Book Review: "The Change" By Kirsten Miller

 

The must read book of 2023!

Three women with a mid life changes are turning into butterflies and it's one lovely adventure to behold as they spread their wings.
Each has a uniquely different background but each puts on display a life that's faith full and fancy free.

There's plenty of roller coaster moments but the surprise is with Rosalind and the life she bestows with pain killer addiction adding to the mess alongside Spencer. Was Spencer the night or was he the nightmare?

Then we have Mandy a gilr who andswered and Ad for a job but may have received far more than she could've bargained as faith is now more than just a terminology it's part of a crime scene at a locker gym in which prints were found but also pics of a shady past.

Who do these half naked pics belong too? Why aren't the cops actively engaged in finding these missing young ladies?

Was Rosalind Harding's family involved and could the word F-A-I-T-H hold more significance than merely a name?

Spencer thinks he's gotten away with murder but we all know there's more to the day his wife died in the car accident than he's telling us.
Jo's daughter has just been targeted but who would possibly want to do a 30 yo body conscious mom's daughter harm?

Will Nessa James our widow and mother of twin girls possibly stop this madness as the empty nester who hears voices from beyond the graves?

Or, will Harriet Osborne be the final of the three that we depend upon for answers as she's nearing 50 yo with a failed marriage and career?

Gagged and bound for secrecy is no way to live...

Breaking...Body found in garbage bag-possiblel prostitute-but how do the police know when they're not investing time or resources to find these women?

Could we have a serial killer on our hands? On an island? Killing young girls that are prostitutes for fun?

Rosalind Harding may have held the answers but she's gone and Spencer may now hold the key to who kidnapped Jo's daughter Lucy.
Oh, snap...He's been done in too!

Well, that leaves us with plenty of bodies but not enough answers...So what now?

Bring in Claude who is like the Epstein gal only worse....Sick pigs and pervs who feel above the law must suffer the consequences for killing and raping so many innocent lives.

A superb novel by a thriller author. I can't wait to see what's next.

Book Review: "Fields of Fire" By Ryan Steck

Ryan Steck's debut has arrived & it's full of non stop, heart pounding, action and suspense.

Fields of Fire builds slowly but once that flame rises it's hard to pound it out as family is at the heart of this battle.

It all begins with J.B. passing at his ranch but it appears it may not be an accident. We learn there's financial troubles brewing and it's going to take plenty of hands on deck to overcome the burdens.

Wyatt Gage is our man -interested in everything that ain't nailed down but why has he become invested with so much land?

Meanwhile, Matt's been arrested for suspicion of murder ...Wait, what?

Redd's in jail for the murder of two warriors and now Wyatt is gone? NO, not true...oh, but it's and it's becoming a danger zone out there.
Environmentalists are staking claim and it's about to go down with some bio weapons unless Redd can end this right here and now.

Lucky for us Redd has time on his side and Anton Gage is one guy who will not go down without a fight and it's a fight that Redd must win.

A fantastic debut that is sure to set Steck on a course of raw adrenaline rush moving forward. I'm looking forward to whatever the author's got in the works for us.

Book Review: "Wish You Were Here" By Jodi Picoult

 

This was absolutely fantastic, mind blowingly real, and chilling to the core.

Let me preface by saying as I'm typing this on 3/4/23 I myself had Covid pneumonia for the 1st time the day of my dad's passing on 2/10/23. My dad passed from end stage cancer after suffering a heart attack in FL while I was at home battling Covid pneumonia with sepsis after suffering from minor symptoms like a common cold for a week.

So, now here we are and I'm told during my dad's final memorial gathering/mass that my brother now has Covid in Fl and it scares the shitte out of me as he sounds twice as bad.

Look, what I can say is nothing in life is guaranteed and we're not promised tomorrow and that's why I loved this book by the gifted and talented Jodi Picoult as she brings us to our knees in this newest piece.

Diana is our main gal with a hero's welcome and she's determined to live a long and cushy life. Just one problem she's come down with this dreaded virus and is now fighting for her life.

