Friday, July 28, 2023

Book Review: "The Heiress By Rachel Hawkins"




Bring on the old letters, pass down the cherished estate, keep Jules on her toes, and bring on Cam...

Folks, this is all over the place in the beginning with letters, and estate planning, and the family drama.

It centers around adopted Camden and his wife Jules. She's actually more involved than he is in terms of getting her fair share of the prize.

Ten years later he arrives to the estate after his uncle died .

However, the 4 marriages plot, twist, and drama filled center of this doughnut wasn't a big win for me. I'm not a fan of simply killing everyone off -one by one- and then bragging.

The ending with the twisty Auntie Annie Pretzel debacle was just ok but Dora and Caitline or whomever you wish to contact just didn't do it for me.

Thank you to Rachel Hawkins, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Liar" By Fern Michaels

 



I've been reading Fern Michaels since I began nearly 10 years ago.

Fern is from my neck of the woods and so I enjoyed seeing local areas mentioned however, in this case there wasn't a local connection nor a strong character connection.

I was hoping to fall in love with this brother/sister duo of Luna and older bro Cullen especially upon the setting with a armoire etched with intriguing detail.

However, as it played out we learned about the wealth status for the elite, the abduction, and the consequent damage control that played out.

Kidnapping usually stirs up the pot and this was no different but it didn't lead me to want to come along for the ride nor the steal.

Gambling debts, criminal activity, and ransom are some of the highlights but for me it fell flat in the end.
Thank you to Fern, the pub, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Other Year" By Rea Frey

 



The Other Year examines parenting and the loss of a child in a rapid fire way that's sure to draw attention -good and bad!

Look, I'm a trade blogger having read well over 3k books as a speed reader and for me this book didn't quite make the mark for a variety of reasons.

The most prominent issue for me was in character development and lack thereof, in which I didn't feel anything for the emotions that were being displayed.

The romance felt forced with multiple men that became more tedious than enjoyable.
The ending felt too much like the, "Dating Show" in which two of the three were eliminated with one hopeful left to choose from and just didn't do it for me.

Thanks to Rea Frey, the pub, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Trade Off" By Sandie Jones





Journalism at its finest with a touch of suicidal tendencies.

Ahh, what's a person to do when they want the first dibs on the breaking case.

Should we hound the hell out of the victim, stalk, or should we find an alternative to getting the truth.
Folks, not everything is cut and dry and in this case it's more juicy as in, "Drink up."

It's the name of the game and it's quite funny to join hands to bring it down in the end.

Not bad but needed more enticement, thrills, and certainly chillls to be a good thriller.

Thank you to Sandie Jones, the pub St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this exclusive ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Book Review: "The Injustice Of Place" By Katherine J Edin

 



I can attest to much of what the authors note in this newest work as the injustices are deep and poverty is deeper.

As a survivor of this state of despair what we have is the bottom feeders struggling against the powerful elites. The lack of advancement, the low pay, the inability to help every citizen excel without some connections is ad nauseum.

In small towns like my own it's God awful to move forward without having wealth, power, and prestige. As noted, It's not what you know but who you know and I'd add who you donate too.
The more you donate the better your chances. The more you show up and give the more they show up and help.

What we must not become is complacent in allowing this to become the new norm. By allowing robots to take away workers jobs, by allowing big corporations to pay peanuts and expect work to death mentality, by allowing those like myself with Masters education to be placed at the bottom gives no incentive to work hard and earn your keep.

After raising kids and a family upon divorcing in 2013 I found myself in dire straits. No income, alimony, child support, and 15k in arrearages for the support owed from my ex spouse in which he refused to pay. Our master judge awarded me 740 dollars to raise a family of four in an area in which a two bedroom goes for 1,200. I had a disabled (medically) son from birth with vater syndrome. My first payment after a year w/o income living on credit was $100. We eventually fought with 4 attorneys to achieve an increase of $1200 monthly but spent twice as much to obtain. I sought work with a dual Masters and over 20 yrs volunteer experience since 2010. It wasn't until Feb. 2023 that I finally acquired a $14 hr job (remote) with benefits from day one.

