Beck Valley Book Tour: At Last - Alex Troutt Thriller Book #6 by John W. Mefford

New Release....
Alex Troutt Thriller, Book #6
AT Last

Thirty years after losing a parent to a hit-and-run drunk driver, FBI agent Alex Troutt finally confronts the killer--the same man who just murdered the Boston police chief.

And what Alex pulls from him shatters her core.

Armed with little more than hope and a shred of decades-old evidence, Alex chases a memory from her past, hoping that she'll find the mother she never really had. With her old buddy Archie on board --as much as ever can be -- the hunt takes her deep into the foothills of West Virginia. A fanatical religious cult has created its own society. Desperate to right a thirty-year wrong, Alex must out-think and out-duel everyone in her path to right a thirty-year wrong.

Will Alex’s quest to find the truth destroy her life all over again?

Available to buy from.....

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Barnes and Noble    iBooks   Kobo   

"Alex Troutt is quickly becoming one of my favorite fictional characters. I love how she's constantly having to balance her family life and her job, even though her job is continually threatening to take over." - Sonya N

"I simply love every single one of John Mefford's novels. They keep you on the edge of your seat reading late into the night." - Michele B

"Intrigue and attempts at revenge for long held grudges – the twists and turns keeps your adrenalin pumping." - Tracy C

"I would love to see this series turned into a movie or TV series - I'd be obsessed!" - Shelly M
  above reviews from the Alex Trout Series

Also available in the series...
    
  

My Review

This 6th Alex Troutt thriller is a departure from the previous books in that it deals with Alex's own life and the mother she lost when she was a young girl.  In parts, the story is quite harrowing and I found it by far the most affecting of Mefford's feisty female detective stories.

As usual, and without wanting to give the story away, the pace is relentless and the continuity between books faultless. Archie is back, both funny and annoying in equal measure.  The rather awkward age gap relationship between Alex and Brad is still on too although never completely convincing.  And Nick is still on his health kick whilst Ezzy holds the fort at Alex's home.

Mefford makes sure that nothing falls between the gaps when it comes to redrawing his characters which he does with great precision.  You really feel you know them.

When a chance discovery promises to hold the key to bringing back the family Alex misses, she is determined to find answers, no matter what the cost. This brings her into the path of a religious cult whose treatment of women makes your blood boil and from whom it seems impossible to escape.

And as the tension builds, the reader races through the pages hoping that Alex gets her happy ending. 

Whether she does or not is something you'll just have to discover for yourself.

Highly recommended.

About the Author

A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

"Pop on over to my Website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ Goodreads and Amazon Author Page"

Join John's Readers’ Group and receive the first novels in both the Greed and Booker Series 

FREE for a limited time!

OTHER BOOKS FROM JOHN W MEFFORD

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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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Beck Valley Book Tour: Overcast Sunset A Brynn Bancroft Mystery By Joyce T. Strand

NEW RELEASE.....

Brynn Bancroft’s enjoyment at running her former husband’s winery is overcast by a rash of troubling burglaries and her inability to reconnect with her ex. When she receives an urgent phone call from an old college friend requesting that she speak to an investor, she welcomes the interruption. Unfortunately, her friend’s business activities intrude on her routine. Then her ex-husband threatens her marriage hopes when he considers selling the winery. When the burglaries escalate, a sense of foreboding plagues her, hinting at trouble to come.

Available to buy from....

Amazon.co.uk   Amazon.com   Barnes & Noble   Paperback    

About Brynn Bancroft

Brynn Bancroft evolved from the Jillian Hillcrest mysteries where she served as Jillian’s manager while Chief Financial Officer of Harmonia Therapeutics in Silicon Valley. A shapely blonde with a MENSA IQ, she had an affair with the CEO of the company.

Unfortunately for Brynn, the CEO’s wife figured out that the two were involved and asked Brynn to leave the company, which she agreed to do.

