Book of the Week: Shelter the Sea by Heidi Cullinan #Review

Author: Heidi Cullinan
Book: Shelter the Sea
Series: The Roosevelt #2
Self-published
Publication date: April 18, 2017
Length: 190 pages

Buy links:

  Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Tolino, Smashwords

Synopsis

Some heroes wear capes. Some prefer sensory sacks.
Emmet Washington has never let the world define him, even though he, his boyfriend, Jeremey, and his friends aren’t considered “real” adults because of their disabilities. When the State of Iowa restructures its mental health system and puts the independent living facility where they live in jeopardy, Emmet refuses to be forced into substandard, privatized corporate care. With the help of Jeremey and their friends, he starts a local grassroots organization and fights every step of the way.
In addition to navigating his boyfriend’s increased depression and anxiety, Emmet has to make his autistic tics acceptable to politicians and donors, and he wonders if they’re raising awareness or putting their disabilities on display. When their campaign attracts the attention of the opposition’s powerful corporate lobbyist, Emmet relies on his skill with calculations and predictions and trusts he can save the day—for himself, his friends, and everyone with disabilities.
He only hopes there isn't a variable in his formula he’s failed to foresee.

Review

I thought about this book for a long time after reading it. Just like with Carry the Ocean it left me breathless. When I read Shelter the Sea, like with the first book, I couldn't help how impacting it was.

My son is autistic but he also suffers from severe anxiety and Executive Function Disorder. That means his memory isn't good at all. There's a lot to say about it but that's not why I'm mentioning it in my review. I'm mentioning it because every day I see the struggles he faces and I see how hard he fights and prevails and watching him grow has been an honor. So, to read Shelter the Sea and watch the evolution of Emmet and Jeremey was like watching my son.

Jeremey's depression is bad when this book starts and he's struggling and Emmet hates seeing the man he loves in pain and so he must find a way to make it better for Jeremey, so he does. The Roosevelt is in trouble, Darren is miserable in Icarus House and needs saving, there's money woes, and evil doers trying to stand in the Roosevelt Blues Brothers' way... and then there's Emmet. He shows incredible strength. He's so brilliant and he became my hero in this story, hell, in fiction!!!

I tried not to cry reading this but then there was the scene at the restaurant, with the mother, and the video Emmet made and... you'll know the scene when you get there. That did me in. I was all sobs and hiccups from there!

This is a tremendously wonderful series that grips you and pulls at you and when you walk away from it you're informed. You're connected to these amazing guys who are but fictitious characters speaking for the real deals out there. The ones who face what Emmet, Jeremey, Darren, and David face every day. In RJ King we see the enemy and the fighting that can never end so the RJ's can be defeated.

This is an amazing book that will touch your heart and soul and fill you with a deep understanding of true love and perseverance.

Blog Tour: Shelter the Sea by Heidi Cullinan #Review Guest Post #Giveaway

Author: Heidi Cullinan
Book: Shelter the Sea
Series: The Roosevelt #2
Self published
Publication date: April 18, 2017
Length: 190 pages


Reviewed by Meredith


Synopsis

Some heroes wear capes. Some prefer sensory sacks.
Emmet Washington has never let the world define him, even though he, his boyfriend, Jeremey, and his friends aren’t considered “real” adults because of their disabilities. When the State of Iowa restructures its mental health system and puts the independent living facility where they live in jeopardy, Emmet refuses to be forced into substandard, privatized corporate care. With the help of Jeremey and their friends, he starts a local grassroots organization and fights every step of the way.
In addition to navigating his boyfriend’s increased depression and anxiety, Emmet has to make his autistic tics acceptable to politicians and donors, and he wonders if they’re raising awareness or putting their disabilities on display. When their campaign attracts the attention of the opposition’s powerful corporate lobbyist, Emmet relies on his skill with calculations and predictions and trusts he can save the day—for himself, his friends, and everyone with disabilities.
He only hopes there isn't a variable in his formula he’s failed to foresee.

Buy links:

  Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Tolino, Smashwords

Review

I thought about this book for a long time after reading it. Just like with Carry the Ocean it left me breathless. When I read Shelter the Sea, like with the first book, I couldn't help how impacting it was.

My son is autistic but he also suffers from severe anxiety, and Executive Function Disorder. That means his memory isn't good at all. There's a lot to say about it but that's not why I'm mentioning it in my review. I'm mentioning it because every day I see the struggles he faces and I see how hard he fights and prevails and watching him grow has been an honor. So, to read Shelter the Sea and watch the evolution of Emmet and Jeremey was like watching my son.

Jeremey's depression is bad when this book starts and he's struggling and Emmet hates seeing the man he loves in pain and so he must find a way to make it better for Jeremey, so he does. The Roosevelt is in trouble, Darren is miserable in Icarus House and needs saving, there's money woes, and evil doers trying to stand in the Roosevelt Blues Brothers' way... and then there's Emmet. He shows incredible strength. He's so brilliant and he became my hero in this story, hell, in fiction!!!

I tried not to cry reading this but then there was the scene on the restaurant, with the mother, and the video Emmet made and... you'll know the scene when you get there. That did me in. I was all sobs and hiccups from there!

This is a tremendously wonderful series that grips you and pulls at you and when you walk away from it you're informed. You're connected to these amazing guys who are but fictitious characters speaking for the real deals out there. The ones who face what Emmet, Jeremey, Darren, and David face every day. In RJ King we see the enemy and the fighting that can never end so the RJ's can be defeated.

This is an amazing book that will touch your heart and soul and fill you with a deep understanding of true love and perseverance.

Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Emotional Support Animals

In Shelter the Sea, one of the characters acquires a service dog during the course of the novel, and in researching for the book, one of the most interesting things I learned was that the terms service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support dog are not interchangeable, that each animal does a slightly different job and has a distinctly different classification.
Service dogs are specifically trained to assist one person, and their primary function isn’t to provide companionship or emotional support, though the individual they care for often forms a tight bond with the dog and vice versa. They’re required (and trained to) tolerate a wide variety of experiences, environments, and people. They’re also covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, meaning their owners have a right to bring them into public establishments, and they may live with their owners even if the building has a “no pets” policy.
Therapy dogs can also tolerate a wide variety of experiences and environments, but they aren’t trained to support just one person, meaning they aren’t tailored specifically for them. They’re trained to assist generally, helping multiple people. They aren’t covered by the ADA, as they aren’t designed for individuals, only for specific spaces and instances where there would be no conflict for their use.
Emotional support animals, which can include dogs but don’t always necessarily only include them, are mostly there to provide, as the name suggests, emotional support. They aren’t covered by the ADA, as the ADA has ruled their work isn’t directly related to their disability and they’re not specifically trained for that individual, and therefore they can’t necessarily go everywhere. They are, however, sometimes allowed in places with “no pets” policies.
You can read more about the rules about service, therapy, and emotional support animals on the ADA website.

What’s Coming Up Next in the Series

Originally my intent was for The Roosevelt to be a three-book series, with David’s story being second. I struggled to write his story, however, and when I tried to write a short Christmas story for my patrons last year, I realized my problem: Emmet and Jeremey had more to say. I thought perhaps I could get away with writing their continuation as a novella, and at first I tried that. Then their story grew longer, as stories do, and as the mental health crisis in Iowa became worse, I realized there was so much more to say all around.
I think now what will happen is that at the very least there will now be a Roosevelt universe, with Carry the Ocean and Shelter the Sea being books one and two of the Oceans books, and then there being some kind of third book (maybe, finally, a novella or short story?) and then we move on to David. I’m not sure who the third book is about—I thought I knew, but I’ve decided to stop pretending I know what’s going on and simply show up and see what happens as this seems to be the better strategy, as when I drive things only get messed up. Needless to say, there will be more books coming. And more residents moving into The Roosevelt.

About Heidi Cullinan

Heidi Cullinan has always enjoyed a good love story, provided it has a happy ending. Proud to be from the first Midwestern state with full marriage equality, Heidi is a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. She writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because she believes there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. When Heidi isn't writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, playing with her cats, and watching television with her family. Find out more about Heidi at heidicullinan.com.

Giveaway

Carry the Ocean + Shelter the Sea signed paperbacks and Roosevelt Blues Brother kit (black fedora and skinny tie)

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Release Day Review: A Bouquet for Adam by AJ Marcus & KT Spence #Review #Giveaway

Authors: AJ Marcus & KT Spence
Book: A Bouquet for Adam
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication Date: June 17, 2016
Length: 194 pages



Reviewed by Meredith




Synopsis

Adam Stephens’s simple life working in Denver as a computer programmer is turned upside down when his mother suddenly dies. His crazy relatives in Virginia want him to move in with them because they believe his autism makes it impossible for him to care for himself. But life improves, at least for a time. One day while wandering through the botanical gardens, he runs into struggling wildlife photographer Trent Osborn.

As a hesitant love blossoms between the two, Adam’s aunt and uncle push for him to live with them. Adam again refuses. The struggles between his desires and what everyone else wants collide. Adam disappears, and Trent is unsure if he’s run off to escape life’s pressures made worse by his autism, or if something far more sinister has happened. Trent embarks on a cross-country journey in search of Adam. What he discovers changes the course of his and Adam’s lives and the lives of everyone connected to them.

