Meet Author Anne O'Connell

   Author Bio

Author and freelance writer, Anne O’Connell, has been an expat since 1993 when she and her husband escaped the cold of Toronto, Canada and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They enjoyed the sun and sand for 14 years, while she worked in the PR field, and then decided it was time for a new adventure. Heading for even more sun and sand, they moved to Dubai in late 2007 and then on to Thailand in 2011.
Anne has been working as a freelance copywriter, writing coach and consultant since 2007, specializing in social media, marketing, corporate communications and public relations. She is a regular contributor to Global Living Magazine and Expat Focus. In between clients she squeezes in time for her newly found passion - writing fiction. She and her husband have a passion for travel as well and that adventurous spirit has taken them all over the world. Anne grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia and has a bachelor of public relations from Mount St. Vincent University. She is the author of @Home in Dubai… Getting Connected Online and on the Ground, 10 Steps to a Successful PR Campaign – a Do-it-Yourself Guide for Authors and Mental Pause, her first novel.

AND more about the lovely Anne O'Connell Author extraordinaire.......

Freelance Writer, Author, Social Media Consultant & Trainer

Since 1990, Anne O’Connell has been managing the communications needs for corporate and non-profit organisations, beginning her career with the international PR firm of Burson-Marsteller.  Subsequently, she held communications positions in the fields of higher education and health and wellness as well as in PR agencies and the news media. Prior to going freelance in 2007, she managed fundraising and public relations for a regional educational television station in South Florida.

Currently, O’Connell is working as an independent consultant providing strategic and creative writing services and training programs for clients in both private and non-profit sectors in a multitude of industries.  Her writing expertise includes PR, marketing, corporate communications, social media, online content and script writing.  She also conducts workshops and seminars in strategic business writing, corporate communications, media relations and social media strategy.     

O’Connell received her bachelor of Public Relations from Mount St. Vincent University in Nova Scotia (Canada) in 1990. As a professional communicator and grass roots community advocate she strongly believes in giving back and has always looked for ways to volunteer her services as part of her daily life.  She is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and was a founding member chair from 2008-2011 for the UAE chapter of Room to Read.  She is the author of @Home in Dubai…Getting Connected Online and on the Ground; 10 Steps to a Successful PR Campaign – A Do-it-Yourself Guide for Authors; and Mental Pause, her debut novel.

O’Connell’s full profile can be viewed at www.linkedin.com/in/anneoconnell. For more information, visit her website at www.anne-oconnell.com, follow her on Twitter @annethewriter or like her facebook page at www.facebook.com/annethewriter.

A Struggle of the Heart by Marie Fostino

     Annette had grown up in a small town and was very close to her parents. After high school she moved to the city to attend college and share a house with her best friend.  Working as a beautician, she never expected to find love strolling into her shop.  Aaron was a very handsome and wonderful man. She fell in love immediately.  They shared everything.  Then Aaron told her he signed up to join the Army. While devastated, Annette supported his decision.  She never dreamed her life could change so drastically in a year, but it did.

     Very emotional and full of compassion, this book will tug those heartstrings hard.  Ms. Fostino includes some historical information in this book to give it a different twist.  Family and love are both included in this latest book.   Ms. Fostino is very good at describing human situations and emotions.  You'll love this book but keep the tissues handy, you'll need them.  I recommend this book highly.

     I found it included more than the needed amount of medical information.  It could have easily been highlighted and still gotten the point across. This made it drag in places.

    I gave this one 4 cheers our of 5 because the medical information lost my interest after so much was included. 

Detachment Point by Paul Winters

     Peter Barnett is having nightmares of abuse and murder.  The problem is, Peter and Claire have never been more happy or successful.  Still this evil begins to take control over Peter and he isn't sure why until he watches the news.  Little by little Peter begins to piece together what has happened and loses his sanity.  Is it possible for evil to live on?   See what you think.

     WOW! I had no idea what to expect of this novella but let me tell you I got more than I bargained for.  Paul Winters tells this story in such a way you really don't see what's coming until it happens.  Scary and thought provoking in equal measures, this is a novella you'll enjoy time and again. 

