Book Review: Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren

This book has an exciting, roller coaster plot and challenging characters.

Severed Threads

by Kaylin McFarren

Paperback: 349 pages
Publisher: Creative Edge Publishing (July 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1467526711
ISBN-13: 978-1467526715

Genre:  Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2012

Romantic Suspense Novel by Kaylin McFarren: Believing herself responsible for her father s fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship, she has no intention of cooperating until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father s death. *WARNING* This book includes mature and sexual content that is not appropriate for young ages.

Review:
Rachel Lyons was once head over heals for Chase Cohen. Then her fathered died in a diving accident when Chase was partnering him. The death of her dad was hard enough, especially since they had quarreled that morning.  Then Chase skipped town and didn’t even show for the funeral leaving Rachel to shoulder her grief and her father’s debt all on her own.

Rachel has focused on her work and trying to keep her brother, Devon, out of trouble.  Devon convinced Rachel that Chase was a scoundrel, and Devon should know since that tends to be his role.

Suddenly Chase is in town looking for funding through the foundation Kaylin works for. Chase has returned to the wreck where her father was killed.  Kaylin’s initial reaction is to shut the door in Chase’s face. But Chase and Kaylin’s boss, Dr. Ying, believe the site holds treasures from a sunken Chinese merchant ship. Dr. Ying wants to pursue the salvage to stop a family curse and also to devote a display in memory of Kaylin’s father.

Just as the funding is about to be approved and Chase brings up treasure to establish the claim someone sets a fire and his boat and dreams appear to go up in smoke. Kaylin is able to come to the rescue but she has secret reasons for helping the expedition as she has promised treasure to mobsters who have kidnapped Devon. As Chase tries to figure a way back into Kaylin’s heart, she is trying to find a way to hide treasure.

The action in this story just keeps flowing with diving adventure, kidnappings, crooked cops, salvage pirates, sharks in the water too and watery ghosts. Just as I was catching my breath from one scene there would be another twist, or misadventure on the next page with another villain popping out of the shadows. It was hard to put the book down as I wanted to know what would happen next.

Rachel and Chase tended to be secretive, insecure and untrusting in their feelings and relationship. At times they were downright annoying but they eventually pull together. Devon was a bit of a jerk but even he gains sympathy along the way.

I really enjoyed the legend and mystery of the treasure and I especially liked the action. The romance between Rachel and Chase was slow and warmly developed. There was a bit more sexual activity with Devon but none of it was really graphic by today’s standards.

The writing is direct and flows well. The dialogue is particularly natural, even when the scenarios are a little stretched. If you enjoy dive stories and steady action, with a nice reunited lovers story blended in I recommend this book.

I received a galley copy of this book from the author to review as part of a Pump up Your Book Blog tour.

This story takes place on the Pacific coast of south California for my Where are You Reading list. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Guest Post: Knowing Your Story by Kaylin McFarren

Knowing Your Story

Guest Post shared by Kayling McFarren

I’ve come to the conclusion that the only way to write effectively about a subject matter you know very little about is to hit the stacks in the library, conduct interviews, read articles, watch documentaries and utilize the internet for pertinent information.  However, I’ve also discovered the best resource for creating dialogue, drama and memorable places is the environment we live in or just happen to visit. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate in being able to travel and have encountered multitudes of diverse personalities from all walks of life. Some of my vacations have taken me to third world countries where the distinct separation of classes ranged from waterway slums to block-long mansions. I’ve witnessed the birth of a child, the death of a parent and brother, missed opportunities and devastation resulting from unforeseen bankruptcy.In my lifetime, I’ve stood at graves, next to hospital beds, had many close calls and nearly drowned as a child. This is the stuff that makes great stories come to life – that turns them into real, compelling novels.

Recently it’s become my practice to keep a notebook handy as the best conversations occur in the most unlikely places. I might be traveling in a mass transit train, drinking in a pub or or standing in line at Safeway when aremarkable phrase or clever line is dropped, and I realize what a great addition it would make to that story percolating in my brain. When the moment finally presents itself, the scribbled note is right there at the end of my fingertips, begging for the right character to utter those words.  So the best piece of advice for knowing your story is simply to keep your thoughts in books, your ears peeled and your options always open.

