I received a new review for INDOMITABLE, Book 4: Arrow of Time Chronicles:
 
5 Stars! “Great characterization and action! INDOMITABLE, the fourth installment in Karen Wiesner’s Arrow of Time Dystopian Science Fiction, brought this series to a satisfyingly suspenseful end. At the end of INDELIBLE, Book 3, I wanted--needed an ending to this story of all the lives the series brought into my world. Would Halon earn his redemption and prove he has the answers to the impending war that may decimate all the worlds in the galaxy? Can he and Vespera finally be together in a world on the brink of annihilation? Will Tori and Raze finally get their happily ever after? It all depends on the multitude of civilizations we’ve met throughout Books 1 through 3, civilizations whose varied environments have shaped them each into unique cultures with their own colors, beliefs, and skills in spite of sharing the same base DNA. Though they all share a common cause--to save their worlds--they still need to trust one another and unite to overcome the evil Sinshe and turn their device of mass destruction into one that will rebuild dying planets and save multiple cultures. Whether sci-fi or romance fan, you will love this series with all its complex plotlines striving valiantly toward a common, triumphant end.” ~Award-winning author Barbara Raffin
 
Find out more about Arrow of Time Chronicles here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/arrow-of-time-chronicles.html
https://www.writers-exchange.com/arrow-of-time-chronicles/
​

​I received a new review for INDELIBLE, Book 3: Arrow of Time Chronicles:
 
5 Stars! "The suspense just keeps rising and building in this series! Whether sci-fi, adventure or romance fan, this series will suck you in. I found myself invested more and more as the author took the reader into the various cultures with all their differences but one ultimate, uniting goal. When I got to the end of INDELIBLE, I almost screamed. I thought it was a trilogy, that there wasn't another installment, and I was left with all these characters' futures hanging in the balance as they race toward a war to end all wars! Then I discovered there was a fourth and final book. Whew! You've got to read Karen Wiesner's Arrow of Time Chronicles!" ~Award-winning author Barbara Raffin
 
Find out more about Arrow of Time Chronicles here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/arrow-of-time-chronicles.html
https://www.writers-exchange.com/arrow-of-time-chronicles/

I received a new review for HIDDEN, Book 6: Bloodmoon Cove Spirits Series
 
4 1/2 Stars! "HIDDEN is *creepy*. The wonderful thing about this series is that each story can stand alone. You do not need to read any of the previous titles to enjoy this chilling tale. It starts out slowly, so readers can be introduced to the main and secondary characters. But after the first chapter, things take off at a sprint and they never really slow back down.  The characters are well developed, believable, and not idiots as many in supernatural romances or movies are. If the situation looks too dangerous, alternatives are discussed. Of course, thanks to the imp that must rest on this author's shoulder, it does not matter. *Something* will force them to make a move and pray for the best. I loved every second of this spooky tale." ~Huntress Reviews
 
Find out more about Bloodmoon Cove Spirits Series here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/bloodmoon-cove-spirits-series.html
​​www.writers-exchange.com/bloodmoon-cove-spirits-series/

I received a new review for Fire & Ice, Book 3: Gypsy Road Series:
 
5 Stars! “Jon had 14 years to harbor fury toward his father after he threw him out of the house when he was just a teenager over a situation with Jon’s troublesome girlfriend Jessie. As a doctor, his old man worked endless hours that had driven Jon’s mother to irreversible actions, devastating them all and causing Jon to be raised by the housekeeper. Jon’s bitter sense of betrayal is justifiable. It was hard to see a young family torn apart like that.
 
“Tracey is easy to love. She organizes the mess in the office of Jon, Rod, and Blackie’s business and shares a house with Jon and Blackie, cooking for them and generally mothering them.  She’s not a fan of Jon’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Jessie and truthfully any romantic notions she’s had over Jon have been squashed because of the selfish vixen he can’t seem to say no to, even when he should.
 