In the meantime, her husband, Liam—not unfamiliar with extramarital affairs himself but also understanding that Brynn grew up in an abusive household- grew tired of waiting for Brynn to commit to their relationship and asked for a divorce. At the same time, he solicited her assistance in developing his new winery in Sonoma County, Calif.

As the protagonist in HILLTOP SUNSET, Brynn begins to shed her past and her behavior of protecting herself by blocking emotions. We watch her transition from a shallow uncaring person to someone who starts to understand the emotions of friendship and love.

At the same time, much like Jillian—who occasionally shows up in the Brynn Bancroft mysteries—Brynn, too, attracts mystery and murders as she grows to enjoy life at her ex-husband’s Hilltop Sunset Winery.

My Review

I loved this mystery - not least because it features a female detective with a Welsh name and lots of wine. Brynn Bancroft is interesting because she combines a frustrating reticence to deal with issues in her private life, with plenty of energy when it comes to crime fighting and protecting her beloved winery and her rather ad-hoc family comprising her ward (the son of a previous romantic partner) and her ex husband who she is desperate to remarry.

The story centers around the sudden reappearance of an old friend who is looking for investors to help build their wine business but then things start to go missing, solar panel and wines, and a body turns up.

The plot is intricate and interwoven with so many threads it is occasionally difficult to keep up - but all the more interesting because Strand writes about and adapts real life events. This more than makes up for the slight lack of descriptive detail about the characters' appearance.

Although the reader suspects quite early on who the villains are, Strand keeps the reader on the edge of their seats, teasing them with clues but never quite giving the game away.   When the baddies are finally confronted it is immensely satisfying, not least because Brynn finally realises the truth about friendship. 

Although Overcast Sunset is part of a series, it works perfectly well as a stand alone mystery and certain whets the reader's appetite to return to the beginning to understand why Brynn is such a complex, occasionally annoying, but engaging character.

Also Available
Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery

A mystery set in wine country pitting financial exec Brynn Bancroft against a determined stalker, a troubled love interest, and career clashes.


Brynn Bancroft learns that a former employee who beat her nearly to death has returned to stalk her and her friend, Jillian Hillcrest, also a former victim.

Recently divorced, Brynn turns to a new love interest only to encounter additional unwelcome issues. Meanwhile, short-timer Brynn, who has resigned from her Silicon Valley company, becomes bored fulfilling her remaining responsibilities there. She begins to prefer supporting the launch of her ex-husband’s new hilltop winery while waiting to move to her next position. Between her stalker and her new love interest, Brynn faces a series of life-changing events.

Read an excerpt here

Book available from....

Amazon.co.uk   Amazon.com   Barnes & Noble   Paperback

Landscape For Murder: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery

A friend’s murder. An unconnected cast of suspects, including the victim’s missing adult daughter. As if that wasn’t enough, Brynn Bancroft’s winery has been broken into. Can she deal with her co-owner ex and help the police find her friend’s murder so she can finally overcome her own troubled past and enjoy family life with her teenage ward?

Book available from....

Amazon.co.uk   Amazon.com   Barnes & Noble   Paperback   

About the Author

Joyce T. Strand is the author of who-done-it contemporary and historical mysteries set in San Francisco, Napa-Sonoma wine regions of California, or Ventura, California.

Her most recent novels, Hilltop Sunset and Landscape for Murder, feature protagonist Brynn Bancroft, a financial guru in transition to winemaker from corporate executive. Brynn Bancroft is a minor character in Strand’s first three novels On Message, Open Meetings, and Fair Disclosure—three mysteries solved by Jillian Hillcrest, a publicist in Silicon Valley whose boss was Chief Financial Officer Brynn Bancroft.

Her first historical mystery, The Judge's Story, tells the story of a Superior Court Judge with a passion for social justice as well as the law who strives to discover the truth behind the mystery of a robbery-murder in a small California town in 1939.

All of her novels are inspired by actual events and/or real people, although they are definitely fictionalized.

Much like her protagonist Jillian Hillcrest, Strand headed corporate communications at several biotech and high-tech companies in California’s Silicon Valley for more than 25 years. Unlike Jillian, however, she did not encounter murder in her career. She focused on writing by-lined articles, press releases, white papers, and brochures to publicize her companies and their products.

