Book Review: Fall of Eden by Michele Poague

Fall of Eden takes up right where Heir of Power leaves off, but just when you think you know what direction the story is going to go it takes a huge turn to the left. You don't see it coming and suddenly things are a lot different then they were in the first book of The Healing Crystal Trilogy.

I loved the intrigue and conflict in Fall of Eden. You are left wondering who will align with whom and how will everything turn out when another huge twist is thrown in to the story and gives you enough to wonder what is going to happen to everyone.

As Fall of Eden progresses a lot of changes happen and characters deepen and grow in ways they never would have if not put in certain situations. What situations you ask?? Well you have to read Fall of Eden to find out!

It is interesting to see how all each of the characters learn a lot about who they are inside and what they would do when pushed to the brink, to know who they would trust and who they would easily kill and who they will love. New discoveries about old prejudices change the playing ground and intrigue and revenge and desperation abound.

The triangle between Kairma and Collin and Naturi intensifies as pressure is placed on Kiarma to make a choice but Kitner gets pulled into things and the dynamics change. And in the end it all comes down to who will hold the power of the crystal.

I love the world Michele creates and how she ties things together in the story to bring us to greater understanding of how the past and future link together. The imagery  and characters, she uses brings this world to life.

 I love the depth and growth of all the characters and how easily you can understand each one's motivation for what they do, and not always feel comfortable with their choices. I felt that Fall of Eden was an excellent sequel to Heir of Power and can't wait to find out what happens and how things all fall out in the last installment of the trilogy in Ransom the last book of the series coming out this fall.

Giveaway Info:

For this tour, we have an exciting prize to give away to one of YOU! Michele will pick her favorite blog entry who will in turn receive a $40 gift certificate as well as a signed copy of Fall of Eden!

Grand Prize Giveaway (Please include this information in your posts)

As part of the tour, Michele is generously offering 3 AMAZING giveaways to the blog readers. The first winner will receive signed copies of the entire Healing Crystal trilogy. The second place winner will receive a signed copy of Fall of Eden as well as a $10 gift certificate and the third place winner will receive a signed copy of Fall of Eden.

To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided.

• Open from September 8 to October 8.
• Must be 13+ years of age to enter
• US mailing addresses only

Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:

• Leaving a blog post comment
• Liking The Healing Crystal Trilogy on Facebook
• Tweeting about the giveaway (once per day)
• Writing a review of Fall of Eden
• Posting an interview, the book trailer, or a link to the tour.

 
click here to enter  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
Book description:

Myths are but shadows of a greater truth.

What is the Healing Crystal and who is the rightful heir? Is it a religious object or a powerful weapon? Does it belong to a fallen line of kings or to the colonists of Survin? Should its fate be left in the hands of the young and inexperienced Kairma or to Narvin, the last descendant of a line of kings?

Kairma holds the Crystal and believes she will become the next leader of Survin, while her younger sister Kinter, believes she, not Kairma, is the rightful heir. Narvin believes the Healing Crystal is the Star of Genesis, a powerful relic his ancestors have been seeking for centuries.

Determined to possess the object that will return him to his glory, Narvin is unwavering in his quest to possess it, and Kairma is caught in a fierce race across barren deserts and rugged mountains to a shattering finish where the winner must decide the fate of the world.

Other books in series:

· Heir to Power: http://michelepoague.info/about/

· Ransom: http://michelepoague.info/about-ransom/

Healing Crystal Trilogy Book Trailer

· http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIGSE2hhRrQ

Author Bio:

Born Michele Rae Jeffryes in Newman Grove, Nebraska, Michele Poague has spent most of her life in Colorado, South Dakota and Nevada, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, since 1984. When she is not writing novels, researching a story, traveling, or working at her full time job as a nightclub manager, Michele volunteers her time as an advocate for the Libertarian Party.

