Allbooks Review

Interview with Robbi Sommers Bryant, author of The Beautiful Evil

Allbooks Review International — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:29:48 +0000

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)

Robbi Sommers Bryant
Santa Rosa, Ca

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:

The Beautiful Evil
Self-published through Create Space

Tell us about yourself:

Robbi Sommers Bryant published works include 4 novels, 5 short story collections and 1 book of poetry. Her work has been published in magazines including Readers Digest, Redbook, Cupido and Penthouse and included in several anthologies. After the sudden death of her 21-year-old son in the late 1990′s, Robbi’s passion and creative flame extinguished. She only began writing again last year. Robbi has recently retired as a dental hygienist. She has also worked as a licensed esthetician and a certified massage therapist. Once a disco dance teacher and tarot card reader/teacher, Robbi has dabbled in many of life’s experiences. She is married and is the mother of three sons. Justin 1976-1997, Brian and Nick (twins, age 28.) The Beautiful Evil, a novel, is her first major work since her son passed.

When was the book released?:

July 2, 2011

Give us an overview of your book.

A cynical and emotionally bereft homemaker purchases and opens an antique Greek vase, unleashing an insidious evil into her life. Spiraling into a world of untrustworthy men, addictive drugs, and murder, she suddenly finds herself staring into a dark abyss, forced to make one final, heart-rending decision if she is to find the peace seeks. The Beautiful Evil is a captivating psychological thriller that will keep you questioning reality until the ultimate, final act.

What inspired you to write this book?

My love of mythology, a quote about hope being ‘the worst of all evils’ by Nietzsche and my fascination with good vs evil, fueled my creativity and inspiration for The Beautiful Evil.

How is your book different from other books in this genre?
When one hears the word, psychological thriller, the first thought is serial killer or abductions. The Beautiful Evil redefines the genre, Psychological Thriller with its cutting edge style, disturbing situations and unique characters.

Where can people buy your book?

www.robbibryant.com
Amazon.com: Paperback and Kindle
Barnes & Noble Nook
Smashwords

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?

Yes, I have 2 projects in the works. Hopefully, one of them will be ready to publish in approximately 1-2 years.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?

I published through Create Space and they did an absolutely awesome job. My advice: Be prepared to wear many hats…from writer to marketer, there’s a lot to be done. Be prepared!

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
I am building The Beautiful Evil into a best seller, one book at a time. I always have books and promo material wherever I go and try to sell at least one book a every day.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?

I found ALLbooks Reviews mentioned on another site and researched it. My hope is that we bring each other closer to our personal goals.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?

It would be nice to have a place that sets authors on their way with good marketing ideas.

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.

Interview with Lisa Taylor, author of The Hour of Tiamat

Allbooks Review International — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:26:14 +0000

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Lisa Taylor and I live in Winchester, Kentucky, USA

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
The Hour of Tiamat published by AuthorHouse

Tell us about yourself:
I’ve kind of jumped all over the place. I graduated from The United States Military Academy at West Point in May of 2010 but my military career was cut short. I was medically discharged from the Army soon after graduation. I attended graduate school studying physics for a semester, but soon realized that it wasn’t the career I wanted. That’s when I began to publish my writing.

When was the book released?:
June of 2011

Give us an overview of your book.
It is based on Sumerian mythology, a topic I have always found fascinating. Four teenagers have found an ancient book, the Necronomicon, which is full of knowledge of the Sumerian Gods. The book starts on the night that they perform a forbidden ritual to bring those Gods back to the Earth, putting themselves in line for a reward of power.
One of the teens, though, is not like the others, and only does the ritual out of fear for his life; but when he is faced with killing again or turning against the Gods, he embarks on a mission to stop what he has begun before it’s too late.
It’s a book where destinies collide and nothing is really what it seems. Secrets abound and the main characters, Evelyn and Tristan, will each have to face their own demons if they ever hope to understand each other.

