#BookReview of The Tide Breakwater by @Tony_Melchiorri

I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday weekend. We have had a very white Christmas here. Speaking of which, one of my favorite holiday movies is White Christmas. One of my favorite songs from it is Count your Blessings. I do count my blessings. I’m sure each of us has a few blessings to count. There is the beauty of nature, family and/or friends. I count all of those too. Another blessing I have is that I get to meet authors through reading. I became acquainted with Anthony J. Melchiorri because of his book, Enhancement, which I discovered via Reading Deals Review Club. I loved his writing style so much that whenever I get a chance I download one of his books. When I saw The Tide on Reading Deals, I picked it from the list. Even though Post-apocalyptic is not one of my favorite genres, I was taken in by the medical and military aspects of the story. So much so, I really wanted to read the second book. I made my love of the book known to Mr. Melchiorri and he offered me the opportunity to be an Advance Reader for The Tide Breakwater which will be available for pre-order up until 28 December 2015. If you are quick and get it soon, then you'll be among the first to get the download to your device.

The Tide

The series is linked together by a globally catastrophic event that pits humankind against one another. Even love cannot prevent the aggressive changes that occur. The team known as the Hunters discovers what they believe to be the epicenter of the disaster too late. Now all they can do is damage control, provide preventive measures, and get as many civilians to a safe zone as possible. The odds are against them and time is running out. In the first book they travel to Fort Detrick to seek refuge for civilians and answers to some questions.

The Tide Breakwater

The Tide Breakwater begins with the group at the base and before long they have to battle the creatures, the Hunters call Skulls. After securing the base, the medical scientist put their brain powers together. A working plan comes together to potentially solve the problem. That is if the Skulls don’t kill them first.

I love how Mr. Melchiorri not only interwove the different scenes and viewpoints but also provided enough medical information to make the story believable. It made me wonder how the world would survive if something like this were to really happen or as one of the characters said: “…Besides, how many Americans have enough food and water stockpiled to survive for weeks…” Really good point, I know I don’t but should. So this book made me think not only about how I would survive but just how blessed I really am.

I hope you will join me in following Anthony J. Melchiorri on his Social Media sites:

Amazon author page 

Facebook 

Goodreads

Twitter

Website

Email

Here’s a couple of helpful holiday hints. First, if you received an Amazon gift card, I hope you will take advantage of the reduce prices you might see this time of year. Second, share the spirit of the season by paying something forward. That could mean, passing along the message about a great book or reviewing one that you loved - especially if it is an independent author. Whatever you do, make sure it is from the goodness of your heart.

Have a great one and don't forget to count your blessings!

Lynn Hallbrooks

http://lynnhallbrooks.wix.com/cswcllc

#BookReview of Her Honor by Preston Pairo

A few months back, I was introduced to the Amazon Kindle Scout program.  As a result, I discovered it is a great way to support fellow authors and if the book wins the nomination, you get it for free. If you are an author, it is another way to

One Stop for #Authors #Books and #Marketing

In April 2014, I mentioned the creative aspects behind the cover art for our novella, Genesis: Call Sign: Wrecking Crew Slice of Life. 

I've recently learned that Creative Digital Studios has some new features. I can speak highly of how great the design aspect was for us. I feel certain that the integrity used there will show in their new services as well. I also know that they have met the challenge set forth by Badass Book Society. 

I've heard it mentioned more than once that it behooves all independent authors to make an effort to put their best foot forward. The inside and outside of a book needs to shine. Every time someone visits your website it needs to look professional. When you go to book signings, you need to be mindful of what the visitors see. 

So if you are almost done with your writing project, need something for marketing, or just want to get a better website, I think it will be well worth your effort to stop by here and find out how they can help you out. 

If you have used Creative Digital Studios in the past and like what they've done, then be sure to help me share the love. 

Have a great one!

Lynn Hallbrooks

‘Treasures of the Fourth Reich’ by Patrick Parker

‘Treasures of the Fourth Reich’ by Patrick Parker

In my humble opinion art is subjective and based on an individual’s personal taste and life journey. I enjoy looking at art and know what I like when I see it. The same can be said for books. Some books that I love others pick apart based on typos or believability. I’d rather see how the book makes me feel, if it guides me on a journey, can I relate to the characters on some level, and can I take something away from the story that maybe I never have thought of or knew before.

While reading the first part of the foreword, I thought maybe that Mr.

Treasures of the Fourth Reich

Parker’s book was somehow responsible for the movie The Monuments Men as the Treasures of the Fourth Reich shows a copyright date of 2005. After doing some research online I discovered that the movie was based loosely on Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel with contributions by Bret Witter. It was published by Center Street on September 3, 2009 and sold through Hachette Book Group per Amazon Kindle’s site. However, as I read further in the foreword, I discovered the story had many more pieces than just The Monuments Men.

Part One sets the backstory. Mr. Parker shows how chaotic the end of World War II became. One soldier used craftiness to pull off a daring deed. While we, the reader, know his plan, we aren’t sure if he pulls it off.

Part Two introduces us to Dix and Maria Connor, who live in Italy in May 1993. As their story unfolds, the reader discovers their backgrounds but more importantly their love for one another.

The couple becomes enmeshed in events that put them in harm’s way. As a reader I became concerned when knowing the odds, Maria goes off on her own.

Mr. Parker’s fondness of history is interwoven throughout the story. The reader learns about the First and Second Reich as well as some of the sentiments surrounding the fall of the Berlin wall.

As you can see I got emotionally involved with the main characters, got swept along on their journey, and learned a few new things.

I want to thank Masquerade Crew’s Masquerade Mob and Mr. Parker for sharing this excellent book.

If you’d like to learn more about Patrick Parker or follow him on Social Media see below. While you’re there why not see about picking up this and his second book, War Merchant.

War Merchant

Amazon Author’s Page 

AuthorsdB Page

Blog 

Facebook Fan Page  

Goodreads 

Google+ 

Twitter 

Red, White, and Blue

Found via Google Images

As you may have noticed the underlying color scheme of our books and websites are Red, White, and Blue. That stems from our patriotic nature. David McKoy and I are participants in and have defended the American Dream. Upon entering the military, we swore to protect the Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic. 

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered how little I knew back then. In more recent years, it has become obvious how little the people who are supposed to uphold the Constitution really know about it.  Maybe they do know but choose to ignore it. Like our fictional character Howard E. Lyons, they desire to alert it to their will. 

Granted there are those who do stand up for the liberty and freedom of all Americans. They fight against the tyranny. Because of a friend introducing me to Kris Anne Hall, I learned that our Founding Fathers used words like 'shall not be...' to make it clear what their intentions were with this document. The Bill of Rights was not an afterthought but a way of making it clear for all to see what our Rights as American citizens were and ever shall be. 

The 4th of July is about another document, the Declaration of Independence. This was sent to King George, stating again what our grievances were. It also stated that despite peaceful attempts to redress these grievances, they were ignored by the king.  The king did not follow the mandates laid out before him. There were documents such as the Magna Carta that had been disregarded. 

In our books, we show how out of control the government can get. Enter in our patriotic group of former military special forces who went on to join the CIA as Special Operatives. On one of their missions, originally sanctioned by the CIA, things go wrong. Next thing they know they have been disavowed. They fight to get home. When they finally make it back- the presidency had been usurped. Life as they knew changed forever. All this and more happen in book 1 - Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning). 

Book 2 - Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Wings of Eagles) finds them in their new roles fighting to preserve their city against attack. 