About the Author:
As many people know, Kaylin McFarren wasn’t born with a pen in hand like so many of her talented fellow authors. However, she has been involved with business and personal writing projects for many years. Her careers have taken her in all directions, ranging from fashion modeling and interior design to office manager and art gallery director. Yet her love of reading and interest in creative writing has remained ever present. As a result of her tapping into her imagination and utilizing her own life experiences, she has earned more than a dozen literary awards. Her first novel, Flaherty’s Crossing was a 2008 finalist in the prestigious RWA® Golden Heart contest and her second book, Severed Threads, has already garnered two first place awards.
Kaylin is a member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers. She received her AA in Literature at Highline Community College, which originally sparked her passion for writing. In her free time, she also enjoys giving back to the community through participation and support of various educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest, and is currently the president of the Soulful Giving Foundation – a non-profit she and her husband formed to fund expanded research, and the care and treatment of cancer patients and their families.
Her latest book is a romantic suspense titled Severed Threads.
You can visit Kaylin online at www.KaylinMcFarren.com.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/4kaylin
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaylin.mcfarren
Blog: http://kaylinmcfarren.wordpress.com/
About the Book:
Believing herself responsible for her father’s fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship, she has no intention of cooperating – until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her own life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father’s death.

Book Review with Kindle Giveaway Link: Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8)

I really enjoyed this episode of The Samsara Chronicles!

Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8)

 by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 145 KB
• Print Length: 59 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FRWZW

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Dylan, Aislinn and the chosen humans arrive on Nirvana but now the pair faces another alien threat, this time to their homeworld.

Aislinn and Dylan’s joyous homecoming to Nirvana is tempered by yet another crisis. Aliens, assisted by a traitorous member of Nirvanan security and a threat to the royal bloodline, have kidnapped Aislinn’s parents and hold them hostage on the dying world of Klatria. Aislinn and Dylan now face the task of rescuing them before they are killed.

Review:
Book 8 starts with beautiful descriptions of Nirvana as Aislinn and Dylan settle into the Royal apartments. Aislinn has to assume her role as the leader of her people.  Aislinn and Dylan meet with the Nirvana council and Altithronus to discuss how to proceed.  They have learned that the Klatrians are intelligent and resourceful. They have survived the collapse of their planet and managed to kidnap Aislinn’s parents, probably with the help of a traitor. It is possible it is other tribes on Nirvana who may be jealous of the power of the skull even though all appears peaceful. There are factions who oppose Aislinn placing herself at risk in tracking her family.

Aislinn sees some visions of the further destruction on earth. She is stunned by the devastation and concerned when she views the struggles of Piper, who is to play a role in the future rebuilding of earth. But for now her focus is to rescue her parents.

I liked the author's creativity surrounding the Klatrians. Those sent to infiltrate Nirvana are mechanical Kamikazes. They are hard to spot as they are not a life force but if they are out in the sun too long they ‘melt’.  Even when they don’t die of exposure, they seem to self destruct. Aislinn attempts to interrogate one of the enemy and learns more vulnerabilities. 

The tension in the saga builds as Aislinn and Dylan man a ship and prepare to face the enemy. They aren’t really sure where they are headed until their guiding eagle appears before them.  Then they are ready to set off to the next episode, Netherworld.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A nice description:

A blooming creeper similar to honeysuckle draped the finely hewn surface in a lush mantle, a myriad of tiny golden blossoms trembling in the breeze enveloping the couple with their heady scent. Location 21.

An interesting observation by Altithronus to Aislinn:

The legacy of the skull, the guidance of the Antiquitas is yours, but you must learn to become one with the power. To use and abuse are merely  reflections of the same word. Location 420.

I received the eBook from the authors as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour. - with Kindle Giveaway link

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Samsara Chronicles are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.  If your blog isn’t set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.
This Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 – August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in The Samsara Chronicles virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.
Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.
If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is July 27. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

Click on the graphic below to find out how you can win!

[If the picture link doesn't work, go to this page].

~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most on The Samsara Chronicles’ blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate. The blog host who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50 gift certificate!

Mailbox Monday July 23, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JULY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mrs Q: Book Addict.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

My book garden continues to grow! How about yours?

Review Titles

I received two Sourcebooks for October:
Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett

 and

Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight

by Grace Burrowes

From NetGalley I picked up three new titles which I will review in August:

Title:

The Uninvited

by Heather Graham

Title:

My Dead Friend Sarah

 by Peter Rosch

Title:

One Breath Away

by Heather Gudenkauf
I kept seeing this title at other blogs and I really want to read it!

