Book Review and Blog Tour : "A Brambleberry Summer" By RaeAnne Thayne

 

First and foremost I must say, "Thank You" to RaeAnne Thayne, Harlequin Books, Dreamer Blog Tour for this exclusive ARC in exchange for this honest review. There's always love in the air. A season of forgiveness. A chance for healing. A dash of pure sweetness, a sense of urgency and an array of characters that explode off the pages into the hearts and minds of readers everywhere. RaeAnne Thayne has that writing magic that makes you gravitate towards the minute you open the book from each and every sentiment, emotion, and feeling with spell binding literary ease. A Brambleberry Summer is the fifth in the series of The Women Of Brambleberry House and has plenty of good going for it. There's some intense action that I can't get into but it'll move you to tears because it's raw, real, and riveting. It's the past, the present, and the future combined into one heart stopping moment in time. I'm not sure how women and men find the courage to move forward from sensitive, traumatic, and deeply troubling pasts but it's always a pleasure to read the reality of that chemistry find its proper place between Rosa and Officer Wyatt. Did the stars align? Was there suddenly some additional helpers hidden among the hours of our days? Will this end happily for all involved? Such a treat and wonderment to behold here. It's a must read novel that you won't soon forget.

Book Review: "The Last Exiles" By Ann Shin

 

The Last Exiles was a story brought about by real life events involving Jin and Shula -these two Korean university students being defected from North Korea to China .

They embark on this journey of the rich v. the poor as Jin tries to assist the impoverished while enabling emotions to boil over into other realms that didn't really take shape.

The escape aspect did feel too contrived while the tensions were mounting and I couldn't help but to feel a bit uncomfortable as women's trauma was viewed solely for entertainment.
People are dying. Many are starving. Times are excruciatingly horrific.

I can't help but think "The taint of their past weighed them down...He hoped they could make it to America. He hoped that would be enough."

Would it be enough?
You decide...

Book Review: "Fake Accounts" By Lauren Oyler

 

I've always been taught to tell the truth no matter how hard, no matter who it might hurt, no matter the circumstances.

I received this book via Goodreads giveaway so I must start off by giving them my gracious thanks even though it took just over 8 weeks to receive.

I was inundated and still am with over 300 ARC's on Netgalley so I tucked this aside until I had the right frame of mind and time to present to the task.

It was a gorgeous sunny weekend here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the birds were chirping, the sky was blue, the weather was humid but it was all good.

I figured this past weekend was ideal to read and boy was I wrong.

I tried the entire weekend to get into the groove of this one as the editing was horrendous but I just couldn't wrap my mind around this story.

It took off in way too many directions. It had a woman who seemed adamant about what she wanted yet still played hard to get and indeed created a fake account.

It was at that time I gave up because it was just too difficult to sludge through for the sake of not taking the dreaded, 'DNF.'

Honestly, I gave it my 'atta-girl' try but I decided that two-wrongs never made a right. In fact, I'm not quite understanding the premise. If a guy screws you - you screw him- what happened to the high road.

In fact, it was a guy who was a conspiracy theorist - to each their own- why not just end it- why go snooping into his shiite?

I have a hard time grasping the overall appeal for this and would rather simply walk off into the sunset.

Thank you Goodreads for this giveway and to those who were able to make it to the end- Congrats! You have my devoted applause and pats on the back.

Book Review: "House Of Hollows" By Krystal Sutherland

House of Hollow is definitely unique in its premise and execution of thoughts.

I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed it nor that ending but it was different especially with the dark, dreary, and gothic feel to the storyline.

It starts off with three sisters who have been gone for a month only to reappear without much comprehension of time lost.

Their appearances are freakish with black eyes, white hair, crescent scars on throats.
Infliction of self harm wasn't cool nor was the repetitive writing that proceeded each thought.
It was suicidal at times (no pun intended) and sadly it also bordered on bizarre with binge eating paranoia.

Oh, and this little tidbit: Heat and flame. Blood and fire. Could there be a link?
Turns out someone died. Perhaps unfairly.

With many left dazed and confused in the end.

All's well as it was good but I wouldn't bet the house on it.

Thank you to Osterhout Free Library for this Curbside Pickup Read.

Book Review: "Imagine Summer" By Shelley Noble

Look whose coming for dinner...It's your long lost half sister and Connor (your first love)...Shut the front door!

Quick...
OMG!

This was splendid in every nook and cranny or was that hidden crevice?..
Well, no worries because you see there's a storm brewing and it's not just between the sisters oh, heck no. There's a hurricane on the horizon or more like a twister and it's about to strike down.

Skylar Mackenzie is on a weekend retreat and her half sister Amy is into her business even going so far as to step foot on her doorstep with company.

Jack was Skye's current boyfriend but things headed South rather quickly once this new fella' hopped on board.

Could she still have feelings for her past love?
Would this wedge grow deeper between Jack and Skye?

What's the meaning of Sex on the Rocks --or was that the Beach--darn -old age! One's a drink and the other- You get my drift.

Folks, this is about to get washed up and those who are standing on dry land are darn lucky to have one another.

I'm on to my next voyage but this was absolutely WONDERFUL and FULFILLING in every regard.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Thank you to Shelly Noble, the pub, Goodreads for this amazing Giveaway that swept me up -hook, line, and sinker!

Book Review: "Heartbreak For Hire" By Sonia Hartl

Heartbreak for Hire was one special little book that was full of love, magic, and a bit of nostalgia.

I loved the way in which this wrapped you into this cocoon of intrigue while professing the fact that dating isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Many people now seek out secret services to catch cheaters in the act and Brinkley Saunders finds herself doing this job.

Her boss is now hiring male heartbreakers and look who just walked in...Oh, Hello Mark.
So, what would the prerequisite be for such a job - one can only wonder?
What kind of people will she find? What will Mark think of such a line of work?

There's plenty to get lost in here and even more to enjoy as this goes full throttle ahead into a world that's increasingly becoming more and more difficult to endure.

In fact, perhaps the greatest joy comes in knowing where you came from but what if that too is a question that's up for debate?

What about having a good moral compass?
Will that be required along with a solid upbringing and or good firm foundation of supportive structures in one's life...

Absolutely adore this piece by Sonia Hartl which is why I'd highly recommend reading this in any format be it print, hardcover, e-digital, NetGalley, Kindle or wherever fine books are sold.

Thank you to Sonia Hartl for this print format as well as the Netgalley copy as this was one enjoyable, fun, and quirky read.

Book Review: "Beneath Devil's Bridge" By Loreth Anne White

Allow me a second to give a well deserved applause to Loreth Anne White for creating a very well written piece.

Beneath Devil's Bridge was captivating beyond words.

It was riveting, enthralling, suspenseful, and deeply enjoyable while keeping me glued to every page like a madwoman.

Wow!

I didn't know what direction to turn, if I should run or hide, and whether or not I should simply take notes or just immerse myself in every emotion and get lost within the pure pleasures of this thriller.

Holy smokes this was smokin' hot!

It starts with this true podcast about the murder Beneath Devil's Bridge some two decades ago pertaining to the murder of teen student Leena Rai via the guidance counselor and family man Clayton Jay Pelley.

Everyone it seems has a story to tell including Clayton who professes his side via this podcast in prison to Trinity Scott who has personal involvement into this case.

Twin Falls will never be the same after the shocking truth is revealed neither will Rachel Walczak the former detective who put him behind bars.

It seems Clayton isn't the only one with secrets in Twin Falls. Not by a long shot.
In fact, it seems that those in professions valued for helping others to heal may be behind many of the current issues.

There's many twisted/dark topics that are triggering and disturbing such as sexual assault, bullying, as well as the original autopsy results that are extremely horrific and brutal.
Be it known that not everyone is telling the truth and some characters are even implicated in assisting the assault and murder of this young lady.

Cover up crimes in addition to the murder are on full display such as the burning of a residence and an entire family being locked in harm's way. Luckily, all but one survived.
It's an explosive read that will have you asking yourself who committed a crime so horrific as this one and why.

In the end, there's a fallout over safety and a possible suicidal mission in play.
This was one in which it left me pondering the situation long after I finished reading.

Thank you to Loreth Ann White, the pub, Goodreads giveaway and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Vacation" By M.M. Chouinard

As one by one their secrets are uncovered, who will be destroyed next?

Bingo! We have our winner!
Ok, M.M. Chouinard- I see you!

The Vacation is anything but when it's Thanksgiving and you have a ton of things planned and secrets to keep hidden.

Rose and Brandon are married but he's a hidden alcoholic and has had an affair threatening the very fibers of this marriage.

Brianna is the sis-in-law who has had 5 miscarriages.

Three year old Lily was kidnapped and there's hell to pay after the truth is revealed.
Lily had an accident. One she may not be able to fully recover. As they say it takes two to play, the other half might be somehow intertwined in this incident.

Now, I can go into the serious nature of it all but that would give away too many spoilers.
What I can tell you is that this plays out beautifully like a well oiled machine.

Everything in its wake is shredded to bits and nobody is as they appear in person.

There's a possible second motive and or scenario that is snowballing out of control.

Nobody sees this large mass of energy until it's too late. It flattens the entire drama filled tension and creates an epic thriller that's not to be messed with or teased.

Thank you to M.M. Chouinard for this amazing read.

That confession was everything!

Book Review: "Knock" By Rebecca Leder

 This was a wonderful new addition in assisting 'job seekers' in finding creative means to networking, building meaningful professional and personal relationships with prospective employers, and creating new avenues to getting 'noticed' in the professional marketplace.

Whether your a new job seeker out on the market or someone who has been unemployed for some time there's something in here for everyone to take away and build upon.

The only issue I'd have is with the fact that gaps in employment for those of us who're raising families solo are not addressed. Nor is the fact about re-entering the workplace after long term unemployment and wage gap fillers using volunteering as a tool.

I've been divorced for many years and I've found that age is also an issue for older Americans even in our mid 40's with extensive backgrounds and higher education such as with my case having obtained my Masters.

Rebecca addressed some HR members reporting back that they couldn't afford to pay higher educated workers or that the higher education was a stumbling block to being labeled 'overqualified' but it was briefly addressed.

I've found that upon requesting an evaluation and helpful advise after a non-hire that HR executives said I'm overqualified, in a highly competitive field with numerous applicants, or that they found someone with more extensive qualifications even if the job was advertised as entry level with no prior work experience required with on the job training. I continue seeking full time living wages while in extreme poverty to this day.

What complexes my situation is the age requirements. As we all know age discrimination is a major issue these days as companies downsize and utilize cost cutting measures.

It's becoming increasingly difficult when salaries are stagnant, superiority is non-existent, and job security with benefits is all but obsolete.

Workers today should be paid around $20 hourly to stay in tune with the cost of living yet, many are just paying poverty wages at $7.25 hour.

Due to the pandemic many are tossing in extra hiring incentives such as 1k bonus for new hires but this is a drop in the bucket when you see the salaries or the wage increases after performance reviews.

I've worked to death at a factory as a teen. I was injured on the job and left to get a college degree and Masters. I had over 30k in student loan debt upon graduating that accrued to over 100k with deferments plus divorce, medical expenses for having kids to the tune of another 30k in collection, and other debt from having to live with zero income awaiting child support for kids while having medical disabilities that resulted in additional debt. I was paid $7.25 hr., just under full time hours to prevent full time status, top producer in two departments (CTH/GTH), received $25 one time bonus (pre-tax) and ten cent raise for producing 200 units per hour. The guy taking my garbage earned $8.00 to start.

People don't realize the work to death mentality is a farce. I have major medical problems from this theory of work hard, pull up the bootstraps, hard work pays off.

It doesn't and it only led to additional problems that now can't be solved. For example, I now suffer from severe spinal stenosis, asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis and a ganglion cysts (repetitive movement) and I attribute these issues directly to this factory in which we had no clean air and diesel fumes from loading docks as a non smoker.
Folks, we can discuss the niceties but the reality is that I've even tried the cold calls. I've sent the emails. The thank you letters.

I've been interviewed by the President of the United Way who told me I came across as 'entitled' because I'm no longer able to work for free after volunteering for the past twenty years. I cried all the way out the door.

I'm the one who was awarded the 2016 Outstanding Community Service Award by Maternal Family Health Services but when I applied multiple times for a job with them was declined and told the other individual had more billing and coding experience even though it was on the job training and no experience necessary.

I was the one who volunteered with Pocono Raceway as a fan council member and consistently submitted my resume yearly only to have my boss hired and sent to Daytona.
I was the one who applied for the Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce position and was told by boys just out of college that I wasn't a good fit for the job. Upon scheduling an interview to further ask for tips on job hiring I was left to sit in the waiting room even with a scheduled appointment.

The construction men on site actually assisted me and upon seeing the President of the company leaving after a meeting I was the one who introduced myself and seized the golden opportunity to ask about the declined position. I was later told numerous applicants and to keep trying.

It's a dog eat dog world in which I've had multiple entry level and low salaried jobs declined including jobs at my alumni colleges for 14k a year (before taxes) bookstore positions declined even while working unpaid for over 11 publishers as a trade blogger and reviewer as the TOP 37 of all Time reviewer at Goodreads with 1,214 books read last year alone -for free while seeking a living wage since twenty ten.

I'm the gal who has applied to the same position multiple times , declined, and reapplied after it was reposted for the same job.

I've even applied for paid jobs on Facebook in my local area only to be told they didn't place the ad or that it's volunteer position which seems a wee-bit odd.

I've come to realize that in today's day and age it's not about networking it's about wealth. It's about money. It's about donations to colleges in exchange for kickbacks and perks. It's about the big boy network only helping their own. It's not what you know but what political affiliation and who you are surrounded by on a daily basis.

I know this because I've watched guys with criminal records such as Greg Skrepnak have jobs set aside for them at local law offices ie. Fellerman and Ciarimboli. A job that I graciously applied for with a Masters in Criminal Justice having worked for the Public Defender's Office as an intern. I was declined. The individual who applied was a convicted felon and I won't bother to go into his educational background.

I've also been the one who watched my own ex-spouse get hired with a PFA violation and arrest for an ICC violation on record. Also warrant issued for failure to pay and appear for court after 15k accrued in arrearages. He was hired with Wilkes University for a grant funded position.

He was a major Democratic donor to the college and an alumni.

I know people have to make money.

I also know people will be nice and say, "Keep trying" or they'll note, "something is bound to come up." Ten years and going strong here.

The reality is without money you are nothing in this world. Credit is everything. Woman who gave up careers to raise families are never reimbursed for the time lost. We can't get that time back.

It's impossible to get hired when women are paid less than men with families to raise and support. When woman are treated inhumanely at the hands of men. When women cannot be reimbursed for the greatest and hardest job in the world and must do so alone without assistance for childcare expenses which are enormous. While many have it rough imagine being on our end.

I've recently applied for a content writer with ENX2 marketing. I figured I was a well qualified candidate having extensive history as a freelance writer, trade blogger, reviewer, and the like over the years in this field. I passed two writing test and was told my interview went extremely well. Yet, they hired a young lady who was right out of college with yearbook experience. I kid you not with this small mediocre company with less than 20 employees for this start up business.

While I'm thrilled the younger workers are being hired it's sad that older workers with extensive obligations cannot be extended the same opportunities.

It's sad to say that women are at a loss in a man's world.

Book Review: "If She Dies" By Erik Therme

First and foremost I must say, "Thank you" to Erik Therme, Thecker Books, and Goodreads for this Giveaway.

I've been reading Erik's books since 2018 with Keep Her Close and I Know You in 2019 and now If She Dies and they've been increasingly better with each new addition.

This one was a suspenseful and masterful piece of enjoyment from start to finish.

It begins with a terrorizing situation with the death of a child named Lily. Lily was the daughter of Tess and Josh. She was killed in a car accident in which Brady was driving. Brady is serving two years in prison.

We're not aware of the fine tooth details until later but when those are added on it's full blown chaos.

The fact that Meg and Brady have a daughter- Eve- and it's an unfair feeling, having his daughter live while Tess's is dead.

So, what's a gal to do?
When Eve suddenly goes missing everyone points fingers in Tess's direction as she's got zero 

alibi.

Until, the facts come out.

The truth of the matter is that many characters are shady. They each have something to offer and some even have their own hidden objectives and motives.
The truth is skewed with the lies.

Was Eve kidnapped?
Why did it appear that Tess was always aware of her location at all times?

WTF?

What about Colin -the twin- of Tess. Could he have taken Eve?
How about the relationship between Josh and Tess?
Is their marriage on the rocks? Did he ever discuss his own past relationships? His first love?
Could their be more to this story? This kidnapping? These lives?

This was absolutely splendid!

In fact, it was so good that I decided to read the bulk of this early this morn so I'd be wide awake. I'm glad I did because this deserved my undivided attention.

It was so good that I zipped through this w/o a moment's hesitation and couldn't wait to see how it all ended.

The hidden secrets among Brady's family was quite extraordinary and really shed a light on toxic relationships.

Thank you to Erik Therme, the pub, Goodreads Giveaway, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Sunrise By The Sea" By Jenny Colgan

 

Craving solitude in a pandemic...Good luck with that one! Ok, well I've not read any books in the Little Beach Street Bakery but have read numerous books by Jenny Colgan. This book emphasizes that 'lost connection' to the world with Polly and Huckle Miller. The characters reside in a light house with twins. Our main character is dealing with a busy lifestyle left by the husband. She receives little in the form of utter help while scraping by with the bakery funds. Marissa Rossi's grandfather's passing was strenuous as we encounter a host of personal and professional issues relating to feeling isolated and alone. Panic attacks subsequently continue to plague her every move forward towards peace and tranquility after a painful loss. Will Marissa find that solace? Will she be comforted through a network of friends and a communion of supportive professionals? This was an interesting read for sure. Thank you to Jenny Colgan, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Passing Storm" By Christine Nolfi

The Passing Storm was full of life's trials and tribulations that enhanced this title appropriately.

It begins with a young woman Rae in her thirties and her father who own a farm in Ohio.

They encounter Quinn who is in need of guidance, love, reassurance of his paths in life.

He's a troubled teen but everyone hopes for his sake that with some shelter at the Langdons and with Rae, Connor, and Quinn; he'll bring about change.

Ironically, the change he brings is one of patience, humility, and love.
It's quite an interesting tale of abuse, troubled waters, and forgiveness.
One that will test every raw emotion and make you quake in your boots.

It's more than just a slumber party. It was more than just a slip and fall. It was more than just a sudden passing and or fleeting moment in time.

It was so much more...

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

Book Review: "Overliked" By Rob Singleton

Everything about the world today operates off of this premise that importance is ranked by an honor system of likes. This book does a wonderful job in addressing these topics of importance for further discussion.

It drives me batty when I see young adults putting themselves out there in the hopes of either striking it rich via You-Tube or Instagram sensations or in order to captivate an audience which often times leads to a constant life of anxiety, fear, and trepidation.

Why?

Are we that insecure? Selfish?
One of the reasons I don't use Instagram is because it's 'fake.'

Look, lets face facts shall we...

If you were to have a splendid moment-like say, a wedding of your dreams, and you're busy not focusing on your spouse but the next great image, what the hell does that say about your relationship?

You can't shade it in, color it out, fade it into the backdrop of life.
The world is so hung up on image, appearance, and the like that we forget about intellect, morality, and compassion.

We falter by ignoring the signs that one needs a mental evaluation if they plan to spend their days and nights wrapped up trying to impress their significant others especially in regards to seeking praise, attention, adulation from complete strangers.

Yes, it's true to surround yourself with like minds but not LIKES in general.
The sad fact is that narcissism and similar toxic personality trait disorders are increasing and it's been evidenced by this social media craze.

I pray it ends before someone finds out they spent a lifetime living a lie.

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

Book Review: "Say Goodbye" By Karen Rose

Say Goodbye was quite the roller-coaster of emotions.

From out of wedlock situations, brutalized cop killers, to the subsequent death of a pastor -it all kept me on my toes.

What was hard to get into in the initial stages eventually came around to some sort of semblance and created this bizarre situation in which this 'cult like' atmosphere was now reality.
It was much like a sinking ship with many of the crew abandoning the passengers out of fear but many of them had other motives.

Take for example, Joshua and his wife who are facing numerous criminal charges from everything surrounding these girls and or women who died under horrific circumstances in which medical technology today should've prevented such atrocities.

All in all it wasn't a bad read and did keep me entertained once I got past the original introductions and setting that was heavily framed out.

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

Book Review: "The Child In The Photo" By Kerry Wilkinson

 "I’ve been hiding my own secret. Does whoever sent the article know what really happened the day of my accident? Desperate for the truth, I break into the house of my supposed kidnapper. Inside, I find a handwritten list of names. A shiver goes down my spine as I realize wasn’t the only child to be stolen."

"Then I hear a key in the lock, and I know my life is in terrible danger…"
That's the premise but the ending was a bit perplexing with too many loose ends for me to rate this more than a three point review.

Again, too little too late scenario.

We learn that there's more than one child stolen. We know that Hope and Stephen are best friends. We learn that things may turn for the worst but beyond that I'm at a loss with the abruptness.

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

Book Review: "Legacy" By Nora Roberts

Too little too late.

I'm a huge fan of Nora Roberts and because of this I know what to expect from here consistent quality and talent that she possesses.

In this case it was Fluff 101 to the max until the 80% mark when things finally started to take shape.

The beginning and middle was all 'noise' with nothing substantial. Not in the romance department nor the suspense and I know having read numerous works that Nora can 'bring it home' when she needs to and so, I sadly can't offer more than two stars.

While the writing was good it didn't cover anything of interest for a reader like myself who loves to be on the seat of the chair -squirming- out of excitement, anxiety, and or nerves.
The story really came to light when we get into the J.J. scenes which are quite dramatic in the end.

J.J. is the son of Professor Jonathan Bennett who had his own sordid and sad story to tell.
It appears this entire family has issues of abuse and threats of violence and nobody is safe especially J.J.'s sisters.

J.J. has one more target to go after so Adrian may wish to stop the affection segment and check her back.

There's murder, mayhem, stalk-ish behavior, a mixed-bag of shady characters, and death. So much death that there's a list, poems, and more mental madness.

I believe we're up to number 9 with the body of Tracie Potter but there's 34 on this list.

OMG!

This may take some time to decipher ....

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this review.

Book Review: "The Noise" By J.D. Barker and James Patterson

 

Hands down the best book I've ever read - Nerve wracking, anxiety stricken, panic mode -full on emergency of mass hysteria.

First and foremost I must say, "Thank you" to JD Barker, the publisher, James Patterson for the email that brought this to light. "Psst. Wanna be one of the first to read THE NOISE By J.D. Barker and James Patterson?. Are you the king or queen of your own media empire? Bloggers, podcasters, reporters - ARC copies of THE NOISE are now available!"

I couldn't jump into this fast enough and upon waking up this morning I downloaded the widget & went to work. I jumped so fast that I forgot to post that I was even reading it (that's how excited I was) and proceeded to periodically update page percentages via Goodreads when I could catch my breath.

The initial premise via email read," A mysterious explosion kills thousands in the Pacific Northwest—and only two young girls survive. The newest in psychological suspense from the minds of James Patterson and J.D. Barker.

Two sisters have always stood together. Now, they’re the only ones left.

In the shadow of Mount Hood, sixteen-year-old Tennant is checking rabbit traps with her eight-year-old sister Sophie when the girls are suddenly overcome by a strange vibration rising out of the forest, building in intensity until it sounds like a deafening crescendo of screams. From out of nowhere, their father sweeps them up and drops them through a trapdoor into a storm cellar. But the sound only gets worse…"

What the publisher left out was a warning that should note: Might cause heart palpitations, cold sweats, and a vast amount of lost time while reading.

I have much respect for both authors and this showcase of strength and agility combined for a "knock out" punch. I was KO'd!

Wow!

It's non stop action with something akin to a high pitched noise, vibration, that warrants investigation from higher government officials.

About 50% through this I recalled a similar situation of mass hysteria, mental fog, persistent concussion with the incident in 2016 in Cuba that was coined, 'The Havana Syndrome.' This syndrome affected  both our US Embassy and Canada's and then progressed in 2018 to China and yes, even in 2019 to Washington D.C. at the White House outer perimeter via Wikipedia.

It was fascinating to read this because it reminded me not just of this syndrome but of my recent trip to the dentist in which he needed to remind me to breathe after receiving Novocain for my front tooth filling. LOL. 

Yes, I banged through this on high alert with caution as my middle name.

Sixteen year old Tennant and her sister, eight year old Sophie are our main characters who held up well throughout this tantalizing tale of thrills and chills.

It didn't take long for the setting to take shape and the drama to pour out from all angles. No pun intended.

It was so successful, inviting, and alarming that you clearly need to be reminded of your oxygen sat levels.

No joke.

My word, Sophie came down with high temps. 102 and then became unconscious from this sudden noise exposure.

Hordes of people running, stampeding, crushed to death?

Why?

What is going on?

It's like a microwave frequency. Not radioactive but some type of sonic weapon with RF energy. 

As the story progresses we enter into this government situation with various heads of state on alert and actively engaged including the President.

But can he stop this madness or will he play a part in its ongoing action?

OMG!

Seriously, Gresham, Oregon is where it's at but this is increasingly becoming out of control. People in high numbers are dying. No cause is in sight.

What if "two halves to a whole" isn't the answer?

After all , the residents believed they were safe. Their bodies are vibrating. They're infected. One million people may be killed or already perished.

What's up with this Renton 49 location?

As if things weren't bad enough now we have microbursts, solar flares, acoustic viruses? 

Well, I wish I could stop to take a break. I'm being told not to stop. Keep running. Keep going. If you stop you may rust or worse die. 

Ana Shim Virus may be already activated...Be on Alert! Power grids may be faltering all across the nation.

Perhaps we can only save ourselves.

YIKES!

Should we or should we not trust our own government- Now, that's the question!

Thank you so much J.D. Parker, James Patterson, Little Brown and Company, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle as collective thoughts lead to collective minds!

We are one!

Much love.

 

Book Review: "Under The Whispering Door" By TJ Klune

 

My heart has been warmed to the cockles of my soul!

This was a beautiful love story between two men but also one that addresses grief, death, and fantasy in a way that moves one to a higher calling both literally and figuratively.

How does one address a book by T.J. Klune if you've never read one- Powerful, moving, instructive, engaging, and absolutely delightful.

I've yet to not read anything by this author that didn't require a higher degree of involvement and engagement as I sunk into another world of time and place.

This was epic! It was everything we've come to expect and beyond by this wonderful author!

Sure, we have Hugo -teashop owner and ferryman to souls but we also have Wallace - a man lost in his own desires.

What can bring one back to reality? I propose being on the outside looking in. Being above ground and above one's own body. I propose time to self reflect and understand that life is more than what's here on Earth as it incorporates an entire other realm.

The addition of those who committed suicide and crossed over (albeit reluctantly) was also addressed so tread lightly for those that are triggered.

As noted T.J. Klune is at the top of his game and there's not enough words in the English language to proclaim how glorious and inviting this book truly is to all those who are lucky enough to read an an early copy.

I was one of the lucky ones and I'm truly honored and blessed.

Having lost my young niece at 12 years old to a man allegedly drag racing in Florida almost five years ago this hit home. The special flicker of lights and the aura they possess was a flooding of emotions as this should honestly be required reading to elevate love, compassion, and empathy in a world that needs it most.

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

Book Review: "Rosaline Palmer Takes The Cake" By Alexis Hall

 

Well, this was surely one hell of a surprise as the woman who jumped out of the cake feeling was quite apparent.

This is the bake-off edition but this ain't no cooking class of virtues.

In fact, this is a lesson on hard love, insecurities, personal struggles, and truths to the max.

What is one to do when they find themselves pregnant at just nineteen years old? 

This love triangle with a bi-sexual protagonist in the midst of her early thirties is sure to enhance your reading appeal in all faucets.

It's one interesting read that will enhance your reading repertoire.

Book Review: "Meet Me In Paradise" By Libby Hubscher

 

I'd dare to differ that this book should be renamed, "Heartbreak Hotel" and not "Meet Me in Paradise."

There's way too much sadness in this to confirm a 'party atmosphere' when one of the sisters is dying from cancer.

I'm not sure how this is being marketed but it's a shame that a quickie wedding wasn't part of the initial premise much less the sudden pregnancy.

This was a well written book that requires plenty of Kleenex and tons of baggage to unpack.
It was a story of perseverance, love, compassion, and most importantly the need for support and guidance.

I absolutely adored this book but it wasn't an easy read and had numerous triggers that one should be aware of prior to picking it up as the original cover and premise suggest a light-airy, fun, fanciful free atmosphere.

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

Book Review and Blog Tour: "The Rooftop Party" By Ellen Meister

 

First and foremost I must say, "Thank you" to Ellen Meister and Harlequin Books for this wonderful new honor  to review and participate in the Summer 2021 Blog Tour.

This book literally blew me away as Ellen Meister is the Master of Ceremonies with plenty of intriguing and suspenseful action that continued to escalate till the very last drop.

Ellen is relatively knew to me as I'm a fairly new reviewer on scene but I'll tell you she hit all the right notes with this one.

The Rooftop Party was a continuation of Love Sold Separately which I thoroughly enjoyed. In this novel, the situation with Dana was so alarming that I'm not sure anyone could identify with the 'what--if's" of the situation at hand much less having a dead CEO on your watch.

After all, it's just a party or was it?

You see boundaries must be drawn but those boundaries are fuzzy and Dana can't quite remember that night.

How the hell can she be a suspect if she can't even remember the facts?

Honest to goodness this was juicy, disturbing, and down right criminal but it was so darn good.

I hope you get a chance to read this and enjoy it as much as I have as it's an absolute pleasurable read.

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

Book Review and Blog Tour: "Talk Bookish To Me" By Kate Bromley

First and foremost I must say, "Thank you" to Kate Bromley and Harlequin Books for this fab invite to be a part of this wonderful blog tour to discuss Talk Bookish to Me.

I'm absolutely floored by the level of enjoyment this brought especially with this amazing set of characters that were absolutely delightful, fun-loving, and adorable.

I can't imagine the angst with two-exes having to face off after ten years of Split-ville!

However, Kate created a scenario in which Kara and Ryan were basically blind sided by this new thought process during the pre-wedding festivity planning.

Oh, say it ain't so...

It wasn't always this way. In fact, from the start these two had an epic meltdown. Perhaps we can have peace or NOT!
Kara-My Dear, Kara! You can't have it both ways. She truly wants the warm fuzzy feeling but also she dislikes his ways.
Now, what's a girl to do..

The chemistry, the compassion, that charged up feeling is over the moon.

Why not just let nature take its course?
What's the worst that can happen, Right?

Should we forgive and forget for Ryan's indiscretions? Should we turn the other cheek? Should we allow for an eye for an eye philosophy to enter this realm?

Oh, the decisions are plentiful but somehow I feel that this just may work out for the good.

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

 

Book Review: "When America Stopped Being Great" By Nick Bryant

 "A comprehensive analysis of the political, economic, cultural and technological factors that contributed to America’s decline and inadvertently paved the way for Trump’s presidency."

While we cannot give 'DT' all the credit for the demise of the country we can address the line of succession and see the direct connections.

This isn't a bash Trump book as it focuses on the past Presidents and what each one brought to the table in terms of their own individual policies or lack thereof in this arena.

It was a solid read with some great take-aways and one that I hope finds you well.

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

Book Review: "Divided We Stand" By Andrew E. Busch

Honestly, this book had it all. If you're looking for a valued explanation and or opinion concerning the 2020 Election this is your must have read.

This would be a great addition for anyone entering the political arena or someone seeking some back hand knowledge of the process including full quotes about the candidates and what each brought to the table.

It brings to light not only the issues certain individuals faced but also it showcased in an objective manner the relative nature of it all.

The only improvement I'd make is in continuing the trend forward as well as not placing all the quoted sources after each chapter but perhaps at the end of the work.

I had to fumble and forward through the end of the chapters to get to the next chapter on this ARC which became tiresome when it's several pages for each chapter full of sources.

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