Saturday, August 26, 2017

The Seed By: Wendi Starusnak



The Seed

By Wendi Starusnak

When I first received this book, I admired the cover, as always this is one of the first things I like to do. I can’t help myself, as an artist, it’s one of the first things that grip me. And one of the things I have always liked about Wendi’s covers is the detail. This one is no different. The cover grabbed me and pulled me, and promised, “I will keep you entertained, come inside.”

This allowed me to have no problem opening the next door. What I liked from the get go was how Wendi gave her readers a note, explaining what is truth and what isn’t. This book is a work of fiction, however, let it be known- there are people out there who ‘may have’ similar cases to this one. And silence and looking away is not the answer. Immediately, a smile crept across my face, as I continued to read along.

Within these pages we are going to learn about Alicia Anderson and her daughter Mindy. An eye-opening tale of an experimental enacted by the government, that Alicia had thought all along, was simply some kind of disorder that her daughter had been going through. 

Sometimes we just think that when our kids start suffering from nightmares, speech impairments, developmental issues and even anger management; we just take for granted it’s normal. But sometimes it isn’t. Than we even have the ones with the birth defects that we are told are caused by smoking, or inherited diseases. Then there are those cases where we don’t even know what is happening to our own bodies because the doctors don’t even honestly tell us, I mean let’s be frank here. And then when they do, they use these big terms we can’t even understand and we just shake our heads like we understand. 

But the thing is, with Alicia, the pregnancy wasn’t even developing right, the baby was growing small, and under developing body. They decided to birth the youngster early, and try to help her grow outside of her mother, hoping to help. Alicia went home alone without her baby, and the hospital kept Mindy, and did everything they could to help with her growth, and. . . yeah and. And what is the question. Maybe it wasn’t then, or maybe it was. 

Today, Mindy has the mentality of a ten-year-old with Alzheimer’s. She doesn’t remember anything, and always needs to be reminded. She is sweet and innocent at home, but when she is at school, it is another story. 

Eventually through a lot of struggle, and even thorough investigations, Alicia learns the truth behind everything. Now both Alicia and her daughter, Mindy must work as a team to survive and prove what happened, and that this is just the beginning. Oh yes, only the beginning of what is to come.

This book is truly a five-star read, thrilling in every aspect. I couldn’t put it down, because I had to know, which is exactly what will happen if you read this book. So, trust and believe, you need to get yourself a copy today, and get busy reading! This book was ultimately eye opening, and unbelievable, well…. I mean if you doubt this kind of stuff. Which I don’t. Well, what are you waiting for?
Here are my questions for Wendi:
1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

Creepy, what-if ideas always pop into my head.  I have a special needs daughter who this book is based very loosely on, along with a couple of what if scenarios. It took me about two months to write this book.

2. Who designed this beautiful cover?

Another author Tasha Gwartney made the cover for me in exchange for editing services.

3. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters that you can share with us?

I don't have any photos of the characters to share.  I like people to be able to imagine the characters however they see them in their heads when reading.

4. What are you working on now?

Right now I'm working on an offshoot of my Fleischer Series, a book that will be called 'Disturbed'

5. What motivates you to write?

My experiences in life and love for writing both have always motivated me to write. I want to encourage others to speak out and speak up against abuse with my books.  

6. If you were to get writers block, or have ever had it, what do you do for it?

I've never really had writer's block.  I've had times where I just don't feel like writing, but I've found the best cure for that is to just write anyways.  Write anything, just to get the mind working and the words flowing.

7. What suggestions can you offer for the aspiring writers out there?

Just write what's in your heart to begin with.  Worry about editing and all the other stuff after you get the gist of it all down.

8. How long have you been writing?

I've been making up stories since before I could write and writing ever since I knew how to spell. It's been a lifeline for me in some very difficult times.

9. What are your hobbies?

I love spending time with my family, writing, reading, camping and nature.

10. Do you put yourself into your characters?

Yes.  I've found that I write best when I write as my main character.

11. Where is your favorite place to write?

Between my husband and I, we have eight children and seven grandchildren. Although only three live at home right now, I babysit often and am always on the go.  So, I write wherever I have to or manage to find some time to be able to think. Most of the time, that ends up being in my living room.

12. Please share with us your social media and book links:

http://wendistarusnak.ihostfull.com
www.twitter.com/@WendiStarusnak

13. Anything to add::  I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read any of my books. Reviews are definitely always appreciated too!  Feel free to connect with me at any of the above links!



The SeedThe Seed by Wendi Starusnak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I first received this book, I admired the cover, as always this is one of the first things I like to do. I can’t help myself, as an artist, it’s one of the first things that grip me. And one of the things I have always liked about Wendi’s covers is the detail. This one is no different. The cover grabbed me and pulled me, and promised, “I will keep you entertained, come inside.”

This allowed me to have no problem opening the next door. What I liked from the get go was how Wendi gave her readers a note, explaining what is truth and what isn’t. This book is a work of fiction, however, let it be known- there are people out there who ‘may have’ similar cases to this one. And silence and looking away is not the answer. Immediately, a smile crept across my face, as I continued to read along.

Within these pages we are going to learn about Alicia Anderson and her daughter Mindy. An eye-opening tale of an experimental enacted by the government, that Alicia had thought all along, was simply some kind of disorder that her daughter had been going through.

Sometimes we just think that when our kids start suffering from nightmares, speech impairments, developmental issues and even anger management; we just take for granted it’s normal. But sometimes it isn’t. Than we even have the ones with the birth defects that we are told are caused by smoking, or inherited diseases. Then there are those cases where we don’t even know what is happening to our own bodies because the doctors don’t even honestly tell us, I mean let’s be frank here. And then when they do, they use these big terms we can’t even understand and we just shake our heads like we understand.

But the thing is, with Alicia, the pregnancy wasn’t even developing right, the baby was growing small, and under developing body. They decided to birth the youngster early, and try to help her grow outside of her mother, hoping to help. Alicia went home alone without her baby, and the hospital kept Mindy, and did everything they could to help with her growth, and. . . yeah and. And what is the question. Maybe it wasn’t then, or maybe it was.

Today, Mindy has the mentality of a ten-year-old with Alzheimer’s. She doesn’t remember anything, and always needs to be reminded. She is sweet and innocent at home, but when she is at school, it is another story.

Eventually through a lot of struggle, and even thorough investigations, Alicia learns the truth behind everything. Now both Alicia and her daughter, Mindy must work as a team to survive and prove what happened, and that this is just the beginning. Oh yes, only the beginning of what is to come.

This book is truly a five-star read, thrilling in every aspect. I couldn’t put it down, because I had to know, which is exactly what will happen if you read this book. So, trust and believe, you need to get yourself a copy today, and get busy reading! This book was ultimately eye opening, and unbelievable, well…. I mean if you doubt this kind of stuff. Which I don’t. Well, what are you waiting for?

View all my reviews


 

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Bent Not Broken By: L.A. Ozz



Bent Not Broken

By: L.A. Ozz

In this story, by a brand-new author, we will be introduced to the two main characters: Peyton Warner and Denton Whitetower. 

Peyton is a twenty-two-year-old woman who has endured a troubling life, more than most women her age should have. She has been victimized and overcame fear, pain and abuse, in hopes of someday, making a new life for herself, and hopefully even successfully trying to forget those terrifying memories that haunt her still. 

Luckily for Peyton, she has found someone that could quite possibly satisfy her life’s needs, and make all her dreams come true. Denton is a remarkably handsome single father, who even owns his own business, and he is even the eldest of his siblings. 

Denton hadn’t been one who had been looking for romance when it came his way, but when it found him, he was happy to comply. And although Denton was in his forties, age made no difference to either of them. Their love felt no bounds right from the start, and together, they knew they wanted to make it work.

Peyton has assumed that her nightmares will no longer be able to find her, but sadly, this is where she is wrong. And one evening, she will once again realize that the nightmares were always ready to return at any given second. However, this time, Peyton doesn’t want to let them in, and risk the nightmare ruining her relationship with Denton. 

Peyton must learn to embrace her fears, and focus on what it is that she truly wants, rather than worry about what is lurking around every corner. The problem is, can she stay strong and successful, and fight for what is right, and become the heroine that she needs to be? 

In order for you to get the answers to this and many more, you will need to read this book for yourself! And trust me, you will be glad that you did, you will see, this book is a very different kind of read. It has love in it, and pain, and at the same time it will make you see that through pain and suffering, there can be a light. You just have to know where to look for it. Or better yet, you have to let it find you. 

This book, is the first book written by L.A. Ozz, and it is intended to be a series, which means great news for us as the readers, there will be more! And this one is a wonderful five-star read! So, please, if you will, put your hands together and welcome into the author family: L.A. Ozz and make her feel at home. Spread your wings Ms. Ozz, we can’t wait to read more from you, and we thank you for writing such an intensely deep book, that opened our hearts up into your soul! 

Here are my questions for Ms. Ozz:
1.What made you decide to write this book and how long did it take you?
That, believe it or not, is a very easy question to answer for me.  Writing Bent Not Broken was a decision that my main characters, Peyton and Denton, made for me, to be honest.  The two of them took up “residency” (full-time) in my thoughts (and heart).  They became an extension, of sorts, of myself.  Both Peyton and Denton became quite “demanding” and “persistent” that I tell their story.  So, with the support of my family (and countless sleepless nights), I decided to take the time to make my dream a reality.  I sat for many hours at my computer putting into words the thoughts, ideas, experiences and inspirations I had running rampant in my mind. Their story consumed me and became a true labor of love, a journey that I am proud and honored to have taken. On a side note, I also believe that it is important to tell the story of survival and the very heroes of those stories, the survivors themselves. 
Bent Not Broken took me approximately a year to finish from the first moment I sat at my computer to finally typing “The End.”