I'm blessed to have this job but I must note it's working as a resource navigator with 211 similar to 911 and helpline. I help others acquire what I myself couldn't find on my own. My job is to find the resources within the human service field. I love my job but the pay is quite low for masters and while the benefits are great and make up for the low wages along with the annual time earned to use free willy it's sad to see how the system is so broken.

We have individuals whom if they call after hours 9-4pm they can't be helped. We have no after hour homeless shelters especially on holidays.

While I tried to illicit change I was met with a write-up for wanting to help others. It's best to stay quiet and not lose the job you fought so hard to acquire.

What I've long learned is that the world and society today has drastically changed. There's people who will sit on cell phones recording before lending a hand to their fellow citizens.

There's something to say about a system that continues to penalize the impoverished. It costs more to be poor. Try to get credit and you'll find out. Living in extreme poverty is met with challenges.
Speaking upon experience to get a gift card because of having zero credit is maddening. To pay an activation fee $5 or more is nuts. To then not be able to use cash at facilities and continue to have to purchase cards is insanity. Since when is the American Dollar not acceptable?

To have to spend thousands in student loans to be able to receive a less paying salaried position is not only not fair it diminshes the point of higher education.

Why can't we help those with student loan debt forgiveness?

Why must we tell the disabled and poor that they can't get disability not because they're not disabled but because they own two vehicles (assets) that penalize the poor even if those assets are for their own kids to attend college to leave poverty behind.

This world is so ass backwards that the very definition of common sense is I'm afraid all but lost on upon us.
I had the golden opportunity once to meet President Joe Biden. I mentioned to him this above comment, Bring back common sense!

Everything I'm seeing put into place by politicians is nothing more than an election grabber for the next cycle. They'll sell the community on the idea they'll bring in new jobs on the back of tax free land. They'll lay off more than they'll eventually hire. In the end, the factories go belly up while those dependent upon those jobs are left scrambling for new opportunity.

As a 50 yo woman I grew up with the American Dream in which you work hard to obtain what you need. I did just that! I worked for Lord and Taylor Distribution warehouse in Wilkes Barre. I was top producer in two departments and made a whopping $7.25 hr with a ten cent raise. I was then struck down literally when a 50 lb trolley hit me on the head knocking me to the ground. OSHA did nothing. We couldn't sue as they had top of the line attorneys. So, the little guy aka myself went home with an indented skull and left the company.

After the past 13 yrs seeking work and the past 29 raising my family I learned that it's nearly impossible to get employed with a gap even if you fill the gap with volunteering experience as a Points of Light recipient from our 41st President George H.W. Bush.

While my community celebrated the white men who assisted over the years and provided them the key to the city and other recognition those of us on the front line received lil more than a "Thank you" for putting in more than 20 yrs for their tw0-six years. In fact the mayors of two of my local towns acted as if they didn't know I volunteered in serving yet, I was front and center at each community event.
What I can tell you is I never have served my community for applause but for a cause. It doesn't matter if they chase me out or help assist me because either way I'm here to stay.

As noted by others there's a treasure trove we could all write about in injustices in society today.
This is just the tip of this iceberg. As a white woman from a mid class background I was told to suck it up buttercup, to get a job, to stop sponging off the family. I was told I didn't want to work, I wanted hand outs, and that these welfare moms are lazy and or entitled.

I'd have given my right arm and then some for employment but we have to look into providing a living wage not a work to death wage.

I have medical issues that I needed to take two weeks off from work just to attend too. It's not right. It's sad. It's disgusting that we as Americans are treated so inhumanely.

When I was abused by my spouse who was arrested for violating his PFA I was told I deserved the abuse.
When I couldn't get employed I was told I wasn't sending out enough applications, I wasn't trying hard enough, I didn't do enough.