What inspired you to write this book?
In high school (and still today) I was fascinated by ancient cultures. My research into Sumerian mythology coupled with my love for H.P. Lovecraft’s short stories inspired this book.

How is your book different from other books in this genre?
While the book is fiction, it is based on real historical interpretations. It has a little bit for everyone; history, horror, intense emotional growth and even a little romance.

Where can people buy your book?
They can buy it many places. It is for sale on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com. Barnes and Noble bookstores can also order it for you. For the cheapest prices, though, readers should look at my website, http://www.creatingworldswithwords.com

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
Yes, the first of a young adult fantasy trilogy called Crystalized (Book 1 of the Crystal Chronicles) and it is close to finished. I plan to publish this trilogy traditionally, through an agent, so it will most likely be another year before it is released for sale.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
Network, network, network. There are a lot of indie authors out there willing to do mutual promotions. Also, research and teach yourself about online marketing and social networks ahead of time. Lastly, don’t pay to be published. There are a lot of small, indie presses out there; find them.

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
Social networks have led to most of my sales, especially twitter. I’ve found I can build a large following simply by remembering my manners and being social.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I found Albooks while searching google for book reviewers. Reviews help tremendously in how your book is presented in places like amazon.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
The low cost wasn’t a surprise since I had never paid for any review service. It was worth it though to get my book reviewed by a credible reviewing company.

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.

Interview with Rick Gelanos author of Please Help Me Lift Something Heavy, Thank You!

Allbooks Review International — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:28:09 +0000

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Dr. Rick Gelinas, Winter Haven, Florida, USA

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
title: Please Help Me Lift Something Heavy. Thank You!
Subtitle: True Stories To Amuse And Inspire You. And Maybe Bring A Joyous Tear Or Two.
Publisher: self-published by the author using the name Ophir Publishing Company.

Tell us about yourself:
A retired psychotherapist, age 76, I love to sell. My hobbies, besides writing books, are painting and building furniture & cabinets out of old freight pallets.

When was the book released?:
Released to reviewers in October of 2011 and will be officially published in February of 2012.

Give us an overview of your book.
While entertaining the reader, I wish to impress the reality that it’s okay to ask for help and it’s great to give help. I‘d also like to encourage the reader to laugh at themselves so as to make life easier and fuller.

What inspired you to write this book?
A lifetime of helping and being helped—more than once with my life in the balance. I’m also inspired by learning from my own foolish mistakes and by the wisdom inspired by songster Jimmy Buffet when he tells us “…if we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.” I was inspired to write this book by learning, and still trying to learn, the simple need to LIGHTEN UP!

How is your book different from other books in this genre?
These 33 short stories, a 350-page autobiography covering 76 years of a man’s life , are a frank revelation of a lifetime, including a rambunctious boy’s idiocies that all readers thus far say are often hilarious, as reported to date in six 5-star reviews on Amazon.com .

Where can people buy your book?
I prefer that people buy this $14.95 book today at www.helpmelift.net , and soon for $5.99 as a Kindle e-book at that same website. The book is also available at Amazon.com, of course.

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
I’m working now on a historical adventure titled Eli’s Nest that starts during the Spanish Inquisition in 1750 when 13-year old Eli flees the murderous soldiers of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II Of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. The story reveals the life of Eli, first an orphaned refugee in France and living as a teenage cabinet maker, a skill he acquired from his murdered father before him, and then as an emissary of France’s King Louis XV and King Charles III of Spain for the negotiations of the Treaty of Fontainbleau. The story brings us to 1904 when the 95-year old Eli IV, immigrant to Canada at age 20 in 1829, dies joyously under unique circumstances. We will publish it in 2013 or sooner.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
You can do it for fun, you can do it for money, but do it from the heart.

