Book Review - Binge by Anne Pfeffer

 

Sabrina's had a troubled life. Her mum walked out on the family when she was nine, and her younger sister Lena was 5. Their father was always very distant, and Sabrina took over the role of parent for her younger sibling. Since that moment, Sabrina comforted eats when she is under pressure or troubled. Now she is 27 and working for a boss she dislikes. Her eating is spiralling out of control, and she is now a binge eater. Sabrina is also an aspiring romance novelist, and although she has had many rejections, she continues sending her manuscript to editors as she cannot give up hope. 

Out of the blue, Sabrina hears from Kaitlynn Mann, editorial director of Fast Track Books. Kaitlynn wants to publish Sabrina's romance novel in 4 months. Sabrina is over the moon until she realizes that Kaitlynn is arranging a gala dinner and wants Sabrina to wear a figure-hugging red dress like her heroine. Sabrina is appalled when she realizes that Kaitlynn had checked out the profile photo on her website when she was a svelte size ten wearing a sexy red dress. How is Sabrina going to lose forty pounds in 4 months? Did she succeed in getting her novel published? What is the twelve-step program? Read Binge by Anne Pfeffer to find out the answers.

I enjoyed reading about Sabrina's emotional struggles while battling her Binge eating problem and low self-esteem. Many people facing similar challenges will be able to relate to Sabrina's character. Despite Sabrina's determination to better herself and lose weight, she learns that her problems are deeply rooted in the neglect she suffered in her childhood. Only when Sabrina has a group of supportive friends with similar addictions does she get the comfort and guidance she needs. Pfeffer's penmanship is enjoyable and humorous. Sabrina is described so well that I felt I was saying goodbye to a friend by the end of the book. The supporting characters are also well-developed, and they add to the story with their scenes giving different viewpoints on Sabrina's struggles. 

Anne Pfeffer has written a moving and inspiring story that tackles important issues related to self-esteem, addiction, and personal growth. For its relatable characters, engaging writing style, and inspirational message, it deserves a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. There were several grammar errors, and I think this book could do with another proofread. However, the errors did not spoil my enjoyment of this wonderful book which I recommend to anyone looking for an uplifting, relatable read filled with humour.

I want to thank Anne Pfeffer for a copy of Binge in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill

 

Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill begins by introducing us to Kim, the book's main character. Kim lives in a world where only the gender-neutral colors beige, pale blue, and pale green are allowed. Kim's is a world where robots called house bots are the norm and help people's lives run smoothly. Kim has been working for the Artificial Intelligence Company training automatons. When she joined the company five years before, she wanted to prove herself and get promoted. 

Outside of work, Kim lives in a nondescript house in this world where there is no freedom or private life. She is expected to abide by many rules, covering all aspects of life, from food choices to childbirth, conversational topics to entertainment choices. Everything is monitored and evaluated; not sticking to these rules results in quick and savage punishments. Kim has begun to find that her work has turned repetitive and boring, and she has realized that her so-called perfect world is deeply flawed. How can Kim break away from the controlling world she lives in? Who or what is Kimberley, and why does she increase Kim's frustration with the life she has? Furthermore, how does an incident with a friend change Kim's life forever?

I thoroughly enjoyed Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill. He handles the subject of a world where nothing is questioned and every day is the same as the day before brilliantly. The story has been well thought out and planned. There could have been some confusion between the robots and the humans, but Stanfill describes the personalities of every character and robot so well that I could easily picture each one. Stanfill's writing expertise makes understanding all areas of this dystopian world easy. In some ways, the living conditions are similar to the world now; there is still a divide between the rich and the poor, but machines rule Stanfill's world. My thoughts about my own world's future were challenged, which I also enjoyed.

There is absolutely nothing I disliked about Terms of Service, the debut novel by Craig W. Stanfill. I recommend it to adults who enjoy science fiction and fantasy. There is no swearing in this book, but there are a lot of erotic and descriptive passages about intimacy and sex. Moreover, much of the sex is fuelled by excessive alcohol and drug taking, which makes this book inappropriate for a younger audience.

I want to give Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill 5 out of 5 stars. I did not find any spelling or grammar errors; the book has been edited and proofread perfectly. 

I would like to thank Craig W. Stanfill for giving me a copy of Terms of Service in exchange for my impartial and honest opinion.

You can find more of my reviews here : http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Book Review - The Daughter In Law by Nina Manning

 

The Daughter In Law is a psychological thriller and the debut novel by Nina Manning. The story begins with Annie, who has not had the best deal in life. Her husband walked out on her when she was heavily pregnant, leaving Annie to be a single mother to her only child, Ben. Annie does not want to live in the house she and her husband bought. She moves into an isolated seaside cottage she inherited from her drunken father. Annie does not want to share her child with anyone and thinks this is the perfect place to bring Ben up. She loves their life together and enjoys keeping him close to her.

Ben and Daisy have had a quiet wedding ceremony after a whirlwind affair and finding out that Daisy is pregnant. Ben and Daisy are entirely in love. Ben has moved into the flat, which Daisy shares with her best friend Eve. They all get on well and are enjoying life. When Ben takes his wife to meet her mother-in-law, Annie struggles to understand why he needs anyone else. Daisy does not get a warm welcome from her mother-in-law. Annie is distraught that the couple has married in secret. Wouldn't any parent be?

When the flat Daisy and Ben share erupts in a gas explosion killing Eve, with nowhere else to go, they move in with Annie. However, the house is no longer warm and cosy Annie believes she recognises Daisy's face from somewhere. Searching the internet for information, she finds what she needs and prints it out to show Ben. Ben confronts Daisy and wants to know the truth about her. What is Daisy hiding? Will Daisy be safe? Are Annie's motives more sinister than trying to look out for her son?

Annie and Daisy tell their stories in alternate chapters in the first person, bringing a personal perspective to the plot. Their thoughts draw us into their confused minds abyss with equally complicated narratives. And then there is Grace, who shares her own remarkable story. Who is she? Furthermore, where does she fit in?

With each chapter, the story unfolds, delivering new shocking revelations that make 'The Daughter In Law' by Nina Manning a compelling and intriguing read you will not want to put down. The characters are complex, emotionally damaged, but entirely believable. It is easy to empathise with Daisy in her predicament from which she cannot escape. She is grieving, and she is missing her husband. Additionally, her hormones are playing havoc with her emotions, making her easy prey for the mother-in-law from hell. This is a fast-moving roller coaster of a thriller that keeps you turning the pages until the end and leaves you wanting more!

I want to give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Nina Manning excels in this genre and is an author to watch out for. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. I highly recommend this to adults who enjoy page-turning, twisted psychological thrillers.