For more information and to connect with Michele Poague please visit any or all of the following network links:

· Website:http://michelepoague.com/

· Blog:http://michelepoague.info/

· Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/healingcrystaltrilogy

· Twitter:https://twitter.com/hctscifinovels

· Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4563132.Michele_Poague

· Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVaxlO_0vDiblTW5i3-g37A

Tour Page:

· http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/p/fall-of-eden-tour.html

Purchase Links:

· Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Michele-Poague/e/B004SRRKV8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1320889696&sr=8-1

· Barnes& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fall-of-eden-michele-poague/1104253011?ean=9781462013074

Book Review: Faith, Hope and, Gravity by Merrill Osmond and Shirely Bahlmann

 

 

 

 



 In Merrill Osmond and Shirely Bahlmann's inspirational fiction  Faith, Hope and Gravity a young boy, Liam, is prone to being able to see things before they happen. It is a special gift he is given. Unfortunately many around him don't understand his special ablities and tease him because of it. And one such event leads to Liam being severely injured which caused him to stay away from others and hold onto his misunderstandings and inablitity to find forgiveness for those who hurt him. But as he grows he is sent off to his uncle's farm in England and his adventures begin as he learns about who he is, and how to best use his special gift to help others, and eventual find a way to find forgiveness for those who hurt him. Along the way he finds great freinds who help him see the truth in others around him and help him to grow.

 

Many fascinating things happen as Liam travels the world and finds others who are like him. And he finds that even though he is afraid to trust and move out of his comfort zone,  he develops the ability to be strong and find true freinds around him who would help him be the best he can be. And through harrowing events in his life and unexpected twists and turns and new developments in his abilities to see beyond the every day norm, he learns who he can truly trust and how to use his abilities to help others around him.

 

Here are some questions I wanted to ask Merrill about his experiences writing Faith Hope and Gravity. I hope you enjoy this opportunity to learn more about the creation of this book.

 

Can you share a little about writing Faith, Hope & Gravity and your road to publication?

Well…”Faith, Hope and Gravity” has been in my head for a long time, more years than I care to say. It’s so much a part of me that many people have a hard time understanding sometimes about my deep thoughts and the way I look at the world. I thought that maybe this book would use the stories in a way that people would get to know who I am and ask, “Is this really fiction, or is this Merrill Osmond?” As you read the book, you will see pieces of my thought process and how I viewed the world.

 

Tell us something you'd like readers to know.

I want the readers to know that this book I’ve dreamed of, I’ve lived, and I think it will be a story that will help you get to know me as a person more than just the singer/songwriter. It has a wonderful story line of Liam who goes though a lot of trials in life but somehow in the end comes out of life with a lot of lessons and learning more about himself and the world and that is what I want people to take away with this book. Bad things sometimes happen to good people, but there is that balance in the world that you may not really see, but I believe that what you put back in the world will eventually come back to you. If you go after someone to destroy them for position or power, that victory will be short-lived. If you give out goodness in your life, you will at some point be rewarded in a time of need. I just believe in never judging anyone and placing a label on them or getting in the way of accomplishing their dreams. I believe we came to earth to learn about each other, to learn to lift each other up to get though the trials of life and at the end know that it was all worth it. Not easy, but worth it.

 

 What inspired you to write it?

It was a dream I’ve always had of writing a novel. I had written two previous books. “Let the Reason be Love” which was titled after a hit we had in the 70’s and was a sort of autobiography of my life. Then I wrote“The Plan Revisited” which was my experiences with my brothers in writing our statement album called, “The Plan” which was a story within itself.

I have had the story of “Faith, Hope & Gravity” in my head for many years and it just seemed like the right time to finally go forward and get it all done. It took over a year to get published because I kept changing things. I probably drove my co-writer Shirley crazy as my mind never stops, so I kept throwing ideas at her to add, but I finally said, “This is it. This is what I want to say. “ 

 

What can we expect from you in the future?

You can expect me to keep on writing and singing the music I love. I want to do more songwriting, that’s one of my favorite things to do. In fact, I wrote a song that is dedicated to the people that read this book. I would like to do more writing, maybe a children’s book series and more books that challenge people to understand who I truly am.

 

Book Blurb:

Faith, Hope and Gravity is the spiritual, magical adventure of teenage Liam Kane as he discovers some of the same lessons Merrill Osmond learned as the world-traveling lead singer of the Osmond Brothers. Merrill, like Liam, was often misunderstood for his visionary quests to understand those who looked for answers to life's questions. Liam's talents gain him international notoriety as "The Prophecy Boy" who swims with dolphins, dreams of a mysterious red door, and champions those who are misunderstood. Surviving kidnapping, near-drowning, and imprisonment ultimately leads to the discovery that despite inherent differences, when people respect one another's unique abilities, the thread of commonality that runs through mankind grows ever stronger. Turn the pages and join the unforgettable journey

 

 

here is a list of book reviews for Faith Hope and Gravity that you can check out.

