Showing posts with label Bloody Coffee. Show all posts

A 5 Star Review of Michelle Dim-St. Pierre's "Bloody Coffee"

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Bloody Coffee is a complex, suspenseful, and engrossing tale of doubts, trust, budding romance, and two bullets.

Eighteen-year-old Leigh arrives at a Tel Aviv hospital, seeking information about her probable father, Dr. Sloan, who had a cardiac arrest right after they met for the first time. As she stands next to her father's bed and watches him, her past, present and future collide. Despite the advice of those around her, Leigh decides to face the challenges of the legal system in Israel. She obtains a court order for a paternity test and confronts Sloan. During her quest to find the truth about her biological father, Leigh is exposed to violent religious intolerance, faces life in a country where church and state are not separate, and meets the man who may be her first true love. Will she change her view of the world she thought she knew? Will she forgive her mother? Will a gunshot change her attitude towards her probable father? And, what will she say to Steve, the only father she ever really had?

Paperback: 332 pages
Publisher: Mountain Abor Press; 1st edition (April 22, 2019)
ISBN-10: 163183522X
ISBN-13: 978-1631835223

Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and the publisher's website.

*****The 5 Star Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto !*****

Bloody Coffee is a fast-paced, character-driven novel, set in war torn Tel Aviv with a storyline and characters you can’t help but love! Leigh is a character I related to from the very first chapter of Bloody Coffee. I admire anyone who seeks answers and is brave enough to leave their comfort zone to find those answers. Leigh is just 18 and yet she set out alone to an unfamiliar country. She focused on her goal and didn’t let fear stand in her way. Michelle Dim-St. Pierre has written her main character with such depth that readers will be sure to fall in love with her. She’s strong yet unsure of herself - confused and searching. She’s perfectly imperfect and very approachable. I was cheering for her through each twist and turn in this suspenseful story of trust, doubt, and romance. Even protests, rockets, and death wouldn’t be enough to deter Leigh from finding her biological father.

Leigh’s character may have initially drawn me into the story, but the storyline of Bloody Coffee is interesting and unexpected. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another plot twist came into play and had me questioning how things were going to end. A combination of my love and admiration for the characters in the book as well as my inquisitive nature kept me glued to my seat wanting more. This was a fast read because I didn’t want to put the book down until I had all the answers I was searching for. Michelle Dim-St. ‘s use of sensual details and dramatic scenes drew me in as a reader and made me feel as if I were involved in Leigh’s journey. I felt what she felt, and had the same desire for answers and closure. The suspense kept me engaged throughout the book. When friendships fell apart and people started dying I thought for sure Leigh was going to give up and she forged forward even more intent on answers.

A favorite scene for me was at a low point for Leigh – she was questioning if she had made the right decision. Her maturity and ultimately her tenacity and decision to push forward is admirable.
(pg 168)
My mind was busy churning over her past and my present.

I traveled back to the pages of my mother’s journal, thinking how her affair with Sloan actually tore us apart. I believe that sharing her secrets created nothing but distance between us. My relationship with her seemed insignificant in comparison with the one she had with Sloan. I felt as if I’d entered a competition that I could never win. I sensed that he didn’t have enough love for the both of us, that I would always be on the outside looking in. I didn’t want to get hurt any more than what I already had, so I took the easy road, rejecting him. I didn’t need him anyway. Suddenly, the realization hit me – it had been a mistake to come looking for him.

Will I ever be able to put this dismantled gigantic puzzle together or will I live the truth of having no place among them, forever an outsider?

There wasn’t any point in Bloody Coffee where I felt the pace slowed. The author used just the right amount of detail to keep things interesting without being either boring or tedious. Dim-St. Pierre brought to life the sights and sounds of Tel Aviv during a tumultuous time. This is a fast-paced story and even the secondary characters are relatable and intriguing. The relationships and alliances were lifelike and fluid throughout. Leigh’s introspective scenes felt very real; her authenticity was a breath of fresh air. When I was wondering how much more she could bear, Leigh was asking herself “is this confrontation necessary right now?” and it was easy to experience the frustrations in her quest for truth. As Leigh navigated the relationships in her life (old and new), she was cautious while still being open to the endless possibilities – she’s an incredibly believable main character. This is a beautiful story with a flawed and very human main character I couldn’t help but love.

