Showing posts with label Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiction. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Stories Untold ~ Leslie Wolfe

Stories UntoldStories Untold by Leslie Wolfe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the world of literature, there are books that entertain and books that transform. Leslie Wolfe's 'Stories Untold' belongs to the latter category. This remarkable psychological novel is not just a captivating story; it's a window into the human soul, a teachable moment in depression, therapy, and the struggle to find meaning in life.

Leslie Wolfe, known for her skill in crafting intricate plots and complex characters, takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the depths of the human psyche. What makes this novel truly exceptional is not only the enthralling storyline but also the author's unique writing style. Wolfe's prose is as mesmerizing as it is thought-provoking, making every page a literary masterpiece.

The central theme of 'Stories Untold' revolves around the battles we fight within ourselves. It's a story about depression, therapy, and the harrowing experience of losing the will to live. Wolfe's portrayal of these themes is both poignant and enlightening. She doesn't shy away from delving into the raw, unfiltered emotions that her characters go through. It's a stark reminder that we all have our struggles, and that it's okay to seek help when we need it.

The characters in this novel are not mere literary creations; they are living, breathing individuals who wrestle with their inner demons. Through their journeys, Leslie Wolfe sheds light on the importance of mental health and the healing power of therapy. This book is a reminder that there is hope, even in the darkest of times, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

'Stories Untold' will leave you deeply moved and reflective. It's a book that prompts you to ponder the human condition, the intricacies of our minds, and the profound significance of connection and understanding. It's a teachable moment in empathy and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, Leslie Wolfe's 'Stories Untold' is a literary gem that not only showcases the author's exceptional writing style but also serves as a powerful narrative on the challenges of depression, therapy, and the struggle to find the will to live. If you're looking for a book that will not only captivate your imagination but also touch your heart and soul, this is a must-read. It's a poignant reminder that our stories, no matter how untold, deserve to be heard and understood.

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Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Deacon King Kong by James McBride ~ Book Review

 

Deacon King KongDeacon King Kong by James McBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow just wow I absolutely loved this story. This to me was a perfect example of have a lot of characters with distinct character descriptions. There were so many voices but not once did I get confused with which character was speaking; great job to James McBride. I will definitely be seeking out more novels from this author.

Deacon King Kong gave me Law and Order, 227, Amen vibes like no joke. I was completely here for all of the gossip, the comedy, and even the violence. It was really an unpredictable plot and McBride interweaves the story so eloquently. I am never good at who done it and why stories, and no I didn't get it right on this one either. With that being said I still enjoyed the journey it was really a page turner for me.

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Wednesday, March 4, 2020

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo ~ Book Review

The Most Fun We Ever HadThe Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Claire Lombardo, my hat's off to you. This was one of the most fun reads I've had this year thus far. This dysfunctional family had me laughing, crying, screaming at characters. It really took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

I normally pick a favorite character to relate to when reading novels, but I couldn't pick one in this novel. It felt like I could connect to every character; which is so rare and unlike me. I want the stamina and passion of the parents. The oldest daughter gives me Blanche from Golden Girls vibes and I am absolutely here for it. All of the children have a special place in my heart. The sister's bond, to me, represents the true ups and downs in a sibling's relationship. It's not always sugary sweet and nice. There are sometimes when you want to disconnect and disown; Lombardo displaces that nicely in this novel.

I am looking forward to reading more works by Claire Lombardo. This was a really good read.

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Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Review: The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips

The Darkest Child The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow just wow. How can one book take you through an entire roller coaster ride of emotions? Delores Phillips truly had a gift of writing. And I am sad to hear mid-reading this novel that she had passed and the sequel to her highly acclaimed first novel was never released.

The Darkest Child really touched me. I cried, I laughed, I cursed (up a storm), and I cheered. Phillips gave it all to me unfiltered. Tangy Mae was a very strong young black woman and faced nearly every adversity I could think of in that time frame. While I didn't know grow up in the 50's, I have been told these stories from older relatives of what it was like to grow up during that time in the South. So when I read this novel it hit home a little.

Rosie, Rosie, Rosie - I wondered about this mother character, her mental state, how she became a single mother of so many children. You want to not pass judgment on a woman like Rosie, but reading this book, I developed a sort of love hate relationship with her.

Phillips writes in a way that you become totally engrossed in all of the characters, even the ones that are not apart of Tangy's family. You question the family's, mother's, sisters, and even Tangy life choices. Did I agree with everything that happened, no but I also realized there was a status quo during that time and those that went against it were usually punished severely.

I wish I could rate this above 5 stars because it was truly that real and that amazing of a read. If you wish to experience a really great story, period piece, with lively characters this is definitely the book for you.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Inevitable Act II by Johnie Jay ~ Book Review

Inevitable Act llInevitable Act ll by Johnie Jay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As always I am ever so happy to have read Act II. I tried waiting until this weekend, but you know how cliffhangers work. This was a great continuation of Act I. Jay's writing style continues to be a favorite of mine. I am so thankful for his Instagram page otherwise I would have been completely in the dark in regards to his writing capabilities. For those of my viewers that track my blog, trust me when I say you will thoroughly enjoy this series. Please do yourself a favor, read the books in order (Act I then Act II lol). I love how this second book wrapped up some lingering questions from the first. I do however wish this series was about 5 acts long. I believe there is more to be told especially with Angela's best friends.

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Inevitable Act I by Johnie Jay ~ Book Review

Inevitable Act lInevitable Act l by Johnie Jay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love your writing style. it was if I was placed in the center of Future and Angel's lives. Quite the page turner. I did not wish to put it down. The sex scenes were great and not overly done or too dramatic to where it wouldn't seem real. Bravo Sir Bravo

I am looking forward to reading Act II

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Monday, February 2, 2015

The Littlest Cowboy by Maggie Shayne ~ Book Review

The Littlest Cowboy (The Texas Brands Book 1)The Littlest Cowboy by Maggie Shayne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Littlest Cowboy by Maggie Shayne was a great short read. This first book in the Texas Brands Book introduces you to all of the main characters. It starts off right in the first few pages with a big surprise and builds up from there. I find it quite refreshing to have a short read that gives one romance, action, drama and a little sense of comedy all mixed it to one. I quite enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading Book 2: The Baddest Virgin in Texas

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Monday, August 18, 2014

From Frights to Flaws ~ Sunayna Prasad

From Frights to Flaws (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions, #1)From Frights to Flaws by Sunayna Prasad
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sunayna Prasads "Alyssa McCarthys Magical Missions: From Frights to Flaws" was one of the cutest preteen book I have read in a while. Prasad provides plenty of mischief, magic, fantasy and promise to fulfill a little girls destiny.

Alyssa's character in this story, provides a good positive character for young readers. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures from destination to destination. All of the young girls developed such a strength and need to help each other and try to conquer the bad and evil. I cannot wait to read book 2; this series is just too adorable.

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Monday, August 11, 2014

Melting Into You by Tracey Alvarez


Melting Into You (Due South, #2)Melting Into You by Tracey Alvarez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tracey Alvarez's Melting Into You was a quite a spunky romantic read. I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters and their children although young and smart bring quite a comedic joy to the story. Alvarez shows in this novel that not everything is planned but what really matters is how you deal with life's surprises. The novel starts off with a bang and through the whole storyline you want to know more about the characters and where the twists and turns will eventually lead them.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Corner Office ~ Anand Rao

The Corner OfficeThe Corner Office by Anand Rao
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Corner Office by Anand Rao was quite an interesting read. It is written like a drama tv series. Kevin, our main character has quite a time managing this PIT the technology giant corporation. The story begins and ends in the corner office; Rao gives the reader quite a plot on what the office represents besides being four walls with an incredible view. For me the novel overall presented a great story on how tragedy can strike a successful company; the mystery in this story is why the tragedy struck and who orchestrated the plans. Pretty decent short read.

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Thursday, August 7, 2014

Baseball Dads ~ Matthew S. Hiley

Baseball DadsBaseball Dads by Matthew S. Hiley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Baseball Dads - A Love Story by Matthew S. Hiley is one heck of a ride literally. Who knew so much fun could be had when you mix crazy neighborhood politics with little league football and murder. Hiley you may be on to something with this writing style and I agree no one wants "Daddy Baseball."

I could not put this novel down, the main characters Dwayne, Tommy, Steve and Russ cracked me up. Their weird friendship truly makes this story excellent in my opinion. Everyone has at least one crazy friend in this case there were four. I am not really into the sport of baseball but reading this book I found myself really cheering and pulling for the Tigers little league team. Cannot wait to read more by Hiley!!

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The Sanctuary ~ Cassandra R. Siddons

The SanctuaryThe Sanctuary by Cassandra R. Siddons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Sanctuary by is quite an amazing read by Cassandra Siddons. Her writing style mixes, drama with comedy and a little bit of mystery. She hooked me right from the beginning when what can be viewed as tragedy strikes. I would truly suggest that every woman read this book and take a lesson at what it really means to be a sister and a part of a loving unit.

The Carolina Girls Forevers sisterhood was built of strong minded women who knew how to have fun and ultimately take care of one another as sisters should. Siddons provided a really fun novel that displayed all of the emotions on every level close friends play in the course of their lives. The characters in this novel, are well developed and each display a different side that as the reader I became engulfed in the story line as if I were a part of the sisterhood as well.

I am definitely looking forward to the next novel.

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Friday, August 1, 2014

Dancing Bear ~ Oren Sanderson


Dancing BearDancing Bear by Oren Sanderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dancing Bear by Oren Sanderson is filled with action and keeps its word and true spirit to thriller fictions. The two main characters are believable. I must say I personally thought Kate was certifiable. But while they are on the run for their lives, Sanderson takes the reader on an adventure through multiple cities. Neither with any real experience, but they fight for their lives and try to determine which people are their friend or foe. Overall the book is great but the editorial revisions at the beginning half of the book were a slight distraction. Once you get past that I promise you will enjoy the storyline and the thrilling adventures presented.

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This ebook may be purchased via Amazon at the below link:
Amazon: Dancing Bear

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, July 25, 2014

How the Water Falls ~ K.P. Kollenborn

How the Water FallsHow the Water Falls by K.P. Kollenborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How the Water Falls by K.P. Kolleborn was such a touching novel. It depicts the lives of both white and black people during and slightly after the years of Apartheid. I must say this book did take me a few days to read, but I am glad I made it from cover to end.

The strong actions of Lena a young black woman with a mind to see people treated fairly and the actions of the young white journalist Joanne; their characters truly took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed, cried, became angry at the circumstances at the life people had to endure through and live.

This novel does not give you a whole picture of life during Apartheid. This novel provides a small glimpse into that time period. I took away so much from this and discovered that perseverance is the key to righting wrong. Amazing novel!

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Realm of the Unknown ~ James B. McPike

Realm of the UnknownRealm of the Unknown by James B. McPike
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Realm of the Unknown by James B. McPike was quite an interesting read. McPike truly delivers a wonderful story that grasped me from the get go. It is a religious, science-fiction, mystery, thriller that will have you enthralled from page one. While this is a fictional novel it has some basis of biblical proportion and archaeological history; in this sense I believe McPike truly made the novel even better.

Based in Israel mostly with trips to Italy and Paris, we follow an investigator for the ministry and his lady sidekick on quite an adventure of epic portion. McPikes writing style is simple and to the point. I especially like the trust that is formed between the two partners, both are strong characters with knowledge that helps them face all kinds of danger, human and other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and cannot wait to read more novels by this author If you love historical novels with a pinch of today's times and adventure this is definitely worth a read.

