Kristy McCaffrey's Blog: Author Kristy McCaffrey - Posts Tagged "susan-casey"

All Reviews By Kristy McCaffrey

I've included Amazon links, but most of the books are also available at Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, as well as print and audio.



The Lost City of Z
By
David Grann

This book is part memoir, part modern-day adventure. Mr. Grann recounts the life of Percy Fawcett, who in the early 1900’s explored the dangerous Amazonian jungle along the Brazil-Bolivia border. Fawcett was in the rarefied company of other extraordinary explorers such as Richard Burton (who searched for the source of the Nile) and Ernest Shackleton (an early explorer of the Antarctic), all members of the Royal Geographical Society in London. Fawcett’s repeated expeditions into the jungle—along with his amazing ability to survive lethal indigenous tribes, starvation, piranhas, and the particularly ghoulish occurrence of maggots under one’s skin—left him convinced that a mythical city (the Spanish conquistadores called it El Dorado) existed somewhere in the area. His preoccupation would eventually lead to his disappearance in 1925. He was never heard from again. Did the lost city of Z exist? Read the book to find out! A gripping and well-written account of the intersection of compulsion and passion within the human spirit.

The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon

*****



Desert Heat
By
Patti Sherry-Crews

A satisfying short read about single mom Angel Harper trying to run a vacation ranch in Arizona and the cowboy/firefighter who turns her world upside down. Boone Donovan isn't looking for romance but sparks fly the moment he meets Angel. With many obstacles between them, not the least of which is Angel's reluctance to let a man into her and her son's life, this romantic tale will have you rooting for them. And don't miss the follow-up story, Phoenix Heat, about Boone and Angel's daughter Harper. I loved both!

Desert Heat

*****



Bad Boy, Big Heart
By
Andrea Downing

East coast city girl K.C. has come to Wyoming for the summer to work at a ranch. She's warned to stay away from bad boy Chay, but that soon proves difficult to do. Ms. Downing has written a romantic novella with a sexy hero and a smart heroine. Loved it! And don't miss the follow-up story, City Boy, Country Heart.

Bad Boy, Big Heart

*****



Irish Moon
By
Amber Scott

Breanne O’Donnell is training in the druidic arts when her mentor Heremon is murdered. A mysterious knight named Ashlon Sinclair is left behind, ill and unable to recall what happened. Breanne nurses him back to health, but he is English and she is Irish, so she keeps his identity hidden. But Sinclair, a Templar Knight, is in pursuit of a chest that has been stolen from him and he ingratiates himself into Breanne’s clan to locate it. He’s also drawn to Breanne but his nomadic life leaves him conflicted about what he can offer her. She has seen with her second sight the fate that intertwines them and worries for his safety, believing that he must leave her to stay alive. This is an enchanting story filled with magic and Irish lore. Breanne is a strong heroine and Ashlon a compelling and romantic figure, and you won’t be able to stop reading this steamy love story until the satisfying conclusion.

Irish Moon (Moon Magick Series Book 1)

*****



Nearly Departed In Deadwood
By
Ann Charles

Single-mom Violet Parker has got problems. Unless she can sell a house, she’s about to lose her job as a realtor. Her prospects involve a house-sniffing, enigmatic man named Doc (although he’s not an MD) and a handsome Ken-doll client whose efforts to woo her may be too good to be true. Throw in a paranormal mystery involving several missing girls alongside Violet’s ensuing anxiety about the safety of her own two children, and you’ve got a nonstop thrill-ride of a tale, which I dare you not to read in one sitting. This is the first in an ongoing series told from Violet’s point-of-view (Book 8 is soon to be released). Ms. Charles has a flair for dialogue and humor, and you’ll fall in love with Violet and all the quirky side-characters that populate Charles’ version of modern-day Deadwood. But be prepared: this series will grab you and you’ll disappear until you’ve read each and every book.

Nearly Departed In Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Book 1)

*****



Slade
By
Julie Lence

As part of his incarceration, outlaw Slade Barlow has been placed on work detail at the Prescott farm. Thrown in the calaboose on tenuous charges, he needs to keep his head down and bide his time until he can flee the Widow Prescott and her two daughters, Jillianne and Camille. But he hadn’t counted on his growing feelings for Jill or the fact that someone is stalking their property. As he digs deeper, he comes to realize that he may be more deeply involved in the mystery of Jill’s deceased father and the time the man spent away from the farm than he’d like to be. And, at the end of the day, can he walk away from Jill? This is a solid western romance with great descriptions that will put you right in the time period. Slade is a tormented hero, Jillianne is a kindhearted heroine, and their romance will hold you in its grip until the end. Don’t miss another winner from Ms. Lence!

