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

Book Review - The White Coat Effect by L.B. Wells

The white Coat Effect tells the story of Rory Webber. Strict Jewish parents bought Rory up in a house where she was not allowed to touch anything, and with a garden, no one was allowed to walk in. She has spent her life studying to please her parents by entering medical school. The book begins with Rory's first day at medical school, which is her first day of freedom. Rory is determined to find herself and step out of her parent's control.

When she becomes a surgeon, Rory finds herself up against forceful men. Her mother constantly told Rory that she was ugly, so she expected to follow her parent's plans to become a doctor and then a good Jewish wife! Does this ugly duckling become a beautiful swan? What effect does senior resident Amir have on her? Can Rory find the satisfying and happy life she craves while pleasing her parents? Read The White Coat Effect by L. B. Wells to find the answers to these questions.

The White Coat Effect is the debut novel by L. B. Wells, who navigates the complexities of the operating theatre equally well with the erotically charged and intimate bedroom chapters. I enjoyed the development of Rory's character as she enters womanhood and realizes that men are attracted to her. L. B. Wells dealt with this very sensitively. The story flowed well, and I could easily imagine the different situations that Rory has been in throughout her life.

L. B. Wells describes a very toxic environment that female medical students have to deal with, and I would have liked to know if the author has personal experience with this. I did not particularly appreciate the lack of proofreading and editing in The White Coat Effect. I found grammar and spelling errors throughout, which was disappointing.

I would recommend The White Coat Effect by L. B. Wells to older teenagers and young adults as I feel this is a coming-of-age story. We learn about Rory's childhood, her parent's forcefulness, and their determination for her to become a Dr. and a good Jewish wife. Mainly, this story is about Rory's blossoming womanhood, how she deals with her hormonally charged body changes, and realizes that she is not ugly as she has always been told. Rory then discovers sex, and these conquests are described in much detail, so I would not recommend this book to anyone younger than sixteen. Swearing is also present throughout this book.

I want to give The White Coat Effect by L. B. Wells 4 out of 5 stars. The book is engaging, and the story flows well, but I have had to reduce the score by a point due to the need for more editing and proofreading. This is an excellent debut novel, and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I want to thank L. B. Wells for a copy of The White Coat Effect 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

 

Kindle Book Review - Rock's Wages by Vivian Doolittle

In 1976, twenty-three-year-old Ricky Harris was the lead singer and bass player for the Windy City rock group. He is feeling good. He has a bottle of whisky and a cigarette in his hands. He has just played a sellout concert and is in love with Angie. Life could not be better. When he finds Angie in their hotel room having sex with his best friend, Ricky's life falls apart! Ricky is heartbroken. He jumps in his car and drives around aimlessly until he sees a man being thrown off a bridge into a canal by two thugs. Ricky jumps into the water to save the man. Once he gets the stranger to dry land, Ricky realizes he is too late and the man is dead.

Ricky sees that the man looks very similar to him and swaps clothes, driving license, and keys with the man, then drags him into his car before pushing the car and the man back into the canal. Ricky Harris is now dead, and Thor Swenson lives. Who was Thor Swenson? What have Ricky and Thor got in common? Moreover, what happens forty years later when retired Detective Mick Thorne reopens the case of the rocker who is found at the bottom of a canal in his car? To find the answers to these questions, read Rock's Wages by Vivian Doolittle.

I enjoyed reading Rock's Wages. It was fascinating knowing what had happened to Ricky and Thor but reading how Thorne gradually gets to the answer. This well-written story has been thoroughly researched and planned. Vivian Doolittle pays attention to every detail, whether writing about the 1970s or 2010s. I liked how Doolittle used Ricky changing into Thor to get the young rock star off alcohol and drugs and create a new, improved version of him. The twist in the tale whereby Ricky is singing the songs he wrote forty years before, but as his new persona Thor, is brilliant. 

I disliked nothing about Rock's Wages. Vivian Doolittle takes the reader through a roller coaster of emotions with ease. She sensitively tells of a person living with cancer. Raunchily describes rock bands and gigs. It tells of an ex-policeman's struggles to find the truth behind a cold case. There is sex rough and drug-fueled, and sex gently built up to with romantic dates. I laughed, sighed, held my breath, and cried my way through this brilliant book.

I recommend Rock's Wages to anyone who enjoys a murder mystery with a bit of romance and a lot of heart. There is profanity and sexual references, so it would only be appropriate reading for adults.

I read the Kindle version of Rock's Wages by Vivian Doolittle, which I give 4 out of 5. I enjoyed everything about this book, but there were many grammar errors. Once this book has been professionally edited and proofread, it will get a worthy 5 out of 5 from me!

Medieval Love and War by Terry Mott-Bellin

King Matthew is kind and generous. However, not everyone loves him: Calibor is King Matthew's enemy and wants to win the Great Sea Kingdom and rule it himself. The Springtide Festival is held annually, and people from miles around come to enjoy a day out. Fifteen-year-old Princess Eden persuades her father to let her participate in The Spring Moon Dance. King Matthew feels his only daughter will be safe with her lady-in-waiting, her tutor, and guards with her. However, when the dance finishes, Eden accepts gifts from the spectators and overlooks Calibor. Calibor is angry that he has been snubbed and commands his sorcerer to put a spell of pox on all the young men! What plans does Calibor have for Princess Eden? What is different about Tomas? Moreover, who do the servants help to seduce Princess Eden? Read Medieval love and War by Terry Mott-Bellin to find the answers.