August 24^th-http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

Aug 27- http://shirleybahlmann.blogspot.com/
Aug 28-http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

Aug 30- http://1000wrongs.blogspot.com/

Aug 31
http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/

Sept 4- http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/
Sept 5-http://joansowards.blogspot.com/

Sept 7-http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/

Sept 10 - http://tamarahartheiner.blogspot.com/

Sept 12- http://bythebecks.blogspot.com/
Sept 13- http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/
Sept 14- http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/
Sept 17- http://www.debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/
Sept 18- http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

Sept 20- http://www.kathiswritingnook.com/
Sept 24-http://www.queenoftheclan.com/

Sept 27- Susan http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/
Sept 28-http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/

October 1-Jewel Adams www.jewelsbestgems.blogspot.com
Oct 3- Rachelle’s Writing Spot http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/

Endorsements:

“Fiction rarely resonates with more truth that ‘Faith Hope and Gravity.’ Merrill Osmond's music has made him part of our lives. His delightful debut novel is a journey into his heart. It is a journey you don't want to miss."

Kieth Merrill, Academy Award Winning Filmmaker

“Merrill Osmond's autobiographical fiction ‘Faith, Hope & Gravity’ gives insights to the man that people have never seen before. If you want to know more about Merrill than you've ever discovered in any interview or article, then you need this book.”

Gino Tutera MD. F.A.C.O.G. Medical Director SottoPelle®

"Not everyone who has a great gift leads a charmed life. In his novel ‘Faith, Hope & Gravity,’ Merrill Osmond gives readers an insightful look at a young boy, Liam Kane, whose life and challenges, in part, mirror his own. The lesson imparted in the book is the importance of rising above adversity, taking miracles as they come and keeping faith with what you know to be true. "

Senator Orrin Hatch

“Having Merrill Osmond as one of my closest friends has always meant so much to me. I have been with him through the ups and the downs, but no matter what the circumstances, Merrill has proved to be one of God's chosen people, as he lives his life spreading goodness to all those around him.

Merrill’s new book, ‘Faith, Hope and Gravity,’ is a fascinating story, well conceived and beautifully written. It tells the story of a fictional character, a young boy by the name of Liam Kane. It shows how having a gift does not always mean everything will be laid out for you. The book leaves you wonderiwhether the main character is Liam Kane, or is it indeed Merrill Osmond.

A wonderful read, and hailed by critics as a great piece of fiction.

To my true friend Merrill Osmond. You are one of life's heroes, and spread the light wherever you go. Long may you continue to do so.”

David King, Executive Producer, Spirit Productions Worldwide

 

Merrill Osmond is a world-class entertainer, producer, author, motivational speaker and renowned lead singer of the Osmonds. Merrill and his siblings have produced 47 platinum & gold records and Merrill has written the lyrics for five #1 hit records. Merrill is a co-founder of the Osmond Foundation, which originally produced “The Children’s Miracle Network” Telethon. He has produced presidential inaugural events for both Reagan & Bush. Merrill is excited to release his first novel, Faith, Hope & Gravity.

Shirley Bahlmann has written a wide variety of genres, including historical fiction, novels, biographies, how-to, and how-not-to books. One of her favorites is a children’s book titled “When the Chicken Crossed the Road” which comes with instructions and a chicken-colored washcloth so you can roll your own chicken! Shirley finds the most annoying thing about being a prolific writer is sleep, because she’d rather be writing.

 More great ways to learn more about the authors of Faith, Hope and Gravity by Merrill Osmond and Shirely Bahlmann

Website: http://shirleybahlmann.com/

Blog:

http://shirleybahlmann.blogspot.com/

www.merrillosmond.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/merrilldavisosmond

Twitter:

                                       http://twitter.com/#!/merrillosmond

you can get your copy of Faith, Hope and Gravity here and here.