     I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it really makes the mind wander. 

Rain On Your Wedding Day by Curtis Edmonds

     Will Morse is an ex-football player. He's divorced and the father of four.  The "normal" part of his life ends there. He's suffered unimaginable tragedy in his life and now simply wants to have a good relationship with is middle daughter.  His life as a hermit living in a mountain cabin hasn't been easy but he saw it as necessary. Dot wanders into his life by accident, or so it seems, and Will finds he wants to be part of the world again. He wants to be with Dot and enjoy life.  Will has to let go of the tragedy before he can begin to live again.

     Curtis Edmonds did a fantastic job with this book. Well written with characters you want to reach out and hug.  The story is heartwarming, tragic but full of love and hope too. Viewing this situation from the male perspective is a journey through pain, guilt and self loathing.  Thankfully  though, it comes out right in the end. I applaud Mr. Edmonds first novel and can't wait until he writes more. 

     I found it drags in places but overall it's terrific.

     I gave this one 5 out of 5 cheers because the book moved me. 

The Silver Locket by Marie Fostino

     Jenny's family was moving to Oklahoma. None of the kids seem to be happy about it but it meant a promotion for their dad.  The move was easy, making new friends was not.  Jenny just wanted to be back in her hometown with her best friend. Her mother understood but asked her to give it some time.  Soon, Jenny met Jacy and his friends.  They were part of what people in school considered the "bad crowd".  It didn't take long for Jenny to fall in with the same bad habits they had.  Drinking, smoking pot, doing drugs, sneaking out and sex.  It was only a matter of time before it all caught up to her. Decisions had to be made and it wasn't going to be easy for either Jenny or Jacy. Faith, love and family would see them through.

     Marie Fostino has the storytelling gift. She can take an age old story and make it her very own. I love that about her writing. This story we've heard thousands of times (especially if you come from hillbilly stock like me). Yet when Marie Fostino tells the story, it's like the first time.  Not many books, stories, movies, etc make me cry. It has to really be something to touch me that deeply. Not because I'm hard-hearted but because I've seen so much devastation in my life.  This book touched me so deeply I cried through most of it.  You must read this one and gift it to the young women in your life ( 13-18).

    I found no structural issues with this, but a few small grammatic errors.  Those who follow my reviews know I'm more concerned with the structure of the story and the characters.

    I gave this on 5+ cheers out of 5 because this life lesson will never grow old. 

How To Heal Yeast Infections Naturally by Murielle L DuBois ND,RHN

     In this book, you'll learn prevention, treatment and diet tips to help keep yeast infections from occurring.  Information is detailed and very helpful.  I'm certain you'll recognize many things you've been told over the years, or heard of.  Ms DuBois' research for this book is first rate.  With this handbook, you have no reason to ever suffer from yeast infections.  

     Ms DuBois wrote this in an easy to understand way. Many books of this nature read so clinically, this one is like a conversation with a friend.  I really liked the idea of having a list of doctors you can talk to about yeast infections, or see to be treated.  I recommend this book for your library.  You'll refer to it again and again.

    I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a terrific resource to have.

   

Rosemary and Antonio by Marie Fostino

     It's 1929, Prohibition in Chicago. Antonio and Rosemary meet by accident in a coffee shop.  Rosemary believes it was by accident. She finds out much  later it wasn't.  Love grows during another civil war between the north and south- Northern Chicago and George 'Bugs' Moran and Southern Chicago and Al Capone.  While Rosemary and Antonio's love grows deeper, the hatred between Bugs and Capone grew more violent.  Antonio was determined to provide a future for himself and his lovely Rosemary.

     Full of old world romance and charm, Rosemary and Antonio are facing a more modern set of problems.  Ms Fostino approached this with such care and an eye for detail, and it shows.  This book is one of the first positive stories I've read about that time period.  You'll love the characters and their youthful excitement at first love.  Please do yourself a favor and read this.

      I found no issues with this one.

      I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because being Italian, many things concerning us is usually bad news, this wasn't.