Wins

I still have some wins due in from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio. And I need to select some more books this week; then I will post them. 

Purchased

My two Audible credits come up on the 19th each month. There was also a "paperback sale" going on so I picked up four other titles. :-)  These were my purchases:
Prince Charming (Ascension Trilogy) (Unabridged) by Gaelen Foley
Monster Hunter International (Unabridged) by Larry Correia
The Cloud Roads (Unabridged) by Martha Wells
Oath of Swords (Unabridged) by David Weber
Valor's Choice (Unabridged) by Tanya Huff
Dragon Bound (Unabridged) by Thea Harrison

Free 

I did download some free Kindle and Smashword books this past week.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 23, 2012

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had more good reading this week.  I finished five books and have moved well into one more. I posted five book reviews, one with giveaway and one with giveaway link.  As usual I  posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. 

I got to visit a dozen or so bloggers early last week and a few more on Saturday. Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.

• It's Monday What are You Reading? July 16, 2012.

• Monday Mailbox July 16, 2012.

• AudioBook Review: No One Left toTell by Karen Rose; Romantic suspense; my rating 4.75.

• MBS No Strings Attached Giveaway  Open Worldwide.  Ends 7/22.

• Book Review: Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch; Fantasy Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review and Kindle Giveaway link: Exodus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 7) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley; Science Fiction; my rating 4.0.

• MBS Blogoversary Giveaway - Celebrating Three Years!  Nook or $50.00 GC; Open Worldwide.  Ends 8/18.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 20, 2012.  Open Worldwide.  Ends 7/26.

• Book Review and Copy Giveaway: Heroes Die Young by TM Hunter; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25. Ends 7/27.

• Audible Book Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman; fantasy; my rating 5.0

• Sharing Beyond Books #58 Comment Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ends 7/27.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 22, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. Print

 

Heroes Die Young
by T.M. Hunter

Good story. Review linked above. 4.25 

2. Audible
 

The Graveyard Book

• UNABRIDGED
• by Neil Gaiman
• Narrated by Neil Gaiman

This is great entertainment! Review linked above 5.0

3. eBook/Kindle
 

 

Blackout 

by Annie Solomon

This is another good romantic suspense.
I'll post the review this week. 4.25.
Read through NetGalley.

4.  eBook/Kindle
 

Glass Angels (Family Heirlooms Series Book 4)

by Karen Wiesner

This is a lovely story of forgiveness, healing and rebuilding from trauma.
I will post a review later this week. 4.25
Read for the Author. 

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2011

A young Christian woman struggles with seeking pardon from those she's hurt when she can't seem to get past her own inability to forgive those who have wronged her.

Three years ago, Samantha Samuels had suffered under the violent hands of Ryder Feldmann, a juvenile delinquent her pastor father had been counseling. Now she's completed her psychiatry training and plans to help other victims of violent crimes at the rape counseling clinic in her hometown of Peaceful, Wisconsin. Unexpectedly, she finds herself sharing an office building and Sunday services at her new church with the older brother, a divorce counselor, of her attacker...the very man she'd been in love with before her rape.

In the time since Kyle Feldmann's brother was jailed for his crime against Samantha, he's lived with the torment of all he's lost because of his sibling. Before the tragedy that stole Samantha from him and destroyed his dreams, Kyle had begged her to risk her father's disappointment and elope with him. Seeing Samantha again after so many years, being near her, only puts him right back where he was before the rape. Kyle wants to heal Samantha, love her, and fulfill the dreams he grieved the loss of—by marrying her. But how can they be together forever when she's still so broken?

All her life, Samantha had wanted her father's approval, but his selfish part in putting her in a dangerous situation has led her to a painful place of desperately needing to forgive him and her attacker...and being unable to in all the time since the traumatic event that ripped her life in two. As she gives her heart to Kyle once more, her already fractured relationship with the Lord is tested. In the crossfire of faith, she wonders if glass angels shatter beyond recognition when they take a leap of faith, or if they can heal and become stronger than ever before.

5. Audio MP3

Eathed, A Dragon's Tale

Troy Lee Henderson| Format: MP3 Download

A delightful, short tale. 
I will post a review this week. 

