Currently reading
RETURN TO MATEGUAS ISLAND: A Tale of Supernatural Suspense
The Dust of Us: Poems
The Giver
Blue Coyote Motel
No Sex Please, I'm Menopausal!
the Golden Coin (A Mike McBride Novel, Book #3)
Miranda Bay
On Top of the Rainbow
The Gang Bust (A Mike McBride Novel)
Switch! The Lost Kingdoms of Karibu
Fractured Vows
Fulfillment in a pint-sized package! An Accidental Gift Brings True Happiness...Although Fractured Vows is the third book in the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles, this book is my introduction to Bo and Brooklyn. I learn early in this novel that Bo and his wife Ruth were 'living like distant strangers and ready to pull the plug' on their 14 year old marriage despite having shared some really great times with each other. Their love of travel had brought them together and as one who loves to travel, I felt challenged to understand how Bo and Ruth's relationship could not withstand the ups and downs of marriage with such a strong common bond between them.
In this novel, the author masterfully introduces Bo to readers. We meet Bo as a child. We're introduced to his strong willed parents and their powerful influence on his development. We learn of his childhood fears and personal condemnations. We journey with him on his search for true love and family time and time again. Finally, we accompany him as he suffers through the emotional pain of a disintegrated marriage and the vengeful actions of his ex.
I am impressed with Ms. Perlin's ability to present Bo's story. After reading this novel, I am eager to read Books One and Two to fully understand the flow and development of this special relationship between Bo and Brooklyn... Congratulations to the author on this series!
Cutting Right to the Chase
NEVER A DULL MOMENT WITH CHASE!The title of this book, Cutting Right to the Chase definitely sets the tone for this fun read. This is the first book I've read by author Stefania Mattana and this short story collection is a stimulating change from my usual reading.
Chase Williams' investigative skills are alive and well despite his relocation to Italy and change of career. Ex Scotland Yard investigator Williams detects the unusual in what appear to be very typical human behaviors, analyzes the situations, tracks his 'unsuspecting suspects' and with minimal effort solves crimes.
Mattana is credited with developing a story line and solving a mystery in 1000 words--not an easy task! Each of her stories is unique and refreshing. She ensures that Investigator Chase William's scientific exploration of each crime stops just short of moralizing; "I'm not here to judge you, I'm here to warn you."
I'm impressed with Ms. Mattana's easy style of writing; the stories flow one to the other. I can't wait to read Volume 2 of the Chase Williams series. Kudos Ms. Mattana on a job well done!
A Dead Husband (Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery #1)
I love Jessica! What is there not to love? She's intelligent, cherishes the finer things in life, celebrates her divorce with a party and suffers periodic panic attacks that force her to re-examine reality every now and then--a state she attempts to avoid by indulging in high end binge shopping trips.Acknowledging she was letting her divorce 'send her over the edge', she tells 'St. Bernadette', her childhood family housekeeper turned confident , "I know I'm behaving badly right now...it's like I'm starting over again, but I'm 33 not 23 or 13 and I'm less clear than ever about what I want to be when I grow up." This isn't news to Bernadette who has spent more time with Jessica than Jessica's own parents.
Author Anna Celeste Burke invites readers into the upscale cosmos of newly divorced Stanford Law School graduate, Jessica Huntington, whose world plummets with the turn of the economy, a childless marriage and her cheating husband. Though angered by life's circumstances, she refuses to fall victim.
Life takes another unexpected turn when her best friend's husband is murdered. Jessica's fighter instinct kicks in when her friend pleads for her help. Jessica, with her 'cat pack's support, sets out to solve a murder!
Great dialogue and descriptive settings are so vivid that as reader, you become part of Jessica's cat pack equally as motivated to solve this murder mystery.
This is a fun read and I can't wait to read 'A Dead Sister' Ms.Burke's sequel to this novel.
 - Anna Celeste Burke)
Arielle Immortal Fury
INTRIGUING IMMORTAL NOVEL!!It was quite nice and refreshing to read a book about immortality that did not involve vampires. I have read the first 5 novels of the series and I could not wait for this book to be released. The author has done an amazing job keeping the characters real and the story moving in a wonderful pace.
This is a follow up on the time travel in book 5. Who has never thought of time travel? I know that I am fascinated by the thought of being able to go back into a time that I choose and meet the people that I have admired in my lifetime. I was glued to the pages while the girls traveled back to Calais and fell in love with Arielle and Sebastian’s romance. Book 5 left me hanging and I was happy to get book 6.
Lilian Roberts has done it again. She continued with the Immortal Rapture Series only to make the sixth novel more intriguing and leaving another cliffhanger for the reader to be unable to wait for the next book.
I would recommend this book to every one who loves romance, mystery, excitement and hot sizzling passion. I have recommended her previous books to all my friends and author acquaintances and I have heard nothing but great things about this series. Nice Done Lilian Roberts!!!!.
Alex the Mutt: From Death Row to Cozy Home
A Charming Story...With a Wonderful MessageIn this charming well told short story, Author Brenda Perlin shares her love of dogs and the impact that owning dogs has had on her life. Readers are given a preview of the purpose and message behind this story when she writes in the book's acknowledgements, "Life works in mysterious ways. One thing is for certain, the love of an animal brightens some of the saddest days."
Readers applaud author Brenda Perlin's ability to write passionately about topics near and dear to her heart and in a manner that allows her readers to personally experience the depth of her feelings. In her signature style, the author truly delivered with this book!
While reading this book, I found myself thinking of special times in my family with our pets--primarily dogs alongside my mother's Siamese cat. I recalled each by name and was amazed that I could remember special events for each pet; e.g.the time Buddee swallowed my son's sock.
I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it for animal lovers everywhere! Kudos Ms. Perlin!
Spilt Milk: A Collection of Stories
DK Cassidy describes her urban graphic collection as "stories that are droll, horrible, and thought provoking." As you read this well written collection of short stories you are forced to think! The stories are cryptic yet powerful. Each brief tale thrusts the reader into the world of each character. Ms. Cassidy entices the reader with her unique storytelling style...where you meet the characters as they are. She challenges you to judge, accept, reject, or love...I did not know what to expect when I began reading this collection of stories. I am impressed with the author's writing style and her ability to develop characters that, regardless of their circumstance, challenge you as a reader to assess and evaluate. I highly recommend this book.
The content and depth of these short tales will require you to think and rethink your initial, second, and even third impression of each character. This is the kind of book you should definitely read more than once! Kudos to Ms. Cassidy!
The Amazing Super Great Awesome Incredible Fantastic Space Race!
Review coming soon...so far a great book--just like others by this author!
The Seven Natural Wonders Of The EARTH (My First Travel Books #2)
Great children's book...I highly recommend it...wonderful way to introduce travel...
 - Anna Othitis)
My First Fun Golf Steps (My First Travel Books Series)
I love all the books by this author...this one was really special!
 - Anna Othitis, John Othitis)
The Reading Lessons
Hadley Crump,finds himself drawn into a secret world when he is invited to join wealthy Lucinda Browning’s dirty book club." I was intrigued enough by author, Carole Lanham's, description of her novel to read it not quite knowing what to expect from the story line. The notion of a forbidden interracial love affair by a couple drawn together in the 1920s by their mutual love of reading was sufficient reason for me to purchase this book. I anticipated a typical love story of the era. A young southern white female seduces African American male via his love of literature. He acts upon his physical attraction; a force more powerful than his love of books. Romantic that I am, I expected that love and some heavy passion would conquer all!Boy was I wrong! This novel uniquely explores the underpinnings of this taboo relationship; one that is mired in physical pain, lies, fear yet a seeming understanding and acceptance of these irregularities by Hadley and Lucinda. I believe readers will be challenged to fully understand the psychological dynamics of the Hadley/Lucinda relationship making this a must read!
Time To Let Go
A story that needs to be told!
I was drawn to this book by it's beautiful cover and title but I was driven to read this book based on the following exert from the book's synopsis:
"The book takes a close look at family dynamics and at human nature in a time of a crisis. Their challenges, individual and shared, take the Korhonens on a journey of self-discovery and redemption."
The novel comes at a time when my family and I are struggling to meet the healthcare needs of my aging father so I was able to closely identify with the emotions, conflicts and issues facing this family. There were times I had to put the book down because of my emotional connection to the story line and the author's realistic portrayal of the issues and feelings of the family.
This is a very special novel and one that needs to be read. It's story needs to be told! Kudos to Mr. Fischer!
Coyote in Provence
I love to travel and was attracted to this novel because of its broad international backdrop. Ms. Harman's obvious familiarity and love of Europe, art and French cuisine made this a particularly enjoyable read for me. This book is my introduction to Author Dianne Harman's Coyote series and I can't wait to read her first novel in this series, Blue Coyote Motel, where I can officially meet Maria, who assumes a new identity as a widow--Elena-in Coyote in Provence. Bored with her new life, Elena decides to apply for a job in a popular local French bakery.
Introduction of a handsome undercover agent, stolen art work, romance and international espionage add to the existing intrigue of Elena's past life and mysterious death of her husband.
Mystery, romance and international culture make this a great read!
