Posts Categorized: utah authors

Blog Tour and Author Guest Post: The Shadow Prince by Bree Despain

06 Apr, 2014 by in book tour, bree despain, egmont, utah authors, YA fiction 7 comments

shadow_prince

 

Book Summary

Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.

A pulsating romance of epic proportions, Bree Despain’s The Shadow Prince will leave her fans breathless for the next book in the Into The Dark series.

Purchase * Goodreads

Author Guest Post

Incorporating Mythology into THE SHADOW PRINCE, Part Two

Yesterday, I presented Part One of this post over on Jenna Does Books (http://jennadoesbooks.com/) in which I discussed the mythology that inspired the character of Daphne Raines from THE SHADOW PRINCE. Today, I want to share with you the mythological inspirations behind her counterpart (and co-narrator) Haden Lord.

While Daphne is the embodiment of someone who believes in free will, choices, and goals, Haden is the embodiment of somebody who believes whole-heartedly in fate and destiny. So much so that if someone suggests that they have a choice in their own path in life, he considers this to be a blasphemous statement. Obviously, this puts him at odds with Daphne from their very first meeting.

Haden is based loosely on the Greek god Hades, but his inspiration comes from two very different places. The first inspiration for this book came from the song, “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Deathcab for Cutie. This song got me thinking about the idea of someone choosing to follow someone else “into the dark” (or the unknown, as I like to think of it) for the sake of love. But then I started thinking about what it would be like to be the person who had to ask their beloved to follow him into the dark. What if this person believed this was their destiny—and that the fate of the world depended on it? But what if it also meant that the person they loved would be put in grave danger, and may even die? The conflicted emotions this conjured inside of me were what I created the character of Haden around.

The second inspiration for Haden came from the concept of the “Hero’s Journey” or the Monomyth as Joseph Campbell calls this idea in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Campbell postures that there is a basic pattern that thousands of stories from the most ancient to the modern day follow.

The pattern goes like this:

“A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.” – Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1949. p.23.

This pattern can be found in many Greek myths such as Hercules and Perseus, and is definitely the basis of more modern stories such as THE LORD OF THE RINGS, STAR WARS, and HARRY POTTER. In researching mythology and story telling in preparation for writing THE SHADOW PRINCE, I encountered stories that followed the hero’s journey over and over again, and became interested in the idea of using this pattern—but also turning it on its head in the process. Instead of taking a character from the “common” world and thrusting him into a supernatural one, I decided to do the opposite. I took Haden out of the mystical Underrealm and plopped him into our modern human world.

Typically in the hero’s journey, the hero is presented with supernatural tools such as a magic wand or an elfin sword—but Haden has his sword and armor taken away from him and instead given an iPhone, credit card, and Youtube in order to navigate the human world. While some of the challenges Haden faces would be called “fabulous forces” some of his biggest trials come from ordinary, everyday things like surviving the school cafeteria, learning how to sing, and figuring out how to get a girl to like you without causing her to punch you in the face instead. And the “boon” Haden is supposed to bring back to his realm (Daphne herself) has no interest in participating in Haden’s quest—which puts the idea of decisive victory pretty much out of the question.

So what is a hero, who believes whole-heartedly in destiny, supposed to do when his fated quest gets completely messed up? THE SHADOW PRINCE is my exploration of this question.

About the Author

Bree Despain is the author of The Dark Divine trilogy: The Dark Divine, The Lost Saint, and The Savage Grace. She rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off from college to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner-city teens from Philadelphia and New York. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, two young sons, and her beloved TiVo. You can visit her online at www.breedespain.com.

The Giveaway

One Signed Copy of The Shadow Prince by Bree Despain compliemnts of Egmont USA. US/Canada only. Void where prohibited.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Spotlight and Author Photo Shoot- Jenny Moore {Becoming Lady Lockwood}

07 Nov, 2013 by in Heather Gardner Photography, utah authors 4 comments

Author Jenny Moore
All rights reserved Heather Zahn Gardner

I had the amazing opportunity to do another author photo shoot this week. Each time I meet new writers and hear their success stories from draft to publishing, I am inspired. 
Jenny Moore is working with me this year as a Whitney Awards judge. After the slew of emails I forward on to her each week, we finally met! 
Her book Becoming Lady Lockwood is expected to hit shelves July 2014 from Covenant. It’s so new it hasn’t even hit goodreads or amazon yet– but watch for this one, a Regency romance (don’t we all love them?)
And isn’t she beautiful? It’s all in the eyes…
View the other favorites from our sitting on the official website or Facebook page for Heather Gardner Photography.