I've had dreams similar to what the author notes, that were so bad that I would scratch my arms as if I'm sinking in quick sand or being buried alive but that may be due to the trauma of an abusive relationship with a malignant narcissist more than Covid pneumonia but I can't rule anything out.

The author does an incredible job bringin the Covid fog to life, the scary dreams of entrapment, and the reality to our doorstep especially in hospital and nursing home settings.

Our heroes are those who attempted to save lives while not infecting themselves as I can't imagine putting their lives on the line to save ours.

The ventilators, the dyspnea, the entire medical journals on this topic can't bring reality home like this book can with regards to Barbados, the chickadee birds, the tropical feel, the sensation that she's trapped there unable to help back home with her boyfriend Finn at the hospital and her mother's situation.

That ending....oh, hot damn! YES and all while becoming free of resentments and the past.

The work of a great author is in transporting its reader to another place and time while feeling every emotion and that's true with Jodi Picoult -a masterful storyteller!

Book Review: "3 Days To Live" By James Patterson

 

That longing for something more, something far better, something worthy of the JP title and brand is what I keep hoping for but sadly I think the rooster has flown the coop.

I honestly felt that the first two weren't anything to write home to mom about but the last almost made it.

Perhaps, it's me and you might enjoy these short novellas but for me it's just not up to the level I've been accustomed to reading from this author and from the years I've spent speed reading his material.

He's a gifted writer but lately his work just seems as though he's in it for nothing more than the money and that saddens me deeply because he's certainly capable of producing much better quality and quantity.

Book Review: "The Courage To Be Free" By Ron DeSantis

 

Whenever I read political books I hope there's less of the word, "ME" and more of the word "US."

Sadly, all too often we here the single format used in discussing everything leading up to another bid and this time for President.

The timing of this leaves much to be desired as we clearly see the writing on the walls however, with this said he does discuss a variety of topics and how great he was in achieving success.

It's not often we here about what he'd like to do for Florida, how he'd like to improve their quality of life, what he'd like to do about their concerns on how the state is handling its affairs but we do receive plenty about his career, his college degrees, his shut down of the pandemic, his inflated ego about Disney and so much more.

For me, having married a malignant narcissist and being left bankrupt, homeless, and LT unemployed in extreme poverty with three kids from the 11 yr union and as a counselor for those experiencing or have had experienced the same is that the best thing to do is not put the spotlight on them, to not allow the power/control to override the decision making processes, and to attempt to lessen contact with boundaries both professional and personal.

This to me is the best advice I can offer as it's a scary time in politics and the constant bombardment and take aways from history is not what our country needs.

I'd be thrilled if he mentioned unity, cohesion, accountability, responsibility, or even an attempt to work across the aisle but if he mentioned in audio then it must've been missed as I can't recall.

Thank you bibliotheca for another great audio.

Book Review: "Reminders of Him" By Colleen Hoover

 

Time is all we have so don't waste it!

Look blood may be thicker than water but in many cases it's still all we have to connect us and sometimes the past must be forgiven to gain traction in the present and for future purposes.

Having just laid to rest my dad on the 10th of February, having never been close as his only daughter among 3 brothers, having been the scapegoat for 49 years leads me here to today. His memorial mass is today, the gathering (cremation service) was yesterday, and later today his burial is something I never thought would happen much less never attend.

So, this book has touched numerous heart strings for me personally as I never felt loved, appreciated, nor acknowledged even as an adult mother of three with two in college and one as junior in high school.

This book is about mistakes yet it's about parental love behind bars and what all of that entails. When a stranger raises your now 4 yr old child as his/her own is breaks internally the bonds that are needed.

In fact, upon reading this yesterday afternoon I was sitting inside my car in a local park, glancing down at the cellphone clock, wondering what it must be like to be at a memorial gathering in which you're welcomed and invited. It was hard knowing I wasn't told my dad passed away nor have my three kids treated as if they're his 3 of only 7 grandkids as we lost my niece at 12yo from a car accident in Florida after a young man was drag racing on I-4 at 8am on a weekday.

Colleen Hoover manages to bring such emotional turmoil and heartfelt trepidations that it leaves one breathless. In this case we have Scotty-miracle boy-killed by a drunk driver. You can't imagine the connection to a character in this book.

Then we proceed with Ledger trying to right the wrongs and brings some sort of semblance and peace among all.

Diem the 4 yo daughter and her birth mom Kenna are forever linked biologically but she's been raised by Patrick/Grace whom filed a protection order from Kenna serving prison time.

I can't imagine writing this book much less learning that this isn't the end of Kenna's story. She's a fighter and she's determined to find a way or make a way to the path forward with her gal.

She's not going down without a fight as every mother can relate or any parent be that as it may be.

She's got Ledger in her corner and the eternal bell has just sounded off.

I love the ending and couldn't imagine a better way to provide closure.

Book Review: "Heart Bones" By Colleen Hoover

You'll never go wrong with Colleen Hoover at the wheel!

This was superb and I couldn't get enough of this romance between Samson and Beyah.
Living in a trailer park isn't for everyone but then again neither is the life of hard knocks with a mother whose an addict.

What more will Beyah have to overcome...Oh, wait...law school is on the books.

And here comes Samson with some shady things going on. That guy they located from the storm. The connections.

OMG! Breaks my heart! This is truly a story about two people with broken hearts coming together after heartbreak to find one another.

The way Colleen weaved this together with mystery and romance was unique in and of itself while uncovering the true meaning of love.

Spending time in jail. Having failed as parents. Yet, the heart wants what the heart wants.....
MAN, OH-MAN!

Book Review: "Holding Back The River" By Tyler J. Kelley

 

The world is constantly changing. Our infrastructure is screaming for help. Those in charge are just maintaining never replenishing or rebuilding.

We are in dire straits across the board and the time to act is upon us!
Flooding, global climate change, and the battle to keep our waterways within their banks is becoming increasingly dangerous and is depleting our land.

Having a government come in afterwards to merely buy out land isn't working! As noted, "America’s infrastructure is old and underfunded. While our economy, society, and climate have changed, our levees, locks, and dams have not. Yet to fix what’s wrong will require more than money. It will require an act of imagination."

It will more than likely take an act of Congress but sadly they're too busy arguing amongst themselves to accomplish much at the moment.

Rather than delve into polical opponents perhaps we can focus in on what's important such as the concerns brought through this work.

Book Review: "Reflections on the Sunday Gospel" By Pope Francis

 Reflections on the Sunday Gospel is exactly as the name implies...Full of heart, love, and steadfast relationships with our creator.

For those seeking inspiration, wishing to become actively engaged, perhaps fullfilling a life long goal of becoming more wholesome and inherently good this is the book for you.

Embracing god's word. Being tuned to our faith and following his gospel is exactly why we are put on this EARTH to achieve.

We cannot preach without practice. We cannot build without foundations. We cannot love without accpetance.
Be who are meant to become by living a life that's in the image and likeness of God. Reflect upon your virtues. Practice helping your brother and sister.

Love is kind. Love doesn't hurt.

We are living in a time when we have to slow down and become one with ourselves and with each other.

Book Review: "The Ride of Her Life" By Elizabeth Letts

First and foremost, I want to take the time to thank -Random House/Ballantine for this ARC that I received prior to shutting everything down during the pandemic.

I'm so glad I was able to return and give it the due diligence it demanded because this was a fantastic read that peeked my interest from the start.

I'm a tomboy born and raised in rural Bear Creek, Pennsylvania and I wasn't all that familiar with Anne Wilkins until having read this book and the history surrounding her personal/professional story.

What a story it was as she's quite the hero in her own light and has shown that no matter your financial situation, your family history, or even current location you can always ride again.
Set your sails as we embark on horseback, a recently purchased Gelding named Tarzan (Morgan horse), a neigbors gifted dog Depeche Toi, and Rex (Tennessee Walker) having a personality all their own alongside the last of the saddle tramps.

Four thousand miles on the backs of strangers kindness alongside the highways with her faithful companions until they could sadly go no further.

When life gives you a shortened time span you'll do everything in your power to extend it and enjoy every day as if it was your last.

Elizabeth Letts has truly created a book that will forever live on especially in my heart as I love horses, the rugged tumble life of the vast open land, and the fact that Anne Wilkins was a woman who refused to give up.

As journalist told her story she became well known and throughout the town and cities along the way people took time to greet her and offer her a place to rest her head. It was during this time that we truly seen what humanity, empathy, loyalty, and kindess was back in the day.

A time long lost on us today...

Book Review: "In Search of Wisdom: Life-Changing Truths in the Book of Proverbs" By Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer has always been my go to refresher for all things religious.

 I've never read one of her books that I've not truly enjoyed and this newest piece, In Search of Wisdom was no different.

Joyce has a way of bringing that reality check, to treat your brothers and sisters as your own, to live in faith, to love oneself as you are to love another.

What I found here was the biblical proverbs that were broken down into simpler lingo and how each of us must not just act as if we care about the impoverished but do our part to offer a hand up.
I've seen so much during my 20 years volunteering on the front line at food banks, soup kitchens, shelters, and more.
We cannot be Christians if we simply ignore the plight of the common man/woman/child.

We cannot judge and become jury as we've all sinned and non of us are without sin so how can we cast judgement upon others?
How do we begin to heal past traumas and move forward in a world full of hatred, anger, and mental illness? How do we as women assure our daughters that their lives hold value, that they're not body parts, that they're to be placed on high like our Virgin Mother Mary?
How do we rectify the sexual abuse in our churches and the hidden don't see don't tell motto that's so prevalent today?
This is not discussed but I'm hoping in the future it might be addressed because as a minister of hospitality I can only base my life upon my own personal experiences that have been lived, endured, and survived.

My life became one of daily survival and I must note while I was homeless, bankrupt, extreme poverty stricken I sent my kids to a private school thankfully based on tuition assistance. However, it's sad when they'd request canned goods, monetary donations, and major purchases knowing that not everyone comes from such wealth. While my kids attended these private schools we were and still are extremely poor and that shouldn't be lost here in discussion.

In addition, Wisdom for me was knowing during Sunday Morning Mass as a registered minister of hospitality that my services ended upon older white male ushers literally removing the collection basket out of my hands during the mass simply because they wanted all MALE ushers.

Upon opening up the dialogue with the vicar/Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton I was informed that these men, "need time to come around to this new line of thinking."

I was then sent a letter not long after saying, "It's been brought to my attention you're no longer a member of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Kingston, Pennsylvania."
We are still being ruled by old philosophies, teachings, and proverbs and I can only pray that women and children are protected because we are in a losing battle.

Book Review: "Uncaring" By Robert Pearl M.D.

 

I'm not sure if it's wise to base a change in the healthcare system solely upon a physician's advice but here we go.

Uncaring is about the health care system and everything that it faces today and in the coming days ahead especially among unchartered territory with the opiod crisis, pandemic, Covid virus, and dare I say even women's care with regard to hysterectomies.

What I can tell you having extensive knowledge on this subject matter and having just read an article about fake nursing diplomas in Florida is that our system is truly flawed to the point it's completely broken. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fake-nursing-diplomas-issued-florida-alleged-wire-fraud-scheme-justice-department/?fbclid=IwAR1iNA9nZhMMpgZ3obKBav80TLDMRB4P1aSxDqDK-4Z-2UGW2JbYbIWSCTE

Not only this but I'm seeing personally more and more less qualified individuals rather than MD/DO we have PA-C's with 2 yrs. rather than 4 required.

This would be fine for routine care but not in emergency settings or extensive care/hospice situations.
Not long ago I went to the ER for asthma/COPD/chronic bronchitis (labeled acute for over 30 yrs.) and 21 yrs pneumonia to have my lungs tested. I needed an albuterol inhaler- a basic prescription- yet, the doctor couldn't prescribe as her credentials weren't even on file yet with the state and the nurse practicioner had to sign off for an inhaler.

I had another situation in which these younger doctors treat patients poorly. So much so that they look to 'label' individuals within 5 minutes of a first meeting in their office. This is not only risky but wrong and can in many cases lead to issues for the patient especially those with mental issues.

Not just this but I've noticed a significant increase in distribution of narcotics for the most minor complaint of pain. Oxycoton, anxiety meds, and more are giving out like candy at the slightest sign and it's sad because these are heavy narcotics that shouldn't be issued unless for the most serious cases.

Furthermore, doctors simply aren't listenting to patients concerns and addressing them fully. I'm someone with a history of medical issues and have attempted to address them over the last 30 plus years but sadly if you walk into a doctor's office and they ask your medical problems and you spew off a laundry list --well, trust me the negative labels will be attached for those rushed on time and patience.

It's sad because my mother is a retired RN-OBGYN who saved my life and that of my son along with countless others. The constant worry over medical malpractice lawsuits today is hampering the efforts of our nurses. The constant need to provide patient care and HIPA laws are causing confusion among many. The monopolies in our system and the ever changing profit over people is a constant in the insurance industry.

When I read this book and the questions posed I had to chuckle. I would never be able to go into a doctor's office and ask if he participated in drug trials or whether he received kickbacks from drug companies for promotion. I'd be content if he/she simply showed an ounce of interest much less remorse.

Allow me to showcase some more personal examples. I'm prediabetic, overweight, have just overcome herniated disc extrusion w temporary paralysis in both legs after a successful hysterecomy (robotic laproscopic/bilateral salpingo oophorectomy) with all ovaries, fallopian tubes, filsher clips and more removed. I had over 40 fibroids removed, I had beginning stages of endometriosis, it was told that my uterus was so enlarged they had to rip my vagina and seucher to remove (8x normal size/2x normal weight). I was initially told I had just 4 uterine fibroids, with my heavy menses, and my microcytic hypochromic anemia requiring b12/iron injections.

Thankfully, I had a surgeon who really was fantastic but shortly after my robotic laproscopic hysterectomy he left our facility and moved. I was never notified until 2 months later. I was needless to say devastated. I had to call his new hospital to try to learn if he was on their roster. Thankfully, he was but this basic information isn't something they normally even share.

Our healthcare is so awful that I've had times were I was sent home like this past time from an ER without even knowing the full extent of my illness. February 10th 2023, my dad passed away at 418 am. I went to ER at 10am-244 pm. Discharged w/o nasal swab results via PCR as just pneumonia from chest x-ray. Upon review of my medical file online I learned I had sepsis and Covid pneumonia as well as sinus tach. 

Imagine having 3 kids as a single mom and going to ER for IV treatment and receiving nothing but a can of ginger ale after being there all day while being told you'll be provided a meal soon. Imagine reading your file online and learning nothing was correct in terms of the information or situation at hand that day. Not the family history, not past medical history, not even the current stats. I was asked upon ER entry why I didn't go to primary. I explained because I have a history of passing out/lightheadedness/dyspnea as well as history of asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, copd, and more as a nonsmoker from factory work in which I breathed diesel fumes from loading docks without proper ventilation. Imagine not even getting called same day to be told you had Covid but learning about it online & getting a state text the next day.

Imagine being told you're anxious or that your hyperventilating when in reality you passed an EKG with sinus tachycardia every single hospital visit because you can't breathe. Imagine if you casually mention during said ER visit that your dad had passed and rather than treat the obvious illness with Covid Pneumonia, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, and more you instead offer anxiety meds aka zanax without doing any kind of evaluation on a first time visit within a few minutes together?
Our healthcare is not in the business to be psychologists they are in the business to be doctors and treat symptoms present not in making up symptoms for the ability to provide more meds to patients that do not need them.

Not everyone who loses a parent is anxious. Many like myself normally talk loud and if you're from NE PA you'll talk fast. This is my normal. My dad worked in the Navy during Cold War on air jets and during his end stage he was unable to hear. We had to always raise our voices with his hearing aids. Why do doctors assume without ever asking? This is my concern.

It's so sad to see how far our healthcare system has decreased and it concerns me how much worse will it get.

Being charged over $800 for a wart removal tube medication that cost $10 at CVS? Being provided care always with a PA-C without being seen by an actual Doctor of Medicine.

It's very scary as I have a son with vater syndrome. He's to have been medically disabled for life. He was physically/developmentally impaired with speech/reading comprehension yet our government SSI/SSP removed him at 18 yo. because hand-outs are seen negatively.

Lets also just say that I know someone who filed disability and couldn't get the aid not because she didn't need or qualify medically but because she owned too many assets while in extreme poverty, bankrupt, left homeless upon divorce, and without employment for nearly 20 years to raise her family.

We need immediate change especially for the impoverished dependent on Medicaid. I know personally that many times doctors would waste time in the waiting room knowing they were getting paid regardless of how long the patient stayed. I can also testify to improper procedures to treat medicaid like guinea pigs because of simply knowing they were covered financially. My biggest concern is the doctors prescribing meds without conducting evaluations, based on first time assumptions, w/o past medical history or even patients concerns, while penalizing the pharmacy for filling said prescriptions. We have an opiod crisis in our nation and doctors aren't being held accountable.

We shouldn't treat patients as mere numbers but rather as intelligent individuals with hearts of gold.
I pray this can happen in my lifetime but I'm concerned we are already too far gone to return.

Book Review: "The Intern" By Michele Campbell

 Michele Campbell has done it again!

There's absolutely nothing I didn't enjoy here as this grabs your attention from the start and continues to excel at rapid fire pace.

There's twist, turns, and all out war on the homefront with tons of intrigue and suspense for the action packed thriller fans.

I'm a huge fan of Campbells because she keeps it constantly flowing, presents characters that are lively and colorful, and always has a plot thicker than gravy!

The Intern was right up my alley having worked as an intern in the Luzerne County Public Defender's Office as a young snapper.

The fact that Judge Kathy has some secrets up her sleeve is just as enticing as the intern's involvement in seeking help for her brother Danny.

Could this judge be involved in corruption?

Could there be more to these cases that connect them especially with the Judge's immediate family involved?
A cop named Charlie Wallace is also in play here with plenty to offer up and that last name Wallace is one you might want to keep and eye on as we have another case involving Edward Wallace which plays a crucial role in all this madness.

Houses are being broken into and there's tons of clues ripe for the pickin.'

Loved it!!!

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for this honest review!

Book Review: "Identity" By Nora Roberts

 

You can never go wrong with Nora Roberts at the helm even when the ARC is a 'Read Now' piece via Netgalley.

I jumped on board this ship and I'm so glad I did because Nora has always been a fan favorite of mine over the years.

Identity was unique in that there's a murderer on the loose who continues to kill while leaving evidence of a gal he's really interested in which turns out to be our very own -Morgan.

Morgan's friend Nina has already been killed and the clues turn to Morgan being next!

Unless someone can stop Gavin Rozwell in time and there's no time to waste as things are escalating with more bodies being identified.

This was a longer than expected but it was a constant state of entertainment that held its ground and kept my attention longer than even I expected possible.

I enjoyed the fact that somehow after arrest and conquer we have the ultimate award with happiness and tranquility. Peace is on the horizon.

Love it all.

Thank you Nora Roberts, St. Martin's Press, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Have You Seen Her" By Catherine McKenzie

 

Holy smokes!!! I'm scared to leave the house now! What if Smokey Bear is out there!

Who the hell is always watching over us....
Wait, we have to get through this together. What good is having a plan if you don't use them both!

If you're looking for adventure, action, hot characters with plenty of fragility and toxicity then sit right down and pre-order once this becomes available.

Catherine McKenzie and Atria are always a powerful duo and with Have You Seen Her the bar has just been raised!

This takes place in Yosemite with SAR (Search and Rescue) that is now part of Cassie's life after departing NYC and leaving behind a tragic past.

