Book review ~ Paint the Black #baseball #amreading @JDDudycha

 

'Some called him lazy. Others said he was misguided. Everyone agreed, Jack Lincoln Burke had a gift.'

Paint The Black

By

J.D. Dudycha

Every boy who picks up a glove dreams of playing in the big leagues. Only a few are actually good enough to make the grade.

With a ninety-eight mile-per-hour fastball and a devastating slider, eighteen-year-old Jack Burke was a baseball phenom. Picked in the first round, his future as a superstar seemed destined. Nothing could stop the kid—except himself. His childhood dream of a baseball life would turn into a nightmare marked by injury, immaturity, and personal tragedy. After just a couple years of minor-league ball, he found himself on the outside of the diamond. He asked the question he never imagined, “What will my life be without baseball?”

Paint the Black is about pitching—and living—on the edge where decisions have consequences. But it's never too late to start over again.

***

Jack couldn’t believe anyone could be so cavalier. This was a cathedral. Most guys would die to be in our place, Jack thought.

  

What did I think of the book?

Jack Burke has it all. A supportive family, money and a promising career in baseball. His future beckons and it is going to be perfect.

But, Jack rapidly falls in with the wrong crowd. Drink, women and drugs soon become the new norm. Add to that a string of injuries and a   devastating personal loss, Jack's future in baseball is suddenly not so certain. 

This book, above anything else, is about self-discovery and finding the courage to carry on when everything is falling apart. Jack is eighteen, and this is the first time he is living away from home. He may have the makings of the next superstar, but he is young and very impressionable.

Dudycha has crafted the character of Jack exceptionally well. He is a likeable character, who just so happened to makes some terrible choices and the consequences of these decisions are far-reaching. Dudycha tell it as it is, he does not shy away from some incredibly difficult topics, but always there is this dash of hope - if only Jack would open his eyes and see what is really in front of him, then all would be well.

I thought this book was incredible. It is not just another book about baseball - although there is a lot of baseball in this book. However, you don't have to be a fan of baseball, or to even know that much about it, to take something away from this story.

 I read this book in one sitting, and I really enjoyed it. It kept me engaged throughout, and I came to care a great deal about Jack.  It is a compelling and very honest read. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone with teenagers who are going away to college - this book may well stop them from making the wrong decisions. I know I will certainly be giving it to mine.


I Highly Recommend.

Where can I purchase this fabulous book?

Amazon

About the author 
J.D. Dudycha is a former college baseball player and coach. He has over ten years of experience in baseball at the collegiate level. After the birth of his son in 2012, J.D. retired from coaching to be a stay-at-home dad. Since his retirement, he redeveloped his love for writing, an outlet he so desperately needed in the absence of baseball. Though his stories are fictional, he has drawn from his personal life as well as his expertise and knowledge of the game to craft his novel. J.D. lives with his wife and son in Denver, Colorado, where he also enjoys golf and fly fishing.
Useful Links 
Website
facebook.com/jdsmancave 

Sign up for a free novella ~  www.jddudycha.com/free-ebook

Other books by the author 

Amazon

Threaten To Undo Us #BookReview @RoseSeilerScott

 "...We will exact a brutal revenge for all they have done..." 

 Soviet Marshal Georgi Zhukov

About the story.

As Hitler's Third Reich crumbles and Stalin's Army advances, German civilians in the Eastern territories are forced to flee for their lives.

Leaving her dying mother, Liesel and her four young children hope they can make it from their home in Poland across the Oder River to safety. But all that awaits them is terror and uncertainty in a brutal new regime that threatens to tear Liesel's family apart.

With her husband a prisoner of war in Russia and her children enslaved, Liesel's desire for hearth and home is thwarted by opposing political forces, leaving her to wonder if they will ever be a family again.

What did I think of the story?

What a stunning portrayal of life as a German living in Poland before, during, and after WW2. This story takes you from the tranquillity of living an ordinary life on a farm, to the horrors of the Soviet War Camps. This book truly blew me away.