Buy Links:

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

It’s vital I mention that the main reason I scooped up this book to read is because I am the mother of an autistic child. Autism is front and center in my life so when I see books with autistic characters I grab them. Not to criticize but to support, to continue to gain knowledge and so on. The saying I always tell people is, when you’ve met one autistic person you’ve met one autistic person. So A Bouquet for Adam got my attention. I will admit I read it with the knowledge I’ve gathered through the 13 years I’ve had my son and worked with children on the spectrum. Keep that in mind when I review.

A Bouquet for Adam was filled with emotions and slight over the top drama. Adam is no doubt autistic. Where he falls on the spectrum is unclear. He’s more toward the high functioning side. He has quirks that we often see and his coping mechanisms for stress are familiar. He bites his fingers to the point of bleeding. I’ve seen hair pulling, slapping, biting, you name it it’s there. It has something to do with the pressure more than the pain. The pressure/pain, as it’s been explained to me, centers them. So, I sympathized with Adam. When Adam experiences a loss that he can’t cope with he really falls apart. 

Trent, a photographer, enters the picture and really becomes vital for Adam. He is “his person” Yes his person. Someone who he gravitates toward in good times and bad and he deeply relies on him for all his feelings and emotions.

Trent, however, is dealing with a loss of his own and a horrible homophobic Uncle. It’s the Uncle who brings in the over the top drama. He’s a bible thumping lunatic that resorts to criminal behavior. I won’t tell you what because I don’t want to spoil it but it’s insane and it affects Adam. 

I felt the story was perfect up until the thrust of drama. It was just too much. There was a tremendous tale going on with understanding, grieving, love, and obstacles all their own before Trent’s uncle takes it too far. 

I enjoyed this story for the most part and though it was a lot to take in at times it was a good read.

Giveaway

Be sure to enter the monthly review giveaway

contest ends June 30th.

Thank you!

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What's Wrong With Autism Speaks

So many people hear the name Autism Speaks and think, "Oh yes this is a great group to help autism." No, sadly it's not. Don't believe me? Ask an Autistic!!! PLEASE check out this video by Amythest Schaber. After you watch it I hope you are as enlightened as I was when I did my research on this organization: PLEASE SHARE THIS!

Thank you for your time.

Book Tour: Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan #Review #Giveaway

Available April 7, 2015

Format: Novel
Genre: Contemporary New Adult
Length: 89,300 words
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, April 14, 2015
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-61922-520-6
Print ISBN: 978-1-61922-711-8
Series: Roosevelt
Characters: Emmet Washington, Jeremey Samson

Short Summary: Jeremey doesn’t judge Emmet for his autism. He’s too busy judging himself, as are his parents, who don’t believe in clinical depression. When his illness reaches a breaking point, Emmet rescues him and brings him to The Roosevelt, a quirky assisted living facility. As Jeremey settles in, Emmet slowly begins to believe he can be loved for the man he is inside. But before he can trust enough to fall head over heels, he must trust his own conviction that friendship is a healing force, and love can overcome any obstacle.

Retailers: Samhain (ebook & paperback), All Romance Ebooks, Amazon US (ebook, paperback), Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble (Nook & paperback), Google Play, iTunes, Kobo. More print links coming soon.

Add on Goodreads

CARRY THE OCEAN

The Roosevelt, Book 1

Normal is just a setting on the dryer.

High school graduate Jeremey Samson is looking forward to burying his head under the covers and sleeping until it’s time to leave for college. Then a tornado named Emmet Washington enters his life. The double major in math and computer science is handsome, forward, wicked smart, interested in dating Jeremey—and he’s autistic.

But Jeremey doesn’t judge him for that. He’s too busy judging himself, as are his parents, who don’t believe in things like clinical depression. When his untreated illness reaches a critical breaking point, Emmet is the white knight who rescues him and brings him along as a roommate to The Roosevelt, a quirky new assisted living facility nearby.

As Jeremey finds his feet at The Roosevelt, Emmet slowly begins to believe he can be loved for the man he is behind the autism. But before he can trust enough to fall head over heels, he must trust his own conviction that friendship is a healing force, and love can overcome any obstacle.

Warning: Contains characters obsessed with trains and counting, positive representations of autism and mental illness, a very dark moment, and Elwood Blues.

