Review: Annie's Stories by Cindy Thomson

 

Annie's Stories

 

Annie’s Stories by Cindy Thomson is a story about Annie, an Irish Immigrant, and also a story about those she lives with and deals with on an everyday occurrence.  At first glance, the cover of this story makes you think you are in for a very whimsical tale.  But just like the book that Annie is reading, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this book has its dark and sinister parts and Annie needs to find the courage and heart to see her circumstances through.  This book is full of secrets of all kinds, deals with some dark subject matter, and really opens up to what life might have been like for Immigrants such as Annie and her friends trying to start anew in America.  I saw the early Post Office in a new light and sometimes wanted to shake Annie’s love interest due to his naivety and poor decisions.  I always enjoy a book that can teach me something new about history that I did not know before and it was very neat to read about folks who enjoyed reading as much as I do.  It was also interesting to see the sensation that The Wonderful Wizard of Oz had on the public during its time.  I received this book from The Book Club Network, Inc.  (TBCN) and the opinions are my own.



Review: The Seven Step Guide to Authorpreneurship by Rochelle Carter

The Seven Step Guide To Authorpreneurship

 







The Seven Step Guide to Authorpreneurship by Rochelle Carter focuses on how to make a successful business and living on your writing, unlike other helpful, related books that focus on the writing and editing.  With very straightforward advice and helpful resources, Ms. Carter lays out a doable seven step plan from writing your story to executing a business plan.  Including advice for both mainstream publishing and independent publishing, it is helpful for all fields.  This book is very exhaustive yet also very concise and readable at just 213 pages. It is valuable as a reference source, and I recommend it to all who are interested in the business side of being an author.  I received this book from The Book Club Network, Inc. (TBCN) and the opinions are my own.  



Review: Someone Like You by Karen Rock

 

Someone Like You

 



Someone Like You by Karen Rock was a sweet romance about two former best friends who reconnect after life has crushed them a bit.  Niall, a former soldier, is home now after a devastating mission and that has left him altered both physically and emotionally.  Kayleigh has just broken things off with her fiancé and has quit her high end job as a software developer.  Not wanting to be hurt again and also wanting to set out on her own she comes up with an idea for an app to help others find their compatible mates.  Kayleigh needs Niall’s skill as a programmer to pull this off.   With a little bit of a Beauty and the Beast vibe running through the story and the help of Kayleigh’s grandfather and his senior citizen friends, Kayleigh wants to help Niall come out of his shell and become the friend she knew him to be when they were kids.  However, the path to true love is not as easy as the app makes it sound plus they are facing many obstacles and dark secrets. Can Niall and Kayleigh pull off their business and love?  I liked the input of the senior citizens at the assisted living home where Kayleigh’s grandfather lived and their view of life.  I enjoyed this tale and look forward to more by the author Karen Rock.  This is a clean read and has no language.  I received this book from the author however the opinions are my own.

Review: Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz

Love's Fortune

 

Love’s Fortune by Laura Frantz is the continuing family saga of the Ballantynes.  This is the story of Silas and Eden’s (Love’s Reckoning) grandchildren. Wren (Rowena) their granddaughter is uprooted from her simple Kentucky home when her father receives news that his mother and father are in need of him, especially due to his father’s health.  Wren is then thrust into Pittsburgh society and much is expected of her as a Ballantyne heir.  There she is reconnected with her cousins, aunts, uncles, and most of all, her beloved grandparents.  She also meets two good men, James Sackett and Malachi Cameron.  When all is said and done, will Wren choose duty or love?  With her signature storytelling, Laura Frantz brings her story alive with family secrets, beloved characters, heartrending romance, and wonderful historical detail.  I enjoyed getting to continue to read about the family that came about due to Silas and Eden’s love story.  It was very interesting to read about how the next generations turned out, given the family’s humble beginnings and who their grandparents were.  I have read all of Ms. Frantz’s books and even though the journeys her characters take can wring our hearts, her books always end properly.  I received this book from the publisher, Revell, however the opinions are my own. 



Review: The Impressionist by Tim Clinton and Max Davis

The Impressionist

 

The Impressionist is a fictional novel about a man who has hit rock bottom in his marriage and with raising his son.  He leaves his home angry only to come across an older gentleman who wants to paint his portrait.  During the time he spends with the painter, he learns some valuable truths about decisions we make and what is truly worth fighting for.  During this encounter he realizes that he is truly in a battle and needs to rise up to be the warrior that his family so desperately needs and to not give up and take the easy road like so many do.  Using the examples of David and Joseph from the Bible, we all have our defining moments that shape us into the masterpieces we are meant to be.  This little novel was chock full of nuggets of wisdom that I took away from.  It also included many scripture references which were very encouraging to remember and use in the battles that we face. I was encouraged and a little curious as to what my portrait would look like if it were to be painted by this impressionist.  I received this book from The Book Club Network, Inc. (TBCN) and the opinions are my own.



 

 



Review: Just 18 Summers by Rene Gutteridge and Michelle Cox

 

Just 18 Summers

 



I was very hesitant to begin reading Just 18 Summers, as I was not really wanting to get very emotional.  However, this book surprised me in many ways.  Is it poignant?  Yes.  Did it make me cry?  Yes, but not in the way you may think.  I was actually crying because I was laughing so very hard.  I enjoyed how the authors took these four families and helped us get inside the parents’ heads and see what was going on and to do it in a way that so mirrors life.  I laughed, cried, and cringed with them.  And yes, I cried a bit due to the poignancy and the lessons that were either reiterated to me or those that I learned.  Reading this book was like watching a sitcom with substance.  I even had to read many parts out loud to my daughter and husband.  This is going on the list of my top 10 books that I have read this year and I cannot think of another book that had me laughing in hysterics like this one did.  I recommend this book to all parents.  It was a very satisfying read.  I received this book from The Book Club Network, Inc. (TBCN) and the opinions are my own.



 

Review: A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

A Match of Wits

 





A Match of Wits by Jen Turano was an interesting blend of comedic action, bumbling romance, and a touch of danger.  Agatha Watson, a reporter, has had numerous threats and attempts on her life, but this does not slow her down in wanting to report the truth about the downtrodden or helping her dearest friend and secret love Zayne Beckett.  Zayne, angry his well made plans had been thwarted by his ex -fiancée, and with an accident that broke his leg leaving him with a painful limp, did not expect to run into his very dear friend Agatha after two years.  What follows is a delightful romp, of two people who are perfect for one another yet do not see it do to their conniving plans to rescue each other from themselves.  Meeting characters from the previous books, along with Agatha’s bodyguard, Mr. Blackheart, and her lady’s companion, Druscilla (who has secrets of her own), throw in an adorable pet pig, and you have the makings of a delightful story.  This was my first read by Jen Turano and I look forward to reading and laughing out loud to more of her stories.  I received this book from The Book Club Network, Inc. (TBCN) and the opinions are my own.