“I wept over Jon and Tracie’s seemingly impossible predicaments that would take a miracle to sort out. Get out the tissues for this one. You’ll need them.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
Find out more about the Gypsy Road Series here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/gypsy-road-series.html
http://www.writers-exchange.com/gypsy-road-series/ 

I received a new review for my very first published book, LEATHER & LACE, Book 1: Gypsy Road Series:
 
5 Stars! “In this light contemporary romance, Bethany Briggs is a shy, virginal salon owner. Her older brother raised her after their parents died. Needless to say, he’s overprotective despite that she’s 24. She’s so naïve he’s afraid if she’s allowed to make her own decisions--and mistakes--she’ll get hurt.
 
“On the surface, Rod Summers is the very definition of bad boy. I was skittish of him from the minute he walked into Bethany’s salon. The rumors about his temporary conquests are legendary. Even someone as sweet as Bethany has heard them. Yet her heart beats faster at her first sight of him while Rod has truly never met anyone like her before. This couple from completely different worlds embodies the romantic ideals of leather and lace. I loved this story.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
Find out more about the Gypsy Road Series here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/gypsy-road-series.html
http://www.writers-exchange.com/gypsy-road-series/

I received my first review for Shotgun Wedding, Book 13: Adventures in Amethyst Series:
 
5 Stars! “In SHOTGUN WEDDING, Trevor’s bygone downfall in the form in Delaney, a hot divorcee, returns to him like a harbinger ghost of Christmas past. His wife Eden questions if his pledge to never again make a fool of himself--or her--over Delaney was just a pie-crust promise to convince her not to divorce him last time. I really felt for Eden as she struggled with the situation and her own self-worth and self-respect. Trevor is as clueless about women as he is about technology, but he’s made up for his mistakes in the past and he’s been working so hard to do right by his siblings who run the resort with him that he may have overlooked his immediate family of  late. Ultimately, his heart was in the right place, and I couldn’t help loving him for that. This is a fun, feel-good holiday story with an intriguing little twist I didn’t see coming at the end.” ~Linda’s Reviews
 
Find out more about the Adventures in Amethyst Series here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/adventures-in-amethyst-series.html
http://www.writers-exchange.com/adventures-in-amethyst-series/
​

I received a new review for 2-in-1 Supernatural Romance Novellas including The Amethyst Star and Creatures of the Night:
 
5 Stars! "In the first story, The Amethyst Star, a futuristic romance, I felt very sad that Lady Sher, a human queen and the last of her kind, could never be free to love given that the world has changed drastically since the Intergalactic war. Randolf is a prince from the planet Chaashane. Protecting Lady Sher is his only option--as is loving her from afar. This story does a good job of showing how sometimes the world needs to change and it takes strong beings to stand up for injustice.
 
"The second story in this collection, Creatures of the Night, is a paranormal romance. Susanna Heath meets a dark and mysterious man. Nicholai's old-fashioned manners and fervent passion for the heroine almost made me swoon. This story wasn't what I expected, which was what made it so unusual and enjoyable."
 
Find out more about this 2-in-1 here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/miscellaneous-fiction-titles.html
http://www.writers-exchange.com/2-in-1-supernatural-romance/

I received a new review for 2-in-1 Supernatural Romance Novellas including The Amethyst Star and Creatures of the Night:
 
5 Stars! "In the first story, The Amethyst Star, a futuristic romance, I felt very sad that Lady Sher, a human queen and the last of her kind, could never be free to love given that the world has changed drastically since the Intergalactic war. Randolf is a prince from the planet Chaashane. Protecting Lady Sher is his only option--as is loving her from afar. This story does a good job of showing how sometimes the world needs to change and it takes strong beings to stand up for injustice.
 
"The second story in this collection, Creatures of the Night, is a paranormal romance. Susanna Heath meets a dark and mysterious man. Nicholai's old-fashioned manners and fervent passion for the heroine almost made me swoon. This story wasn't what I expected, which was what made it so unusual and enjoyable."
 