She lives with her two cats and collection of cow statuary in Southern California, and enjoys exploring and writing about the growing wine region in the Ramona Valley near San Diego.

She received her Ph.D. from the George Washington University, Washington, D.C. and her B.A. from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA

Find the author on the following sites....

Website   Blog   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Google+   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Follow the book tour

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

1st Prize - Win $50 Amazon.com GC / Paypal Cash (winners choice) 
2nd Prize - Win $25 Amazon.com GC / Paypal Cash (winners choice)
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Beck Valley Book Tour: Nipped In The Bud Not In The Butt By Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton

Conflicts over animals are among the toughest to resolve. People form deep emotional bonds with their pets—after all, they're members of the family—so when a dispute involves animals, people get just as angry as if the clash were over their human children. When they've finally had enough, they head to court where the law treats the pet as property—as just a thing.


But there's a better way: mediation. Whether your conflict is over who gets the cat in a divorce, how to deal with a barking dog, or any other issue, a neutral mediator can bring you and the other person together so you can hear each other out, acknowledge each other's feelings, and resolve your dispute. Not only can mediation settle the conflict in less time and with less expense than litigation, but it can save and even strengthen relationships.

In Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation to Resolve Conflicts over Animals, litigator-turned-mediator Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton introduces her proven techniques for addressing your conflict, working out a mutually satisfactory solution, and ensuring the well-being of the most important party—the beloved pet or animal in need.

Available to buy from....

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble

Resolving Animal Conflicts Without Litigation
a way to address conflicts between people involving animals

"This book really resonated with me. Debra does an excellent job providing a realistic approach to conflicts over pets. When I opened the book , I immediately noticed Debra’s passion with regards to animal conflict resolution. She does an excellent job explaining the history of mediation, and the significance of mediation in resolving conflict."

"A Must Read for all of us who love our companion animals!!"

"If you love or work with animals, you must read this… A comprehensive, yet easy guide to avoiding litigation and achieving success through mediation in disputes over animals. This is a must read for pet owners, veterinarians, trainers, barn managers, grooms (in barn settings) pet groomers, pet rescue and adoption organizations and anyone else who wishes to avoid the pain and pitfalls of court battles"
A sample of reviews received 

About the Author

Debra spent 30 years as a practicing litigator, but she is now a full-time mediator and conflict coach for people in disputes over animals.

She works both nationwide and internationally. She has far-reaching experience in resolving interpersonal conflicts involving animals, and she is also well-known in the world of purebred dogs as a top breeder and exhibitor of Irish setters and long-haired dachshunds.

Debra speaks widely on the topic of how mediation techniques can help people address conflicts without litigation. She has presented at veterinary schools, the American Kennel Club, the American Veterinary Medical Law Association, the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, the Living With Animals conference, state bar association Animal Law Committee meetings, and animal interest group meetings.

Debra also writes a blog for Hamilton Law and Mediation and is a contributor to the Solo Practice University blog and the Canine Chronicle. She has been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report, and the New York Times.

As the principal at Hamilton Law and Mediation, PLLC—the nation’s first solo mediation practice dedicated to helping people resolve conflicts over animals—Debra uses alternative dispute resolution to help address disagreements over the family pet during divorce, neighbors’ arguments over a barking dog, and confrontations between clients and veterinarians and other professionals who work with animals. HLM also looks forward to helping animal rights and welfare advocates see the benefit of having a conversation about the best interests of all parties—especially the animals—to resolve animal-related disputes.

Debra is admitted to practice law in all New York State courts. She is certified as a mediator and collaborative professional and has worked with various court-based mediation programs in New York City (Queens-Community Mediation Service) and in Westchester and Rockland Counties in New York (Westchester and Rockland Mediation Centers).

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Pinterest   Goodreads 
Free ebook
click image then scroll down page to claim your free ebook

Series1 #2   Series1 #3   Series1 #4

My Review

I wanted to read this book for two reasons.  Firstly I know exactly how much a pet can mean to you.  I lost my beloved cat Samson a few years ago.  Secondly, I spent over 13 years working for various law firms (in marketing, not law) and I was really interested to read how mediation can solve so many problems on a much more cost -effective basis than litigation.

Debra explains that many divorce cases run into trouble when 'custody' of the pet is raised. Our pets are members of our family and mean as much to some as their children.  Rather than go to litigation where the court makes a decision which may benefit one party at the cost of the pet's happiness and where costs can run into thousands,  mediation offers a chance to come up with a solution which takes the pet into consideration and preserves the relationship between the warring spouses - at least so that the pet is taken care of.

Debra is an experienced lawyer and a mediator who is able to facilitate problem solving between people who just can't agree who should have their pet - or at least might agree if their views were at least heard and acknowledged.

Mediation is also very useful to settle disputes such as those which arise between vets and their clients, or neighbours who have had all they can take of barking dogs.

Debra offers fascinating case studies and techniques to help you deal with conflict yourself.  I have to say a lot of her advice would work just as well with bickering kids.

She offers 6 tactics for mediation which she calls "Stop, Drop & Roll" - 1.  stop talking and listen, 2. drop the need to be right, 3. let what the other party says roll off your back, 4. address the conflict, 5. keep the relationship and finally, 6. acknowedge and appreciate the other party.

All techniques which I can use on a daily basis - and I don't have a pet at the moment!

It is upsetting enough to find yourself in a relationship which is breaking down, whether romantic or with your neighbours.  Nipped In The Bud shows that using mediation is a brilliant way to handle the situation whilst being heard, getting your needs met and working out collaboratively what the best solution for the animals involved may be.

And all this without spending unnecessary money on legal fees.

That in itself makes the book worth its weight in gold.

Highly recommended.

Follow the Book Tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win $10 Amazon.com GC or Paypal Cash - 3 Winners!!
(winners choice)
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Ending on Tuesday 29th November at 11.59pm EST

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Book Review & Giveaway: The Quick Guide To Parenting by Laura Quick

Just occasionally, I find a book that makes me laugh out loud.  And this one has the double honour of making the Husband laugh out loud too.

The Quick Guide to Parenting by Laura Quick is a series of acutely observed illustrations which delve deep into family life and the inner turmoil experienced by some parents on a daily basis.

She captures the topsy-turviness, the incongruence and the self-flagellation.  Guilt, humour and love are all there in abundance.

From what they said to the man at the bus stop, to where you found the remote control, when you’re a parent, laughing at what gets hurled in your direction is beyond important. Laura has been sketching scenes from daily domestic life on her blog, The Daily Think. All the bizarre moments and ridiculous conversations that are part of being a parent are here, from the day Laura’s daughter tried to poke her finger into a dog’s rear end, to the temper tantrums, and the sense of relief when the school holidays are over.

Trained as an illustrator, working in art direction, concept development and strategy, Laura Quick is a specialist in editorial Illustration and design as well as look books, ad campaigns, and Visual Merchandising. She has worked closely with fashion photographers, artists and designers for over a decade. Laura began drawing and observing people for her blog, The Daily Think six years ago. Listening and observing at fashion shoots, in meetings, on the bus and, later on, with kids in tow, in the playground.

Laura now produces almost all her commercial work off the back of this observational and humorous style. Working for the likes of The Guardian, AnOther Magazine, The BBC, The Royal Opera House, Thames and Hudson and many more, her work moves more towards her fascination in people and their habits, their self-expression and individual characters.

Very often this kind of book can be a two minute 'flick through', usually whilst waiting for the kids to finally choose something in the bookshop but I think this one is worth perusing thoroughly and will be great to pick up when you're having an off-day - just to remind yourself that you're not going mad and this is actually what parenting is like.

It would make a great Christmas gift for exhausted mums everywhere and, if you've enough of a sense of naughtiness, to give to pregnant friends as a slightly sardonic warning that parenthood is a country for which there is absolutely no map.

You can check out Laura's very funny blog too.

"The Quick Guide To Parenting" is published by Portico, an imprint of Pavilion Books RRP £9.99.

Recent Reviews

'Charming, quirky and funny' - THE GUARDIAN, September 2016

'All parents will be able to relate to these hilariously accurate illustrations of raising children' - THE HUFFINGTON POST (UK)/PARENTS, September 2016

Beautifully drawn, honest and hilarious illustrated guide to the everyday life of a parent - MUMSNET, September 2016

'Laura Quick has perfectly captured the topsy turvy world of parenthood that all parents can relate to in one way or another in her new book' - NETMUMS, September 2016

Giveaway

I have one copy of "The Quick Guide To Parenting" to give away.  Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget and the usual terms and conditions apply.  (Please see my competitions page).  UK entrants only and the giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 4th November.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Children's Book Review: Message In A Bottle By Tom Percival & Tuire Siiriainen

I have been privileged to be a member of the launch team for this lovely personalised book for children and it's been a real eye opener to discover exactly how much work goes in to writing, designing and producing a story like this.

Personalised children's books seem to be all the rage at present and readers of this blog may recall my recent review of The Little Boy Who Lost His Name.

This book, with words by Tom Percival and illustrations by Tuire Siiriainen is different because it combines the personalisation with an educational element and is complemented by an online kids club.

Message In A Bottle tells the story of little bird Kiki, a Scarlet Hawaiian Honeycreeper  who wants to explore the world and gets her chance when she finds a message in a bottle washed up on the shore.

This message is where the personalisation comes in.  Parents, grandparents or any other gift giver can send a personalised message in the bottle which is revealed towards the end of the story.

Even cleverer, by entering your child's name and address, these details are shared at certain points in the story so that you feel Kiki is really sending a special message direct to your child.  The rolled up message has your child's name and address on it and they are referred to by name in the story.

On her journey, Kiki meets a number of other animals who help her to track down the bottle's destination, and some are more of a hindrance than a help.  Will she get the bottle and its message to the right owner?

Some of these animals are easy to recognise but one of the great points about this book is that it introduces you to new species that your child may not have learned about - for example the Plover and the Sailfish.

The team at Blueberry & Pie, (the publishers) has worked closely with Szymek Drobniak, Ph.D. of evolutionary biology to ensure that the zoological and geographical facts are accurate and true. Dr Drobniak also helped to create content for Kiki’s Kids Club.

Not only that but the route of the journey is accurate as well with the story being specifically designed to start in Hawaii and end in Europe with the animals on the way geographically true to their locations.

At Kiki's Kids Club online your child can learn more about the animals in the story by clicking on an interactive map which takes them to the right continent and ex;plains a little more about the creatures who appear.

For example, by clicking on Europe you can learn more about the Long-Eared Owl and in North America you can learn about the Grizzly Bear.  In total you can learn about 14 animal species, the same number that appears in the story.

There is also a quiz, a monthly poll and printable colouring sheets to download.

The book is beautifully produced with warm, bright illustrations and the story is long enough to keep a child interested.  I would say that the ideal age range for this book is up to around 7 years old.

Message In A Bottle is ordered on line via a simple process.

You simply add the child's name, address and then your message.  There is even a selection of templates for you to choose from to help you write your note.

We chose a message to help Caitlin face her fears and stay brave in the face of a challenge. She loved this and was even more impressed because her photograph was printed on the page (simply upload when you order).

In fact, the whole 'message' of the story is to be brave, take a risk and you'll find people (or animals!) to help you get to where you want to go - a pretty good motto for life in general.

You can the preview the book to check that you're happy that the details are correct and then check out and pay in the usual manner.

The book, which is printed in the UK, costs £19.95 with free shipping.

I think it would make a lovely, thoughtful gift for Christmas.

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Children's Book Review: The Little Boy Who Lost His Name By David Cadji-Newby & Pedro Serapicos

As parents, we all know how important it is to spend quality time reading to our children.  It's a chance within a busy day to create a safe space and a pocket of time just for parent and child to bond over a shared story.

And what better way to make the story even more special than by giving a child a book that is personalised with a message just for them?  It adds an extra bit of mystery and fun.

As we go towards Halloween and start to focus on all things mystical and spooky, younger children may prefer a story that is a little less scary and a little more magical.

The Little Boy Who Lost His Name fits the bill nicely. (Or The Little Girl ...)

This lovely story is about a child (boy or girl) who loses their name and goes on a magical journey to find it. They find their name again by being given each letter by a magical or mythical creature - and when the letters are put together their name is spelt out.

So, for example, on Ieuan's journey he meets an Imp, an Elephant, a Unicorn, an Aadrvark and a Narwhal whale.

I would say that the story is suitable for children up to about Ieuan's age (7) but probably better suited to children a little younger who are just beginning their reading journey.

The book can be further personalised in the front page with a letter from their parents (or a message from the giver of the book which would make a lovely Christmas present, or a non-sugary Halloween gift).

It also comes in a beautiful paper wallet to keep the book in good condition.

The Little Boy Who Lost His Name is independently published and produced in as environmentally friendly a way as possible.

The story has really resonated with parents and children and the book has sold over 1.7 million copies in 176 countries.

The book retails at £19.99 with free shipping worldwide and you order and customize online at the Lostmyname website.  You enter the child's name and gender, pick an avatar which reminds you most of them and enter your dedication.

A preview is then generated for you to check and approve before checking out.

Although the price isn't cheap, the quality is superb and the book is really designed more as a special keepsake with a personal touch. I think it would even make a lovely Christening / naming gift to be kept for the special moment when bedtime stories begin.

Before settling down for the night with Yoda (who needs lots of early nights because he's 900 years old apparently), Ieuan remarked that the dedication in the front was "really cool" and he enjoyed the story.

High praise from a 7 year old.

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Beck Valley Book Tour: At Dawn - An Alex Troutt Thriller (Book 4) by John W. Mefford

New Release....
Alex Troutt Thriller, Book #4
AT Dawn

FBI Special Agent Alex Troutt returns in a twisting, heart-pounding thriller. 

Three flashes of light illuminate a dark sky. An unspeakable evil devours its prey.

The shimmering view of the sun-drenched ocean can often be nothing more than a mirage. For Alex Troutt, a trip back home for a much-needed summer vacation proves only one thing: greed rules. But how it takes root could destroy her world.

Fueled by the lust of power and money, the shadow of death envelopes her seaside hometown, including those closest to Alex. But as disconnected investigations converge into one focal point, Alex will stop at nothing to blow the entire crime ring straight to hell—even if she has to make the ultimate sacrifice…her life.

Available to buy from.....

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Barnes and Noble    iBooks   Kobo   

"Alex Troutt is quickly becoming one of my favorite fictional characters. I love how she's constantly having to balance her family life and her job, even though her job is continually threatening to take over." - Sonya N

"I simply love every single one of John Mefford's novels. They keep you on the edge of your seat reading late into the night." - Michele B

"Intrigue and attempts at revenge for long held grudges – the twists and turns keeps your adrenalin pumping." - Tracy C
above reviews from the Alex Trout Series

Also available in the series...
    

My Review

Once again, John Mefford has crafted a superbly intense thriller with one of my new favourite characters, ballsy female FBI agent Alex Troutt.  

Despite the fact that she is taking a well earned beach vacation with her kids, Alex finds herself, her family and her closest friend embroiled in drive by shootings and the nefarious activities of a drugs cartel.

Then there's the missing son of a rich couple who has vanished after a night of wild partying and hasn't been seen since.

At the centre of the story is Alex's relationship with her father who, although he now seems to be on the up-and-up, appears to have got himself into a situation which is putting lives at risk.

The strands of the story are cleverly interwoven and in this 4th book, you get to know the members of Alex' family even better.  Then there are characters from the previous Alex Troutt thrillers, her crack investigative team back in Boston, including the hunky Brad, and the hilarious Archie whose hair is as funny as his priceless one-liners.

