Alternative-Read.com: August 2009

REVIEW: The Blue Handbag by Fiona Robyn ~ Snowbooks

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

Title: The Blue Handbag
Author: Fiona Robyn
Publisher: Snowbooks
ISBN: 978-1905005994
Published: March 2009
Pages: 320
Genre: Mystery
Reviewer: Sassy Brit
Alternative-Read.com

To deal with the death of his wife Rose must be hard enough, but when he discovers some items in her blue handbag Leonard, a gentle soul, has to contend with the possibility that he doesn’t know his wife as well as he thought he did and that she may have been keeping secrets from him.

Gardener, Leonard, decides that instead of mulling things over and working himself up into a state he must take action, but peace of mind may not always lead to happiness. With the help of Lily, his wife’s old school friend, he tentatively delves into uncovering secrets which have lain dormant for years. Will he be strong enough to cope with the consequences?

Fiona Robyn writes with remarkable perception about one man’s tenacious search for answers and the knowledge that the truth may not be what he wants to hear. She strikes the perfect balance between a captivating, yet realistic plot, and the accurate portrayal of her characters’ intricate lives and the relationships they build. As this story unfolds Robyn has captured the essence of what it means to have one’s life thrown into disarray, and how it is possible to overcome life’s obstacles with caring friendships and a loving family, even though they each also have their own issues to deal with. Pickles the dog is also a sweetheart and plays an important role in Leonard’s life as his coping mechanism and faithful friend. This book made me smile, laugh out loud and shed a tear. Now, that’s what I call entertainment!

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REVIEW: The Hunger by Ciana Stone ~ Osgood Books

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

Title: The Hunger
Author: Ciana Stone
Publisher: Osgood Books
ISBN: 978-1448632534
Genre: Romantic Suspense / thriller
Reviewer: Sassy Brit
Alternative-Read.com

Desperate to reinvent herself, after a failed relationship and the suffocating affection of an overprotective father, Randall Austin moves to Key Biscayne near Miami to start afresh. But family secrets are aplenty, and Randall’s past is about to catch up with her.

With her, Randall takes a box that once belonged to her mother. Strange things happen to her and people around her are dying. Not sure if it’s her overactive writer’s imagination or the onset of madness, she is soon to realise that the box holds an evil Talisman. It’s a dangerous force with a powerful Hunger which needs sating, and nothing is going to get in its way.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Sheilds’ men are on the case, however, with no clues or leads he suggests dropping the case, but determined rookie Michael wants answers and is assigned to continue the investigation.

Ms. Stone has written a tense, paranormal thriller filled with interesting settings, a plot that deviates into a labyrinth of possibilities and an enterprising female lead whose life becomes surrounded in murder, voodoo and black magic. By blending all the twists and turns of a whodunit with a terrifying zombie astral and a splash of romance, Ms. Stone has successfully written an exciting, well-paced novel in which Randall must come to terms with her past, and face her fears as she is plunged into an unknown world where betrayal, and danger lurk around every corner and her survival depends on those she can trust. If only she knew who to trust.

REVIEW: I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse by Michael Franzese ~ Nelson Free

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

Title: I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse
Author: Michael Franzese
Publisher: NelsonFree (Thomas Nelson)
ISBN: 9781595551634
Genre: Business and Economics
Reviewer: Sassy Brit
Alternative-Read.com

Ex Mafia boss, shares insider business tips in an effort to increase your success in the business world. I have to admit part of me was thinking ‘Wait a minute, this is a man who was once a mob boss whose main business involved staying alive, while pulling in $6 to $8 million a week in both legal and illegal ways.’ But I must also admit he knows what he is talking about, and the effort he put into maintaining his status without getting ‘whacked’ -- all that power, money and danger -- must mean that his past tactics during his mobster days played a huge role in staying alive and keeping his business profitable for many years. Therefore, it follows that his now legit tips on being an experienced businessman can be easily backed up with his tenaciously focussed business plans, lots of hard work, discipline and a diplomatic, professional approach. Oh, and never putting his mouth before his brain!

I do believe this is an honest look of his past life, and much of what he says he learnt about mastering a business during his mob days can be put into place, and is already regularly used by successful business-minded people – just under another guise. For example, mastering the art of a ‘sit-down,’ a fundamental way of the La Cosa Nostra culture used to sit down to discuss and resolve issues, can replace the ‘business meeting’ and play an important role in being an effective negotiator, just by being prepared, a good listener and respectful. He also suggests that dumping the manipulative Machiavelli philosophy for Solomon’s (yes, he’s found God) to steer your course by a reliable moral and legal compass, without compromising either your value or integrity. With strategies for winning, ethical pitfalls, and information of the kind of people you need in your crew, plus more, he certainly appears to know how to get ahead in business, only this time on the level and there’s no beating around the bush, just intelligent hard facts. Although an alternative idea for a business book, I did enjoy Michael Franzese’s writing style and unique way of putting things in a way which made perfect sense.

This book also has an added bonus, it’s a NelsonFree, which means when you purchase the print (hardcover) version, you also get two additional formats, a free audio book and a free ebook. Now, that’s value for money! Wouldn't it be great if British publishers could take a leaf out of their book.

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REVIEW: Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man by Harry E. Gilleland

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

Title: Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man
Author: Harry E. Gilleland
Publisher: LuLu.com
Published 2008
ISBN: 9781435715423
Genre: Poetry
Reviewer: Sassy Brit
Alternative-Read.com

To me poetry can be seen as rather personal to the poet and the intended meanings that come from deep within the poet’s heart and soul are not always clear to me, but I have to say I enjoyed (and understood) many of these storoems and poems in this collection. In fact, Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man was an enjoyable, stimulating read. Gilleland’s simple, forthright style is part of this poet’s charm. This doesn’t mean it lacks depth, far from it, the subjects he writes about are all things I can relate to, people, emotions, relationships, animals and disasters for example, which brought a whole range of emotions to the surface, from happy to sad. At the bottom of a couple of poems are brief explanations to what inspired him, which is a nice touch. I have to say I do have a preference for rhyming poems, storoems, limericks and acrostic poems, but for those who like free-verse, he has written those as well, and with over 80 poems there is plenty to chose from. All in all I was pleasantly surprised with this collection, and I am enjoying being able to pick this book up and reread various poems at my leisure. In addition, this book has also won the Readers Views 2009 Reviewers Choice Award. Other books by this author include, Poetry for the Common Man, Gilleland Poetry, Bob the Dragon Slayer (prose) and White Lightening Road (prose).

REVIEW: Endless Chase, Dalakis Passion, Book 5 by N.J. Walters from Ellora's Cave

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: WitchGiggles

Title: Endless Chase, Dalakis Passion, Book 5
Author: N. J. Walters
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Website of Publisher: http://www.ellorascave.com
Genre: Romantica/Erotica/Vampire
Publication Date: May 2009
ISBN: 9781419919954
Length: Plus Novel
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

When you've spent an entire year searching through the garbage that inhabits the world looking for the trash that murdered your parents, nothing is going to keep you from seeing that particular journey finished. That's what Katya Markova thought until she met Chase. Now nothing is as it should be,her heart is telling her what cannot be and her involvement in this nasty underworld is now on the Dalakis doorstep.

All Chase Deveraux wants is to create and protect his family (although they can pretty much take care of themselves). Then he meets Katya and things change in an instant; the chemistry between them is flaming, yet she is at times secretive and distant. All he wants is this lithe woman who makes his blood burn, but not at the cost of his family. So it seems he must find a way to get at the truth of not only who she is, but what she wants with his family before there is damage done to them.

I like my vamps, I like the women strong, the men stronger, but most of all I love it when they make the women smart. Katya is an upstanding, fair-minded individual with morals ingrained from childhood while Chase is a compassionate man whose background leads him to be more understanding. This one was a bit different from the norm in only the best of ways (and nope I am not telling how- spoiler, spoiler), and I enjoyed immensely the fact that it was done with intellect, wit, style and a delicate trace of humor to make this one a "sit back and enjoy" read that can be savored. I will say that there are unexpected turns and shifts that catch you a bit off guard, but this just makes it more fun to read.

REVIEW: Magnificent Man by Randall Lang from Midnight Showcase

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: WitchGiggles

Title: Magnificent Man
Author: Randall Lang
Website of Author: www.randalllang.com
Website of Publisher: www.midnightshowcase.com
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: June 2009
ISBN: ISSN 155-5488 Vol.59-03SE
Length: 202 Pages
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

