Thursday, March 28, 2013

Eye Know Better Now

Reviews and What They Mean To You—I'm constantly learning something new every day. I always thought good reviews were awesome and bad reviews were... well, just bad.  But I found out that isn't so. It doesn't matter whether it's a bad review or a good review. All that matters is how many reviews a book gets. That's all that counts when it comes to Amazon rank. Several times I started to download Under the Aspens, but the reviews were so horrible, I didn't bother. Well... I changed my mind and decided to give it a try. Here is my review:

Under the Aspens
by Elizabeth Sherry 1 Star
Title: Is this a joke?


This is possibly the worst book I’ve ever read, and I’ve read my share of bad ones. I made it to the middle of Chapter 2 and that was enough for me. The style of writing was juvenile and read like a bad play, complete with stage direction and boring dialogue. I closed the curtain on this one.

Don’t waste your time. There’s no intrigue here, and the only mystery is—why did I bother? I read the reviews—I should’ve known better. 

Amazon best sellers rank #570 free. Is this a joke?

*** I will not be posting this review on Amazon because it will only serve to raise the book's ranking against other well-written and much more interesting books.

At first, I wouldn't post a bad review because I figured it was hard enough for authors to succeed, but now I realize that even a bad review is good. So... instead of posting a bad review of a book on Amazon, I'll be posting it here.

If you've read any of my books and hated them, feel free to tell everyone by posting a review on Amazon. And if you liked them, even better, and please consider leaving a review. Now that eye know better, I'll take what I can get. 

Hew-Haw!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Reading When the Lights Went Out


As some of you might know, we lost power for five days because of the snowstorm, so I had plenty of time to ready my Kindle. Here are a few of the reviews I've posted. Just my opinion.



Pay Per View
by Jess Butcher 2 Stars
Title: Just choke me now.


The first short story I read by Jess Butcher, Mile Marker 148, was so good, I was sure this one would be too. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. I really disliked the man, and didn’t much care for the woman who put up with his verbal abuse for forty years. Come on. The story would have been more believable if it had been five or even ten years of abuse, but forty? Maybe the woman should’ve stuck the scissors in her own neck for being so stupid. After the first paragraph, I was ready to stick a fork in the man’s eye, just for starters. Even in fiction, there has to be at least one character to like, but there was none here. Oh, I forgot about the little girl…

Sorry, Jess Butcher, but this was not your best work.

Black Woods
by Laura Wright LaRoche  5 Stars
Title: Think I’ll stay out of the woods.


Four not-so-likable teenage guys and two mushroom hunting women battle an evil creature in the woods. Sounds mundane and predictable, but it wasn’t. It was spooky. It was also graphic, so if you don’t like gore, this book isn’t for you. Normally, I don’t read gore, but I was already interested in the storyline when the gore came into play. I handled it and continued because I had to find out if the mushroom hunters survived. No spoilers here. Good work, Laura Wright LaRoche! A memorable tale that will keep me out of the woods for a while.

Ours
by Regina Puckett 5 Stars
Title: Scary good.


An interesting storyline about a ghost hunt at a vacant mental hospital. Scary good with a surprise ending. Just the right stuff for a good, spooky mystery.
  
The Last Call
by George Wier 5 Stars
Title: I loved it!


The storyline starts with a physician’s duffle bag being tossed down a hole to a concrete room and landing in the lap of a skeleton. Money then spills from the bag. I was grabbed at the prologue and couldn’t stop reading until the story was over. Yes, there were some errors in grammar and missing words, but the story was well worth the read.

Eyes of the Storm
by Charles William Lundy 4 Stars
Title: Very good.


The story opens with the retired police chief, Don Monroe, lying on the beach, drunk, and ready to end his life, in the middle of an oncoming hurricane. Excellent storyline, but I almost lost interest because the formatting was so terrible—and I mean really bad. I ignored the problems with formatting and continued. Very good story. Bad formatting.
  
Never Buried
by Edie Claire 5 Stars
Title: Terrific!


A feel-good murder mystery that kept me glued to the storyline. Well-written with likable, quirky characters in a believable setting. This book would make a good Lifetime Channel movie. No foul language and no gore. I especially liked the way Leigh looked after her pregnant cousin and put her needs above all else. There was nothing tedious about this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.  

Murder Passes the Buck
by Deb Baker 5 Stars
Title: Goofy good!


Gertie Johnson is a little bit out there with her enthusiasm to solve a murder, and I’m sure that if she pulled her stunts in real life, she’d be in jail. With that said, I liked the interaction between her, Kitty and Cora Mae as they try to find the killer. The trio’s shenanigans made the book interesting, and down right funny at times. Loved it and can’t wait to read the next one!