Praise:

“Michelle Dim-St.-Pierre is proving to be a major talent in epic romantic drama!”
~Grady Harp, Amazon Top 50 Hall of Fame Reviewer

“A thrilling and emotional psychological mystery-thriller.”
~Detroit Free Press

“This book grabbed me at page one and wouldn’t let me go!”
~Pamela Gossiaux, award-winning author and journalist.

About the Author:

----------Upcoming Blog Tour Dates

May 24th @ Author Anthony Avina
Fellow author Anthony Avina gives a raving review after reading Michelle Dim-St. Pierre’s thrilling mystery Bloody Coffee – readers won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear Anthony’s insight into this must read novel!
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

May 27th @ Beverley A. Baird
Michelle Dim-St. Pierre has done it again with another best seller – this time it’s a mystery/thriller called Bloody Coffee and Beverley A. Baird can’t wait to tell readers all about it in her review! This is a complex and suspenseful mystery readers will be excited to get their hands on!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

May 28th @ Deal Sharing Aunt
Vicki, the Deal Sharing Aunt, shares her thoughts after reading the latest novel by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Readers won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn more about Bloody Coffee!
http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/

May 29th @ Margo Dill
Editor and Author Margo Dill couldn’t wait to read Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Stop by her blog today and read her review about this thrilling new release!
https://margoldill.com/

May 30th @ Sreevarsha Sreejith
Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre travels all the way to France today as Sreevarsha Sreejith reviews this mystery and shares her thoughts with readers at her book blog!
https://sreejithsreevarsha.wordpress.com/

June 3rd @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles couldn’t put down this 5 star read – let’s hear her review of Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Readers will delight as they put this mystery/thriller on their TBRPile!
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

June 5th @ Bring on Lemons with Tara Forst
Wisconsin business woman and mother, Tara Forst is a friend of WOW! and is excited to talk about her thoughts after reading Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Don’t miss this review and giveaway!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

June 6th @ Cassandra’s Writing World
Stop by Cassandra’s Writing World to hear more about Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and her latest best seller Bloody Coffee as Cassandra shares her review with readers!
http://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

June 7th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples
The author spotlight at Choices today is Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with her latest bestselling thriller Bloody Coffee – readers won’t want to miss an opportunity to learn more about this fabulous novel!
http://madelinesharples.com/

***** Thank You for Stopping - We Love Comments! *****

1 comment 5 star book, 5 star review, Bloody Coffee, book review, Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Michelle Dim-St. Pierre, mystery, Pinnacle Lust, romance, suspense, Tel-Aviv, thriller

Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre - Author Interview and Giveaway

Monday, May 13, 2019

Michelle Dim-St. Pierre was born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, where she spent more than half of her life before relocating to the United States.

She lived through four wars and served in the Israel Defense Forces for two years. Unlike her first year of service in an armored division in the Golan Heights, she served her second year serving in the medical corps where she interacted directly with the injured soldiers of the Peace of Galilee war and their families. This interaction, along with the exposure to the hospital atmosphere, fascinated Michelle and further touched her heart. She went on to get a BS degree in Nursing in Tel-Aviv, and practiced internationally for 32 years in various positions in the surgical field and quickly advanced into health care administration. During her career she worked in the Operating Room, Recovery Room, and CCU—along with many other duties.

Writing was Michelle’s outlet at first, but it soon became her passion. Now, she is a full-time writer. Her international background, along with her military and nursing experience is always at the tip of her pen. Her first novel, Pinnacle Lust, started the Pinnacle trilogy and won the Beach Book Festival in the Romance category, as well as received several honorable mentions in other book contests. It was published to rave reviews.

Michelle is a world traveler who enjoys cooking epicurean food and creating original recipes. She currently splits her time between Florida and Georgia, where she is at work on her next two books.

Find Michelle Online:

Website: www.MichelleDimStPierre.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDimStPierre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pinnaclelust

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Michelle_DimStPierre

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-dim-st-pierre-1b9691106

--------- Interview by Crystal Otto

WOW: Thank you so much for choosing WOW to help promote Bloody Coffee. I can honestly say that each interaction has been an absolutely pleasure and I'm happy our paths have crossed. Thank you especially for being here today to share with our readers. Let's get down to business!

You reference writing as your outlet—when did you decide writing would be your outlet and how did that morph into publishing?