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Friday, July 18, 2014

Hym and Hur ~ Phillip Frey


Hym and HurHym and Hur by Phillip Frey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hym and Hur by Phillip Frey is quite the quirky short novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fun, light at times with serious undertones (due to dealing with topics of death/illness). But overall what hooked me to this novel and made me want to read it more were the main characters: Hym and Hur. These fictional/paranormal beings were so funny to me. They love playing pranks but they try to do deeds of "good" through their pranks. As you know there is bound to be something that goes wrong and that's what this short novel is essentially about: what can and does go wrong with a "Do Good" prank thought up by Hym and Hur. Great fun novel by Phillip Frey.

You purchase this ebook via the following links:
 
Amazon: Hym and Hur
Barnes and Noble: Hym and Hur

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Dangerous Times ~ Phillip Frey


Dangerous TimesDangerous Times by Phillip Frey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where do I even begin? Phillip Frey's Dangerous Time is one book I could not put down. This crime thriller kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters are so well developed that you feel for them and want the best outcome in all situations. Frey displays a great skill in keeping the reader second guessing on what's to come. Not to give anything away in the storyline,but I absolutely adored the characters: Kirk and Ty for some reason they just completely made the novel come alive to me. If you wish to experience a well-written crime thriller novel I definitely recommend Dangerous Times. This novel is short and starts off in the middle of action. There is no down time in this novel as every page, every word is dedicated to solving the case. Enjoy!

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  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Kate's Escape from the Billable Hour

Kate's Escape from the Billable HourKate's Escape from the Billable Hour by Petula Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kate's Escape from the Billable Hour by Petula Parker, what can I say but absolutely amazing novel. I enjoyed this read from the beginning to the end. Kate Billings represents so many young women trying to be it all happy, educated, working and in love. Parker writing style is so "Movie-esque," it simply flows. This novel is a page turner and reads pretty quickly, trust me when I say you will not want to put it down. Life lessons have to be learned through experiencing life and Kate although smart makes some pretty big common sense mistakes. This was really a fun book to read and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.

This ebook can be purchased at the below link:

Amazon: Kate's Escape from the Billable Hour

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Monday, June 16, 2014

The Tenth: A Novel by Smadar Shir ~ Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

The Tenth: A Novel (contemporary fiction Book 1)The Tenth: A Novel by Smadar Shir

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting novel. I have never had the chance to read a piece based on a terrorist attack survivor. Danny, the main character in this novel, although young, scared and in constant state of different degrees of pain, really is a strong young man with a great story to tell. Shir really did a wonderful job conveying Danny's emotional state of mind; remember Danny is a young ten-year old who has lost limbs and his mother in a terrorist bombing attack. How he relates to classmates, his father and his little sister just touched my heart. Autumn, the reporter, to me brought out Danny's will to be a better young man. Grant it he is still a child but after this event so much more will change in his life. Shir provided me with a humanizing way of looking at the victims of these attacks. Far too often we see the news and hear about the attacks but never hear about the aftermath, what happens to those who's lives are turned upside down from face-to-face experience. Really good book that opened my eyes more to the devastation and impact of terrorism.

This e-book may be purchased at the below link at Amazon:

Amazon: The Tenth - A Novel by Smadar Shir

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  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Whole Latte Love ~ Rachelle Ayala

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Whole Latte LoveWhole Latte Love by Rachelle Ayala
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As always I am never disappointed with a Rachelle Ayala novel. And she brings life to a story that would otherwise be a normal boy meets girl, boy gets girl plot. I fell in love with the smart, young, sassy character that is Carina. She's spunky and intelligent, but still has a lot to learn about matters of the heart. Her love interest, Dylan, is gorgeous and smart as well. He has a overall thoughtful heart and wants good for all; literally. Although this book is just shy of 300 pages it reads really fast. Trust me you won't want to put it down. Finding love and keeping is a challenge we all face and the adventures that unfold in the banking business of love will keep you thoroughly interested in this novel. Oh and did I forget to tell you there is Drama with a capital "D" in the form of an ex and supervisor. Read this novel, you won't be disappointed.

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This novel maybe purchased at the following stores:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.