Find out more about this 2-in-1 here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/miscellaneous-fiction-titles.html
http://www.writers-exchange.com/2-in-1-supernatural-romance/

I received a new review for WOODCUTTER'S GRIM SERIES, Volume I (Books 1-3 and The Final Chapter):
 
5 Stars! "Books 1-3 of the series and The Final Chapter are contained in this collection that scared me silly, and, trust me, I don't scare easily.
 
"In Papa, Book 1, Ms. Wiesner's retelling of Hansel and Gretel with a twist will make you hunger for more of these reinvented fairy tales. My heart went out to Rand and Amy. After a loveless marriage he couldn't seem to escape, Rand finally divorces his wife, who is the mother of his children. With Amy, he's at last found someone to love who loves him back. When his ex-wife and their young son and daughter are killed, Rand and Amy try to heal, but it seems past sins and a wicked curse won't let them.
 
In Book 2, Blood of Amethyst, the horror continues with a loose retelling of the story Rumplestiltskin. Amethyst and her father's farm is too close to the woods where the evil in Woodcutter's Grim is said to lurk. But her relationship with Gabe, the sheriff in town and the Guardian of the Protectorate that is the only defense against the evil, reaches an ultimatum with her pregnancy and imminent birth of their first child. The horrifying choice she makes and the consequences of that decision set the tone for everything that follows this story in the series.
 
"In Dancing to the Grave, Book 3, the author continued to freak me out with a chilling, twisty-turny rendition of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Amethyst's best friend Diane is the heroine in this story. After an extremely rough few years apart, Diane and her husband Kurt, a member of the Protectorate, are trying to put their marriage and lives back together. But, after what happened in the previous story, the evil that lives in Woodcutter's Grim is out for revenge. Even as I was rooting for this couple to come out victorious, a happily-ever-after seemed like the least likely scenario.
 
"The Amethyst Tower, the very last book in the Woodcutter's Grim Series, finishes out this collection, which contained an explanation from the author on the suggested reading order of the books in the series. Luckily, Wiesner
*does* recommend reading The Amethyst Tower directly after reading Books 1-3--even before going on to Books 4-10. All those books were written in a way that assumes the reader has already read The Amethyst Tower, which is kind of a time-travel fantasy story loosely based on Rapunzel.
 
"The Amethyst Tower is a complicated, thrilling tale of good versus evil, hope and patience, and epic triumph only earned by never giving up, no matter how impossible the odds.
 
"The Final Chapter concludes an awesome series that I didn't want to stop reading. Highly recommended!" ~Linda's Reviews
 
Find out more about the Woodcutter's Series here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/woodcutters-grim-series.html
 
https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/ 

 
I received a new review for KALEIDOSCOPE SERIES (Books 1-7):
5 Stars! “In the Kaleidoscope Series, secondary characters that appeared in Book 1 are brought into the next six short stories in the series.
 
"In Perfect Cadence, Book 1, Joshua had more self-control them most when the woman of his dreams came into his life--at exactly the wrong time. But, years later, when she reappears once more, he has a second chance at finding everything he ever wanted. Keri has the worst luck in men imaginable. But what a lot of fun when luck is finally in her favor. 
 
“Book 2, In Cahoots With Cupid, Keri's boss Angela is the heroine. I loved that six-year old Kiowa told ten-year-old Angela that he’d marry her one day. His tenacity in pursuing her was inspiring.
 
"Behind Amethyst Eyes, Book 3, Rob’s been flirting with Aimee like crazy, but it wasn't until her co-workers convinced her to get a makeover that he saw a woman he could fall for. Aimee and her fiery temper were fun and intriguing. I loved seeing Rob sweat under it!
 
“In Book 4, Jordana’s Chair, Dex is smooth, well-dressed and hot as a firecracker. He could have had any of the gorgeous women flocking around him that he wanted. Yet it’s quiet, simple Jordana, his next door neighbor and a woman who’s trying to put her broken life back together, that intrigues him the most.  I laughed and cried for and with these characters. Ultimately, I was elated with every triumph they earned over the cruelty of life.
 
