Book Review: "The Weekend Away" By Sarah Alderson

How well do you think you know someone?

That's the million dollar question that's often posed in these types of thrillers and Sarah Alderson has created a dramatic new piece that will keep you on edge.

It starts off innocently enough. Two besties take off for a trip of a lifetime to Lisbon. Orla and Kate are in need of some downtime away from the normal hustle-and -bustle of daily life.
The next day Orla is awakening with a terrible hangover while her friend Kate is missing. What happened at the bar the other night? It was meant to unwind. Did something else occur?
Kate seems to be the wild friend that needs to be watched carefully by her friends. Perhaps, finding some companionship off the side wasn't the best option.

Rob is also in this picture with Kate and that in and of itself also throws a monkey wrench in the cards.

It's a great new read that will surely entice all thriller, mystery, suspense fans.

Thank you to Sarah, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Day She Died" By S.M. Freedman

 As a connoisseur of thrillers I'd honestly have to say that this book was quite the dramatic flare-up of everything you thought you knew.

It's a back and forth event in which the protagonist Eve is tossed between situations like a rag doll as she tries to recoup her memory bank.

What she believes is truth including some very major occurrences like one's own birth is actually marred by falsehoods and twisted truths to the point readers like myself aren't quite sure what to expect.

This is made more difficult by the fact this was an audio book which makes the narration much more difficult to conjure up the exact appeal and tone.

The narration was wonderful but the problem is the constant introduction of characters prior to speaking was ad nauseum along with the fact that once the statement was tossed out it was like a boomerang that shot back at you.

I enjoyed how this story came across as it played out from scene to scene with an increasing risk of tension at each corner.

It turns out Eve honestly must keep track of it all with her mom who has the same name as me which set me off, then the husband Lee with his shenanigans, and of course Sarah, and the others.

It became quite intriguing as we uncover the fact that Button is the grandmother who was just sent away. Lee is in tight wraps after the detective started to investigate a situation that arose with him and his sexual adventures. As well as the friend who bumped her head on the playground and felt a sense of awareness of others emotions.

Well, this was a book that in print might fair much better than this digital audio version because of the complexities and nature of the crimes but nevertheless I did enjoy it.

Thank you to S.M. Freedman, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Anything You Say" By Christopher DiStefano

 

One of the problems with justice today is that it never looks at the totality of the circumstances. This is due in large part to a system being overwhelmed, underfunded, and lacking skilled expertise. It operates much like a business. A pay to play. A money making scheme.

The legal system here in Luzerne County in particular is deeply troubling. Take for example: The "Kids For Cash" case involving juvenile offenders and corrupt judges uses kickbacks. That was a sensational case but it's just the tip of the iceberg.

As a feminist, a seeker of justice, a truth teller and a victim/survivor of domestic violence and malignant narcissistic abuse I can tell you our family court system on the civil side leaves much to be desired. It's high case loads with non skilled individuals who seek a quick turnover rate rather than the truth.

I'd imagine it's no different on the criminal side because it's being run by the alpha males who operate from the Big Boy Network. They most certainly cover for one another and will crucify anyone else to the cross because the laws only apply to some not all citizens.

In fact, a perfect case in point: The Kingston Chief of Police admitted the elites attending a local private Catholic school are violating the law, using politics and privilege, yet they called his office to complain because he told them they can't park on the left side of North Maple Street (anytime) as the sign states. His own parking enforcement officer came on scene and told them to move their vehicles or face a fine and the principle of the school then sent a notice saying he would pay for anyone who receives a ticket. Imagine that?

See, folks this is how it works when you have power, control, and wealth that uses small town politics. They force certain citizens to plead guilty to things they don't do in order to make money off of their misfortunes, strictly penalizing those who can't afford it, while allowing wealthier elites with power free reign, and imposing stiffer sentences to those without legal representation.

My friends this is a case of a young man who was accused of a brutal murder. Christopher DiStefano was in the prime of his life. He was a college university student and sought to be a teacher.

That was before he was forced into a confession that didn't hold water much less facts.
Ironically, I came across this case not because of my own criminal justice background or operations as an intern with the Luzerne County Public Defenders Office; but actually because of a local newspaper article by the Times Leader.

That article led me to explore deeper after it noted a particular individual: Gail McGeever (spelled incorrectly in the newspaper). That's the very same Gale McGeever that I was told was a hair dresser/salon owner by her nephew whom I've since divorced. She actually still has a massage parlor in operation up in Dallas.

I knew some of the disturbing details of the Mcgeever's operations after uncovering numerous newspaper articles in the attic of her nephew's home.

However, I never knew about any criminal actions nor anything more than what was noted in these articles which only briefly stated things like, "masturbation for sale."
The mind cannot ever dream up something as far fetched as "MURDER" until I began to uncover additional names such as Christopher DiStefano and Christine and the pieces started to fall in place which led to this book.

I was floored by the allegations and alleged actions of the police and the judicial system. While I knew Luzerne County was in need of transformation and reformation I thought it was secluded to one central area and didn't extend to Lackawanna county the neighboring location of where this crime occurred back in nineteen ninety six.

What I will note without going into too much personal detail is that I lived as a kept woman/business partner. I was involved with a person who was a Jekyll and Hyde persona and for whom I believe suffers from malignant narcissism as well as other personality trait disorders however the Goldwater Rule prevents such further discussion.

The topics addressed in this book parallel much of what I've experienced in numerous ways except my matters were civil not criminal such as divorce, custody, protection from abuse orders, etc..
I'm intrigued by this story because it dealt with a woman I knew vaguely that held a lifestyle I knew nothing about that resulted in a murder on her own property that I never knew existed till now.

While I feel for those involved on both sides of this situation I cannot imagine the nightmare of being innocent but having to be forced to admit guilt via confession and be found guilty to a lesser charge of nolo contendere plea to involuntary manslaughter that carried 2 1/2 to 5 years in prison.

The facts are present but if you ignore the facts then what do you have?
The truth shall set you free but you need someone to listen to those truths.

The pictures provided in this book struck me as unusual as the crime scene looked set-up.

Who cracks open a safe, leaves no finger prints, places a safe on a massage bed when it'd be easier to crack on a hard floor, and then leaves the tools behind laid out perfectly next to the cracked safe?
WTH?

Who leaves cleaning supplies strategically placed and tools behind and tosses a few pieces of paper to make it look like a robbery?

Nothing is adding up in this case and it seems someone wanted this case to go away -FAST.
Who was her husband Robert repetitively calling in Virginia? Who was this person that was 5ft 8  to 5 ft 10 inches tall with a bigger build?

Who was this individual that was in love with a woman that didn't love him back? What kind of person would be into this type of sexual erotica?

Who was this person that was afraid to take her to a hospital or feared retribution from social peers?

Must've been someone with some mighty powerful connections, wealth, and prestige I'd say and I'm rarely wrong on assumptions.

I do hope this person's conscious weighs heavy on his soul. I pray he doesn't sleep well at night. I pray he's caught and I pray people wake up when men and women tell the truth only to be told we're not credible nor believable.

Malignant narcissism is a personality trait disorder. It's not just behavioral disorder. It can be deadly my friends.

Never discount the fact that not all those that are left behind are crazy, irrational, delusional, psychotic, bipolar, or insane.

I've said this multiple times on my own self help page but we've got to start listening to each other and understanding that the cycle will continue until the person responsible is caught and or gets professional help.

I pray nobody experiences such mental madness, anguish, guilt, shame, manipulation, coercion, intimidation, gaslighting, brain washing, and threats as so many of us have over the years.

Book Review: "The Sweet Taste Of Muscadines" By Pamela Terry

 “It’s never wise to wonder if you’d be friends with your family were you not bound together by blood. Like a waterlogged door that can never close properly again, once entertained, that question can permanently change things, making it easier for you to notice the faults and the foibles of the people you’re tied to for life.”

― Pamela Terry, The Sweet Taste of Muscadines: A Novel
“See, it’s a dangerous thing to let people grow up believing they have all the answers. They close their minds and stop questioning. Nothing’s a mystery anymore. Nobody’s right but them.”
― Pamela Terry, The Sweet Taste of Muscadines: A Novel

Truth be told this ain't all rainbows and roses as the picture might allude to upon the cover. This is all about the family secrets carried from one generation to the next and the children believing a false narrative.

It's not until the sudden demise of the mother Geneva Tolleson Bruce dies that we start to unravel the Pandora's Box of secrets tucked away in the garden of forever more.
Ok, I made the last part up but seriously, this is one for the ages, as we master the linguistics with the ebb and flow of the suspended animation.

The characters in this are the children who took off at an early age to save themselves. They're scattered all over the countryside. Lila is in Maine, Henry high-tailed it out to Rhode Island. Abigail -oh sweet Abby- is in Georgia.

Yet, something never sat right with the three kids. Home never felt homely. It always felt barren, empty, isolated, and dark.

Wait, till you see what comes next after the iceberg comes to light.
There's an entire underbelly just waiting to be exposed and it's shocking both literally and figuratively.

The subject matter is concerning sexual gender and societal acceptance especially back in a time and place where you didn't expose the truths and pretended to be 'normal' amongst your peers.

It was quite an extraordinary read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Pamela Terry, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Liar's Daughter "By Rona Halsall

Oh, what tangled webs we weave.

You know if at first you don't succeed try and try again.

Rona Halsall has nailed another fine thriller with The Liar's Daughter as she has me glancing over my shoulder and seeking comfort in the comforts of home.

It's not everyday that someone calls you claiming to be your blood relative that you've never heard of before and certainly not while in distress.

So you can imagine the stress, the uncertainty, the tension that was ripe as a peach, when Eva has to show up at a hospital to claim her sister and take her back home to this farm in Snowdonia.

Now, if you're thinking that this is slow then you've probably not read many books that lay the framework for an epic read as this was beautifully paced and more flavorful than my grandma's home cooked meals.

This creeped up steadily, it built suspense and intrigue, and when the time was right it hammered down at the reader like the anvil from the darkened sky.

Folks, this ain't one of those books that you go in thinking I'll know how this will end and I'll have it all figured out in my mind prior to reaching a conclusion.

This was not a foreseeable conclusion and it was fraught with plenty of wild hair raising twists and yes, I see you Judy.
I definitely see you!

I've read nearly 500 books so far this year and out of those more than 80% were probably thrillers. I read this type for the excitement level, the suspense, the intrigue, and the explosive emotional content and this had every bit of what I've come to love and admire about Rona's work.

I've read roughly 5 of the 8 books she's written to date and everyone one has been works of heart pounding satisfaction.

This newest creation was a jaw dropping element that I truly hope you too can enjoy!

Thank you to Rona, the pub -Bookouture, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Blog Tour: Hurricane Summer By Asha Bromfield

 Beautiful! Emotionally Riveting! Richly crafted and superbly detailed! This book should come with a warning one that notes- You'll not be the same person you were prior to reading this work.

Asha Bromfield you have earned my undivided attention, my upmost respect, and my applause for this eloquently written and splendidly illuminated piece.

Hurricane Summer is not like anything I've ever read nor probably ever will in my lifetime.

What words can you put to the music of one's soul? To the luxurious of one's emotions? To the blended storms that never seem to end but somehow seem to be survivable?

To grow is not to stay stationary. Oh, No indeed. It's to be magnified by the microscope of injustice. To see through the waves of the rising tide. To understand that the end is truly just the beginning. To know that love is not something you can hope for but rather something that stems from within one's own self.

You cannot expect to be made full. To come complete circle. To reach the pivotal stages of maturity without this portrayal of masculine and feminine level of understanding.

The riches are the races. The beauty is more than just the land, the sea, the air, the human potential.

What we have hear is a young lady who has uncovered her courage, her fierceness, her tenacity, and her drive to succeed beyond what her parents, her boyfriend(s), her friends, her soulmates could provide.

It's a walk of faith. A leap of hope. A blessing in disguise to be fearful but not afraid.

"He is the hurricane that lives inside of me."

Yes, but he's the beacon of light that helped create the level of forgiveness and insight to go forth in peace, wisdom, and solidarity.

Surely, the family unit was made stronger because of these individuals like Tilla's father, her cousin Andre, and her inner circle of friends.

Each through their own sense of character didn't just attempt to take away but rather added fuel to her fire that allowed her to rise from her own ashes and proclaim her own glory.

Jahvan and Hassan may be speaking tongue but that hatred grows and inner light to love deeper than before and to overcome the challenges of adversity and bitterness.

The hurricane may have killed many but it lives in the memory of what was newly created and formed that central avenue for you to excel. One that's forged from those individuals who came before and advanced your standing.

