Author Interview of Sylvia Meier

Please join me in welcoming Author Sylvia Meier to my blog today!!!

AW: Tell us about yourself…

I am a young mom to 5 wonderful children. I also have bipolar disorder type one. Being an author is something I have always dreamt of being, so to actually be one is quite literally a dream come true for me and I couldn't imagine doing anything else in my life.

AW: What genera do you write and why?

I write in my own genre I suppose. It is a mix of health and fitness, biography and self help. All 4 of my current books fit into this genre. They fit the health and fitness genre because they are typically about bipolar disorder in some form or another, biographical because much of it is an autobiography of myself, and self help because it is meant to help others in their battles with bipolar disorder and life in general.

AW: Tell us about your book….

The title of my book is "My Bipolar World: A Collection Of Works by Sylvia Meier"

This book encompasses 3 books. As the title suggests it is actually a collection of my written work.

The first section is "Living Bipolar: Learning To Live With Bipolar Disorder" This is essentially the meat of being diagnosed, things to expect, you know the textbook stuff without the textbook drab. Instead it is mixed in with real life examples.

The second section is "Bipolar Bits: Manic Madness To Depressive Depths" and this is where it starts to get really personal. This section, and the book in whole delves deep within my mind, heart and soul. It contains the ups, the downs, and the real life grit that is bipolar disorder.

The third section is the newest book in the series "Lotta Bipolar Bits: Survivors Diary Of Living Bipolar" where the story continues in diary form, again in no chronological order, simply where it fell within the pages of the book. This book also contains some very deep seated, dark stories and poems written while I was well into the grasps of depression. Some of it is difficult for even me to read.

All in all, I simply wanted the series, the collection to show an insiders view of a very misunderstood illness. Yes, it is all in my head, but that transpires to all other aspects of my life as well.

AW: What was your inspiration for this book?

My girlfriend. She's my muse. She inspired me to pick up pen and paper and just start writing. I've been writing from day one. I love to write and there was so much written work available that I had done over the years it was simple to do.

AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?

My book is autobiographical so the only character really in it is myself other than a few key people in my life. So, at the point of seeming vain, myself.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?

Opening up to some of the pain and heartache associated with my illness and my life.

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am still working on the full autobiographical book called "Woman Broken, A Child Lost" as well as another piece under a pen name.

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?

I write on everything. My books are written on scraps all over my house. If I awake at 5 am with something to

write it gets doodled down on a pad beside my bed. I have paper in my purse, my car, my coats. I've even written on the back of reciepts cause it was all I had on hand.

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there?

Just get out there and write. You will be pleasently surprised at how well you can be recieved even when you are uncertain your work is worth it.

AW: Where can we find you? (facebook, twitter, blog, website, etc)

My main blog is www.MyBipolarWorld.com, my facebook fan page is Facebook.com/Author.Sylvia.Meier my twitter handle is @srolfe

AW: And of course we have to know, where can we find your book?

It's on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback format http://www.amazon.com/My-Bipolar-World-Collection-ebook/dp/B00D2XY8QO/

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Book Description:

Research scientist Kate Adams and her colleague Daisy are on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy suddenly dies. Kate knows that if it hadn’t been for Daisy’s mentorship, she wouldn’t have the job she loves or the faith she clings to. So when police rule Daisy’s death a suicide, Kate is determined to unearth the truth.
Former FBI agent Tom Parker finds it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gives him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom’s just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation of her friend’s death, he knows his job is at stake. In fact, despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate looks a bit suspicious herself.
As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

My Thoughts:
I really liked this one.  When Kate's friend and mentor is found dead and believed to commit suicide, she doesn't believe it.  They were on the verge of a breakthrough and there was no way Daisy would have mixed the concoction that killed her.  Tom is not happy when Kate demands he reopen the investigation into Daisy's death.  He knows his job is on the line and is just trying to skate by under the radar but Kate is determined.
I really liked how quickly this story moved.  Kate's determination to find the truth about Daisy was so heartfelt that you had to root for her.  I wasn't sure I was going to like Tom but wound up thinking he was one of the best characters.  The plot was great with several viable suspects and yet you aren't sure about any of them.  
I rate this a 5/5.  
Thank you to Revel for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

*Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*

Deadly Sting by Jennifer Estep

Book Description:
Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.

