want to know that I’m not going to be disappointed by reading some topics which are taboo for me. However, if some scenes such as I’ve mentioned do in fact further the plot then mention that fact too. As a reader or reviewer, everyone has different likes and opinions.

I believe a good review should include something which stands out in the novel and is not mentioned in either another review or from the synopsis/book description. Examples are the style of writing, gentle humour or a quirky character which adds to the story.

I’m pleased when I can recommend this book to certain people – adults who like horror, romance, or to certain age groups it will apply to for instance. On the other hand, something which will be hated by some people should be mentioned and why - without giving the whole plot and story away.

If the book is part of a series, then you can compare this volume with the others. Likewise if the writer has written other books, say how the characters and story flows (or not). Has the writer developed both characters and plot-line?

Am I going to be hooked from the start with a fast-paced book or if I’m going to be reeled in inch by inch? Am I going to be entertained, educated, amazed by the pace, action, drama, originality and can I relate to the story in any way? Is it believable? Or is it the writer’s own world and imagination which amazes me? (Both are perfectly valid.)

Conversely I both love and hate it when I have finished a book and I can’t get it out of my head. Share if this book has affected you. Either in a good or bad way - both are important.

And what do I hate to see in a review and believe adds nothing of value? All too often I see reviews written by people who believe the following points add something and yet I truly believe they do nothing.

Slagging off the author. Reviewers should be reviewing the book, not the author.

Using rude and inflammatory remarks. Without going into detail, we’ve all seen them and some are outrageous. If you think the book is bad then use a kind word; give a valid reason why you think the book is bad. Giving a reason/s is vital because some readers’ ideas may be very different from yours. This can help the author as giving reasons for dislike may help the writer improve future writing, but only if your logic is solid.

Sarcasm. So the reviewer thinks they’re clever? This adds nothing except show up the reviewer.

Spoilers and destroying the book’s ending. After reading a book and then writing a review because you enjoyed it, part of the purpose of that review is to help the author sell extra copies. Don’t tell future readers the whole plot. No one will buy the book if they already know the ending or all the exciting stuff!

When mentioning the negatives include at least one positive comment in the review. There’s usually at least one likable thing in any story and someone might buy the book, purely due to that one positive comment you’ve made.

I think many reviewers forget they’re not trying to persuade readers to read or not read the book; instead they should be telling them what they thought of the book. This means a reader can make their own informed personal decision to buy or not buy. There is a big difference.

And if a hate a book? This is dead easy. If I really think a book is appalling then I simply don’t review it.

If it’s that terrible, whatever I write will not serve the purpose a review is intended to serve. Readers don’t care if I hated the book; they want to know if they will hate it too. Essentially that’s what your review will tell them. It is better to ‘walk’ away and forget about it.

Like all writers I receive reviews good and bad. It hurts if a review clearly indicates the reader has missed the point entirely or hasn’t read beyond the first few pages. Or states I don’t know what I’m talking about – weeks are spent in research or taken from first-knowledge –honest!

The biggest pall is when I read a review from someone who can’t even spell let alone write!! Then I have to laugh – I am human after all! But a new 4 or 5 star? Wow! That really makes my day!


So, please whether you’re a reader or writer, remember you are reviewing a book not the writer, and your job is to tell future readers what you thought of the book!

Finally, I’m looking for good honest reviews for some of my books. These include:

The Surgeon’s Blade  (full length mystery suspense).

On Devil’s Brae  (full length mystery suspense).

Children of the Plantation (full length mystery suspense).

The Seeds of Time  (romance with adventure and suspense)

 Harvest ( romance with adventure with suspense)

I’m happy to send a FREE Kindle version of one of the above books, if in return you’d like to read and review. Simply drop me a line by email with the book you’re interested in reading. You can either request a copy by using the contact form on this website or send me an email – to faithm@sent.com
Of course if there’s another book you’re curious about then do let me know!

Happy reading everyone! And thanks for dropping in once again. Take care

Faithx

Morning Peeps!

I want to let you know about a new collection of short stories. Lost Love Letters: An Indie Chicks Anthology.
This anthology is a compilation of beautiful love letters from many bestselling authors and I think you'll enjoy it. Each day in February, one of the letters will be released on each author's website and the Indie Chicks Website
Today is my turn - here is my letter...

To My Darling Daughter Catherine,

Before you were born I was searching for a name and I chose ‘Catherine’. I knew it would be perfect and it was. Your name means "pure" and that is exactly what you are, pure inside and out.  From the moment I set eyes on you, your smile brought me overwhelming joy.  I was amazed how your little girl sweetness melted my heart – it still does - and how your pureness lit up my world. 

To me you are perfect as you are and never let anyone tell you otherwise. Never let the cruelness of this world harden you, instead embrace humankind with your pure and gentle heart.  Always remembering that whatever life brings, it is my hope that you remember a few simple things:

First you must believe in yourself – or to thine own self be true – (Hamlet) and follow your dreams. Your dreams are for yourself and if you work on them they’ll come true.

Don’t ever forget to be yourself, laugh at life, cry when you’re saddened and above all love as it heals all pain.

Look after yourself; your health and your body. Sleep when your body tells you, eat and drink not to excess and love your body…it is perfect just as you are.

Listen to others; your friends and your enemies. They have a right to be heard, but do not be too quick to judge. Act as a true friend and learn to forgive. It is often hard to think before you speak, and to draw back, but thought gives you more respect. When you speak with a pure heart, making someone feel good is a true blessing.

Offer help and only give advice when asked. Too many people act before thinking of how their words will affect the outcome. Are you qualified to advise? Help the elderly, you’ll be one someday. Treasure a child and you’ll be rewarded.

Always question in your mind if you think something is not right. Lead if you believe you are right in your thinking and never give in to pressure if you know it is wrong.

Always keep your promises and never say you’ll do something, knowing you’ll never be able to fulfil that promise. If you break a trust it can be hard to rebuild a relationship.

See the world through open eyes. Treasure it, love it, revere it and please keep it for your children and your children’s’ children.

Although you are now a mother and have made me the proudest of all grandmothers, you’ll always be my baby. Teach your child what I have strived to pass on to you. Be strong, independent and love. But remember…whatever happens, you’ll never be alone…you will always have me, you will always be my baby and you’ll always have a home.


Your loving mother.

Thank you for dropping by, and I hope you enjoyed my entry in the anthology. If you're interested in obtaining a complete copy then please go to the links below:

Thanks!x

Amazon.com                     Amazon.co.uk

This is one of the letters from the book, Lost Love Letters: An Indie Chicks Anthology available now from Amazon