Book Review: "The Girl They Left Behind" By Roxanne Veletzos

A young Jewish girl is found on the steps of a Bucharest apartment during the height of the Jewish persecution from the Nazi's.

Her family fled for their lives making a crushing choice to leave Natalia behind in hopes for a better life.

They had no idea she would be adopted by a wealthy couple who take her in and give her all the luxuries one could only dream about yet she never stopped wondering.

Wondering what ever happened to her biological family. Are they safe? Did they survive? Will they ever be reunited?

As she comes to terms with her new world she also comes to terms with romance in finding Victor an important figure in the Communist regime.

When Natalia is offered a one time chance at freedom, he helps her escape, at a high cost to himself if he loses her.

She is now at the crossroads in remaining in her current life in Budapest with her adoptive parents and new boyfriend or leaving to seek those she never true came to know.

A must read for 2019!

Book Review: "The Apology" By Eve Ensler

An apology that was never received is finally offered by Eve to herself in this beautifully written and eloquently felt new work entitled, "The Apology."

The Apology is more than just forgiveness, it's empowerment, it's courage, it's strength, it's life.

For survivors of abuse it's about acknowledgement, validation, and moving forward in reclaiming a life that was stolen.

As a survivor of abuse myself I know this pain, I know this heartache, I know the emotional roller coaster but I also know redemption, I know tenacity, I know rebuilding.

You see the one thing abuse focuses upon is power. It's a control issue for the perpetrator. It's the notion that he or she could simply walk into your life and take something away and often without consequences or even acknowledgement but rather shame and blame.

Re victimization is common in the court system and I'm so grateful that Eve found the courage to speak out against her abuse having been sexually and physically abused by her father at the young age of five years old.

She was just a child when this happened and yet she was able to rebuild, recover, and reclaim her life and you can too.

It's more than just a #MeToo movement it's a revolution. 

It's a change that is needed , a watchful eye, a call to end injustices upon us all.

What a powerful story and what a moving tribute to the power of one!

The mind is a beautiful thing, the voice a beautiful treasure, the soul an amazing legacy.
A must read!

Book Review: "The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae" By Stephanie Butland

Follow your heart!

The best advice one can give but what if you feel your world is crumbling and can't quite appreciate all of life's blessings?

Ailsa Rae was given the best gift of all 'life' a second chance for not only living but growing.

However, after losing a close friend she is having difficulty moving forward because Lennox was not only a friend but a lover.

Now it's all up to Ailsa Rae to treasure love, life, and loss in this great new work by Stephanie Butland!

Book Review: "Shortest Way Home" By Pete Buttigieg

In the end all that matters is that you stayed real, you gave your all, and you worked to make the world a better place.

Upon reading this new work by Pete Buttigieg I realized not how different we are but how alike we are in many different ways.

Small town politics is something you truly must have thick skin to perform. Yet Pete rolled up his sleeves and jumped in often without knowing what the end result would be but in his heart knowing something had to be done.

For me it was not his fancy education from top rated schools but his humility, his humanity, his vision for the country that impressed me moreso than even his young age.

He did what needed to be done. He put himself in the arena. He made a name for himself by going door to door the old fashioned way in canvassing the area and hearing about his communities problems first hand.

It takes a person with a certain sense of character to look beyond himself in serving others.
For me the sexuality issue is not for me to decide that's for his maker.

If you do a job and do it well nothing else should matter that has no bearing upon holding office especially the highest office of the land.

His credentials aren't quite to par as I'd hoped in terms of political experience but everyone in my opinion deserves a chance. 

A great read for all!

Book Review: "The Daughter's Tale" By Armando Lucas Correa

It all begins in 1939 and ends in 2015 with an eye opening ending.

Amanda's husband has just been taken away by the Nazi's while she's left to tend to two young girls Viera and Lina alone.

Luckily Viera is old enough to tend for herself but Lina is not and the decision is made to send Viera to Cuba.

While gone Amanda and Lina end up in a Nazi Labor Camp while Lina eventually escapes and flees to a French Village under a new alias as Elise.

Elise now 80 years old in 2015; becomes the central focus in the story with loving letters uncovered from her mother. 