Jenny Moore Bio: Who am I? Isn’t that the big question. Depends who you ask. I’m currently defined by labels such as “Mom” or “PTA Board Member” or “Primary President.” But deep inside of me, there is a struggling writer trying her best to squirm her way to the surface to earn a label of her own. Here’s hoping she doesn’t get too distracted by all the chocolate in there!

Wife, mom, romance writer, eclectic reader,Guitar Hero champion, shoe addict, and lover of all things chocolate.

Learn more about author Jenny Moore on her website/ twitter

Deseret Book Ladies Night Book Signings

02 Oct, 2011 by in utah authors 14 comments

Last night I was able to attend another wonderful book event at Deseret Book. On hand to sign their books were several local authors as well as musicians.

Tyler Whitesides author of Janitors


Lisa Mangum author of The Hourglass Door

Brenda Hopkin author of Lion House Recipes

Me with Heidi S Swinton author of To The Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson

Author of ~Love Life and See Good Days~ Emily Freeman

Singer/songwriter Cherie Call

Author of 101 Gourmet Cake Bites- Wendy Paul

Author of Ammon- Heather B Moore


{My First Story of the First Christmas} author Deanna Draper Buck

Thanks so much to Deseret Book Midvale and Flagship stores for another wonderful event! All photos copyright Heather Zahn Gardner.

To enter to win a prize pack of bookmarks from some of the authors simply comment below. Giveaway ends October 16, 2011 and is open internationally.

Book Review and Giveaway- Daughter Of Helaman

05 May, 2011 by in misty moncur, utah authors 23 comments

Daughter of Helaman
by Melissa Moncur
Paperback, 208 pages
Expected publication: May 8th 2011
by Bonneville
ISBN 1599554976
5 stars

Nearly a thousand boys are camped in the training ground in Melek, and more arrive each day with their swords strapped to their backs. Some are bold, others are anxious—but all are curious. Is it true, they wonder, that young boys are really forming a militia to assist the Nephite armies?

Keturah hides her secret desire to fight in the stripling army as she watches the boys from the trees. But she believes that if God can protect a boy then He can protect a girl too, and persuades Gideon, a handsome and dark-eyed warrior, to meet her in the woods and teach her to use her weapons. Nearly betrothed to Zeke, she should hardly be spending so much time in the woods with another boy. No one will approve, especially not Zeke, but Keturah has to follow her heart.

By the time Captain Helaman takes command of the striplings, Keturah is armed, she is ready, and she is done watching from the trees.

Adventurous and romantic, the story of the pretty Ammonite girl who felt compelled to fight for the Nephite homeland, learned to follow the Spirit, and fell in love while doing it is both faith inspiring and unforgettable.

Keturah is a strong willed girl who believes she has a heart of a warrior. So when her brothers and closest friend Zeke begin training for war under the leadership of Helaman, she begins training of her own. Hiding away in the forest near the falls, she strengthens herself with a sword, an axe, the cimeter and a bow. The village would say that a young girl of the age to be betrothed has no place wielding a sword. Her mother would have her doing women’s work and staying out of harm’s way. But Keturah is determined she will soon be the only daughter of Helaman to step onto the field as a stripling warrior. She will defend her country and her kin with no regard to what others may say.

Misty Moncur takes a well known scene from the pages of scripture and infuses it with vivid color. This is a story set in the Ancient Americas but made for our time. A tale of faith and courage-of following your heart against all odds. Youth and adults will feel torn as Keturah between Zeke, her childhood friend whom she loves and Gideon, warrior of little words who would challenge Zeke’s hand. I was impressed with the way the author made the story of the armies of Helaman and made it come to life. I am holding out for a book two to answer the unresolved pieces of plot behind Keturah’s heritage, her choice in love, and the action in battle. Daughter of Helaman is a book I would recommend to all readers who enjoy ancient American history, adventure and Book Of Mormon heroes with true courage.