My Thoughts:
This was a good book.  Gin isn't overly thrilled with going to the gala, but at least she has a 'one of a kind' red dress to wear that looks fabulous on her.  Fin has wonderful taste in women's clothing, even if he is dating Gin's sister.  It could be a bad idea going to a party for the woman you killed but she can't say no to Fin.  At the gala there are lots of people who would love for the Spider to be dead, and she is recognized by pretty much all of them.  One in particular seems to have her sights set one Gin...
I loved Gin.  How confident and strong she is, most of the time.  She and Owen still have issues that haven't been worked out and that is the only spot she is weak in.  Fin is such a wonderful, conniving character that you can't help but love him.  All the support characters were good and added to the storyline, even the bad guys.  I like that this book sets up for a future books well and there is at least some closure if not entirely.
I rate it a 4/5.  I like most of it but Owen

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

That Certain Summer by Irene Hannon

Book Description:

Karen and Val are family-yet they’re anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her gorgeous sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had darker reasons for leaving town-as well as a secret to keep-and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.
Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with their past mistakes, their relationship with each other, and their issues with a mother who is far from ideal. When a physical therapist raising his daughter alone and a handsome but hurting musician enter the picture, the summer takes on a whole new dimension. As their lives intersect and entwine, can each learn how to forgive, how to let go, and how to move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?
With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers her readers an inspiring true-to-life tale of complex family relationships, transgressions revealed and forgiven, and the complicated process of finding love.

My Thoughts:
This was a really good book.  Karen has always been the 'good' daughter.  She takes care of everything, and has always been responsible, but not her mother's favorite.  Val left to lead a glamorous life and be an actress...at least that is what everyone believes.  Karen's life is to juggle and keep balance but when their mother has a stroke, she has to call Val for help and both will learn misconceptions usually lead to wrong conclusions.
I loved that this book is about learning that everyone sees things differently and that our perceptions aren't always true.  That the perceptions we have lead to our opinions being wrong and maybe guilt held for the wrong reasons or maybe just us being wrong all together.  The two sisters were completely different but coming together they get to discover who each other really is.  Their love interests aren't perfect either and have their own life problems.  That 'Certain Summer' can change your life if you let it. 
It was a 4/5 for me.  Not one of Ms. Hannon's suspense novels but definitely a good read!
Thank you for Revell for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

Rogue Descendant by Jenna Black

Book Description:
The third novel in an action-packed urban fantasy series from the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist books—starring a female private eye who discovers that she’s an immortal huntress.

No longer the leader of the Olympians, Konstantin has now gone into hiding. Konstantin is vulnerable, and Anderson believes now is the perfect time to destroy his nemesis. He orders private eye Nikki Glass to use her powers to locate Konstantin, and she balks at the idea until a series of attacks leads her to believe that Konstantin is gunning for her and Anderson instead of remaining safely in hiding.

Nikki’s search is complicated by Cyrus—Konstantin’s son and the new leader of the Olympians—who threatens retribution should his father be killed. The complications mount up as Nikki begins to suspect that Konstantin might not be behind the attacks after all. The only person who hates Konstantin more than Anderson does is Anderson’s estranged wife, Emma, who has joined the Olympians. And Nikki knows Emma would be more than happy if Anderson and his people embroil themselves in an all-out war against the Olympians—a war they cannot hope to win.