REVIEW:

 When I started this book I knew very little. I am a Heidi Cullinan fan, I run a blog, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this tour. Imagine my surprise when I started actually reading it. I need to explain something to all of you first. My oldest, my son, is autistic. For 12 years I have been advocating, researching, understanding everything for him and I will do so until my last breath. So, when I read Carry The Ocean I melted. Oh how I understood these voices I was reading. Emmet is beautiful. He's so so beautiful. It's so rare SO RARE authors truly GET IT. Heidi researched, she understood, she magnified it all and wrapped it up into a package of understanding. Emmet and Jeremey's story is one that shouldn't be missed. You have encountered Emmet's and Jeremey's in your life and you sure as hell have encountered people like the residents in The Roosevelt. This book is touching and rewarding. My soul was singing with each passing page. Carry The Ocean is a book that proves that fear truly is strong only because we don't understand. Knowledge and understanding are the tools. Just because someone seems different doesn't mean they feel different emotions, doesn't mean they are less of a human being. 

I will cherish this story forever, truly. Heidi Cullinan gave a voice to those who can't always speak. She spoke for the community of misunderstanding. Carry The Ocean should be THE book you read this year. It's magnificent and I will recommend this book to everyone I meet.

Heidi's Bio

Heidi Cullinan has always loved a good love story, provided it has a happy ending. She enjoys writing across many genres but loves above all to write happy, romantic endings for LGBT characters because there just aren't enough of those stories out there. When Heidi isn't writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, listening to music, and watching television with her husband and teenaged daughter. Heidi is a vocal advocate for LGBT rights and is proud to be from the first Midwestern state with full marriage equality. Find out more about Heidi, including her social networks, at www.heidicullinan.com.

The Carry the Ocean Book Tour Grand Prize

The grand prize this time is a signed copy of Carry the Ocean in paperback, a Blu-ray of The Blues Brothers, an Iowa State magnet, and Carry the Ocean scrapbook art. It’s made by Susan Romito, and it’s absolutely stunning. 

 

 

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UNLABEL ME

We are all labeled. I’m not sure we even have a say in what the tag reads actually.

Slut

Fag

Nerd

Geek

Bombshell

Bitch

Asshole

Prude

Ditz

I can go on and on. Most of you identify with these “labels” because you likely have been given one once… Maybe even still.

My son is Autistic << A label.  It’s funny because I fought for him to have that “label”. Have it so he would stop being forced into “General population” at school. So that he didn’t have to eat in a library at lunch behind dividers ALONE just so he could focus. I fought for “it” so he would have the education he deserves, so that he could blend and not be a different label: Weird, Freak, Know-It- All. 

One label for another. Right?

Many days he says, “I wish I was normal. I don’t want to be Autistic. I don’t want to be.”

A label for a label.

This is my example. Because this is my life. A son, one so special and amazing I needed to fight for a “label” when all he wanted was to be “normal.”

My road is mine. No other can travel it. And no one can travel yours.

What are you? I am Human, I am unlabeled. 

So what is it, label or no label? Some protect us. Most hurt us. WHY A LABEL?

“He must be gay.”

“She is totally a dyke.”

“That kid is totally retarded.”

Labels are judgments based on NO facts.

If HE is gay. If HE calls himself gay HE WEILDS THE POWER.

If SHE is a lesbian --that’s LESBIAN! -- And she calls herself a lesbian it’s HER choice.

Retarded is never okay. The End! Get a dictionary and an education.

Point is. Silently we label. Some are more vocal. Why? *shrugs* not sure. Perhaps it’s our own insecurities.

I look at my son who FOREVER no matter what he does, lose weight, shave his head, gets older, married, has children, becomes a doctor, janitor or architect. If he’s on the cover of Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 10 wealthiest men in the world. If he is the most eligible bachelor, most sought after human being on the face of this planet he will ALWAYS be Autistic. 

The girl is school you called Large Marge. The boy you referred to as Hairy Larry. Time will change them, or not. YOU labeled them. They didn’t accept it. They can… YOU can rip off that label and burn it. 

My son has a DIAGNOSIS: Autism

Many people have a DIAGNOSIS of OCD or ADHD or Bipolar Disorder and so on and so on…

Diagnosis is not a label and that is what I explain to my son every day. Society will call it a label. 

UNLABEL ME! That’s his plea.

Straight, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender fluid… Not a diagnosis NOT a label. It’s an Identity!

Identity is not a label!

UNLABEL ME!

Prude, slut… Need I go on? These are unwanted labels created by hateful people.

UNLABEL ME and more importantly Unlabel yourself. Because when you pass the pen and write on the skin of a human being to judge them, to label them. You label yourself. 

Unconscious choice perhaps… Either way. Change your path. Throw away the pen. 

No More Labels!