This book only has one hundred and ninety-seven pages, but by the end of chapter four, more than sixteen main characters have been introduced. I found trying to remember whom everyone was confusing, spoiling the book's flow. There are also many grammar errors. This book needs to be proofread as mistakes like 'beforeheading' would have been picked up if it had.

Despite the errors, I did enjoy this book. It has all the ingredients of an adult fairy tale. King Matthew, adored by his people, has a beautiful daughter who falls in love with a handsome man. And his adversary, the evil Calibor, rules his people with fear and punishments and has a sorcerer to cast horrific spells on anyone in his way. Furthermore, there is a supposed faithful servant working for the other side, a village of little people, and a good witch. I also enjoyed all the pagan references, particularly the handfasting of Maia and Tomas.

I recommend Medieval Love and War by Terry Mott-Bellin to anyone who enjoys romance, good versus evil, or an adult fairy tale. Many medieval words are used, which a historian would also enjoy. Sex is mainly hinted at, but I would not recommend this book to people under sixteen.

I want to give Medieval Love and War 3 out of 5 stars because, although I enjoyed the story, introducing so many characters in the first few chapters confused me. I re-read the first four chapters and made a list of the people, their characteristics, and which of the other characters they knew. Terry Mott-Bellin should add this information at the beginning of the book for readers to refer back to. A map of all the places mentioned in the book would also be helpful. I have reduced the stars because this book has yet to be edited or proofread, and there are errors on most pages. So many mistakes are annoying and spoil the book's flow!

I want to thank Terry Mott-Bellin for a copy of Medieval Love and War 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

Book Review - The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker

 

In the Book of Job, Job is the main character, and there is not very much said about his wife, Ix'ises. The Legacy of Job's Wife is Cynthia Koelker's version of the other side of the story from Ix'ises point of view. It begins when Ix'ses is nearing the end of her life, and she wants to leave a record of the events for her ancestors. Job was five when his neighbour went into labour, and his mother was called to help with the birth. When Ix'ises was born, Job looked at her little face and fell in love. It is Job who names the new baby. Ix'ises had an idyllic childhood, her father was often away working, but she got lots of attention each time he came home. 

The family was not deeply religious, and Ix'ises questioned whether there was a God when her pet lamb drowned in a well when Ix'ises was a child. However, Job's family is highly religious, and they sacrifice animals to thank God for all he has done for them. What is wrong with Ix'ises brother B'nahram? Do Job and Ix'ises marry when they are old enough? Moreover, what tragic events will befall them in the future? To learn more about Job and Ix'ises's lives, read The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker.

Job's family and Ix'ses get together for a meal to celebrate Ix'ses birthday. When her children are born, Ix'ses mother makes up a song for them. She sings these lullabies to soothe her babies and get them off to sleep. When the children are no longer babies, it becomes a tradition for their mother to sing their unique songs on their birthdays. The families are together celebrating Ix'ses birthday, but on this occasion, Ix'ses has asked her mother to sing all of the children's songs. I love the way Koelker beautifully describes the scene, and I could picture the families sitting around the fire listening to the beautiful singing while the sun sets and the summer moon rises.  

The Legacy of Job's Wife is written in a beautifully lyrical way. Example from page forty-three, 'God was talking to me in the secret melody of my wind chimes, a language forgotten as quickly as the sun dried the morning dew.' Cynthia Koelker found that when reading about Job in the Bible, very little was told of his wife, Ix'ses. This book tells a fictional version of Ix'ses life. Koelker is very knowledgeable about the era's history, making this book fascinating. She also writes in such a way that you can feel the raw emotions of the characters and empathize with their joys and suffering.

I disliked nothing about The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker. It was well-written and researched. This book is, above all else, a love story, the love between Job and Ix'ses and the love for their families. I recommend this to readers who enjoy books about romance and those interested in learning more about the life and times of the Biblical story, the 'Book of Job.' I do not believe in God and the Bible, but I found this story fascinating. It would be best to read The Legacy of Job's Wife with an open mind. 

I rate The Legacy of Job's wife by Cynthia Koelker 4 out of 5 stars. I have reduced my score by one star because of many grammar errors. Although this is a fictional story, it is well-researched and provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of the people of the era in which the 'Book of Job' is set. It is an enjoyable story that educates the reader in a beautifully lyrical way.

I want to thank Cynthia Koelker for a copy of The Legacy of Job's Wife 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

book review - A Pocketful of $20s by Madelaine Lawrence

 

Lynn and Alan have been together for some time, but their relationship is not good. Alan is critical of many things Lynn does and rarely considers her. One of the bug-bears is a Christmas tradition Lynn's mother Dorothy started, giving five strangers who needed help twenty dollars at Christmas. Dorothy is a frail old lady unable to give out the money herself, and Lynn wants to carry on the tradition for her. Despite the couple having well-paid jobs, Alan thinks this is a waste of money and makes Lynn unhappy by telling her his feelings. 

Lynn feels very down when she sets out on her quest but soon gets a smile on her face as she starts helping people. How does Lynn help a young student on his way home from college for Christmas? How does she help Theresa put a smile on David's face? Who does Lynn help to leave an abusive marriage? Moreover, how do Stan and Peter, the men she goes to lunch with, fit into Lynn's life? Read A pocketful of $20 by Madelaine Lawrence to find out the answers to these questions and more.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Pocketful of $20s by Madelaine Lawrence. The story has been well thought out and planned, and Lawrence handles some weighty subjects sensitively. I liked that Lynn is a nurse in the Emergency Department of her local hospital, which makes her much more in tune with people and their problems, particularly in the story about the abused wife. Furthermore, I enjoyed the way Madelaine Lawrence uses the plights of the people Lynn helps to lead into telling us more about Lynn's own life. Lawrence builds the characters throughout the book, and I enjoyed learning more about their lives, the type of people they are, and their outlooks on life. 

The only parts of A Pocketful of $20 that I disliked were the proofreading and editing errors. For instance, there is a chapter in the book where the Emergency Department has several patients from a road traffic accident, and Lynn is one of the nurses on duty. Theresa, one of the ladies she has given a twenty dollar bill to, arrives and wants to know how her husband is. Theresa does not give her husband's name, and Lynn does not ask for it, but she can explain Theresa's husband's injuries. This section needs rewriting so that it makes sense. There are also a lot of grammar and spelling errors.

I recommend A pocketful of $20s by Madelaine Lawrence to adults who enjoy well-written human interest stories, particularly those with a Christmas theme, a touch of romance, and much heart. There are no swearing or sexual scenes in the book, but it covers some weighty subjects, such as manslaughter and abuse, which would not be appropriate for a younger audience.

I want to give A pocketful of $20s by Madelaine Lawrence 4 out of 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I have reduced my score by one star because it needs more proofreading and editing. 

Book Review - Timeless Love by Stella Gioacas

Timeless Love by Stella Gioacas introduces us to Emily and her best friend, Stacey. Emily has just broken up with her boyfriend of two years. Stacey and Emily had not seen each other for months because Emily had accused Stacey of wanting her man when Stacey tried to tell her that Craig had been seeing other women behind her back. In the two years Emily had been with Craig, he had alienated her from all her friends and family and made her leave her job. However, now she has found him with another woman in their bed! Stacey and Emily go for a walk to talk and get Craig out of their systems. They end up sitting in a park under a big tree. They start heading back to Stacey's house when the weather changes to rain, thunder, and lightning. Suddenly, Emily hears a loud crack, and everything goes white! Emily wakes up in a tiny bed in a room with equally small furniture. What has happened? Where is she? Moreover, who is Henry, the man with striking hazel-colored eyes? Read Timeless Love by Stella Gioacas to discover the answers to these questions.

I liked the humor Stella Gioacas included in the story. For instance, when the Dr. in eighteen hundred and seventy-four is trying to work out what all the strange things are that Emily is talking about example, on page thirty-one," 'And this Uber you mentioned earlier?' 'Oh, I believe that's some sort of luncheon meat, sir,' Henry said." I also enjoyed the fact that Emily goes back in time but is still in the exact location. I especially liked the comparisons and descriptions between the present and the past. 

I did not enjoy some of Emily's expressions which were not what people would typically say. For example, on page forty, "And thirdly, sit and join me, you silly goose." Emily and Henry are the main protagonists in this story, but as we are told very little about their backstories, they are relatively flat and bland. I found the conversational passages too long-winded, making the book boring. I would have liked there to have been more depth to what could have been a fascinating story. 

I recommend Timeless Love by Stella Gioacas to adults and older teenagers who enjoy time travel, romance, and historical fiction. There are some swearing and mild sexual scenes in the book, which make it inappropriate for a younger audience. 

I want to give Timeless Love by Stella Gioacas 3 out of 5 stars, it was an interesting read, but it needed more substance for my liking. There was a good beginning, and the ending was exciting with a lot of twists and turns which I wasn't expecting. However, the middle of the book was very slow going. The book would also benefit from further proofreading due to grammar and spelling errors. Because of these reasons, I have taken two stars off my rating!

Book review of Hemiphos by stefanie Jacob

Hemiphos by Stefanie Jacob begins at Edar Laxon's mansion in the Vosper Peninsular. It is a ruined castle perched on top of a hill. The elderly aristocrat who once lived there had vanished one night years before. None of the residents dare to go near it since the disappearance of John Hopper. They believe supernatural beings haunt the castle! Visitors to the town have often been curious enough to want to check out the castle themselves, but most of them never returned, and those that did had been driven insane! 

Three teenagers, Jason, Roxanne, and Pyrrhus, swim in a lake near the castle. Jason says that he has been inside the castle many times. The three have spent nearly all their time together since they were children, and Pyrrhus and Roxanne do not believe his boasts. They take up Jason's dare to enter the castle with him that evening. Do the teenagers make it out of the castle alive? What secrets do they uncover? Roxanne was told her father is dead, but she knows he is alive; what is the mystery surrounding him? Read Hemiphos by Stefanie Jacob to discover the answers to these and other questions.

There is absolutely nothing I disliked about Hemiphos by Stefanie Jacob. This book reminded me of being a child and devouring the stories written by the brothers, Grimm. It is a story that blends mystery, ghosts, and the supernatural seamlessly. There is a slow build-up, but Stefanie Jacob has written a powerful dark fairy tale that takes the reader on a magical journey introducing ghosts, spirits, and wolves with unique powers. Every chapter has some new element which kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. 

I recommend Hemiphos by Stefanie Jacobs to older teenagers and adults who enjoy fantasy fiction involving ghosts, mystery, and a sprinkling of romance; this enchanting book has many secrets to uncover. "For Christ's sake" and "Bollocks" are used, which makes the book inappropriate for a younger audience.

I want to give Hemiphos 4 out of 5 stars. The book has been translated into English perfectly, and I found no grammar or spelling errors. The cover art is beautiful and gave me a feel for the story before I even began to read it. The last chapter is excellent and left me wanting more. I am pleased that this is the first book in a trilogy.

 

book review of The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci by Belle Ami

The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci by Belle Ami starts briefly in nineteen forty-four when the world is at war, and the Germans are bombing Florence, Italy. Sophia Caro is scared. Scared of the bombs and scared because her lover Gerhard Jaeger is a German officer!   It then moves forward to the present day and introduces us to Angela Renatus, an intern at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Angela is plagued by headaches caused by lack of sleep. She has strange, vivid, and repetitive dreams about fifteenth-century Italy, which unsettle her. Dr. Alberto Scordato is the director of the museum and Angela's boss. He has a penchant for young women, and Angela is scared of him. Scordato has noticed that Angela has been acting strangely and asks security for a copy of the video surveillance of the red gallery where a Botticelli is hanging. He cannot believe what he sees. Every day for weeks, Angela has been walking in a trance to the gallery. She sits in front of the Botticelli and has a one-sided conversation with the painting in Italian! 

Alex Cain, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has been commissioned to find out whether a da Vinci painting of a wedding exists. He is also investigating Scordato, as there have been discrepancies in the accounts. Alex sees Angela in one of her trances and falls in love with her. He also realizes she may be a link to finding the missing painting, which, being by da Vinci, is worth a fortune. Are Angela's dreams part of the puzzle? Does Alex find the Da Vinci painting? What is Scordato hiding? Moreover, how are Sophia and Gerhard involved? Read The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci by Belle Ami to discover the answers to these and other questions.

The story moves backward and forwards in time. It covers the present day with Angela and Alex, the nineteen forties with Sophia and Gerhard, and fourteen seventy-five with Leonardo da Vinci. I liked how Belle Ami moved effortlessly between the different eras and gave a feel for the times with great descriptions of the people, places, and changes in how people spoke.

Angela Renatus and Alex Cain are the main characters, but we are told very little about their back stories, so they are relatively flat. When Alex sees Angela to her apartment after having a meal together, they find it has been broken into. Angela is obviously a competent and intelligent young woman. She is an intern at the Getty Museum and rents an expensive apartment. However, she does not quibble when Alex insists on staying the night to protect her and, the next day, proceeds to organize her day's plans. I found it unbelievable that Angela would do as Alex says despite the fact she felt comfortable with him! If you are a reader of erotica, you will enjoy the second half of the book, in which Alex and Angela's sex life dominates! I found the intimate details of their sex life unnecessary and did not enjoy this part of the book.

I recommend The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci by Belle Ami to adults who enjoy thrillers, romance, and historical fiction. Please note that there is nothing factual in this book and the reference to Da Vinci in the title only refers to a fictional painting. There are swearing and sexual scenes in the book, which make it inappropriate for a younger audience.

I want to give The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci 3 out of 5 stars. I found the conversational passages far too long-winded, which tended to make the book boring. I would have liked there to have been more depth to what could have been an exciting story. 

Review of : Chef Wanted For Violante by Saira Musa

 

Chef Wanted For Violante by Saira Musa begins during a competition run by Amando Violante, Violante's co-owner and restaurant manager. The winning chef will become the Head Chef of Amando's prestigious Santa Cruz restaurant. Claudia Sequeira had just been eliminated, leaving two men to compete in the final round. As Amando calls, "Time is up!" Alonzo, the head waiter, bursts into the kitchen to tell Amando that Claudia has passed out. She is taken to the hospital and remains out cold for sixteen hours. Her friend Sofia sits in a chair by the bed when she wakes. Amando has been worrying about Claudia and turns up at the hospital to see how she is. When he enters her room, there is sexual tension between the pair. Amando discovers that Claudia cannot afford to pay her hospital bill and takes it upon himself to pay the bill for her. However, he has an agreement written up which makes Claudia and her friend Sofia liable for the repayments, and this causes a massive argument between the three of them. Will the argument make it difficult for Sofia and Claudia to continue as housemates? Who wins Amando Violante's cooking competition? Furthermore, will the sexual tension between Amando and Claudia lead to a relationship?