As Nikki tries to figure out who the true enemy is, she deals with her tumultuous relationship with Jamaal, who struggles to control his death magic. But being loved by a descendant of a death goddess is the least of Nikki’s worries…

My Thoughts:
I completely loved this book.  Nikki has been avoiding Anderson specifically so she doesn't have to argue with him over searching for Konstantin.  She feels that even with all he has done, she cannot be a part to just murdering him...that is until she becomes the target of some attacks.  Cyrus is now the ruler of the Olympians and though he has taken his father's role, he makes it clear that Konstantin is off limits for Nikki or any of Anderson's people to attack.  Nikki is willing to search for Konstantin if he is the one behind the attacks but the niggling feeling she has is that he isn't the one targeting her.
I have missed Nikki and it was so wonderful to continue her story.  Of course I was antsy to see how Nikki and Jamaal were and their relationship is as rocky as ever.  I would have loved to see more of it but the author has done a wonderful job of leaving you wanting more.  Anderson seemed a bit different in this book, more focused on revenge than logic.  I think that was intentional on the author's part as well to show that Emma's leaving affected him more than he let on.  We didn't see as much of the others in the house as in previous books but they were still in and out. 
I rate this a 5/5 and cannot wait for the author's next book.  I can't believe how she left it in the end!!!

**This book contains adult content**

A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehl

Book Description

When life is murder, who can you trust?

One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor’s office. The next minute there’s a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.

Mia’s a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teenaged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less—and working Colleen’s case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen’s death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold—even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.

Lis Wiehl’s signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series.

My Thoughts:
This was a great mystery.  Mia is recently widowed, back to prosecuting and trying to keep up with her home-life complete with two kids.  Her husband's death left her with a mountain of debt.  Hearing a friend being murdered over the phone is terrible and Mia is heading the investigation to solve the murder.  She is teamed with detective Charlie Carlson.  They dig into the murder and find more than they'd ever imagined.
I really liked Mia.  She is one determined woman.  Juggling all she has, kids (traumatized as they are), stressful work environment and so much death is a LOT to deal with and she makes her way through it.  The author does talk about some rather touchy subjects like bullying, debt, failings of the judicial system...none of them are easy topics and the author does a great job with them.
I rate this a 4/5.  I loved the mystery and can't wait to read another!
Thank you to Booksneeze for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Guarding the Witness by Margaret Daley

Book Description:
RUNNING OUT OF TIME...
After two months of protective custody, bodyguard Arianna Jackson is days away from testifying at a murder trial when the unthinkable happens. Her Alaska safe house is attacked, and Arianna is forced to go on the run with U.S. Marshal Brody Callahan. Arianna is used to issuing orders, not taking them, but now, out in the wild, with a bounty on her head and a killer on her heels, she has only one hope of making it to testify-the handsome protector at her side.
Guardians, Inc.:Born to protect, bound to fall in love

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this one.  Arianna is a bodyguard, or she was until she witnessed a murder while on a job.  She is taken into US Marshal custody because of WHO she saw commit the murder.  Now the big job is to keep her alive and Brody, a US Marshal, is determined to do that no matter what the cost.  The two of them survive an attack and are in a race against time to get Arianna to court to testify before they are either killed or the murderer walks.
Arianna was a wonderful character.  She was strong, capable and fiercely independant.  Yet she knew exactly when she needed help and how capable Brody was.  Brody himself was a great character.  The two of them together were a great team and I really did enjoy their story.  The element of faith that she managed to portray was very low key but also important to the characters and portrayed wonderfully.  The only downside was I knew how it was going to end, but it was still good!
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good, enjoyable book.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Dark Salvation by Katie Salidas

Book Description:
A gathering storm of violence is on the horizon. Whispered threats of the Acta Sanctorum’s return have the supernatural world abuzz. Only recently aware of the other world hidden behind our own, Kitara Vanders has barely scratched the surface of what being supernatural truly means. A special woman in her own right, she possesses unique telepathic abilities, gifts that have recently come under the scrutiny of the Acta Sanctorum, a fanatical organization whose mission is to cleanse the world of anything supernatural. Targeted and marked for death, Kitara’s only hope lies with the lethally seductive yet emotionally scarred warrior Nicholas.
Knowing full well the atrocities of which the Acta Sanctorum is capable, Nicholas is all too eager for the battle to begin. Fueled by pain and rage from the loss of his mate, he’s itching for a fight, but one thing stands in his way: Kitara, a beautiful dark-haired woman with unique psychic abilities and an unusual link to the Saints. Despite his resolve to remain focused on his mission, a purely physical relationship binds them together in a way neither of them expected. And when her life hangs in the balance, Nicholas finds his own is teetering on the edge too.

