Book Review: "The Ball At Versailles" By Danielle Steel

 

Four young women attend a ball of American/French debutantes as the world comes rushing in around them with a thrill for the glamour, fashion, and fame.

It's the 50's and everything is moving at the Palace of Versailles with a power grab among the elite, the powerful, and the true Hollywood legends.

So much history, so much excitement, and so much love....

Many chess pieces are moving at the same time and you must keep your wits about you but one thing is for sure. All's well that end's well and this one puts a beautiful spin upon everything.

The history, the romance, the fashion, and the characters will blow you away in its exquisite nature.
Thank you for this granted wish and please keep 'em coming....

Much love to Danielle Steel, Random House Publishing, and Netgalle for another beautiful ride!

Book Review: "Second Act" By Danielle Steel

 

You might ask yourself what is it about Danielle Steel's writing that you simply can't get enough of and why do I gravitate towards her books whenever I see them listed.

The answer is quite simply: Talent! Raw talent as a writer, author, mother, wife, and every title she holds so dear to her heart.

Second Act is just that-second chances at life. If we should all be so lucky to have a second chance.
Life is full of ups/downs and for some it's a complicated mess that we seek to escape. A book like this helps fulfill that dream of escaping within a book.

In losing everything as have I ...we find what's most important and that answer is LIFE! Life is worth living regardless of the pain, the humiliation, the humility, and the joys. What's most important in life isn't the paycheck, it's not the luxuries, it's not the material assets but it's in building a life that you can be proud of with a lasting legacy that far surpasses your wildest dreams.

These characters are superb with non stop, heart pounding, emotionally wrought feelings that leap off every page.

Andy our main guy is depressed and sulken after losing a job. A job that was impressive and carried heavy weight around as an LA executive of a studio. In the process of fleeing his job for greener pastures he finds himself relocating in London after exiting sunny California for a much needed break. There he uncovers a manuscript and turns it into a film with the author's approval and what a whirl wind of a relationship he conducts with the author.

She's a survivor of DV and as such is protective of her heart and emotions and as such Violet and Andy must then ask is it better to have a job with power or a life you loved without it.
Is less truly more?

Can you have your cake and eat it too and be happy living a much less active lifestyle with simplicity and grace?

Sure as the rising sun Danielle Steel implores this idea to the fullest and examines the rationale and the pain that is hidden deep when a mother loses a child and how that pain can either make you or break you.

It's quite a treat to read and I hope you enjoy this read as much as I have because Second Act is here to stay!
Thank you Danielle Steel, Random House Publishing, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "What Remains" By Wendy Walker

 "What Remains" by Wendy Walker blew me away with an incredible array of sights, sounds, and action that intensified with each turn of the page.

What I thought would be a simple shot in the dark, turned into a whole slew of things, that escalated into rapid fire shots that could be heard far beyond the original location of the shooting.

In fact, there's so much to tell about this that I can't simpy do it justice by a mere book review.

Wendy Walker is the author of this amazing new read for 2023!

She brings us characters like Detective Elise Sutton who is the gal to beat in more ways than one. We also explore the minds of the insane with Wade Austin and those responsible or irreresponsible for their actions like Clay and Billy.

You either love 'em or hate 'em but either way someone will win and someone will lose.

Pick your battles here as we find that to save a life you may have to take one away.

Wade almost seemed likeable but came on to quick and too aggressive and in the end he wasn't all he was cracked up to be. He begins this awful nightmare for Elise and family and it's a fight or flight scenario right up till the end.

You know I tell it like I see it but this one was not a book you could simply invest and walk away. Oh, hell NO!! Once you start it's like the Pringles chips ... You ain't stoppin.'

Now, mind you while all this is going on after a deadly shooting we also have a situation with the marriage and the other victims.
Everything is piling up and there's not end in sight.

Now, Elise may not be fearing one life lost but possibly more...
A 'Kill Room' is in play with another assault and some stalking so squeamish folks may want out but this isn't too hard to manage for thrillers.

The thrill is in the chase! You bet your duppa on that one!

Thank you to Wendy Walker, Blackstone Publishing, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The It Girl" By Ruth Ware

 Well, not sure what to say other than it was a book that seemed to end with nobody really knowing the who, what, why, or how answers.

Ruth Ware begins with April and readers are led on a maze that was lengthy, winding in and out of dilemmas, with no end in sight.

It's a toss it all in salad with plenty of croutons but not enough salad or dressing.
It was a situation in which everyone may have something to say but nothing is substantial or has any potential to elevate the situation beyond mediocre.

I was hoping it took off to some wild place with a strong force of power but it never came to be and was left hanging with not only the death but the reality that nobody seems to know the real reason behind it all.

Wild goose chases aren't my thing but if you enjoy that kind than this is for you.

Book Review: "Beyond the Storm: A Girl, A Tornado, and Heaven" By Lisa Reburn

 

Claims to have seen heaven but offered very little in terms of convincing the readers.

It began with a tornado but offered more on court hearings, property, and asset claims than anything concrete to really sway the readers about faith or beyond.

Granted this occurred at 8yo, granted many tried to keep the truths hush, and granted there's plenty that you can agree or disagree with from start to finish.

All in all it wasn't anything I'd recommend.

Book Review: "Disruptive Thinking" By T.D. Jakes

 

One of the best audio books of the year!

T.D. Jakes is often too loud in videos that I find of his preachings but this was a calm, cool, collected audio in which he spoke without all the fanfare and spoke at a level one can appreciate.

It was about being disruptive or in other terms making waves -the good kind, the kind that creates change, allows leadership to follow, and brings about results.
When one is disruptive they respect authority but they balance risk and reward .
Outrun the herd, stand out, be a leader, and jump over the fence are just a few key word terms thrown out there.

What we know is this, " God will promote you to the level of the tolerance of your pain."
Disrupters find a solution and move towards it by never stopping to evolve.
Doors lead to many rooms and choosing where you start may not be where you finish.
Standing up requires standing out!

Hard work doesn't happen to bring weath anymore is often what we hear yet we know that yu can be poor anywhere according to T.D. Jakes even on the beach.

I love his down home goodness in every word, every sermon, every example.
Just keep moving because it doesn't matter where you start but where you finish.

The feeling of a parental figure takes hold with a boldness that isn't in your face but more of a learn and grow then go experience.

Fantastic!

Book Review: "A Wish For Winter" By Viola Shipman

 

Small towns bring great adventures.

This is Susan -a woman with a plan-a lady who hasn't been luck in love -till now!
After all she's the age her mom was before she passed and it brings back memories of what once was and what has yet to become.

Could Santa's Run be the answer to her prayers.
Will she find love again?

Will anybody fill the void of losing a parent to a drunk driver on the way to a Santa event or will she have to deal with the pain for eternity?

So many questions but rest assured we always get the answers we seek in a deliverable package that's pure love.

I enjoyed this great read by Viola Shipman!

Book Review: "We Knew All Along" By Mina Hardy

 

Hot Damn! I see ya Mina and I love what I'm reading!

This is splendid with every bit and fluff I need for a great read. The suspense, the drama, the setting, the characters-hell, it was a wild ride and why not have your cake and eat it too?!
Yes, Jewel Ann Jordan is the top gal and she's here for more than just a class reunion. She's taking the prize and going home happy.

After an affair with Christian and a marriage to Ken what more can a woman need....wait one second...Eli her son is doing what with whom?
Ahhh, hell NO!

Christian may have made bread but did he claim rights?
So many lies are swirling that my head is spinning.

Ken wants out of marriage, Chrisitan isn't who he claims, and Eli is torn up in pleasing 'em all.
Who the hell has time for Candyman aka Playground Killer when there's this much action.
Mind you- we still need paternity.

Remember Billy the kid...no, not that one, the one in the backyard. What's he doing these days. Or shouldn't I bother asking. SHHh! Oh, my GOD!

I almost feel like going to the bathroom but then again I can't just flush it all down the drain...but ya know the bigger they are the harder they fall.

Folks, get your mind out of the damn gutter or was it the septic and start thinking clearly --we have work to do detectives.

Why was Ken seen walking away ...and in hand...oh boy...shiite is about to hit the fan.
Time to sell the house and move away where nobody knows your name.

Gotta split... :)

Book Review: "The Little Mermaid Against The Tide" By J. Elle

 I'm honestly at a loss for words on this one as I was hoping to get to enjoy the journey.

Instead I was ready to jump the plank and call it an evening while listening to this audio.

It was basically 1 mermaid seduced by opportunity but King Triton wanted the throne all to himself and he sure as heck made sure he made every effort to succeed.

Beyond that I can't really say because it wasn't my cup of tea.

Book Review: "Never Never" By Colleen Hoover

 

Need I say more- Colleen HOOVER! YESSSSS!

You can't go wrong with Colleen no matter what book you choose.
In this case, we have Never Never and it's a barn burner for sure.
Lost memories for Charlie (Charlize) and Silas after 4 years of dating.
Much needed counseling - oh, not that kind-no the other kind -and more sleeping with others.

Who is sleeping with who and wth is the reasoning.
Is this to create a jealous twinge of guilt? Is this for revenge?

Breaking up is hard to do but it's much easier if you just go two for two and call it a night.

Sleep tight. This one will get you!

Book Review: "Mothered" By Zoje Stage

 

This was one of those books in which I've been trying to track down for quite some time. I've read previous books by Zoje Stage and have loved them but this fell flat in the end.

It starts with Grace and her mom finding white feathers. Freakish yes, but not uncommon.
Then it transfers ownership over to a connection between the death of a sibling being born with cerebral palsy and those very same pillow feathers (hint).

Ok, well folks we then starts to wonder what happened to Haley and what is going on with this back and forth nonsense.

Didn't we claim that pneumonia was to blame...right?
Oh, well mom has some explaining to do but sadly we can't talk to her anymore because she's gone -no permanently.

Wth? No, really she's not coming back and she had to be taken down. All in the name of love and war or contagious or not...or was that because it's all but a dream.
Nope...Nope....Nope....

I'm done.

Book Review: "Bright and Deadly Things" by Lexie Elliott

Well, what can one say when you're at the Chalet...

Seriously, friend or foe is the name of the game with a widow seeking safety after a recent break-in.
It's the usual teacher/student cross-over blend with very little to capture the imagination and a ticking of the clock. Nope, the grandfather clock.

Look if you want excitement this ain't for you but if you like a slow burn and an even slower reveal process than you found the one.

I was between two and three stars on this one and gave the benefit of the doubt as Lexie is a good writer but sometimes she misses
the mark.

Book Review: "One Night" By Georgina Cross

 

Imagine if you will there's a dead body and 10 yrs. later you're receiving letters to meet in one night to discuss the circumstances.

Could someone so close be so far?
A high school sweetheart gone astray?
A one night stand?

The killer -a high school boyfriend- has been found-in his car-unconscious after striking a tree. Was this foul play?
WTH?

So, now we wait and ponder why? Is he the one who contacted them to meet on the Oregon coast?
To help or to hurt-that's the question.

Or, is the killer someone with closer ties to the family?

YIKES!
Thank you to Georgina Cross, the publisher, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Behold the Monster By Jillian Lauren

 Let me start out by saying: As a survivor of domestic violence and after having been married and happily divorced since 2013 to a malignant narcissist after being raised as a 'scapegoat' from a family of narcs the best thing I can say on this topic is -Do Not Feed the Narcs!

These individuals need attention, they need a source of supply, they need people to feel for them to take away the compassion for their victims whom they killed!

The last thing these MONSTERS need is a book about their actions as KILLERS!

They prey upon the unsuspecting targets -Women- and often these women are bottom feeders that are seen as easily disposable. Sadly, those women are often prostitutes or drug addicts whom these disgusting men whom attack and or murder for their own self pleasure.

The main problem I had with this book is the fact of these women didn't ask for this type of abuse. They didn't deserve to be killed, mutilated, or destroyed and tossed away without a moment's hesitation.
For me books like this shouldn't be written as they honestly stir up more controversy than assitance to those left behind or those studying serial killers.

I honestly am not fascinated by the minds of such ill individuals but thought perhaps this would be written in a manner conducive to learning and educating the public and less about the personal interest or lack thereof from the mind of Sam Little.

Thankfully, he perished in prison but not before tax payers dollars were wasted upon him to keep him alive.
This is a fine example of why we need to utilize the death penalty upon this man known simply as, "The ultimate psychopath."

Sexual crimes and crimes of passion such as this should not be spotlighted but rather condemned. The world today allows societal norms to be moved farther and farther away from human conscious and psyche and because of that we no longer uphold the rights of every man, woman, and or child.

Instead we view people in general as disposable and it's why we are seeing the escalation of said 'hate' crimes and 'crimes of passion' being committed.

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

Book Review: "Palazzo" by Danielle Steel

 

Danielle Steel keeps putting out such amazing work that's truly mind blowing to partake in such splendor!

It's no secret by now. Danielle Steel is my fan favorite of authors because of the way she writes and appears to make everything stand out so effortlessly.

What we have here is a new situation involving Palazzo and the fires that burn from within because truly everything is lit.

Palazzo is more or less a treasure, a Venice hot-spot, and a place where memories are made but also taken away.

Whether we wish to acknowledge the sacrifices that one must expend to partake is such joys is also at stake.
Selling a share isn't all that crucial unless you're talking about a family heirloom or a travesty of injustice and then it becomes the main storyline.

The characters in this one are full of splendor, exuding charisma, and yes, that sweet spot of danger and trepidation around every corner.

What will become of these characters. Who will save Palazzo? Who will walk away and who will walk in faith, love, and beauty for all to behold?
LOVED IT!

Thank you so much to my fav-Danielle Steel, the publisher Random House, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: "Don't Forget The Girl" By Rebecca McKanna

Could it be true? Abby Hartman killed by Jon Allan Blue?

Really, that cut and dry...or is there something far more dangerous and alluring creeping in the bushes?

What's one to do but ponder the meaning of life, however, there's something up with the girl's group, this trio of sorts that seems elusive and yet, daring.

Blue after all was a teacher. A person that had gained the girl's trust and gain trust may be the key to unlocking this mystery.

Bree, Chelsea, Rachel are more than just friends and may have a secret or two hiding between them and it's up to the reader to discern the tale of the trio.

Thank you to Rebecca, the publisher, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review

Book Review: "The Water Tower" By Amy Young

 

As a debut novel this was a good and moving piece with just enough suspense to keep your mind seeking the next level of awareness.

It started off with a main character with insomnia and a young student who fell tragically to her death with from a water tower.

As a teenager there's always t hat possibility that perhaps something more is at play. Social circles begin to come into sight, possible motives with past relationships, could there be involvement in extracurricular activities and fun times ie. drugs, partying, or the like.

What if mental health was to be at the front and center of this growing dilemma in trying to uncovert the hidden truths.

Is someone being framed for a crime here or is there so much more we have yet to learn?

One thing is for sure, the real action comes closer to the end when the truths will be exposed and the reality sets in for more than one individual because someone must pay for killing the politician's daughter.

Thank you to Amy Young, Level Best Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.