I am disappointed that I liked nothing about Chef Wanted For Violante by Saira Musa. The book does not appear to have been edited, as there are several grammatical and spelling errors on most pages, and a lot of the book does not make sense. For example, Amando is included in the consultation between Claudia and her consultant. Amando only knows Claudia because she has participated in a competition at his restaurant. Why would he be part of the consultation at the hospital? Amando then pays Claudia's hospital bills and gets his legal counsel to draw up an agreement for Claudia to repay it within what appears to be minutes! In the agreement, he makes Claudia's friend Sofia jointly liable for the payments. Everything about this is ridiculous, and I would have been quite happy to throw the book in the bin at this point.

Saira Musa has made Amando too good to be true. He is tall and stunningly handsome. He is a restauranteur and co-owner of the family's business. He is also a renowned Portuguese pathologist and is retained by the Santa Cruz Forensics Department, who find his expertise invaluable.

The whole story is full of ridiculous offshoots. For example, because Amando has made both Claudia and Sofia liable to pay him back for Claudia's hospital fees, Sofia has set an investigator to tail Amando! The sexual tension between Amando and Claudia is overworked, and the descriptions are laughable when they eventually have a sexual relationship. For example, on page forty-three, "His morning erection swung as he moved."

I rate this book 1 out of 4 stars. I would not recommend it to anyone, as the storyline is weak and utterly ridiculous. There does not appear to have been any proofreading or editing, and Musa uses complicated wording in an attempt to make the story appear a lot more interesting than it actually is!

Book Review - Now I can See The Moon by Bonar Ash

 

Now I Can See The Moon by Bonar Ash begins in nineteen fifty-five in Surrey, England. It begins by telling us about Milly and her best friend, Izzy. The girls are seven years old and are inseparable. They spend much of their time in the attic, where Milly feels closest to her mother. Milly's mother, Miranda, died the year before. Luke, who grew up next door to Miranda and was her lifelong friend, becomes Milly's guardian and caretaker of their big house. The story then moves on ten years, and we begin learning about the other people who live in the house. The two lodgers are Esme and Felix. Babe, the housekeeper, is a surrogate mother to Milly. Also, Pascale, the one person in the house who hates Milly, was Miranda's childhood nurse. By this time, Luke is an award-winning carpenter running a successful business. Several women in the village are hoping he will want to have them as romantic partners.

Since her mother died, Milly has been plagued by a recurring nightmare: she falls off a boat into the water. She always wakes up at the point where she would have drowned, but Milly has no memory of ever being on a boat, and no one in the house can help her. As Milly gets older, she starts to see that most of the people she knows have secrets which they have been keeping from her. What is the nightmare all about? Why is Felix estranged from his daughter and granddaughter? Why does Pascale, who worshipped Miranda, hate Milly so much? Furthermore, what is the secret that everyone but Milly seems to know?

I loved the description Bonar Ash used for the child's view of where people go when they die. For example, on page one, "I could lose myself in the night sky with its overwhelming stars. I would search the glittering mass, looking for answers. I wondered if Grandma and Grandpa and my mother had somehow got tangled up in them and were wandering about, wondering what on earth had happened and why they couldn't come home." Some of the writing is almost poetic, which was beautiful to read. For example, on page thirteen, "I reached under the bed, which lolled like a vast beached boat in the middle of the attic floor."

I learnt a lot about the social history of the sixties. Babe loves music, so the top singers of the day are mentioned at one point, as are the advertising jingles. For example, on page eighteen, "go to work on an egg", it was lovely to have these reminders of a life my parents grew up in. However, as the book progresses, there are constant quotes from books and songs; these start to feel like padding; they are distracting and not helpful in helping the story progress. I would prefer the author to take all the quotes out and have a shorter book!

There are also many quotes from French songs which Miranda loved. It would have been nice to have a translation at the back of the book. The flow of the story was interrupted by having to keep googling to find out what the translation was.

Now I Can See The Moon by Bonar Ash started with great potential. However, the continuous quotes soon became tiresome. They were used to pad out the story, did not feel relevant in most cases, and I felt they were lazy on the author's part. The overuse of french song lyrics with no translation also spoilt the flow of the story considerably. Furthermore, I  feel the storyline is an unlikely one. Luke would have been eighteen or nineteen when Miranda died. Nevertheless, he was happy to take on the responsibility of a six-year-old girl. I have never met a teenage boy who could look after themselves, let alone a young child!

The editing was very good. I only found three errors. However, due to the mentioned dislikes, which spoiled the book for me, I want to give Now I Can See The Moon by Bonar Ash 3 out of 5 stars

I recommend this book to adult readers, especially people who enjoy a mystery with a hint of romance. There is some swearing, so I do not think this book is appropriate for younger audiences.

Thank you to Bonar Ash for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

Book Review - Clean Kill by Nick Everard

 

Clean Kill by Nick Everard revolves around several stories. John Gault whose wife Jenny has recently died of cancer has just started a new relationship with Sarah Hall. The husband of the latter committed suicide a year ago. John has a son Tom who, together with his wife, Emma, has taken over the running of the family farm. John is only fifty-five but has spare time on his hands now. Writing a murder mystery is something he has always wanted to do, and encouraged by Sarah, he begins.

