Book Review: "Superman's Not Coming" By Erin Brockovich

"From environmental activist, consumer advocate, renowned crusader, champion fighter--maverick, whose courageous case against Pacific Gas and Electric was dramatized in the Oscar-winning film--a book to inspire change that looks at our present situation with water and reveals the imminent threats to our most precious, essential element, and shows us how we can each take action to make changes in our cities, our towns, our villages, before it is too late."

Well researched, informative, factual information that will be an eye opener for those who wish to continue to see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.
Erin Brockovich tells it like it is without the fluff or nonsense in an attempt to keep individuals and the public informed.

It's a vital component because much of the data is hidden, altered, or destroyed concerning the national water crisis.

Quite frankly history repeats and at the present time with the current dilemmas I'm sure nothing will change in the near future but we can only hope it does!

Book Review: "Open Book" By Jessica Simpson

"Can fear walk us to something better?" Yes!!

I must be honest I'm not a fan of Jessica Simpson for a number of reasons.

One of those reasons is the portrayal of her to the public as the 'ditzy blonde image' aka Chicken of the Sea or the damsel in distress but am appreciative she received plenty of therapy based on her writings.

This memoir was one that may not change your mind but heck it's in her words and as my lovely musician Frank Sinatra used to say,"I did it my way" and Jessica sure did and who could argue.

In fact, she's the lady with the wealth, the mega awards, the hot husband and seems to have her life on track so she's not losing sleep and neither should you.

Now, I applaud her for her open discussion on weight, health, and priorities including failed marriages or relationships and the logic behind why she felt they went down.

On the flip side she discusses her current state of affairs, her happiness, and her love and folks she has one gorgeous family. 

To make it in this world you need more than looks and while she's gorgeous she's also very talented and that's one deadly combo to possess and she's blessed with both.

All in all this was a good read but there were a few difficult topics so be on alert.

Thank you to bibliotheca (my new found secret supplier) as this was a quick, easy, and classy read.

Book Review: "The Loop" By Jeremy Robert Johnson

A fast paced thriller that rolls into a mass murder with outbreaks, violence, and corporate executives kids from a biotech firm in the hot seat.

They are getting ill and turning against one another but this Oracle device is quite interesting.

Why?

Well, it mutates, spreads, and keeps within these individuals manifesting over and over internally.

So, this was a quick and fast ride that was pure JOY!

I've not read anything by this author prior so this is also a new voyage and one in which I can't wait to see what's down the pike.

The writing was excellent, easy to follow, with several characters that each played a significant role in character development and plot action.

I'd highly recommend this reading for thriller fans everywhere.

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

Book Review: "Three Perfect Liars" By Heidi Perks

Imagine if you will taking time off during maternity leave only to request to return and be denied.


Oh, snap! Hold up there's a fire at that very building..

Ok, lets go back- Mia is our temp hire whose desperate to stay.

Janie is bending over backwards to make Mia comfortable but Laura is getting jilted left and right.

The loyalty resides with Harry for whom Janie will do everything to protect.

Clearly, something is going on behind the scenes...

Did Harry have some type of relationship with Laura? Could this be the reasoning?

After all Laura is known as the golden girl but she's also married to Nate.

Of course, Janie has several skeletons in her closet because she's much more connected to Mia then we could've possibly imagined and the reasoning behind it all is shocking.

Jess is Mia's sister whose in a wheelchair but she's got something to say and it's HUGE!

Perhaps this is a simple case of sisterly love or perhaps it's cold blooded murder!
It's all about living your best life and sure as heck it goes THERE!

Loved it all from Heidi Perks.

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

Book Review: "Deadlock" By Catherine Coulter

Money or Life which is worth more to you? Could your family be hiding a deadly secret? 

Would you go outside the family hoping to uncover a glimmer of hope and truth?

Zoltan (psychic medium) connects to a dead grandfather in hopes of helping a young wife seek answers to a decades old family secret.

Meanwhile, Savich is running for his life against a psychopath out for revenge & taking out his family.

Agents Savich and Sherlock are on the case but someone wants to kidnap Rebekah for ransom.

A fake seance with Zoltan may be in operation but when Rebekah is attack all eyes turn to one person.

There's a word around these parts - The Big Take- and it requires the truth.
Now that granddad may not be spilling all the beans just yet but wait...oh dear readers! 

Children are often resilient but sometimes information can be painful when it's revealed and this is one such case pertaining to these long hidden family secrets. 

Jealousy, money, ransoms led to a dead standstill- aka- Deadlock between these two characters.

It's a ton of money being discussed and changing hands but we as readers can only wonder if murder is the only answer.

