Book Review: "The Other Mother" By Miranda Rijks

When Florrie goes missing the world stops to gather its thoughts and process the pain hidden among the crevices of the system that was flawed around her.

This exciting new thriller by Miranda is everything you'd hope for and more. It has so much energy, so many great and notable characters, with a storyline that comes at you with pure vigor that's unmatched.

I enjoyed reading this novel because it deals with every parents worst nightmare coming true. The reality of this drama is that someone's child - a young impressionable young girl- a daughter and friend has vanished.
However, someone also knows the truth about the whereabouts of this young lad and someone is about to experience a fire and fury like no other when the wrath of justice comes calling.

Sure, we have the back and forth saga between friends, family, and even foe but we also have the finger pointers, the nay-sayers, the wanna be's who know the truth.

Never assume you have all the facts until the facts are upon the table is my best advice. As this one changes hands and the last hand to hold may be the worst of them all.

Thank you to Miranda for this exciting new thriller as well as her team for getting this ARC into my hands.
The Secret Book Sleuth highly recommends this newest creation!

Book Review: "Gone Tonight" By Sarah Pekkanen

 

Sarah Pekkanen has just moved the goal posts again...WOW! What a moving thriller we have with Gone Tonight!

Look, I'll put it to you gently this ain't no play time fun that ends with a mediocre closing that won't pull you to your knees and make you beg for help. This is the book that is a must read for 2023 and beyond for those who love excitement, thrills, chills, and heck -SPILLS! YIKES...

It all begins innocently enough with a mother daughter duo who moved around a lot during their younger years. Ruth (mom) was always on the go and seemlessly always with something up her sleeve. Yes, say that again?!

Well, folks Catherine begins to piece the puzzle together and when she realizes that her mom isn't who she thought she becomes anxious to uncover the mystery behind the events that have been shaping both their lives.

Simultaneously, the missing spokes on the wheel are also addressed and with a luster that shines brighter than the sharpest diamond in the box.

Holy smokes this one blew me off my seat and nearly out of my pants..I kid you not!
Just when you think you've experienced everything in this genre of thrillers/mysteries you uncover a whole new level that's jaw dropping especially with regards to the past lives of some of these characters not limited to but including the family, friends, and yes, even the dates that Catherine had endured. Yes, Ethan I see you and raise the glass to you. My word!

Speak of the devil ---what is this about high school, coach, and carrying on without saying a word?....
Ok, I digress--look, someone killed the coach. Someone knows the story behind the story. Someone may just get away with murder. Who you might ask is quite explorative, exhaustive, but oh, so damn good!
You know sometimes they say those raised in two person households have a better chance in life. However, what if one or both parents is severly limited in their ability to parent? Can we not just go there and address that because Catherine needs us.

So, sorry to those who lost their lives but you know it's all in the name of fun in love and war or was that till death do us part, or perhaps it was see ya later alligator....

OUCH! That was splendid! The entire storyline was rough, tough, and full of angst with plenty of thrills to blend this cocktail mixer together.

I loved that ending with all the frills and wouldn't want it served up any other way.
Great read by one of the best- Sarah Pekkanen!

Thank you to the team for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

The Secret Book Sleuth highly recommends this gem!

Book Review: "Hope From Heaven" By Elissa Hope

A wonderful book full of divine intervention, hope, praise, and faith in our Lord.

I literally couldn't wait to pick up this book because I truly believe in life after death as well as coming back from near death experiences as a messenger to share in God's word.

For many who can't relate it might seem far fetched but as a cat with nine lives I can assure you that God is glorious, loving, and full of blessings beyond our wildest dreams.

To be an empath after living in a state of fight or flight means you must be conditioned to know who you are and know your worth as many will try to destroy both aspects of one's physical, emotional, psychological, and social make-up.

Upon reading this book we are taken upon this journey with the author who passed during a routine procedure only to learn she was given a gift to be able to return and share with those who hold hope for a brighter future.
Hope From Heaven was written well and provided the message that we are all God's children and that we are here to fulfill a legacy that is one of hope, healing, prayer, and divine faith.

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

Book Review: "Stay Sane In An Insane World" By Greg Harden

 Define the world success? Thriving? Using your God given talents to the best of your abilities?

All of us are defined by who and what we are, what we do, how well we perform under pressure, and how well we succeed.

The sum of all these moving parts determine not just how we view ourselves but how others view us.
When we which to excell in any one endeavor how do we go about choosing what path to take, what power level to perform, what mindset must we possess.

These questions as well as the answers to these questions are provided in this new ARC entitled, "Stay Sane in an Insane World" by the wonderfully talented author Greg Harden.

Greg showcases many professional athletes, celebrities, and powerful figures but he also attempts to show how anyone at any level in life can achieve the same visions, goals, and dreams.

It's all about the power of the mind. To be present, to perform to your best level, to achieve what no man thought was possible. You must first believe to achieve. If you don't believe in yourself who will is the question to be addressed in this novel.

"If it was to be, it was up to me." Difficulty is an advantage." "If you don't believe in yourself, why should I believe in you?"

Coachability, Desire to learn, and having an Edge are all products for discussion here. Dream big, believe big, level up, Inner Core, Spirit, and Soul is just some topics.

What we also need to look at is the 4 A's in life: Attention, Affection, Approval, and Acceptance.
Don't let self defeating ideas or attitudes become the center point. Focus on providing your own self love, self guidance, self acceptance. With grace and gratitude. Greatness and aforethought. With love as you build the stones thrown and rebuild as stepping stones to a higher ground.

Forgive others who did you wrong and forget so that you may move forward in peace and harmony.
The lessons provided are food for the soul and was a great piece to examine in further detail.

Thank you to Greg Harden, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "You're Going To Be Okay" By Madeline Popelka

 

You're Going to Be Okay couldn't have arrived at a better time. In fact, at the exact time I received this ARC via Netgalley I was participating in several trauma training courses for my new employer as a mental health worker.

What I found in reading this was the need is great in the mental health arena and as a mental health worker we see this need daily rising.

We cannot ignore the pleas for help and the greatest gift in helping our brothers and sisters to stabilize their lives and become self sufficient in their own lives for the betterment of society.

In this reading, we uncovered 16 lessons on healing after trauma which were explictly discussed in detail to the advancement of the reader.

Trauma Doesn’t Have an Expiration Date, Your Emotions Are Your Allies, You Weren’t Meant to Heal Alone, Hold Space for the Goodness, Embrace the Ongoing Process are great topics for discussion that warranted your attention.

For me with advanced knowledge on this topic, having helped others heal on my own self help page -The Lost Self Life After Narcissism, and now having expert training on the topic, as well as being a trauma survivor myself from a DV relationship with a malignant narcissist for many years I can say that this book was just average for the beginner.

It was a good starting off point but for those seeking additional more complex answers or to add to the wealth of knowledge obtained this may not be advanced enough for your liking in your field of study or as the average individual.

I did enjoy the weekend read and hope you do as well.

I'd like to thank the author Madeline Popelka, the publisher Hay House Inc, and Netgalley as well as Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Comeback" By Lily Chu

 Absolutely adored this book!

In the beginning of this amazing read I wasn't quite sure what I might be getting myself into as it was about this young, impressionable, and eccentric young lady who had a career on the line as well as a new companion that just so happened to be in close range to her.

Ok, he was on her couch upon entering but still he's a really HUGE, extra BIGGLY, and extremely popular young man in his own right.

Who knew he was also the roommates cousin which adds this extra flavor especially when things get involved and start to become heated.

I thought perhaps this might become mundane and not my arena as I'm not huge on chick lit/romance but I'll tell you this book hit the notes and sung opera to the top.

It's quite a breath of fresh air in the springtime to read something that really showcases self discovery in an era when women are often sadly portrayed as eye candy and unable to have it all.
Why not have the cake and eat it too?

Great, wonderful, exhilirating, and captivating to the core.

Highly recommend and must note a special thank you to Netgalley, Lilly Chu, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC copy!