Book Review: "Safe No Longer" By Gayle Curtis

With all honesty I have no idea what I just read. It was one big mind f-ery.

I hate to leave negative reviews as I know this is a book baby but I couldn't follow this to save myself.

It was plenty of lies, deceit, mind games, with past and present action that just made it one big issue in terms of following along for the readers and keeping everything straight.

I had no idea if anyone was telling the truth. Did the characters have any connections?

Was Cara murdered and if so was it separate from Raymond's murder?
We know that one went missing, one was murdered, and a connection to the past exist.

We know that DI Rita is on the case to investigate the murder with high hopes of finding Cara who went missing.

Beyond that I'm at a loss and which I could help more but I read way too many books (7-10) a day to re-read so there ya go.

Book Review: "Eli's Promise" By Ronald H. Banson

A historical fiction pieces spinning through three different Eras with a powerful message for all!

"A 'fixer' in a Polish town during World War II, his betrayal of a Jewish family, and a search for justice 25 years later—by the winner of the National Jewish Book Award."

Here we have Nazi occupied Poland, post war in Germany, and the height of the Vietnam War from Chicago with some fab characters.

The relationship between Eli and Esther is our main focal point because it centers upon the love for one another, the tough choices having to be made and or forced to make, while staying devoted to one another through faith.

In '39 as a result of Nazi occupation his company transferred to Maximilian Poleski aka Michael Stanley a profiteer who seems to always escape facing justice.

Now, Eli must operate the business while finding safety for Esther. 
In '46 we see a switch to the prison camp and the hope for visa to the USA but some tragic alterations in the plot as Esther goes missing.

Now, we forward to '65 in Chicago on a mission for the truth about Esther and more.

This was truly an exceptional read as it was well written, transferred through time frames with ease, and projected every emotion from pain, to hope, to love, to healing and beyond.

I truly enjoyed this one with regards to the relationships forged, the historical aspect & in learning about the ledgers, bribes, and conspiracies circulating throughout this adult historical fictional piece.

A great new read! Highly Recommend!

Book Review: "The Insider" By Craig Schaefer

Remember the slogan: Honor Among Thieves? ...How about calling out targets as an insider or getting framed for murder? Try this on: Sitting ducks?! Is it possible to even catch and bag a serial killer? Just remember : GET THE BAG and Seal The DEAL!

We have a 4 man operation going down with mind tingling action throughout this gem!

What do you get when you throw together a retired sergeant now working as security detail (Charlie); a dangerous stud Bennett, and an ex cop with cahones (Dom)? You get a masterful team that is hell bent to protect Lincoln Gable.

Whose he you might ask?

Author of contentious material in need of saving after almost getting killed by stray gunshots via his publishers request to protect at all cost.

So, with this said, we need to hide out and what better place than a motel in rural Pocono Mountains (my hometown); but also a protective cover for a low level drug dealer named Hayden Cobb & sole witness of the corrupt East Boston Three.

All is not kosher as the first night there someone tried to take him down.

It's time for someone to take the fall because well time is money and because everyone else is now gone (persay) so nothing to lose.

Ahhh, truth has consequences but this was remarkable!

Thank you to Craig, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Consequences for Stepping Up and Speaking Out By Penny Dean

First, I want to thank Penny Dean for her service and sacrifices.

I wanted so much to love this book because I myself have had and continue having similar issues as an empath and survivor of abuse in trying to expose injustices and speak truths.

Like yourself, I've been labeled, ostracized, shamed, blamed, harmed, threatened, blackmailed, and here I stand ready to serve others as a 20 yr volunteer and mom of three.

I get it and understand it and the madness is maddening.

However, with this said I felt this was too much of the portrayal of being wronged and less about what we need to do to change, to rebuild, to unlock truths.

I know you wanted to show every detail and you have but sadly sometimes too much is too much when speaking to readers and maintaining their attention.

It felt like an outsider looking in rather than a unity of collective voices that want and need to work for the betterment of all.

I did appreciate the notion that many employers are hiring the young, inexperienced, college grads lacking knowledge for the sake of profits as that's been my experience in not being hired for the past 10 yrs while living in extreme poverty having raised 3 teens.

