Book Review, crusades, historical fiction, knights

“Bladesong: 1151 in the Holy Land” (The Troubadours Quartet Book 2) by Jean Gill

In Book 2 of Jean Gill’s brilliantly written Troubadours Quartet Series, “Bladesong: 1151 in the Holy Land”, the author once again takes the reader into a long ago world of intrigue and romance. Gill’s ability to capture the essence of the time period borders on magic. With much of the story taking place in Damascus and Jerusalem, Gill creates the flavor of the Middle East … Continue reading “Bladesong: 1151 in the Holy Land” (The Troubadours Quartet Book 2) by Jean Gill

Lizzi NewtonAugust 9, 2015November 8, 20176 Comments

Book Review, Children's Book

“Millie and Cupcake” by Mildred Potash

Millie and Cupcake by Mildred Potash My rating: 5 of 5 stars “Millie and Cupcake” is a delightful children’s book that teaches children and their parents the value of caring for a pet. Millie wants a puppy but her parents feel she is too young to have one. On moving to New York fate takes a hand and Millie’s dream comes true. Hearing a noise … Continue reading “Millie and Cupcake” by Mildred Potash

Lizzi NewtonJuly 31, 2015July 31, 20151 Comment

Book Review, Paranormal Thriller

“Ice” by Jessica Wren

Ice by Jessica Wren My rating: 3 of 5 stars “Ice” has the potential to be a good story but it needs to be developed. More of an outline than a full fledged thriller, the characters should be fleshed out and the motivation for the crime could be firmer. There are a lot of characters in this book, too many for such a short story. … Continue reading “Ice” by Jessica Wren

Lizzi NewtonJuly 31, 2015July 31, 20154 Comments

Book, Book Giveaway, historical fiction, Interview, Memoir, New Book, non-fiction, Romantic Thriller

Jean Gill – Renaissance Woman in a Modern Age

When I think of Jean Gill the word “renaissance” immediately comes to mind. I don’t mean the renaissance of the 12th century (the time period in her latest series) which was more social, political, and economic. Jean is like the renaissance of the 14th through the 17th centuries. Often considered the link between the Middle Ages and Modern History, the renaissance saw the “rebirth” of … Continue reading Jean Gill – Renaissance Woman in a Modern Age

Lizzi NewtonJuly 28, 2015July 29, 201525 Comments

Book Review, historical fiction

“A Trick of Fate (The Renaissance Sojourner Series Book 0”) by Kristin Gleeson

A Trick of Fate by Kristin Gleeson My rating: 5 of 5 stars With a combination of language and settings Kristin Gleeson transports the reader back to the 15th century in her beautifully written “A Trick of Fate.” Alys is a young girl left alone when her brother Hal goes to sea and her mother dies. Through an accidental run-in with a noblewoman, her life … Continue reading “A Trick of Fate (The Renaissance Sojourner Series Book 0”) by Kristin Gleeson

Lizzi NewtonJuly 24, 2015July 24, 20151 Comment

Book, Book Review, Indie Authors, Romance, Romantic Thriller, thriller

“A Fine Balance” by Robyn Cain

A Fine Balance by Robyn Cain My rating: 4 of 5 stars From the first chapter Robyn Cain sets the tone for a story of corporate intrigue and cold blooded greed. With a fine hand, Cain weaves the characters lives together, carefully creating connections that are not always apparent at first glance. The most delightful of these characters are Jenny and Matt, poor employee and … Continue reading “A Fine Balance” by Robyn Cain

Lizzi NewtonJuly 23, 2015July 26, 20151 Comment

Author Interview, Book, Indie Authors, Political Thriller, Science Fiction, terrorism, thriller

An Interview with Author Michelle Medhat

Michelle Medhat, author of “Connected: The Call and The Shift” was kind enough to consent to an interview for “Between the Beats”. Michelle is as complex as her books; brilliant and articulate she shares her thoughts freely. To say she is an interesting woman would be trite. Her motivation for writing her books is not what you might expect. It is with great pleasure I … Continue reading An Interview with Author Michelle Medhat

Lizzi NewtonJuly 18, 20153 Comments

Book Review

“I, Ripper” by Stephen Hunter – Brilliant Ripper Fiction

I, Ripper: A Novel by Stephen Hunter My rating: 5 of 5 stars There are a lot of books, both fiction and non-fiction, about Jack the Ripper. I have read many of them. “I, Ripper” by Stephen Hunter is possibly the best fictional look at Saucy Jack that I have ever read. The tale is creatively told through two diaries; the diary of “Jack” and … Continue reading “I, Ripper” by Stephen Hunter – Brilliant Ripper Fiction

Lizzi NewtonJuly 15, 2015July 15, 20151 Comment

Book, Book Review, Fantasy, Indie Authors, Science Fiction

“Planet Purgatory” by Benedict Martin A 5-Star Read!

Planet Purgatory by Benedict Martin My rating: 5 of 5 stars “Planet Purgatory” by Benedict Martin is filled with colorful characters that leap off the page even when you wish they wouldn’t. Chief protagonist David Eno is a character I alternately hated and loved. Sometimes I found him so frustrating I wanted to scream at him. At other times I wanted to put my arms … Continue reading “Planet Purgatory” by Benedict Martin A 5-Star Read!

Lizzi NewtonJuly 4, 2015July 4, 20154 Comments

Action, Author, Book Review, Guest Blogger, Indie Authors, Political Thriller, terrorism

Ted Tayler, Author- Guest Blogger

My Guest Blogger is author Ted Tayler. He has just released the second book in his Olympus Project series. I had the opportunity to read and review “Gold, Silver, and Bombs”; it’s a compelling work of fiction set against the backdrop of the 2012 London Olympics. The primary protagonist, Colin Bailey, aka “The Phoenix”, continues to evolve in his role working for the Olympus Project. … Continue reading Ted Tayler, Author- Guest Blogger

Lizzi NewtonJune 30, 20151 Comment