What happens when a Hollywood "glamour queen" finds herself abandoned on a desert highway? Enough to make her glad when a gorgeous man on a motorcycle rescues her. Coyote calls her "My Lady" and treats her as though she is the most precious thing on Earth; thus begins the journey of a lifetime and Cassandra Taylor learns more about life and herself than she ever thought possible.
Coyote is a man in touch with the people and the land he travels regularly. Rescuing Cassandra starts to bring him more in touch with his own emotions that have been buried for a long time and he begins a journey of discovery of his own.
At first I thought this was going to be boring; then it got more interesting and when I got into a bit more the precept intrigued me intensely. To truly get to know and love someone simply for the goodness of their soul? Is it really possible? This is a question that not only bore thinking about, but continued to remain foremost as I continued to read. This is a well written tale over all, but I must admit that in a few places it came across as too unreal and therefore a bit detracting from the story, yet that question kept at me and in the end I decided that yes it is possible to love someone simply for the goodness of their soul. I am after all a romantic and think that there is a reason that we love who we do and it's usually destined. For all the small things that detracted, there were more that made me smile, brought a tear and even laugh occasionally, yet it was the tenderness with which he treated people that made the biggest impact.

The High Life by Terry Sanville

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Clayton Bye

Title: The High Life
Author: Terry Sanville
Publisher: Eternal Press
Released: July 2009
eBook ISBN: 978-1-926704-23-4
Print ISBN: 978-1-926704-32-6
Length: 27 pages, 5,665 words
Genre: Science Fiction/Romance

Buy Now

The year is 2098, and much of the Southern California coastline has been flooded by melting Polar icecaps. The rich live solitary lives in condominiums bolted to the underside of old freeway flyovers, while impoverished "dung people" live in communities amidst the new marshlands. Jacqueline is CFO of a company dedicated to bringing new products to world markets. When she helps Desmond, one of the dung people, escape from the condo company’s deadly Security Forces, they begin to develop a relationship. What happens next is surprising and will hopefully provoke you to think about cultural evolution.

Terry Sanville’s The High Life is speculative fiction the way it should be done. The futuristic setting, technology and character behavior are integral parts of the story. His writing is professional, crisp and interesting. What this author manages to pack into 27 pages is more entertaining than some novels I’ve read.

Spend a couple of bucks. The High Life is worth it.

BOOK EXCERPT: NOW IN PRINT (PG) The Amoveo Series: The Amoveo Legacy by Sara Taney Humphreys

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

The Amoveo Series: The Amoveo Legacy is now in PRINT!

Buy Here: http://www.amazon.com/Amoveo-Legacy-Sara-Taney-Humphreys/dp/1554872774/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244992191&sr=8-2

New Release!

Paranormal Romance of a Different Breed!

The Amoveo Series: The Amoveo Legacy

Author: Sara Taney Humphreys

Contemporary Paranormal Romance

http://novelromance.net

http://sarataneyhumphreys.com

http://amoveoromanceseries.blogspot.com

Suddenly, Sam got the eerie feeling of being watched and knew she was no longer alone in her revelries. She froze and clutched her robe closed. She swallowed hard, afraid to open her eyes. Sam cursed silently at her silliness and slowly cracked one eye open. There was no one in her room, the door was still closed. I'm being ridiculous. Just as she let out a sigh of relief, she heard a clicking noise behind her. She slowly turned around and her body froze at the sight before her. Perched on her window sill was the exact same bird she'd seen in her dream and identical to the one she'd drawn on her canvas. Samantha stood there with wide eyes, uncertain what to do. "Holy crap," she whispered.

The giant bird puffed up, bronze feathers glinting in the light. It shook its head as though displeased with her response.

"Sorry. Nice, birdie," she said through a strained, almost hysterical giggle.

The giant creature didn't move.

It just sat there staring at her, silently watching her with glowing yellow eyes. Sam didn't know what to do so she stared back. Eventually her artist's eye began to study the specimen before her. Her fear soon became replaced by curiosity. It was a mammoth bird of prey, an eagle, she thought, but reminded herself she'd have to look it up later. Its feathers shone with bright streaks in varying hues of browns and bronzes. They glinted brightly in golden flashes with even the slightest movement. She eyed its large taloned feet and sharp, hooked beak. Sam shuddered at the damage they could likely do.

The eyes were the same piercing yellow she remembered from her dream. They didn't move from her face. As she stared into the eyes of her feathered visitor, she got the oddest sense of familiarity.. She felt like it was intentionally sitting there so she could study it, like some kind of bizarre introduction. Feeling an unusual bravery, Sam slowly reached out to touch it.

Katie ~ Promotions Manager

prp_katie@yahoo.com

AR EVENTS: Events to plan ahead for

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

New events will be added here -- come back soon!

Monthly All Day Chats

in our

Alternative-Readers

Yahoo group

Click here to join in with the fun.

Author / Book chat with:

Saturday -- 12th December -- All Day Book Party with the Logical Lust "Swing Anthology" authors. Click here for more details of the authors attending and prizes available!

Monday -- 21st December -- Phoenix Rising Promotions and their clients

See below for the free ebooks you get for joining our Alternative-Readers Yahoo Group.

Free eBooks when you join the AR Yahoo group!

NEW GIVEAWAY! Mary Jane Clark - Dying for Mercy

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

AR GIVEAWAYS!

Closing date, 19th September, 2009 (Rosh Hashanah) -- INT'L!
X2 copies of a new thriller by author Mary Jane Clark called Dying for Mercy
Sassy/AR INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY RULES APPLY -- to enter, read the rules and then leave a comment here! Good luck!

Check out this great interview piece Mary Jane did with CBS Early Show White House producer BJ D’Elia, as he is one of the main characters in Dying for Mercy!

Watch CBS Videos Online

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Mary Jane Clark has written 12 novels, all set in the high stakes world of broadcast journalism. She worked at CBS News headquarters in New York City for three decades, her experience there leading her to create KEY, a fictional television network. What her characters can get involved in as they cover their assignments is as varied as the stories on the morning or evening news. Her media thrillers are published in 22 languages.

Fast-moving, unpredictable, and always changing, the television news world offers a never-ending stream of ideas for Clark’s books. Her writing style has been described as “clear and speedy.” Influenced by years of writing television news stories, where every second counts, she gets right to the action in her suspense novels, in which every word is a clue.

The daughter of a FBI agent, Clark grew up in Westwood, New Jersey, and graduated from the University of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two grown children and lives in New Jersey and Florida. She spends her time researching her next novel, writing, concocting new plots while walking the beach, decorating ,and supporting causes close to her heart, including research for a cure or treatment for fragile X syndrome.

With thanks to Katrina, a marketing manager at the digital agency Wiredset for this great giveaway!

A complete listing of all Alternative-Read.com giveaways (past & present) can be found by following this link:
AR Giveaways!

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COMPETITIONS & GIVEAWAYS: AR and Blogging Friends

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

As you can tell, I am updating my above links. On this page you will be able to find the latest giveaways that I am hosting. I will also happily add any other giveaways that my blogging friends have on their site, too.

If you have a giveaway and you would like it mentioned here, either leave a comment or email me with the link, your location, the locations you will send the prizes to, and closing date.

Likewise, if you would like to offer a giveaway for this blog, please contact me.
Sassy dot Brit at gmail dot com
Thanks!

AR GIVEAWAYS!

October

Curse of the Tahiéra by Wendy Gillissen
Click here to enter!

Sabotagage by Bill Donohue AND Leaning into God; When Life is Pushing You Away by Robert A. Schuller x 2 winners

A complete listing of all Alternative-Read.com giveaways can be found by following this link:
AR Giveaways!

Giveaway Rules!

PLEASE check the rules before entering, I don't want to see any disappointed faces! :)
Sassy /AR Hachette Book Group Giveaways -- RULES -- link coming soon
Sassy/AR UK ONLY Giveaways -- RULES-- link coming soon
Sassy/AR INTERNATIONAL Giveaways -- RULES --

What's Sassy won?

If you are interested, I am starting to build a page dedicated to my competition wins, which can be found here:
Sassy Wins!

Friends and their giveaways!

Here are some other giveaways, which may also interest you;

Over at Popin's Lair she has a fantastic giveaway!
ARC of Kitty's House of Horrors by Carrie Vaughn
and The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum
Closing, October 7 - USA & CAN ONLY

Giveaway today -- always have something daily up for grabs!

Closing, 30th September - USA & CAN only
Eleni is giving away 2 Books -
Secret Society by Tom Dolby and Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles -

Closing, 24th September 2009
Bearbits -- Teddy

Have fun!

Please say where you saw the competitions- thanks!

Please always check the rules of each competition as they may vary and since I am only human, I may make the odd mistake -- hard to believe I know! :))

I will post each giveaway of mine as separate blog posts, however, this is the place to visit to find them all in one go.

Enjoy, and good luck, everyone!

Alternative-Read.com: The "Inside Story" by Sassy Brit and her Gang!
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Chat and Promo Group
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SASSY UK & INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY RULES:

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

Sassy/AR INTERNATIONAL Giveaways
-- RULES--

FOR UK AND ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD

Become a BLOG or FACEBOOK follower (or see sidebar to 'like') AND Comment to say:
1) you follow
2) your email address
so I can contact you if you are the winner!
*This instantly counts as TWO entries--BUT you have to do both!* Thank you!
Three entries if you follow both this blog AND Facebook. :)

P.O. Boxes are fine!