Michelle: This is true. For me writing began as an outlet, though that wasn’t a conscious decision. I think it all started when I was a young girl. I buried all my secrets, anger and dreams in a diary—like most girls. However, I never outgrew the habit. I kept writing in my diary. I often wondered, was it that I never grew up or did I simply have more secrets to hide away?

Later, when I became a nurse, and throughout my successful career, my diary served me well. It was a vehicle to unload all of the emotional baggage created from my work. You can imagine the things I saw and heard—many of which were confidential of course. I dealt with sexual abuse victims, child abuse, homicides, affairs, corruption, mistakes, and disagreements. These crimes happened regularly and affected the lives of everyone—ordinary people, politicians, celebrities, officers, rich people, poor people, the educated, the uneducated, and you get the idea. The list is endless.

Then came my colorful life, as a successful, young, single woman. There was always something that I couldn’t and shouldn't talk about, so I wrote about it. I unloaded everything into my diary, and I still do to this day.

WOW: It's great when you put it that way; I guess we can choose to fill our journal pages with stories instead of our friends ears with gossip, right? There's always most definitely a story to tell—and speaking of which, what have you learned during the writing, editing, and publishing process that you'd like to share with other budding authors?

Michelle: You should write for your soul and not for the fame. Write what you love to read. Create characters you want to know, and maybe some you want to hate. Draw from your life but don’t be limited by your experiences.

Spend the time to polish your craft. No one expects someone’s first violin lesson to sound like Johann Strauss. You can’t expect the first thing you write to be Shakespeare. Give yourself time and patience.

On editing side: don’t be your own editor. Hire a reputable editor that suits your writing genre. Remember, a good editor is not someone that teaches English in college. While an editor looks into the grammar, he or she also looks at many other things like: transitions, sequence of events, consistency etc.

Then use a different editor for proofreading. The more eyes that review your work before it gets published the less chances for errors. However, keep in mind that editors are human, and can and will make mistakes or will miss something. With that being said, always be the last person to approve your work. Read your manuscript as many times as you can…it’s never enough.

Last but not least, the publishing process: All I can say is be patient. It’s a long process that involves many steps, and it takes time. Don’t rush it or cut corners for the sake of a deadline. Do it right.

WOW: Your writing is a direct reflection of the great tips you give above. I was impressed with how polished Bloody Coffee was—even the early reader copy I had first!

You are certainly busy and I know there's a work in progress. So, tell us, what's next for you?

Michelle: I am currently working on the last book in the Pinnacle trilogy. This novel will bring the story of my two, leading characters to a close, and will reveal the truth behind Leigh’s mother’s journal. I also hope to get back to my blog and to bring the Pinnacle companion cookbook back to the front burner. I started this project as a collaborative effort with a chef. However, along with his busy schedule, my personal life placed more demands on me and I no longer had the flexibility to work my schedule around someone else. Unfortunately, that pushed the cookbook project to the back burner. However, my inspiration still has a spark for this project. And right now, I’m deciding whether to continue and complete this project solo or to search for a local chef.

WOW: That certainly sounds like something I'd love to get my eyes and taste buds on! How exciting!

On the flip side, I know you've been very successful in all areas of life, but what advice do you give others about dealing with rejection and/or negative reviews—there have likely been one or two along the way?

Michelle: Here is where I really grew up. I don’t let rejection or negative reviews get to me. Everyone has their own opinions and views, including me. I try to stay positive and learn from some of the constructive comments. If you dwell on the negative, it will only bring you down. You just have to let it go. I finally understand that it’s not about the rejection and failures, it’s all about the fulfillment and success. Chasing my dreams is what its all about for me.

WOW: Great advice again, Michelle. Thank you! Speaking of growing up: What would your current self say to your younger self?

Michelle: There is so much to say, I hardly know where to start.

About love: It doesn’t always conquer all. But some loves burn bright and long and are hard to extinguish.

About writing: patience is the key. Give yourself time to learn. Try not to get frustrated with yourself. Believe in yourself.

About editing and publishing. Patience is even more key here. Be realistic in your expectations. The publishing process is not quick.

Of course I could ramble on for days but these are the things that first come to mind.

WOW: Such excellent advice all around—especially for those of us who aren't so patient when it comes to writing. Now, last but not least, let's talk about the future of Bloody Coffee. I loved the trailer, but if Bloody Coffee were made into a movie, what would be the theme song and why?

Michelle: This is a great question. It is the first time I’ve been asked this question—and I love it.

