I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.
I tend
to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read
crime and law novels, once in a while a true story, WWII historicals,
mysteries, and mainstream character driven books.
Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not-too-distant past.
Maybe you'll discover a new book or author.
Blind Spot by Brenda Novak
With Jasper Moore, the
privileged boy who attacked her when she was only sixteen, finally caught and
in prison, Dr. Evelyn Talbot, founder and head psychiatrist at Hanover House (a
prison/research facility for psychopaths in remote Alaska), believes she can
finally quit looking over her shoulder. She’s safe, happier than she’s ever
been and expecting her first child. She’s also planning to marry Amarok, her
Alaska State Trooper love interest and the town’s only police presence.
But before the wedding can take place, a
psychopath from the much more recent past comes out of nowhere and kidnaps her
in broad daylight. Instead of planning her wedding, Evelyn finds herself doing
everything she can to survive, save her baby and devise some way to escape
while Amarok races the clock to find her - before it’s too late.
The
premise and blurb intrigued me. Unfortunately, the story didn’t hold me. The
suspense never quite zinged. It felt more telling than showing. I hate to diss
the book because I’ve met Brenda Novak, and she’s a great person. I know there
are plenty of Novak fans out there that will hate me for giving her less than a
five-star review. I just didn’t feel the chemistry between Amarok and Dr.
Talbot. Her research facility didn’t seem plausible. The story had too many
drag moments.
Sizzling Synopsis by Bryan Cohen
Do you hate writing blurbs?
Do you wish there was an easier way to summarize your novel and get more sales
in the process? Author and copywriter Bryan Cohen’s book descriptions have hit
both the Kindle Store’s Top 50 and the USA Today Bestseller list. Let him show
you exactly how to craft the copy you need to hook new readers.
Finally, you no longer have to take on the
challenge of copywriting alone. With a more intriguing synopsis in place, all
your future promotions, ads, and marketing campaigns can perform significantly
better. You want more readers to buy your books, and Bryan’s system is a great
way to make it a reality.
If you like detailed writing guides, plenty of
examples, and a touch of humor, then you’ll love Bryan Cohen’s look behind the
scenes at how he creates copy that sells.
The last
paragraph in the blurb says it all. And although I’ve been published for twelve
years and felt I knew what he was teaching, it clarified so much for me. For newbie
authors, the simple way he has of teaching and showing will hit home. Great
guide.
You've encouraged me to explore Cohen's book--thanks! And too bad for Brenda Novak. I've enjoyed her work in the past but I guess no one can score a 100% all the time.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your reviews!
Dee, yes, Cohen's book is basic for an experienced author like you but I still found it helpful. And hey, you might enjoy this Novak book. No author pleases everyone!
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