As a single mom left bankrupt, homeless, LT unemployed, without income/assets/savings/credit I can tell you this: I'll never give up and neither should our society at large.

God bless

Book Review: "Happiness" By Danielle Steel

 


You know me and you know my love for all things: Danielle Steel!! YES!

Happiness is the newest creation that's full of love, warmth, and drama. After all what's a good read without some good dialogue.

Now, lets not get too far ahead because while an inherited estate is great , it may also be a curse. Behind every good man is a good woman but what if things aren't as rosy as they may appear in those pink glasses?
Abuse may not be far behind when things play out behind closed doors. In fact, monsters are often worse when nobody appears to be watching.

So, then why would anyone not want to have a relationship with their own flesh and blood?
Good question, with some good answers to be found here.
Can you find love if you feel unloveable?

What if you had a traumatic and abusive past?

Is love possible or is it something we should strive to find? Could it be a natural occurrence?
Happiness is here to stay folks...make sure you run out and grab a copy.

Thank you to Danielle, Random House, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Out of Nowhere" By Sandra Brown

 Bring it because Sandra Brown is ready!!!

Out of Nowhere was an amazing read, full of character, and ripe with thrills!!




Just when you think you have it figured out the plot twists come at you with a force that's not to be reckoned.

Now, we all have worried about our surrounds from time to time but in this day of mass shootings it's alarming how often we look over out shoulders.

Building upon this emotion is fear, trauma, and other emotions that come to a head especially as parents.

When Elle Portman takes her two year old son Charlie to a Texas County Fair she didn't expect to end the day on a sad note much less with tragedy.

However, could tragedy bring something so horrific into a positive light?

Could a young shooter that possibly killed numerous individuals be the only one held responsible even upon death?

Or, could there be far more to this story that we are just learning....
Calder Hudson is a corporate consultant who happened to be in the right place at the right time or was he....It makes one think what else is lurking around.

Thank you to Sandra Brown, Grand Central Pub, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Good Night Irene" By Louis Alberto Urrea




 Good Night Irene has brought the goodness home in showcasing not just the power of volunteers (Red Cross during WWII) but the power of prayer, hope, enlightment, love, strength, grit, and determination and that's not just for the men anymore to value.

HELL yeah, this is the book that showcases the job of a 'club mobiler' or in other words the 'donut dolly's or dollies' and yes, the 'darling dot' and the 'handyman.'

Folks, we can write about what is more accurate, the time frame, the characters that you might not of connected with but for me I sure as rain not only connected as a speed reader but fell in love with the magical love affair, the danger, the historical markers that were used to show the time was dire.

To not just sign up for something you have little knowledge about but to do so to help your country is to be applauded and thankfully many did during that time. 
To have good friends during all this chaos and a chance to find and experience love with a pilot no less, is quite the treat. 
However, to showcase that ending in Irene's service -50 years later- was just unforgettable.

Book Review: "The Senator's Wife" By Liv Constantine

 



Liv Constantine is an author I've not had much experience in reading. So this is all new territory.

What I can say is her writing is great, the storyline was hard core, and the finale was equally impressive.
I love when you have characters that take you with them on the journey especially in regards to the thriller genre.

In this case we have two main characters with Sloane and Whit. However, how they came to be is quite tedious and needs some framing.

That's where the story gets quite interesting in this politically charged climate. No doubt, politics requires a tough outer shell.

With this noted, you'll see that after the two spouse's of these two pass they find their way towards one another as is almost always the case in healing.

What's to come from that relationship that's newly forming is even more mind blowing with attempts at murder, public corruption, and assault.

Well, nothing a girl's trip might not be able to fix in the end, lol.
Love it and it's truly a great read as it keeps you mind tingling with all the juicy plot twists.

Book Review: "The Only One Left" By Riley Sager

 



This is one of those books you wish you got your hands on sooner but the stars weren't aligning.