Without giving anything away, At Dawn will keep you truly gripped all night and you wonder if Alex and her family will escape their latest escapade unscathed.

Mefford's Alex Troutt is a great, believable female lead who wrestles with the very common dilemma of balancing her working life with the challenges of being a mother.  Luckily, in my own experience, there are far less bullets.

Highly recommended.

About the Author

A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

"Pop on over to my Website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ Goodreads and Amazon Author Page"

OTHER BOOKS FROM JOHN W MEFFORD

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4 Winners!!
Ending on Thursday 11th August at 11.59pm CST

Open Worldwide 

Enter HERE

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Review & Giveaway: Paleo: 12 Weeks To Change Your Life By Rebecca Field

I've made no secret of the fact that my diet is less than wholesome and I am constantly on the search for 'the' plan that is going to revolutionise my eating, my weight and my health.

Since the beginning of the year I have felt really under par which may have something to do with the fact that I have been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid.

For many years I stuck faithfully to the Rosemary Conley Low Fat Eating Plan, the merits of which have recently been questioned, not least due to the amount of sugar and bad fats which seem to abound in low fat foods.

I had heard of the Paleo diet and knew it was based on what we used to eat when we still lived in caves but, it transpires, it is so much more than that.

I was recently given a copy of Rebecca Field's "Paleo: 12 Weeks To Change Your Life - Achieve The Ultimate Transformation" which is a great introduction to the Paleo lifestyle.

The book contains a 12 Week Paleo Plan which shows you how you to take control of your life and change your eating habits and your health forever.

It's not just about losing weight but also about adopting a healthier lifestyle and the book gives you all the information you need on how to introduce these changes into your life.

Rebecca helps you to understand how your body works and interacts with the food you eat and her book includes 200 recipes as well as weekly meal plans and shopping lists. Basically all you have to do is follow and cook!

If, on the other hand, you are a bit like me and start and stop with your diet choices, you can use the book as a cookery book and enjoy the recipes.

The book is very comprehensive and contains sections on how to build your Paleo store cupboard, incorporating exercise and avoiding toxins, and also general health advice such as how to prioritise quality sleep and manage your stress.

Granola is a healthier choice for breakfast

There are lots of really helpful and honest case studies from people who have successfully adopted the plan, including the difficulties they faced - because this is about adopting a lifestyle.  It's not a quick diet fix.

Grilled Trout

There are also clear charts which tell you what you can and cannot eat.  Be warned.  Lots of your favourite foods will be banned but Rebecca shows you have to replace bad choices with foods that work with your body, rather than against.

The recipes are all in UK measurements which I prefer and the shopping lists are for 2 people so are easily doubled.

You'll find you'll be eating lots of meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, and will be cooking most foods from scratch. The recipes in this book do not contain gluten or any grains, dairy, soya, legumes and peanuts. There are a few recipes with egg in but mainly in the breakfast section.

Devotees have reported that the Paleo diet helps to alleviate depression & anxiety,  gives a lot more energy and helps tackle fatigue and brain fog.  In fact, losing weight is a side benefit to adopting this way of eating.

I am at the start of my Paleo journey and at the very least will be trying some of these recipes - for example "Sharp Asian Slaw", Pear & Walnut Waldorf Salad, Salmon with Tomato & Caper Dressing and Coconut Mango Sorbet.

You don't have to be a gourmet chef to cook these recipes (which is handy for me!).  This is simple, easy to prepare, delicious food.

Rebecca Field - #1 Amazon Best Selling Author

I would love to hear from you if you have adopted the Paleo diet.  How has it changed your health?  How easy was it to incorporate into your lifestyle?

I am determined to give this a go and if you would like to try it too you can find it at Amazon (hard back) or at Paleodietandfitness.co.uk (ebook).

GIVEAWAY

I also have one copy of Rebecca's book to give away.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter.  UK entrants only and the usual terms and conditions apply.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 22nd July 2016.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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