tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35218842065223057822024-03-05T11:44:45.674-06:00RipeReviewsI am hired on a consulting basis to provide publicists, agents and publishers in the literary industry with reviews of their client's work. I do not provide reviews for individual authors.Justin Rentschlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489964111717384375noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521884206522305782.post-85970757517597168222012-01-17T00:14:00.015-06:002012-01-17T00:36:51.386-06:00The Heart of A Writer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFnHALtr4XPq0KqX1tkDonYMnipR5yV9fs-eCmYieZk6TnGbDXIZZIVTMN5U7JoG84jDjp2CR9sm2Nq9Wq_BfaxYCVq8qDxJK4jehyphenhyphen-o5EjeA7V_3o36wR5zsk2vK4Y8ueZ3zQpnU5WBC/s1600/susan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFnHALtr4XPq0KqX1tkDonYMnipR5yV9fs-eCmYieZk6TnGbDXIZZIVTMN5U7JoG84jDjp2CR9sm2Nq9Wq_BfaxYCVq8qDxJK4jehyphenhyphen-o5EjeA7V_3o36wR5zsk2vK4Y8ueZ3zQpnU5WBC/s200/susan.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I had the privilage of interviewing Author S.R.Claridge and, with her permission, have transcribed our conversation here. There are many, many talented writers in the world, but few that have the open heart, tenacity and high-spirit of this woman. She'll make you laugh, she'll make you cry and she'll touch you in a way that can only be described as honest. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Why do you think you chose to write suspense novels?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I like mysteries and things I have to try and figure out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy reading suspense novels and I think it is somewhat natural for an author to write what they enjoy reading.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever considered writing another genre, like paranormal or erotica?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I’ve never considered paranormal because my mind just doesn’t work that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t seem to think that far outside the box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have written erotica, but they are short stories that will never be seen by anyone other than my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><blushing><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m actually quite bad at writing in the erotica genre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know why, but I think it’s because my vocabulary is lacking in terms of coming up with creative words for penis and breasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s be honest, how many times can you write “mammoth mounds of glory” or describe how he “thrusts his manhood”…. <laughing>…. See what I mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should stick to writing suspense novels.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Would you describe yourself as a conservative writer, then?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I don’t think any part of my life would ever be described as “conservative”… not on paper and not in the real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, those who know me best are probably laughing at the mere idea of defining me as conservative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’ve definitely mellowed some with age, but am far from conservative.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">So, how then would you define yourself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is S.R.Claridge, the author?</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">That’s a tough one. Well, my first name is Susan and my middle name is Renee’, which is where the S.R. comes from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m half Serbian and half German, so if you want to know where my hot-headed temper comes from just combine Milosevic and Hitler and there you have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the flip side my heart is pretty tender and I believe forgiveness is key in any relationship. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think marriage required a lot of sex and friendship requires a lot of love…put the two together and you’ve found your soul mate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love Jesus and talk God’s ear off probably more than even He wants to hear from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to be a drug-using, chain-smoking vegetarian; but now I’m a meat-eating, smoke-free, soccer-mom who knows first-hand that people can change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe no one has the right to judge anyone else, and it angers me when I see it being done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think life is about maintaining balance and that beauty is found deep inside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe people are brought together for a purpose and that there really are no chance encounters or coincidences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that anything good in me comes from God, because on my own I am bound to mess things up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than anything I have been richly blessed with an incredible husband of almost 20 years and two super kids who bring more joy into my heart than I ever dreamed possible.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I see that you used to write lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s one of your favorite songs from a lyrical perspective?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">The Heart of the Matter by Don Henley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the chorus. <she sings>“I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter, but my will gets weak, and my thoughts seem to scatter but I think it’s about forgiveness… forgiveness… even if, even if you don’t love me anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><span style="color: black;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I also like Get Over It by the Eagles and Have A Nice Day by Bon Jovi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my all-time favorites is Everything by Michael Buble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like too many songs to be able to answer this question.