Slade (Jackson Creek Series Book 1)

*****



Lead Me Into Temptation
By

Devon McKay

In this historical western romance, Violet Webster is looking for her father and her only option is to become a mail-order bride. Garrett Sutherlin, her betrothed’s son, has been sent to escort her, a task that will free him from living under his father’s dictates. Ms. Devlin takes this standard trope and delivers a richly-drawn tale with a likable heroine and a compelling hero. Fans of this genre will love the story! I certainly did.

Lead Me Into Temptation (Gold Dust Brides Book 1)

*****



The Peacemaker
By
Andrew McBride

Calvin “Choctaw” Taylor is a young Indian scout contracted to guide a peace ambassador into the stronghold of the famed Apache leader Cochise. Accompanying them is the man’s adopted Apache daughter Nahlin. Together they enter one of the most dangerous areas in the old west—the Dragoon Mountains. Their journey is one of bold intentions, treacherous encounters with both Indians and white men, and, ultimately, agonizing heartbreak. This is a well-told story of historical fact woven within fiction, of well-crafted and flawed characters, and a plot that will leave you guessing and eager to reach the conclusion. I highly recommend.

The Peacemaker

*****



Daring Greatly
By
Brene Brown

Ms. Brown considers vulnerability in all its many forms, whether it be in the workplace, in schools, or in your own home. Through years of research she’s compiled real-life data and offers practical and stark truths about how to deal with the shame inherent in our culture as a result of being vulnerable.

The simple truth is that “to feel is to be vulnerable.” Brown addresses fallacies of vulnerability: It’s not a weakness and it’s not letting it all hang out. It does require trust and boundaries. She stresses the importance of developing shame-resilience: recognizing shame and understanding its triggers, practicing critical awareness, reaching out, and speaking about it with a trusted someone.

The last part of the book deals with parenting and how we can all do better by simply engaging with our children, developing our own ability to be vulnerable and mirroring that to them, and forgiving ourselves when we’re not perfect. Perfection is a form of shielding and freeing ourselves of our “armor” is an important first step. “I am enough, I’ve had enough, and showing up, taking risks, and letting myself be seen is enough.”

This book is amazing and authentic, and Ms. Brown hasn’t taken the easy road—she digs deep into the subject matter, offering insights that are painful yet ultimately healing.

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

*****



Texas Mail Order Bride
By
Linda Broday

Cooper Thorne lives in Battle Creek alongside his adopted brothers, Rand and Brett. They were all raised in an orphanage and now steadfastly guard their independence and freedom, which means no matrimony. They’ve even formed a ‘Bachelor’s Club’. When determined Delta Dandridge arrives in town fully expecting to become Cooper’s mail-order bride, his answer is a swift no. He never sent for her, so refuses to honor a promise he never made. However, Delta decides to remain in Battle Creek and forge a new life for herself, and Cooper can’t seem to avoid the woman. And soon enough, he doesn’t want to. Ms. Broday’s novel is an entertaining western romance with great banter between the leads, wonderful side characters, and a steamy love story. The perfect tale to curl up with before bedtime.

Texas Mail Order Bride (Bachelors of Battle Creek Book 1)


*****



Remanence
By
Jennifer Foehner Wells

In this follow-up to Book 1: Fluency, we find Dr. Jane Holloway and Dr. Alan Bergen on the alien spaceship discovered near earth. They are now headed to the home world of the creatures who mysteriously perished on board. Guiding them is the only survivor, a massively intelligent squid-like creature who controls the ship and is telepathically linked to Jane. Because of this connection, Jane is now the commander. The tale unfolds as they make first contact with a species known as the Sectilius. I really enjoyed this story, especially the relationships between Jane and the entity and the prickly romance between her and Bergen. Thankfully, it comes to a satisfying ending and I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3!

Remanence (Confluence Book 2)


*****



The Devil’s Teeth
By
Susan Casey

The Farallon Islands—a rocky and barren chain of jutting, granite peaks—sit just 27 miles from the San Francisco coastline. A handful of biologists reside in this remote outpost to study the bird, pinniped, and shark populations. Every fall, great white sharks arrive to feed on the local seal population and Ms. Casey delves into the research undertaken in the surrounding waters. It’s a story of grit and terror, and a testament to how little we know about these fascinating and monstrous creatures. Casey also recounts the history of the island—at one point, the eggs sold in the Bay area markets were collected from the massive seabird population, nearly depleting their numbers. The main attraction, of course, is the sharks, with personalities as varied as the people who investigate them. By the end of the book, despite a lingering fear of the giant fish, I couldn’t help but gain a healthy respect for the apex predators of the ocean. This is a riveting and enlightening read.

The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks

*****



Love Proof
By
Robin Brande

In Love Proof, lawyer Sarah Henley must work opposite her former lover from college, Joe Burke. He broke her heart six years prior and never had the decency to tell her why. This premise may sound too simple, but in the hands of the talented Ms. Brande, a solid, compelling love story unfolds. I definitely lost sleep reading this on vacation.

The romance is hot, the legal proceedings are entwined just enough to give context but not overwhelm the story, and the characters are likable and credible. But not perfect. When the romance is re-ignited, Sarah and Joe face an ethical issue as they work on opposing sides of the same case. How that unfolds, as well as Sarah’s own reservations about Joe, create the obstacles they must overcome. It’s a reminder that despite mistakes made along the way, everyone has the power to become a better version of themselves.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great read. You won’t be disappointed.

Love Proof

*****



Deer Hunting in Paris:
A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat
By
Paula Young Lee

In the title of this memoir, author Paula Young Lee refers to both Paris, France, and Paris, Maine. How she connects the two disparate places speaks to the overall theme—you never know where you’ll end up, but chances are, it will be a place that softens the quirky edges and incongruent personality traits that never quite fit together.

Lee is a Korean woman raised in the United States by a father who preached Christianity in rural America—mostly in the backwoods of Maine. Paralyzed from the waist down, his belief in God never wavers, but Lee constantly questions and strives to stretch beyond the dictates of Korean culture.

For a time, she lives in Paris, France. When severe food and other allergies besiege her, she develops a love of meat. Hers isn’t just a cursory fascination; she’s taken it to the next level, trying to understand where cuts of meat originate in an animal and sharing recipes that are hundreds of years old.

A wanderer, she doesn’t desire to be tied down. Then she meets John, a divorced lawyer from Paris, Maine. The bulk of Lee’s story unfolds as she and John spend time with his folks, siblings, and extended family. And they are hunters. Lee expounds on tracking bear and moose. She explains in great detail how to dress a deer in the wild upon its execution. She describes the process of a pig roast with such detail that you’ll smell the succulent meat and your mouth will water.

Deer Hunting in Paris is a love story. John and Lee couldn’t be more different, but on a deeper level their relationship works. Her appreciation for the animals and the process of hunting wins over John’s family, and while many will cringe over the gory descriptions of how an animal is gutted and quartered, there is a sense of the order of nature here. Living close to the land—a skill many of us have lost—isn’t for the faint of heart. Lee has qualms as well, but in the name of love she pushes through. Her forthright and honest prose had me laughing aloud in parts, and her esteem for the natural world and the man she loves make for a unique and compelling read.

Deer Hunting in Paris: A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat (Travelers' Tales Guides)

*****



The Dark Net
By
Benjamin Percy


In this paranormal technological thriller, we meet a diverse crew of characters: Lela, a laser-focused journalist with no life; Mike Juniper, hiding a past as an evangelical minister and owner of a homeless shelter; Sarin, a woman who may be far older than many realize; Cheston, a computer hacker and voyeur; and Hannah, a young blind girl who will play a pivotal role in the storyline. Evil has come to Portland, Oregon, and the pathway is the Dark Net. I don’t want to say too much more because the story unfolds with many interesting twists, and I was quite glued to my e-reader until the end. Mr. Percy offers insights into our digital age that will astound and horrify you, while giving us an edge-of-the-seat terror ride. I highly recommend the novel and I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually turns up in the movie theater.

The Dark Net

All Reviews By Kristy McCaffrey



(Links are to Amazon, but many of these books are available at B&N, iBooks, Kobo, and Google Play.)



This epic novel alternates between two women—Catherine Velis, a computer expert living in New York City in 1972, and Mireille de Rémy, a novice at Montglane Abbey in the south of France in 1790. Their fates are intertwined due to the Montglane Chess Service, an ancient (and possibly magical) chess set once owned by Charlemagne. As both women are compelled into searching for the chess pieces scattered around the world, their lives are forever changed, because entering the Game means a race for unlimited power. This novel was published in the 1970s but still holds up today. Ms. Neville has woven fiction around history, with many famous players showing up—Catherine the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, and French mathematician Fourier—and the resulting story is so seamless that you will be hard-pressed to distinguish fact from fabrication. She also deeply explores the science behind her fictional Montglane Service, and you won’t be disappointed by the revelations. I guarantee you’ll never look at the game of chess the same again. This is a gripping, hard-to-put-down novel that will make you feel smarter from having read it. I highly recommend.

The Eight by Katherine Neville

*****



In 1876, sixteen-year-old Nel Higgins suffers at the hands of her abusive pastor father while trying to protect her younger siblings and her mother. When tragedy strikes, she is forced to face the world in ways she’d never imagined. She and her younger sister, Annie, soon find themselves on the famous riverboat, the Far West, and are swept into the violence and heartbreak of Custer’s Last Stand.

The entire book is told in diary entries and it is to Ms. Jeppsen’s credit that this technique works so well. I was riveted to the story and couldn’t put it down. Nel is an engaging character, who is, at turns, frightened and heroic. She filters life’s events through an impassioned lens of curiosity. You will cheer her along while hoping for the happily-ever-after she so deserves. A heartfelt and captivating tale.

Far West by Linell Jeppsen

*****



For centuries, rogue waves have been the topic of myth and local lore, stories shared by ancient sailors who spoke of their colossal size and destructive force. Even today, with the technological advances of satellite tracking and computer modeling, we are still unable to accurately predict these giant monsters. Ms. Casey delves into the scientists who study them and the brave surfers who attempt to ride them. She writes about Lituya Bay in Alaska, a protected inlet just north of Sitka, and the freak waves that have repeatedly scoured the steep canyon walls and killed whomever happened to be in their path. In 1854, a purported 395-foot wave ripped through the bay with such force that the bark was stripped from trees. Casey also interviews marine salvagers and the nonstop work they do in a stretch of water in the Indian Ocean known as the Agulhas Current, which lies along the tip of South Africa. Numerous freighters and cargo ships are frequently in trouble in these waters, some disappearing before aid can be rendered with no trace of crew or cargo. Giant waves can literally snap a vessel in half.

Why do these waves occur? Seismic activity and underwater geological formations play a role, as does the climate. Her conclusions are chilling, especially considering climate change. If you live on the west coast of the United States, the threat of a destructive tsunami is very real. But the most interesting part of the book is the big wave surfers such as Laird Hamilton. These men (and, at the time of the book’s publication, one woman) chase random and behemoth waves around the globe in the hope of riding one. Hamilton fine-tuned the art of tow surfing specifically to reach ocean conditions of this type. The surfers’ relationship to the unfathomable power of these waves is inspiring and outrageous and humbling.

The Wave is filled with hard science, heartbreaking disaster, and frightening predictions of future tsunamis hitting coastal cities. It’s also a testament to our desire to challenge the awesome sovereignty of nature.

The Wave by Susan Casey

*****



Fighter pilot Alisa Marchenko has been left stranded after suffering injuries during a war in which her side—the Alliance—overcame the tyranny of the Empire. She decides to steal a freighter to return to her home planet in order to retrieve her daughter. With Mica, an Alliance engineer, by her side, they compile a motley crew which includes a bodyguard named Beck and an Empire cyborg named Leonidas, although he’s more man than machine. A few passengers come along as well and soon become major characters as they fight off pirates and attempt to learn why a cyborg facility was massacred.

This is a fun story filled with action, adventure, a strong heroine in Alisa and a brooding yet honorable hero in Leonidas. This is the first of a multi-book series, so many plot points aren’t immediately resolved but it promises to be an entertaining saga.

Star Nomad (Fallen Empire Book 1) by Lindsay Buroker

*****



In the near future, London is policed by an army in search of clairvoyants. Those who possess such gifts commit treason simply by existing. Paige Mahoney is a dreamwalker, a very rare voyant, making her valuable to the criminal underworld. When she is caught and imprisoned, she believes death will be her fate. She soon learns, however, that something worse is at play. Living side-by-side with humans are a race called the Rephaim, and they also covet Paige’s gift. She’s placed under the care of a Rephaite called Warden, but it quickly becomes clear that humans are slaves of the Rephaim. If Paige hopes to escape, she must get close to her otherworldly captor, but that proves even more dangerous as she develops feelings for him. The Bone Season is an ambitious first novel, and while the world building was somewhat confusing at times, I was swept along with the story, flying through the pages to see how it would end. Thankfully, there’s a second book available to pick up where this one ends.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon


*****



Scottish Highlander Iain MacKinnon captures an Englishman’s daughter in retaliation for the kidnapping of his young son. As he bargains for a trade, it becomes clear that the Englishman has no interest in his daughter Page. While Iain gains his son, he also must ponder what to do with the girl. Feeling that no one should be denied by their father, he takes her with him. The bulk of the story encompasses the growing relationship between Iain and Page. This is an old school romance novel with an emphasis on inner dialogue and lengthy love scenes, and I loved it. Iain is a tortured and compelling hero, and Page is a plucky heroine despite the circumstances. The romance was smoldering, and I cheered the ultimate happily-ever-after.

The Mackinnon’s Bride (The Highland Brides Book 1) by Tanya Anne Crosby

*****



English soldier Piers Montgomerie, also known as Lyon, has been given land in Scotland as a reward for service. As he struggles to make peace with the Highlanders that surround him, Meghan Brodie literally walks right into his hands. Once he lays eyes on her, he knows that his world has changed dramatically. Marrying her will solidify his standing with the Brodie clan—Meghan’s three brothers—but even more than the advantageous union, Lyon comes to realize that Meghan is unlike any other woman he has ever known. This is a wonderfully compelling romance of a stern hero hiding deep philosophical angst and a headstrong heroine struggling to be seen for her mind rather than her beauty. Their banter is delightful and, at times, downright hilarious. I couldn’t put this down and read it nearly straight through. If you’re looking for a sigh-worthy romance with a dash of humor and some major heat, then this book is for you.

Lyon’s Gift (The Highland Brides Book 2) by Tanya Anne Crosby

*****



Seana lives in the forest away from the major clans but is desperate to find a better home for her ailing father. She has convinced herself that she loves Broc, but with him showing little interest in her beyond friendship, she turns to Colin Brodie—Broc’s best friend—for help. Colin has a reputation with the ladies that is hardly a secret, and when Seana starts to fall for him she knows it’s the stupidest thing she’s ever done. I have to admit that I was very curious to see how Colin and Seana would come together, and Ms. Crosby did a fine job with it. It was very romantic and believable, with a dash of Scottish magic thrown in. But would you expect anything less in this wonderful series?

On Bended Knee (The Highland Brides Book 3) by Tanya Anne Crosby

*****



Why does a seasoned hunter die when catastrophe strikes in the wilderness, but a four-year-old child manages to stay alive? What separates the victim from the survivor? Mr. Gonzales has written a comprehensive book on the subject, analyzing accounts of tragic misfortunes for clues. And at the center lies the brain. How quickly a human adapts to a rapidly deteriorating situation—whether it be the sinking of a boat in the ocean or a broken limb on a mountainside or the imprisonment in a World War II German POW camp—has everything to do with letting go of preconceived notions of how the situation should be and instead facing the reality of what lay before them and how to develop a plan of action. We must plan, but we must be able to let go of the plan as well.

Gonzales states, “The environment we’re used to is designed to sustain us. We live like fish in an aquarium. Food comes mysteriously down, oxygen bubbles up. We are the domestic pets of a human zoo we call civilization. Then we go into nature, where we are least among equals with all other creatures. There we are put to the test. Most of us sleep through the test. We get in and out and never know what might have been demanded. Such an experience can make us even more vulnerable, for we come away with the illusion of growing hardy, salty, knowledgeable.”

In the end, he boils it down to the following rules of adventure: perceive, believe, then act—intelligence is a matter of “guessing well.” Avoid impulsive behavior; don’t hurry. Know your stuff—a deep knowledge of the world may save your life. Get the information you need for the activity you plan to engage in. Commune with the dead—meaning, understand how other people got into trouble and why they died. And most importantly, be humble. Embrace the beginner’s mind. A Navy Seal commander stated that “the Rambo types are the first to go.”

A comprehensive and well-written book.

Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales

*****



This is an excellent resource for an author to understand his/her work in the context of the current e-publishing market. While Quinn’s advice seems obvious, it surprised me how much I gained from her insights. I’ve written for both love and money, and now I can put both to rest in my mind instead of struggling endlessly to sell a book that might not be all that marketable. And, as Quinn states, that’s okay. Along the same lines, writing for money is an important tool that an author must understand if they hope to find some measure of success with a writing career. While other books present similar ideas, Ms. Quinn offers it in a fast, easy-to-digest format.

For Love Or Money by Susan Kaye Quinn