There are so many great songs out there that it’s hard to choose. I’m not sure I can easily point out one song. Maybe a “mash up”… here is what comes to mind: Defying Gravity from Wicked, Fight Song by Rachel Platten, and Butterfly Kisses. For me, the first two songs paint a picture of a strong character. The songs reflect Leigh’s determination to find the truth behind her mother’s journal and her ambivalence towards her mother’s past and present decisions. Now, when I think about Leigh’s relationship with her stepfather, the only father she knew, all that I can think of is the song Butterfly Kisses. But let’s say this, if Bloody Coffee is ever made into a movie, I’ll agree to any theme song that the screenwriter or producer would come up with. It would be such an honor.

WOW: Thank you again for choosing WOW, and thank you for sharing so much with us today, Michelle. It has been a pleasure and I just know we will be reading more books from you in the future. I can't wait until your next tour!

----------Blog Tour Dates

Launch Day – May 13th
Michelle Dim-St. Pierre launches her tour of Bloody Coffee with an interview and giveaway at the Muffin!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

May 14th @ Jill Sheets
Jill Sheets hosts Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with a guest post about Michelle’s writing process. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about Bloody Coffee and this successful author!
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com

May 16th @ BreakEven Books
Today’s author spotlight at BreakEven books is Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with her latest bestselling novel Bloody Coffee – a psychological thriller!
https://breakevenbooks.com/

May 17th @ Reviews by Deb
Deb Blanchard reviews Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and shares her thoughts with friends on Facebook and Goodreads!
https://www.facebook.com/Reviews-by-Deb-1737715249887520/

May 20th @ Coffee with Lacey
Lacey delights her readers with her review of Bloody Coffee – this is thrilling novel readers can’t get enough of – find out more about Lacey’s thoughts and Michelle Dim-St. Pierre’s book by stopping at Coffee with Lacey today!
https://coffeewithlacey.com/

May 21st @ Amanda Diaries
Amanda L. Sanders offers her review of Bloody Coffee. Readers will delight in learning more about this fast-paced mystery!
https://amandadiaries.com/

May 22nd @ Review @ The Muffin
Crystal Otto from WOW! Women on Writing couldn’t put down Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and she can’t wait to tell readers of the Muffin about this absolute must read thriller! Today is Michelle’s birthday – will Crystal give her a 5 Star Present? Stop by to find out!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

May 24th @ Author Anthony Avina
Fellow author Anthony Avina gives a raving review after reading Michelle Dim-St. Pierre’s thrilling mystery Bloody Coffee – readers won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear Anthony’s insight into this must read novel!
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

May 27th @ Beverley A. Baird
Michelle Dim-St. Pierre has done it again with another best seller – this time it’s a mystery/thriller called Bloody Coffee and Beverley A. Baird can’t wait to tell readers all about it in her review! This is a complex and suspenseful mystery readers will be excited to get their hands on!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

May 28th @ Deal Sharing Aunt
Vicki, the Deal Sharing Aunt, shares her thoughts after reading the latest novel by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Readers won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn more about Bloody Coffee!
http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/

May 29th @ Margo Dill
Editor and Author Margo Dill couldn’t wait to read Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Stop by her blog today and read her review about this thrilling new release!
https://margoldill.com/

May 30th @ Sreevarsha Sreejith
Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre travels all the way to France today as Sreevarsha Sreejith reviews this mystery and shares her thoughts with readers at her book blog!
https://sreejithsreevarsha.wordpress.com/

June 3rd @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles couldn’t put down this 5 star read – let’s hear her review of Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Readers will delight as they put this mystery/thriller on their TBRPile!
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

June 5th @ Bring on Lemons with Tara Forst
Wisconsin business woman and mother, Tara Forst is a friend of WOW! and is excited to talk about her thoughts after reading Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Don’t miss this review and giveaway!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

June 6th @ Cassandra’s Writing World
Stop by Cassandra’s Writing World to hear more about Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and her latest best seller Bloody Coffee as Cassandra shares her review with readers!
http://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

June 7th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples
The author spotlight at Choices today is Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with her latest bestselling thriller Bloody Coffee – readers won’t want to miss an opportunity to learn more about this fabulous novel!
http://madelinesharples.com/

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

To win a print copy of Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre, please enter the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends on May 20th at 12 AM EST. We will announce the winner the same day on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway