Flaherty's Crossing Book Review

Flaherty's Crossing

By Kaylin McFarrin

Successful yet emotionally stifled artist Kate Flaherty stands at the deathbed of her estranged father, conflicted by his morphine-induced confession of his part in her mother's death. While racing home, Kate's car mishap leads her to a soul-searching discussion with a lone diner employee, prompting Kate to confront the true reasons her marriage hangs in the balance. When her night takes an expected turn, however, she flees for her life, a life desperate for faith that can only be found through her ability to forgive. 

Flaherty's Crossing has received the following awards, among many others: 2013 Wise Bear Book Silver Award - Best in Fiction, Contemporary Romance; 2012 Books & Authors Romance Book of the Year Award; 2010 Publisher's Award of Excellence; Finalist - 2008 RWA Golden Heart®, Romantic Elements; 1st place - 2007 Cleveland Rocks, Mainstream; 1st place - 2007 Gateway to the Best, Single Title; 1st place - 2007 Beacon, Unpublished Women's Fiction; 1st place - 2007 Golden Acorn (Charter Oak Romance Writers), Romantic Elements; 1st place - 2007 Hook, Line & Sinker; 1st place - 2007 Hot Prospects, Women's Fiction: 2nd place - 2007 Golden Rose, Mainstream; 2nd place - 2007 Touch of Magic, Mainstream; 2nd place - 2007 Where the Magic Begins, Women's Fiction 

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***MY HONEST REVIEW FLAHERTY'S CROSSING***

Kate goes to see her dad for the last time, as he lies dying of cancer. In the hours and days following, revelations will test her sanity and marriage. Will she come away stronger, or will it destroy her?

It’s always hard to learn that things aren’t just black and white, that there’s usually a story behind it. I love the way Kate’s life makes full circle. I liked Kate but I have to say that the neighbor Wanda Finch was my favorite. This story brought out strong emotions in me, and had me crying by the end. I also liked the quote, “a photograph could capture the perfection of the model…but not the emotions the image evoked. These are very true words.

My review can also be found at:

    AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     GOODREADS

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me.

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About the Author

Kaylin McFarren is a rare bird indeed. Not a migratory sort, she prefers to hug the West Coast and keep family within visiting range. Although she has virtually been around the world, she was born in California, relocated with her family to Washington, and nested with her husband in Oregon. In addition to playing an active role in his business endeavors, she has been involved in all aspects of their three daughters' lives - taxi duties, cheerleading coaching, script rehearsals, and relationship counseling, to name but a few. Now she enjoys spending undisciplined time with her two young grandsons and hopes to have many more.

Although Kaylin wasn't born with a pen in hand like so many of her talented fellow authors, she has been actively involved in both business and personal writing projects for many years. As the director of a fine art gallery, she assisted in furthering the careers of numerous visual artists who under her guidance gained recognition through promotional opportunities and in national publications. Eager to spread her own creative wings, she has since steered her energy toward writing novels. As a result, she has earned more than a dozen literary awards and was a 2008 finalist in the prestigious RWA® Golden Heart contest.

Kaylin is a member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers. She received her AA in Literature at Highline Community College, which originally sparked her passion for writing. In her free time, she also enjoys giving back to the community through participation and support of various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

Yefon Book Tour and Giveaway

A powerful, emotional tale of ambition and courage by Cameroonian-born Sahndra Fon Dufe, the Common Wealth of Nations recognized author of 'Dear momma'. (2004)

Yefon: The RedNecklace (YRN) is the first book of the YEFON trilogy series. It will have you wrapped up with emotions you didn’t know you had!

Young tribal girl, Yefon Labam, knows she’s different.

During the 1950's, in her Central African village, women are uneducated and are expected to either work on a farm or be one of many wives, but Yefon dares for more—she wants to learn how to read, even if looking at a book could mean her death.  Although everyone thinks she’s an abomination, including her mother and sisters, her father knows she’s destined for greater things.

When he is murdered, Yefon clings to the gift he gave her for inspiration—a red necklace. She soon comes to realize that the necklace is no ordinary ornament, but a talisman crafted by the spirits. Yefon walks a dangerous path that could lead to her freedom…or her death.

THE TRILOGY BEGINS.....

5% from the sales of EACH copy of YEFON hardcover novel is going to one of the following charities: LOURDES COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

BUI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS ( MamaVerla Project)

WORLD LITERARY CRUSCADE

TERRERAI TRENT's TINOGONA FOUNDATION (http://www.tinogona.org/)

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Author's Website    Amazon.co.uk     Amazon.com     Barnes and Noble    

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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF YEFON***

Yefon had a miserable life. Her mother hated her and beat her constantly. Her sister and half-sisters all hated her, except for one, Kadoh. Having such a unique personality, Kadoh was always uplifting. The only other loving person in Yefon’s life was her father, and he adored her. The only problem was that he was home only one week each month. On her birthday, her father gives her a red necklace that once belonged to Ngonnso, the mother of her people. She soon discovers that the necklace is enchanted. 

Even though this is nowhere near my genre of reading, I enjoyed this story immensely. It was heartbreaking the way Yefon’s mother treated her. She spent enough time writing about it that I could tell how much it hurt her to not feel her mother’s love.  It’s only a wonder that she didn’t break under all her circumstances. Her father always told her that she was special, and she unwaveringly believed him. I think that is what strengthened her the most.

I latched onto a quote of hers that resonated with me. “There is a fun side to see in every activity-even your death. I have come to realize that it is always only a matter of perception.”  This is something I will be remembering in the future.

  

My review can also be found at:

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Actress/ Writer/ Producer/ Humanitarian/ CEO

Cameroonian-born author, actress, humanitarian and business mogul Sahndra Fon Dufe is the young CEO of African Pictures International, and the co-founder of Gifted Minds Africa Foundation. 

She works at exposing the history, culture, and truth about Africa, women and the spirit within. The remarkable actress has been featured in numerous feature films, and commercials, and presently lives in Los Angeles with her hunk of a man, a closet full of shoes and too many vintage clothes. 

Sahndra spends her spare time perfecting her craft and soul-searching, on a journey to regain wholeness and cure the spirit. She also hunts for Egyptian artifacts, pieces which have captivated her imagination since childhood.

Author's Website/ Book Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads/

The children's book is coming soon!

Follow the Tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

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(winners choice)
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Pants on the Ground Book Review

Pants on the Ground

by Nancy Morgan

             

Lonely girl meets a boy on the internet and travels 3000 miles to be with him, pinning her hopes of a happy family life on him. When she finds out that he is addicted to having sex with the many women he meets on dating and sex sites, she takes matters into her own hands to try to make him into the man she hopes he can be. How far would she go to make her fantasies come true?

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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF PANTS ON THE GROUND***

Amy meets Zack on an online dating website. Even though she is inexperienced in love matters, she decides to fly across the country to meet him, believing they were a perfect match. It doesn’t take long though for her to see how much different he is than what he had led her to believe.

It was interesting to see all the changes that Amy went through, as well as Zack. I reveled in each of their schemes, until Amy started going over to the darkside. I was glad when she got her justice, even though she went too far.  I had envisioned a different ending, but I’m glad the author is working on a continuing story. I look forward to reading how much more Amy can get away with.

My review can also be found at:

    AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     GOODREADS

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me.

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About the Author

Nancy Morgan was born in Abington, PA outside of Philadelphia. She grew up in the simpler days of the 1950's and 60's. She started writing in high school, somewhat inspired by the interesting writing style of John Lennon. She has lived in a variety of environments, including on a sailboat for two years. After five unsuccessful marriages, she has settled in with current husband, Scott Brooks, in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and enjoys the desert and lack of yard work. She has lots of stories in the works and enjoys sharing her work.

The Sword and the Dragon Book Review

The Sword and the Dragon (The Wardstone Trilogy)

by M. R. Mathias

When the Royal Wizard of Westland poisons the king so that his puppet prince can take the throne and start a continental war, a young squire is forced to run for his life carrying the powerful sword that his dying monarch burdened him with from the death bed.