To learn more about the author visit her website at http://mistymoncur.blogspot.com/ and be sure comment below for your chance to win your own copy of Daughter of Helaman compliments of Misty Moncur. US entries only please. Giveaway ends June 6, 2011. Head on over to Goodreads for a second shot at winning!

07 Mar, 2011 by in utah authors, utah book bloggers Leave a comment

Photos by Heather Gardner Photography

Saturday I attended the Utah Book Blogger Winter social and got to meet/see some of my very favorite people. We even walked out with a few new books in hand from the book swap. There is a huge group of awesome bloggers and authors from Utah who showed up! Click on over and support their sites.

Sheralynn Pratt author of the Rhea Jensen Series

Emily’s Reading Room

Lisa Mangum author of the Hourglass Door trilogy

Brodi Ashton author of Everneath

Emily Wing Smith author of Back When You were Easier To Love

Bree Despain author of The Dark Divine series

Matt Kirby author of Clockwork Three

Nichole Giles author of Sharp Edge of A Knife

Megan from Poseysessions

LDS Women’s Book Reviews

Megan Bishop from Library Showgirl

LT Eliot author of Stolen Christmas

Debbie from Cranberryfries

Penelope from The Reading Fever

Natasha from Mawbooks

Margot from the Damsel in Dis Dress

Reader Mindy from LDSWBR

MjMBecky One Reader Nut

SueySays at It’s All Bout Books

Catie from BookBound

Holly Bally at Book Harbinger

Chersti Nieveen

Jenilyn Tolley

Artist and blogger Douglas Cooty

Children’s author Rick Walton

Jenn Johannsen author of Insomniac and Kinetic
Dearest Dreams
Alison at So Many Books So Little Time

If I missed any of you, please forgive me and introduce yourself in my comments. I will add you to the blogroll! Leave your twitter handle so we can hook up there @fireicephotos. And if you are in Utah and a book blogger be sure to join our group on NING. View all the photos on twitter and smugmug.

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Book Review- Possession by Elana Johnson

07 Mar, 2011 by in Possession, simon schuster, utah authors 6 comments

Possession
By Elana Johnson
Expected publication: June 7, 2011
by Simon & Schuster
ISBN 139781442417618
5 stars
Summary: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them…starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous–everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn. This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

I first picked up this book from Simon Schuster as an E-ARC and then last week when I got a paper copy in the mail you know what I did? Something I’ve only ever done with a handful of books…I read it again. The paper in my hands and the awesome cover was too big a temptation to pass up. I loved Possession even more the second time around with it’s layers of meaning and depth. Once you know what’s going on with the main characters and reach the surprise ending, I’m sure you will want to do the same.

I felt an immediate draw to Possession’s protagonist Vi with her sarcastic, fiery personality. She is one strong 15 year old who stands up for herself and isn’t afraid to throw punches. Victoria Schoenfeld is a water worker living in the Goodlands with mom after her father went missing and sister died working in the hands of the government. Vi’s a free thinker who’s had more than one brush with the law. So when she’s caught crossing borders to meet her match Zenn, a newly recruited special forces agent, the Greenies want consequences for Vi. They wish to rule a society where their model citizens, Goodies are “walking paper dolls” devoid of personality. All must plug into transmissions including messages about not lying and sticking to the rules. But Vi has stopped plugging in and has a mind of her own. Those in charge have an upper hand with advanced technology capable of modifying memories, scanning fingerprints and tracking identities. Vi can feel the tech in her bones and though her father invented it, she’s not convinced it’s not all that it seems. In the end it’s a choice for Vi between “control or don’t control, alone or together, Zenn or Jag, duty or death.” (p.366)

Jag…oh Jag. Bad boy who likes to read, leader of the Resistance, lover of wicked hair and distributor of hair gel & illegal tech. He stole my heart with his laughter, calmness, and laid back personality. He’ll snag yours the first time he utters the words “nice” and shrugs his shoulders. But readers beware that Jag is not alone in his efforts to win Vi and freedom, Zenn is fighting behind enemy lines.

