Self-Imaging from Head to Toe by Ainsley E. de Salazar, R.N.

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

Publication Date: 2009

Format: eBook

Pages: 82

ISBN: 978-1-4349-0178-1

List Price: $5.00

Every woman wants to look and feel her best. Ainsley E. de Salazar helps women with cosmetics, clothing, fitness, proper eating habits, hair care and other important issues. Salazar even addresses plastic surgery and home decorating. Although much of the information is basic, it is a useful reminder for some of things women tend to forget. For example, Salazar explains how the body uses specific vitamins and nutrients. She also provides a guide to the different moisturizers, toners, and facial masks women should use to maintain youthful skin. Self-Imaging from Head to Toe is very clear and can easily be completed in one sitting.

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of Self-Imaging from Head to Toe as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Like a Thief in the Night: Stolen Soul Book II by S.R. McDanniel

Publisher: PublishAmerica

Publishing Date: May 19, 2011

Format: eBook

Pages: 178

ISBN: 9781456099657

List Price: $24.95

With mass murder-suicides happening across the planet, Dr. Matthew Reiber is recruited to find a solution because of his expertise in thought transference and telepathy. As the second installment in S.R. McDaniel’s series, this book makes several improvements over the first. He steps away from his overly descriptive writing and focuses more on the book’s plot. Although this makes for a faster read, fans of McDaniel’s incredibly descriptive passages may be slightly disappointed. The book is much easier to follow and get into than the first. I did not find myself lost, confused or having trouble keeping the characters straight. The overall plot surpasses Book 1. McDaniel’s combination of mass murder, telepathy and religious cults makes for a pleasurable read. The book is creative and easily holds the reader’s attention.

However, I did find several small problems with the book. During a couple crucial points in the plot, McDaniel stops to include background information. For example, when the protagonist is searching for a missing person at the Old Irish Church, the book cuts away to a detailed description of the text the religious cult follows. The information is interesting, but I wanted to quickly get passed it and return to the plot. The book also needs to be edited more carefully. Although slightly annoying, the typos do not make the book unreadable. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Like a Thief in Night and would recommend it to others because of its thrilling storyline.

Miles Away…Worlds Apart by Alan Sakowitz

Publisher: Legacy Series Press, LLC.

Publishing Date: 2010

Format: eBook

Pages: 240

ISBN: 978-0-615-38240-1

List Price: $27.95

There is risk with any investment. Unfortunately, too many investments are schemes run by dishonest people willing to steal the life savings of others. In his book, Miles Away…Worlds Apart, Alan Sakowitz reveals his role in taking down the largest Ponzi scheme in South Florida’s history. Through his book, he also manages to provide an introduction to the Jewish faith and an overview of his close-knit hometown.

Sakowitz provides background information for readers not familiar with legal and business concepts. This information is always clear and does not distract from the book. He does the same for important holidays and features of Judaism. Sakowitz juxtaposes the scheme run by Scott Rothstein with the kindness found in his own community. Whereas Rothstein willingly steals from anyone, Sakowitz’s community is focused on helping everyone in need.

Anyone interested in current events will enjoy this well-written book. The suspense of the book will even interest readers who prefer fiction. Highly recommended.

Opusland by Stephen Beever

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc.

Publishing Date: July 28, 2009

Format: eBook

Pages: 82

ISBN: 978-1434901828

List Price: $5.00

Imagine planet Earth and its inhabitants after a global catastrophe. Humans evolve and mutate into new species. Land, cattle and other food sources slowly wither. Although survival is the primary goal for many, some still desire money and dominance in this horrid setting. Talented author Stephen Beever explores what happens as a clan flees their homeland as it is being pillaged. He provides vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape and animal-like characters. Readers see exactly what the characters see and feel the tension of the landscape as the characters journey onward. Although the descriptions thrive through the entire book, the plot lags somewhat in the beginning. It is difficult to connect all the characters and follow the plot. As the book moves forward, the focus of the plot becomes clearer. Once things get moving, it is difficult to put the book down. Readers who enjoy fantasy and science fiction will enjoy this short futuristic work.

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of Opusland as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Stolen Soul: In The Beginning by S.R. McDaniel

Publisher: PublishAmerica

Publication Date: April 19, 2010

Binding: eBook

Pages: 130

ISBN: 978-1448955312

List Price: $24.95

This modern retelling of Saul turned Paul chronicles the 30 year killing spree of Preacher as he attempts to murder the last remaining Tinsley heir. S.R. McDaniel craftily interweaves elements of fantasy into the book to create a thrilling tale that keeps the reader on the edge of his seat.

Although the plot is good, it is sometimes hard to follow. At times, I had trouble discerning the flashbacks from the current plot. The beginning chapters are focused on different characters. It was somewhat difficult at first to connect the different stories together. This made the book seem jumpy. However, everything smoothed out as I continued to read.

McDaniel has a knack for descriptive writing. He provides beautiful descriptions of mundane parts of the plot. For example, he provides a wonderful description of coffee brewing. These scenes are especially great for literary analysis and close reading

The book really sparkled towards the end when more information is given on Preacher and his cult. While I struggled through the beginning if the book, I couldn't put it down at the end. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian thrillers with lots of descriptive writing and fantasy.

Just a Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia

Publisher: CreateSpace

Publication Date: May 4, 2011

Binding: eBook

Pages: 362

ISBN: 978-1456499051

List Price: $12.98

Phil Torcivia is truly hilarious. In his book, Just a Nice Guy, Torcivia explores relationships and the difficulty of finding love. He provides a collection of funny anecdotes, crazy lists and odd tidbits that come together to form a great book. He even gives some positive, uplifting advice, especially for people suffering from low self-esteem. Just a Nice Guy is one of those books you can’t summarize: you just have to give someone a copy and say “read this.” Torcivia’s book actually made me laugh out loud every few pages. Every few chapters, I wanted to hunt down Phil on Match.com and slap him for his mischievous comments. Other times, I had to just nod and agree with Phil. Unless you are put off by books with profanity, sexual jokes and crude humor, you absolutely have to read this book!

Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson

Publisher: NavPress
Publication Date: August 2007
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-1-60006-091-5
List Price: $12.99

At fifteen years old, Scotty Dawn has more freedom than she desires. She sporadically travels to different movie sets as her mother prepares food for films. Even though her mother is not involved in Scotty’s schooling, she manages to home school herself. As she files her assignments away into scrapbooks that are not read by anyone, she plans to attend college. Life gets lonely for Scotty. She turns to her blog, Hollywood Nobody to connect with other people. Her life on the road exposes Scotty to many people, some who become like family. Unfortunately, Scotty experiences some distance with her mother, whom she calls Charley. Scotty knows her mother is keeping some huge secret from her. Scotty suspects it has something to do with her non-present father. As Scotty learns more of the secret, she realizes how dark it really is.

Lisa Samson’s Hollywood Nobody is written for a young adult audience. Samson does an amazing job connecting with teenagers. Scotty’s dialogue and action—from blogging about celebrities to love and dating—accurately resemble the average teen. Samson also motivates teenage girls to embrace their natural beauty rather than mimic the appearances of actresses and models. She even sneaks in lessons about drugs and alcohol. Samson’s book, however, does not come off as preachy. Although the book reveals Scotty’s struggles with finding Jesus, the book does not try to force religion on teenagers. On the other hand, Scotty has the same hesitations and questions about Christianity that an average young adult would have. Overall, young readers and adults will enjoy Lisa Samson’s Hollywood Nobody.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."