As they say greed is just one part of the equation and believe me there's plenty more action than you could ever imagine in this one.

I didn't have a problem following along with several of the characters such as Rebekah, Zoltan, Gemma, Rich, Savich, or Sherlock to name just a few.
Yes, it was heart pounding thrills from start to finish and was well written so the voyage was worth every penny.

Thank you to Catherine Coulter, the publisher, NetGalley, and Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "How Ike Led" By Susan Eisenhower

Prior to September 11,2001
we had a country that believed in leadership being the capacity to bring others together as one, while sustaining a hard focus upon a national goal.This  leadership required an exercise of agility& flexibility to get to a point.

"If a leader truly has the nation's best interests at heart, then compromise is the only key to progress:No one group of Americans has a lock on the truth."

"Today we have defined leadership as 'standing your ground and digging in your heels,' lest one look weak. If that is leadership, then civility is all but unattainable and there is no prospect for fostering national unity. In this light our citizens' differing views can only be cast as zero-sum confrontations, and a welcome sight to out adversaries."

"Today we seem to think that strength is derived from winning every small fight, while raising ourselves up for recognition and advancement, even if others have to be diminished in the process."

America's role as a force for good is no longer viewed in this same light as we no longer understand who we've become as a people.

Strength takes a special type of character that utilizes courage, putting one's own house in order, possessing self discipline, prioritizing by taking others needs in advance of one's own.
It takes someone whose willing to not just talk but listen and compromise for the good of all people involved.

It involves a set factor of empathy and core values that cannot be taught but must be held from within as trust cannot be wavered and loyalty cannot be freely given. When one lacks accountability, responsibility, and sympathy one suffers greatly as power is not legitimate without these core principles.

"What Ike feared most in his years as president, as the national cohesion from World War II began to fade, was the kind of tribalism we have today. That is why he kept articulating the things that we could all agree on-like the rule of law.He would be shocked by our acceptance of cronyism, and by the fact that the shrinking middle class has few defenders. He would also oppose the special advantages that are seized by some while others lack access to opportunity. But most of all, he would be alarmed that common sense is often not even tried."

What kind of country will we be leaving behind for our kids, for our grandchildren, for the rest of the world and a nation as a whole?

"Will we bequeath them a country that values and nurtures our democratic system-one that stands above all others as a beacon of tolerance, a land of equal opportunity? Or will we fail them and ourselves and choose expediency and self-serving over sacrifice and stewardship?"

This book discusses all that and more as it provides a wonderful insight into the life and times of President Ike D. Eisenhower during the most tumultuous of times.

I would be remiss if I didn't note that I thoroughly enjoyed this read because of how Ike led with dignity, unity, perseverance, and pride while fostering unity & peace.

He was a man simply known as," The Boss" but was full of insight, honesty, and unmistakable adherence to strategies far beyond his times.

Perhaps his yearbook said it best," As big as life and twice as natural" - 1915 yearbook.
Ike was driven by his competitive edge but is was as much for himself as for anything else.
"Complacency, fear, greed, desperation and the pursuit of unbridled power can become drivers of amorality, and twisted logic."

Human emotions can inspire inhuman responses.

"Accountability, renewal, and eventually reconciliation could be the only way forward."
He had a duty owed and was ostracized on many sides to run for president yet he was a man constantly worried about the fate of democracy.

"The country was in danger of becoming a victim of paternalism, socialism, and dictatorship."
It was quite a wonderful eye-opening read that I purely enjoyed and I hope you find it well.

Thank you to Susan Eisenhower, the publisher, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Imperfectly Happy" By Sharina Harris

"When four college friends formed the Brown Sugarettes Mastermind Group, they had very different goals—but matched each other in ambition. Yet ten years later they can’t help wondering what happened to the hopeful, confident, driven women they used to be—and how to get
them back . ."

Lost and now found or so they say but this was truly an epic adventure full of interesting dilemmas, twisty turns, and some major drama.

It's all about following one's heart, not giving up, and not going along to get along.

Be unique. Be driven. Be passionate.
A great read about these 4 college friends that uncover the truth about all life has to offer.

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

Book Review: "The Lost Diary Of M" By Paul Wolfe

The Kennedy intrigue has once again captured the nation and this time it's for what went on behind the scenes..

Who knew of this woman named Mary Pinchot Meyer especially for those of us born outside the 60's.

I have heard conspiracy theories about his death but not her's until now.
Meet Mary --https://people.com/politics/jfk-mistress-murdered-mary-pinchot-meyer/ 

She met John during a prep school dance and fired up the embers during the affair till her death on Georgetown's tow path a year after his assassination.
Those around during that time heard the screams, seen a dark male fall into the waters, and Ray Crump Jr was later arrested.

”Her murder just ten days after the Warren Commission report was released makes a lot of people suspicious that she had to be silenced,” Burleigh notes according to the People magazine article.

“In Bradlee’s memoir, he revealed that he caught CIA counter intelligence master James Angleton breaking into Mary’s studio the night of the murder and looking for her diary,” explains Burleigh. “Bradlee found the diary looked at it.”

She was of course and elegant, highly educated, wealthy woman and it was noted she was on the rosters signed in often when Jackie was away.
Kennedy it's to be believed was a sex addict and she was far advanced for her time including the usage of LSD.

Her son was killed in a car accident and shortly thereafter her marriage to CIA agent Cord Meyer ended.

What will be is now hidden and who knows what the reality may hold.
A great new read that I was able to enjoy via Bibliotheca.

Book Review: "Hit List" By Stuart Woods

A hit list with Holly Parker being elected President!!

Yes, well if you're a fan of Stuart Woods and why the hell not with this being his 53rd of the Stone Barrington series than you know what to expect.

The romps and sex, the chase, the bandits on the run, those travelling voyages, heck hop on the motorcycle and let me give ya a ride (even if I just admitted I haven't driven in awhile).

No, seriously you get it and so does Vivian the sidekick partner to help Stone whose last on the list of horrors.

All ten other individuals on the list had a common denominator: Strategic Services and so Sig Larkin the author of the Hit List is now on a new list 'Seek and Destroy.'

Ahhh Snap!

It's a -Run-Duck-Cover and Take Em Out Back kind of book that just goes to show you can ride but you can't hide.

Every "rain" storm has rainbows and roses so it's off to a future full of sex capades I think but who knows as for now the election is over and the promises have begun....

Till next time.

Book Review: Biography of Resistance By Muhammad H. Zaman

If you're like me and believe everything happens for a reason than you might enjoy what I'm about to note or maybe not but I'm going off the beaten path to discuss the current state of affairs so bear with me.

It's the end of April 2020 as I type this knowing a Worldwide Pandemic that claims to have originated in Wuhan China is upon us all.

The Sars is just one major concern that I'll discuss which began in 2002 and has no vaccine to date nor does one exist for the now commonly referred to Corona Virus (Covid 19) AKA SARS-CoV-2 RNA which has claimed to date 963,276 across the United States of America. The first victim was now determined to have passed from a ruptured heart which was unheard of till now. https://www.ibtimes.com/coronavirus-u...
In addition, there's been much talk about the inference to the Spanish Flu pandemic which many of those during that time died from the pneumomia.

Now, I digress folks because I know many argue over healthcare but it sucks. I'm sorry to burst the bubble because my mother is retired RN OBGYN worked multiple jobs and raised four kids but I can only speak from experience. I have a 20 yr + friendship with Pneumonia, Mild Asthma, Acute Bronchitis (or the newly confirmed Chronic -yes it took Dr's this long to finally call it what it is), Mild Copd, plus what was hidden in dr notes as a computer generated never informed to patient HUS (fatal blood disorder) with microcytic hypochromic anemia and kidney failure to name a few. I'm also prediabetic, suffer from Raynaud's Phenomenon in (L-thumb) only- of course told to wear a glove but never confirmed- and told about possibilities but zero confirmations as doctors/PT's said,"You're fine- it's normal wear and tear" for a forty six year old.

Thank you Spinal Surgeon for MRI showed severe spinal stenosis (aka facet arthropathy, central annular fissure, moderate/severe foraminal narrowing,disc bulges, and more). Don't forget the thyroid nodule pressing on my throat too at 2.8x1.7 cm) uncovered during such testing with the no blood flow in thumb aka Digit 1= flat.

Now back to the show as I digress this book was more about the history of the pathogens, the scientists who uncovered them, and the antibiotics that may or may not exist or for which have been abused and overused to the point nothing works medically to stomp them out.

I'm not a fan of the doctors not just because of 20 plus years of misdiagnosis but also because of the pedal pusher drug poppers that would rather have a nation of dopers than a nation of healthy vibrant functioning individuals.

This is of course a matter of opinion but I've yet to find one that hasn't pushed for strong steroids, oxycontin (after giving birth) or the number of other nonsense meds like those which numb the pain such as cortisone. Non of which solve the problem they mask the problem. Not to mention the fact that China makes all our meds & antibiotics so we've become a nation of dependents. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/bu...
So this leads to my next point because the antibiotics have been prescribed to me even when they didn't know whether it was bacterial in nature& so toss a ton of antibiotics ie. azithromycin or whatever might work. We need to fix the problem in America not kick the can down the road.

Yet, the cycle repeats and every year I wind up in ER so I took the option to demand a flu shot, a pneumonia shot, and every other shot on the market. Since, I received the run around initially I continued to put pressure and received those two shots.

Low and behold I then was diagnosed with INFLUENZA A this past January 5th and it was wicked beyond words with nausea, diarrhea, heart palps, clammy skin but no fever, and more. It required a trip to ER and IV hookup with EKG that resulted in being told I'm fine and sent home. The next day I knew I wasn't fine because of course I'm a pro with upper respiratory so I knew the signs and I had them all from the dark urine, to the night sweats, and the massive headache.

Upon glancing at my file I uncovered the test results (yes, they never called me to report test) and found I was confirmed with the flu and that I had sinus tachycardia with several blood tests that had been issued (which I had no idea were conducted on my behalf) including Troponin T, D-Dimer, and CBC/Diff (which is always done up on me) as I have high RBC, Monos,Anion Gap, with low Co2 and potassium to name a few.

Now, you might say ok good for you but why do you bring up all this personal information and that's to make one point.

You are the best judge of your own body so listen to it and fight for it.
This book was a great introduction to the history behind the pathogens and the people but our healthcare system is below grade.

What I noticed is too many young people conducting themselves as if they have years of experience and diagnosing without proper credentials as was my case with a simple prescription for an emergency inhaler in which the prescribing physician was so knew she hadn't filed her paperwork to be allowed to fill prescriptions.

So the importance of this book on antibiotics is that we have a ton of work that still needs to be done.

Having an antibiotic to end this nightmare we are now in should've been completed 18 yrs earlier but with financing, staffing, and the political red tape I'm sure it wasn't .
Now we race against the clock in hopes of saving lives....

This is a huge mess that we should've seen coming and I'm not passing the buck but I'm sure they knew the end result and it is now too late as this wake up call has cost countless lives at the hands of profit. 

The author has noted several instances of the over reach and dilemmas and I can only hope we learn a lesson when this is all complete. “It will be like the great plague of the middle ages, the influenza pandemic of 1918, the AIDS crisis of the 1990s, and the Ebola epidemic of 2014 all combined into a single threat,” Muhammad H. Zaman warns. 

The answer to why and how microbes are turning into these superbugs needs to be further examined with a combined interests into the evolution, history, science, and human behavior. 

A fab read for all to consider.

Book Review: "Last Couple Standing" By Matthew Norman

Who will be the last couple standing?
Can Jessica and Mitch save their marriage with two kids from the group known simply as,"The Core Four?"

Friends since college, shared so many fond memories, grew up together and even lived in same vicinity but now it's a shiite fest.

As all the other couples (Doug/Sarah,Megan/Terry, &Amber/Allen) have been sidelined fifteen years out.

The terms for sexual excitement have been relaxed since that was a common problem in their friends marriages.

Open relationships are now being explored with new vigor and excitement but will that be the key to ignite the spark that has long disappeared.

So, Jess explores with a new fella and Mitch does the same after a hook up was secured courtesy of his wife.

It turns out that Ella was actually the neighbor and she seems to have much more on her mind that just a fling in the sheets as she has a son Luke.

When the rumor mill gets going it's all hands on deck to wipe out the blood and vomit because many people will lose the chips on this one.

The narrator (Kristen Sieh) had a unique voice that truly captured every interaction and magical word as it felt like watching your life play out on 'Broadway' allure. 

Albeit, the audio version was long it was pure enjoyment & I needed that 2 day break from blue light cellphones so it's a win-win! 

The author truly like a few course words so for those single moms with kids have the finger on the volume control from time to time...LOL!

In closing, everyone thought the other was interested only to learn that they wanted the original sauce in the dip.

So there ya have it....

I loved this as it was humorous, emotionally draining, and perfectly flawed.

Thank you to Bibliotheca for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Dead Land" By Sara Paretsky

This was one of those I wish I could've enjoyed more because it started off being enjoyable, entertaining, and was very descriptive in nature.

However, as it proceeded to gain traction it lost the original momentum and slowed to a pace that was creeping with a 'falling into place' plot that didn't make me want to really become more involved or even follow along having lost my interest.

The premise was good but as other bloggers noted: the basic elements of surprise weren't involved since we already learned in introductions that the boyfriend would be killed, that corruption and public private partnerships were about to be exposed, with a South American involvement would be coming.

With this noted the plot became tedious, time consuming, and exhaustive in the later stages and for that I couldn't truly appreciate the author's intent.

If you're someone who wants a plot that makes perfect sense you will find it's  subjective but in my terms it was missing here.

Much of what happens made absolute zero sense with encrypted messages sent to recipients unable to process such messages, Hector's father missing welder's skills but working in such a setting, or the fact that a person shows up from Chile in the exact location where the detective would be as if they simply landed there without reasoning.

I guess murder is on the minds but the way in which we get to it was a rough patch.

Thank you to Bibliotheca for this E-Read in exchange for this honest review. 

Book Review: "The German Heiress" By Anika Scott

I read this with much interest in the time period set during WWII and found this quite entertaining.

It begins with Clara an heiress who lost everything from her family's successful career in the iron industry.

She's now left to her own devices, with a fake id, and past unanswered questions pertaining to her family.

She goes home with her friend Elisa to take refuge but this won't be the end of the story.

Clara barely escapes a Gestapo - a British officer hell bent on charging her with war crimes-only to find that Elisa has gone missing.

As readers uncover the high stakes energy we also are subjected to Jakob, a lively young man working on the black market; whose also searching for Elisa.

Told from the perspective of the Germans who were often overlooked during this Nazi regime with heartfelt and powerful expressions of not only love but justice through all means necessary to simply survive the horrific experiences forced upon them.

One of the overall feelings is that loss of power, that forced hatred, that sense of uncertainty and danger around every corner with a well written and well researched foundation.

So many unanswered questions arise: Could Elisa have survived?
Who had taken her and why?

Is there a hidden element of not only the unknown but dynamics circling around the family including long held secrets that could be in play?

Will Elisa ever be located alive?

The entire concept of 'hidden danger' being overlooked was felt throughout the full fledged active response initiatives and I absolutely soaked this in like a sponge.

It's not unfathomable to think that many individuals were suffering deeply. PTSD, Stockholm Syndrome, terrible trauma, and that fight or flight response may have initiated many to stay indoors and continue to be 'well hidden.'

Could any of these characters be labeled as the "enemy of the Nazi regime?"

Would any of them be subjected to being 'turned in' by one of their own?

My word this was gripping, riveting, and so darn powerful in words alone.

An absolute masterpiece in every form...

Thank you to Bibliotheca for providing this E-Read in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Bubblegum" By Adam Levin

Have you ever looked at discarded bubblegum and thought about its contents, the person's saliva or gingivitis , or perhaps the awkward shape in which it lands upon the pavement?

Ok, try this ...How about seeing a rusty swing set and feeling empathy for the fact it 's not being used, or worse abused, & ignored for all its glory and should be put out of its own misery-in other words- it should be MURDERED!

I'm not Belt Magnet but he's our main guy and has been diagnosed with some serious mental issues including having hallucinations, abrupt mood swings, deceptions in his train of thought process, tangential thoughts, extremely high energy, and I'd add some truly unique interactions with inanimate objects.

He's in a time of zero internet but plenty of Curio's or Cures as they were called in Wheelatine which is "a soft automaton with built-in cutting-edge senso-emotional call-and-response technology (SECRT)so convincing it almost might as well have a heart and soul, even though it doesn't."Botimal's or BDPM "a biotic data processing machine with built in artificial intelligence technology so convincing you'll believe it has a mind of its own" with an Incuband and or Pillownest for hatching. These generated animals require body heat to survive and attention from their owners; and lets not forget the therapy tests with several Inans.

Belt is quite unique in his family interactions but also in his friendships with his new found dilemma of being diagnosed with a psych disorder (schizophrenia) and trying to collect SSDI while residing with his father at 38 years of age wondering if he should branch out and make his own keep.

As a sidenote: This gal has been there with a med disabled son (Vater Syndrome) for life. Receiving payments on his behalf SSI/SSP till 18th birthday when it went for review and was declined yet disabled for life in extreme poverty to this day residing with his single mom and two other siblings.

This novel really was quite extensive so for some it will be too tedious for completion and as a speed reader it took me two days of pure dedication to complete the 824 pages according to my cloud library.

It was also a very slow read requiring extreme attention to details as there's plenty of therapy test, testing results, and various studies at University of Chicago involving therapy animals/other author novels/and documents Ie. Private Viewing, No Please Don't, A Fistful of Fists including Graham&Swords alongside Botimal/Curio instructional brochures.
The fluff could've been taken out in this section without much loss in my opinion as it didn't add a new dimension.

Nevertheless, Belt becomes the recipient of the first cure known as Kablankey or Blank for short due to the weird noises they made.

The parental relationships with Belt was bizarre for lack of a better word. I was a bit taken back by the father marrying a transgender individual after his wife's passing from breast cancer and the entire in dept discussion of bodily functions for my strict Catholic upbringing including the penis and vagina, the prostitution issue, and the interactions with the new stepmom, the dad, and Belt.

Now, what captured my attention even though it was lengthy read was the writing was clever in terms of drawing you in even though I had no idea at times where I was being taken going blindly into the abyss and at times went along kicking and screaming for the uncertainties.

Characters such as Johnny JonBoat Pellmore Jason (the father), FondaJane Henry (stepmom), and Denise to mention a few were in a world of their own.
My favorite out of all of them was probably the latter with Denise and her attempt to assist Belt in breaking out of this inner bubble.

The mother's promise that Belt would behave and not embarrass her was quite interesting considering the rumors she was viewed as emotionally unstable and abusive.

This was like a reading marathon of one in which you're test was completion over the finish line and while the author notes a letter from his father in terms of finally getting to the front of the line only to be sold out of his son's copies it's also a testament to the world without compassion, empathy, or acceptance of those with medical illness and the ignorance that's often attached to those suffering.

So I applaud the author because it was the type of book that brought you inward more than outward in examining every word, every thought, every interaction.

Thank you Bibliotheca for this introduction to this author.

Book Review: "Expectation" By Anna Hope

To be all alone in one's thoughts. To embrace contentment and happiness. To finally be found!

What we wouldn't all give about now to just be at peace. To find our place. To be comforted in times of need. To feel as though we are complete without looking for external fulfillment.

To be blessed. To be grateful. To understand that life is more than just earning a living but simply LIVING!

I couldn't wait to embrace this trio of lovely ladies that Anna Hope created for all of us readers to enjoy.

To know that nothing could keep them down, they were all humanly flawed, yet deeply emotional and multifaceted all with dreams, goals, images of perfection.

Yet to know that in growing old they encountered a new being of happiness in knowing they must live for the moment as with old age may come more advanced concerns.

This was a very inviting novel that allowed readers to peak into the lives of Hannah, Cate, and Lissa in their Eastern London community.

It's ten years after they each embarked on their individual journeys with new found hopes, desires, passions.

Now they find that life wasn't so full of rainbows and roses but had more greys mixed in full of faltering marriages, failing careers, and wishes for swapped lives.

Through all the trials and tribulations they encounter a sidestep with a new outlook on life.
Whether it's growing families, death, illness, new found loving relationships you can be sure of one thing they will all find a way back to one another.

I couldn't adore this any more than I did upon engulfing myself in its warmth and light airy feel.

It's a pleasure to shy away from the thrillers and just let yourself go into this dreamy state of mind.

Thank you Bibliotheca for this e-read in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: My Wife Said You May Want To Marry Me By Jason Rosenthal

A beautiful inspirational and touching memoir about Jason's wife Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

Amy was a best selling children's author who wrote and filmmaker who sadly passed away from ovarian cancer three years ago.

She was so thoughtful, loving, and caring in life that it probably came as no surprise when she gave one last gift to her husband. The give of love. The gift of forgiveness. The gift of hope moving forward through her writings in the form of a New York Times Modern Love column, You May Want to Marry My Husband.

What a way to be remembered than to share her love with the world. Her greatest joy was her family.

The author Jason mentioned this 'family support' multiple times and each time I couldn't help but think what a blessing to have such an inner circle as not everyone can be so lucky.

To live a life without toxicity, without hatred, with full support in every endeavor is something most of us could only dream to obtain.

This was one of those e-reads that I came across through a new connection with Bibliotheca that works closely with your local libraries to borrow digital copies for free (library card).

I was looking for a change last night and this was exactly what I needed from the normal fast paced thrillers of doom and gloom.

What a pleasure to see such light, such hope, such love, and such joy in this family especially when the son moved back in with Jason shortly after his own parents passed.

A testament that all is not lost. That parenting doesn't come with instructions. That life is never guaranteed. 

Thank you to Bibliotheca for this e-read copy. 

Book Review: "How to Pronounce Knife" By Souvankham Thammavongsa

A collection of short stories, intricately woven together, with a novel idea.

For those of us who are thriller fans this was like going for Crossfit (High Intensity) to Yoga (mindful but slower paced).

I believe the author's message was wrapped up in the tolls of family heartbreaks and the relationship between immigrants especially Laotian and Americans and the struggles involved.

It was more a mental challenge than a super fast speed driven Ferrari.

I couldn't honestly find my place in this one even with Randy Travis (huge country gal born and raised) but even that didn't make the top of the list for me.

If short collection of stories bouncing from one idea to the next is your thing than pick this one up as you might enjoy.

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

Book Review: "Buried Angels" By Patricia Gibney

A family built on lies! Several individuals expired! A man acting strangely!

What more do you need in an epic thriller like Buried Angels?

Other than to Find Faye and STAT!!

This was superb with plenty of intense anxiety sizzling through each page.

I've never read Patricia's prior works so to pick up in the middle of Book 8 of this wonderful series with Detective Lottie Parker was quite the treat (Thank you).

I enjoyed this fast paced thriller that never stopped as the hamster wheel of scenarios kept circling.

Gavin the young boy who spotted the other body near the train tracks has also gone missing just like Faye until she was found stuffed in a car trunk.

OMG!!

Don't look away, don't run, just stay calm....

Seriously, this is a must read!

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

Book Review: "The Bride" By Wendy Clarke

What a way to go....

Well, how can I say this other than to say this was certainly a 'psychological' thrill fest.

With this said, the premise is quite different as here we have Joanna who's gone missing while engaged to Mark.

Of course, we want to like Mark and even her bestie Alice but something seems off on both those relationships.

By the time we uncover the reality check which is really bizarre we learn that there's more to all these relationships then we could've first thought.

So don't judge a book by the cover is very insightful and gives new meaning to The Bride.

The ending on this was really a cliffhanger because who knows what's going to go on moving forward with the 'moving on' let the past be gone feelings.

An interesting take as we wonder will this person in question truly break free ....
I'll leave that food for thought!

Thanks to Wendy, Bookouture for accepting this last minute request on my marathon reads, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest copy.

Book Review: "Kids for Cash" By William Ecenbarger

See No Evil! Hear No Evil! Speak No Evil!

Silence of the Lambs now and forever!

It should not be a surprise for those of us still residing in Luzerne County or those lucky enough to escape the wrath that Kids For Cash even occurred here.

We have a high elderly population, we pay more in welfare than salaried positions, we have more impoverished residing in the area.

What might not have been expected is those in positions of authority who could've taken down these cronies from what's become the "big boy network" who turned a cheek and ignored it all because each one of them was lining their own individual pockets.

It's not much different than profits over people that's become a worldwide phenomenon.

Sure, they've known for years about Mob rule, about narcissism growing in leaps and bounds, about corruption, nepotism in hiring and the countless white collar crimes but they simply don't care.
In fact, as a twenty year volunteer from NEPA specifically Luzerne County I can attest to when the camera is off and boy you should see, hear, and feel what I have over the course of nearly 47 years.
Greed, opportunity, public indifference, secrecy is rampant and it's not going away until we do more than drain the swamp.

"How could two judges conspire over 5 years to deprive thousands of children of their most basic constitutional rights and send them off in shackles to detention centers in which these judges had personal financial interests?"

Have you ever visited this area? Have you seen the deprivation? Have you noticed the little guy trying to 'fight city hall' mentality?

My word, it's not rocket science but good luck getting a job because I've tried with a dual masters, 20 yrs volunteering (Points of Light recipient), and was told to dummy down resume, overqualified, and entitled (yes because I volunteered for 20 yrs - can you imagine this statement)& after raising three kids wanted to seek better opportunities.

This area is similar to 'ol tobacco road' in which the only ones getting anywhere are those with criminal convictions, the wealthy, and those who can afford to operate off the buddy system.
In fact I applied for a job with Fellerman and Ciaramboli that went directly to Mr. Greg Skrepnak a convicted felon. https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/skrepenak-begins-work-at-kingston-law-firm-1.1309000

I've also stood by and watched newly created positions for those on the roster (in positions of authority) such as occurred in Pocono Raceway; or job transfers for those higher ups to sunny Daytona; when their own volunteers/interns were seeking similar positions.

Much of what has been done here is for appearance sake to make it look like there's plenty of opportunities, advancement, great living environments but reality shows a much different scenario with boarded up buildings, vacant blighted properties, wages gone south, and a history of child abuse, domestic violence, and corruption.
 https://www.pennlive.com/midstate/2016/07/capitol_corruption_parade.html

Why?

High case loads, ignorance of facts, uneducated staff, and the nepotism placements without the proper skills or experience to effectively carry out the mission of those they took an oath to protect and serve. People are afraid to speak out for fear of retribution or retaliation.

Narcissists operate with one thing: The One gets what the ONE needs.

Whether this be through benefits, smear campaigns, blackmail, threats, force, intimidation, fear, retribution, or pay to play schemes/kickbacks/nepotism, bribery from their source known as supply.
The target is the public in this case. The unexpected victim. The children. Those who are vulnerable and cannot protect themselves.

In other words, those who in a court of law would not be believed if they go up against the higher positions of authority are being preyed upon.These toxic individuals will run you right out of town. Stab you in the back and pretend to be your friend. Two sided is given an entirely knew meaning here.

I've seen it, I've dealt with it, I've been silenced much like the parents in these cases, and the victims.

The devastation left behind is horrible, the trail of destruction is long, yet these elitists continue collecting their pensions, get paid leave, get a slap on the wrist, or resign before the other shoe drops.
The school system is entirely another topic on corruption but I'll just leave this link: https://www.timesleader.com/uncategorized/6149/no-reason-for-board-to-drag-feet-on-nepotism-policy

Nothing changes here and more of our well educated are being forced to leave the area immediately upon graduation as less transparency and opportunities fall to the waste side for the buddies.

These two judges were applauded for their efforts in putting kids in detentions while taking 2.6 mill in kickbacks just let that sink in and know that nothing was done to protect anyone else but themselves.

I'm going to leave with these quotes from this excellent, well written, well researched piece.
"The longtime residents are products of a regional culture that emphasizes deference to public officials and retribution for those who challenge authority. Much of the area's population is descended from poorly educated immigrants from eastern and southern Europe who worked in once -prosperous anthracite coal industry. Congressmen, state representatives, and judges were among the most important authority figures in the lives of those immigrants, wielding significant influence and helping them navigate the challenges and uncertainties of their new home. At the same time, the immigrants feared retribution if they challenged authority of any kind, whether legal or illegal."
'In early March, the New York Times, ran a front page article by Ian Urbina, which began: "Things were different in Luzerne County Juvenile courtroom, and everyone knew it. Proceedings, on average took less than two minutes. Detention centers workers were told in advance how many juveniles to expect at the end of each day-even before hearings to determine their innocence or guilt. Lawyers told families to not bother hiring them. They would not be allowed to speak anyway."

Greg Skrepnak  told reporters that he didn't know the kickback was illegal until his indictment. "Things have been like this for so long,  that I don't think many people see a lot of wrong in what they've done."

Need I say more....Yes, check out the family courts next. PLEASE!

A fantastic read that I highly recommend!!

Thank you Bibliotheca for this e-read copy.

Book Review: "Mad, Bad, & Dangerous to Know" By Samira Ahmed

Love Triangles! Stolen French Artifacts! Historical Conquests...

Talk about everything and the kitchen sink in this young adult piece by Samira Ahmed.

Don't get your hopes up too high in the romance department because you'll be disappointed.

Khayyam gets a happy ending with herself which is for the best while cute french guy sizzles out before it gets going.

Oh, well all's well that end's well and for these other issues aka relationships they weren't terrible.

Racial issues, ancestry concerns, and making one character have 'more whiteness' was probably not best to show on the highlight reel.

All in all a good read, written well, but slavery, racism, and more is a reality that cannot be denied.

Thank you to Bibliotheca for this e-read in exchange for this honest review. 

Book Review: "More Myself" By Alicia Keys

Powerful! Insightful! Inspiring!

Know your worth and never let anyone take away your power!

You have to believe in yourself and do the best with what you have without giving in to the needs and demands of those around you.

Be your own boss and create the life you've envisioned.
This is such an eye opening account that portrays "Alicia Keys" (not her real name) into the spotlight once again but this time for being real.

Keeping it real, staying authentic, not caring about the outside haters and knowing who you are is a god given gift.

The revelations that she finds rooted in her DNA, her genetic makeup, her ancestry, and quite frankly herself from the years prior to the present has shaped her to become the most loved icon in the world.

Yet, fame is nothing without love, without family, without mutual respect and support.

We all crave that extra need to be who we're meant to be but do we all truly follow our dreams or are we led by outside noises?

This was a book that I've been dying to read for quite some time and was pleasantly pleased to get an early copy @smartlibraries (Bibliotheca.)

As an empath (who wears her heart on her sleeve) as a former model, as a woman whose been told NO more than yes, as a woman who goes oh natural w/o makeup daily for now 47 years nothing in here shocks me.

We all have a talent, a gift, a reason why we are here on this EARTH.

Now the question is do we all know why?

A fab read from a mega star with plenty of insecurities, flaws, and down home goodness that proves celebrities are just like all of us.

Might I add that get together with the ladies on Grammy Night and having Alicia as a host was the perfect way to showcase such femininity.

Solidarity, Hope, Compassion, LOVE!! YES I HEAR, SEE, and FEEL YOU!

Thank you to Bibliotheca for this early copy of More Myself!