Friday, June 1, 2012

FRIDAY BOOK REVIEW-"SKEWERED HALO" by BRENDA YOUNGERMAN



Skewered Halo is like no other story you have ever read! Diane Montrose wakes up one morning to find out that her entire life has been based upon lies and treachery. Everything she thought she knows… she doesn’t!

It’s bad enough that as a young girl her older sister informed Diane that she was placed on her parents’ doorstep and that she was nothing better than garbage. But when, at the age of eighteen, she finally informed her parents of the story they denied the whole thing, yet still sided with the treacherous sister. To make matters worse her sister managed to dictate everything in Diane’s life even though she didn’t know it!

Follow along as the lies, treachery and mystery surrounding Diane are uncovered….. or are they??
 (From book cover)


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Author Bio                                 
Brenda Youngerman writes about stories that matter. A southern California native coming from a very large family where she never felt like she fit in. “I was the youngest member of a huge family and I never really felt like I belonged there.”

Her first novel, Private Scars, was an expose of what happens to a victim of domestic abuse when they have never been exposed to it. From the moment the first review came out Youngerman realized her calling… that of the voice of the victims.. those who don’t have the strength to speak for themselves. Since Private Scars (2006), Youngerman has published a novel a year, each one exposing another social issue that those in power choose not to discuss. “If one person is helped by one of my novels, that is a good day.”

Skewered Halo takes a look at the filth behind sibling rivalry that goes unnoticed by inattentive parents. Brenda is currently at work at her eighth and ninth novel (simultaneously). 

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Links to Buy :
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READER REVIEW


Dianne's childhood is shattered when her older sister Brittany whispers a terrible secret into her ear.  At three, her sister tells her that she was left on their doorstep and wasn't really wanted.  Dianne spends her life trying to please everyone and not be too conspicuous in order to stay in the family.  When, at age eighteen, she discovers that this story was a lie, the consequences are life-changing.

This novel sounded as though it had possibilities, so I approached it with excitement.  No offense to the author, but this was a major disappointment.  There are just too many loopholes within the plot.  Without giving any spoilers, it is difficult to imagine loving parents, which is how they are portrayed, not noticing anything that goes on in their daughter's life.  It is also just too much for me to imagine a child spending eighteen years believing that they are adopted.  Anyone who has ever had a sibling has heard that one, and I don't know anyone who believed it their entire life.  She also seems to have given the protagonist certain personality traits and quirks with no reason.  For example, I kept waiting to discover the significance of Dianne twisting and twirling her hair around her finger.  Apparently, there is no significance.  Also, the plot seems to jump in time without explanation.  I'm sorry to say that out of a 5-star rating, I would only give it 1 star.



DISCLOSURE – 
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

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E-BOOK GIVEAWAY





a Rafflecopter giveaway











ENDS TODAY

Ruby Barnes has graciously agreed to allow me to give away a copy of this book.    This giveaway will run through  12:00 Midnight EST Friday, 06/01/12.  Don't miss your chance to win this fantastic read! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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E-BOOK GIVEAWAY

Great news!  Someone is going to win a copy of this book for their e-reader! The giveaway will run through 12:00 Midnight EST, Friday, 06/08/12.  


a Rafflecopter giveaway

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi and thank you for the honest review... I really appreciate that. You are the first person to point out that I did not explain her hair twirling.... get point!!!!
As far as families.... unfortunately there are some that act this way - one child outshines as the others lurk into obscurity. I try to write about subjects that will make people aware and it is definitely for everyone.
Again... thank you for participating in the tour and the review....
Brenda Youngerman

Unknown said...

Thank you for being so nice. I am sorry for my review was offensive to you. I just didn't get the book at all. Maybe it was me.

Unknown said...

Hi,
I was not offended in any way... I see my comment says 'get point' it should have said 'great point!'
And there is no need to apologize.... if everyone like every book there would only be one kind of book being written :)

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