Book Review: Count Down to Love By Julie N Ford

 My Take:

Ohh I can't tell you enough how much I loved Count Down to Love by Julie N Ford. I have read and completely enjoyed other stories by Julie. She knows how to bring sizzle and fun to her stories that keep the pages turning and the laughter going. I really couldn't read it fast enough. I was totally caught up in the plot and characters and didn't want it to end. This was so much fun to lose myself in the events of the story line.

Count Down to Love is a contemporary romance that leaves you wishing for more. Julie N Ford did a brilliant job of plotting and weaving the build up of the climax through out Count Down to Love as you wonder what new surprise is waiting in the wings. She knows how to keep the reader turning pages in anticipation of what is coming.

I loved Kelly Grace's character as she is dumped at her wedding and hopefully waiting for her fiance' to arrive to save the day. She holds out for him and trusts that the unfortunate turn of events are all just a big misunderstanding.

But when it becomes achingly clear that he isn't coming for her, she wonders how she is going to move forward with her home repossessed by the bank, no job and a floundering singing career, her life is a mess.  But her cousin Sissy has the perfect solution to help Kelly forget her woes.

As a producer of a reality dating TV show similar to the  Bachelor called "Count Down to Love" she needs a step in replacement for a contestant fast, and Kelly is the perfect one to step in at a moments notice. After some quick talking, Sissy convinces Kelly it would be like a mini paid vacation that would give her time to get things in her life figured out and it would only be for a few days.  Kelly takes her up on the offer, only she unexpectedly ends up staying a bit longer than anticipated.

Being on the show gives her time to heal her broken heart and hide away while she tries to figure out her next move. But the show brings in  unexpected surprises for Kelly, the biggest of all is her unexpected reaction to the bachelor of the show, New York Millionaire Dillion Black.  And the spark that starts between them or the adventures along the way.

I know you will love Count Down to Love as much as I did! Don't miss out!

Grand Prize Giveaway:
 
As part of the tour, Julie is generously offering a grand prize giveaway of a hard copy of Count Down to Love, a CD of the band Due West, and a copy of the single, “Who I Am”, which Julie and Due West wrote and recorded specifically for the book. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post or any of the other stops on the tour. (Visit the tour page for the full tour schedule.) The more stops you comment on, the more entries you have into the contest!

Book Description:
 
Abandoned at the altar, Kelly Grace Pickens finds herself left holding not only the bouquet but also the exorbitant bill for an A-list wedding. Homeless, a once promising singing career floundering, and her life bearing an uncanny resemblance to one of her country music ballads, she reluctantly accepts a last minute offer to appear on a reality TV show akin to the bachelor. Pitted against silicon-enhanced supermodels in four-inch heels, Kelly feels confident that she will be among the first would-be fiance's to be excused. Only, when the mysterious bachelor from New York City, Dillon Black, invites her to stay, Kelly finds herself thrust into the vortex of a game she doesn’t have the first idea how to play. Nursing her hopelessly broken heart while avoiding the foils of her fellow contestants, Kelly is oblivious to Dillon’s affections as she wades through hurt and betrayal to discover, in the end, that she has landed firmly on both feet.
 
Leaving behind Nashville’s Music Row for the majestic Grand Teton mountains, Count Down To Love takes readers on a journey from duplicity to sincerity as Kelly discovers that being true to oneself is the first step in finding happiness and everlasting love.
 
Author Bio:
 
Julie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in English Literature from San Diego State University. In addition, she earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. She has worked in teaching, childbirth education and family therapy. Besides writing, she spends many hours working along side her husband at their UPS Store franchise, but hopes to re-enter the Social Work field someday.
 
She is the author of three women’s fiction novels, The Woman He Married (March 2011) and No Holly for Christmas (November 2011), published by Whiskey Creek Press. The third, Count Down to Love (July 2011), published by Bonneville Books.
 
Currently, she lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, two daughters and one very feisty fish.

Social Networking:
Website: http://julienford.com/
Blog: http://julienford.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JulieNFord.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieNFord
Purchase Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Count-Down-Love-Julie-Ford/dp/1599555166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344575545&sr=8-1&keywords=count+down+to+love
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/count-down-to-love-julie-n-ford/1102044040?ean=978159955516