Two brothers find a magic ring and start on paths to becoming the most powerful sort of enemies, while an evil young sorceress unwillingly falls in love with one of them when he agrees to help her steal a dragon's egg for her father. Her father just happens to be the Royal Wizard, and despite his daughter's feelings, he would love nothing more than to sacrifice the boy! 

All of these characters, along with the Wolf King of Wildermont, the Lion Lord of Westland, and a magical hawk named Talon, are on a collision course toward Willa the Witch Queen's palace in the distant kingdom of Highwander. There the very bedrock is formed of the powerful magical substance called Wardstone. 

Who are the heroes? And will they get there before the Royal Wizard and his evil hordes do? Whatever happens, the journey will be spectacular, and the confrontation will be cataclysmic.

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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE SWORD AND THE DRAGON***

Upon King Balton’s untimely death, Mikahl was tasked with delivering a message and the king’s magical sword to the King of the Giants. Along his journey he aligns with an elf, and a couple of others, and form a lasting bond to the end.

I was emotionally drained by the time I finished this story. I had so much invested in the characters that I felt their pain too. Be forewarned, this is a very long story. But it was well worth the read. I didn’t like that it left the fate unknown for some, but I could tell that the story will continue, and I can’t wait to read it. 

My review can also be found at:

    AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     GOODREADS

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me.

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Website

About the Author

M. R. Mathias is an author who, in his past, spent several years in a Texas prison for minor drug possession. While he was there, he wrote several full length novels, and read several hundred more. The novels were written in longhand, without the luxury of spell check, or word processors, or even a dictionary. 'The Sword and the Dragon (Book One of the Wardstone Trilogy)', his 700 page epic fantasy debut, is available through Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords, and was featured in the Publishers Weekly Indie Select Showcase in Dec. 2010. It was also deemed one of the Top 10 indie fantasy releases of 2010 by Fantasy Book Critic. Several short stories, and his Dragoneers Saga series of novels are available as well. 

Mathias has been clean and free since his release, and he has every intention of staying that way. He says: "Writing was my salvation. I was on a Maximum Security Unit for a while, over a few fights. I was in a modern dungeon cell 23 hours a day, everyday. Every word on every page of The Wardstone Trilogy was a moment of freedom." 

Fated For Love Book Tour and Giveaway

NEWLY RELEASED........

Book #8 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #16

FATED FOR LOVE is the second of six hot, wealthy, and wickedly naughty Braden cousins, and the newest additions to the BRADEN series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster.

Librarian Callie Barnes has visions of reading and relaxing—and maybe having a few too many drinks—on her girls’ weekend away. Her hopes are crushed when her friends pull into a dude ranch instead of a spa, and she refuses to stay longer than one night. That is…until she realizes the ranch is owned by sinfully sexy, and dangerously rugged, Wes Braden—the subject of her late-night fantasies.

Fearless rancher Wes Braden thinks he’s the luckiest guy on the planet when the sweet, sexy librarian from his hometown shows up at his ranch. Their connection is white-hot, making it impossible for either to ignore their carnal desires. Wes is more than willing to convert sweet Callie from chick lit to a world of erotic romance, but Callie ties sex to love, and Wes avoids commitment like the plague.

Callie is thrust into physically demanding activities that ignite her deepest fears. Luckily, Wes is as tender as he is strong, and he’s there every step of the way to help her find her inner strength. With Callie’s influence, Wes might even discover that he’s been nursing a few fears of his own. Passion pulls Callie and Wes from their safe, comfortable lives into each other’s arms, and they’re about to find out just how alike they really are.

THE BRADEN COUSINS are the newest addition to the LOVE IN BLOOM series

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Buy the book from...... 

Amazon.co.uk    Amazon.com     Barnes and Noble    KOBO 

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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF FATED FOR LOVE***

Wes Braden has got to be the most perfect man alive. I think I fell in love with him alongside Callie. I mean, how do you top a surprise fantasy ball with all the trimmings? And when he realized that they were soul mates, it gave me goose bumps.

It was intriguing learning about Wes’ family, especially his gorgeous brothers. This being the first book I have read by Melissa Foster, I didn’t know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised.  This book can be read without the others, but Ms. Foster added enough back-story to peak my interest. It’s a guarantee that I will go back and read about the Braden Clan from the beginning.

My review can also be found at:

    AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     GOODREADS

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About the Author

Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of a number of International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Cafe. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest or her personal website.

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ALSO AVAILABLE 

Books 1 - 3 Snow Sisters, Love in Bloom Series #1 - 3

Books 1 - 6 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #4 - 9

Books 1 - 5 The Remingtons, Love in Bloom Series #10 - 14 


MORE BRADEN COUSINS COMING SOON......

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!

Five lucky winners will each receive Game of Love ebook
the 1st book from the Remingtons series !!

Ending on Sunday 7th August at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

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Clouds in the Wind Book Review

Clouds In The Wind

by Ian Mackenzie

Clouds in the Wind’ follows soldier’s life of danger, romance, tragedy. 

An ambitious, young financial executive is thrust into the Rhodesian bush war after a life changing experience and chance encounter with a long-lost friend in Ian Mackenzie’s new book, “Clouds in the Wind” (published by AuthorHouse). 

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Set in politically turbulent 1970's Southern Africa, “Clouds in the Wind” tells the tale of Andrew Mason, in a compelling story of action, tragedy, love and betrayal. 

Mackenzie’s personal involvement in the Rhodesian Bush War served as the basis for “Clouds in the Wind.” 

The story is full of tested loyalty, romance and life-altering secrets to keep readers compelled. 

“It is a fast-moving, passionately told story of danger, love and tragedy … an exciting and gripping read,” 

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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF CLOUDS IN THE WIND***

Andy and Alec were best friends in school. In later years, they reconnect, as both are fighting for the Rhodesian army. After a series of events, their friendship is tested beyond limits.

When I started reading this, I thought it was going to just be about the upheaval in Africa in the 60’s. I was pleasantly surprised once reading it that it revolved around one man and how the war affected him personally. The author did a great job of relaying Andy’s feelings, and also the vivid descriptions of the beauty of the land.

I came away from this book with a much better understanding of the African revolt of that era. Before reading this, I knew nothing. Now I know why it happened, and a small portion of how it happened. The author actually made it interesting.

My review can also be found at:

    AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     GOODREADS

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me.

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Twitter

About the Author

Ian Mackenzie was born in 1949 in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He was educated at Queen's College in Queenstown and Parktown Boys High in Johannesburg.

He Served with the Rhodesian military during the bush war from 1976 to 1980, where he met his wife Rosemarie Kennedy.

He has two sons in their 30's and currently lives with his wife in Johannesburg. This is his first novel.

Whole Latte Love Book Tour and Giveaway

Investment banking intern Carina Chen doesn't need any distractions—especially the sexy, guitar-playing barista she rooms with for the summer.

Free spirit Dylan Jewell appreciates the delightful universe of women who vie for his attention. His goal in life is to do good, make happy coffee, and help the homeless.

When Carina moves in, she insists on rules of conduct to quell her instant attraction to Dylan. But when her boss asks her to turn Dylan into a businessman, she can’t think of a reason not to take advantage of his hospitality.

Their chemistry is white hot, but Dylan refuses to play Carina’s game, unable to understand how he can fall in love with a woman who puts profits in front of people. When Carina realizes Dylan isn’t budging, she risks all to gain a single night with him. Will her gambit backfire or will Dylan discover Carina’s true heart before she runs away with his?

Set in Berkeley, California, Whole Latte Love is an opposites-attract romance mixing bluesy rock music, hot, steamy love scenes, and financial shenanigans.

Steamy love scenes and language. Suitable for readers 18+.

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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF WHOLE LATTE LOVE***

Carina lands her dream job as a summer intern analyst at Mogul Bank, where only the prestigious work. Her friend introduces her to drop dead gorgeous Dylan, who works as a barista by day, and plays in a band by night. She needs a room to rent and he just so happens to have the only one worth taking. Carina has reservations about living with him, but decides it’s worth the risk.