What is most astounding is the letters were written in German.

Now Elise's 7 decades of secrets begin to take shape and unravel one by one right before our very eyes.

Book Review: "Just Show Up" By Cal Ripken Jr.

"Legends aren't born they're made."

"Play fair win fair."

It shouldn't be all about the money. In the end it's about the principle. The will to win. The drive to succeed. The ambition to leave a lasting legacy. The name recognition, the fame, the fortune is something that if you're good it will come to you.

I love hearing Cal talk about his humble beginnings. When he truly had nothing. How having nothing made him work harder. He didn't rely upon his father's success but made a name for himself. How he didn't want to play in the big leagues per say and be far away from home. How he simply wanted to be near his home and family. 

What fascinated me was you can never stop learning. He continues to help others. He continues to fight against injustices in hopes of keeping the game fair. In fact he discussed in length about what's known as "spitters" in baseball. I had not known about the varying ways men try to cheat the system but then again 'hiding' is what they often try to conduct without being noticed. Here's one such example similar to what Cal was discussing: https://www.si.com/mlb/strike-zone/2013/05/03/a-gripping-saga-11-tales-of-pitchers-using-spitters-sandpaper-and-scuffing

Nevertheless, he didn't set out to make big money. He didn't need to ask for it. It managed to find him.

Don't strive to seek money. Strive to be better than you were yesterday. 

Don't look to tomorrow what you can do today.

Don't focus on your competitors and get bitter, focus on you and get better.

So many life lessons in this one that's hard to not love it.

Book Review: "Life to the Extreme" By Ty Pennington

'He just can't sit still, bouncing off the walls, unable to stay focused, and energy that is just beyond comprehension.'

Sounds familiar....from one ADHD adult to another I know that feeling quite well. In fact Ty is near my age (ok he's 8 yrs older) but the idea that kids should be given drugs to calm them down is something I'd hoped he discussed here as thankfully my mother back in the 70's/80's never gave me the meds that were prescribed alarmed at what they might do to me.

For me it was more about controlling the diet and be darn sure you didn't give this gal more sugar in any form. I was always busy. Could never sit. Able to multi task like the bomb. Also able to do much more than the average person which is similar to what Ty uncovered.

For Ty: He discovered something much more unique.

That he had a gift. When working with his hands. It's ironic because I don't need to even look at something I just have that intuitive ability to know where my hands are and could use both simultaneously. I wonder if Ty is similar? For me: I would produce over 200 units an hour using both hands as top producer in two departments. 

For Ty: He made things interesting. What I didn't expect was his brutal honesty. His idea of love. His thoughts on the families he helped. The notion that he could channel that built up energy into something more useful.

I love the segment with his family especially his step dad as he didn't truly know his real father. The discussions about what he wanted to do with his life.

All in all a nice read for this super fan.

Now there's only one thing left to say, "Move that bus!"

Book Review:"The Marriage Betrayal" By Shalini Boland

Be careful who you trust!

What appears to be a close knit family is far from perfect.

Jake and sis Lainy grew up in this quaint seaside town so why not go to re-visit on vacay with his wife and son?

Then the unthinkable happens as Jake and Dylan magically disappear?

What could've happened? 

It turns out there's numerous twist and turns that I can't discuss but suffice to see it heats up the action quite nicely.

Faye is now being questioned but perhaps there's more to this story than meets the eye!

Book Review: "The Betrayed Wife" By Kevin O'Brien

The perfect family or the perfect nightmare?! You decide in this remarkable coming of age plot where the husband you thought you knew is holding back secrets.

It turns out he may have fathered a child who comes looking for him all these years later .

Eden after all is having hardships after losing her mother to a uncanny parallel incident to Sheila's past.

However, Eden is know 'angel' sowing discourse throughout the marriage and her new found family.

Sheila tries to be warm and welcoming but has been receiving odd texts and messages that keep her on edge.

Could all of this be somehow related to Eden and if so why?

The closer they are the more damage they can incur.

Who to trust?

That's the question in this heart pounding thriller.

Thank you to Kevin, the publisher, Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Last Year of War" By Susan Meissner

Elise is your typical Iowa teen but one thing that's not so typical is having her father arrested for on suspicion of being a Nazi sympathizer during the war.

Now facing her own insecurities she must address the cruel world all while keeping her own dreams alive behind the internment camp fence.

Feeling stripped of her identity she meets Mariko a Japanese American teen from LA whose friendship provides hope for a greater life beyond the walls of barbed wire and armed guards.

She learns that love may truly be possible and that life can go on if only you believe in you.
Good loving people do exists and often in the most unlikely of situations do you uncover the truths. 

I absolutely adored the characters and the romance that took place with Elise and her fellow companion. Ironically the first one she married is not who she ultimately stayed with and lived out her life with and that remarkable sense of knowing what she wanted and not being fearful to go after it was unique in its own right.

A great read!

Book Review:" Ask Again Yes" By Mary Beth Keane

The story begins with two rookie cops who reside next to one another.

There's an awful situation that happens between the two families in their 8th grade high school.

The next thing I know Peter and Kate are all grown up and having major issues in regards to alcohol, marital problems, and so much more.

It's a give and take with plenty of heated debates in between...

Crazy insane with emotions all over the radar.

Thank you to Mary Beth Keane and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Beside Herself" By Elizabeth LaBan

An eye for an eye? 

A jilted lover is torn up after learning her husband had an affair and decides to get revenge.

Hannah decides he must sleep on the couch, then she allows him back in her bed, then she decides to make him jealous by cheating on him with men from dating apps, and then....

OMG!

This is crazy talk in deciding whether to stay married or get divorced.

What winds up happening in the end will shock the heck out of you in these hectic storms of doubt.

Book Review: "The Yankee Widow" By Linda Lael Miller

Caroline was a Yankee woman and farm owner with her husband Jacob serving in the military.

When the war broke out Jacob was wounded and later succumbed to his injuries.
During that time Caroline had to make drastic decisions in terms of life, love, liberty, and the pursuit of her own happiness.

Who to trust? Who to help? Who to fall in love with...

So many questions with so much going on the front lines during the Battle at Gettysburg.
The North v the South -The Confederates v the Yankees- This was the nature of the beast!
But who could fault Caroline for taking in others and who could fault Enoch for following his heart.

Slavery was common often being incorporated with land ownership but there's a side story here that is worthy of the Oscar as Enoch wants to marry a runaway slave.

I love the relationships that came about between Captain McBride, Rogan, Bridger, and others.

What a amazing read!

Book Review: "Brothers Down" By Walter R. Borneman

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is something I hope everyone can one day visit as it is a remarkable journey into history.

What I felt was missing in this book was the emotion, the sacrifice, the reality of the families in losing a loved one as many of the men joined up for an education, a free meal with room and board, and money as many were poor from poverty stricken areas.

It felt more text book that read off like a history lesson rather than a nonfiction account with several families (brothers) and their connection to the events that led up to that day and the days following in the wake of disaster.

I've read many books of WWII and the USS Arizona and this for me was probably not quite the level that the others were and for that I gave it three stars with the main problems being it was a bit hard to follow the brothers, it was broken off into three parts ( the brothers, the attack, and the aftermath) with the exact locations of the men and the crew prior to the bombings but the main problem was the lack of emotion throughout the entire book.

Book Review: "The Nobody People" By Bob Proehl

"After decades in hiding, a group of outcasts with extraordinary abilities clashes with a world that is threatened by their power."

What if you could destroy memories, have control over others, keep those who are different confined so they can be fixed?

The general notion of people are inherently good is challenged when those with special abilities are sought after to be destroyed.

But why?

What is the world afraid of when these individuals simply want to be seen, loved, validated?

As is the case with Emmeline the daughter of Avi who tries in vain to shield his daughter from the cruel, cruel, world.

Fahima is the heroic female who runs to their aid in the hopes of using machinery to combat the evil that lurks all around.

These are just a few of the characters who have extraordinary talent that could be used for the greater good against bigotry and fear as world peace is threatened from within.

Will this be misadventures leading to death, a revolt, or an apocalypse?

Perhaps what we need is a 'pulse' for change. A place to gather for a common good?!

While it may be true that no one is ever truly safe the reality is what we need is not all that complicated. 

Find life not hate.

Find love not revenge.

Find ourselves not destruction upon others.

Welcome our differences. Unite in our ways. Learn to love again.

The system is our world. We cannot break out nor have change unless we create the change.

What if Fahima could change everyone?

"We need to fight this."
We must restore order!

When control is lost through communication we must recreate a new channel by which we communicate.

Time is of the essence.

Thank you to Bob, his publisher, NetGalley, Amazon Kindle for this ARC and Granted Wish in exchange for this honest review.

Great job Bob!

Book Review: "Dottir" By Katrin Davidsdottir

If you don't know the Dottir family than you must be residing under a rock.

For Crossfitters we know this family quite well. The strength, the determination, the will to succeed.

That drive is what pulls the deep seeded will to win however as a crossfitter I also must stress one thing that surprisingly is not often spoken about which is rhabdo and it's not a fluke of nature folks it's deadly.

So before you jump on the all things Crossfit train you must know your limits and know your worth.

Sometimes worth need not be measured by awards to be significant and have an impact.
While pushing to the limits daily is nice I've seen many fall and it seems in this case Katrin was constantly seeking validation and approval.

She wanted to be with the big players & stars but the effort it took and the determination to get there often makes one second guess that drive. 

This was an interesting look at how she came to be and why and how she maintains her elite status through healthy eating and non stop workouts.

It's not for everyone and the idea that woman should be dainty is not for the Icelanders!
I've never visited Iceland but assure you the dainty is not found in rural PA gals either. Tomboy proud here.

If you should be so lucky as to be able to accomplish a hand stand, complete a pull up, or manage a good snatch you'll know what I speak..

At 46 I kept up with the 20's and was impressed but I eventually left the sport do to funds. It's costly at local private gyms and with age comes issues such as vertigo and spinal canal stenosis preventing restrictions.

What I did like about Crossfit was the notion that you can achieve what you set your mind too and the running, the lifting, the snatching, the burpees (please don't make me do 46 for my recent bday bossman) the mindset is all uniquely Crossfit.

Gotta love it!

Book Review: "How to Make Time for Me" By Fiona Perrin

Life after divorce is quite the eye opener or shall we say 'eye candy.'

Well either way Callie has her work cut out for her.

She's a mom of three teens, an overbearing ex, and a dog who never stops eating, with two elderly parents (sound familiar --all but the dog but I do feed the birds so that's sorta the same).

Seriously she has her plate full but there's always room for one more....

After all it's one big happy family that's about to get a little more in tune with the times...

Book Review: "Dating by the Book" By Mary Ann Marlowe

This felt like the girl who went from zero to hero in a matter of seconds.

Sure she was left at the altar but now she's not only making her way but finding her way in love and life.

Love invites crazies especially online so it's to be taken with a grain of salt.

Maddie must now contend with not only her nemesis the 'Silver Fox' but her ex and several other possible contenders seeking her heart.

But why now?

What's changed in Maddie's life?

Love can happen often when you least expect it but what does Maddie want and will she succumb to peer pressure or follow her heart?

A love like no other in this fun light read....

Book Review: "Broke" By Jodie Adams Kirshner

"What Broke really tells us is how systems of government, law and finance can crush even the hardiest of boot-strap pullers." —Brian Alexander, author of Glass House

Many small town cities are grappling with this concept of 'municipal distress', Act 47, and bankruptcy.

It's more than just on paper it's a new way of living for residents who learn their homes are devalued, their property cannot be sold, foreclosures are on the rise, jobs are absent, and residents struggle simply for basics that are taken for granted like clean healthy water and air.

For many Detroit is significant because it's the crux of what's happening all around our country.

In which the top 1% are fine, but the bottom feeders are tripping over one another to survive.

When the economy plunders, desperation and despair set in, and crime goes on the rise.
People begin to lose hope and will do what is needed to simply survive.

It's scary to see this playing out with abandoned landscapes, closed up mom and pop shops, while government continues to line their pockets in the name of being voted back in.
Politics is for the 'thick skinned' but I've seen enough working on the front lines as a volunteer to know politicians do not care about the the districts they serve. 

It's all about the 'impression' they are 'working' and that 'impression' is destroying our nation.

Blighted properties, low wage jobs, high unemployment based on U6 figures not the lies sold to the public with U3 (which is double the reality).

We must work together if we wish to rectify the current problems .

Book Review: "Thriving as an Empath" By Dr. Judith Orloff

This is a very basic and simplistic portrayal of Empaths and what they can do in protecting themselves.

As empaths we often will overwork ourselves and ignore our own needs to the point of anxiety levels peak.

We must become one with ourselves. We must become one with nature. We must become one in loving ourselves and prioritizing our own needs.

Boundaries are important. Support is much appreciated. Finding your happy place and learning to let things go that our outside your area of control is paramount.

Much of what I read became redundant but there was also a few takeaways that I enjoyed.

Empaths need to be careful to not get involved in toxic people, who try to steal our joy, and force us to tend to their needs to the point of depletion.

These toxic individuals prey on unsuspecting targets who feel emotions, want to help others in need, and seek someone with a possible past childhood that wasn't perfect with deep scars and flawed in nature.

Narcissists are one such grouping that we need to stay alert too as codependency can be a huge battle.

It's all about the balance. The good diet with plenty of water, the exercise, the mental alertness through yoga or meditation. It's all about de-stressing and the healthy mind, body, & soul lifestyle.

All in all a nice read that I'd highly recommend.

Book Review: "A Bend In The Stars" By Rachel Barenbaum

This is a family with plenty to admire if only they weren't on the run fleeing for their lives.

Miri is on her way to becoming Russia's first female surgeon while her brilliant brother is a physicist on the verge of uncovering Einsteins theory of relativity and finishing the last piece of the puzzle.

They were raised by their Babushka; a matchmaker who tells them to protect themselves and offers them the fight or flight response with regards to WWII playing out all around them.

Before they can make the ultimate choice war is upon them; Vanya goes missing along with Miri's fiance, and she's left to solve it.

History and solar eclipse of 1914 collide in this remarkable new work by Rachel Barenbaum.

Book Review:"Light from Other Stars" By Erika Swyler

For a young child Nasa and their explorations is truly a perspective that one must admire.

However when the Challenger imploded shortly after take off it affected everyone who witnessed it deeply including myself as many of the younger generation watched from classrooms across the country.

Fast forward and Nedda is now up in space fulfilling a dream she's had since being a child but something is wrong.

It seems the Earth is slowly dying off after she's been aboard the Chawla admiring from afar.

What happens next is a retrospect of her life and everything in between including plenty of science references which for me felt bogged down.

It just was too much for me and I couldn't get a good hold on this one.

Perhaps my general science knowledge was a factor in that equation but it just didn't do it for me.

Book Review: "The Last Time I Saw You" By Liv Constantine

There comes a time in one's life when you must ask am I surrounded by A-holes or do I really have a problem?

For Lily she dies not at the hands of her maker but rather someone close to her (which is all I'm willing to offer up in terms of spoilers).

Her daughter Kate and Kate's friend Blaire become investigative buggers seeking every angle of the evidence but someone apparently wants them to stop and sends Kate nasty texts and animals to spook her.

Her anxiety disorder I'm sure is reaching epic heights but look the killer could be anyone so everyone is a suspect at this point.

I have to laugh because my notes midway through were like this "Gordon is the Killer, No it's Hilda, It has to be Sabrina or Simon, but wait there's Harrison, and then Randolph enters the picture and oh my word I give up...."

I'm sure the idea that Blair couldn't have kids and the fact she miscarried is up there in terms of making her prime suspect especially when Carter left her.

I'm also certain Simon was prime suspect for the mere fact he's so close to Kate but it's his mother in law and who doesn't love their own mother in law?! (enter sarcasm here).
I'm actually shocked by other reviews claiming it was redundant, repetitive, or that they figured it all out in terms of uncovering the facts before they were revealed?

I must live under a rock or I'm not the brightest bulb because I have a masters in criminal justice, have read thousands of thrillers, and I had no idea till it was finally revealed.

This is why I tell others read it yourself and form your own conclusion because anything could off set a review including having a bad day, being too preoccupied, or having been in a fog reading too many books.