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
Self-published

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
Haven’t had any that are spectacular. I hold small local booksignings. I’m also learning how to promote the book through social networking and on the internet.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
Recommended by Midwest Book Reviews on their website, and we’re hoping to be mutually beneficial if Allbooks Reviews will promote us in their various ways and we will promote them on our websites, www.helpmelift.net and www.booksforboots.org.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
Yes, this low cost was a pleasant surprise. All possible manner of out-of-the-box and over-the-top book publicity, including publicity methods way beyond the bookstore who, according to Dan Poynter with whom I agree, is the worst place to sell a book.

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.

Review of Traitors Among Us by S.R. Claridge

Allbooks Review International — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:30:37 +0000

Many popular writers will tell you the first sentence of a novel is the most important; it should hook the reader right away. In fact, I’ve heard that Stephen King actually collects excellent first lines from other writers via his website. Well, if so, S.R. Claridge should send him the first line of TRAITORS AMONG US because it does just that: snares you immediately. Having recently read TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH, the first in this author’s “Just Call Me Angel” series, I was elated to find I was headed for another thrilling page-turner. Angel is back, in the second of, hopefully, many more novels. And once again we’re treated to Angel’s ornery, matchmaking and feisty Aunt Olga again, as well as two of Angel’s former lovers, and some colorful new characters to say the least.
Okay, here’s the jist. Angel’s mother, missing since Angel was eighteen years old, shows up. If Angel can find her, that is. And that’s pretty much the primary quest here for our protagonist. Of course, many obstacles abound thwarting the quest such as: complications provided by Angel’s romantic entanglements and long-held secrets as well as intricate power plays by the Chicago Mafia and even the New York Five Families. Add to that a scary dude called “The Shark”, plus ominous and deadly elements of the Russian underworld, and you get the picture: murder, suspense, and thrills—all enmeshed in wild, intelligent plotting from the fertile mind of this fine new author. I enjoyed her first book, but this one is even better and I’ll tell you why. There’s a new element among the mystery, suspense, and romance and it’s humor. And well done, too. She’s written in a new, quirky character whose dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny. He’s Angels’ spiky-haired, gun-happy, self-appointed bodyguard, done up in a style not unlike some of Janet Evanovich’s characters. You’ll love him!
S.R. Claridge, the author, has a background in theater and has written scripts for several venues. She says her background in theatre and psychology helps her fill the pages of each novel with enough dramatic suspense to keep readers guessing until the very end. And that’s exactly what she does. Throughout, you never know whom to believe. Claridge currently lives in Colorado and loves to hunker down in front of her computer with a Vodka Martini and write away. Well, that’s fine by me; I’m ready for more. Highly Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews

Traitors Among Us
S. R. Claridge
Published by: Vanilla Heart Publishing ©2011
ISBN: 978-1-935407-14-2
Trade Paperback 226pages
US $13.95
For more infor: www.AuthorSRClaridge.com

Review of The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill by Renee Hand

Allbooks Review International — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:28:29 +0000

Illustrator: Jake Karwoski

When Melinda was finally ready to talk, she sat down in a chair across from them. She held her head high, took a deep breath, and began. “My daughter collects rocks and minerals, you see, and one of her favourite minerals was stolen from her collection.”

After one seemingly ordinary afternoon with her friends Maple Moo’s day turns out to be terrible when she finds her favourite, not to mention expensive mineral. Detectives; Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill are on the case and they mean to do it quickly. Scoping out possible suspects they analyze the mystery and along the way learn numerous facts about rocks and minerals.

Renee Hand has created a fun and interesting way of teaching kids new facts about rocks and minerals. Her writing style is easy to follow and perfect for children and preteens, especially those who lack an interest in reading because it will certainly spike their interest in books and geology. Amongst the pages you will find the artwork of the illustrator Jake Karwoski which really adds to the story, they are done very well and the reader will certainly appreciate the addition that visuals make within the book.

Overall this book is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf at schools, libraries and in kid’s collections everywhere. Recommended by reviewer, Kirsten Bussière, Allbooks Reviews International www.allbooksreviewint.com.