What I can say is variety is the spice of life and I hope this finds others well.

Perhaps those with a deeper connection in this field of study and career interest will find this more hopeful.

For the general public it didn't bring me in as I'd hoped.

Thank you to Penny Dean, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Logging Off" By Nick Spalding

If you need a vacay from the world this is your go too!

Loved, everything about this one from the humor, to the sarcasm, to the romance, to the message that we have to detox from technology.

Too much is too much and folks I for one couldn't agree more with Nick when he notes a tech diet is in order.

Sure, it's all fun and games but I enjoyed the entire scene with the gaming, the online dating, the revolution that one must correspond and engage in actual face to face conversations.

It was all a pleasant ride to reality and away and in essence the ending was what one could only hope would be the finale -like the icing on the cake.

It's all about a healthy balance and I hope everyone finds that balance in today's day and age!

God bless everyone in their suffering #HighRiskCovid19

Book Review: "Little Girls Tell Tales" By Rachel Bennett

It begins slow, it boosts energy from within, and the rest is history!

From the blunder in which Rosalie stumbles over a skeleton in the curraghs to the madness from the past 20 years, this story doesn't quit.

What's equally interesting is the sexual orientation of the married couple because the spouse eventually dies and it's then that the plot thickens with unexpected visitors.

Enter Dillon the brother who brings in a woman he believes lost her sister and the skeletal remains belong to her family.

Cora sought solice for her sister Simone for many years and demands and deserves nothing short of the truth at this point.

Will she ever learn it?

This book took off midway and was fast paced heated action thereafter, in which, Nicole enters the picture full of information and insight.

Shocking revelations become known knocking the whole agenda out of the park!
Could this entire situation been planned?

If so, who would be so off the wall as to commit murder? 

Who would go to extremes to hide the truth?

Could there be more to this remarkable story?

Sure as sin, there is!

So, I'm off on another tale of adventure.

I hope this tickles your fancy.

Thank you to Rachel, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Hollow Places" By T. Kingfisher

The 'Narnia' appeal is alive and well & is being taken over by 'The Wonder Museum'!

Ok, folks I've got a mixed bag with this one literally and figuratively.

One one end I was appreciative of the writing but on the other end I just was not 'won over' by the plot as it was just too 'far fetched' to be believable or partake in.

With this said, "Pray they are hungry" was a 'recurring theme.'

Because it's about spirits as much as it's taxidermy -imagine that!

Yes, with a whole new world just beyond that porthole in which everything has holes, with bunkers, MRE (Meals Ready Eat), shapes in willows, stains on walls, buses in sand, willowlights with spies, and much more.

It's fantasy and suicide pacts with sleepwalking and bodies with holes just beyond the bibles and the books.

With only 4 days till the wayout of the vacuae opens it becomes apparent that " can't kill you if it can't catch you. So heck, run and hide."

The willows grew up overnight seeking an entrance into the real world.
Moving through the willows is simple because everything in the world has willows.

Just don't forget: The holes will close if you fill them.

Do objects know they are loved?

It's not haunted persay as it's strange!

Could this all be a figment or a hallucination?

Unliving protectors are all around!

With this said it's back to life, back to reality, back to the 'Glory to God Museum of Natural Wonders', curiosities, and taxidermy...

And so the story goes...

See, this is where I note: I hope you enjoy! 

It was certainly different, odd, bizarre, but a good read that will take you places in your mind!

Book Review: "The Day Lincoln Lost" By Charles Rosenberg

This was a hard book to read due to subject matter centering upon slavery, abolitionists, and politics.

I'm not sure the beginning was the perfect way to start because it was very heavy emotionally to process but the mid to latter part did get easier.

It starts with Lucy Battelle as a slave whose master was Ezekiel Goshorn. Upon being captured, she escaped during a riot, and ran off.

The slaves sadly had no rights, no freedoms, they were treated inhumanely upon fleeing using the Underground Railroad.

The story progresses to the abolitionists and the trials of that century.

"If he frees the slaves everyone around here will be ruined."

"Did you break up families?"