"In Book 5, Paper Tiger, Billy has waited for years to get Roni to marry him. I was impressed that he never faltered in his certainty that he wanted her for life. But Roni was hiding something that kept her from taking chances with those she loves. I was riveted with the suspense of this story set with Halloween horrors.
 
"In Cabin Fever, Book 6, Shayna is a divorcee with a seven-year-old son. Her ex-husband left her insecure and untrusting. Falling in love with Dakota was the easiest thing in the world--for Shayna and for me. He tenderly took care of his students, one of them Shayna’s son. The agonizing pain of his past, losing what mattered most to him, was something I felt vividly in these pages.
 
“In Book 7, The Longest Night, Jolie married Jag, an international photographer years ago, when she was young and too in love to realize how hard a long-distance relationship could be. Living their lives separate most of any given year was too hard, and I cheered when she decided to start divorce proceedings. But there’s more to Jag--and this marriage--than meets the eye.
 
“I loved reading these interconnected stories.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
Find out more about the Kaleidoscope Series here:
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/kaleidoscope-series.html    
https://www.writers-exchange.com/kaleidoscope-series/
​

I received new reviews for Woodcutter’s Grim Series, BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10:
 
Out of the Ashes, Part 1:
 
“Long was Liam alone. This changed in Italy when he met Adaryn Azar. The pair fell in love almost immediately. But Liam knew very little about his new wife, Adaryn. She, also, had been alone for a very long time…hunted by [a dangerous creature].  I found the character of Liam/William to be fully formed in my mind. I came to feel as if I understood him. Two secondary characters…Torin and his daughter, Celee…I…came to care for. I can only hope that they get their own story told somewhere in this three-part tale. We shall see. [To tell this tale Wiesner couldn’t] say too much. …I do not see how the author could have done better.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
A New Beginning, Part 2:
 
4 Stars! “Part 2 picks up where the first left off. In order to fully understand this novel you must read the previous one.  The character of Adaryn becomes more fleshed out. I feel as though I am beginning to understand her more. Much more time is devoted to her and the pregnancy. I am looking forward to the birth and eager to see what happens in the sanctuary. There is so much going on that I do not see how the author can possibly tie them together and bring them all to a close within only one more part. But this author often surprises me.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
Into the Sun, Part 3:
 
4 Stars! “Each part must be read in order. Otherwise, you will be lost and unable to fully understand what is happening. Each chapter begins with the name of the character that is being followed. All three parts of the story are told in the viewpoint of multiple characters. The mysterious Nazarha Pallaton finally appears. I found her character to be the most interesting. (Other than that of a certain splintercat's!) Nazarha has been helping fight the evil in Woodcutter's Grim, as did her mother before her, long before Liam and his family arrive. Though she only now enters the story, the author mentioned Nazarha the Seer several times in the previous part, so I felt as though I already knew something about her and she felt very familiar to her. Perhaps this is why I was drawn to the character.  From the middle of this part until the very end, I was on the edge of my seat. I could feel time running out and sense the rush to be ready. A very satisfying ending to the [BRIDGE OF FIRE] tale.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
Find out more about these books and the series here: https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/woodcutters-grim-series.html
https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/

I received a new review for PERFECT REFLECTION, Book 5: Friendship Heirlooms Series:
 
5 Stars! “In Perfect Reflection, it’s Ethan and Elaina's turn to have their story told.  Ethan Lynwood did an amazing job caring for his younger brother after their dad turned his back on them, but Sebastian did an unforgivable thing, and Ethan had no choice but to walk away.  Settling in Peaceful gave him a chance to start all over again. The woman he loves, Elaina Houston, had it rough as a runaway growing up. She made decisions for her future that she hoped would prevent the same mistakes from happening again. But protecting herself also means denying herself the things that feel right to her.  When the past comes back to haunt Ethan and Elaina…well, the clash will rock you as much has it did me. I look forward to the next installment in this series.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
Find out more about the Friendship Heirlooms Series here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/friendship-heirlooms-series/
​

I received a new review for FIRST COMES LOVE, Book 4: Friendship Heirlooms Series:
 
5 Stars! “Secondary characters in the Family Heirlooms Series are now getting their stories in the Friendship Heirlooms Series. Chad Feldman and Winnie McBride were left on a messy cliffhanger in GLASS ANGELS, Book 4: Family Heirlooms Series. A teenage pregnancy had them trying to do the right thing by getting married right out of high school to raise their daughter. Chad struggles with letting go of the career aspirations he’d always had when there’s a way for him to continue with them, and Winnie can’t see this as anything but selfish--not a noble act to better support his family--because any opportunity she had for a career was gone once she got pregnant. Who took the heavier load? She’s a strong woman, a good mother, but she’s only human and her shoulders can’t hold everything. In this story, the conflicts between this couple who face the consequences of choosing to have sex before they were ready to be responsible for what came of it are plentiful. I look forward to the next installment of the Friendship Heirlooms Series to find out what happened to other secondary characters from the original series.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/friendship-heirlooms-series/

I received a new review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Into the Sun, Part 3:
 
5 Stars! “Woodcutter’s Grim Series goes out with a bang in this final installment, Into the Sun, Part 3 of Bridge of Fire. I loved Will Gruff from the beginning, as far back as when his mom helped him break the blood contract their family was under so he alone could be saved. Yet he came back to the place that’s the least safe for him because he knows he’s the one who has to save those he cares for. I loved all the characters so much, I thought them as extended family. I admit I adored little Celee as a St. Bernard shifter most of all. The introduction of fairy tale creatures of all kinds in this three-part tale was an added bonus.” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/

Another review for CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships:
 
5 Stars! "For plotting all my novels and novellas, I depend heavily on Karen Wiesner’s FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS. Her books on writing can be invaluably helpful not only for dedicated plotters and outliners like me, but for the intuitive 'pantser' as well. This new book delves more deeply than any of her previous works into the intricacies of creating effective characters, plots, and relationships. After a comprehensive guide to recognizing and diagnosing 'dead or lifeless' writing, the book works through every stage in the planning and writing of a novel, with numerous examples from popular literature and other media. The step-by-step approach carries the reader along the path of conceiving, developing, and animating characters, from the initial inspiration to the ultimate goal of a cohesively plotted, vividly alive story. The organic imagery of living, dead, and 'zombie'  CPR woven throughout the text captivates the reader’s attention, as do the numerous concrete examples of how to apply the author’s instruction and advice. The appendix contains a collection of useful worksheets. As a bonus, the conclusion offers an eye-opening analysis of the current state of the publishing industry. You don’t need to be familiar with the author’s earlier books on writing to benefit from this one, since it covers all the highlights of her method. If you haven’t read them, though, you’ll probably want to get one or more after immersion in CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION." ~award-winning author Margaret L. Carter http://www.margaretlcarter.com
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/   

Here’s one more review I received for CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships:
 
5 Stars! "Highly recommended new book to bring your novel writing *'ALIVE'! Karen S. Wiesner has yet again written a stellar book for writers at all stages looking for new energy in their storytelling with CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction. Every paragraph teems with good points to savor and use in planning a novel or revising a manuscript—or even resuscitating an author’s career if a series becomes stale. The list of ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships is a book within a book and priceless. I also loved her thoughtful, useful *ALIVE acronym for 'Animated, Living, Interacting, Vitality & Voice, Engaged' plots and characters. She of course goes in-depth with tips on how to achieve every one of those letters in ALIVE. This is a book on writing that is alive with wisdom. In this well-researched and carefully crafted handbook, Wiesner uses plenty of examples, worksheets, and lists to create what amounts to a Master Class in writing a more satisfying novel.  Highly recommended." ~Christine DeSmet, mystery author (Fudge Shop Mystery Series) and Distinguished Faculty Associate in writing, University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies, and director, Write-by-the-Lake Writer’s Workshop & Retreat christinedesmet.com/
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/  

I received another review for CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION:
 