Title: The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill, Case #2: Mineral Mischief
Author: Renee Hand
Price: 9.95$
I.S.B.N: 978-0-87839-415-9
Publisher: North Star Press (northstarpress.com)
For more info: www.reneeahand.com

Review of Dark Victory by P.J. O’Dwyer

Allbooks Review International — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:26:16 +0000

She knows the truth in her heart yet nobody else believes her. They say it was an accident when she knows it was anything but. Frustration builds to dangerous proportions as she confronts the doubts of the people around her who think she is losing her mind. This is what Bren Ryan faces after the death of her husband, Tom, when she is sent into a tailspin of despair as her life falls apart before her eyes. Grieving heavily yet filled with anger, she vows to find her husband’s murderer, while fighting to save her home and her family’s horse rescue business and at the same time help her children adjust to the loss of their father – a tough go for anyone, but Bren is stubborn to a fault and will let nothing stop her from reaching her goal. Then factor in Rafe, the mysterious stranger who appears out of nowhere to help Bren’s cause, but who may not be what he seems, and you have a story that latches on to you and will not let go.
Right from the first chapter of Dark Victory I was hooked, and the wheels in my brain started turning, contemplating the possible explanations for Tom’s death. But the author, P.J. O’Dwyer, is skilled at her craft because each time I thought I had the mystery figured out, she threw in a curve ball which totally changed the game. However, the main questions remain throughout –can Bren prove her theory that her long-time enemy and kill buyer by profession, Wes Connelly, is somehow connected to Tom’s death and can she thwart his continued efforts to make money from the sale of innocent horses to the slaughterhouse? Bren’s love of horses has kept her fighting these injustices throughout her life, and following Tom’s death she continues to aspire to protect those who can’t protect themselves, with total disregard to the cost or danger to herself, danger that traverses borders and puts her life in jeopardy on more than one occasion.Just as important, can Bren put Tom’s ghost behind her and move on to happiness, will the secret that Rafe hides come out, and will it destroy the bond that seems to be growing between them or bring them closer?
It’s hard not to have compassion and also respect for Bren’s character. On the one hand she is a truly grieving widow who can hardly function at times but is trying her best to stay strong for her two sons. She is struggling to keep afloat while dealing with the guilt she feels over her husband’s death, but on the other hand she is tough as nails and a fighter, and she will not take no for an answer when it comes to solving the mystery of her husband’s death. Anybody who gets in her way is asking for trouble! Bren was always headstrong, and it was Tom who was the calming influence in her life, but without him she feels like she doesn’t have any support from anywhere, and she feels like a total failure. Bren rides a seesaw of emotions throughout the story, and it is absolutely heart wrenching watching the pain and heartbreak that she has to endure over and over again. O’Dwyer is a master at putting emotion to paper and making it convincing.
Bren is surrounded by a varied cast of friends and family who make the story rich. In the first few pages we are introduced to Bren’s baby, Finn, a sensitive 7 year old who after a year still has questions about what happened to his father, and later on we encounter Bren’s 15 year old son, Aiden, who is struggling with his feelings as a teenager to begin with but even more so because he has lost his father who he had a very close bond with. Then there is Kevin Bendix, the sheriff of Washington County, who has been friends with Bren and Tom since childhood and would do anything for Bren, but who frustrates her to no end because he thinks she is going overboard with her theories and just wants her to move on and forget about everything. We also meet local equine vet, Jeremy Breakstone, and his wife, Jo, who is Bren’s best friend and her shoulder to lean on. Finally, to add a little spice to the mix the tall, dark and handsome stranger, Rafe Langston, shows up from Texas at the right time and in the right place, but the reader is constantly challenged to figure out whether he is there for the right reasons or not.
The suspense throughout this story was intense and the twists shocking. It was like rafting down rapids, where your heart is racing and you can’t relax until you finally reach a calm stretch of water and you take a deep breath thinking the worst is over, when all of a sudden your raft shoots over a waterfall. O’Dwyer does throw out fairly frequent clues right from the beginning which allow the reader to form theories about certain aspects of the plot, but she kept me totally in the dark with respect to others, with the end result being high intensity at its best. This story definitely gives the heart a workout in every possible way – suspense that has it pounding non-stop, romance that has it thumping, and frustration, anger and deep sorrow that hold it clenched in a vice. I would definitely recommend Dark Victory. I could not put it down!

