Geoff Hunter's, Breaking a Sunbeam

In his  thriller, Breaking a Sunbeam, author Geoff Hunter takes readers into a sinister and violent world where survival instincts are put to the test. The protagonist, Jake Winter, a happily married young man, becomes involved with three psychopaths by the name of Juel, Carl, and Roy. Jake’s beloved wife Kay is abducted by the three criminals when she stumbles across one of their violent escapades. To ensure his wife’s safe return, Jake is forced to join the gain and participate in their deadly activities. He becomes caught up in a dark and cruel world of violence, vengeance, murder, and unforgiving brutality. Jake participates in heinous acts that he never dreamed he would ever engage in. Kay, a prisoner in the ominous underground basement of her captors’ home, finds herself facing Roy, an insane and brutal serial killer carrying out his innermost violent desires of torture and killing young women.

Breaking a Sunbeam explores a number of dark themes. Juel, a psychologically damaged woman, exacts revenge on those who have committed terrible acts of abuse upon her as a child. To Juel, wiping her past clean is a form of self-healing. Jake finds himself in a moral and ethical dilemma; sympathizing with Juel as he takes part in her quest for revenge. As well, Kay finds herself in a situation where she must engage in violence to survive Roy’s demented obsessions.

The story is a fast paced thriller with many twists and turns that will captures readers’ attention from start to finish. Readers will empathize with Jake’s and Kay’s predicaments as well as the compelling bond that develops between Jake and Juel. Juel and Carl have similar qualities to the two leading characters from the movie, “Natural Born Killers.”

Settings were well described although scenes about the location of the town are a bit vague. The insight into the mind of serial killer Roy’s was rather ambiguous. His obsession with darkness and medieval torture could have been expanded to give a better understanding of how he developed his thirst for torture and killing.

Breaking a Sunbeam delivers fast paced and action packed elements that make for a good thriller. It is highly recommended to fans of the Thriller Genre.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Paperback: 390 pages Publisher: Trafford Publishing (February 27, 2007) ISBN-10: 1425107451 ISBN-13: 978-1425107451 Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

Fading Towards Enlightenment - Book Review

Fading Toward Enlightenment by Wayne Wirs is definitely a well made book of excellent quality - it will certainly endure multiple readings. I loved the feel of the pages as I turned them. I would classify this book as a useful, inspirational, self-help tool for those searching for inner peace. Wayne shares his personal experiences while he searches to come to turns with himself and life in general through this beautiful work of art.

Wayne is truly a seeker of understanding. I was reminded occasionally of Joseph Campbell throughout the book, as the two focus on similar themes. Wayne shares his journey towards understanding that takes him through vigorous studies of mystic and myths, traveling into himself and then out again. He dreams of being able to reach beyond the ego.

Attractive, attention-demanding black and white photographs are enhanced by the deep-thinking quotations and the author's excellent discussions. Each stage in his journey is accompanied by the exquisite photos, and the photos add depth to the text - feeding each other. I found that I would read a sentence and then look at the photo; back and forth - each page a slow and rewarding process to savor. Written to inspire others to delve deep into discovering who they are, Wayne asks us (as he asks himself) "Who are you behind those busy thoughts?"

The question and answer interview at the end of the book was quite helpful in finding out more about the author's personal side and his particular views. He also includes a list of resources to aid the reader interested in furthering their journey."

ISBN#: 0976358107 ~ Author: Wayne Wirs ~ Publisher: Missing Man Press

~ Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment ­ Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit

10 Best How-To Books Ever Written

Somebody once said there are more book titles beginning with the words "how to" than with anything else. Perhaps that's because we all want to learn to do things better.

I've spent hours combing library shelves for how-to titles. (I've also spent several minutes combing my hair, but that's another story.)

What follows is a completely subjective list of outstanding books that teach us how to improve ourselves. Warning: Some of these titles do NOT begin with the words "how to."

1. "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie - written in 1936 - offers great tips on "six ways of making people like you," "12 ways of winning people to your way of thinking," and much, much more. It's one of history's greatest guides.

2. "How to Make Your Advertising Make Money" by researcher John Caples provides great advice for just about anybody, especially those looking for ideas to help them write better.

3. "Simplify Your Life" by Elaine St. James offers "100 ways to slow down and enjoy the things that really matter."

4."The 100 Simple Secrets of Successful People" by David Niven, Ph.D. talks about the "traits, beliefs, and practices" successful people share.

5. "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom tells the true story of a dying professor who offers great lessons on living. It's a wonderful book for any reader.

6."Free Publicity" by Jeff Crilley. This "TV reporter shares the secrets of getting covered on the news."

7. "Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things" by Charles Panati discusses the origin of hundreds of "items, expressions, and customs," and offers fascinating facts.

8. "The Practical Guide to Practically Everything" by Peter Bernstein and Christopher Ma offers ideas and advice on many, many subjects.

9. "What Every American Should Know About American History" by Dr. Alan Axelrod and Charles Phillips discusses "200 events that shaped the nation."

10."Cracking the Network Code" by Dean Lindsay. This terrific book from Lindsay - a popular business speaker - offers ideas for "meeting, connecting, and developing long-term relationships with co-workers and others."

Rix Quinn wrote the new book "Words That Stick," a practical writing guide for people who hate to write. It's available from your local bookstore, or www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580085768/qid/

Moon Child - Book Review

Moon Child by Simone Maroney is a larger sized adventure, fantasy novel with 55 chapters. The story line involves complex relationships between six main characters, which are delicately balanced leaving room for intrigue.

Hanna, the chief character, was selected from birth by the Goddess, given special training and endowed with 'gifts' the elders call the 'Memories'. As Hanna goes through many travelling adventures, she becomes respected and known as the 'One' a 'Reader' and a 'Healer'.

Her father, a priest and a shaman in the village tries to protect her while making Hanna learn to stand on her own. Manon, a dear friend and fellow 'Healer', helps Hanna find a position in the same village that tried to kill her. Raer, her childhood friend, whose brain was inadvertently injured during play, becomes a valuable aid to Hanna and her adopted village. Janna, Hanna's archenemy, keeps people at attention with her evil and treacherous behavior. A little romance is thrown in with Jio, also known as 'Maih', who is actually Janna's brother.

So much is going on in the book that readers may find themselves stopping to retrace a few pages. I enjoyed reading this novel and found that it reminded me a little of Clan of the Cave Bear - because of the tribal differences, traveling and 'gifts' the chief character endures. Sometimes being selected by the Gods brings a tumultuous life!

ISBN#: 1933157046 ~ Author: Simone Maroney ~ Publisher: Draumr Publishing

~ Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment ­ Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit