#The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer–Review 5 Stars–#NetGalley

Feb20

Things We Can Not Say 850.jpgOutstanding Historical Fiction Novel by Kelly Rimmer–Coming 3/19/19

 

The Things We Cannot Say is a bittersweet, unforgettable, and superbly-written novel. It takes place during the 1930s in Nazi-occupied Poland, and also in modern-day, America. This powerful novel is about loyalty, love, sacrifice, and perseverance. I quickly fell in love with the main characters and became engrossed in their lives. I was transported into the story with ease and found the book impossible to put down. I have never been disappointed by this talented and amazing author, and I don’t think that you will either.

In occupied Poland, the author develops for the reader, three main characters, Alina Dziak, her fiance`, Tomasz, and Saul, Tomasz’s friend. The author pens her larger-than-life scenes with enough authentic details that I felt as if I was living in occupied Poland. My anguished heart broke as I experienced life under the Nazis, as a Jew, a Catholic, and a rebellious outlaw.

The author transitions the reader into modern-day American life, seamlessly, with the same emotional pull and realism as she had with occupied Poland. With this portion of the book, however, the story revolves around Alina’s granddaughter, Alice, and her struggles with, Eddie, her beautiful but challenging autistic son, an absent but loving husband, and an entitled genius daughter. I loved many characters in this book, but my absolute favorite was Eddie. And in the end, it was Eddie’s words that brought me to tears.

 This book is a quality read, thought-provoking, and heartwrenching. I highly recommend it. —Five shining stars— from this reader.

Thank you, Graydon House Publishing and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy. I absolutely loved it!

~5 out of 5 stars~

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Kelly Rimmer is the USA Today best selling author of contemporary fiction novels including Me Without You, The Secret Daughter, When I Lost You, A Mother’s Confession and her most recent release, Before I Let You Go. She lives in rural Australia with her family.

For further information about Kelly’s books, and to subscribe to her mailing list, visit http://www.kellyrimmer.com.

 

 

#Ringside at the Circus of the Fallen by Roy M. Griffis–Review–4 Stars

Feb15

Ringside 850.jpgRoy M. Griffis’s Newest Release

 

Ringside at the Circus of the Fallen is the latest historical fiction novel in the, By The Hands of Men Series. It’s best to read these compelling books in order because each novel builds upon the one prior to it.  

Charlotte Braninov, a Russian nurse and Lieutenant Robert Fitzgerald, an English soldier, met for the first time, during the Great War, in France. Although they fell deeply in love with one another, unforeseen circumstances pulled them apart; leaving them both heartbroken. During their forced separation, Robert was told that his beloved Charlotte had died. And Charlotte assumed that she had been replaced because when they finally did see one another again, Robert ignored her. Charlotte wouldn’t learn until it was too late, that Robert had been suffering from an illness that caused temporary amnesia, at the time.

 In this latest novel, Charlotte and Robert find one another again. Their years apart had been difficult for them, however, leaving them both scarred. Robert spent years in Africa trying to heal his wounded soul by caring for exotic animals. And Charlotte’s scars ran deep after witnessing and being the recipient of monstrous abuse from the Russian Red Army.  Although she finally did escape, Charlotte was forever changed. But the one thing that remained constant for both Robert and Charlotte was their deep love for one another.  And in the end, that was all that mattered.

Thank you, Roy Griffis, for my complimentary copy of Ringside At The Circus of the Fallen.

~4 out of 5 stars~

 

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Bio (from the author’s page of Amazon)

I decided I wanted to be a writer when I was ten, and I’ve never looked back.

Along the way, I’ve done all the usual starving writer jobs: waiter, janitor, worked in a bookstore. In between that and college, I became the 62nd Aviation Rescue Swimmer in the US Coast Guard. 

But I’ve always written. In the broom closet or the ship’s galley underway, in the barracks and at my cubicle over lunchtime. Short stories, poetry, plays, screenplays (one of them winning “The John Milius Screenwriting Award” in 2018), and novels.

My current novels include my “By the Hands of Men” series, the globe-circling saga of a passionate, enduring love that begins in World War One and concludes in America in the 1930s. Concurrently, I have written a series journeying through a contemporary, post-apocalypse American shattered by attacks from within and without (“The Lonesome George Chronicles”). 

Regardless of the subject or the setting, I deliver gripping, emotionally immersive work that transports the reader to another time and place. At least, that’s what my readers have said on Amazon.

You can learn more about me at roymgriffis.com.

#Day of the Dragon by Katie MacAlister–Review–#NetGalley

Feb5

Day of the Dragon::.jpg850.jpgKatie MacAlister’s Newest Release–Coming 3/5/19!

 

Can a woman fall in love with a dragon? Thaisa would have said, no; but that was before, the leader of the Storm Dragons, Archer Andras, came into her life.   

When Thaisa’s boss discovered that a particular manuscript had been sold to Archer Andras, he was furious. He threatened to break every bone in Thaisa’s body and even hurt her grandmother if she did not retrieve the document immediately.

 Thaisa didn’t know that the Shadow Dragons were at war with the Storm Dragons, until Hunter, Archer’s twin brother, and leader of the Shadow Dragons, kidnapped her. When Thaisa began to unravel the mystery between the two brothers, she saw that she was about to play, an important role, in balancing the two of them. Who knew that dragons could be loveable as well as real?  

Day of the Dragon is an entertaining read and one that I enjoyed. Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~3.5 out of 5 stars~

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

For as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn’t think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.

Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than fifty books later, her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell.

Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her dogs and cat, and can often be found lurking around online. You are welcome to visit her at http://www.katiemacalister.com

 

#The New Happiness by Matthew McKay & Jeffrey Wood– 4 stars–#NetGalley

Feb2

The New Happiness.::.jpg 850.jpgA New Insightful Book on Happiness–Coming 3/1/19

 

The New Happiness is a captivating and well-researched nonfiction read. Although this book touches on many religions, it focuses on a psychological approach to spirituality. I agreed with most of what the authors presented in this book, except for when it came to their definition of grace. As a Christian, I had a difficult time getting past the authors’ thoughts on the subject.

The book begins with an exercise, to discover your core values, and life purpose. This I found to be advantageous, since those points, are major players in becoming and staying happy. I thoroughly enjoyed learning new meditations, intentions, and exercises. My favorites from this book were, Still Mind meditation, the two Compassion meditations, and the healing Soften-Soothe-Allow- technique.

Everyone is on their own spiritual path, and this book assists the reader in deepening their spiritual walk, especially through meditation. This is not a book to read through just once, but one to ponder, experience, and then read through again.

Thank you, New Harbinger Publications and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~4 out of 5 stars~

 

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#My Favorite Cowboy by Donna Grant–Review–4 stars–#NetGalley

Jan31

My favorite cowboy850.jpgNew Western Romance by Donna Grant–Coming 2/26/19

 

Audrey Martinez has loved working with horses her entire life. Her passion was to become the best veterinarian possible. But, because her career was both demanding and successful, Audrey’s social life was almost nonexistent. At least that is what she told herself. The truth of it was, Audrey wasn’t about to settle for anything less than the tender, loving relationship, her parents once had. And, Audrey couldn’t see that happening to her. All of that changed, however, when a certain devilishly handsome cowboy, Caleb Harper, entered her life.     

Although Caleb was Audrey’s perfect match, she did her best not to fall in love. Caleb was one of the few men Audrey could trust, especially when her world began to spin. Someone was poisoning horses, and all of the blame was pointing to her. Everything Audrey has ever loved and worked for was about to crumble, along with her stellar, hard-earned reputation. How on earth was Audrey ever going to resist the man who stood behind her and his cowboy charms?

My Favorite Cowboy is a well-written, enjoyable, and captivating western romance. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~4 out of 5 stars~

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Kings, features a thrilling combination of dragons, Fae, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children and an assortment of animals in Texas. 

Visit Donna at http://www.DonnaGrant.com

Follow her on Twitter @donna_grant

And on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant

 

#I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella–Review–5 Stars #NetGalley

Jan25

I owe you one:.jpg 850.jpgDon’t Miss Sophie Kinsella’s Latest Humorous Novel–I Owe You One–Coming 2/19/19!

 

I absolutely love Sophie Kinsella’s books. She always makes me laugh and transports me into her world with ease. 

I Owe You One is an engaging, humorous, and well-written tale. Fixie was the youngest in the family, but by far, the smartest and kindest sibling.

Fixie loved working in the Farr family store, and like her mom, was invested in the business. Her older brother and sister weren’t, though. They were too interested in their own lives and how they appeared to the world, to bother with the mundane workings of a general store. But when their mother took off on a much needed, extended trip, the true colors of all three siblings came out.  

Fixie experienced hard and painful lessons in this book. She learned to open her eyes and see how people were taking advantage of her. Some people, unfortunately, Fixie discovered, won’t change, no matter how much their actions hurt people. But, for others, when shown the error of their ways, can and do change. Sometimes, the most loving thing to do is tough love. And, although, letting go is never easy, and often painful, it is many times the best thing to do. 

As in all books, there are loveable and not so loveable characters. I adored Fixie and Sebastian. The two of them are caring, funny, and very likable, as well as the employee’s in the store. Fixie’s siblings, Uncle, and first boyfriend, Ryan, not so much. 

I Owe You One is a funny, entertaining, and captivating tale.

Thank you, Random House-Dial Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy. I loved it!

~5 out of 5 stars~

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Sophie Kinsella is a writer and former financial journalist. She is the number one bestselling author of Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number and Wedding Night, the hugely popular Shopaholic novels and the Young Adult novel Finding Audrey. She lives in London with her husband and family. She is also the author of several bestselling novels under the name of Madeleine Wickham. Visit her website at http://www.sophiekinsella.co.uk

 

#Daughter of Moloka’i by Alan Brennert–Review–4.5 Stars

Jan19

daughter of Moloka'i:.jpg 850.jpgNew Historical Fiction Novel by Alan Brennert–Coming 2/19/19

 

 

Daughter Of Moloka’i is a well-written, poignant, and bittersweet novel. The story begins in 1916, in Moloka’i Hawaii, a place designated for people with Hansen’s disease (Leprosy). When Ruth was born to parents suffering from the disease, she was taken from them, within an hour of her birth.

Ruth was brought up in an orphanage, run by nuns, until she was adopted by Japanese immigrants, living in Honolulu. Ruth loved her parents but often wondered why her biological parents had given her away.

Ruth was content with her life in Hawaii until her Uncle convinced her father to move to California. The opportunity he was offered, was supposed to be, a wonderful one. It wasn’t. It was a scam. But after her father uprooted his family and moved to America, it was too late to turn back. Being taken advantage of was not the worse thing, that happened to Ruth’s family in California. WWII was about to break out, and with it, Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor. The President’s reaction to the Japanese invasion was to gather, isolate, and relocate all Japanese immigrants and their family members, to less than ideal internment camps. 

Everyone who was sent to these camps had given up their homes, farms, businesses, and belongings. Many of these people with Japanese parents and grandparents were US citizens, but sent to camps, just the same. 

Daughter Of Moloka’i is a compelling and engaging book, well-crafted and researched.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~4.5 out of 5 stars~

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Alan Brennert is the author of the best-selling historical novels MOLOKA’I and HONOLULU, both favorites of reading groups across the country. MOLOKA’I was a 2012 “One Book, One San Diego” selection and HONOLULU was named one of the best books of 2009 by The Washington Post. PEOPLE Magazine said of his novel PALISADES PARK, “Brennert writes his valentine to the New Jersey plaground of his youth in RAGTIME style, mixing fact and fiction. It’s a memorable trip.” His work on the television series L.A. LAW earned him an Emmy Award in 1991 and his short story “Ma Qui” was honored with a Nebula Award in 1992. His latest book, DAUGHTER OF MOLOKA’I, is a follow-up to MOLOKA’I that tells the story of Rachel Kalama’s daughter Ruth, her early life, her internment during World War II, and her eventual meeting with her birth mother, Rachel. The novel explores the women’s 22-year relationship, only hinted at it in MOLOKA’I. It will be published by St Martin’s Press on February 19, 2019.