The historical detail in this story is amazing -- In a past life, I tutored Modern History, so I know that Scott knows her subject well -- The story is well-crafted, epic and spell-binding.

The main protagonist, Liesel, is just an ordinary woman, who wants to be a good wife and a mother, but war changes everything. Her husband has to go to war and she is left alone on the farm with her aged parents and her young children. Her community is torn apart and things will never be the same again.

When the Soviets come, to free Poland from German rule, Liesel's struggle changes from trying to find enough food for her children to eat, to the simple task of trying to keep her children with her.

She is forcibly separated from her children -- which would be any mother’s worse nightmare -- but that is only the beginning of her ordeal. She suffers unimaginable horrors, however she has a quiet strength and a courage that could match any one of the Soviet Generals. She holds on to one thought -- she will reunite her family, no matter how long it takes. And when everything else falls apart, she clings to her faith.

There are many wonderful novels out there about the hardships faced during World War 2, but rarely is the story told from the German perspective -- this is the first time that I have a read a story about a German family in Poland. I thought this book was very refreshing and Scott has written a very believable story that delicately shows the suffering from both sides.

Scott reminds her readers that many ordinary Germans did not want to fight their neighbours -- they did not want to go to war -- but they had no choice. The fear of the German Regime and then the Russian one, was very real in the telling.

Scott has done a marvellous job putting flesh to her characters. She is, without a doubt, a truly wonderful writer. She made me care for Liesel and her family. As a reader I grieved with them. I felt their joy as well as their heartache. The plot was gripping to say the least - I did not want to put this book down.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in this period of history. But be warned, this story will stay with you for a very long time afterwards.

Where can I buy the book? 

 

US 
CA

UK 

 
Link

About the author.

As a story from the German side of the family unfolded over the years, Rose set out to make it into a novel. During the process she has realized that not only is truth stranger than fiction, but truth can also be told through fiction. THREATEN TO UNDO US (MAY 2015) is the result of years of research, revealing a history that few in the Western world are familiar with. 

Rose won a "His imprint" award for a short story in 2013, was short-listed for a Word Guild Award in 2012 and has been published in "Light Magazine." Two inspirational non-fiction pieces will appear in the HOT APPLE WITH CINNAMON compilation in Fall 2015.

Since fifth grade, Rose has known she liked to write, but her career path has taken several turns including bookkeeping, piano teaching and mother of four. She is a longtime resident of Surrey, BC. Her eclectic reading tastes include historical fiction, biographies, memoir, literary and inspirational.

You can find Rose at her blowww.roseseilerscott.com, FB Author Page: Rose Seiler Scott, Twitter: @RoseSeilerScott and Goodreads: https://goo.gl/4zfofH

Keeping Secrets (Timber Ridge Riders Book 1) #BookReview @maggiedana

Keeping Secrets (Timber Ridge Riders Book 1)  by Maggie Dana is a beautiful equestrian YA novel.

What's the story?

A valuable show jumper is dead, and it's all her fault, which is why 14-year-old Kate McGregor has put horses and riding out of her life. Forever!
But her new summer job as a companion to Holly Chapman, a former riding star who's now confined to a wheelchair, takes Kate back to the barn--the last place she wants to be. Can Kate keep her terrible secret from Holly, who is fast becoming her best friend? More important, can she keep her secret from Angela Dean who lives for only two things--winning ribbons and causing trouble? 
Then a riding accident forces Kate's secret into the open ... and it's just the moment Angela has been waiting for.

 What did I think of the Story?

What a fantastic story, just the right length for children who are just about to master reading a full length YA novel.

Kate is a really likable character and has been treated absolutely appallingly by the riding school where she used to ride. Her father, a scientist, does not have much time for her and she is spending the summer with her aunt - although Kate has other ideas about how she wants to spend her summer.

Holly, is the daughter of a riding instructor / yard manager. She was involved in a car accident, in which her father died. Since the accident she has been unable to walk – although the doctors can find no medical reason why not. Kate is employed to be a companion for Holly throughout the summer holidays.  I really liked how Dana portrayed Holly – she is such a bright, heroic young lady. She is determined to live life to the full and her goal is very clear. One day she will get back in the saddle. One day, she will ride again. 