Carina is all business and doesn’t let on how much she is attracted to him. Whereas Dylan can’t understand why she is the only girl alive who doesn't drool over him. As luck would have it, Carina’s boss is Rebecca, Dylan’s old flame, who just happens to be engaged to Dylan’s father. Carina doesn’t know about Dylan and Rebecca, Dylan doesn’t know about Rebecca and Carina, but Rebecca knows it all. As Carina and Dylan become closer, Rebecca does what she does best and sabotages their relationship. Will they be able to get past the damage she has done?

What makes Carina and Dylan’s relationship so good is the fact that opposites attract. Carina is so inexperienced in love, and Dylan is not. But in turn, Dylan has no experience with someone like Carina. I like how this puts them on equal terms. Neither is sure of the other. Then you throw in Rebecca with her scheming and it’s as good as a love triangle. I like the way the author had me guessing about Rebecca’s end game all the way through. It first I thought she wanted Dylan back. Then I wasn’t sure what she wanted. It’s all this guessing that made the story so good. Not to give a spoiler, but, I think Rebecca should have been held accountable more. That was disappointing. But Carina and Dylan’s steamy relationship delivers.

My review can also be found at:

    AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     GOODREADS

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Amazon.co.uk   Amazon.com   Barnes and Noble   Kobo   Smashwords   iTunes

About the Author

Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic fiction crossing genres and boundaries featuring strong but flawed characters. She writes emotionally challenging stories and is not afraid of controversial topics. However, she is an optimist and laces her stories with romance and hope.

Rachelle is an active member of online critique group, Critique Circle, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

2 Winners !!
1st Prize - 1 x $20 Amazon / Paypal GC - 1 x Signed Book (winners choice) 
2nd Prize - 1 x $5 Amazon / Paypal GC- 1 x ebook (winners choice)  
Ending on Sunday 3rd August at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

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The Candidates: Based on a True Country

by Matthew S. Hiley

Fresh on the heels of ‘Hubris Falls’, Matthew S. Hiley’s acclaimed first novel, comes ‘The Candidates: Based On A True Country’, which is sure to keep those who appreciate his dark wit ecstatic. 

Skip LaDouche and Harry Pinko are the two frontrunners campaigning for the Presidency of the United States. They are what we’ve come to expect from our leaders: self-serving and unqualified.

When Kimmy Faimwhorre, the reality television star that they are both having an affair with, turns up murdered, the candidates take campaigning to its most primal form… complete and total destruction of the opposition.

Nothing is sacred in this violently comic short novel from Matthew S. Hiley. Politics-as-usual and pop-culture are thoroughly skewered in one of the most absurd and entertaining stories ever told. 

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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE CANDIDATES***

Skip LaDouche and Harry Pinko were opposing candidates running for the office of President of the United States. It became a no holds barred candidacy. What ensues is chaos.

The author succeeded in capturing the essence of political competitiveness. I laughed until I cried reading the bungling and mishaps going on. It made me wish that elections really did happen this way. I enjoyed the way the book began too. Mr. Hiley has a gift of storytelling. This being the second book that I have read by this author, as expected, it didn’t disappoint.

My review can also be found at:

    AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     GOODREADS

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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me.

If you would like to read my review on Baseball Dads, another of Mr. Hiley's books, go HERE.

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About the Author

Matthew S. Hiley was born and raised in Forth Worth, Texas. He attended Texas Christian University, and then Northwood University, where he met his wife. They have four children together, along with five dogs, six cats, and two lizards (he's into the animal rescue thing).

After finding success for several years in the business world, Hiley decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a writer. In 2010 he published his first novel, Hubris Falls, which was met with many rave reviews. Hubris Falls dealt, in very raw language, with the taboo realities in race, religion, and politics.

In 2011, tired of the sewer-cycle of politics and pop-culture the country had become submerged in, he published his second novel, The Candidates: Based on a True Country. This dark and absurd comedy took swipes at the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of those leading the country, as well as the fame-whores in reality television.

A terrible musician, a reprehensible fisherman, a less-than-mediocre golfer, and a talentless children's baseball coach, Hiley has found his place in life as a writer whose voice is sharp, witty, and unafraid.