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">You made a demo CD in Nashville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was that like?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Oh my gosh, that was years ago and I can’t believe you even know about that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The CD was called, “Out of the Box” and it consisted of four songs that I had written:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live your Dream, Do Me, Good Time Girl and Come Into My Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great experience and I feel blessed to have had the chance to go through that process and work with some fabulous musicians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem was I’m a writer, not a singer so the demo really should have been made with a true-to-life singer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvK0eKGwIZhokpZe0SIOcgrPQVgh_4C49gyOwB9KRnCXqbS1doeYeBHEFPb6JzOaPURoyLqQmSG-QyJd1KSoeEa_HK6QKIM8nxoq9_6EesxywoC5jZTuYPW1419Mtli9PS4szXp56mDm1/s1600/susanrenee1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvK0eKGwIZhokpZe0SIOcgrPQVgh_4C49gyOwB9KRnCXqbS1doeYeBHEFPb6JzOaPURoyLqQmSG-QyJd1KSoeEa_HK6QKIM8nxoq9_6EesxywoC5jZTuYPW1419Mtli9PS4szXp56mDm1/s200/susanrenee1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">You also have a CD released entitled, Open Your Eyes, and two singles called, Columbine and A Nation Under God.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><em>You've done your homework! Open Your Eyes consists of 13 songs (I think) and they are more of a Christian tone. Columbine was a song I wrote after the Columbine High School shootings and A Nation Under God, I wrote after 911.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you still write songs?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><em>I do, but no one hears them anymore. They're just sort of my own personal outlet now.</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Back to your comment about not singing, you’ve sang on stage before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are musicals on your resume.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">True.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can sing, but that doesn’t make me a “singer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have the type of voice that you would want to close your eyes and listen to; but if I have to get up on stage, playing a role, and sell a number I can do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not a “dancer” either, but I can dance on stage in a production if it’s part of the character I’m playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Musicals aren’t my first preference when it comes to performing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">What would be your preference for performing then?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Shows that are a Dramatic/Comedic mix or that have an underlying meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a one-act type play on the topic of Sex&Marriage and I loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It touched people because it dealt with things to which every married couple could relate, but it also brought a comedic side to dealing with some of the challenges in marriage.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">What made you fall in love with the stage?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;"><em>When I was on stage I could be anybody I wanted. All the bad things about me disappeared. I was confident on stage in a way I couldn't be in life. I felt like I could breathe and nothing could hurt me while the spot lights were shining.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Let’s look at your entertainment background for a moment, do you think your experience on stage helps you write your novels? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I think every experience in life helps me write my novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experiences on stage are precious memories to me so there is a certain emotional element I can tap into and give to the characters in my books when needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the best times of my life have been on the stage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you miss performing?</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Yes…sometimes it feels like a raw aching in my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do miss it, but I don’t know how I could fit it back into my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I pour my training and experience into my daughter, who lives to act and I get to be the Stage Mom who watches her shine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m often the teary-eyed one in the audience, especially during curtain calls…because I remember the wonderful feeling of the warmth of the lights, hearing the applause and those incredible chills of excitement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">You’re a mom of two children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your greatest challenges being a mother?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I think the answer to this question would vary depending on the age of the children, but for me, (my kids are 8 and 10 years old) the biggest challenge right now is in trying to steer them down the best path for where they need to and want to end up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to support their dreams and give them every opportunity toward success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have more choices than we had growing up and everything they do starts when they’re so much younger than when we were kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want them to be balanced and make wise decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also want to nurture their spirits so that they will stand on a strong foundation of faith and trust in God as they grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of all, I want them to know that life can be hard, and we all make mistakes, but there is nothing we can’t tackle and get through together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Your books are primarily about relationships between men and women and about the loyalty of Mafia families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did you choose these topics?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Relationships touch everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone can relate to the difficulties and challenges of keeping a relationship going strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The loyalty of Mafia families has always intrigued me because I think, despite some of their ideals on murder, they truly understand that blood is blood, a brother is a brother and you take care of your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It strikes a chord with me because I believe God puts you with certain people for a reason and it is your responsibility to care for, support and love the family He has given you; above all others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baddah-Bing-Baddah-Boom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve had the privilege of reading several of your novels and reviewing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find your character interaction to be remarkably well-written to the point where I feel I am actually involved in the conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you do this?</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Thank you. I think it stems from writing scripts and visualizing the scene in my head as if it is just that, a scene taking place in a movie or on a stage. I see the blockng and character movement before I write it.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m sorry to cut you off, but particularly in love scenes you are able to paint a clear picture without going into any graphic detail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">That’s because I’m not good at the graphic details, hence not writing erotica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><laughs><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m writing an intimate moment I envision what I would want to happen if I were living in that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where would I want his hands to touch me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I be longing for a tender, sensual kiss that grows slowly deeper and more passionate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or would I need a forceful, pushing against a wall and gripping me with desire moment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I need to see in his eyes that he wants me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or am I unaware of it until I feel his lips closing in on mine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Just like being on stage, i</span>t’s the little things that make a scene work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">Real quick before we end our conversation, what do you think is the most important feature on a man?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;"><em>I'm asked this question a lot and it always strikes me as odd. Whether it's a man or a woman, I think the most important feature are the eyes. The eyes tell you everything you need to know about someone... without sounding too cliche' the eyes truly are the window to the soul.</em></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">It has been a pleasure talking with you today and I wish you much success with your books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> S.R.Claridge is currently writing the fourth novel in the <em>Just Call Me Angel</em> mafia suspense series and working on an independent novel, of which the topic she is keeping a secret for now. </span>To pick up any one of S.R.Claridge’s novels, please visit Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Smashwords.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I understand Susan will be giving away a free download of one of her books to anyone who responds to this interview in the comment section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has also graciously agreed to answer any questions readers post, as long as it doesn’t give away the plot in any of her novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for being with us today. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Thank you for having me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been my pleasure to be here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>###<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Justin Rentschlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489964111717384375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521884206522305782.post-33515995631652067402011-11-21T21:43:00.000-06:002011-11-21T21:43:22.827-06:00Russian Uprising by S.R.Claridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkBToRpgOKaXRiJiRgp12WoS-O4fumCrMI7sIICrvy_dqQmWwCBNae4GpgFcCrUX8mDkwXHsserXGU_cCqeiJR4Zbfefxk5z5sLsTO38d182e2bEZB2o1L9G9nd7-FBFC5qNc0EUL1MSn/s1600/RU+3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkBToRpgOKaXRiJiRgp12WoS-O4fumCrMI7sIICrvy_dqQmWwCBNae4GpgFcCrUX8mDkwXHsserXGU_cCqeiJR4Zbfefxk5z5sLsTO38d182e2bEZB2o1L9G9nd7-FBFC5qNc0EUL1MSn/s200/RU+3D.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>Reviewed by Justin Rentschler, 2011<br />
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Russian Uprising is the third installment in the phenomenal Just Call Me Angel series by author S.R.Claridge, whose debut novel, No Easy Way, released in October 2010. In less than a year, this prolific writer has put out four novels and believe me, each one is better than the next.<br />
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Russian Uprising is nothing less than excitingly explosive! If you liked the television program, 24, you will love this series. Angel Martin assumes her role as head of the Maratinzano mafia family to the extent that she has to go against her own grandfather, the Capo di Tutti Capi, in order to protect the man, or should I say men, she loves. This book solidifies her family, with mother Sophia, the hilarious Aunt Olga, and both grandfathers, and the love triangle between Andrew and Tony only grows hotter with even more sexual tension. Angel finds the strength to take care of business on her own, proving she's indeed ready to take over the family. <br />
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With the Russian Mafia incorporated, names are key and you have to stay on your toes to remember who is who in this never dull plot. Surprises wait at every turn and the excitement builds until the very end. Worth the read. Five stars and two thumbs up. This series has everything you could want in a novel and then some. <br />
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All Just Call Me Angel series novels are available through Vanilla Heart Publishing, on Amazon, Barnes&Noble and Smashwords in Ebook and Print; and everywhere books are sold.<br />
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Author website: <a href="http://www.authorsrclaridge.com/">www.AuthorSRClaridge.com</a>Justin Rentschlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489964111717384375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521884206522305782.post-70965532330535670702011-11-01T20:10:00.001-05:002011-11-01T20:12:44.124-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Traitors Among Us by S.R.Claridge, published by Vanilla Heart Publishing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Review posted by Justin Rentschler, RipeReviews</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM0qsc53IdceWs0PTmb1-FSIEHOscH1hq_5ns0tCXA8vSpv1sSTGvkz-cgRqM3DH4f2Oz0msZ4PHt_cq7sHdk_08F3tMEb8afycjo7hRs2dSkqg3TH9I3UlcxsVj7q9KarNoeOdksLxzM/s1600/TAU+3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM0qsc53IdceWs0PTmb1-FSIEHOscH1hq_5ns0tCXA8vSpv1sSTGvkz-cgRqM3DH4f2Oz0msZ4PHt_cq7sHdk_08F3tMEb8afycjo7hRs2dSkqg3TH9I3UlcxsVj7q9KarNoeOdksLxzM/s200/TAU+3D.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Traitors Among Us is the second installment in the Just Call Me Angel suspense series by author S.R.Claridge; and it starts with a BANG!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right out of the gate Claridge creates a storyline that renders readers unable to walk away. From the first to the last sentence, this book will have you on the edge of your seat with your adrenaline surging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No joke, folks, it’s THAT good.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The story is brought to life by Claridge’s characters, from which she portrays every human emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skillfully weaving humor and feeling throughout, Claridge makes her characters real, tangible and likeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, so likeable that most readers will have a difficult time choosing to whom Angel should give her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are given deeper glimpses into the Mafia families, especially Angels, with the introduction of her mother, Sophia and her maternal grandfather, Salvatore; both of whom become key players in grooming her for family leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the most enjoyable characters are Olga, the doting great aunt with a sharp tongue and a sarcastic wit; and Chase, a wily guy of many talents, who wants to become a made member of the family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are sure to make you laugh out loud.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">After reading Tetterbaum’s Truth, I didn’t expect this book to be better, but it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claridge stepped it up a notch and I predict its going to pay off well in book sales.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A five star rating isn’t high enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations to the author (S.R.Claridge) and to the publisher (Vanilla Heart Publishing) for another job well-done.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">S.R.Claridge’s books are available in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and everywhere books are sold. </div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">More information on S.R.Claridge’s novels may be found at:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.authorsrclaridge.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.authorsrclaridge.com</span></a> </div><br />
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</div>Justin Rentschlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489964111717384375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521884206522305782.post-27742580412416267332011-10-26T12:48:00.000-05:002011-10-26T12:48:03.555-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tetterbaum’s Truth by S.R.Claridge, published by Vanilla Heart Publishing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Review posted by Justin Rentschler, RipeReviews</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqahMo47WxrrTDrTPKjOifXZ8xSihEz9S6HXluHno2719mt19ioY7PW-D7E9W5TMHQzgPjIaqTRganE_nPnEP1-LT15hs31gmrCcaCHWUWXkiq2ussG_aQj5uL1JtxqBLfvEWzuTgVRLn/s1600/TetterbaumsTruth+BookCovercompressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqahMo47WxrrTDrTPKjOifXZ8xSihEz9S6HXluHno2719mt19ioY7PW-D7E9W5TMHQzgPjIaqTRganE_nPnEP1-LT15hs31gmrCcaCHWUWXkiq2ussG_aQj5uL1JtxqBLfvEWzuTgVRLn/s200/TetterbaumsTruth+BookCovercompressed.jpg" width="126" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The story starts out slowly and lends itself toward romance, but by the time you reach the third chapter the plot twists into a suspenseful delight for the mystery lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like a rollercoaster ride in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just when you think you have anticipated the next turn, you are skillfully thrown in the opposite direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a book that mixes the genres of romantic suspense and full-blown mystery very well, and I suspect will appeal to both groups of readers.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Seemingly weak and pathetic, Angel Martin plays the role of victim well; but we quickly learn it isn’t weakness that drives her, but the mere ignorance of a past she’s never known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she discovers her true identity, her genetic make-up explodes with strength and the test becomes not one of can she handle the truth, but can she learn to trust her instincts and harness the power the truth holds?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">S.R.Claridge is a remarkable writer of character without drudging on in endless paragraphs of description.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She brings lively dimension to the faces in her story, painting enough detail for the reader to picture the character, feel their motivation and relate to them as if they were standing in the room. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She weaves humor and emotion with perfect timing throughout. The character of Olga, in particular, offers comedic relief when tension is at its highest. Her novel is fiction but you’d swear you were actually experiencing what Angel experiences while traversing the pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expect your adrenaline to increase, your pulse to pound and your eyes to widen with disbelief as you try to figure out what will happen next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you won’t be able to do it.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Tetterbaum’s Truth is the first in a series entitled, Just Call Me Angel, published by Vanilla Heart Publishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second installment is entitled, Traitors Among Us, and I plan to crack it open this evening, rendering a review within the next few days.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">On a scale of 1 to 5, this book earns 5 stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an easy read, a quick page-turner and the entertainment value is on a “you-don’t-want-to-miss-this” level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations to S.R.Claridge and Vanilla Heart for offering a series unique to the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Readers will love it because it’s well-written, oddly heartwarming, and refreshingly new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">APEX Reviews called Tetterbaum’s Truth a “bona fide suspense thriller and a non-stop ride of action and adventure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sums it up.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Tetterbaum’s Truth is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords in ebook and in print.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more information about S.R.Claridge:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.authorsrclaridge.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.AuthorSRClaridge.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Justin Rentschlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489964111717384375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521884206522305782.post-68781242490245835512011-10-19T12:27:00.001-05:002011-10-21T10:38:08.032-05:00Author Research Summary on S.R.ClaridgeI am in the process of reviewing a suspense series entitled, Just Call Me Angel, written by author S.R.Claridge, represented by Publicist Maxwell Crighton (PublishingPublicityLLC) and published by Vanilla Heart.<br />
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Before I agree to review a piece of work, I research the author because it provides me with a bit of background, which in my experience usually comes through in the work itself. What I have learned about author S.R.Claridge is that she is a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia and includes her Alma Mater at random intervals in each of her novels. Be it the mention of a restaurant in Columbia, the University columns or a sweatshirt from the UMC Bookstore, Claridge holds true to her Tiger roots. True enough that in every novel her hero or heroine is a Mizzou graduate. This speaks highly of the author's personal character and tells me she will most likely provide the same depth in the characters she creates.<br />
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A second tidbit of information is that S.R.Claridge is originally from St. Louis, Missouri where she grew up as a Cardinal fan, watching her father pitch batting practice for the St. Louis Cardinals for the past thirty years. I wouldn't be surprised if she works the World Series bound Cardinals into one of her novels.<br />
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Third, I watched a video posted on her website, showing the author jumping from a plane 18,000 feet above sea level as an act of research for an upcoming novel. I've known people to skydive but never met an author willing to take the plunge just so she could accurately describe the feeling on paper. She's got courage, determination and, if you watch the video, she's just plain likeable.<br />
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I'm anticipating her spunk to shine through on the pages of her novels and will be somehow disappointed if it does not. You may check out this author yourself at <a href="http://www.authorsrclaridge.com/">www.authorsrclaridge.com</a> <br />
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My review begins with book one of the Just Call Me Angel series entitled, Tetterbaum's Truth. Look for my review to post on Monday, October 24, 2011.<br />
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by Justin Rentschler, <a href="mailto:RipeReviews@hushmail.com">RipeReviews@hushmail.com</a>Justin Rentschlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489964111717384375noreply@blogger.com0