My Thoughts:
I was so happy to see Nicholas' book!!  Nicholas is tired of waiting for the Acta Sanctorum to make a move.  He has been vigilant at keeping watch for them but nothing so far.  Kitara isn't happy when she meets up with Nicholas but there is something that draws her to him.  The fact that she is looking for her Acta Sanctorum fiance should have warned him away but Nicholas just cannot resist.  Knowing she has powers of her own, Nicholas is determined to protect Kit no matter who he is up against.
I literally couldn't wait to read Nicholas' book.  His story has been wonderfully sad up to this point.  Kit was perfect for him.  A witch with plenty of power (though you shouldn't call her that!) she can hold her own against him.  Their chemistry is undeniable and hot!  His propensity for saving her life and his jerkish attitude should completely put her off but it actually tugs Kit in more.  It was  a great storyline and I absolutely love Kit now!  I  loved catching up with some of the other characters as well and seeing where they are.
I rate this a 5/5.  If you've read the series up to this point, it is a must read.  If you haven't read the series, it is a good vampire/werewolf series!

***This book contains adult content***

Hidden in Plain View by Diane Burke

Book Description:

Colliding WorldsAfter a tragedy rips through her Amish community, Sarah Lapp doesn't remember anything. She can't recall her Plain upbringing, her deceased husband or the shooting that landed her under the protection of handsome undercover cop Samuel King. She is, however, aware of the confusing feelings he creates in her from the moment he walks into her life. Sam is determined to protect Sarah and her unborn baby in case the shooters return. Because if they do, it'll be more than just Sarah's memory at stake.

My Thoughts:
I was enthralled with this book.  Sarah Lapp wakes up in the hospital and cannot remember anything.  She was apparently the victim in a shooting where a vindictive man killed another man and her husband, the father of her unborn child.  Now the murderer is determined to get what he believes she has of his and will do anything to get it.  Sarah is put under the protection of Detective Samuel King.  He was chosen for this assignment because of his unique Amish background.  He will have to guard his heart as well as Sarah to keep the life he has chosen!
I loved the issues wrapped up in mystery in this book!  The author not only made it a suspense but included Amish and Romance and did a great job with it.  I felt so terrible for Sarah constantly wanting/needing her memory but never having even a flash.  Sam was a strong protector and though he was not Amish, still had their core beliefs so he fit in well with the family.  Sarah's in-laws were wonderful characters and though not perfect, they were wonderful to her.  I was beyond ready for them to catch the bad guy at the end because he was soooo good at being bad!!
I rate this one a 5/5.  It was a good suspense!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Unexpected Song by Iris Johansen

Description
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen comes a simmering, sensual story of a powerful man who will do anything to capture the voice—and heart—of a talented soprano.
Jason Hayes isn’t used to hearing the word “no”—not from performers, not from critics, and certainly not from women. He is the greatest composer the stage has seen in a century, and musicians and actors the world over covet his roles. So when the woman he wants—needs—to play Desdemona in his musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello turns down the role, he launches a relentless campaign to win her over—and maybe even secure her heart, too.Daisy Justine has a powerful gift, a sweet soprano voice with beauty to match. She desperately wants to accept the role Jason Hayes has offered her; it would be the job of a lifetime. And there is an undeniable, vibrant magnetism between them—a current that both thrills and frightens her. But she absolutely cannot go to New York with Jason, and she can’t tell him why—unless her body betrays her.

My Thoughts:

Really enjoyed this one!  Jason is determined to have Daisy play Desdemona but she turns down the role.  Daisy would love to take the role but she just cannot leave.  Both have secrets and neither can let the other in on it but Jason HAS to have Daisy for that role no matter what.  The chemistry between them is undeniable but would that be enough for Jason to persuade her?
I loved the pull between Jason and Daisy.  The fact that both of them have secrets that they feel they need to keep is intriguing and I must say his was scary!  I felt so sorry for Daisy having to turn down the role she so badly wanted but I understood why she did it.  Jason's reaction to being turned down amused me and I loved that he didn't take no but was going to get her for that part.
I rate this a 5/5.  It was a mesmerizing book.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).   I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.