You must always add your email to each comment you leave!

Extra Entries
For each individual tweet or post/join/digg etc. you can come back here and leave a separate comment (with your email address)
*Unlimited extra entries*

How?

NEW! Add our logo (above) & LINK back to our site!
either http://www.alternative-read.com
or this blog http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com
(Let me know if you and leave email -- in comments)
*TEN EXTRA ENTRIES*

For loyal followers (Facebook)
(Let me know if you already follow, leave email -- in comments)

*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES*

Join the Readers and Reviewers Twitter Twibe!
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
*FIVE extra entries*

For loyal followers (Google)
(Let me know if you already follow, leave email -- in comments)
*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES*

Digg this post!
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
*FIVE extra entries*

Become a networking blog follower (find these in blog sidebar)
(Let me know if you are already-- in comments)
*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES*

Link back to THE GIVEAWAY post/
(leave a link to your blog so I can come and visit!)
*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES*

Sign the AR Guest book!
Between now and the end of the competition
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
**FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES*
(Only one guest book entry per giveaway)

Mention the giveaway on Facebook
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES-PER MENTION*

Mention the giveaway on MySpace
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES-PER MENTION*

Follow me on Twitter!
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES*

Re-tweet this post! If you follow me on Twitter I will see it!
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES PER TWEET/RT*

Follow me on Digg.com
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
*FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES*

Comment in the AR Yahoo group!
Between now and the end of the competition
You get free ebooks and can join in with author chats using this method
(Let me know you have -- in comments)
*One extra entry*

Yeah, I am everywhere! LOL

Good Luck to everyone.

If you are interested, I am starting to build a page dedicated to my competition wins, which can be found here:
Sassy Wins!

For Sassy/AR Hachette Book Group Giveaway Rules click *HERE*
For Sassy/AR UK ONLY Giveaway Rules click *HERE*

Alternative-Read.com: The "Inside Story" by Sassy Brit and her Gang!
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WHAT'S ON YOUR DESK WEDNESDAY?
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BOOK BLOG MEMES!

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

I host
What's on Your Desk Wednesday?

Check out the meme MySpace page
and these flickr photos!

Below are the details (copy & paste) of how to play;

What's on your desk Wednesday? is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Sassy Brit of Alternative-Read.com . Check her blog out each Wednesday for the post titled What's on your desk Wednesday?

You can do one of two things or both!

Grab a camera and take a photo of your desk! Or anywhere you stack your books/TBR pile. And no tidying! Add this photo to your blog.Tag at least 5 people! Come back here and leave a link back to your photo in comments.
List at least 5 BOOKISH things on your desk (I'm thinking your TBR pile or books you haven't shelved...) List at least 5 NON BOOK things. (I'm thinking some of some of the more unusual items on your desk/table?) Tag at least 5 people to do the same. Come back here and leave your link, so we can come and visit your blog. Or add your answers in the comments if you don't have a blog.

Feel free to grab the above picture to place on your blog - as a way of showing you are participating, and of course to spread the word!

Have fun!

Thank you everyone for taking the time to come here and comment. It's truly appreciated. I aim to get back to everyone as soon as possible.

Sassy
:)

N.B. For those of you who already know me, you may have spotted that this is a different take on my "DESK DARE" feature, only I've smoothed it around the edges, given it a new look - it's the same thing, just more refined. :) Check out these flickr photos! Your pics will be automatically added -- unless you say otherwise.

Also, please don't feel pressurised into tagging, just do what feels right for you. The main aim here is to have fun with this.

Other memes I take part in!

More to be added soon!

Alternative-Read.com: The "Inside Story" by Sassy Brit and her Gang!
Blog
FaceBook
Monthly Giveaway!
Chat and Promo Group
We are actively seeking staff!
WHAT'S ON YOUR DESK WEDNESDAY? Book Blog Meme!
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BLOG AWARDS: Just a small way to say THANK YOU

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

Thank you!

Check out the awards, which I have for my readers, reviewers and authors -- below!

Thank you, Blodeuedd

From Carolyn, thank you!

Thank you, Grace!

Thank you, Yvonne!

Thank you, Linda!

Thank you, Jaime and Caspette

Thank you, Eleni

Thank you, Nats, Eleni and Harvee

Thank you, LadyBug

Thank you, Jo Scrawls

Thanks, Best Blog of the Day!
And to the person who nominated us :)

Thank you, thank you, thank you -- everyone who voted!

You might also like to check out the AWARDS I have for book bloggers, authors, and reviewers.

Awards and logos

AR Awards & logos to add to your website

For Authors

More coming soon!

(Larger size-adjustable pics are available)

The Sassy's Seal of Approval
is awarded by me. As you have probably noticed, on AR we do not dish out ratings. We either like a book or we don't. Usually we have good reasons to both like and dislike 'parts' of a book. There are, however, some cases where we feel that this is just not enough and this is where our prestigious award comes in.

To be awarded the Sassy's Seal of Approval and have it displayed on their website, (with link back to AR) an author must have written an outstanding book of excellence, in the eyes of Sassy.

We will not be handing these out to every Tom, Dick or Harry. Unless of course your name is Tom, Dick or Harry and you have written a book of excellence. :D

With fictional books we will be looking for an enticing plot, interesting and believable characters we really care for and a fully developed story with a good beginning, middle and end! Not forgetting that extra rush of excitement gained as we are swept along with a story we could not put down.

Non-fiction books should have the ability to hold one's interest, reveal exciting, possibly life changing news, which empower and inspire. These are often valuable guides and resources, which also supply us with that familiar book buzz we so love when reading something that captures our heart and really 'speaks' to us; mind, body and soul.
A good cover is also a bonus!

Awarded to:

Sharon Maria Bidwell

(As you can see I don't give them out willy-nilly!)

For Reviewers to Award

The Award is yet to be unveiled LOL

The AR Reviewer's Revered Read
This is awarded by other AR reviewers, the permanent members of staff that I know will only give this out to authors that truly deserve this prestigious honour.

For an author's book to be awarded the The AR Reviewer's Revered Read and have it displayed on their website, (with link back to AR) they must have written an outstanding book of excellence, in the eyes of one of our trusted, and very good, AR reviewers.

As with the Sassy Seal of Approval, this award will not be handed out to every Tom, Dick or Harry. Unless of course your name is Tom, Dick or Harry and you have written a book of excellence.

With fictional books we will be looking for an enticing plot, interesting and believable characters we really care for and a fully developed story with a good beginning, middle and end! Not forgetting that extra rush of excitement gained as we are swept along with a story we could not put down.

Non-fiction books should have the ability to hold one's interest, reveal exciting, possibly life changing news, which empower and inspire. These are often valuable guides and resources, which also supply us with that familiar book buzz we so love when reading something that captures our heart and really 'speaks' to us; mind, body and soul.

They can be of any genre, but must be reviewed by a highly impressed
permanent member of AR staff

Send review requests to:
Sassy Brit
Sassy[dot]Brit[at]gmail[dot]com

If you require a review of a book, which falls into the genre of erotica, please contact:
Trisha Collins:
alternative[dot]read[dot]publishers[dot]requests[at]inbox[dot]com

For our Readers

Alternative-Readers

Spreading Blog Love!

This one I award to bloggers. This will be given in recognition of their dedication and enthusiasm in sharing informative and entertaining book news, plus to acknowledge the growing friendships that blog love spreads. Book lovers are truly an inspiration to us all and this is my way of simply saying thank you, I love your blog!

I call it the
The Saturday Sassy Stamp of Approval!
Awarded to:

http://booknerdextraordinaire.blogspot.com/ -- Jaime's Jewell of a place!
http://www.bookchickcity.com/ -- The Book Chic Carolyn!
The equally infamous Eleni! @ http://www.lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/
E.H> of Erotic Horizon fame
MizB17 @ Should be Reading! Check out this and her other blogs.
"Inky" Jo, of Ink and Paper Fantasy Reviews
Lovely Ladybug, of Escape in a Book
Nise' "The Wise", of Under the Boardwalk

SASSY WINS: My winning items listing!

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

For those of you interested I thought it would be nice to show off my "Sassy Wins!" It's also a nice way of giving the competition organiser a mention, as a way of saying THANK YOU!

I haven't been entering competitions for very long and feel I've been very lucky.

September 2009
16 -- Colditz The Full Story - Thanks to Panmacmillon

August 2009
5th -- The Celebrity Bride -- Alison Kervin from Carolyn

July 2009
2nd -- The 5th Horseman -- James Patterson from Staci

June 2009
24th -- The World Below -- Sue Miller from Bloomsbury.com

Non-Book win!
15th -- Tickets to see The Ashes!

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