*** I really missed not having power, but it gave me time to read some very good books. I also read some not-so-good books, but that's a different story. Gonna load up my Kindle in preparation for the next snowstorm coming this way Sunday. Happy reading!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Belle of the Ball

Belle is two months old. Our little Christmas donkey is growing up so fast. Yesterday, she told me she wanted a little brother or sister. I told her if that happened she wouldn't be the baby anymore. She has since changed her mind.

Hee Haw!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Lunch Break Shorts



$2.99
*Free to Prime Members
Now available on Kindle!

Lunch Break Shorts—A collection of six short stories, including one alternate ending, for your lunch break reading pleasure. Approximately 27,000 words. A quick read. 

*Encounter—A late night call sends Lila on a dangerous journey.
*No More—An abusive husband and a road trip turns deadly for Denise.
*A Gray Area—Lonnie faces the aftermath of his wife’s murder. Will he get revenge?
*A Gray Area 2 (alternate ending)
*Instincts—Sarah’s blind date goes horribly wrong.
*Bittersweet—Evidence of a cheating husband causes a wife to panic.
*The Irony of It All—Lois plans the murder of her husband.

I love writing mysteries with quirky, intriguing characters. Not only do I want to pique your interest with a suspenseful tale, but I also want to make you smile at unexpected times. I hope you enjoy my style of writing.

Note: Lunch Break Shorts will be FREE on Kindle—Monday, Feb. 25th. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Two Good Reads

Messages From Henry
by Rebecca Scarberry 5 Stars
Title: Terrific!


Evelyn has been kidnapped and her homing pigeon Henry is out to save her. His devotion, loyalty, and determination are heart-warming. Messages from Henry is a terrific, fast-paced read that will leave you wanting more from Rebecca Scarberry. Filled with twists and turns around every corner, this short story was a joy to read. Excellent!

Rat Bastards and Teapots
By Jill Edmondson 5 Stars
Title: Loved it!


I must admit that I bought this book because the title grabbed me right from the beginning. Rat Bastards and Teapots—loved the title. The short stories were very interesting and well written, making it a great read. I also liked how Jill Edmondson included some very good poems as a little extra. This was a quick read that will linger on in your mind for a while. Very good!

Sunday, February 03, 2013

Snow and Donkeys

It's snowing here in beautiful Stanardsville, Virginia.
(Click on picture to see larger version)

Tom and Belle sharing a moment.
 
View from my front porch.

Ditto.

Snow falling on the corral.

Donkeys don't like the wet stuff.
See where they're taking cover.

Yum, yum. Time for breakfast.

Belle and Sable sharing a moment, too.

Tom with the girls.

Donkey ignores me sometimes.

Donkey eating breakfast and keeping warm(er).

Hew-Haw!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Coming To Kindle Soon

Lunch Break Shorts
A few short stories for your lunch break reading pleasure



Available on Kindle soon. Free to Prime Members.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Reviews of My Reads

I've been working on a new book of short stories and have been behind on posting reviews of books I've read. For this, I apologize to the hard working writers I've neglected. So... here they are. Take them as you wish. It's just my opinion. Happy reading, and don't forget to post reviews!


The Gathering Storm
by Barbara Warren
4 stars
Title: Interesting read!


I was glued to this book, but was somewhat disappointed with the spiritual ending. That being said, I liked everything else and would highly recommend it. It was a pleasure to read. Well written and kept me guessing until the very end. Way to go, Barbara Warren! 


Take the Monkeys and Run
by Karen Cantwell
5 stars
Title: Amazing!


I can’t say enough good things about this book. I especially liked the explosive ending (pun intended). The main character Barbara Marr has a lot going on in her life. Her husband has left her for reasons unknown, and then she stumbles onto a severed head next door. And… she has monkeys in her trees. What next? Read it and find out. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you, Karen Cantwell for an enjoyable read.

  
Without Any Warning
by Peggy A. Edelheit
5 stars
Title: Loved this book!


I read Peggy Edelheit’s first book The Puzzle and loved it, so I was expecting her next one to be just as good. Glad to say, I wasn’t let down. Without Any Warning kept me on the edge of my seat with every knock on Sam’s door. Well written, intriguing mystery that held me captivated until the very end. Looking forward to reading the next in the series. Would I recommend this book? You bet!

Walker
by Steven Ramirez
5 stars
Title: Good short story!


I bought this short story by accident (I thought it was free), but that’s okay, because it turned out to be an enjoyable, yet scary kind of read. My sister was a sleepwalker and I’m just glad she didn’t fall victim to the evil side like the character(s) in the story. Good work, Steven Ramirez. I’ll be looking for more tales from you.


Lust, Money & Murder
by Mike Wells
5 stars
Title: I want more!


Geez, I really liked this book until I reached the end. Nobody told me it didn’t have one. At first, I was angry (and disappointed), but once I calmed down, I just had to find out what happened to Elaine and Nick. Would I recommend this book? No. What I would recommend is that you buy the complete 3-book set. That’s what I’m going to do. Get it now. You won’t be sorry! Excellent, Mike Wells.