Carl Barrow, a self-made millionaire who made his money through nefarious ways, is described as a wide boy. He has just been released from prison and has been on remand for over a month. His wife Cynthia is displeased when he is released at the trial, and she walks out. A Panorama investigation is shown on BBC, all about Carl's strange acquittal. The programme gives John the idea that his book will be about someone who kills a stranger just because they have heard about them in the news and have come to hate them.

Carl begins to retaliate against the people involved in the documentary. The BBC arrange round-the-clock protection for everyone. Why do the protectors suddenly walk out? How is Carl connected to Sarah's husband's suicide? What lengths will John and Sarah go to get the book written? 

I like Nick Everard's excellent plot and subplots woven into the story. It could have been confusing with so many characters in Clean Kill, but Everard brings them all to life with his descriptions. He has done a great job of mixing several stories without causing any confusion, and I like how the book progresses. I particularly liked how Nick Everard drip-feeds the reader on how the characters tie up. I enjoyed the way John and Sarah dissect every part of the novel John is writing. In chapter thirteen, John and Sarah discuss what gun would be best to use and take an A.410 gun and some old tins of paint up to the spinney. Everard has researched guns thoroughly. 

There is swearing in Clean Kill by Nick Everard. However, it is always appropriate to the character in the story and not used unnecessarily. For example, on page seventy-six, "You have made a friend of mine very angry. You fucked around with his life, so now he's fucked around with yours. Don't do it again, or it'll be worse."

One of my criticisms is that John has only been a widower for two months and had been happily married to Jenny for twenty-nine years prior to her death. I do not think anyone could get over their grief that quickly! The editing lets this great book down as I found several grammatical errors and confusion on page 192 quote, "The cheap new trainers he'd bought for what he termed "the event" were already in the back of the Volvo" it was Sarah who bought the trainers, not John!

I want to rate Clean Kill 4 out of 5 stars due to the errors. I am really disappointed that I had to reduce a star as Clean Kill is an entertaining page-turner with a satisfying ending. This book is an easy read. However, it keeps you on your toes, turning the pages to discover what will happen next and wondering where the story will lead at the climax. 

I would recommend Clean Kill by Nick Everard to adults who enjoy a well-thought-out whodunnit with lots of twists, turns, and surprises. There are mild sexual references, mainly hinted at and left to the reader's imagination, and swearing.  

Thank you to Nick Everard for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

Book Review - Stolid by Aaron D Key

 

Stolid by Aaron D Key begins with a man thumbing a lift in the torrential rain, a young man pulls over, and the rain-drenched Stolid gets in the car, believing he has a lift to London. Stolid is lulled to sleep by the warmth. When he wakes up, the car is parked in a layby on a quiet lane. The young driver tells Stolid that he knows him and only went out that evening to find him. Stolid's story is then told through flashbacks of his life.

Stolid had two relationships with older men. He was sleeping rough when Joseph offered him a place to stay. Stolid realises he has romantic feelings for Joseph; sadly, the relationship does not last Joseph and Stolid have too many insecurities about their sexuality. Stolid meets Jonathan things are looking up for Stolid. He has passed his exams and has been offered the two jobs he has interviewed for. So what has led to him being out in the pouring rain and accepting a lift from a strange young man? Moreover, does Stolid learn who the young man is?

Aaron D Key is a very talented writer. I love his descriptions which are almost poetic at times, e.g. page seventy-three, " I walked between the houses to the sewered stream where a fatted moon's reflection split into a moving picture of stained glass punched with light". I particularly liked that sex in the relationships was hinted at, and the reader is left to imagine what happened. I thought the ending was fantastic; it had a real twist which I had not expected. I am delighted that this book is part of a series, and I look forward to reading the next one.

The only thing I disliked was that although the flashbacks worked well, I got slightly lost in places because the sentences were so wordy.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. There are a couple of editing mistakes, but Stolid by Aaron D Key is beautifully written, and the plot is well thought out.

I recommend this book to adult readers, especially lovers of romance, particularly gay men trying to come to terms with their feelings. It would also be an excellent read for people who enjoy a good mystery with a difference. Because this is about men having relationships with men, I do not think it would appeal to readers with particular religious convictions.

Thank you to Aaron D Key for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

Book Review - The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard Dilallo

 

 

Gaby Summerhill is in her early fifties, she was widowed three years ago, and her four grown-up children have left home and have their own lives. Gaby often communicates with her children via video. At the beginning of  December, they each get a video telling them that Gaby is getting married again on Christmas day. Gaby has been proposed to by three men who are wonderful friends, and she is going to announce her future husband at the wedding. Will it be fifty-four-year-old Tom Hayden who grew up with Gabi? Or fifty-two-year-old rabbi Jacob Coleman who helps her run a breakfast club for local homeless people? Or maybe fifty-five-year-old Martin Summerhill, who is Gaby's brother-in-law? Only Gabi knows, and she is telling no one until the day of the wedding, not even her nosey best friend, Stacey Lee!

Meanwhile, Gabi's children have problems of their own Claire; her eldest daughter, is married to Hank. Hank only works part-time as he wants to spend the rest of his time either smoking weed or meeting up with his friends, Claire has been putting up with his behaviour toward the children, despite struggling to make ends meet. However, now that Hank has hit her and she has discovered their fourteen-year-old son Gus is also smoking weed, what direction will her future take? Lizzie, the middle daughter, is a homebody. She works in Walmart part-time and enjoys family life with her husband Mike and her eight-year-old daughter Tallulah. When Mike is diagnosed with a brain tumour, Lizzie takes it in her stride, taking Mike to his endless hospital appointments and chemo, but when Tallulah asks if her daddy is going to die, what answer can Lizzie give? Emily, the youngest daughter, is a high-flying lawyer and her husband Bart is a resident in neurology. Emily always pushes herself to do better and burns the candle at both ends. She also has a boss who makes sexual advances that are not entirely unwanted! With Emily and Bart spending very little time together, how will all these pressures affect their relationship? Seth is the baby of the family and the youngest son. He lives with his girlfriend Andie, a commercial artist. Seth works in a tedious job and longs to be a published novelist. His first novel 'Dream Chasers' is with an editor, and Seth is on tenterhooks. Will she think his book is good enough to publish?

The book differs from the style of book I tend to think of as the typical James Patterson genre; murder, investigation, thrillers, detective, and mystery novels. There is still an element of mystery as we do not know who Gabi's lucky man will be. I loved the little teases throughout the book, which constantly changed my mind about who it would be. This book has humour, sadness, tension, and a lot of love. I liked the little hints that made me think I had guessed who the groom would be, but I was left guessing right to the end. I think Gabi made the right choice!

I did not particularly like that everyone called Gabi by her given name. Even her children and grandchildren call her Gabi.

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it very much. I think this would be enjoyed mainly by female fans of James Patterson, it is a love story with a difference, and I am not sure it would appeal to men so much.

I would like to thank my mum for recommending that I read this book.

Book Review - Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G Baker

 

Zona: the Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker is written in three parts. The first part introduces Grant Taylor, a 32-year-old single man who works part-time at the University of Chicago and conducts paleogeography research. It is 2015, and Grant has just arrived in Russia. His scientist Uncle, an explorer, whom Grant was close to, disappeared a year ago while on an expedition to an area usually off-limits and has been pronounced dead.

Grant has inherited his Uncle Randall's house, wealth, and belongings.      While sorting these out, Grant finds secret hiding places containing an envelope full of money, several unique keys, a loaded gun, and ammunition. Furthermore, a letter in a bank safe deposit box is only marked for Grant's eyes, highlighting Randall's enormous concerns about the trip. Why did Randall have a loaded gun? Moreover, what do the keys open? The book's second part describes Grant taking part in a further expedition to Zona, and the third part takes us to the heart of the Camp at Zona itself. Along the way, Grant meets many intriguing characters. Grant puts himself in danger to discover what happened to his beloved Uncle Randall. Is Randall dead, or is he very much alive?

There is so much that I love about this book. Fred G. Baker is a very talented author who thinks of
everything to give readers the best possible experience from his book. I found it very useful that at the front of the book are maps of traveling to Zona and a map of Zona itself together with a diagram of the campsite. These are handy additions and helped me to follow the story better. I enjoyed Baker's similes in this book. For example, on page fifty-four, "I felt like a peanut in a vise, and the squeezing was just going to get worse." I enjoyed learning about all the characters who come to life on the page, in particular Boris Ustinov, Randall's Lawyer, who had much more than a passing interest in Randall's expedition to Zona. Trina Ustinov, a niece of Boris, is a beautiful legal aid trained in science and law. Grant starts a relationship with her but still does not feel she is to be trusted, and Captain Oleg Godunov, a fellow scientist, warns Grant that there is more to his Uncle's disappearance than is being told!

I did not find a single part of the book which I did not enjoy. Zona: the Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker is a fantastic story that is well edited, I did not find a single mistake in spelling or grammar.

I want to rate Zona: the Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker 5 out of 5 stars. It is a fantastic and absorbing read which I thoroughly enjoyed!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books involving science fiction, mystery, romance, adventure, and intrigue, as Zona: the Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker has all of these in spades. There is a reasonable amount of strong swear words, so I would suggest it is aimed at an adult audience.

Thank you to Fred G Baker for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

Book Review - Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer

 

Cynthia Patterson is employed as Senator Mike McBride's bodyguard and is a private investigator helping her brother wage war against cyber terrorism in her spare time. Cynthia is the main character in the book Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer. Cynthia is on her way to work one morning when the traffic is at a standstill. She gets out of her car and starts walking, trying to find out what is happening. She bumps into a handsome and mysterious stranger who introduces himself as Sky Eastman. He propels her into a cafe for lunch, and Cynthia finds herself swept away by this charismatic man. The two have a one-night stand, and Sky's behaviour the next day makes Cynthia suspicious of him. She is also worried about her ex-boyfriend Dan's intentions when he becomes increasingly protective of her. In the meantime, Cynthia's brother Glenn is waging war against cyber terrorism.

I liked that Dorothy May Mercer has put a lot of effort and time into researching areas of the Cynthia and Dan story, mainly how cyber war is fought.

