Tag Archives: Book Reviews

New #Reviews for my Books

I’m delighted to share with you the wonderful reviews my books have received over the past few months. Those I’ve already featured can be found here and here. The latest are from Balroop Singh, John Fioravanti, Sally Cronin, and Colleen Chesebro. I’m so grateful for their interest, support, and time given. I’ve added links to their blogs and hope you will visit and follow if they’re new to you

Gabby and the Quads

Gabby and the Quads by Tina FriswcoBuy HERE

Cute and Engaging  5 Stars
By Balroop Singh on December 28, 2017

Gabby and the Quads by Tina Frisco is an engaging little tale of love and care for the new arrivals in a home full of affection for the older child. Gabby receives her four siblings lovingly and is ready to help as she is made to feel all-important by her parents.

This is a perfect book to be read to children to mentally prepare them before the arrival of a newborn and feel responsible towards the little one. What a wonderful way to instill values of loving, caring and sharing at an impressionable age! The illustrations enhance the value of the story, which is told in simple language to establish a cute connection between the reader and the listener.

Balroop SinghBalroop Singh:  Blog   Amazon US   Amazon UK

 

Vampyrie

Vampyrie by Tina FriscoBuy HERE

More Than Just A Vampire Story  5 Stars
 on January 5, 2018 

Frisco is a gifted writer who knows how to snare the interest of her reader from the very first page and to maintain that interest until the very last word. Although it is a vampire story with a unique twist, it is so much more. I was fascinated with the growth and maturation that the main character, Phoebe, experienced throughout the story. As I reached the end of the book I realized that this tale of human growth wasn’t just Phoebe’s, it applies to all of us as we struggle with self-awareness and acceptance. Frisco teaches us that our hearts, minds, spirits, and souls contribute to this journey of awareness and fulfillment and that none of us journey alone. This is not just another vampire story. I highly recommend this great book.

John FioravantiJohn Fioravanti:  Blog   Amazon US   Amazon UK

 

A book that will change your perception of Vampires.
By  on January 13, 2018  5 Stars

Like many growing up, I read about and watched the films that featured vampires. Apart from the odd comedy, all painted those with fangs and a craving for blood as evil creatures that deserved a stake to the heart. After watching these demons, most of us opted to keep the lights on at night and wear clusters of garlic around our necks. No wonder some of us were never asked to the prom.

However, thanks to Tina Frisco’s book, it is clear that not all is as it seems when it comes to Vampires. As with humans there are good and evil walking amongst this element of society, and as you meet the various characters of the story, discovering more about their backgrounds, you will find yourself warming to the idea that most Vampires are good people.

Unfortunately, Phoebe Angelina Delaney suddenly finds herself in the hands of the rogue element of this ancient peoples. To this point she has been totally unaware of the forces at play within herself, or around her that have made her a target. She meets the enigmatic Michael who rescues her and then sets in motion an unravelling of the secrets that have been woven to protect her life. Close friends that have been part of her world since childhood are not as they seemed, and her frustration mounts as she tries to make sense of the increasingly complex deviations from her original path in life.

There are some wonderful characters, whose emerging backgrounds bring colour and context to the darkness surrounding Phoebe. Apart from her father Mitchell and Michael, you will meet Master Po at the dojo where she studies martial arts, Hannah a lifelong friend and work colleague and her best friend Lunah. Bringing their own kind of ancient and mystical element to the story are W’Hyani and RoDinjah, major characters from Frisco’s book Plateau.

As the forces of light and darkness within the Vampire peoples comes to a head, Phoebe and her friends must train tirelessly to prepare for the battle to come. What Phoebe does not realise, is that her growing mental and physical strength, are not just going to be needed in the fight against evil, but will lead to even more startling revelations. One of these being the true origins of those who have walked amongst us for 200,000 years.

The book is listed as horror and occult but I do think that it has a much wider appeal with action and adventure culminating in a brilliantly orchestrated final battle sequence. There are some scenes of violence but I would recommend for young adults upwards.

I enjoyed the story very much, the writing and plot flow easily throughout the book and from the middle of the book onwards, you will find yourself being drawn in and engaged in the build up to the ultimate battle against evil. I am sure that if you read this book, like me, your previous perceptions about vampires will be challenged in a very enlightening way.

Sally CroninSally Cronin:  Blog   Amazon US   Amazon UK

 

Vampyrie rewrites the stereotypes and character archetypes you’ve come to expect into something fresh and new.  5 Stars
By  on January 14, 2018

I never participated in the vampire reading craze that took over the fantasy genre after the successes of the famous books, “Twilight” or “Interview with the Vampire.” There was always too much blood and lust for my taste. Now upon deeper reflection, I may have missed out on some fascinating stories.

I also never considered the intriguing literary possibilities behind the disease of vampirism. Yet, that is exactly what attracted me to Tina Frisco’s hit novel, Vampyrie.

The protagonist, Phoebe Angelina Delaney is portrayed as a strong compassionate woman with a reputation for facing peril head-on. She is a fierce defender of her friends and loved ones. I immediately connected with Phoebe’s character and loved that she was written like a real person, filled with flaws and fears just like the rest of us.

Why did Phoebe’s father keep their family history a secret? Why did her mother disappear when Phoebe was a child? The story unravels, bit by bit, guiding the reader along on Phoebe’s journey where she must confront the secrets of her past and come to grips with the reality of her true identity. It’s not easy to face the real world when it turns upside down, but Phoebe shows us what’s she made of.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the character, W’Hyani, from one of the author’s prior novels, “Plateau, Beyond the Trees,” play an important role in this novel. The tie-in of characters was a brilliant addition by the author. What W’Hyani brings to this novel is the same thing she brought to the first novel – a sense of hope for the future of humanity; even though the characters find themselves embroiled in the midst of a war that must be won.

“Vampyrie” stands out from other supernatural tales because the vampire theory we have all come to expect has been rewritten with a twist where medical science skillfully revises the history of vampirism. This hypothesis holds a credibility that lends a sense of realism to the story I didn’t expect. It was a great divergence that kept me totally engaged in the mystery.

Yes, there was blood, and fangs, and some gore; but it wouldn’t be a vampire novel without those elements. I can only say I found myself pleasantly surprised when I discovered the fundamental theme of the book bestowed a philosophical message of growth, strength, and change.

If you think you know vampire novels, think again. “Vampyrie” rewrites the stereotypes and character archetypes you’ve come to expect into something fresh and new. I bet even the vampires approve!

MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars

Colleen Chesbro, AuthorColleen Chesebro:  Blog   Amazon US   Amazon UK
Thanks so much for stopping by

New #Reviews for My Books

It’s always a joy to receive positive reviews for our work. When they arrive during the Holiday Season, it feels as if they come gift-wrapped. I featured recent reviews of my books a few weeks ago, and would like to share the new ones by Gwen PlanoJacqui Murray, and Janice Spina. Do visit their blogs and spread a little holiday cheer 🙂 

Plateau: Beyond the Trees 

PLATEAU by Tina FriscoBuy HERE 
A book for readers on a quest   5 Stars 
by Gwendolyn Plano on December 16, 2017 
Author Tina Frisco shares wisdom through a fictional account involving a tribe that resides on a plateau. The chapters begin with a reflection, which perfectly guides the reader through the chapter. The messages throughout are loving, instructive, and freeing. The big issues of life are addressed in story fashion, and though very spiritual, the content is not confined by religious demarcations. This is a book that is meant to reach anyone on a quest, anyone interested in why we are here in this life now.
Gwendolyn M. PlanoGwen Plano:  Blog   Amazon US   Amazon UK

 

Gabby and the Quads  

Gabby and the Quads by Tina FriswcoBuy HERE
A Lovely Story about Love and Acceptance!
by Jjspina on December 14, 2017   5 Stars
This is a lovely story about a little girl, Gabby, and how she accepts her new baby brothers and sister (quads) with love and care. She never felt neglected and unloved because of the exceptional parents she has who introduced the new bundles of joy in a way that made Gabby an important part of the family.
They gave Gabby the opportunity to help care for her siblings and be the Binky Boss when it came to replacing the binkies in each baby’s mouth when they were lost. She learned how to feed them a bottle and snuggled up to them.
It’s a wonderful way for children who are the only child to learn how to accept a new sibling. The author tells the story in a loving and sensitive way making children feel comfortable when a new sibling is expected into the family.
The illustrations are well done showing just how talented this illustrator is. They match each page perfectly depicting this beautiful family in a realistic way.
Janice SpinaJanice Spina:  Blog   Amazon US   Amazon UK  
There really must be a sequel to this book!   5 Stars 
by Jacqui Murray VINE VOICE on December 18, 2017 
Tina Frisco’s Gabby and the Quads (2014) is delightful. Through an artful mix of pictures and words, we meet young Gabby, soon-to-be big sister to four brand new babies. We experience her pre-Quad life as she plays with her dog, enjoys her hobbies, and lives the life as an only child who is the center of her parent’s universe. As we travel with Gabby, Frisco wisely (and lightly) touches on important topics for a child like riding a bike with a helmet and swimming safely. She also poses questions like Can you snap your fingers? This made the story interactive and a way for parent and child to bond or a teacher to reach out to her class when one of her students is about to get four siblings overnight. I can only imagine a roomful of children finger-snapping as the teacher watches!
Highly recommended for both prospective parents of quads and any parents as a way to address a young child’s concerns about new siblings in the house. 
Jacqui MurrayJacqui Murray:  Blog   Amazon US   Amazon UK   

 

Thank you for stopping by and sharing in my good news!
May your Holidays be bright and your New Year, blessed ❤  

New #Reviews for My Books

Receiving reviews for our books is thrilling. As many of you know, writing a book is a labor of love that can be grueling. When someone takes the time not only to read our books, but also to review them, we see the value of our writing and reap its benefits.
Over the past few months, two of my books received 5-star reviews. I’d like to share them with you and spotlight the kind folks who wrote them.

Vampyrie: Origin of the Vampire

Vampyrie by Tina Frisco

A different kind of vampire story  5 Stars
By DGKaye on August 16, 2017

A brilliant theory that Frisco brings to this story – good vs. bad (rogue) vampires and a story that takes us through fast-paced action with the protagonist, the impetuous Phoebe who finds herself abducted by a vampire in the beginning of this curious tale.

Although the story revolves around the theme of vampires, the story is a twist on the vampire theory, bringing unpredictable action with the characters who find themselves entangled in this alternative world of secret vampires.

Throughout the story we’ll find ourselves wondering why Phoebe’s father kept their vampire history secret, and why did her mother mysteriously disappear out of her life when Phoebe was a young child. But the events that follow the story keep us engaged and waiting to find out about – The Origin of the Vampyrie and how all the characters involved came to be part of the Vampyrie circle. Through this journey Phoebe discovers who she really is as we watch her grow through the learning process.

This book is far from the average vampire story containing blood and gore, but a delight to read with Frisco’s quick witted writing and her uncanny knack to be able to insert love and compassion even in a story about vampire lore. A recommended read.

D.G. Kaye Writer

Debby Gies aka D.G. Kaye just released her latest memoir, Twenty Years: After “I Do.” I recently featured Debby’s book launch on my blog. You can read it HERE.

Twenty Years: After "I Do" by D.G. Kaye

Connect with Debby on her Website and social networks:
Website  Facebook   Twitter   Goodreads  LinkedIn  Google+   Pinterest   StumbleUpon   Instagram  About.Me 
Find Debby’s books on Amazon US and Amazon UK  

Plateau: Beyond the Trees
PLATEAU by Tina Frisco

Colleen Chesebro and Madelyn Griffith-Hayne wrote fabulous reviews for Plateau that I featured in October. You can read them HERE.
The most recent review for Plateau is by Diana Peach. Diana is an outstanding writer, and I’m so appreciative of this lovely holiday gift.
Illuminating Read  5 Stars

This is an unusual and gentle book geared toward readers looking for a story that illuminates ancient and universal wisdom about love, kindness, generosity, peace, courage, life, and death. The story follows W’Hyani, a young woman who resides with her tribe on a plateau beyond the trees, separated from modern society. The youth of the tribe learn from their elders, and their lessons are derived from life close to the Earth.

Each chapter starts with a reading from Lynn V. Andrews Power Deck, a 45-card deck offering affirmations and meditations geared toward reclaiming one’s personal power. The reading sets the tone as well as indicates the lesson the character learns in the chapter’s action. In this way, each chapter is a parable in addition to part of the larger story.

Frisco provides lovely detail into the characters themselves, as well as their way of life, the nature of their relationships, their challenges, and the tribe’s rituals. The content by nature is spiritual and uplifting without being heavy-handed or religious, and the lessons along the way feel completely natural in the context, while relatable to everyday modern life.

The story is told in an omniscient point of view, pacing is steady, and the characters are well-drawn. This isn’t a long book and can easily be read in one sitting, but I savored it over a week. Either way, an enjoyable journey.

D. Wallace Peach

Connect with Diana on her Website and social networks:  Website   Facebook   Twitter   Goodreads  LinkedIn   Google+
Find Diana’s books on Amazon US and Amazon UK  
Myths of the Mirror by D. Wallace Peach
I’m so grateful for these wonderful reviews.
Thank you for reading and sharing in my good news!
Namaste, my friends 

#Book #Review ~ #AnnetteRochelleAben

Annette Rochelle Aben

On September 25, 2017, Annette Rochelle Aben announced on her BLOG that she would like reviews of her books as a gift for her birthday, which is October 25th. She began a month-long PARTY and set up a delightful soup and beverage bar on October 11th. 

Annette is an inspiration for so many of us. To show my gratitude for her abiding love and friendship, I read and reviewed two of her books: Go You and Angel Messages: A Wing and a Prayer

Visit Annette’s Amazon Author Page by clicking on the image below. 

Annette Rochelle Aben's Books

Annette’s books affirm the positive and move us into feeling grateful for all we have been given in life. I am so pleased to share my reviews with you now. 

Happy Birthday, Annette! 

Angel Messages: A Wing and a Prayer
My 5-Star Review

You Are Not Alone

I have always believed in Angels and have read several books about them. What strikes me most about Annette Rochelle Aben’s book, Angel Messages: A Wing and a Prayer, is the open heart from which she writes.

Ms. Aben shares her personal experiences by sprinkling the Angel messages she has received, between passages of her own lovely poetry.

Two of my favorite messages are: 1. Be in love with the gift of your life. Your joy colors your world; 2. Choosing love will always bless you. The answers are in your heart. 

Ms. Aben states that Angels may materialize in the guise of ‘just plain folks.’ I think we all experience this yet often overlook, for example, the woman who gives us the extra change we need to make a purchase, or the man who extends a hand to help us onto the bus.

Whether you believe in Angels as heavenly beings, visitors from the cosmos, or just plain folks, this book will touch that place in you that searches for comfort, assurance, and a positive outlook on life.

Go You
My 5-Star Review

I Know I Can!

Although only fifty-three pages in length, Annette Rochelle Aben’s book, Go You, packs a mighty punch. Filled with positive affirmations, it offers the reader the potential to secure a favorable outcome from myriad life experiences.

Ms. Aben believes in the power of the positive and in paying it forward. She reinforces these beliefs by giving herself a pep talk every time she looks in the mirror. What a fabulous world we would live in if everyone practiced this!

The next time you catch a glimpse of yourself, look into your eyes and say: “You are special! You are appreciated! You are the better half of the whole! GO YOU!!” Or: “You are worth protecting! You are worth supporting! You are worth loving! GO YOU!!”

The author ends the book by asking: “Now, what would YOU like to say to yourself?” This question rests atop a lined page that is blank, prepared for us to affirm our positive thoughts and aspirations.

I smiled when I read the title of this book. By the time I finished reading it, I was ready to take on the world. You will be, too.

#5-Star #Review for #Plateau

While I was on break helping my sisters with my mother, my book PLATEAU received two new reviews. Since I haven’t developed the habit of checking my books for reviews (I know! What kind of author am I?), I stumbled upon these at different times.

I reblogged Colleen Chesebro‘s review on 10/5/17. You can read it HERE. I just learned of Madelyn Griffith-Hayne‘s review, and would like to share it with you now. 

Madelyn is a practicing ADD Coach who trains, mentors, and coaches ADD professionals. She refers to herself as The ADD Poster Girl and describes herself in this way: “Mentalist and empath, visionary and myopic, the sanest person I’ve ever met with the craziest life: a self-aware, self-assured stuttering wonder of more-than-a-mess.” That alone should kindle your little grey cells 🙂 If you’re not familiar with Madelyn, please visit her BLOG, comment, and share. 

Madelyn has captured the essence of PLATEAU. Thank you, my friend, for this heartfelt and moving review ❤ PLATEAU by Tina Frisco

Spiritually Moving and Uplifting

FIRST I must say that I loved this gentle little book. I devoured it in a single evening, so entranced by the story that I didn’t want to stop to read the inspiring quotes from Lynn V. Andrew’s Power Deck that began each chapter. Once I reached the end of the book I had to go back for the quotes, skimming each following chapter a second time.

NOW I must say that I have struggled with how I could possibly write a review — I’ve never read another book quite like it.

Other reviewers here have given you as much as you need to become familiar with the book’s “environment” – if I can call it that, introducing you to a few of the characters – so I won’t repeat similar content. But they can’t convey the deeply spiritual, uplifting essence of the book that, to me, is what makes it remarkable. Plateau never pontificates, but rather seduces the reader to come to his or her own spiritual realizations as the story unfolds.

I suppose the most impactful thing I can say is that I was infused with a sense of well-being when I finally put down my Kindle and turned off the light. I was in such a calm and totally relaxed positive state of mind that I transitioned easily and almost immediately into a deep sleep – a rare experience in my life.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!”