Keeping with the tradition of most pony books, there is the one spoilt rich girl at the yard. Angela thinks everyone is beneath her and even though she isn’t, she believes that she is the best rider at the school. Although Angela is every person at the stables worse nightmare, there is a little sympathy towards her, for she has an incredibly pushy mother, who cares more about her daughter winning ribbons than anything else.

Kate comes across as very mature, especially when she is faced with Angela's spite. She does not rise to the bait, but remains calm and does her very best not to get riled-up by Angela's taunts and bullying behaviour.

The story was a real comfort read. It made me think of sunny-days and horses...what could be more perfect?! It reminded me greatly of the pony books of my youth -- The novels of author, Christine Pullen-Thompson, comes to mind. I can see that Dana's story would bring great enjoyment to readers age 9 and over. So if you have pony-mad children in your life - as I do - then you may want to check this book out!

Where Can I buy the book?

US 

UK 

  
About the author.

Maggie Dana's first riding lesson, at the age of five, was less than wonderful. In fact, she hated it so much, she didn't try again for another three years. But all it took was the right instructor and the right horse and she was hooked for life.

Her new riding stable was slap bang in the middle of Pinewood Studios, home of England's movie industry. So while learning to groom horses, clean tack, and muck stalls, Maggie also got to see the stars in action. Some even spoke to her.

Born and raised near London, Maggie now makes her home on the Connecticut shoreline where she divides her time between hanging out with the family's horses and writing her next book in the Timber Ridge Riders series.

Contact.
www.maggiedana.com
www.timberridgeriders.com

Wicked Path: Book Two of the Daath Chronicles - Eliza Tilton. #BookReview @ElizaTilton

'Shapeshifters, action, romance, and magic blend this fantasy/science fiction adventure into one epic tale.'

 Today, I have the pleasure of reviewing the Young Adult novel  Wicked Path: Book Two of the Daath Chronicles by Eliza Tilton.

What is the story?

Three months have passed since Avikar defeated the Reptilian Prince, and he still can’t remember his battle with Lucino. On the hunt for answers, he returns to the scene of the fight and discovers a strange connection between his family’s dagger and the mysterious kingdom of Daath, and it seems only his distant father can reveal the truth behind it all.

Before Avikar can travel back home, Lucy assaults him in the market and forces him to flee to Nod Mountains—a place few dare to enter, and even less return from. With Raven and her childhood friend by his side, they must survive the treacherous journey through the pass with a vengeful Lucy hunting them. If they don’t, they’ll never see home again.

Jeslyn’s new life in Luna Harbor is the perfect remedy for her confused and broken heart. But when a group of mercenaries kidnap her beloved Grandfather, interrupting her daily routine as his jewelry apprentice, she's forced to join forces with the one person from her past she tried to forget.

What did I think?

Wicked Path: Book Two of the Daath Chronicles should come with a “buyer beware” label attached to the cover - because this story is highly addictive. Once started, I could not put it down.

Having not read the other book in the series, I was a little lost to begin with. Thankfully, by the time all the protagonists had been introduced, I soon caught up with the story and was ready to read on....what an adventure awaited me. Tilton writes from various points of view. This did not slow the story down in any way. Not once did I find myself wanting to get back to a favourite character’s POV -- I was happy to read about all of them. There was nothing about this story that wasn’t engaging.

Tilton has created a very vivid fantasy world that runs along side the human one. The creatures were believable, as was the landscape. It was very easy to visualise.

I really enjoyed reading the romance and, without giving away the plot, there is one very poignant moment on a beach which I think demonstrates the power of love so beautifully, and with so much grace, that the scene will stay with me for a very long time. Love is love – no matter what world you come from.

I have gained a new favourite author and I will definitely be purchasing the first book in the series.

Where can I purchase the book?