Listened for Mind Wings Audio 
through Audiobook Jukebox.

The last of his kind, Eathed, an ancient dragon, has finally found a place to live out his last days peacefully. He is discovered by three young brothers hiding in a cave near their village. Few villagers believe there really is a dragon, so only an old knight, Sir Allistair Bayne, is sent to seek out the dragon. A battle ensues during which both knight and dragon fall in spectacular fashion. Simon takes pity on Eathed, and an unlikely friendship ensues.

Line Edits/Releases: coming soon.

Currently reading:

1. Print (Galley)
 

Severed Threads

by Kaylin McFarren

I am enjoying this; just 50 pages left.
I will post the review and author guest post
 on July 25 as part of Pump Up Your Books Tour.

2. eBook/Kindle

 

Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8)

 by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

The heroes go from one crisis to another; I just started.
I will post the review on 7/24 as part of

Pump Up Your Book tour - with Kindle Giveaway link

3. Audible

The Watchman of Ephraim: Cris De Niro, Book 1

• UNABRIDGED
• by Gerard de Marigny
• Narrated by Elijah Alexander
•   Series: Cris De Niro, Book 1

This looks interesting and I will start listening tonight.
Reviewing for JarRyJorNo Publishing through Audiobook Jukebox.

Publisher's Summary
Cris De Niro worked his way up to the top of the hedge fund world. Yet, all of his money couldn't protect him from losing his wife on 9/11. Ten years passed since the tragedy. De Niro and his sons relocated to a sprawling ranch near Las Vegas. Turning to his faith to overcome his anguish, De Niro now lives for a higher purpose. From a biblical passage, he reads about the "Watchman of Ephraim", a defender who kept watch over the land. De Niro decides to acquire a lackluster counter-terrorism agency in order to transform it into a modern-day version of The Watchman for the United States but there's not a moment to lose.

Aref Sami Zamani is planning a terrorist attack on American soil - codenamed "Antioch", a plot to detonate a nuke over the city of Las Vegas. The Watchman uncovers a connection between Zamani and a Mexican drug cartel but their agent goes missing before they can learn more. That's because Zamani has a spy working for The Watchman.

Strange events start to unfold near the Nogales border crossing. References are discovered to something the Mexicans are calling "Noche Del Espantada" ...Fright Night", but can it mean something else?

September 11, 2011 and the sun hasn't risen yet in Las Vegas or Nogales. Antioch is in motion! At the border, Noche Del Espantada has begun and there are intruders at De Niro's ranch. De Niro has to protect his sons and someone new in his life, Dr. Moriah Stevens. She too, lost her spouse on 9/11. Moriah finds herself in love with De Niro but his devotion to his wife is proving too powerful for him, even after 10 years.

It's the 10th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil and unless De Niro and his new team are successful, the day will be known as "The 2nd 9/11".

4.  eBook/Kindle
 

 

Moonglow (Darkest London)

by Kristen Callihan

I am looking forward to reading this.

Picked up on NetGalley.

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2012 | Series: Darkest London (Book 2)

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .

Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

5. eBook/Kindle

Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series)

by Colleen Coble

I am reading this for Thomas Nelson.

I like Colleen Coble.

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2012 | Series: The Hope Beach Series (Book 1)

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer's talent and love of history. She's delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she's there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby's under suspicion for the crime.

Libby's dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. 

[Reading and listening on my new MP3.]

Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around 1989 so I will enjoy it again.  This week the reading is the book of John.

Line Edits: Still hoping to train one of my assistants to upload conversions to Kindle and Smashwords.

I finally selected fewer titles for a month! I added two from netgalley to bring the committed number up to 14. I have finished reading 15 books so far this month and should complete this month's books this week.  

Scheduled for July:

7/24 Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/25 Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren - Review and Author Guest Post; Pump Up Your Book Tour.

July but Unscheduled: 
Sourcebooks- I've picked a few for August/September but none in July unless I pick up something at NG during the month.

Other NetGalley Review choices:

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan (July 30 Release) (NG)

Audiobook Jukebox:
Two new books included in current reading.

Hachette
Grand Central Station
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione - This is a DNF for now; I got stalled with the language.

Other:
Thomas Nelson
Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series) by Colleen Coble

With some open time I really do hope to read a couple of Won books this month.:-)

[To be posted - I am setting these up for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.]