 I was provided this ARC by St. Martin's Press via Sarah Bonamino Publicist and I cannot thank her and the wonderful publishing team at St. Martin's Press for this extraordinary work of art.

I hope that each of you gets a chance to read and review this gem because it was truly a masterpiece crafted out of love.

Thank you to Asha Bromfield for re-awakening my senses to the world around through this one lovely piece.

Book Review: "Beautiful Things" By Hunter Biden

 If you've followed the Bidens, grew up in their hometown of Scranton Pa or Delaware, and have known them most of your life through your connections via an ex-spouse who worked at OBP than you might feel akin to reading this memoir.

However, for me it's nothing of what I expected and sadly have to agree it felt more like the '12 step meeting' as noted from an NPR review - than anything else.

While my heart aches for this family- that reminds me of the Kennedy's in some fashion with the horrific life events- it's in no way meant to diminish nor take away from the fact that we all have excessive situations in our life and sadly many of us succumb to them.

In this case, Hunter is a victim of his own making. His drug use and consequently his own actions have led him down this path of destruction in which once addicted to crack and other hard core drugs the pathway to recovery becomes less familiar and more hardened.

The breakaway with the death of his own family and their own pain didn't seem to stir the need to try to come clean though it's discussed.

It reminds me of the ex spouse I divorced who claimed he wasn't a family man but would want credit for raising of his kids as he resided five steps away and wanted to be kept abreast to every iota of involvement with them yet couldn't remember their own birthdates.

A better example would be when you place those war time hero photos for view of your family's veteran's but never spent a dime of time with your current family nor have memories of your past to cherish because of your lack of involvement with them. Framing pictures and placement upon walls for discussion about the family's

accomplishments isn't quite the same as being present in the here and now.

While I realize the father is the center of this whirlwind and we must paint an array of rainbows I would prefer a more intimate and personal reflection that was carefully and professionally administered and not something that was more about the 'me' syndrome.

As with everything when trouble hits it doesn't effect just one but it ripples across the prairies.

The fact that he addressed the implications of his actions upon the Biden 'brand' name was quite interesting but nothing that we wouldn't have already known or expected.
It was very tampered down, very shadowed, and very dark and I was hoping something brighter, more precise, and more thoughtful.

The continued drug use while as a parent in his later years also rubbed me raw.

 

I have three kids. I was homeless after divorce and filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy as a direct result of living over a year without employment, housing, or income. 

I had a son that was medically disabled for life and we ate at food banks and watched strangers pick food out of garbage cans in a nearby park to feed themselves.

We were tossed to the street like rag dolls, our utilities turned off, our ability to find employment cut off from the rest of the world after 20 years of being a homemaker to tend to a disabled child. 

We couldn't even get a doctor to sign off on a waiver to prevent our electricity from being turned off due to the disability and a current protection from abuse order because my son didn't need electricity to live.

Therefore, we attended volunteering events at our local woman's shelter so as not to feel bitter but to feel gratitude that while we too were once homeless we found another path albeit with the aid of friends and family that weren't as wealthy as this family. 

I used to complain about having severe stenosis in my back with temporary paralysis upon my legs till I assisted a woman crossing the street with twisted legs so bad that she had to hold unto the metal bar that wrapped around our telephone pole in front of the church to elevate herself up to the curb level from the street.

While I was told, "no" countless times in regards to being employable with a Masters, in extreme poverty, after raising my kids, I reflected upon those who were unable to be so lucky in having children and had tried adoption, infertility, surgery, and or found other means.

The moral is to count those blessings. Not salivate on what might've been or could've been but what is and what you see before you is what you presently have to own.

I mention all this because I was on the front line. Not of war - No- of the NICU unit as a grieving mother. I spent 2 months in the NICU alone praying for a miracle for my son born with vater syndrome for life.

That son is now going to be 21 in November and will be graduating with high honors and all accolades with three honor societies this June.

You see there's another family that was next to us that lost their baby. That baby was covered up by a sheet. That family had to go to another wing of the NICU to find solace and peace.

Please don't throw your life away when you have so many things to be grateful for having.

This is such a shame to see such self wallowing but we need to remember that hope springs eternal and it begins with God's children.

Go forth and be the leader God intended you to be and do so with grace, dignity, and the mind to know that when God is for you nobody can be against you.

It doesn't matter what others think of you. It only matters what you think of yourself.