I personally loved it and hope you do too!
A fab read for 2019!

Book Review: "Lost Roses" By Martha Hall Kelly

The exploration of the Russian aristocracy is alive and well in this prequel to Lilac Girls!

The tumultuous times are not only addressed but are lived through by these amazing characters.

Bigotry involved with the upper classes and moral dilemmas was showcased while trying to survive was the main highlight.

It was quite interesting through alternating perspectives that worked well with the story line.

The violence and upheaval portrayed made readers feel actively involved and in sync with the format of the genre.

It was one novel I will not forget anytime soon.

Book Review: "Can't Hurt Me" By David Goggins

Bad Ass or Crazy?!

You decide but either way know this he doesn't quit, he goes full steam, he does not rest!
I first came across the author from a tv show that showcased his work and was enamored by his hard core routines not just physically but mentally.

Hell I was the gal who decided to do crossfit in my late 40's and have done every high intensity workout regime out there so I get it believe me after 3 kids without stomach muscles and several c sections (1 emergency) I do get it! 
Rhabdo is no joke and I've seen many nearly die from it! 

"Researchers are warning that a potentially fatal kidney condition, that has been linked to Crossfit, is on the rise. Called rhabdomyolysis, the condition causes muscles to break down or leak, releasing a protein, myoglobin, into the bloodstream. ...Rhabdomyolysis has traditionally been caused by physical trauma."Apr 7, 2017

However, I'm afraid this will lead the crazies to run off with the I'm superman or superwoman feel good bug and jump off a cliff just for thrills!

There must be a time and place for everything and pushing yourself to such severe extremes can be deadly!

In fact we had a situation locally in which a young woman collapsed on the finish line at our Steamtown Marathon in Scranton Pa. https://wnep.com/2017/04/02/woman-dies-after-completing-scranton-half-marathon/

I've known others who collapsed and died on treadmills simply working out.
So please know your limits but challenge yourself how you see it.
The most important thing is to not give up and while the language used is strong it was motivational to a point.

Congrats on your achievements.

While I would not quite push myself to your level as I have my limits I think you're vision is a vision worthy of noting.

Be your best whatever your best may be!

Book Title: "Lean In" By Sheryl Sandberg

Women need to showcase their talents, become more confident, ask for what they need and challenge themselves.

Women are by nature empaths who seek to have both work and family but what if they must choose or do they need to make a choice when they can have it all?
Men need to be more supportive of strong women and call out injustices as they seem them taking place.

One thing is for certain the glass ceiling has broken but we still have a long way to go.

Women Inequality in the workforce and beyond is proof that more can and should be done to create a world we will be happy to leave behind to our children.

Women need to stay united and work together!

A nice read, well written, and very informative!

Book Review: "Anything For You" By Saul Black

A murder mystery like no other forged with sex, lies, and deceit.

The M.O. is written on the wall but it's up to Valerie to uncover the truth now that Adam has passed away.

Adam was a prominent prosecutor and lived a life that many envied but did his wife and daughter truly know the real Adam?

Adam seems to have lived a 'double life' one that made him prime suspect but perhaps this is a 'revenge killing' from an ex con he locked up.

A sexy blonde holds many of the answers and several of the keys to unlock this growing case...

The sexuality and promiscuity for me was a bit much so if you're easily offended by 'all things sex' you may wish to shy away from this one.

Book Review: "The Doctor" By Lisa Stone

My word, buckle up, you're in for the ride of your life!

It begins with the couple Ben and Emily but ends with the whacked out bizarre neighbor Amit and Anita whose daughter is disabled.

The problem is Dr. Amit comes from a country who seeks success in the highest regard. You can't simply be happy in life you must enter into a challenging and high paying career.

So in not becoming a doctor but rather anesthesiologist was a disappointment but add to that a forced marriage and a child with medical issues and he's reached a breaking point.

He blames and shames his wife for the medical problems claiming she's the sole owner carrying the gene (heterochromia).

In the end we learn quite differently who the true carrier is and just how deranged Dr. Amit has become.

This is full on panic mode from start to finish and never let up.

The perfect thriller!