"Abraham Lincoln spoke about the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act. Though he did not think free state residents should be compelled to assist in returning runaway slaves, he did not think the law was unconstitutional, nor should it go unenforced. He understood that it was part of the compromise that kept the Union together." He also attempted to bring in Kansas to the Union as a slave state& praised Dred Scott decision.

It was later noted that Ezekiel the slave master was attacked during the riot.
Which it was during this same time that Mrs. Foster who was later found NOT GUILTY told others at those riots to go & do something inciting such hostility.
She was found not guilty on the charges against her pertaining to Section 1 of the Compromise of 1850.

(Us. V Abby Kelley Foster in Southern District of Illinois Case Number 392.)
The book then got into the Union aspect and his Presidency run during the Nov. 6 1860 Election Day fiasco.

President Lincoln did win that majority especially in Pa and Indiana but this author twisted the facts and made it appear as though he didn't creating a different perspective.

If after Feb. 13th, not enough of 152 votes is reached, then House moves to contingent election.

House choose winner using top 3 electoral among vote getters.

"The union is perpetual."
"No state may leave without the consent of the others."


Lincoln was a self made politician with little education. He was known as a Hick from Kentucky. 

The President actually won the popular vote with 39.9% while security majority of electoral (180 of 303).

The majority popular vote was won with 1.9 million to seal his seat.
However, sadly he was killed in the Ford Theatre in DC on 4-14-1865 at a young age of fifty six years of age.

This was an interesting and uniquely appealing read that I hope you enjoy!
I would be remiss not to thank Charles, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Perfect Father" By John Glatt

As an empath there's certain things that I cannot endure and this was just heartbreaking to read because of the subject matter.

I cannot imagine anyone much less a parent killing a pregnant spouse and their own two young and impressionable children. 

To understand the police reports, the investigation, the method of operation (Modus Operandi) created a scene of mental madness.

When this man decided to take four lives rather than walk away he played God and he has no right whatsoever!

Those poor children how scared they must've been but to learn of their injuries and to know one of the girls fought with all she had to live and asked if she'd have to same fate her sis had was just unbelievable.

To kill your own unborn child and mother of your soon to be three children was beyond words and I'm sick over it as it was so unnecessary and pure evil.

To learn that the openings at the top of the oil drums in which he forced those girls bodies was only 8 inches and their width across from shoulder to shoulder was 9 1/2 at the shortest was sickening.

This man deserves the death penalty and not the opportunity to even take a plea deal much less serve life behind bars.

This was a well written, profusely documented, immensely emotional read that I pray I never have to read again because of the graphic nature and tragedy of the lives upended too soon.

May they rest in peace and may these families have closure.

Thank you to John, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "No Smoke Without Fire" By Claire Lewis

Play with fire & get burned!

Simple, but what if her brother's death, her past, and now her present are interconnected?

Celeste ran away from her problems 7 yrs ago but now it's time to face them down head on.

The #MeToo Movement is alive and well and was central to this story.

The stalking was freaky as hell but played a crucial role in the development of the plot.

All in all a great read dealing with some heavy topics such as rape and sexual abuse. 

For those who are squeamish exercise caution when reading, take breaks if triggered, and proceed slowly till completion.

The end will have you doing a double take as it was a fast and quick propelling movement forward.

Thank you to Claire, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "What Lies Between Us" By John Marrs

One can't let go while the other refuses to forgive! Truth is more dangerous than lies!

"Every other night, Maggie and Nina have dinner together. When they are finished, Nina helps Maggie back to her room in the attic, and into the heavy chain that keeps her there. Because Maggie has done things to Nina that can’t ever be forgiven, and now she is paying the price."

Can you imagine this shocker...Right?

Holding Maggie Captive is probably your last thought but seriously her mom killed someone close to them both.

Now she must pay the price but first we shall discuss perfect NINA whose seriously flawed.

Truth be told she was abused by someone close to the family in her teens which resulted in the unfathomable.

Sure, revenge might be on that list but catching a house on fire & using captivity with chains is barbaric and demonized actions.

There's an interesting plot twist between captive and captor that literally made me drop my jaw.

My word ...A must read!

Book Review:"Can You See Her" By S.E. Lynes

An Original Masterpiece!

What more can one say other than sometimes people work so hard that they lose themselves in the process and begin to feel invisible, no longer a beacon of light, more of two ships passing in the night in all regards.  Her beauty faded, her relationship sizzled, her children no longer need her help.

This is exactly what happened with our main character Rachel who begins to write about her experiences that trouble her. Those experiences surround the homeless, the unfortunate, the lost souls.

Perhaps that lost soul did something terrible! So, when hypnosis is offered she jumps at the chance. In fact, she keeps track of all the violent crimes and reports in her book. This books serves as a memory holder for her life's interests and includes interviews with her family and friends as well as the psychiatrist Amanda who interviews her.

Be careful what you wish for...

What if she did something nobody thought she could accomplish? Something so wild and off the wall nobody would suspect her?

The only thing I can say that hasn't been yet said : Good luck putting this one down. It's one HOT read!

Thank you to SE Lynes, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "People Like Us" By Louise Fein

May we never lose the light and the power of love!

It's difficult and trying times for all so before reading make sure you tell someone you love how much they mean too you. As you never know what the days ahead may hold.

Having said this I'm someone who loves a mix of history, passion, romance, and adventure and this one checks all the boxes and more.

It's a powerful historical reminder of dictators and Arian nations but also of forgiveness and rebuilding.

Hetty and Walter were meant for each other but their family and friends may have felt the opposite because of one thing-nationality. One is a Jew the other a German!

It was forbidden during those times as you could literally lose your life because of the public displays of affection.

So, how shall one overcome such hatred, such evil, such predisposed and ingrained prejudices?

Unable, to be together they depart ways and each marry others. Each carry on. Yet that spark never went out!

Kiss and Tell is perhaps an omen but yet it was reality here when Hetty marries Tomas on more a whim. A key figure in this is the fact she's pregnant and you might be surprised by the fact of who the father is and what the end result of such a pregnancy.

In the meantime, forced to give up not only her love but her life Walter must flee for safety from his country. It makes readers literally want to just wrap their arms around them all & never let them go.

When they re-unite it's with sadness and despair but also peace because the one she thought she'd meet isn't who she'll meet in the end.
WOW! No words can describe. KLEENEX highly recommended on hand during entire reading.

Thank you to Louise, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Cut To The Bone" By Ellison Cooper

A bus full of students has vanished. An FBI neuroscientist is now on the manhunt with an investigation that has a direct connection to her past.

Oh, what tangled webs we weave, especially in DC in which a kidnapper has taken the girls off the bus.

The clock ticks and time is now the enemy in locating these girls safely.

When the smoke clears 13 are killed and 24 kidnapped but worse is the fact that it might just be an inside job.

What connection does Sayer's past life have with this killer/kidnapper?
Can she protect these teens at all costs?

Will the wheels of justice come around or will more lives need to be lost?
This was a well written and completely mind blowing work that will leave you breathless.

Every minute you feel like you're in the fight to win against the evil that lurks all around, yet the enemy is hidden.

It's that notion that you can't see it but must process and deal with it that's creates a new level of frightening motives.

What if this was an inside job? Could someone from her past be seeking revenge?

The ending on this was shocking as one by one the dominoes began to fall and the fake identities became revealed.

A must read thriller for 2020!

Book Review: "The Somerset Girls" By Lori Foster

"No one knows you quite like a sister"...

True, I suppose, but I don't have any sisters as I'm the only girl with all brothers so it's hard for me to wrap my mind around this comment.

I also had difficulty with this book as it didn't seem to stir up anything within me nor peak my interest.
It did flow well, it was well written, but it was missing that flavor that peaked into that next level for women's fiction.

The relationship between Autumn and Ember was unique during those long hot days in Kentucky tending to the animal farm.

Autumn would rather curl up with a book than have a night on the town and her past unsuccessful relationships in love may be the main reason for this attitude.

Can an adjustment be made?
Will she find love?

A great new read by Lori Foster awaits and I hope you're able to welcome this one with open arms and minds.

Much love to all.

Thank you to Lori, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Half Sister" By Sandie Jones

Imagine someone showing up on your door years later claiming to be your child?

Good Lord, it was actually my reality with my ex spouse who slept around & later I did uncover he gave up for adoption several kids plus had three with me.

So, it's reality v fiction once again as we encounter a huge mystery surrounding a young lady named Jess aka Helen Wilmington or was it Helen Oakley. Well whatever her name she's arrived!

Which brings us to the point of no return in which the sisters Kate and Lauren must now indulge in the family's affairs both literally and figuratively to uncover the truth that may be hidden by Rose their own mother.

For the love of God Henry sure did sow his wild oats but perhaps he's not the only one to blame her.

What if there's more to this story? Would it even matter at this point in time? Would anyone be interested to know their true DNA?

Speaking of DNA is it accurate? Could it be altered? 

What if someone sends in the wrong DNA on purpose? Food for thought...

Sandie Jones has me chasing my tail on this one because everything you thought you knew is turned upside down.

Could Jess be connected to someone other than the parents?

Look, not to reveal too much but perhaps there's more to the sisters past here including a possible adoption and there's even more to the story of their parents.

So hang tight as this one will blow your mind!

That ending, I'm still chatting away about it since last night!!!

Sandie you nailed it!

The Half Sister is a must read for fans everywhere.

Book Review: "Girls of Summer" By Nancy Thayer

The beauty of Nantucket is exhibited here in fully glory as we immerse ourselves into the lives of those who live on this beautiful island in Massachusetts. 

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Now, I must admit I visited Martha's Vineyard about 69 miles away and I always felt cold like a damp cold that I could never shake even in summer.

But, there you have it it's a beautiful location for a splendid read about the Girls Of Summer.

With all their flaws: Lisa, Juliet, Theo, Mack, Ryder, and Beth enter into an interconnected world full of life's up and downs, hopes and dreams, loves and losses.

It was a splendid take at how so much could go so wrong while so much was just right and how hope was interwoven throughout it all.

In the end it all wrapped up nicely but not before it revealed the broken edges.
A great new read that I highly recommend.

Book Review: "This is How I Lied" By Heather Gudenkauf

The minute I seen this e-read available at NetGalley I literally ran to it with open arms and welcomed it in to my home.

My word this will blow you away especially for those of us who are die hard fans of all things written by Heather.

I'll tell you I don't know which character was more maddening, sociopathic, and darn right in need of some type of intervention.

Each one was flawed, each with unimaginable issues, and several truly in dire straits dealing with abuse and hard fought lives with underlying scars.

It begins with Eve found in an Iowa cave as a 16 yo nearly 25 years ago by a best friend Maggie and sis Nola.

Nick was not only the boyfriend but the suspect but he's not the only ONE.
Someone in town surely knows the truth but is reluctant to speak.

A predator and a killer are on the loose and it's due or die time!

As new evidence surfaces the case is reopened and the power play is reopened with new clues being unearthed.

What a powerful read that brought me to my knees because you have no idea which end is up till you reach the conclusion.

HOLY SMOKES this was good!

Thank you to Heather, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this exclusive ARC in exchange for this honest to goodness review.

Book Review: "The Swap" By Robyn Harding

If you could swap partners would you? How about after a binge drinking party? What better time, right?!

OMG!!

Let the madness begin with Low whose a loner by trade and Freya a social media guru and local pottery studio owner holding pottery classes.

Did I also mention that Jamie wants a baby desperately?

Well as time goes on we find Freya and Jamie as best buds but Low feels left out.

As the excitement ramps up we find ourselves lost in the world of affairs, accusations, scandals, and allegations of child abuse.

Yes, CPS at one point was contacted but that's not the lowest point--Oh no, Sir!
There's much more as the heat intensifies and you can say melts everything in its sight...

I cannot tell you what a true pleasure this was to read.

It took me away from reality to a land of intense emotions, passion, and thrills.
What a wonderful escape by Robyn Harding!

Thank you to Robyn, her pub, NetGalley,and Kindle for which I was able to read and enjoy this new ARC.

Book Review: "The Request" By David Bell

Be careful who you allow into your inner circle because not everyone can be trusted.

Blackmail is the name of the game and Blake uses it against his buddy Ryan. Ryan has no choice when his secrets are about to be revealed via Blake.

So, it seems that all he has to do is go to Jenn Bates house and retrieve incriminating items against Blake and the affair.

Oh, did I mention on the way to her home, she turns up dead, and worse...Ryan receives an FB requests from the dead woman!!

YIKES!

We need to know who is the real murderer and clear his/her name before it's too late.

It started with a frat party, it ended with a car accident, and involved three men (Aaron, Blake, and Ryan). Someone was driving, someone was a passenger, and someone was in the back seat at the time of the incident.

Whose telling the truth is anyone's guess but what is known is the length that one will go to cover it all up.

Could someone be so heartless as to deliberately alter the course of the events that day?

Would hush money prove useful?

Can the secrets ever be revealed?

David, is the best in writing work that keeps you guessing right up till the end. This spine tingling sensation was superb.

I had no idea where this was going or how it would end but I knew that I'd be blown away by it all and was truthfully in awe.

I've read as many of David's work as I can get here in my small town and I've enjoyed each and everyone. I've seen his progression and it keeps getting bigger and better with each new novel he puts out.

You will not be disappointed in this one as he sets the stage for an epic thriller!
This ending will have you talking long into the wee hours of the night...
I hope you enjoy this as much as I have!

Thank you to David Bell, his pub, and NetGalley for this surprise ARC as I rarely get the opportunity as big as this one; and was blessed to have been offered an early e-read.

Book Review: "The Meat Hunter" By Megan Allen

Brains over Beauty always wins!

The meat industry is a rather unique arena one in which cruelty to animals is displayed daily for the sake of feeding the nation and earning a keep in society.

However, that cruelty comes with a price-cruel deaths to these gorgeous animals.

Now, Molly whose grown into a lovely young woman is determined to use whatever it takes to open the industry and expose the dark secrets.

She goes after the head honchos in the meat industry-an industry her father has admired-as nothing more than slabs of beef.

Going after these individuals won't be easy but she's determined to get revenge and show them what it feels like to become meat.

A scary yet exhilarating edge of your seat thriller with some harsh words and actions against these ruthless individuals.

It's the ultimate cat and mouse game and in the end someone must lose!
Thank you to Megan for this amazing ARC in exchange for this review!

Book Review: "Driving While Black" By Gretchen Sorin

The historical context alone should be the main reason to read this along with the injustices that have stemmed from ignorance and the need for a ruling class.

We must all learn to live as one, to help one another, and to get along regardless of any distinguishing characteristics.

The lessons learned in grade schools  don't do justice as we need insight and many today need instantaneous data and this accomplishes those goals in a clear and concise way.

I'm truly taken back by the pictures which spoke volumes without words ever being needed  in this well written and informative new novel by Gretchen Sorin.

It truly will make you wonder why reality must be kept hidden. Why we won't acknowledge these truths. Why we shy away from the very foundation upon which racism and prejudices continue to exist.

Until we acknowledge these actions we cannot move forward and I'm glad we are finally addressing many of these issues today.

Book Review: "Weapons of Remorse" By Chevron Ross

Can we ever commit to gun solutions against gun violence especially with those who believe their rights to carry are being taken away at the mere mention of new laws?

The right to bear arms is more than just an amendment for many it's a lifeline one that they live and die by the sword.

Yet, this is just one example that perhaps more discussion could result in a discussion of the minds and perhaps a resolution for all.

Hank is our main character whose a vet suffering from past trauma during his time in Afghanistan.

Today he works with Armed and Ready a company that supplies officers the weapons to carry at all times.

So, can their be compromise...

Can we all feel protected and not threatened?

Should we have more laws especially in regard to mental illness?

It's an interesting read that I highly recommend.

Book Review: "In Good Hands" By Stephanie Mackendrick

After locating this on a free shelf at a local college library I was excited to crack it open and uncover the goodness in hopeful messages during these trying times.

Stories of individual hope, courage, and determination are woven throughout each women's career choices and how she came to overcome the injustices so many face today.

In a man's world it's inspirational to know that young ladies everywhere can be the change they wish to see with some elbow grease, some true grit, and some networks.

For those like myself who couldn't find the above it's no loss as being a stay home mom is equally challenging and very much a rewarding career.

Whatever lifestyle you choose know that there are outlets out there to assist if you are lucky enough to find them.

I hope you do find this helpful and take the initiative to better yourself in whatever chosen career you decide upon in your educated years and beyond.

Stay strong ladies as it's a Dog Eat Dog World! Tough skin is highly recommended as well as a deep pocket and plenty of wealthy networking connections on your A-List!

Remember it's ok to have a normal 9-5 job and work in any capacity as long as you're happy, healthy, and free to make those choices for yourself.

A great read for up and coming ladies in the political arena!

Book Review: "All By Myself, Alone" By Mary Higgins Clark

Can you imagine a wealthy woman even bringing an Emerald necklace worth millions that she plans to give to the Smithsonian on a cruise ship?

Now imagine-she's dead not long after the cruise sets sail and plenty of suspects exist including those who attended the voyage with her.

Imagine if you will your own friend killing you for the jewels?

It seems a fiancee is also in some deep trouble and now the questions swirl about insurance options, and money payout concerns.

Originally, it appeared that our wealthy Lady Em passed of natural causes in her sleep, but this was not the case.

Could the man known as the International Thief have been on board? He is after all the man with a thousand faces...

What if someone killed Lady Em only to uncover someone might still possess the jewels?

What if the jewels were priceless or worse -what if they weren't worth anything?
Perhaps one of the others shipmates can be upfront and honest for a change but that's wishful thinking.

This was another superb piece by the Queen herself Mary Higgins Clark.

I'd be remiss to note I chased after this book for months, and couldn't locate in my library but did find a free 'pocketbook' on the shelf and scoffed it up in a hurry.

I finally made the time to sit and read it and I'm so grateful I did as it was worth every second.

Book Review: "The Un-American" By John J. Pitney Jr.

As noted, Even Fool's Gold Shines!

This is not something that will probably change many minds on the Team Trump side because they choose to deny truths, create alternatives, utilize falsities and enable excuses to continue following their leader but for those aware of the reality it's frightening to see the hamster wheel spin daily.

Yes, the fact is 'actions speak louder than words.' Walking on eggshells is not how we shall live.

As someone with experience & having divorced a malignant narcissist I can tell you what's down the road is dark, horrifying, and destructive. The trail of destruction, the expired relationships, the moving on without a second glance to those left behind is common.

Monsters do not come cloaked in devil horns and trench coats. They appear believable and credible and how you know the difference in a personality trait disorder is by examining the totality of the circumstances based on the DSM Manual. You have to trust your instincts, that gut intuition, your own mind.

Due to the Goldwater Rule professionals cannot diagnose from afar without meeting the individual in question in a proper setting.

With this noted, the writing is on the wall. It speaks volumes. The Kool Aid will continue to be on the table for all to drink if they choose to do such.

However, when you rule by fear, dictatorship, authoritarian and dystopian styles then you are not in my definition a leader of the greatest nation and highest office in the land.
When you use pay to play schemes, corruption, corporate greed, lobbyists to make gains in financial revenues and personal agendas it speaks volumes. He was impeached for a reason. That reason was not because of being disliked but because he broke the rules of law.

The political bipartisanship we see is horrific in accomplishing a mutual understanding on both ends.

My advice:
Read up on malignant narcissists and understand the side effects such as gaslighting, projection, mirroring, brain washing, isolation, manipulation, intimidation, etc.. and you'll get to where I'm going with it and understand more clearly the outcome.

Sure, we can list every negative but someone will always twist the facts to accommodate their own needs. People will believe what they want to believe ie. Next target after me in my own personal situation. They will not believe the arrest papers, warrants, legal court orders, because of one thing-FOG.

These individuals operate from a false sense of self. They sell you the greatest 'hope' with empty promises and broken dreams. They lack empathy, compassion, responsibility for one's own actions, and respect for others.