After all we have 3 women, we have dark secrets, and we have powerful dynamics with an increasingly dangerous plot and some headstrong women that will rock your world!

If you want honesty you got it with me because I don't toss 5 stars like salad in exchange for any ARC's. You must earn it and this one goes that extra mile in the mystery/thriller genre.

I loved how Cassie Peters enters with her secretive past leading readers on this secretive hunt throughout the book. Always with pieces of bread being tossed to keep the reader's imagination evolving with the character.

Petal Fernandez is not a flower of a gal but a hard core piece that will take your arse down and force you to seek shelter. She's had a rough life albeit with her parents and she sure as hell won't let Sandy Cramer (54 yo to her 23 yo self) alter that view.

Jada our third gal is a college grad going on this road trip with her boyfriend but with some twisty turns ahead as she's a real strong believer in Black Lives Matter and the racial tension is evident upon the evidence presented in several cases here.

Look, there's now 3 people missing with Jim Carlisle , Jada Johnson, and Petal Fernandez and it's beginning to become heated and argumentative on all ends especially on social media with the keyboard warriors.

The author throws in some political commentary and adds heat with the racial tensions so beware if you think this is all cushy without pushy.

Did I mention we might have a serial killer on our hands in the park!

One of our characters has a rap sheet a mile long and it's not looking good with some outstanding warrants...

However, that's not the only pitfall as cheating/infidelity is also being served up w/o icecream and people are falling and it's not head over heels in love but it's head over heels dead!
YIKES!

The pages are turning so fast that I believe I've procured a blister on my fingers.

Wait...hold on a second...breaking news...someone's been strangled, someone's been shot, and ....oh, snap!
Time to run...or was that hide....Made in the shade takes a whole new meaning because Jada is already to head out and leave it behind while some will have to stay behind ...literally and figuratively.

What I can say is what's well known - the system's rigged! Test dummies wanted! Here comes the play by play with plently of plays to swoop you up and carry you away!

Poor Sandy, but hey nobody said life is fair....Cassie -damn girl you made it! Petal you're a hoot. Jada enjoy the sun....bigger fish to fry.

Thank you to Catherine McKenzie, Atria, Netgalley for this fab ARC in exchange for this 5 star smokin' hot review! A must read!

Book Review: Someone's Else's Shoes By Jojo Moyes

JoJo Moyes has nailed it with this superbly crafted piece entitled, "Someone Else's Shoes."

It begins with these two completly opposite women in all of life's experiences. One is being led to the slaughter by her soon to be ex-husband while the other is hanging on with her spouse suffering from his recent father's passing and other personal issues. Loveless marriages seem to be the common denominator.

The idea surrounding these fancy red high-heeled shoes that are taken unsuspectingly by Sam from Nisha is quite a treat.
The journey into this recovery process, the lengths that family/friends partake, the professional layers just adds so much joy and humor.

There's nothing better than being immersed in a book so much so that you lose all track of time. The fact that this book discussed thrift stores in tracking down the items was ironic, the fact the father passed from cancer even more so, the final -too close for home- discussion around divorce and how the other sought to destroy not just the wife but the family was a harder pill as it was too close to reality.

The only gripe, if I had to list one, would be the women feeling they needed a man to survive. I prefer strong women having been on my own since 17 years, bankrupt, homeless, LT unemployed, 12 yrs. joblessness until this past 21st of February.

Folks, life is a maze of ups and downs. Having just lost my dad at 80 yo. on the 10th took the wind out of my sail as I was his only daughter whom wasn't informed that he passed at 418am that morning. I was eventually told by my son hours later into the day while I was in the ER dealing with what was diagnosed originally as pneumonia only to later learn with a side order of Covid/sepsis.

I'm thrilled these ladies had some bargaining chips or as my dad would say, "some pokers in the fire."

Many women give up so much in marriage especially our careers to forward our spouses opportunities and are left holding the bag literally and figuratively when it all comes crashing down for that younger option.

Stay strong ladies and never lose sight of the prize!