Introducing Janel Ridenhour

December 25, 2015 dafiv Leave a comment

Introducing Janel Ridenhour, our new narrator. She has plenty going on at the moment, not only with the time-consuming labor of narrating a full-length book, but also completion of her first album of jazz recordings.

Janel is a longtime friend and graciously gave consent for me to use an on-stage photo of her for the cover of Are We A Band Yet?, and of course, her eyes grace the cover of The Green Scarf, also one of her eyes is seen in the rear view mirror on the cover of Spy Hunt.

We created a recording studio just for her

and discovered that she can do her best singing over a pre-recorded track instead of live in a larger studio. Separation of the instrumental tracks and the voice tracks have improved the quality and excitement of her recordings enormously. We’ll have much more to say about the creation of a professional studio for the do-it-yourselfers, and a discussion of what hardware and software we chose as well as an explanation of good practice using a DAW for voice.

Here is a sample of her narration of my book Geminknot:

Geminknot Audio Sample

Janel’s album is nearing completion, and we will post a sample of her work in a future blog.

Some Reviews

Since Antonius

An original story, an excellent book

I have read, and really enjoyed, all of this author’s books, but I think this was my absolute favorite. I have always loved Revenge of Jesus, the book which this one follows. This one is a continuation of that story, although it also completely stands alone.

What an original story line! I can so easily see these books as a movie. The reader is drawn in from the first page, and the characters just come alive. I have always been fascinated by the ancient cultures, and I really enjoyed learning more, as the author has obviously done his homework about this time in history. He made the Roman civilization just come to life.

I am constantly amazed by the wide variety of stories this author writes. Each one is very well thought out, and the endings are never predictable.

Since Antonius

Well, I finished Since Antonius. I’m blown away. I definitely think it’s your best one yet. The story was fantastic, the writing great, and the historical info was awesome. It grabbed me from the first page, the characters and the place just came to life, and it was unpredictable but all made sense. Very well done.

Grundy Series

I simply cannot not understand why you don’t have movie contracts for the Grundy series, or a nice set of awards. People should be demanding of you to write more – like to Verdi, not leaving him alone until he wrote another opera, when he just wanted to work in his garden growing potatoes.

At least I would have some decent books to read, if you wrote more. As it is, I have to keep getting electro-shock therapy until I forget them, and then I can read them again.

The Copy Candidate

Finished the book. You are so good at twists and turns – I can usually predict the endings of books, but not yours! Well done.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Geminknot

A unique and uniquely compelling story of love and life well lived

The story begins when a young, ambitious reporter, employed by a small town newspaper, is ordered to visit the local nursing home to report on a couple who has been married for many years. Jill is annoyed because she is sick of reporting on things like the local garden club and she figures that this assignment will be more of the same.

When Jill first meets Mike she is touched by the depth of the love he obviously still feels for his wife, Mary. But, Jill still believes that her story will be little more than a fluff piece.

When Mike begins by telling her that he was switched at birth for one of a pair of twins, Jill’s interest is piqued.

As Mike continues to talk, they are joined by Mary who is dying and the story gets more & more interesting as details emerge.

This story includes an unlikely and unique love story, mob affiliations, murder, a young man off to fight in World War II, and much more.

As Jill is drawn into the story, so is the reader. It is impossible to not want to know more about this elderly pair of lovebirds. Readers will want to know what the secret is to holding onto that love for a lifetime.

As beautiful and touching as the story of Mike and Mary seems to be, they also seem to have been magnets for trouble and they are both touched by evil at different times in their lives.

The author does a great job of showing both the best of mankind and the worst. Every chapter in GEMINKNOT throbs with emotion.

It is definitely worth reading and I loved the large print edition and how easy it was on my eyes.

I rate GEMINKNOT as 4 out of 5 Stars.

To read more of my reviews visit my blog at AmiesBookReviews dot wordpress dot com

Paul Thomas reviewed Elapid: Mick Grundy Book 3

This is book three of the excellent Mick Grundy series, all five star books

All I can say is again I am amazed. As I said in the previous reviews, I thought Book 1 (Spy Hunt) was the best book I had ever read (the first of the Mike Grundy books). It is, in a way, in that it is pure and simple, lot of action and plot, and impossible to put down.
But then Book 2 came out, “The Russian Connection”, and it had all the action and plot, revenge, and a maze of Hitchcockian twists and turns. This was amazing. A beautiful book with a very slight cliffhanger.
However, then when I read Book 3, I saw I was in the hands of the master. This book is ‘Elapid”, which means ‘venomous snake’, also a reference in the earlier books of how he waits without moving, and suddenly strikes. In this book, it would seem that every country is out for him, including his own country. Few people he can trust, yet for the sake of his own country, and his own sake and his new girlfriend, he most eliminate the threats forever. Who can be trusted? Mick trusts few people, and for good reason. He works in the shadows. I will again say, as I did in previous reviews, this is the modern Achilles, the “Matt Damon” of the Jason Bourne Trilogy movies, the Danzel Washington of “The Equalixer” (2014).
This is the hero that America needs to day, not a comic book “Wonder Woman”. This, and the two previous books, are a must read for everyone.
I again state that GoodReads and Amazon did a disservice by not linking all three books on the page where you buy the book. It should suggest the other two. Few people seem to know of this excellent series, but it is so much better than the Vince Flynn books, or the Lee Child books.
I would hope that some movie company produces these books as a series of movies. It would be wonderful if it could live up to the book’s standards.

Paul Thomas reviewed The Russian Connection: Mick Grundy Book 2

Book 2 of the Thriller Spy Hunt with Mick Grundy, 5 stars

I just reviewed Book 1, which is Spy Hunt by the same author, a continuation of of the Mick Grundy books.
I thought that the Spy Hunt book was the best book I have read, better than ‘The Iliad” and better than “Hannibal Rising”, and though Spy Hunt is a pure book with a clear ending, direct and straight to the action, Book 2 was better and more involved, more Hitchcockian twists, deceptions, and a little (not much) of a cliff hanger. It had the same action, the same awesome hero of Mick Grundy. In short, this book is a masterpiece. I refer you to my first very long review in Spy Hunt on more of the character of Mick Grundy.
As I said in the last review, it is a shame that Amazon and GoodReads do not link these three books when selling them, and suggest to buy the set. There are only three books, and the last one ends them all. There will be no more.
This is what we need these days, an American Hero, and Mick Grundy gives us exactly that. This is a real figure, with a believable plot, not a comic book character such as ‘Wonder Woman’. This is the real thing. If you enjoyed Matt Damon in the Jason Bourne trilogy, or Denzel Washington in “The Equalizer” (2014), then have a feast and enjoy an assassin of assassins, a man out for revenge, that later becomes, a patriot of the country.
This is our American hero, and we need him today. Read the books!

Paul Thomas reviewed Spy Hunt: Mick Grundy Book 1

One of the three best books I have read.

From the start, this book was a super action packed thriller. A real attention to details, the book is perfect, and it is hard to put it down once reading it. Each chapter moves smoothly into the next, one super action scene after another. What is this book about? Well, I have read all of Vince Flynn’s “Mitch Rapp” books, all of Lee Child’s “Jack Reacher” books. Lee Child’s series is a mystery/detective with a very slow drawn out plot. Vince Flynn has much more action, but again, it is drawn out so slowly and when the action happens it is quick and over. In “Spy Hunt”, Mick Grundy is a thriller, an ex-Special Forces/CIA agent specially trained, and a vicious spy hunt game, that turns into an ultimate revenge thriller for the death of his just newly wedded wife. This is the new Achilles, the Hannibal Rising, out for revenge, living alone and apart from any agency, but with aid from some of his old buddies. He is the ultimate assassin of the assassins, a man that has nothing to lose, and everything to gain from pure revenge.
I can think of two movies that comes close to this book. Although the Jason Bourne books of Robert Ludlam are dated in technology and pace, the movies are not with Matt Damon in the Trilogy. Also, the movie “The Equalizer” (2014) with Denzel Washington (not the original book or the TV series), is comparable to The Spy Hunt book. I will say that in the movie, “The Equalizer”, the actor Danzel Washington is portrayed as an older man with too much weight, which is not the case of Mick Grundy.
You must give this a read. I looked at the reviews on GoodReads, and I saw a lot of people in 2016 put it on a list to read. I wonder if they quit reading, and why. This book deserves to be a number one bestseller.
I will note that although GoodReads links the authors other books, there is no mention by Amazon or GoodReads that the Book 2 of Mick Grundy is “The Russian Connection”, and Book 3 of Mick Grundy is “Elapid”. Why has Amazon not recommended the three books below the page of any of the three books, as a set, as they often do with other books?
This is a bad oversight by Amazon, and should be rectified.
I can say no more without giving away plot material, but I can say that I could not stop reading this book from cover to cover, and also, the other two books. I though this was the best book, until I read the second book, which I then thought was the best book, until I read the third book. Each are necessary to read, and all are excellent and self contained. Reading all three would be a very rewarding story.
America needs a hero these days. Mick Grundy is that hero. Spend the money on the book. You will not regret it. This is the second time I bought these three books, as I was so impressed, I donated the first set to the library, so other would be aware of them.
These three books should be made into movies.

Beware The Exit

This book is amazing! It kept my interest throughout and the plot twist at the end totally caught me off guard. I found myself day-dreaming about getting home so I could pick up where I left off. I look forward to reading more books by Alexander Francis (this was my second). I am kind of sad that I’m done reading it, but am very satisfied at how the loose ends were tied up at the end.

Revenge of Jesus

I received this book from the author in a Goodreads giveaway. When I first saw this book on Goodreads, the drawing on the cover gave me the creeps. I almost did not enter the giveaway. But after I read the synopsis, I changed my mind and I am glad I did. It exceeded my expectations.

I do not wish to give away too much information about the story, but will give you my opinion. The characters are believable, and the story spans the ages. There is love and sacrifice, war and violence. The time travel concept in this story works, and whether you believe you can change the future or not, you will be in for quite a ride…

You won’t find a bunch of foul language, which I like. Too much vulgarity can detract from a story. This book is well-written and flows beautifully. The end was a bit of a surprise, but then you will need to read it to find out.

Are We A Band Yet?

I won Are We A Band Yet by Alexander Francis on Goodreads Giveaway’s, it was thoroughly enjoyable read about Brenna and Daniel and their journey.

Geminknot

I can only say this is the very best book I have ever read, and reading constantly, from the trash of Stephen King to the Classics of Herman Hesse, or even the modern books of Discword, this book is in a separate class and hard to label in a category. You have to read it to understand it.

Imagine living in the early 20’s, and trying to describe Stravinsky in terms of the other composers. Cannot be done. It was something new. This book is also, and you are missing a lot if you decide not to read it. Hopefully, the other countries, that are more educated than the US, will catch on to it.

Are We A Band Yet?

Best book I read, except for Geminknot.

Wonderful book, and very emotional unless you are a rock and or dead.

Few books at all match up to this book.

Beware The Exit

Could not put it down. I found myself hoping the main character was not going to move to another phase. Did not expect the ending. Made a long plane flight the shortest ever.

Geminknot and Are We A Band Yet?

I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your books You have achieved the result you wanted as you placed the reader in the spot to be part of the picture. That is the hardest part to do, as it takes some real thought to make the reader there at the time. The book about the twins was able to keep one up half the night reading it as it certainly got a hold on your attention, and the ending was very good. I did enjoy the large print edition.

Memory Gap

This might be my favorite book by this author, but given how much I’ve enjoyed all of his books it’s a difficult competition! Memory Gap deals with a unique concept, a new idea based in scientific research. The idea of being able to alter some of our memories? I think that might be appealing to many… But some of the consequences of doing such can be surprising.

Memory Gap

This story immediately involves you in the lives of the main characters, and keeps you intimately involved through the many twists and turns. Not at all predictable, the story keeps you engrossed until the very last page. My 14 year old son is also reading this book and is thoroughly enjoying it!

Revenge of Jesus

This novel is a combination of historical fiction (which I love) and sci fi (which I don’t generally read). I really appreciated the details of the time when Jesus lived. It’s so interesting to live/learn history in this manner. The sci fi part was suspenseful with multiple twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew where the book is going, something changes. Alexander Francis is certainly creative. I will be reading more of his novels in the future.

Geminknot

I just finished reading your book, Geminknot. I say, “It’s a great book,” I especially liked the “Ode to Mary” and your dedication to your parents.

Memory Gap

”Memory Gap’‘ was an outstanding read. I don’t know how you come up with the great endings but this one was exceptional. Keep writing.

Memory Gap

Half way through Memory Gap. Excellent. Can’t put it down!

Are We A Band Yet?

Are We A Band Yet? is a sweet and romantic story written from a uniquely male perspective, but with a thorough understanding of the female mind and struggles. It is especially captivating in how it demonstrates the inner struggle of the characters, and how they come to realize what truly matters in life. Brenna has what it might seem every woman longs for: a wonderful man who absolutely adores her; beauty, talent; success and even fame. In the end, however, she realizes which of those are most important. A story that will penetrate the hearts of music lovers, it demonstrates the real meaning of music; some people learn music to seek an agenda or be able to simply play a written score, and some people learn music to communicate and to bare their soul, as did Brenna, a magical and purely heartfelt form of self-expression which absolutely captivates the listener.

Are We A Band Yet?

The book was very well done – the story flowed well, was extremely consistent and absolutely held my interest throughout. And, yes, I cried 🙂

Are We A Band Yet?

Upon reading several of Alexander Francis’ books, I am amazed at the diversity of his stories and the way he immediately grabs you right from the start. So many books take chapters upon chapters to feel involved with the characters – not true with this author! His stories are never predictable and always provide an unexpected twist at the end, and several in the middle.

Geminknot

Geminknot is a beautiful story of true love, a love completely pure and unconditional. We meet the characters, Mary and Mike, in the nursing home where they live, and they both recollect the past. One intriguing aspect of this story is that it is written from several different point of views, one of Mary, one of Mike and the other from a reporter who is hearing their stories. By allowing us to see the story from different perspectives, Alexander Francis has developed the depth of all of the characters and is able to really involve the reader emotionally. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat through the unexpected turn of events, and it will make you appreciate the true love you have in your own life.

The Green Scarf.

Another great book by this author! This is a beautiful story about the power and intensity of a first love, but unfortunately due to circumstances surrounding them, these two young lovers are forced to enter into the adult world prematurely. I don’t know how better to describe this book, other than it reads like a movie. The writing draws the reader in to the story in a way that you very clearly see the story playing out in front of you. The reader becomes very connected with the main character, Rick, as he discovers new emotions and very the very real expectations of the adult world surrounding him.

The Green Scarf

I highly recommend this book, or any of the other equally enjoyable, captivating, and well written titles by this author!

Revenge Of Jesus

A new, upcoming author, Alexander Francis surely deserves recognition. This is the second book I have read by this author, and I have been impressed by the diversity of the stories, and the depth of both the characters and the story. Both have been very well written, thoroughly enjoyable, and definitely not predictable. I look forward to reading more.

Revenge of Jesus

This book is not what it seems from the initial impression and will continue to surprise you through to the last page. It is a wonderful story full of drama, friendship, romance, longing, warfare and history. Absolutely rich in historical information, the author transports you back to the height of Ancient Rome. Through his full and elaborate descriptions, the reader can envision what it would have been like to be there, experiencing both the beauty and the harshness of the time. Revenge of Jesus makes one think about what it means to have faith and what it means to be human. I think one can’t help but to walk away from this book without some level of self-examination.

Revenge of Jesus

I don’t often read books a second time, but this is one I will, if only for the historical information alone!

Geminknot

All I can say is “Wow!” I just finished reading your book, Geminknot. I couldn’t put it down. I especially loved how they loved each other for so many years.

Beware The Exit

I absolutely loved this book! This is a new author, and I’ve now read four of his books and look forward to completing all that he has available. I’ve have loved each of his books and have been amazed at how different each story is. Each book conjures a different set of emotions and makes you take a step back and reexamine what it means to be alive.

Memory Gap

I never realized how diverse you were in you fiction. You are not in a rut like Stephen King. I remember he wanted to give up horror in the year 2000, writing other kinds of fictions, but that somehow did not work out for him, did it, and he is back in the same old rut. All his books, like the James Bond books, use the same formula, as a lot of books do. Yours never use the same formula, (except there is always some element of humanity in it, or even romance.

Beware The Exit

Beware the Exit will keep you turning the pages! The story is not at all predictable and will keep you in suspense through the very last page. The characters are well developed and the storyline is unique. Save lots of time once you start reading this book as you won’t want to put it down!

Beware The Exit

Beware the Exit was a great read from beginning to end. I was kept in suspense page by page. The ending will blow your mind. I will be reading everything this new and exciting writer puts out.

Revenge Of Jesus

I finished Revenge and I liked it…a lot. I got a little teary at the end. Honestly, I didn’t want to finish the book because reading your books makes me feel warm and fuzzy.