Reviewer: Cindy Taylor, www.allbooksreviewint.com
Title: Dark Victory
Author: P.J. O’Dwyer
Format: ebook
September, 2011

Review of That Certain Summer by Mary Verdick

Allbooks Review International — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:16:35 +0000

That Certain Summer is the story of a girl names Sally Grimes. Sally is from Winner, Iowa and her dream is to one day be a writer but so far she is only an advice column writer for the local newspaper. A job writing the life story of Diane Fenwick might just be Sally’s chance to make it big. So Sally travels to Diane’s beach front property in Connecticut and she surprisingly finds that Diane has children. Diane also has a dog named Rufus who is more intelligent than anyone expects of a dog.
Diane has to leave almost immediately after Sally arrives and it seems that Sally see’s more of Alex and Megan, Diane’s seven year old twins, than she does of Diane herself. Sally also falls in love with the handsome Ricardo, who works for Diane’s landlord Mr. Morley-Watts. Sally, Ricardo, and the twins get to do lots of activities together but Sally begins to wonder whether she was hired as a writer of a babysitter. Sally soon finds out that there is more going on with Diane, Ricardo, and Morley-Watts’ than she expected and suddenly Sally is in the middle of a very dangerous situation.
That Certain Summer is a summer romance story with an exciting twist. The story is definitely a page turner and keeps a readers interest. A reader will be able to imagine exactly what is happening in the book as if it is happening right there in front of them. The characters are well developed and each one has great personalities. A reader is able to easily relate with Sally and what is happening with her through the story.
Mary Verdick is a wonderful writer and with that talent has created a fantastic story. This book is one not to be missed and I would highly recommend it.

Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Chaselyn Kenney, Allbooks Review. www.allbooksreviewint.com

Title: That Certain Summer
Author: Mary Verdick
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Price: $14.49 paperback
Pages: 164
ISBN: 978-1-4520-4744-7
Date of review: August 2011

Review of Tetterbaum’s Truth by S.R. Claridge

Allbooks Review International — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:15:30 +0000

If you like a strong female lead in a mystery/suspense, then you’ll fall in love with Angel, the protagonist of TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH. She’s one gutsy woman dealing with multiple threats on her life and she rises to the challenge with courage and spunk. I found one page melting into the next in this fast-paced novel; it’s extremely well written and easy to read. Nothing is as it seems and just when you think you’ve got a handle on the good and bad guys, the plot somersaults. And even though it’s pitched as mystery- suspense, it also contains a healthy dollop of romance. Right off the bat we get some exciting romantic conflict, which carries throughout the book.
Here’s how it goes: following a tragic accident to her father, Angel inherits Tetterbaum’s Pub. Even though she has a good head for business, she isn’t the best at choosing men in her life and to make matters worse, her doting aunt is continually fixing her up with losers. Then, an old lover mysteriously appears on the heels of her current lover’s disappearing act. To complicate things, a handsome employee at the pub makes a play for her. Three men: each claiming that the other two want to kill her. Trust her heart, or her intuition? And once the Mafia rears it’s ugly head—with as many serpents as Medusa—the plot screams into full thrust with veiled and unveiled threats, surprise alliances, Machiavellian maneuvering for power, murder, kidnappings, and a wild search for some revealing tapes. Believe me, each chapter will leave you salivating for the next one and the ending will catch you by complete surprise.
S.A. Claridge, the author, has a background in theater and has written scripts for several venues. It is valuable experience that serves her well. She currently lives in Colorado and loves to hunker down in front of her computer with a Vodka Martini and write away. Happily for us, she’s already published TRAITORS AMONG US, the second in her “Just call me Angel” series. I’m impatiently looking forward to reading it. Highly Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews

Published by: Vanilla Heart Publishing ©2011
ISBN: 978-1-935407-89-8
Trade Paperback 231pages
US $14.95
For more info:

Review of Possoons by Rachelle Rogers

Allbooks Review International — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:14:08 +0000

Rachelle Rogers has produced a heterogeneous collection of short stories that will entertain and amuse readers from beginning to end.
The short quips in Possoons are really studies in human nature; from the sixty something, Eva to the gay, Julian this author brings her characters to life. In a few sentences we see deep into the psyche and the hearts of the people in the story. Whether happy or sad, grieving or rejoicing, the reader becomes part of the story through empathy and understanding.
My favourite was “Why Stefan had to rent a Sander and Refinish the Floors in Brenda’s bedroom” I laughed till I cried. “Restoration” is a heartfelt story of grief and the realization that life goes on.
Rachelle Rogers is a fiction author, writer and poet. She lives in Asheville, Nc.
Bravo Ms. Rogers, this collection is highly recommended.Reviewer: Shirley A. Roe, Allbooks Review Int.
www.allbooksreviewint.com

Tltle: Possoons
Author: Rachelle Rogers
ISBN: 9780615494654
For more info: www.rachellerogers.com

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW: Author, Mrs. Phyllis J. Burton

Allbooks Review International — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:01:05 +0000

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)

Mrs. Phyllis J. Burton:
Buckholt, Green Lane,
CHURT, Nr. Farnham, Surrey,
GU102LT, England.

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:

PAPER DREAMS was published by MATADOR (Troubador Publishing Ltd.)
ISBN No: 9781848767898 (Paperback) and 9781848768154 (ebook)

Tell us about yourself:

My name is PHYLLIS BURTON and I am married with three grown-up children and seven grandchildren. I live amongst the beautiful west-Surrey hills in southern England, which have given me the inspiration to write: I love putting my thoughts and those of my characters down on paper. I started writing for my children and eventually moved on to bigger things. Now, I read my stories to my grandchildren. I’ve written quite a few short stories, one of which was recorded and read on radio, and two short-listed in competitions. I’ve written three one-act plays, (one produced and directed by me). I love singing and enjoy water-colour painting. I painted the cover of my first novel (A PASSING STORM) and published by Trafford in 2006.

I’ve always had an insatiable appetite for reading, I tend to panic if I can’t find a book to read and like to think that this inspired me to write. My determination also seemed to rub off on to my elder son too: he will be publishing his second story soon. My daughter is a copy-editor and runs her own business. She copy-edited Paper Dreams of course.
Now that PAPER DREAMS has been published, I feel quite proud of it. Every author wishes their work to do well and I am no exception.

When was the book released?:

PAPER DREAMS was launched on the 1st December 2011. I held a Launch Party on the 2nd December which went extremely well and started off the run-up to Christmas with a bang – there were several blue balloons available for everyone!

Give us an overview of your book.

PAPER DREAMS:
“In 1952, GERALD HAPSWORTH-COLE has an affair with AMY BUTLER: she becomes pregnant and returns to Vancouver in Canada. Gerald is distraught.

It is now 2009 and the inhabitants of ANSTON are gossiping…
Elderly widow, MARJORIE has died intestate. The only heir is HAROLD HAPSWORTH-COLE, who is penniless, unstable and living in Malta.

KATIE NICHOLSON (a romantic dreamer) is sent to EPTON HALL, the rambling encestral home of the HAPSWORTH-COLE family, to catalogue the vast number of books collected by Marjorie following the disappearance of Gerald and their two sons in 1953. Whilst there Katie day-dreams about the old house’s history and the friendly, elderly housekeeper/retainer tells her: ‘…I was very young when I began working here…there’s nothing I don’t know about the old place.’
Wrong!

