Book Review: "Tsarina" By Ellen Alpsten

This is the best work I've read to date in showcasing not only historical fiction but in the captivating way of being shrewd, tenacious, and downright brilliant to capture the crown.

What a work of art as we engage in this new piece by Ellen Alpsten that showcases all the turmoil surrounding the Tsar and even more importantly the inner workings of royalty and poverty combined that create thunder throughout the distance.

Talk about fire and ice and everything nice...this went beyond the norm to showcase the endless possibilities and struggles of numerous characters in specific detail showcasing the research that was directly present and extremely significant to the storyline.

I've read several books during this time period dealing with Russia but nothing as forthright and splendid as this one simply entitled," Tsarina."

From executions to beheadings the struggle was real and through it all the fact that everyone stayed true to themselves for the most part was riveting.

Plenty of triggers in this one -so if you're squeamish- proceed with caution as this will certainly create an uproar of emotions and feelings alike.

I couldn't get enough of this one soaking every minute up like a sponge and look forward to more by this amazing writer and author.

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

Book Review: "The Cul-de-Sac War" By Melissa Ferguson

This is one tangy duo that you'll want to engage.

Bree and Chad are like two opposites who come together to make music.
It starts off with some engaging- Tit-for Tat- scenarios that wind down this neighborhood like a lost cause until even the dog has a starring role.

As if this wasn't enough it also seems like neither individual wants to admit their true feelings which causes further angst and the families of these two are even more captivating.
I loved the fact the father was willing to extend himself financially for his child as any parent would but rarely is it seen in today's struggling economy.

I was totally engaged from start to finish with the banter and enjoyed the ending immensely.

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

Book Review: "The Glass Queen" By Gena Showalter

Everything a fantasy book should be with plenty of action, fantasy, phantoms, magical encounters, and so much more.

I didn't want to leave this enchanted world that captivated all senses in capturing the magnificence of being thoroughly engaged and excited to keep going with these lovely groups of misfits.

So many questions to ponder in this one by Gena Showalter including the fact that Prince Axon was in love but may have seen better days.

Leonora may be one powerful person that may not be able to be taken out and reprimanded the normal way but she's a force to reckon with and may provide more questions than answers.
Honestly, I've not read any prior work by Gena but this was so magical it felt like being on a carpet ride overlooking the action and getting a sneak peek of what was to come.

Fully engaging, superbly written, beautifully crafted, and a pleasure to read.

The multiple deflections created plenty of intensity without being too overly dramatic and I loved every second.

That ending was the icing on the cake as it wrapped it up all rather nicely.

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

Book Review: From These Broken Streets By Roland Merullo

Inspired by real events this was a combo deal with a love letter to Naples Italy and a powerful tribute to those who survived the tremendous forces of WWII during the Nazi Occupation.

What subsequently endures is found within the community, amongst the characters, and within the memories that lingered.

As the story gets into the character detail it pulls slowly keeping the narrative at bay as readers become disengaged however, there were several parts that drew one back into the story.
All in all it wasn't a bad read just not something I'd re-read as it took a long time to get through it with very little take away for me concerning the Four Days of Naples uprising.

The entire concept was lost for me in the transition among the nearly 400 pages or so and it became complex with 5 storylines running simultaneously which made it difficult to stay invested.

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

Book Review: "Double Agent" By Tom Bradby

Let me begin with the fact that this is about Kate who is kidnapped by a supposedly Russian deflector who believes the British Prime Minister is involved in more than just a video scandal.

In fact it's believed he's a live agent working for Moscow and he's about to prove it as she believes the information is questionable with plenty of critics yet still reopens the case against the Prime Minister.

As for the characters it seemed forced and not believable as we find more than one traitor, with plenty of sickening behavior, a scandal that's simply disgusting, and a possible VIPER.

This would be fine as is but readers are then engulfed in a fire ball of activity surrounding Kate and her relationship with a man named Stuart whom she has a past with that is rather lucrative.

This story and plot picked up around the 80% mark on Kindle when the gangsters take off with something of value from Kate.

The fact that this was a power struggle of sorts involving some exchanges didn't take away from the overall story and in fact added that nice touch of suspense.

I suppose all you can say now is 'Operation Sigma File' is about to be ripped apart and it's quite enamoring where the pieces lie.

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

Book Review: "A Frenzy of Sparks" By Kristin Fields

 

A Frenzy of Sparks was one interesting take on the family of drug addicts and what a young girl named Gia feels compelled to react to such contemplations.

While I wish I could've become more actively engaged in this saga with her brother Leo and cousin within this realm of addictive behaviors- I simply couldn't find my way-and even though I completed the read it felt as if something more significant was missing.

Kristin Fields wrote from the view of third person narrative for Gia as a 13 year old girl and in this case it felt this would do better geared to young adults genre.

As a reader one question continually popped back up into the psyche and that pertained to what would Gia be doing if not for all this saga...

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

Book Review: "A Mother Like You" By Ruby Speechley

When marriage is often till death do us part but what if till children come between us is part of the new equation?

Kate and James seemed to be the 'perfect' couple with procreation never in the plans until at 45 years old Kate finds herself in a dilemma and pregnant.

The old boy friend is also in the picture -Paul- but reader's are quickly concerned over his motives and wonder is this a relationship with secrets.

As the story progresses it's clearly apparent there's something more connecting these individuals and it's a race to the finish to uncover the truths.

You see there's secrets that are about to come to light and when they do all hell breaks loose.
In addition, the wonderment centers upon motives as to what might happen with this new pregnancy and what perhaps might be stirred up in the process.

It's a family secret that goes back over 20 years with some harsh accusations being tossed around from all angles as this plot thickens and these characters become more actively engaged.

A fab new read by Ruby Speechley that should be given undue attention as it's one heck of a thriller that will grip you without a release in sight.

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

Book Review: "A Mother's Goodbye" By Kate Hewitt

Gripping, Riveting, Deeply Moving!

A Mother's Goodbye is not only about adoption but genetics as what constitutes a parent isn't always blood relations or paternity but rather unconditional love and acceptance of the child.
In this case we have two women Heather the biological mother and Grace a woman who will soon experience a traumatic experience in more ways than one.

Imagine if you will having to endure a lengthy process in order to adopt with plenty of uncertainties, questions, and court rulings.

Now look at this same process from the eyes of a young impressionable child and how that might affect them if they are suddenly removed from the only home they know and love.
These are some of the issues closely addressed with heart, raw emotion, and reader appeal as we embark on this remarkable journey between not only these two women but their extended families and supportive structures.

It was truly a book that will require Kleenex to be on stand-bye as this is one novel you won't soon forget long after you flip the last page.

Thank you to Kate, the pub, Netgalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Last Correspondent" By Soraya M. Lane

A male dominated arena is about to get a sudden shift in transformation, acceptance, and a history making lesson of inclusion.

Ella, Dani, and Chloe are dealing with retaliatory actions after they're told no women on the front lines of war as both war correspondents and photo journalists.

Our situation doesn't change even with best friend Andy and his sister Chloe -Vogue model-trying to get noticed with her lover during the French Resistance.

It's a captivating story as we travel back in time to Normandy and war torn France as each woman is determined to follow her dreams regardless of the obstacles designed to prevent their success.

As the story unfolds we are drawn into this exclusive world of Soraya M. Lane that involves tenacity, courage, and the will to not only survive but thrive.

What remains when the smoke clears is devastation but also hope and plenty of unexpected happy moments involving love and second chances at life.

The improvements, the thoughtful reflections, the motivational factors all combine to provide a powerful -well written-and wonderful new read as war pics are often horrific but the story of those who gave their lives on the front lines should be told and must be told forever more.

These men and women who fought so strongly for their country shall never be forgotten and their personal stories of the ultimate sacrifice but in the documents, the memories, and the battle scars they possess.

Thank you Soraya, the pub, NetGalley for this insightful read in exchange for this honest review.

This is one novel I highly endorse!

Book Review: "The One Before" By Miranda Smith

Imagine if you almost married a monster...

Ok, well I for one have no need to imagine because I fell in love with one but for Miranda and Cooper she's just uncovering and unraveling the pieces of this mysterious circumstance.
In fact it's not really hard to uncover once you know where, how, and when to look for the clues but once these clues line up successfully it paints an extremely grim picture of the man she thought she knew.

How could he possibly be involved in the deaths?

What secrets are being held under at Whisper Lake?

Who would ever want to keep everything from coming public?

Danger lurks, mysterious ways are approaching, plots thicken and families are starting to panic.
Yet, in the end it is the family that helps wrap it all up and make sense out of something so unbelievable and horrific.

Sometimes even when you're out of the situation and far removed the pain still lingers and the thoughts flood every memory.

That pain will be forever etched in Miranda's mind forever.

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

Book Review: "The Silent Friend" By Diane Jeffrey

Well this just blew every imaginative thought right out of the water!

Don't go into this one with any expectations because by the end you'll be blown away!
YIKES!

Two women sharing one tragic bond.

Laura and Sandy have quite the story to tell and sadly it is one neither could've ever imagined.
How they both process the pain, the healing formations, the individual strengths, the family ties, the support systems each possesses will be crucial in moving forward and bringing them both a peaceful resolution.

Best friends, sons and or daughters, marriages and or families -everything is on the line here in The Silent Friend.

Powerful influencers are also in question once everything unravels and it will shock you to the core to understand the dynamics and ever thickening plots.

Being able to openly communicate, discuss, listen and in fact find common ground will be the most important gift one can obtain.

This was quite the emotional roller coaster especially for parents and those who've lost someone or something they loved so dearly.

The upbringing, the guidance, the supportive structures, the educational measures-everything comes into question and it's no surprise the end results are gripping!

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

Book Review: "Silence in the Shadows" By Darcy Coates

What happens when your home that was once a sanctuary becomes a trap?

The stark winds continue to blow with the hollow earth grounds crumbling, humanity needs more refuges (safe zones for harvesting food, and the manor seems to be the last hope.

Darcy Coates creates a dystopian novel full of intrigue, suspense, and mystery using Silence in the Shadows as the final draw for Black Winter series.

I've only read one other novel by Coates but she's quickly become a favorite of mine in this fantasy genre and for good reason.

Each book carries its own weight and transports us to a new location that's equally rich in both quality and quantity with regards to the characters, the plots, and the twists that leave one wondering how the journey ends with baited breath.

I loved every minute of this newest creation and look forward to more intriguing reads by Darcy Coates.

Book Review: "Undaunted" By John O. Brennan

As we travel through this new norm I was hoping that someone of Mr. Brennan's stature could provide some new insight into not only the backward dealings of many of those in the highest offices of our country but also within our national intelligence and security.

While I appreciate the personal details it seemed they were plentiful and overly abundant and led to a drag of the importance of why we must continue the good fight as our nation crumbles and our democracy is destroyed from within.

This book highlights many personal achievements, accolades, but the real hearty meaty substances concerning our current state of affairs which was the most important for me as I can't change or undue the past actions was null and void.

In fact the section on our current presidency was barely discussed with only twitter rants and personal zingers and that did nothing to wet my appetite in understanding the craziness other than to note the security clearances still work (so I guess that's a plus) but for me this wasn't what I had hoped.

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

Book Review: Red/Black By Rachel Atherton-Charvat

There's reasons why people often gamble away life savings and in this case it's ever present in every morsel of this plot.

This is a vivid and lively approach to a steadily growing problem in a world in which job wages are stagnant, living wages are obsolete, and many are having to work to death to try to make below poverty wages.

In this case we have a wife, mother, and a secret gambler who has a family that's struck by a horrific tragedy.

Sarah is our main character whose marriage to Graeme has seen better days. As we embark on this journey through time we sense trouble in paradise.

Fifteen years ago Sarah had the unimaginable reality of losing her son Ben.
The depression from that incident has caused a revolving set of depression and grief that refuels with gambling losses.

Seb and Izzy her two children are present but not as engaged until dad enters the picture as a narcissist on a mission. His mission involves his own needs being fulfilled.
As he strokes his own ego readers become engaged in another incident that sets the whole world ablaze.

It's a insane ending that results in heightened awareness to the common belief system in everything happening for a reason.

I love the back and forth tug and pull between the characters, the drama, the increasing tension with each flip of the page.

An interesting premise, a thickening plot, a suspenseful ending leads this to a four star review.

Book Review: The Girl Who Wasn't There By Vincent Zandri

 Imagine if you will being convicted of a crime you didn't commit.

As if this wasn't bad enough now imagine that crime being for murder by a crime boss in which you were the driver.
Did I get your attention?
Ok, but what if we threw in one more monkey wrench say like that boss is now after you and your family and wants to kill all of you.
HOLY...
Oh, but wait there's more because on a much needed vacation in which you sought some downtime turns into a nightmare when your daughter is kidnapped while your off with your wife.
The rest is a story for the ages that takes us on an adventure through many winding trails and tails that lead to some shady characters that are in the profession of serving their community.
I wish I could go into more detail but this one is a work of pure magic and so it needs to be handled with care.
Thank you to Vincent, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review

Book Review: Do It Afraid By Joyce Meyer

 

Another fine addition to an already impressive collection is this newest work by Joyce Meyer entitled, "Do It Afraid."

I'm blessed and honored to have received this gem because I've lived the life of hard knocks my entire life and it's taught me more than I could ever imagine.

Living a life as your true self, not hiding behind fear, not magnifying your scars is exactly what we all must do in order to not only strive but survive.

We live in a very rigid, hostile, and often abusive world in which the lower class, the minorities, the immigrants are ostracized.

Like many of Joyce Meyer books they are clear, concise, and inspirational in uncovering our weaknesses and building upon our strengths.

What is not known is just how far one will work to stay in tune to God, to practice his faith, to walk with God and never waiver?

This is the ultimate question and I'm so glad to have been able to enjoy these scriptures as they are truly worth saving.

You can use the scriptures to guide you as you move forward in your journey.

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

Book Review: When Women Pray By T.D. Jakes

Crush those grapes!

Ladies, you need not forsake yourself.
Jesus knows you are thirsty, he doesn't want you to suffer, if you stay in faith and pray he will answer your prayers.

God is good!

As T.D. Jakes notes: there's no pain quite like the pain of isolation, despair, sorrow. That feeling of being unworthy, unappealing, and unloved.

My favorite quote: "I praise every wife who chooses to willingly set aside her own career in service to her family. We need more tenacious women in the world."

Yet, as I've written to Mr. T.D. Jakes on Twitter- I noted that I gave up career to raise family in support of supporting my spouse in his career endeavors and while he furthered his own agenda and divorced me leaving us bankrupt as a family of four. I found myself bankrupt, homeless, LT unemployed with a dual masters being told I'm over/underqualified and when I mentioned volunteerism for 20 yrs to fill the gap I was then told by President of the United Way in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania that I came across as entitled as if my volunteering should be rewarded with employment all while in extreme poverty and job seeking for 10 years straight.

So, while I try to remain positive I note this cold call email which resulted in an interview that left me in tears because while these books sound great in spirit in reality the world is hard, cruel, and degrading to women.

I wish Mr. Jakes would've responded to my concerns about how women are viewed as only 'stay at home moms' as I was in family court seeking child support after my spouse accrued 15k in arrears.

OR when I was going to the library to feed my three kids as they offered my spouse preferential treatment for having a paid position.

Or when I was seen as non believable or credible simply because I had zero 'earned' income.
This is our reality and women should rightfully so be afraid of this new norm.

In fact as a former minister of hospitality and the only female usher in my Catholic church here at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Kingston Pa I was confronted and disturbed by three male ushers who ripped a collection basket out of my hands during Sunday mass.
The male ushers felt women like myself took over their jobs and they noted to one another," There's more of us then them."

When I mentioned this to our local vicar having raised my three kids in private catholic schools that feed into this church I was told that the men need time to come around to this new line of thinking and even after doing this volunteer work as female usher for nearly a full year having volunteered for 2 yrs I was told they didn't know who I was which was a downright lie as I stood every Sunday mass at the back of the church with the male ushers when I wasn't sick with HUS (fatal blood disorder) and severe anemia with sever spinal stenosis.

All in all this was an interesting read but sadly those of us without income are struggling and we need serious help STAT!

Book Review: Quiet Times With God By Joyce Meyers

When you need to de-stress, re-invigorate, replenish - You know you can always go to Joyce Meyer for the positivity and thoughtful reflections.

I'm so honored to have been provided this copy via Faith Words through Netgalley because I'm a long time fan having read everything I can find by Joyce Meyer.

In this case, we have 365 daily inspirations with plenty to take away and indulge the senses in every format.

This was a wonderful journey for those who cherish their faith, who respect a higher power, who need the reassurance that their on the right path daily.

Keep your head up.

Don't let the world get you discouraged.

Always walk with God because you're a child of God and he'll never steer you wrong.

My favorite quote as a minister of hospitality has always been: If God is for me who could be against me.

All things through Christ our Lord, Amen!

This is a must read for 2020 during these difficult and trying times in our nation.

Book Review: Gotcha! By Ed Weinberger

 

Who better to read and review a book with the title,"GOTCHA!" than a gal with the same name "GATCHA" as her maiden name? Yes, and so here we are scratching our heads trying to make sense of the abnormal, deliberate, and malicious content we now find ourselves engulfed in with DT at the helm as the ship sinks. I can't imagine the scenario, never dreamt it could happen, always assumed it was a farce but ladies these men (alpha males) do exist and to make it worse they come packaged with a pretty tie with underneath baggage and personality trait disorders. Having married a fella like this with malignant narcissistic traits led to a nightmare disguised as a blessing so allow me to entertain this new piece from Mr. Weinberger. We need satire because reality is simply too painful but the humor was apparent and sadly so too is the seeds of division being sown. We cannot allow this to continue for four more years less risk our sanity and our lives. Covid is more than mere numbers as their have been countless lives lost at this man's orders and while he isn't directly accountable for the virus he most certainly has ignored the plight and devastation that has followed. His family as was my family is operating using the narcissistic ways in which children and spouses are secondary to work, money, and success. Narcissists in general terms are needy, greedy, and miserable. They operate from a false sense of self and will sell you fake gold believing it's glowing. Empty promises and broken dreams are served up with good ol fashioned gaslighting via manipulation, shame, blame, threats, intimidation, fear, and smear campaigns. The latter doing the most damage as your reputation can be kissed-GOODBYE! It's exhausting, humiliating, and horrifying to now see our country experiencing what I have personally and professionally in my marriage. After eleven year marriage I was nothing more than 'kept woman' and 'biz partner' to my loving spouse. This speaks volumes as these toxic individuals are selfish in ways, utilize the God like ego central, and feel far superior yet it's this fragile ego that they fear being exposed. Once you question them, once you see through the fog, smoke, mirrors; once you expose them for the con artists/chameleons/Jekyll and Hyde's that they are they cower and hide. The biggest issue with them is it's impossible to be functional with one as they are very competitive, demeaning, degrading, and lack the ability to listen and communicate effectively and productively. Our country cannot afford any more of this nor can our allies and we must be the change. We have got to VOTE and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law once he's no longer a sitting president. God Bless our USA

Book Review: "A Desperate Place" By Jennifer Greer

Desperate people do desperate things when driven by motive!

As a criminal justice major in by grad level I absolutely enjoyed this new novel by Jennifer Greer for many reasons.

She gets right to the heart of these three mysterious cases with a similar medical connection and it's like a cancer is festering both literally and figuratively.

I can't disclose too much but suffice to say it's an edge of your seat ride in which you're hanging on to every word, every medical examiner's diagnosis, and every clue that stumbles haphazardly before your very eyes.

I've known many situations in which people are diagnosed with similar issues and concerns but this was quite fascinating and clearly the author did her research as it was credible and believable.

Could all these mysterious deaths be connected?

Do we have a serial killer on our hands?

Could there be more to this story than meets the eye...sorry for the pun but YESSSSSSS!

Oh, baby hang on tight --this was full steam ahead!

Book Review: "The Midnight Library" By Matt Haig

 

“If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don't give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it. Most gossip is envy in disguise.”

No truer words were spoken in this lovely new piece by Matt Haig that brings fantasy, reality, fiction into one impressive new novel-The Midnight Library.

I love reading Matt's work and this newest e-book version was no different.
He takes us on a journey through time literally and figuratively as you read with many important milestones along the way.

So often even as adults we focus upon our limitations, fear, inconsistencies rather than build ourselves up and stay in the positive lane while addressing our humanity, our existence, our peaceful transition during these most stressful times.

In other words, don't focus on the past, the lack of achievements, the failures but rather build upon them and focus on strengths, determination, and the will to achievable expectations.
The 'Book of Regrets' was once such topic that I adored within this novel because it is virtually relatable to each and every single one of us.

We accomplish so much yet are we truly and absolutely happy or are we going through the ever changing motions of life -tarnished, broken, depressed, withdrawn, and sulken?
When is being good enough- simply ENOUGH?

Writing is one such source of relief as reading takes us away to another place. We can writer and journal or even blog to escape reality and many of us do.

It's important to recognize that during these stressful times it's ok to take time to smell the roses. To stay true to self-to be authentic- to be YOU!

You can choose the way you which to go through life and you need not waste another day in worry.

All we need is love, support, guidance, and a million dollars but if the latter is absent than make up for it by giving back, volunteering, being in the here and now.

As Mrs. Elm notes," Never underestimate the big importance of small things."

Yes, Mrs. Elm you are correct- we must live so go and do it!

Don't give up , life is a blank page that we must fill.

The regret in the end is not what we did but rather what we've never attempted to try.
Reach for those stars and keep reaching because even if you fail -you win- in your attempt to try.

A great read that put me in one splendid mood.

Conquer the world and never look back!

Book Review: "Love Your Life" By Sophie Kinsella

If ever there was a book to read while waiting for your college aged son to depart from campus- this is the one.

If you're like me and just need that book that will take you away & if you're my age and have those #CalgonMoments as a single parent of several kids than this will be the icing on that cake.

This has everything a romance book should with plenty of crazy hot and evenly tempered spice, with a slice of lemon to keep things slightly sour, and an extra helping of excitement or shall I say drama from Matt's side of the fence.

What I loved was absolutely everything as it may not be relatable or 100% accurately portrayed reality, but who wants to read what's been done ad nauseum?

All you need is love but hell you ain't finding it on an app girl...

That's where this writer's retreat in Italy comes into play because it's the perfect location to begin this amazing adventure between two of the most unlikely candidates.

Opposites may attract but this is pure insanity as it's fast, luscious, and the bomb!
Oh, Sophie --Love your writing! Never stop!

Book Review: "The Noel Letters" By Richard Paul Evans

A sense of belonging, of love, of family, and of forgiveness in the written format that will bring about thoughtful reflections.

The Noel Letters by Richard Paul Evans is the 4th in his infamous-The Noel Collection Book Series- and has brought about great insight, wisdom, and personal clarity.
It all begins with the father's death and the daughter's memories that seemed distant, cold, and dismayed.

As time went on she learns of an inheritance, a bookstore, and a past flame all wrapped into one nice and neat bow.

The quotes at the start of every chapter, the bookstore feel, the inescapable truths, and the conversations that were held so near and dear had set the stage as the best emotional appeal that I've personally experienced in this genre.

What a powerful read with a father daughter duo that is at the end of the lifespan and seeking solace, comfort, and ultimately forgiveness.

Noel the daughter in this case may come across as a bit hard edge, miserable, and unhappy but she soon realizes that change can be welcoming and good.

These characters will have you embracing them while also questioning motives but in the end it's so darn good to just be present, in the moment, and happy.

A great read that will capture every emotion through the finest of words!

Book Review: "The Next Wife" By Liz Lawler

This is a book that appears to be cut/dry but ends up being confusing and extremely perplexing.

It begins with a newly married couple (Tess/Daniel Myers) as newlyweds (4 months) who seem to have some issues with this surgeon that seems perfect.

Too good to be true?
Is she good enough?
What happened to his first wife?

I'm not sure what to say as the dynamics change rather quickly.

I could've sworn I read about a name change but then I later believe it was about an individuals father and some deep seeded hidden secrets.

There's many triggering content such as suicide, spousal abuse, and more.

With this noted there's a young impressionable boy with some thoughtful reflections about his past and while it seems to bring some answers it creates more troubled terrain.

Questions pertaining to paternity and a weird connection with a guy named Jim who is by this older woman's side named Martha with her possible dementia is also a twister. No worries as it comes together in the end.

How this family comes together -their mutual relationship dynamics- the future and what it now holds when the dust settles is all on the plate or in the oven - however, you wish to view it all.

It's a whirlwind -fast paced- thriller that will keep you up long after you finished.

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

Book Review: "Men Who Hate Women" By Laura Bates

 

First and foremost I want to personally thank the author Laura Bates and the publisher for providing this via Netgalley and Amazon Kindle.

This was the most interesting work I've read in quite some time that really was an eye opener for this single mom x 3 teens (college, high school senior, elementary senior).

While sitting waiting for my son to exit college I pulled this off my TBR pile and read it ahead of all others and for a reason.

I was allured by the title and yearned for more insight into this dark, mysterious, secretive world that seemed to capture the media headlines and illicit some extremely strong actions and language on behalf of its users.

What I found was Laura Bates as Alex going into chat rooms, online sessions, and fighting off trolls to give us the inside scoop.

What a warrior as she discusses the inner workings of these white nationalist, male supremacist, and incels.

I never heard of some of the terminology used in reference to 'Red Pill' but I'm quite well aware of the alarming rise of the Alt right and the far right groups like the Proud Boys.

When I mentioned I was reading this book for review my 20 yr old mentioned to me that it was not hard to find information on these groups. As I proceeded to read about how they literally target the young, like minded, loners in hopes of radicalization I learned that this was just the tip of the iceberg.

Fear mongering, egotistical men, those who feel above the law, and almost god like is what we have here and they feel women should be treated improperly.

Women who come across as powerful feminists, strong voiced, tenacious, and career oriented are viewed as threats.

These sick individuals want to rid women of their basic rights to be treated as humanely as possible.

They feel they deserve to be abused, punished, isolated, and in some cases silenced for life.

Rape is a by-product of such 'new norms' that have created this bubble in which we all become desensitized to this new wave of thinking.

This wave of there are more of us than there are of you -type of thinking.

In fact, when I had a collection basket ripped out of my hand by three 'older' white male ushers in the middle of Sunday mass, I was absolutely speechless and shaking as I walked back to my car.

I never thought I'd say that the Catholic religion that I've spent years involved in as a 'female usher and minister of hospitality' had now stated,"These men need time to come around to this new line of thinking."

As if somehow women wanting to participate in male dominated volunteer positions would warrant such despicable actions.

I was even further dumbfounded by the priest and vicar never offered any remorse or empathy.

It's this new wave of behavior by young and old alike that is frightening and horrific.

I'll also add as a woman having given up her masters to allow her spouse to further his career I never thought I'd be left bankrupt, homeless, and LT unemployed being told I'm overqualified and lack prior work experience.

I went on a cold call and was once left in the wait room for a man who never showed for scheduled interview to discuss why I wasn't hired as I requested helpful advice for my next job opportunity.

I've also experienced a president of the United Way leave me in tears as I went back down the elevator after being told I come across as entitled after volunteering for 20 yrs & wishing to get hired now for a paid position.

This is the type of behavior along with the norm cat calls, yodels, spitting, throwing rocks, refusing to give women space while driving or right of way, eye balling us via the rear mirrors, and more that I have come to despise.

This treatment extends even to the courts. I was getting divorced and told I deserved my abuse. I had the door slam in my face by my malignant narcs council. I had the master judge request I sit next to my abuser and my abuser was given extra time to appear for court ordered appearance.

I was also told to repay my abuser 5 k when he was awarded 21k for paying his own household bills while we resided in the home with a PFA (Protection from Abuse) all while he filed an illegal action to have us (his family) removed from the premise via Special Relief being filed.

I've seen it all when it comes to men feeling superior and wanting to use hatred to strike down women both literally and figuratively.

The #MeToo movement was a huge game changer for women -allowing us a voice for once.

Sadly, men feel this voice comes with a price that they must behave or else be subject to penalties.

Truth be told while I'm sure their may be some women who abuse this movement for the overall majority it's much needed as for years women have been silenced.

When the author mentioned men feeling the deck stacked against them in court -I beg to differ.

I wasn't given any special treatment and in fact it was quite the opposite.

The preferential treatment was given to my abuser as they used the buddy system aka the big boy network to cover for one another.

The manosphere is this idealogy that can infect anyone before you notice it taking over.

Exploitation and grooming by extremist is on the rise and can be found virtually anywhere online.

I pray we get a President that no longer supports such far right extremes and we begin to heal from our wounds as the divisiveness is excruciating and living in constant state of fight of flight is exhausting.

When I exited my marriage I prayed that was the end but sadly it began with another malignant narcissist in the highest office of the land and I for one cannot take another 4 years of this torture.

Women have a right to voice their opinions. We are not meat markets. We are well educated and career minded. We will not be silenced any more!

Brains and Brawn -Carry on!

Book Review: "Hidden In Plain Sight" By Jeffrey Archer

Another fab new read by the wonderfully talented Jeffrey Archer is on full display with this newest thriller in the William Warwick Novels.

How can we not love these characters that are so multifaceted but in this case DS Warwick has been re-assigned for a drug case.

Little does he know the fun he's about to embark upon when this journey takes him back into time with a few friends like high school friend turned drug dealer-Adrian Heath- or financier Miles Faulkner- whose out to destroy Warwick's reputation and put damper upon his marriage vows.

This criminal enterprise contains plenty of heated action, suspense, and non stop thrills that will keep you guessing till the end while hiding under the covers with the flashlight to finish off this entrancing novel.

Oh, I see myself one day prancing among the tulips and how ironic that these flowery subjects are about to enter stage right.

You know it's a shame someone has to go but perhaps the guilty will have the charges stick. 

'Justice for All' is truly a remarkable sight to behold!

Just be careful when entering Viper Vest because sometimes guys with fancy names like Booth Watson can only do so much on defense.

Thanks to Jeffrey Archer, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.