The Price of Revenge by Dennis Vaughn
Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9842358-1-0
ISBN-10: 0-9842358-1-7
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Publicity, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (back of book): Dennis Fox has a life anyone would envy-a flourishing career as a lawyer, a condo in Denver, and a beautiful girlfriend, Ellen-until he begins investigating a lawsuit against the Denver City Ballet. It seems like a commonplace allegation of misspent funds at first, but soon David finds himself caught in a web of blackmail, betrayal and dark secrets. To escape, he’ll have to answer some uncomfortable questions: Who was responsible for the embezzlement , and how far will they go to cover it up? What precisely is Ellen discussing in those sessions with her psychiatrist? And is telling the truth worth losing everything? The Price of Revenge follows David across boundaries both professional and personal as he tries to find his way out of the maze of intrigue into which he has stumbled.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: When I was first approached regarding this book to read and review, I read the synopsis and thought this one is for me. However, I was wrong. I found myself enjoying the sections that described the relationship between David and Ellen, however, that was only a small portion of the plot. The majority of what I did read, and this is my opinion only, was very difficult to follow due to the many characters that were introduced in the beginning of the book and all the legal and financial terminology. I found it hard to engage in the story line and not anxious to continue reading. Unfortunately, and again this is my opinion only, I had to put this one aside. I have read reviews around the blogosphere where this book did get good reviews, but the subject matter was just too dry and technical for my liking. If you are interested in legal and financial thrillers, check it out, maybe this one is for you. I sadly had to rate this novel as a “didn’t finish”.

 

I woke up to a cloudy, drizzly day here in New England.  I grabbed my mug of coffee, booted up Lily Laptop and then came the sun.  No…not outside but right here in my family room.  There was an email from Jules at One Book Shy that she was presenting me with this award:

Thank you very much Jules, you are too kind!!  If you haven’t visited her, you are missing out on a delightful blog, so take a walk over to her place and say hi!!  I don’t want to bore you, so am changing the rules.
In accepting this award the criteria is to:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share seven 5 things about yourself.
3. Pass this along to 15 5 bloggers you have recently discovered and think are fantastic.
4. Contact those 15 5 bloggers and let them know you gave them an award.
I won’t mind..you can skip this part.
  1.  I anxiously await for the mail to be delivered and hope there is a book waiting for me.
  2.  I have been married 29 years.
  3.  Hubby and I will be empty nesters next month  🙁  both sons will be out of state.
  4.  But…we are planning on converting one of the rooms into an office/library for me.  🙂
  5.  I have met so many nice, kind, funny, genuine people through book blogging and am honored to call them friends!!
I now will pass on this award to blogs I have recently discovered (in no particular order):

If you are a follower of my blog, you know  that I have trouble with anything to do with technology.  But, hold on, you are not going to believe this!!    I was sent a Digital Photo Key Chain from WholesaleKeyChain.com to try out.  And I DID IT!!  I was able to get all the features to work!!!

Now I have my photo albums on my key chain.  How great is that?  The best part is that it is so easy to use.  And the exciting news is that WholesaleKeyChain.com has generously offered to have one of my followers and/or visitors have one too!!!  You can have, right at your finger tips, pictures of family, pets, vacations, grandchildren, friends, etc. etc.  The list is endless!! 
Description and features of this Digital Photo Key Chain are:
Main features:
1.5 inch 128×128 LCD display;
4.8 MB internal memory which can store about 72 pictures;
Auto / manual picture slide show, slide time adjustable.
Manual switch between picture and time display
Time display including date, week, hours, minutes and seconds.
Time manual adjustable or sync with computer via software.
Picture format: JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF;
Picture size automatically cut by software.
Input / output picture via photo View software which contains in the attached CD
Built-in rechargeable battery
Charged / data downloaded via 5 pins USB cable
Dimension: 5.5×4.1×1.2cm
Weight: 85g
Package contents:
1 x Photo Frame with key ring;
1 x USB cable ”
So get out those bulky albums and start deciding what 72 pictures you will put in your digital photo key chain when you win!!  For your chance to win one, follow these instructions and Good Luck!!