Elana Johnson is genius. She’s crafted characters that push and pull you in all directions. There is not a clear cut line between what is bad and what is good. The last 1/3 of the book feels like a choose your own adventure quest for the truth, full of action and suspense. Possession is an ingenious mix of dystopian, paranormal and science fiction that had me thinking long after I finished the book. If you’re a fan of Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series, prepare yourself for something even more mind blowing. Control or be controlled? Join the Resistance.

Interview With YA Author Sara Zarr

22 Jan, 2011 by in author interview, book giveaway, once was lost, sara zarr, utah authors 8 comments

Today Fire and Ice is pleased to introduce YA author Sara Zarr. I’ve met Sara at a couple of book related events and she is always very down to earth & friendly. She’s one very talented woman.

Author Bio: “Sara is the acclaimed author of three novels for young adults: Story of a Girl (National Book Award Finalist), Sweethearts (Cybil Award Finalist), and Once Was Lost (a Kirkus Best Book of 2009, Utah Book Award winner, INSPY winner). Her short fiction and essays have appeared in Image, Hunger Mountain online, Response, and several anthologies. Sara’s fourth young adult novel will be published in early 2012. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, and online at http://www.sarazarr.com/.”

Here’s what Sara had to say in our exclusive interview about her latest book, “Once Was Lost…”

Once Was Lost was inspired by the story of Elizabeth Smart. Tell us a little bit of her background and what moved you about it.

Elizabeth Smart was taken from her bedroom in the middle of the night, back in 2002, here in Salt Lake. It was so incredibly sad, and I was certain that there was no hope. I’d see the blue ribbons people put up around the neighborhood and think, “When you take those down? How do you know when to give up hope?” I thought about that question as applied to life in general, and started asking the what-if questions that lead to a story–What if I were a teen in Elizabeth’s community? What if I sort of knew her? What would that feel like? Etc. And when she was found, alive, it forced me to re-think all my ideas about “too late.”

Samara is an unique name, any reason you picked it?

I can’t remember, except that in my mind her name was Sam, but it wasn’t short for Samantha. So I think I started looking for other names that could be shortened to Sam. The fact that she’s a pastor’s daughter and the name sounds biblical helped.

What is the overall message you hope readers glean from Once Was Lost?

I don’t hope for a message. I always hope readers connect with the story, that it feels real to them. First, I want them to enjoy reading. Second, it’s nice if the story compels them to think more deeply about some aspect of life…whatever aspect that the book brought up for them.

Samara’s parents are far from perfect. Is there anything you wish her father or mother would have done differently?

Ha! Yes, of course, a lot. Her father should have talked more openly about what was going on in the family. Her mother should have returned her calls. But, as readers can see in all my books, parents are flawed humans, like all of us. They, and we, don’t always have the courage or wisdom to do what’s best for everyone.

Tell us a little bit about your aversion to facebook and too much social media.

Well, I actually love social media. I’m a Twitter fiend. My issues with Facebook are: It is really difficult on Facebook to keep my private/family life separate from my public life as an author. FB does provide some tools to help you “manage your identity” to different groups of people, but the tools are complicated and, based on past “privacy oversights”, I don’t trust them. I don’t like the categorization of life it forces you into. It just makes me uneasy. Recently, there was a “glitch” by which everyone who listed Salt Lake as their hometown got a link put on their profile to the Salt Lake Visitor’s Bureau. That kind of stuff drives me nuts!

In general, I think we all live too much through screens. I try to set limits for myself and notice when I’ve gone over that tipping point between fun and connection, and mindless clicking.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I do! My fourth book, HOW TO SAVE A LIFE, will be out in about a year. I’m very excited about it. It’s about two girls, Mandy and Jill, whose worlds collide when Jill’s mom decides to adopt Mandy’s baby.

Ten books that have influenced your life.