Katie finds a letter and a birth certificate in an old book in the attic. The letter is dated May 1953, proving that Gerald was the father of an illegitimate child, JAMES, living in Canada: another heir?

Meanwhile, Harold still believing that he is the sole heir, goes to the house in secret. Whilst there, he overhears Katie speaking on the telephone to her employer about the discovery of the letter. He is incensed. He steals the letter and birth certificate, locks her in the attic and leaves the house. Katie has to endure many hours alone in her creepy prison, but manages to find another unfinished letter from Gerald to Amy.
Katie is eventually rescued. She later discovers that James Butler is in hospital in Vancouver after a car accident and, together with boyfriend Stuart, she flies to Vancouver to meet him. Avaricious Harold, now dangerous and losing contact with reality also journeys to Vancouver.
He steals a gun!
Katie is talking to James, when Harold enters. A terrifying scuffle ensues, the gun goes off and Harold falls to the floor and later dies.
Katie and Stuart are later allowed to return home.

James and his wife Sarah, journey to England, but realise that they could never make it their home and after attending Katie and Stuart’s wedding, return to their family in Vancouver.

Epton Hall is sold.”

What inspired you to write this book?

I suppose it was quite like Pinocchio’s nose! It grew…it started with a seed (the thought of lost letters and love) and suddenly I had a rather good story. I used to love writing when I was at school and when later I had children of my own, I used to write stories for them – a truly rewarding experience. On a purely emotional and personal level, my father suffered enormously before he died and afterwards I found writing to be a wonderful distraction. I’ve been writing ever since. Another inspiration is the ever-changing view from my study window!

How is your book different from other books in this genre?

PAPER DREAMS is a unique reading experience, which plays with the reader’s emotions. It covers such diverse subjects as, old books, letters, family sorrow, obsessions, inheritance, greed, dreams (and nightmares) and eventually attempted murder. But above all, it is a story of people’s lives, their loves and how they eventually overcome adversity.

Where can people buy your book?

PAPER DREAMS can be purchased from:
Matador (Troubador Publishing) Ltd. – please contact Jane Rowland on
Tel. No: 0116 279 2299 (UK)
or email: marketing@troubador.co.uk
Distributor: Orca Book Services. Tel:01235 465521 (UK)
Or email: tradeorders@orcabookservices.co.uk
Lovewriting.com
Amazon: Paper-back and Kindle versions (see my pages on AUTHOR
CENTRAL).
All good retail outlets, such as WATERSTONES, W.H. SMITH amongst
others.
AuthorsDen.
And… Directly from my website: www.phyllisburton.com.

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?

Yes, I am part way through my third story: it has a provisional title of ‘WHAT NOW’. As I have only written five chapters, I feel unable to give a time for completion.
SARAH WENHAM is being eaten up with grief after ending her husband’s life by switching off his life support system. Months later, she meets two very different men: one who will love her unconditionally and the other who tries to dominate her with near disastrous consequences.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?

I self-published PAPER DREAMS and the most important advice I can give, is to choose a company with an excellent record in self-publishing, such as Matador. I have enjoyed every moment of the publication process.

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:

Not applicable…

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
I have taken my book to various retail outlets and within the next few weeks will be holding one or two book signing sessions. The general feeling is that the cover of PAPER DREAMS is outstanding and should help to make my book marketable in the future. PAPER DREAMS has already received a five-star review on AMAZON.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?

In 2006/7 Allbooks Reviews (Elaine Fuhr) did an excellent review on my first book ‘A PASSING STORM’, so I naturally turned to you. I am of course, hoping that the excellent review given by Anthony Lund will help my current book to achieve success and from the comments I have already received, it should be considerable.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?

Yes. In these days of rising prices in every walk of life, for Allbooks Reviews to remain so competitive is a really good thing. I can’t think of anything right now for your company to offer writers, but you can rest assured, I will contact you if I do.

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.