If you are a follower of my blog, you know  that I have trouble with anything to do with technology.  But, hold on, you are not going to believe this!!    I was sent a Digital Photo Key Chain from WholesaleKeyChain.com to try out.  And I DID IT!!  I was able to get all the features to work!!!

Now I have my photo albums on my key chain.  How great is that?  The best part is that it is so easy to use.  And the exciting news is that WholesaleKeyChain.com has generously offered to have one of my followers and/or visitors have one too!!!  You can have, right at your finger tips, pictures of family, pets, vacations, grandchildren, friends, etc. etc.  The list is endless!! 
Description and features of this Digital Photo Key Chain are:
Main features:
1.5 inch 128×128 LCD display;
4.8 MB internal memory which can store about 72 pictures;
Auto / manual picture slide show, slide time adjustable.
Manual switch between picture and time display
Time display including date, week, hours, minutes and seconds.
Time manual adjustable or sync with computer via software.
Picture format: JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF;
Picture size automatically cut by software.
Input / output picture via photo View software which contains in the attached CD
Built-in rechargeable battery
Charged / data downloaded via 5 pins USB cable
Dimension: 5.5×4.1×1.2cm
Weight: 85g
Package contents:
1 x Photo Frame with key ring;
1 x USB cable ”
So get out those bulky albums and start deciding what 72 pictures you will put in your digital photo key chain when you win!!  For your chance to win one, follow these instructions and Good Luck!!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
*Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

  There are caveats before I give my official review. Back in February I read, reviewed and hosted a “Guest Author” spotlight at the request of Pump Up Your Book, for A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker. I thought the book was exceptional, giving it a rating of 5/5. You can read my review here. Bill had contacted me, after I posted my review, and asked if I would mind posting the review on some sites, which I agreed to do. Since that time, we have touched base every now and then as to how things were going with his book. He told me that he was working on a manuscript (revising, editing, making changes) of a book that he had written and with limited printing in 1998. I then received an email from him, which amazed me, surprised me and, quite honestly, felt honored to receive this request. Could he entrust me with this manuscript and give my honest opinion as a reader, consumer and reviewer?

  I have not read the original Titanic 2012, that was printed years ago so I can not compare it to the revised manuscript that I recently finished reading. However, and ironically knowing that I had the manuscript in my EReader waiting for me to read, I saw that another blogger had found a copy of the original and had read the book. Sheila, from One Person’s Journey Through A World Of Books, reviewed this book on her blog. I also need to say that the revised manuscript edition, is just that, a manuscript. Bill has informed me that it is now in his agent’s hand, so the revised edition, that I will be reviewing, has not yet been published nor is it available as of this date. However. I did tell him that since this blog is about books and my honest thoughts and reviews of books I read, that I would treat his manuscript in the same manner I do for all books I read. I also told him that I pride myself on giving a credible and honest review of every book I read, and that the same criteria would be utilized for his manuscript. He agreed. He also promised me that when the book does become available, he would notify me to let my followers, readers and visitors know so that I can give an update. And now my thoughts and opinion of said manuscript:

Titanic 2012 by Bill Walker (revised manuscript)
Final Manuscript Draft
At the request of the author, who entrusted me with his manuscript, a PDF was sent via email to be downloaded to my EReader, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (blurb borrowed from GoodReads for original print): When James Cameron’s vision of a movie, Titanic, made it to the screen, who would’ve known just how popular it would become? Now there’s a new mystery thriller that puts the luxury liner of doom in the near future with suspenseful results. It’s the year 2012, and best selling mystery novelist Trevor Hughes has just about completed his next big book when old friend Harlan Astor announces that he’s spent hundreds of millions of dollars to stage one of the biggest publicity shows in history: he’s built a new Titanic, an exact replica of the 1912 version. This tweaks Trevor’s writerly instincts, and in short order, he breaks up with his girlfriend and heads out for Poland to board the maiden voyage of this colossal remake. Even Kate Winslet is on hand to christen the ship, and the media are eating it up. But why did Astor do this, and why did he handpick the people who are boarding this remarkable ship? First-time novelist Bill Walker rings all the bells and blows all the whistles as he sets sail with his maiden voyage déjà vu, TITANIC 2012.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to preface this by saying that I saw the movie, Titanic, on multiple occasions and enjoyed it each time. Also, there will be no spoilers in this review. The premise of the plot, at times parallels the movie to some degree, but the story line stands on its own. The parallels were Harlan Astor, who’s great grandfather was lost in the tragedy of the original Titanic, designed the new ship to resemble the original. He also planned other details to resemble the maiden voyage of 1912, such as the dress of the passengers, the menu, the different classes, the valets. As the synopsis states, Titanic 2012 is a suspenseful romance. The author’s words transported me back to 1912 and then back to the present. I found myself so engrossed in reading this manuscript whereas I became part of the story and unaware what was going on around me. The characters were brought to life through the writer’s descriptions and each had their reasons for wanting to be a part of Titanic 2012. As far as the suspense, a page turner. I apologize for being vague, but there are many aspects to the suspense theme and will not include any spoilers in this review. The romance perspective profound, yet tender and emotional.
  I am sorry for posting this review due to the fact that it is unavailable as of right now. But will honestly tell you, that when it is published, it is a must read. If you are a fan of Titanic, the movie, you will love Titanic 2012. Put this one on your TBR list now and hopefully it will be obtainable soon. And like the movie whereas I saw it more than once, when this is in print, I will be reading it again. Bravo Mr. Walker !!

  There are caveats before I give my official review. Back in February I read, reviewed and hosted a “Guest Author” spotlight at the request of Pump Up Your Book, for A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker. I thought the book was exceptional, giving it a rating of 5/5. You can read my review here. Bill had contacted me, after I posted my review, and asked if I would mind posting the review on some sites, which I agreed to do. Since that time, we have touched base every now and then as to how things were going with his book. He told me that he was working on a manuscript (revising, editing, making changes) of a book that he had written and with limited printing in 1998. I then received an email from him, which amazed me, surprised me and, quite honestly, felt honored to receive this request. Could he entrust me with this manuscript and give my honest opinion as a reader, consumer and reviewer?

  I have not read the original Titanic 2012, that was printed years ago so I can not compare it to the revised manuscript that I recently finished reading. However, and ironically knowing that I had the manuscript in my EReader waiting for me to read, I saw that another blogger had found a copy of the original and had read the book. Sheila, from One Person’s Journey Through A World Of Books, reviewed this book on her blog. I also need to say that the revised manuscript edition, is just that, a manuscript. Bill has informed me that it is now in his agent’s hand, so the revised edition, that I will be reviewing, has not yet been published nor is it available as of this date. However. I did tell him that since this blog is about books and my honest thoughts and reviews of books I read, that I would treat his manuscript in the same manner I do for all books I read. I also told him that I pride myself on giving a credible and honest review of every book I read, and that the same criteria would be utilized for his manuscript. He agreed. He also promised me that when the book does become available, he would notify me to let my followers, readers and visitors know so that I can give an update. And now my thoughts and opinion of said manuscript:

Titanic 2012 by Bill Walker (revised manuscript)
Final Manuscript Draft
At the request of the author, who entrusted me with his manuscript, a PDF was sent via email to be downloaded to my EReader, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (blurb borrowed from GoodReads for original print): When James Cameron’s vision of a movie, Titanic, made it to the screen, who would’ve known just how popular it would become? Now there’s a new mystery thriller that puts the luxury liner of doom in the near future with suspenseful results. It’s the year 2012, and best selling mystery novelist Trevor Hughes has just about completed his next big book when old friend Harlan Astor announces that he’s spent hundreds of millions of dollars to stage one of the biggest publicity shows in history: he’s built a new Titanic, an exact replica of the 1912 version. This tweaks Trevor’s writerly instincts, and in short order, he breaks up with his girlfriend and heads out for Poland to board the maiden voyage of this colossal remake. Even Kate Winslet is on hand to christen the ship, and the media are eating it up. But why did Astor do this, and why did he handpick the people who are boarding this remarkable ship? First-time novelist Bill Walker rings all the bells and blows all the whistles as he sets sail with his maiden voyage déjà vu, TITANIC 2012.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to preface this by saying that I saw the movie, Titanic, on multiple occasions and enjoyed it each time. Also, there will be no spoilers in this review. The premise of the plot, at times parallels the movie to some degree, but the story line stands on its own. The parallels were Harlan Astor, who’s great grandfather was lost in the tragedy of the original Titanic, designed the new ship to resemble the original. He also planned other details to resemble the maiden voyage of 1912, such as the dress of the passengers, the menu, the different classes, the valets. As the synopsis states, Titanic 2012 is a suspenseful romance. The author’s words transported me back to 1912 and then back to the present. I found myself so engrossed in reading this manuscript whereas I became part of the story and unaware what was going on around me. The characters were brought to life through the writer’s descriptions and each had their reasons for wanting to be a part of Titanic 2012. As far as the suspense, a page turner. I apologize for being vague, but there are many aspects to the suspense theme and will not include any spoilers in this review. The romance perspective profound, yet tender and emotional.
  I am sorry for posting this review due to the fact that it is unavailable as of right now. But will honestly tell you, that when it is published, it is a must read. If you are a fan of Titanic, the movie, you will love Titanic 2012. Put this one on your TBR list now and hopefully it will be obtainable soon. And like the movie whereas I saw it more than once, when this is in print, I will be reading it again. Bravo Mr. Walker !!

Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young
Published by Goldman House Publishing
ISBN 9780981562711
At the request of Pump Up Your Book, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (back of book): Every life has a price. Waverly Sloan is a down-on-his-luck lawyer. But just when he’s about to hit rock bottom, he stumbles upon a business with the potential too solve all his problems.
  In Waverly’s new line of work, he comes to the aid of people in desperate need of cash. But there’s a catch, His clients must be terminally ill and willing to sign over rights to their life insurance policies before they can collect a dime. Waverly then finds investors eager to advance them thousands of dollars-including a hefty broker’s fee for himself-in exchange for a significant return on their investment once the clients take their last breath.
  The stakes get higher when Waverly brokers the policy of the cancer-stricken wife of Lawrence Erickson, a high-powered lawyer who’s bucking to become the next U.S. Attorney General, When Waverly’s clients start dying sooner than they should, both Waverly’s clients start dying sooner than they should, both Waverly and Erickson-who has some skeletons of his own to hide-are unwittingly drawn into a perilous web of greed, blackmail and murder.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: There is so much to say about this book and all positive. When I read a book for a review, I have a little checklist in the back of my mind that I use to critique a book. First, the description, Buying Time is a legal thriller, however, it was not bogged down with a lot of legal terminology where the reader needs to have a prerequisite of being a 4th year law student to understand. The legal jargon was worked into the story line so that it was easily understandable. Now to my check list. Did I get pulled into the plot and when? Check, on page 1 of the Prologue. Were the characters brought to life and relateable? Check. Was it, as I call it, “a one more chapter” read? Check. The chapters were short with chapters alternating with the different characters and ending with a mini cliff hanger that this reader had to read on until I got to the next chapter of this character. Was it a page turner? Check, all 414 pages. Was I able to conjure up vivid imagery due to the author’s writing style for characters and scenes? Check. Was I so engrossed into the story that I didn’t realize what was going on around me? Check. Did I enjoy it? Can I honestly recommend this book? Check and Check. A nonstop fast paced legal thriller that must be read!!