5 Stars! “I do not read, much less review, many nonfiction books because I normally read to escape the problems of everyday life. However, I have often wondered how authors managed to keep us (readers) engaged in their stories, especially if the story is more than one title in length. This book explains it all. If you an aspiring author, this book is crucial in making your story something that publishers would want to get out to the public. All writers know that a character must do more than walk and talk if readers are to care about a character. The development is what causes readers to feel as though they know and understand a character. This book also explains ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships. It talks about the needed research that authors must do. Not only that, but good writers also take detailed notes on each of their characters. This book explains why and how. Even having said all this, it hardly touches everything that the book covers. This is a valuable resource for any author, published or not.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/   

Here's a comprehensive review I received for CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION:

5 Stars! "CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer's Guide to Deep and Multifaceted Development and Progression of Characters, Plot, and Relationships is a writer's handbook that all of us will want on our shelves. Lucky for me, I received a review copy from Karen S. Wiesner, the talented author of a few writing craft books. So let's talk about why you may want this book on your shelf! "If you like writing craft books that make you feel like the author is in the room with you and teaching you how to make your stories and characters better, then this book is perfect. While reading it, I felt as if Karen was in my living room, giving me advice with her helpful and easy to remember acronyms to keep me from boring my readers into falling asleep instead of turning the pages. "Here's a great example: A L I V E, and those letters stand for: Animated (evidence of a spark of life in your characters), Living (not just existing, but living a life full of external and internal conflicts), Interacting (dynamic and believable relationships), Vitality and Voice (3-dimensional character attributes), and finally Engaged (characters with objectives and purpose in the story with defined goals and motivations). "So think of some of your favorite characters in the books you read. Are they ALIVE? Now think of your main character--does he or she fit those five characteristics? This is what Karen's book will do for you. Give you helpful tips, like how to diagnose if your characters are ALIVE, and then help you write better characters and plots.

"The book is divided into seven chapters, plus an intro and conclusion, and then something very valuable--an appendix full of worksheets. I know this is every writer's dream--at least it is mine. Karen includes worksheets for both plot and character development help. Then there are also worksheets on relationship development between your characters. If you are writing a romance, you'll especially want to check out the "Links in the Chain of Romance Relationship Development Chart." If you don't have those links, then your romance readers will not be happy with you!

"Back to the seven chapters--I think one of the most helpful chapters for any writer at any level is at the beginning of the book, chapter one, where Karen helps you with "ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships." And by dead characters--she's not talking about the dead body on page one of a murder mystery. She means your character is just there, existing on the page. With chapter one, you receive 10 points to look for in your manuscript to diagnose what may be wrong with it.

"Then she goes on to chapter two, where she introduces you to three-dimensional writing and scenes. Karen has a previous book where she talked about those concepts more (Cohesive Story Building). But in CPR, she reviews these strategies for writers, as she gets ready to really dig into your characters (chapter 3), plot (chapter 4), and relationships (chapter 5).

"I like this book so much because of the relationships' sections. A lot of writing craft books about plot and characters don't spend as much time on examining the relationships in the book. But think about it--when you watch a movie or get hooked on a book series, aren't you very interested in the characters and their relationships? I'll just answer for you--Yes! Han Solo and Princess Leia, Ron and Hermione, and Katniss and Peeta...insert any of your favorites in here, and you'll see what I mean. You want the relationships in your plots to stick in readers' minds like these previous ones did for me.

"This writer's craft book helps you diagnose what's wrong with your manuscript, and then fix it with tips and advice from Karen. If you're a fiction writer looking to improve your craft as one of your 2021 goals, then CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction is for you!" ~Margo L. Dill of Editor-911.com

Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/ 

I received another new review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, A New Beginning, Part 2:
 
