Book Review:"Light from Other Stars" By Erika Swyler

For a young child Nasa and their explorations is truly a perspective that one must admire.

However when the Challenger imploded shortly after take off it affected everyone who witnessed it deeply including myself as many of the younger generation watched from classrooms across the country.

Fast forward and Nedda is now up in space fulfilling a dream she's had since being a child but something is wrong.

It seems the Earth is slowly dying off after she's been aboard the Chawla admiring from afar.

What happens next is a retrospect of her life and everything in between including plenty of science references which for me felt bogged down.

It just was too much for me and I couldn't get a good hold on this one.

Perhaps my general science knowledge was a factor in that equation but it just didn't do it for me.

Book Review: "The Last Time I Saw You" By Liv Constantine

There comes a time in one's life when you must ask am I surrounded by A-holes or do I really have a problem?

For Lily she dies not at the hands of her maker but rather someone close to her (which is all I'm willing to offer up in terms of spoilers).

Her daughter Kate and Kate's friend Blaire become investigative buggers seeking every angle of the evidence but someone apparently wants them to stop and sends Kate nasty texts and animals to spook her.

Her anxiety disorder I'm sure is reaching epic heights but look the killer could be anyone so everyone is a suspect at this point.

I have to laugh because my notes midway through were like this "Gordon is the Killer, No it's Hilda, It has to be Sabrina or Simon, but wait there's Harrison, and then Randolph enters the picture and oh my word I give up...."

I'm sure the idea that Blair couldn't have kids and the fact she miscarried is up there in terms of making her prime suspect especially when Carter left her.

I'm also certain Simon was prime suspect for the mere fact he's so close to Kate but it's his mother in law and who doesn't love their own mother in law?! (enter sarcasm here).
I'm actually shocked by other reviews claiming it was redundant, repetitive, or that they figured it all out in terms of uncovering the facts before they were revealed?

I must live under a rock or I'm not the brightest bulb because I have a masters in criminal justice, have read thousands of thrillers, and I had no idea till it was finally revealed.

This is why I tell others read it yourself and form your own conclusion because anything could off set a review including having a bad day, being too preoccupied, or having been in a fog reading too many books.

I personally loved it and hope you do too!
A fab read for 2019!

Book Review: "Lost Roses" By Martha Hall Kelly

The exploration of the Russian aristocracy is alive and well in this prequel to Lilac Girls!

The tumultuous times are not only addressed but are lived through by these amazing characters.

Bigotry involved with the upper classes and moral dilemmas was showcased while trying to survive was the main highlight.

It was quite interesting through alternating perspectives that worked well with the story line.

The violence and upheaval portrayed made readers feel actively involved and in sync with the format of the genre.

It was one novel I will not forget anytime soon.

Book Review: "Can't Hurt Me" By David Goggins

Bad Ass or Crazy?!

You decide but either way know this he doesn't quit, he goes full steam, he does not rest!
I first came across the author from a tv show that showcased his work and was enamored by his hard core routines not just physically but mentally.

Hell I was the gal who decided to do crossfit in my late 40's and have done every high intensity workout regime out there so I get it believe me after 3 kids without stomach muscles and several c sections (1 emergency) I do get it! 
Rhabdo is no joke and I've seen many nearly die from it! 

"Researchers are warning that a potentially fatal kidney condition, that has been linked to Crossfit, is on the rise. Called rhabdomyolysis, the condition causes muscles to break down or leak, releasing a protein, myoglobin, into the bloodstream. ...Rhabdomyolysis has traditionally been caused by physical trauma."Apr 7, 2017

However, I'm afraid this will lead the crazies to run off with the I'm superman or superwoman feel good bug and jump off a cliff just for thrills!

There must be a time and place for everything and pushing yourself to such severe extremes can be deadly!

In fact we had a situation locally in which a young woman collapsed on the finish line at our Steamtown Marathon in Scranton Pa. https://wnep.com/2017/04/02/woman-dies-after-completing-scranton-half-marathon/

I've known others who collapsed and died on treadmills simply working out.
So please know your limits but challenge yourself how you see it.
The most important thing is to not give up and while the language used is strong it was motivational to a point.

Congrats on your achievements.

While I would not quite push myself to your level as I have my limits I think you're vision is a vision worthy of noting.

Be your best whatever your best may be!

Book Title: "Lean In" By Sheryl Sandberg

Women need to showcase their talents, become more confident, ask for what they need and challenge themselves.

Women are by nature empaths who seek to have both work and family but what if they must choose or do they need to make a choice when they can have it all?
Men need to be more supportive of strong women and call out injustices as they seem them taking place.

One thing is for certain the glass ceiling has broken but we still have a long way to go.

Women Inequality in the workforce and beyond is proof that more can and should be done to create a world we will be happy to leave behind to our children.

Women need to stay united and work together!

A nice read, well written, and very informative!

Book Review: "Anything For You" By Saul Black

A murder mystery like no other forged with sex, lies, and deceit.

The M.O. is written on the wall but it's up to Valerie to uncover the truth now that Adam has passed away.

Adam was a prominent prosecutor and lived a life that many envied but did his wife and daughter truly know the real Adam?

Adam seems to have lived a 'double life' one that made him prime suspect but perhaps this is a 'revenge killing' from an ex con he locked up.

A sexy blonde holds many of the answers and several of the keys to unlock this growing case...

The sexuality and promiscuity for me was a bit much so if you're easily offended by 'all things sex' you may wish to shy away from this one.

Book Review: "The Doctor" By Lisa Stone

My word, buckle up, you're in for the ride of your life!

It begins with the couple Ben and Emily but ends with the whacked out bizarre neighbor Amit and Anita whose daughter is disabled.

The problem is Dr. Amit comes from a country who seeks success in the highest regard. You can't simply be happy in life you must enter into a challenging and high paying career.

So in not becoming a doctor but rather anesthesiologist was a disappointment but add to that a forced marriage and a child with medical issues and he's reached a breaking point.

He blames and shames his wife for the medical problems claiming she's the sole owner carrying the gene (heterochromia).

In the end we learn quite differently who the true carrier is and just how deranged Dr. Amit has become.

This is full on panic mode from start to finish and never let up.

The perfect thriller!