 

US 

UK

About the author

Eliza graduated from Dowling College with a BS in Visual Communications. When she's not arguing with excel at her day job, or playing Dragon Age 2, again, she's writing. Her stories hold a bit of the fantastical and there's always a romance. She resides on Long Island with her husband, two kids and one very snuggly pit bull. 

*I received a copy of this book from Curiosity Quills Publishing in return for an honest review.*

Gone Wild Teen / Young Adult Fiction

Gone Wild by Jodi Lundgren is a compelling read about two teenagers.

One is running from the present and the other the future and, as fate would have it, they stumble upon each other in a wilderness park on Vancouver Island, where they quickly have to learn about basic survival, but more importantly, they learn about themselves.

Sixteen year old Seth spent his younger years being bullied in foster care. When he is adopted he believes that at last he had found what all children should have, love and a family. His adoptive father is loving and kind, but he is often away. His adoptive mother is neglectful and resentful of Seth. Seth's adoptive parents divorce and he is subjected to more abuse by his mothers new boyfriend. He has no other option but to run away.

Brooke's mother is controlling and disapproving. She is constantly compared to her perfect sister. At eighteen, Brooke rebels and provokes her mother by doing everything that she would disapprove of. Fearing she is pregnant with her inappropriate boyfriends child, Brooke decides to run away from her future - even if it is just for a couple of days while she goes backpacking.

Fate intervenes at Seth and Brooke's paths cross and the journey of discovery begins.

What did I think of the book?

I though this book took on some very real challenges that teenagers face today. Lundgren has created two really likable characters in Seth and Brook. They are easy to relate to and the story is very engaging. Lundgren is very direct with her language and does not shy away from some of the more difficult topics. She told it as it is.

The story is very much about Seth's and Brooke's emotional journey - although there is no happy ending, so to speak, because she is writing about life, not a fairy-tale.  But what Lundgren does leave her readers with is something far stronger than a happy-ever-after, she leaves them with hope.

I would recommend this book to anyone with middle-school aged teenagers. The writing is not difficult to read and the story is of a good length. An enjoyable book.

Gone Wild

By Jodi Lundgren 

Published by James Lorimer & Company Ltd.

Release date: Sep 1, 2016 

The Bombs That Brought Us Together #BookReview

Today I am having a sneaky look at Brian Conaghan Teen / YA book called The Bombs That Bought Us Together.

Publication Date 21st April 2016

It is hard growing up in Little Town. The country is run by a harsh regime, whose rules you do not want to break. Fourteen-year-old Charlie Law has memorized the rules. No going out after dark, no pets, no drinking, no shouting, no ball games in the streets. The list goes on. But as well as the threat of punishment from the regime there is also the threat of the neighbouring county - Old Country - who sees Little Town's land as theirs and they want it back.

Pavel Duda is a refugee from Old Country. He looks like a scarecrow and does not speak the language very well, but Charlie befriends him and together they spend the summer doing up an old shed so they would have a den - somwhere to hang out where they would not be distubed.

To make their shed comfortable they decide that they need to find some furniture. But it is illegal to steal and neither has any money to buy anything, so they ask an acquaintance, who is part of the regime, if he could get them some chairs. Not in a million years did theses boys think that such a simple request could lead to such a deadly chain of events.

What did I think of the story?

This dystopian society that Comagham has created reminded me a great deal of Ireland in the 1980's and The Troubles. To start with, that is what I thought I was reading about. 

Without a doubt, Conagham has written a captivating story. The story is told in the first person and everything you experience is from Charlie Law's perspective. Like any other teen, he has to deal with annoying parents and High School crushes.

Charlie becomes embroiled in a frightening world, which would terrify even the bravest of adults. Loyalty is everything; if you dare betray the regime then they came after not only you, but also everyone you have ever loved. 

Conagham is very direct with his language and I can imagine that some parents, myself included, would not want their teen, particularly their younger teens, to read this because of it - which is something to bear in mind. However the story is very good and the suspense and drama are portrayed very vividly. It is a real page-turner.

The Book is available for pre-order at Bloomsbury Publishing follow the link

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