Novella - Genesis: Call Sign: Wrecking Crew Slice of Life shows more of their personal lives and how they all came together. The ending of it works its way into our upcoming book - Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Scimitar Brotherhood). - Since our novella is exclusive to Amazon KDP select program, you never know when it might be available at a reduced price. <wink>

For our fellow Americans, Happy Independence Day week. For our global friends and neighbors, have a great one!

Lynn Hallbrooks
author/owner with David McKoy
Call Sign Wrecking Crew LLC

A Book Review of If Only by Norma Budden

Preface

We all make choices every day. Most are relatively simple, what we want to wear for the day or what we want to eat. Others are much tougher.

Sometimes we make unilateral decisions without discussing it with our significant other. That can be a good thing, like picking a nice place for dinner. We do it based on mutual likes or wants. At times, even with the best of intentions, a unilateral decision can be heart-breaking.

Review

If Only by Norma Budden

Author Norma Budden

If Only by Norma Budden, is a Christian Paranormal Suspense book. The heart of which is choices. 

Many are the ones made by Demi. When she was much younger she made a decision without consulting anyone. Now as an adult, she comes face-to-face with the consequences of her actions. She is desperate to put right what she now realizes was a wrong. She discovers she needs help.

After trying to avoid the inevitable, she turns to the one person who would share her goal, David. When she explains the situation, he realizes that he also has a vested interest in setting things right. This seemingly simple act sets a series of events into motion which change their lives and puts their loved ones in danger.

In the midst of their venture, there is a spiritual connection that reaches out to David. Will this benefit or hinder him?

Lynn's Thoughts

I love this story. Maybe because I can relate to the big decision that Demi had to make. I've made a few tough, life changing decisions in my lifetime. If I'd have to guess, many people have done this as well. 

I was drawn into the drama that surrounds the main characters. I kept wondering will things work out. I won't tell you what happens. I will tell you that if you don't have an aversion to tragedy and want to know if they set the wrong - right then I highly recommend investing yourself in this story.

Warning

Some people may have an adverse reaction to some tragic events portrayed in this story.

Disclaimer

By the time you read this post, the book will have been out for almost two weeks. Just the same, I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. 

This post is part of the blog tour for If Only by Norma Budden.

"Bestsellers" to Ms. Budden, her books, and this tour.

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author/Owner of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC
along with David McKoy

On Love and CSWC series

Often times people associate love with romance. That can be true. There is also love of God, country, family, and friends to name a few. Inside Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning) you will find all of the above. 

#CSWCSW

Just because someone is a highly trained military special operative does not mean they are immune to romantic love. They just approach it differently. This kind of love could be a chink in their armor, so to speak. After all when you are out in the field fighting to save your country, you don't have time for walks on the beach or candle light suppers. So what do you do? You compartmentalize - put up a wall around that aspect of your life - and do your job. You don't show your emotions, not even to your teammates. Maybe on your downtime but never on the job.

Team Wrecking Crew has a spiritual leader, Deano. He is more than that though, he is out there fighting alongside everyone. Many times before they go into battle, he will pray for their safety. So even though the team may not walk in Jesus' shoes, they have faith that He is on their side.

Love of country is no more evident then when they arrive back to the United States and discover the changes. They are all honor bound to right the wrongs and restore order from the chaos. 

This team is more than co-workers, they are more than friends, they are brothers and sisters in arms. This family is like any other, they have their disagreements. I warn you though, if you mess with one, the others will find a place beside them. Each taking their turn kicking your rear.

#CSWCWOE

#GenesisCSWCSOL

As their adventures continue into Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Wings of Eagles) and Genesis: Call Sign: Wrecking Crew Slice of Life, you learn even more about their love for one another, God, and their country. 

If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to read this series, get to know these characters, and enjoy learning more about them in our upcoming novel. Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Scimitar Brotherhood) will pick up after the ending of Genesis. It promises to show the reader even more about the life and times of team Wrecking Crew. Will they continue to kick butt for God and Country? Stay tuned to find out.

Lynn Hallbrooks

David McKoy

Authors/Owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC