Saturday, November 30, 2013

The Hardest Thing in The World by Nicole Eva Fraser


I just finished reading “The Hardest Thing in the World” byNicole Eva Fraser.  This book is a work of art.  I haven’t read a book in 24 hours in a long time.  I couldn’t put this book down, and the unfolding of the plot kept entrancing me.  From an English major and instructor standpoint, this book illustrates the creative juices of a writer, who knows how to engage the audience.  From the standpoint of a book reviewer, I must say this book is not recommended for people, who are experiencing any type of sadness, depression, and etc. With the occurring theme of mental illness, family dysfunction, substance abuse, death, and adultery, this book highlights the presence and importance of family.  Having a research background in mental illness, I appreciate Fraser’s desire to highlight mental illness and how it takes a toll on not only the person involved, but also the family and friends of the person.  I give this book 4 stars because I just couldn’t get enough of the book.  Even with the last page and the permanent action of Melody, I wanted more.  Perhaps, a sequel is in the making.  I would definitely read it.

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Instagram - The Hardest Thing in the World by Nicole Eva Fraser



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""Life tries to kill the happiness," I say, "but I won't let it kill mine." #thehardestthingintheworld #nicoleevafraser #reading #books #bookporn #bibliophile #simplepleasures #youcare #happiness"
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The Hardest Thing in the World by Nicole Eva Fraser - Instagram



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The Tiger written by John Vaillan



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"The Tiger written by John Vaillant #reading #books #bibliophile #nook #johnvaillant #thetiger"

Monday, November 25, 2013

Death by Living by N. D. Wilson

I am happy to report that I have finally finished Death by Living, which is written by N. D. Wilson. Somehow, this book took me longer than I thought it would.  However, once I adjusted to Wilson's writing style, I was provoked into deep thought.  The narration of various stories, which often illustrated how we take advantage of life makes you start to ponder how you take your own life for granted.  I think this book is a good read during the Holiday Season.  With Thanksgiving only a few days away and Christmas right around the corner, reflection happens quickly.  We especially reflect where we are in life since a new year is quickly knocking on the door of the current year.  Ultimately, I enjoyed the book.  I have to warn you.  The ramblings sometimes distract you, but then again the rambles add to the understanding of the book.  I think this is the perfect gift for anyone experiencing a sad time in life.  This book can motivate them to the new beginning of happiness. Have you read this book. What do you think?

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Sunday, November 03, 2013

Death by Living by N. D. Wilson

Currently, I am reading Death by living, which is authored by N. D. Wilson.  This book is definitely unique in its own understanding. Have you read it?



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"When God stops, I will. #NDWilson #deathbyliving #books #bookworm #bibliophile #bookreview "

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Celebrity Book Review by Tempestt Bledsoe – CREDARA: Rise of the Kraylen by J.E. Henderson

Book Review – CREDARA: Rise of the Kraylen by J.E. Henderson

Tempestt Bledsoe, star of “The Cosby Show” and “Guys with Kids”
I really have to applaud my brother for this latest creative work. J.E. – I call him James, but for this review I’ll use his author name – has been creating fictional stories for as long as I can remember; in his younger years to get out of trouble, but in his professional career, mainly with a focus on comedy. He thinks he’s actually funny. Nevertheless, after having read CREDARA: Rise of the Kraylen, I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by what a great read it was. I am a huge fan of fantasy fiction and when he told me he was tackling what I consider to be my favorite genre for the first time, I thought, “Oh, this had better be good.” Well, I must say I was excited to discover that he really poured his heart into this story.
CREDARA is an adventurous and slightly dark tale pitting the ultimate forces of good against the ultimate forces of evil. I found the story engaging with really strong characters and something I just love… a great cliffhanger. Once I began reading the book, I found it difficult to put down. When I did, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. Good, evil, heroes, demons, magic, mystery, sadness and humor – it’s all in there (I won’t put any spoilers out, so don’t worry).
What I will say is that this book is a fast read, because it draws you in and doesn’t let go. Not only has J.E. taken the always-fascinating story of God versus Satan and given it its own unique twist, he also leaves you dying to find out what happens next. I’m already asking for the next book in the trilogy. Great job, James – I will definitely be recommending CREDARA to my friends.

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

CREDARA: Rise of the Kraylen by J. E. Henderson

I have a new book on my TBR list.  I wanted to share this book with you. The book is a J EHenderson’s epic fantasy novel, CREDARA: Rise of the Kraylen (Arc-PenPublishing), the first in the Credara Trilogy. Have you read it already?

The Ultimate Battle of Good Versus Evil Continues
God’s warrior discovers his destiny and must defeat Lucifer’s army
Set thousands of years after Lucifer and his Kraylen followers battled the Sitcian Angels—a battle that God won—the time comes for the Kraylen to rise again.
With Lucifer locked away in Hell by the power of the Credara, his horde is living disguised as mortals after being cast out of heaven. There is only one man who can defeat them, but he must defeat his own demons first.
Agean has only known a tortured life as a monk of the Holy Order of God. The Order realizes that the Kraylen have initiated their deadly revenge against God and mankind. Agean learns what the rest of the Order has known all along—that he was born God’s warrior and is the chosen one to wield the power of the Credara against the Kraylen.
As Agean goes forward to reach his Godly destiny, he discovers something far more sinister involving his own dark past with members of the Kraylen army. With a team of warriors, a heavenly hawk as his guide and the Credara as the key, Agean must solve a dangerous puzzle to defeat the Kraylen before time runs out.
An epic tale of good versus evil, CREDARA: Rise of the Kraylen is fast-paced and full of surprises with every turn of the page. Combining fantasy with the religious battle of God versus Lucifer, readers are thrown into a world that is both new and familiar—with Agean leading a journey through new lands to help discover the hero within.
About the Author:
Brother of actress Tempestt Bledsoe of “The Cosby Show” fame, J E Henderson grew up in Chicago with a family that supported the arts. In 1983, he decided to pursue his own creative endeavors with a move to California, where his hobbies of songwriting, television and screenplay writing came to fruition. After founding Arc-Pen Publishing. J E put pen to paper and CREDARA: Rise of the Kraylen was born. J E lives in Los Angeles.
Discussion Points:
·         Heroes vs. villains—rewriting an epic religious battle and keeping it fresh
·         From reluctant warrior to hero—lessons learned on the way to fulfilling your purpose
·         Top tips for developing a trilogy
·         Blending supernatural fiction and Christian fantasy


Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Saturday, September 07, 2013

JSU VS. ALABAMA STATE GAME 9/7

JSU VS. ALABAMA STATE GAME 9/7
Giving away a one General Admission ticket  for the JSU vs. Alabama State University game. How do you enter?! Like my Facebook page: https://facebook.com/cassandrahawkinswilsonauthor. Drawing at 3:30 pm. #jacksonstateuniversity #jsu #jacksonstate 

Friday, August 30, 2013

Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl by N. D. Wilson

Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl: A Wide-Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken World  promises to be a book that you will never forget.  Starting the preface off with "What excuses can I possibly make for this book," N. D. Wilson does not prepare you for the unexpected journey that you embark upon, as each word from the pages of his book leaves a permanent imprint on both your mind and soul.

In the beginning, confusion comes to mind.  I couldn't quite predict the direction in which the book was headed.  I feel like Wilson tricked me with the preface.  I wasn't expecting to be so in touch with the world around me.  I wasn't expecting to appreciate the essence of the minuteness of both the largest and smallest creature.

This book silently pushes you into a world of deep thought.  I found myself starting to examine how grateful I was for the small things.  I honestly do believe that Wilson is probably the only author in the world, who can make you have a second thought about squishing an ant, swatting a wasp, and smashing a caterpillar.

The drop of dew on my car now begs me to consider its very beginning or how it will arrive to its demise of evaporation.  Because of Wilson, I perhaps will never look at the world the same again.

As an English instructor, I appreciate Wilson's writing style.  In the beginning, his writing style throws you for a loop. However, I now have material to teach the writing process and to create journal prompts.

Once you read this book, you will not regret any second that you designate to it.

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

The Condor Song by Darryl Nyznyk

The Condor Song by Darryl Nyznyk is the best suspense novel that I have read in a LOOONNNGGG time! Nyznyk brings to life the legal world with the environmental world through a series of unexpected twists and turns. The main character, Sean Donovan, begins the riveting unpredictable story, as a dismal man, whose professional and personal life was snatched away from him by a colleague AND former friend, Richard Wolf. Through several unexpected events and deaths, Sean Donovan slowly begins to regain his life back, piece by piece.  Ironically, the condor bird, the largest flying land birds in the North America, gives him all of his life back, literally.

The Condor Song tricks the reader into getting lost in the battle between good and bad, between Sean and Richard, and between the Sierra Club and the Golden Company.  Even though evil appears to prevails, the ending of The Condor Song sweeps you off your feet.

Image Retrieved from The Christian Science Monitor
Nyznyk not only wrote a wonderful book, but he rekindled a buried desired of mine to attend law school.

This book is definitely a must read!




Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Change Your World in 71 Days by Tom Connellan

Recently, I read "Change Your World in 71 Days." My initial assumption about this book was definitely incorrect.  I assumed that this was a self-help book, where an expert was sharing advice, which was not something they had actually completed themselves.  Connellan discusses how applicable changing his world in 71 days, as well as how applicable it was for those he shared the information with at work and at home.  I really enjoyed this book because the advice was focused.  Connellan suggests changing one area of your life at one percent.  At first, hearing this suggestion sounds like growth will not actually be achieved. However,  one percent of a 71 day period actually adds up, and the growth is not only evident, but it is a way of life.  After finishing this book, I often find myself waking up and thinking "How can I improve by one percent today?"  This book is definitely a must-read.


Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Friday, March 15, 2013

What book helped you through a tough time?

When I was going though my divorce, I started reading authors, whom I knew nothing about and discovered J. California Cooper. The book that helped me the most was "A Piece of Mine." Filled with life lessons, this book gives you a sense of peace in each short story and brings new and different light to your life experiences. Check out my review of the book. What book helped you through a tough time?

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Resilient Woman: Mastering the Steps to Personal Power

Broken into three significant parts, The Resilient Woman: Mastering the Steps to Personal Power enveloped the essence of the word, resilient. Having heard this word before and used mostly as a description of hard-working women, I have developed a new-found knowledge of the term, and it's application to my life.Written by Dr. Patricia O'Gorman, PhD., this book contains three parts. Part I and Part II identifies negative and positive aspects of resilience and includes seven steps toward conscious resilience. Part III provides steps to use resilience in your life.  Even though the introduction of the various real life situations were often confusing, this text can be useful in both the personal and professional lives of women. I read the book without completely using the journaling questions, but I can use the questions to create thought provoking writing marathons.

Discovering the Joys of Being in a Book Club

Heaven and Earth Grocery Store Reading has been a sanctuary for me for as long as I can remember. Being surrounded by books provides unimagi...