There's no communication. There's no love. There's no give and take in these situations.
Ergo why you can talk all you want about the issues but nobody will listen till they experience it hands on and it affects them personally.

When it effects them personally and they are jilted and ruined by the "ONE" great egotistical leader and savior then and only then will the change happen.God bless the USA!

Book Review: "The Kidnap Years" By David Stout

The Great Depression Era you would think would be a lesson but it seems history repeats itself.

The discussion in The Kidnap Years centered upon two main groupings: Lindbergh and Hoover and how the FBI was portrayed as the 'hero' in it all.

Trying times lead to desperation and societal instabilities, inequalities, corruption, and the like leads to unrest and anger with one common evil-MONEY! Just ask the current administration.

It's not unlike what we have today with the advancements of corporate greed for blood on their hands from Corona deaths through political channels that are severed and destroyed.

The bridges that burn continue to burn and those in the wake suffer the greatest damage and it's not just collateral that we speak.

Having a background and Major in Criminal Justice I've found the historical aspect of these most alarming cases interesting yet ponder the effects of some well known conspiracy theories and frame jobs especially with the Lindbergh's baby who was accidentally killed or so they say in the kidnapping leaving many to wonder if Bruno was framed.

I have found a few that might suggest this certainty with this article link of the more famous ones: https://www.thoughtco.com/most-notorious-kidnappings-4144989

All in all this was a great read with much train of thought to have far we've come and how the unraveling of the greatest organization utilized to combat crime is under attack from within its own walls on many fronts.

It makes you wonder about progression and the measures used to calculate them all. What I see today is disheartening and the level of complete ignorance, bias, egotism, and incompetence with corporations, lobbyists, and politicians with their greedy hands in every pot it's a no wonder anything has been accomplished.

Hopefully desperation in trying times doesn't result in what we've read in this wonderful new novel, because hope is all we have left to comfort ourselves. Stay safe!

Book Review: "Killing The Girl" By Elizabeth Hill

Retribution for every wrong! Eye for an Eye! Death for a Death?!

Sizzling is best way to describe this one with Elizabeth Hill riding off into the sunset near the OakTree of Horrorville.

No, seriously folks if that tree could talk ....

Carol Cage is a loner by trade at the OakTree House and was fine until the moment she makes a compulsory purchase which opens up those long tucked away fears.

Skeletal remains are about to be unearthed.
An adult and a child are about to be thrown into the discussion with some cray - cray accusations and charges.

I guess what's left is tremendous bouts of hope, the power of forgiveness, and peace for those newly departed.

Poor Frankie- he may have started it all but sure as shiite Carol ends it!

I suppose being a man of the town didn't sit quite well but it usually never does! Womanizing and more isn't everyone's cup of tea these days of PC and all.

So, the question remains...

What if you could steal someone away for good as a token of appreciation?

Ahhh...Trouble ahead, exit stage right!

Book Review: "They Did Bad Things" By Lauren A. Forry

Confess to crimes or die?

Wait what?? Mind repeating??

Ok, seriously this had more twists than I've ever seen in one book.

After one of 6 university students is located dead on a sofa it's all finger pointing from there on out.

It was a heck of an end of the year party but what happened to Callum?

I don't know how to explain this other then the house at Caldwell is truly dark.

Secrets may have stayed buried had it not been for the reunion of sorts 20 years later.

Actually, lured under false pretenses each one if about ready to meet their maker without knowledge of the dangers that are ahead with each turn.

This house known simply as WolfHeather house meant something in its hayday and now it's like a battlefield scarred with bodies on a final mission and plenty of revenge on the horizon.

Which reminds me, of my relationship with my malignant narcissist in which he told me I was a kept woman and I felt like a prisoner locked in unable to escape.

This has a similar feel to that with a diary of secrets, and a daughter who won't stop till the truth is exposed, and of course the final answers are revealed.

What if someone sold you out? What if you were framed? What if the answers lie closer than you think?

The Final Girls may not be final after all ....

Man alive this was up there with the best of 'em!

Thank you Lauren, the pub, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.