5 Stars! “In the last part, Out of the Ashes, Liam, his wife Adaryn, and their two friends Torin and Celee travel to Woodcutter's Grim to escape the hunter who’s always a step behind them. Though Liam had promised his mother he’d never return when he fled the town, he has no choice but to come home now and complete the training that will allow him to save those he loves. But the evil in this place overtook his father when Liam was just a child and now his oldest brother is irrevocably under its sway.  How can he survive if he allows himself to wield the magic? The last place on earth they should go is their only option now. Liam’s love for Adaryn touched me. Torin, also, was easy to fall in love with along with his adorable little girl. Ember was a fascinating creature I enjoyed getting to know better. I can hardly wait to see how this story ties up in the third and final part of BRIDGE OF FIRE.” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/

I received my first review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Into the Sun, Part 3:
 
5 Stars! “In the final part of Bridge of Fire, the characters are sympathetic, and the mythology of Woodcutter's Grim is richly developed in interesting depth. I like the way it pulls many fairy tales together. For me as a reader, the author’s note at the end provided a detailed explanation of the series order and was very helpful. It's the kind of thing I always enjoy reading after completing a novel. In fact, when a book doesn't have an author's afterword, I miss it. Ultimately, the conclusion of Bridge of Fire is quite satisfying.” ~author Margaret L. Carter
 
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/
 

I received my first review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, A New Beginning, Part 2:
 
5 Stars! “Again, I think this book ends at a reasonable stopping point, avoiding the dreaded cliffhanger. I enjoyed the dialogue and character relationship development. I love the relationship between Celee and Ember. It's hard to imagine how this trilogy could end happily. Well, I'll find out soon. I'm looking forward to finding out what finally happens to these people, especially the hero and heroine Liam and Adaryn.” ~author Margaret L. Carter
 
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/

I received a new review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Out of the Ashes, Part 1:
 
5 Stars! “This portion of Bridge of Fire seems to tell readers just what we need to know, breaking at a good point--not what I would consider a frustrating ‘cliffhanger’. I admire the way the author created an original mythos of her own using creatures from legend and lore. And I'll bet nobody else has ever written a love story between a phoenix and a goat shapeshifter." ~author Margaret L. Carter
 
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/
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Review for CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction {A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships} by Karen S. Wiesner:

5 Stars! "Highly recommended new book to bring your novel writing *'ALIVE'! Karen S. Wiesner has yet again written a stellar book for writers at all stages looking for new energy in their storytelling with CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships (Writers Exchange Publishing, 2020). Every paragraph teems with good points to savor and use in planning a novel or revising a manuscript—or even resuscitating an author’s career if a series becomes stale. The list of ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships is a book within a book and priceless. I also loved her thoughtful, useful *ALIVE acronym for 'Animated, Living, Interacting, Vitality & Voice, Engaged' plots and characters. She of course goes in-depth with tips on how to achieve every one of those letters in ALIVE. This is a book on writing that is alive with wisdom. In this well-researched and carefully crafted handbook, Wiesner uses plenty of examples, worksheets, and lists to create what amounts to a Master Class in writing a more satisfying novel.  Highly recommended." ~Christine DeSmet, mystery author (Fudge Shop Mystery Series) and Distinguished Faculty Associate in writing, University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies, and director, Write-by-the-Lake Writer’s Workshop & Retreat https://christinedesmet.com/

Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/ 
 

I received my first review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Out of the Ashes, Part 1:
 
5 Stars! “In Out of the Ashes, the first part of BRIDGE OF FIRE, the 10th book in the Woodcutter’s Grim Series, I found the Gruff family intriguing. Will was the youngest son of three brothers. His father made a choice that both saved and doomed them for all time. Will’s mom didn’t want her children to be slaves to the evil that lived in Woodcutter’s Grim. She made a dangerous alliance to save one of her sons. Will was too young to have fallen under the sway of the magic in that town. Before she helped him escape, she told him not to trust anyone and to never come back. Will fled, ensuring his life in the years that followed was lonely. But, like his father before him, Will possesses a skill that transcends explanation. He can create magical bridges. I fell in love with Adaryn and her friends Torin and Celee right along with Will. But a happily-ever-after doesn’t seem likely with a centuries’ old creature hunting them. Unbelievably, the only place that seems safe for them is Woodcutter’s Grim! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Part 2: A New Beginning!” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/