2. Who designed the cover?
Leanne Louise with B2B cover design, was my cover artist.


3. What are you working on now?
 I am currently working on Part two of the Forgiveness Series, Un-Charted Detour. 
This will be Liam’s story and I am so excited to get it ready and into readers hands.

4. What would you say to someone wanting to become a writer?
 I would tell them to NEVER give up.  To NEVER doubt the story, they want or need to tell. If it is in your heart and/or mind…tell it, share it with readers, you never know whose life you may touch.  I would also stress the importance of speaking with and making connections with other authors.  Seek advice from those who have been where you are, it is an amazing learning experience.  Also, please do not ever be afraid to ask questions, it’s the only way to learn.  


5. Was this book hard for you to write?
The answer to that question is yes….and no!
It was hard because a lot of the emotions that went into writing Bent Not Broken came from a personal place, the fear of putting yourself out there can be quite daunting.  Also, the fear of rejection, of not being “good enough” is an extremely worrisome factor that I had to deal with when writing this story.  The fear of where and how to start was a huge anxiety induced period. It was easy because the characters “lived” in my mind.  They, effortlessly, guided me through the entire book never allowing me to falter or quit.  Also, writing about survival and the emotions that entails holds immense value to me so, writing about them was quite natural and easy. 



6. Do you have any photos or descriptions of your characters that you can share with us?
Peyton

Denton

7. What is your favorite place to write?
     To be honest, I love to write anywhere that I can find inspiration.  Can be my front porch swing or my back patio.  Sometimes at the dining room table or alone at my desk.

8. What is your favorite book of all time?
     Desiderata by Max Ehrmann.  It was a graduation gift from a very special person.  The words have deep meaning and resonate with me to this day.  “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” Max Ehrmann

9. What are your hobbies?
     Spending time with my family/friends, reading, writing, crafting, party planning and baking/decorating cakes (mostly customized birthday cakes). 

10. Please share with us your book and social media links:


11. Anything to add:
I want to say, “Thank You” Deneale for this wonderful and truly amazing opportunity to read and review my debut book.  I am so looking forward to you doing the same with my next book in the series as well as any others that I publish.  This interview has been fun and thought provoking as well! I encourage others to visit your blog and find a new author or two.  Continued success, Deneale! 



Bent Not Broken (The Forgiving Series #1)Bent Not Broken by L.A. Ozz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this story, by a brand-new author, we will be introduced to the two main characters: Peyton Warner and Denton Whitetower.

Peyton is a twenty-two-year-old woman who has endured a troubling life, more than most women her age should have. She has been victimized and overcame fear, pain and abuse, in hopes of someday, making a new life for herself, and hopefully even successfully trying to forget those terrifying memories that haunt her still.

Luckily for Peyton, she has found someone that could quite possibly satisfy her life’s needs, and make all her dreams come true. Denton is a remarkably handsome single father, who even owns his own business, and he is even the eldest of his siblings.

Denton hadn’t been one who had been looking for romance when it came his way, but when it found him, he was happy to comply. And although Denton was in his forties, age made no difference to either of them. Their love felt no bounds right from the start, and together, they knew they wanted to make it work.

Peyton has assumed that her nightmares will no longer be able to find her, but sadly, this is where she is wrong. And one evening, she will once again realize that the nightmares were always ready to return at any given second. However, this time, Peyton doesn’t want to let them in, and risk the nightmare ruining her relationship with Denton.

Peyton must learn to embrace her fears, and focus on what it is that she truly wants, rather than worry about what is lurking around every corner. The problem is, can she stay strong and successful, and fight for what is right, and become the heroine that she needs to be?

In order for you to get the answers to this and many more, you will need to read this book for yourself! And trust me, you will be glad that you did, you will see, this book is a very different kind of read. It has love in it, and pain, and at the same time it will make you see that through pain and suffering, there can be a light. You just have to know where to look for it. Or better yet, you have to let it find you.

This book, is the first book written by L.A. Ozz, and it is intended to be a series, which means great news for us as the readers, there will be more! And this one is a wonderful five-star read! So, please, if you will, put your hands together and welcome into the author family: L.A. Ozz and make her feel at home. Spread your wings Ms. Ozz, we can’t wait to read more from you, and we thank you for writing such an intensely deep book, that opened our hearts up into your soul!



View all my reviews