Riley Sager is one of those authors that doesn't give a rats ass if you've been the top reviewer or the bottom feeder apparently and it's cool. Ignore those who provided so much for free.
However, with that said what I can note is no dissapointment in the reading as we go from the past to the present in this gem.

Lenora Hope had a sis that hung herself at a young age in 1929 and that's the key to what may lie ahead.

The family dynamic is in a power play here so watch that storyline closely especially with this married couple of Winston and Evangeline.

It's not just family you must watch but friends especially those who now care for Lenora like Kit McDeere the nurse.

Can the storyline swap just for a second...Oh, sure as gold.

Here we go and lets now check up on Virginia the sister....wait, what?
Oh, you know the one from the past might just pay a visit...
But, if so then who the hell is Ricky.

Oh, wait the flip-flop is happening and here we see the mom, the sis, and another male....and shiite's about to hit the fan...YIKES!

Gotta run...till we meet again.

Thank you to my local public free library for this hard copy.

Book Review: "With My Little Eye" By Joshilyn Jackson




 Finally got my hands on this one from the local library and it wasn't quite what I'd hoped.

The first clue is the name of the stalker- Marker Man.
The 2nd clue is her past history as the main character from her teen years.
The third clue is how it went round the bush but never really connected.
Could the kidnapper be as childish as the storyline....
Ahhh, wait and see.
Thank you to my local public free library for this hard copy.

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Book Review: "Famous In A Small Town" By Viola Shipman

 



Viola Shipman aka Wade has always been one of my fan favorites but this one just didn't cut the cake nor the cherry pie.

While it's all about the spitting of the pit the furthest and getting some type of recognition among the family of ladies who held the title it's also about seeing beyond the finish line.

I'd hope there's more to it than just a ton of mismatched relationships and bad engagements but sadly it's quite centered on that topic and in the end I was seeking something more to entice me.

While it was nice that the ending had some flare with Mary's grandson and the bells going off for a lifetime of happiness I didn't feel the characters were expanded upon and felt they needed some roundness to their edges.
Mary is quite the baller and yes, she may just have set another record but in the end what does it matter because it went from the store in this small town to a pit toss and takeover.

I'm just not feeling it...Sorry.

Book Review: "Only The Beautiful" By Susan Meissner

 



Thought provoking, powerful, and fully immersive this book has it all!

You'll be taken back to another time in which being empathetic and sympathetic was a different form of human experience than it is now.
However, you feel about eugenics program with Hitler this book will have you questioning the concept and the cruelty that was associated with anyone who was seen as different.

Rosie and Helen are the two main characters from opposite ends of the spectrum. Rose had special powers as a maid and during said time became pregnant at a young age while Helen was a nanny experiencing some of the atrocities mentioned above.

What we have combined is a moving and gut wrenching story that presents us with choices, freedoms, and the rights that many of us today take for granted all around the world.

If we're not careful this can and will happen again and so we must stay vigilant but not hyper in the quest to not be overpowered by those on the far sides of either aisle.

Nazi's sterilized individuals in hospitals (psych wards) and the sadness only seemed to escalate.

What readers are provided is a glimpse into the life of Rosanne and Helen during this time of unspeakable actions and how the true colors finally shined through.

Love is a color that not everyone can see...

Book Review: "The Lodge" By Miranda Rijks

 


Trying to cage a wild bird never works....

Let's not waste time in Africa because we all know that this is Miranda Rijks at her finest in the land of make believe and you know darn well the shiite's about to go down.

"It’s so quiet at the lodge. But if you listen very hard, you can hear the screams."

This ain't just about an interview for a new veterinarian position as Joel (the fiance) of Anna might believe. Oh, hell no...This is about not letting go of the past with her ex boyfriend Clayton who just casually appears at the same lodge they're both staying in and you know coicindence ain't cool.

Stalking, blackmailing, and missing persons are all just sinister tools of the trade.

Yet, Miranda finds a way to create the perfect storm and that damn cloud is headed this way....
Could this be the final trap?

Could this end happily?

Ahhh, the beauty is in the words..read this gem!

Thank you to Miranda Rijks, the pub, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Never Too Late By Danielle Steel




First and foremost I must shout out to Danielle Steel and Random House, Ballantine, Delacorte Press for granting my wish!

You know how much Danielle rocks my world and yes, it's a constant feeling whenever I read her books as she's the Queen of Romance and Fiction combined!

I'm thrilled I can also relate on so many levels to each powerful novel in some way.

In this case we have an older woman who struck out in life but for which the daughters are now picking up the slack.
Not only is it never too late but it's also no time frame on making a change in one's life. Don't feel as though you need confinement as a seed can grow anywhere the light shines.

As always the characters held their own quite well with action, suspense, intrigue, and romance around every corner. Some may say it's almost too perfect how the pieces fall into place but for me that's the whole point. To expect the unexpected but in the end sometimes life throws curves and you must stand in faith while being guided to bigger and more vast land.

New connections and networks can be appetizing in many ways. In forming new relationships as well as new romances.

Kezia Cooper Hobson may have lost a spouse from Covid but she's still young and fanciful. She need not worry about her future role.
In this case she's embarking on a new journey at 59yo and her two daughters are about to inherit some new waves from the mighty ocean. Sometimes those waves are calm, sometimes it's high tide, and sometimes you get caught up in that rip current that takes you out.

Be careful as you never know when the storms come in to greet you and what might become of those very storms upon the time they embark.

You can be certain of one thing...it's never too late for dreams and to be born again. Whether that's with a Mr. Right or placing Mr. Wrong behind the rear view mirror to singlehood.

Stand up and be heard!

Thank you Danielle Steel, the publishers, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "How To Talk With God" By Joyce Meyer




Another fine example from Joyce Meyer of being one with God our creator. In today's hectic world are you keeping true to your word. Do you create a world in which you're simply co-existing or are you there to make sure you're helping your fellow brother or sister?

There's many ways to thank god for his work. You can begin by asking God for his love. Try keeping your prayers concise and concrete. Don't matter if it's perfect. Non of us are as we all cast sins.

What we can do is improvise. Start fresh. Start new. Use what we have to build upon and use the stones cast at us to rectify our own lives.

It's not about moving ahead but about forgiving those who did you wrong.
God sees and god will protect you from harm as long as you stand in blind faith.

Even when things seem as though there's not a way. God will find a way and pull you through.

The power of Joyce Meyer is simply unmatched and for that we must be grateful.

Thank you for another wonderful masterpiece of insight and love.

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Book Review: "How Can I Help You" By Laura Sims

 


Oh, how I wish this burned brighter than the forces behind it...

It had a great premise but fell flat way too quickly for my taste.
Margo and Patricia are librarians with two polar opposite entrances.

 One is a former nurse accused of premature infant deaths while the other is on the mends trying to prove herself with a new job and a new detective centered objective here.

While I felt this book had some good pieces scattered throughout it didn't leave a lasting impression that would make me go back for more.

Thank you to Laura Sims, the pub, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Drowning Woman" By Robyn Harding

 




Robyn Harding is at the top of her game and continues to provide readers with excitement that is second to none in the thriller genre.

For those who need more let's start with the set-up and how often we find two women fallen upon hard times, struggling for survival, in more of a fight or flight scenario.

Add to this the DV issues, the homelessness, the fact that Hazel is an attorney and is seeking to help her mother with dementia.

The actions of the relationship partners speak volumes. Never force anyone to see a shrink. Never ignore warning signs. Always watch your damn back.

As if I need to say more --death is upon us but lighting can't strike twice --so run baby run!
In the end let the shiite fall where it may and get the heck out of there.

Thank you to my local library for this copy in providing our community gems such as this to entice all senses.

Book Review: "The Manor House" By Gilly Macmillan

 



Love is blind and what better way to prove that point than to find your childhood sweetheart dead in a pool.

Winning the lottery isn't what it's cracked up to be anymore. The people that come out of the woodwork are odd and sometimes they seek more than you bargained for or ever wanted to give.

I realize the Manor House is meant to feel slightly out of place and for that the author does a great job in conveying those bizarre characters whom we can't quite make out from that location.

Bribery and money always go hand in hand like a bird and a feather so expect much the same involvement as money is always at the root.

As for the rest of the story I can only say the journal didn't help, the connections to the true lady aren't really appetizing, and the septic tank is one place nobody would want to go.

The ending here left some things to be desired and I felt as though being played wasn't the ultimate way to go.

The prior 5 yrs with the housekeeper , sauna, and ultimately the meat and bones was quite good. 

All in all I was between a 3-4 on this one but settled for three as I didn't have that spark I had hoped in the end .

Monday, July 3, 2023

Book Review: "CrossDown" By James Patterson

 



Cross Down was a book that had plenty of non-stop action but it didn't grab me in like I'd had hoped.

What begins in the audio version was quite lengthy having 165 chapters or so , and therefore, I switched around Chapter 69 and picked up reading the large print version instead after spending a week trying to listen to the audio.

Now with this noted, I must note that in two more days I finished this book as a speed reader with extreme time constraints in current situation.

It begins with a shootout in LA at the bus stop and moves forward with terror attacks .
What we then get is a host of craziness that rapidly increases in all directions from there.
Anarchy v. Civilization is the name of the game.

Rashaad is the new danger with recruitment to carry out his mission for revenge upon those who did him rong.
Amy may have lost her husband and daughter and now is hell bent on getting answers.
Perhaps the issue isn't just terror attacks World Trade Center as it's becoming increasingly dangerous in public places but what if we were to think outside the box. TRAINS!

We've seen what happens with train derailments recently in the news and this puts readers on a heightened alert for the chemical component that is downright hazardous and deadly.
what if we had timed intervals with two trains ....

Ahhh! Russian commando's have arrived and the danger in security or lack therof is now at issue.

Ollie is also on the case and what may have been an electrical fuse has surely created plenty of angst.
A great new read if you have a ton of time.

Book Review: Without a Trace By Danielle Steel

 




Danielle Steel never disappoints and Without a Trace is proof of her excellency as a writer and author.

In this case, we have a man that is seemingly looking for a way out of marriage. He's taken the less typical route out via car.

Or, you can say he's had an incident one of which causes him to hang out with Aude a woman he met that is divorced with two grown kids.

As they play house for a bit the real situation builds from the click hanger suspension and we uncover that Aude isn't all she's cracked up to be.

Life seems good until someone comes a knocking...

However, we must end on a better not bitter note so lets get moving with healing and grace and forgive but never forget the past.

A great read for the Danielle Steel readers and newcomers alike.

Book Review: "Cutting Teeth" By Chandler Baker

 



Cutting Teeth is a book that's literally set apart from all others out there in the thriller genre.

What sets this apart is the material discussed, the characters which are children and mothers, and the setting which is a daycare style.

It's unique. It's bizarre! It's a book that refuses to let you go.

Now, if that doesn't say, "Read me" then we can add the fact that Chandler Baker brings it all together with drama that unfolds in a slow yet steady simmering pace.

We have a problem folks, that problem is the pre-school teacher -Miss Ollie- is dead.
The job now before us is to figure out why kids are conducting vampire style actions and what is behind it all as drinking blood ain't the norm.

In determining the cause you might want to look from within as not every marriage is roses and rainbows.
Noelle Brant is only 4 1/2 yo and so questioning a child has it's downside especially with Mary Beth Brant as her mom.

Perhaps Doug might be able to help us if he wasn't so darn busy ....or we might want to ask someone with closer knowledge of the backdoor operations like Ben, or perhaps someone who is a close friend like Reya, or we can go back in time and start examining the parents and start from scratch. 

Well, I can't give away too much but suffice to say this is a great new read .

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