In no particular order…

THE CHOCOLATE WAR by Robert Cormier
MYSTERY AND MANNERS by Flanner O’Connor
HO– USEKEEPING by Marilyn Robinson
THE WAR OF ART by Stephen Pressfield
MEMBER OF THE WEDDING by Carson McCullers
STORY OF A GIRL (By me…cheating? It was my debut novel, and it changed my life.)
SECRETS IN THE DARK by Frederick Beuchner
SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson
MY GRANDFATHER’S HO– USE by Robert Clark
THE HOLY WAY by Paula Huston

Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not.

Oh boy. I am a practicing Christian, and therefore the answer must be yes, as the whole point of the faith is based on a miracle – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But when it comes to the present day, or the possibility of miracles in my own life, I’m a skeptic. This is why Elizabeth Smart being found alive was so powerful to me. Though it didn’t involve the laws of physics being broken, she might as well have been Lazarus, that’s the extent to which I’d written her off for dead.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a YA author?

The most rewarding moments always have to do with interactions with people–with readers who have connected with my work, or with other writers who are struggling with the same hopes and fears as me.

Any upcoming events?

I’m giving a keynote address at the SCBWI New York conference next weekend. And this summer, I’m teaching a week long workshop in YA (and middle-grade) fiction. Info here for anyone interested! http://imagejournal.org/page/events/the-glen-workshop/2011/east/index

Thanks so much to Sara Zarr for taking time out to be with us! Visit Sara at her website http://www.sarazarr.com/

Little Brown has generously donated a paperback copy of Once Was Lost for our blog readers. To enter to win simply fill out this form.

Blog Tour: Lori Nawyn- My Gift To You

04 Nov, 2010 by in my gift to you, utah authors 1 comment

From the back of the book: Trish Ingram works hard to maintain the perfect suburban household—or, at least, the appearance of one. By managing her outer world with lavish attention and rigid control, she’s able to ignore and conceal the darkness of her inner world, which is plagued by traumatic childhood memories of loss. Her terminally ill sister-in-law, Jamie, sees through the façade and reaches out in love to Trish, inspiring her to seek a more meaningful life and a more authentic self. But the childhood scars run deep, and despite Trish’s best efforts, she’s unable to be the wife and mother her family needs.

Devastated by the departure of her husband and daughter, Trish faces the challenge and opportunity of a lifetime. She desires to move forward in faith, but this desire alone cannot mend her family’s shattered trust. The hollow realm of denial and fear has been her safe haven. To confront pain and transcend the shadows of her past will require a level of courage she’s not sure she possesses. This gripping story of familial love and conflict tenderly reminds us that forgiveness—of self, and others—is both a difficult choice and a precious gift.

Bio: Lori Nawyn’s award-winning writing has appeared in regional and national publications including Outside Bozeman, Segullah, Deseret News, CraziBeautiful Women, and Latter-Day Woman. She is also a columnist for her local paper and a former member of Utah Press Women. One of her short stories was published in the anthology Stolen Christmas. Her first novel, My Gift to You, was released in October 2010.

Lori is currently writing her next novel, Day, about a mother’s relationship with her son. She works as a freelance artist and is the illustrator of the award-winning children’s picture book What Are You Thinking? which was released in July 2010 by ThoughtsAlive Publishing. She and her fireman husband live in northern Utah where they enjoy spending time with their four children and two granddaughters, plus an assortment of dogs, rabbits, and chickens.

Lori’s book, My Gift To You is available online at Deseret Book.

Review: The Road Show By Braden Bell

25 Oct, 2010 by in road show, utah authors 20 comments

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc
Released : June 8, 2010
ISBN-10: 1599553562
5 stars

Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows: cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. Being asked to create a road show is his worst nightmare come true. Can flawed but talented artist create a piece of art that testifies of Jesus Christ? And is there any way that something so trivial can have a healing effect on the lives of five troubled souls? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older woman, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder s quorum president are about to find out. Braden Bell gives a five-star performance with Road Show: Beauty for Ashes. With true-to-life characters, humorous situations, and tender realizations, this book is guaranteed to make you smile and applaud for more. The Road Show is the powerful story of five broken souls, contemporary Mormons struggling with familiar challenges–and their unlikely journey to ultimate healing and hope through the Savior’s Atonement.

This is one of those books I never would have picked up off of the shelves based on the title alone because I have to admit I’m not a big fan of roadshows. However, it is a far cry from corny or poorly written. The Roadshow introduces us to the lives of five contemporary LDS people and the trials they are dealing with: physical, emotional, and spiritual crosses that feel too heavy to bear.

I was impressed to see how Braden Bells tackles issues that many modern day Mormon people face but won’t publicly admit. Each character reveals their honest feelings through thoughts written in differing fonts through the book’s dialogue. Readers feel they are getting to know the true individuals behind the outer masks they wear.

As the plot progresses each character starts to change and more hopeful loving thoughts are whispered into their hearts. They experience a modern day miracle through their own works, after acting in a simple play portraying scenes from the Savior’s life.

I found myself in tears by the end of the book as a glimmer of absolute hope and peace was offered to those who sought answers. The Road Show teaches that miracles exist today and the atonement is accessible to any who reaches out and prays for help. It is beautifully written, short and concise with universal truths and artistic creativity. Thank you so much to Braden Bell and Cedar Fort Books for sending me a copy for review. To learn more about the author and view a trailer for the Road Show visit his website at http://www.bradenbell.com/

Comment below for your chance to win The Roadshow. Giveaway ends November 25, 2010.

Review- Blink Of An Eye by Gregg Luke

15 Oct, 2010 by in new fiction, psychological thriler, utah authors 8 comments

Paperback: 293 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications

July 1, 2010
ISBN-10: 1608610268
4.5 stars
Childhood was a happy, carefree time for Joseph Ramirez. At least that’s how he remembered it. But after a near-fatal traffic accident leaves him with a crushed skull, he’s not so sure. Along with physical pain, Joseph now suffers recurring nightmares. And each night the heart-wrenching dreams grow increasingly vivid and graphic—to the point that he often cries out in anguish and remorse, revealing horrifying secrets kept hidden for twenty years. To complicate matters, a ruthless lawyer is challenging Joseph’s innocence in the traffic accident.

When defense attorney Michelle Haas comes to his aid, they discover they knew each other as children, and soon another forgotten experience comes into play—one that goes deeper than simple friendship. Together they struggle to answer Joseph’s unanswerable questions. Are Joseph’s night terrors actually repressed memories? Can his psychiatrist unravel the mystery behind his nightmares—including his hospital roommate’s claim that Joseph has confessed to murder? As the clock ticks down, Joseph realizes there’s only one way to uncover the truth about his family and himself—reliving a past he has unknowingly worked all his life to forget.

This is the first novel I have ever read by Gregg Luke and I have to admit I was impressed. Blink of an Eye is a medical/ psychological thriller that looks at the impact of traumatic brain injury on one man’s life. Joseph Ramirez leads an ordinary quiet life as a school teacher when he is involved in a car accident that alters his memory forever. Soon bits and pieces of his childhood begin into come back dreams and he learns that it was anything but ideal.

Gregg Luke unravels the page turning plot little by little in short well written chapters that leave you wanting to know more. The detail is incredible and I found the methods used by the psychologist sound and accurate. A lot of research and hard work went into describing the process of hypnotherapy and regression used by the psychiatrist working on Joseph’s case. Blink of An Eye is not for the faint of heart as it describes the abuse Joseph and his family were forced to endure. It tells a gripping story that could very well be many people’s reality who deal with domestic violence and child abuse daily in their homes. This is a hard one to put down once you have started. You’ll want to know exactly what did or did not happen to Joseph and what secrets lay in his past.

It’s one I likely will never forget since it brings to light many of the issues I worked with as a child protective service worker and domestic violence victim’s advocate. It’s a book that leaves an impression. To learn more about the author visit his website at http://greggluke.com/2201.html

Special thanks to author Gregg Luke for sending us a signed copy of Blink of An Eye for giveaway. To enter to win simply leave a comment below. Contest ends November 14, 2010 and is open to US residents age 16 and older.