Hearts on Fire
By Regina Puckett
5 stars
Title: Heartwarming YA!


Short, sweet & inspirational story of young love for young adults. Jordan & Samuel meet, fall in love, face struggles, and then live happily ever after. Isn’t that the way a good love story is supposed to go? Very good, Regina Puckett. Can’t wait to read more of your stories.

                                          *******

Note: My reviews have been posted on Amazon.

Thanks for checking out my blog. I hope your visit was a pleasant one. Be sure to have a look at my chocolate cake. See me laughing.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

My Secret is Out

Yep, my secret is out. For those of you who know me, you know the secret already, but for those of you who don't know me that well... here's my secret. I'm a really bad cook. I try, but I just can't get it right. Most of my meals are called the Ann Mullen Surprise by my family, because they never know what they're going to get. It's always a surprise.

Anyway, last night I made another attempt at baking a cake. I followed the instructions on the box as best as I could, but this is how it turned out.


Look closely at the pic and you can see that it fell apart on me, and I had to piece it back together. It looks awful, but it tastes so good. I'll just eat it with a spoon. BTW, the icing is homemade. I had a little problem with it at first, and couldn't figure out why it wasn't getting smooth and creamy. Then I realized I forgot to add the milk.

Just another day in the life of....

Anyone want a piece of cake? I have spoons.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Nothing Like a Happy Reader


Danielle was given the complete set of my books by her family for Christmas. What a nice surprise as you can tell from the smile on her face.




And to put the finishing touches on her surprise, I called her Christmas day to wish her a Merry Christmas.


It's the little things that count.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

An Early Christmas Gift

A week before Christmas, Sable gave us a precious gift. Belle was born in the middle of the night on the 17th of December. What a wondrful blessing. Nothing like a baby for Christmas!






Donkey is looking a little lonely. He needs extra attention now that Belle is here. Sable keeps kicking him out of the stable. That's okay, because we give him plenty of love and attention. Luv my donkeys.
Hew Haw!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Our Baby Has Arrived

Monday morning while it was still dark outside, Tom and I went out to feed the donkeys. I panicked when I didn't see Sable, so we took our flashlight and started searching the corral. There among the trees stood Sable and her baby! I was beside myself. It was all I could do to keep from crying. Never thought I'd be so excited. Tom and I just stood there and gushed over the little one. Of course, Sable wouldn't let us get near her baby, so all we could do was stare.


By the time the sun came up, Tom and I were standing by the corral fence still staring at the little donkette. And then, Sable did the most amazing thing. She nudged her baby over to us as if to introduce the little one, and then led her away. How cool is that?

Now, every time we see Sable, she has her shadow right beside her.


We don't have a name for the baby yet, because we don't know if it's a boy or a girl, but we'll find out soon... as soon as Sable lets us. Hew Haw!

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

My Poor Eye

Many years ago, I kept getting an ad in the mail about a publisher who wanted to publish my poem in a book (that I could later buy for $50). Did I have a poem to submit? I mean, if you get something publlished, you'd want to see it in print, wouldn't you?

Well, we all know what that's all about. Many of you out there have probably gotten the same type of invitation in the mail at one time or another. It's a bait and switch ploy to get you to buy the book. They don't care what kind of trash you write. They just want your money.

So... I sat down and wrote the worst poem I could—which wasn't hard. It was so bad even I didn't want to read it. For your laughing pleasure, here it is:

~My Poor Eye~

Oh, me, oh my
I hurt my eye
I'm going to cry
because I hurt my eye.
I'm going to die
because I hurt my eye
Watch me cry
because I hurt my eye.
Oh, me, oh my.



Ha... now that's a bad poem. But guess what? They said they loved it and wanted to publish it. Would I please fill out the form (signature required) and send in my poem. Oh, and the money for the book. Yeah... right. I'll jump right on it.

I hope I made you smile.

Monday, December 03, 2012

Waiting for Christmas Baby

Tom and I just put up Christmas wreaths on the stable and coop so the donkeys and chickens could have a little Christmas cheer.

  
As you can see, Donkey is too busy relaxing to care. Just don't get between him and his food, or you'll see how quickly he can move.


And Sable (due to give birth any minute) is too busy eating for two to pay much attention. Poor thing, she looks as if she's going to explode. I'm sure she'll be glad to have her baby soon, too. I'm still trying to figure out how her little legs can carry all that weight. *Donkeys are pregnant 12 to 14 months. See ladies, we have it easy compared to them. Aren't you glad you're not a pregnant donkey?


Big, beautiful Sable
***Big, beautiful Sable stepped on Tom's foot the other day while he was putting out feed. His small toe is still bruised and looks right rough. I keep telling him not to go into their stalls when they're in there—they don't like it. They'll step on your feet...

I bet Sable weighs 600 pounds. Don't know for sure because I don't have scales to weigh her... but I'm staying away from her feet.


Donkey is normally slim, but with his winter coat coming in, he looks much bigger than he really is. He's a mighty handsome guy, don't you think? Warning: Don't stand behind him either. Donkeys have a tendency to kick, and you haven't lived until you've been kicked by one. But that's another story.

So... the Mullen household is ready. We're just waiting for our Christmas baby. Is it going to be a donkette or a donker?

Got any suggestions for a name? We'd love to hear them. Seriously. Leave your comment or email me at aftonridge@aol.com 

But please hurry. Sable could have her baby any minute. Hee-Haw.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

~Oblivious~

He revels in his catch
feeling elated
 tossed over the bank to the asphalt
a beer can clinks
the drink his reward
for his hard work
the breeze cool against his face
he is a sot

The old road winding
 with hidden views
danger abounds
unknowns
a beer can clinks

This day a tired driver
sleepy and hurried
rounds the final curve

The crunch of metal
as it slams against the tree
catches his attention for a moment
but not long enough
to be of interest
to him

He goes about his casting
not looking or caring that she lay
motionless on the ground
her breathing labored
tossed from the steel jaws
a beer can clinks by her head

Overcome by the darkness
It was too late for him to
notice or care
she is gone.

The darkness
Oh, the darkness takes her away.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Review of The Dead Love Longer

The Dead Love Longer
by Scott Nicholson
5 Stars

This was my first Scott Nicholson book, recommended to me by a friend, and I wasn't disappointed. It was well-written and kept me glued to each page waiting to see what was going to happen in the end. I could almost visualize the smile on Steele's face as he lay... oops, don't want to be a spoiler. Never a dull moment in this one.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Dead-Love-Longer-ebook/product-reviews/B004LROVS0/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

Friday, November 23, 2012

Hamming It Up

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I sure did. I ate so much food I felt as big as Spot. See: Ask Aunt Alice. Aunt Alice can tell you all about Spot and his size. He's a wide load coming through... just like I felt after dinner. But it's a new day, and I'm off to spend my husband's money on some great Black Friday sales. Where's my coat and purse? Warm up the car, I'm heading to the crazy land of shoppers. See you there!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Black Friday Freebies on Kindle

With Black Friday just a couple of days away, dodging shoppers looking for that great buy is something we'll all face. In our quest for the perfect gifts for those on our Christmas list, we'll be pushed, shoved, and we'll be waiting in lines for a good little while. But that's okay. That's part of the fun, isn't it? (Not the pushing and shoving, but the great deals you can find.)
So, once you get home and relax, why not shop for yourself? Kindle is offering a long list of FREE ebooks for that day, including the first book in my Jesse Watson Mystery series, What You See. If you like a little romance and humor with your murder mystery, please check it out. Read the free sample chapters to see if my book is one you might like to read. It's free, so what have you got to lose?

And when you're finished reading book #1, there are six more books in the series for your reading pleasure: South River Incident, A Crying Shame, Middle River Murders, Greene County Killer, Death on the Bella Constance, and All About the Money. All of my books are priced at $2.99 each. What a great deal!

My books are also available on NOOK. Check out NOOK for the list of my books.
Note: Book #1 is not available on NOOK.


Isn't it nice to get something for free? Everyone loves a good deal. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as Jesse Watson and Billy Blackhawk solve cases in ways you won't see coming. #suspense #romance #humor *Please consider leaving a review of the book(s) you've read.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Ask Aunt Alice

For those of you who haven't had a good laugh lately, here's your chance. Check out Ask Aunt Alice. The Trouble With Spot. This one is for you, Danny Kemp. Hope you folks out there enjoy this blog as much as I did. Danny you're so funny!

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

My Take on R-Day by P.T. Mayes

R-Day by P.T. Mayes
5 stars *****
Unique


England declares one day a year as a killing day for its citizens. Get a license and it’s legal to kill the person you hate/dislike/mad at… whatever. You really don’t need a good reason (you can always lie). But beware—you too, can be a target.

Even thought the author dropped the F-bomb in the first sentence (foul language is something I can do without, along with explicit sex, and this book had both), I hung in there and was sucked in after a few pages. It didn’t take long for me to develop a love/hate feeling for the main character, which I’m sure was the intention of the writer. I became so involved in the storyline I just couldn’t put the book down. I read it in one day. The author told a tale that was so believable, it was scary. Thankfully, R-Day is fiction. I’d hate to imagine something like this happening in real life. 

Dark, gritty, and graphic, this book is a winner—the kind of which movies are made. A must read for those who like their books on the raw and edgy side. Congratulations P.T. Mayes. You hit this one out of the ballpark.