Unfortunately, I dislike more things about this book than I like. Cynthia is supposed to be an independent and confident woman who is the head of security for a Senator and contributes to fighting cyber terrorism. Despite this, she has moments of extreme naivety and excessive emotional responses that don't make sense to the character she is supposed to be. It's very annoying that the characters constantly call each other my dear this makes the story twee. There is no way Cynthia would have had anything more than slight stomach cramps and bleeding at the stage of her pregnancy. The most she would have needed to get through it would have been painkillers and a hot water bottle, not several days in the hospital. I also doubt that her staff would have gone charging into Senator Mike McBride to say she was ill with bleeding from the vagina! I believe that had Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer been adequately proofread and edited, the above dislikes would have been picked up on and corrected.

There were too many things that detracted from this book for me to enjoy, and I rate it 1 out of 5 stars. I am disappointed that I have had to give such a low mark as the concept of fighting the cyber war had the potential to be a fantastic read. I feel that this book could be excellent with a bit more editing.

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, but it might appeal to older adults on a beach holiday!

Thank you to Dorothy May Mercer for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

Audible Review - Looking Glass Friends by E L Neve

 

This review is of the Audible book version of Looking Glass Friends by E.L. Neve, a slow-burning romance between two married people, Neil and Ellie. Who bond over a book when they meet at a bakery. They have an online relationship by writing to each other through emails. Eventually, the relationship moves on to talking on the telephone. The book is multi-dimensional, and we get the growing relationship between Neil and Ellie but also see the effect of their relationship on their families. Ellie has a husband called Jake and a son, Johnny, and Neil has a wife, Fay. Both marriages have relationship problems that leave an emptiness in Ellie and Neil's lives, allowing their love for each other to grow and blossom.

I would not usually listen to romances, but the way the characters interact is very different from books I have read. I found the way the book is written challenging to get into to begin with, but I ended up loving this audible book. There is plodding progress where Ellie and Neil grow from being strangers, then friends to falling in love. At the same time,  I liked how I could see this effect on their failing relationships with Fay and Jake. All the characters in this book have lovely, uncomplicated personalities. Although this was a love story, I liked that it did not revolve totally around Ellie and Neil. Their families were equally important. This novel gives all sides of every relationship in the story and builds an excellent picture for the listener. I felt I experienced all of the characters' emotions even when I disagreed with what they were doing.

The build-up to the romance between Neil and Ellie is a slow burn, and I did find myself wishing the relationship would progress more quickly as there are times when the book can feel very slow. The story explains how Jake treats Ellie and how she feels about her marriage, her husband, and her relationship with her son. It equally told me about Fay and Neil's home life, and I could see how their marriage was going and where it was failing. I liked how the narrator, B. J. Harrison, read the book. His voice was very listenable.

I rate Looking Glass Friends by E.L. Neve 4 out of 5 stars. It is a compelling story, and I enjoyed listening to it. I marked it down because of the areas where the story plods.

I recommend Looking Glass Friends to adults who enjoy romantic books, especially ones which build up slowly.

Thank you to E L Neve for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

Book review - Yesterday by Samyann

Yesterday is a book about romance and reincarnation by Samyann. The book begins with a train derailment where the main characters, Amanda and Mark, meet for the first time in present-day Chicago. They help each other get to safety from the flying debris. Mark is knocked out for a while, but Amanda has a broken arm and other injuries and is kept in the hospital overnight. They both feel strongly that they have met before. Leaving Amanda in hospital, Mark, a policeman, heads back to the station to check records and see if he can find anything about her. Having found nothing, he visits Amanda in hospital. He writes his cell phone number on her cast, desperate to see her again. Mark is persistent, but having had many traumas in life, losing her elder brother, her parents, and her fiancee Amanda does not want to get hurt again. Amanda buys a grandfather clock in an antique store because this is another thing she feels in some way has a connection to her past. Mark and Amanda search for answers about their past and the clock. In the end, they turn to Amanda's godmother Mary who is a successful psychologist. 

I found myself disliking Mark. He came across as arrogant and pushy, especially when they went out for their first meal together, and he told Amanda that he would choose for both of them. His behavior bordered on harassment as he would not take "No" for an answer and constantly pushed himself on Amanda. Also, I did not particularly appreciate how Mark kept dropping Irish Gaelic into conversations. It would start a new discussion between him and Amanda that seemed totally pointless to the storyline. Additionally, I found the way Mark took the samples from the grandfather clock and said he would get them analyzed at the police station unbelievable. Why would the forensic team give up police time to analyze Mark's private samples on a whim?

I loved how the author kept you wondering what all the connections were between Mark, Amanda, and the grandfather clock. It was incredible how the present started to mingle and intertwine with the past. I also thought the characters developed well. I particularly liked Amanda, who, despite losing most of her close family in tragic accidents, is still stoic and striving to move along with her life. 

I particularly liked when Amanda underwent regression therapy and returned to South Carolina in 1862. The author has a great way of using speech so the reader can feel the style of talking. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will be looking out for more books by this author. I will undoubtedly be cooking the Idiots Delight recipe, which is included in the book and was fed to Confederate soldiers; this was an excellent addition.

Lastly, I give Yesterday by Samyann 4 out of 5 stars. Overall, it is a well-written and well-edited book; I only found minor errors. I am dropping a point because of the excessive use of Irish Gaelic. It was an enjoyable and fast read that I highly recommend to older teenagers and adults who enjoy romance and reincarnation.

Thank you to Samyann for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.