Sacha T. Y. Fortuné

I received an advance copy of this book directly from the author, for whom I have reviewed several other books prior, as listed below:

• Six – Strange Stories of Love
• Intersections
• A Quiet Dissonance
• Parvathy’s Well & Other Stories
• Damage & Other Stories
• Holi Moly! & Other Stories

The Premise

When Radha, a young Indian woman, meets her carefree new neighbour Mira, she begins to question many things about her life and family — particularly with regard to her husband Shyam. Though she loves him deeply, she feels trapped in her role as the dutiful wife, and powerless as a woman in their society. Unfolding over several decades through the eyes of each main character, the story moves from outskirts of Delhi to the first-world “promised lands” of the U.K. and U.S.A. as it explores the timeless tale of love, friendship, and betrayal. Set against a backdrop of ambition and cultural expectations, this novel delves into the true meaning of family, underscoring the transformative power of forgiveness and healing.

The Pros

As my third novel by this author, I looked forward to being swept away by the seductive fabric of the unfamiliar geographical territory coupled with the familiar terrain of a story that touches you deeply. From the opening chapters with the insecurities of the quiet, dutiful Radha, to the irksome male entitlement of Shyam, to Mira’s irrefutable selfishness coupled with her eternal regret, the complexities of human nature are explored. I loved, as I always do, that these characters all felt very real, and no one was a “protagonist” or hero/heroine. Even in Shyam’s darkest moments, there is a redeemable flash of decency in his character.

As typical of the women’s fiction genre and of this author in particular, we lean into the nuances of human nature, particularly the female psyche of baseless jealousy, deep-rooted insecurity, and the complexity of female friendships. The side characters, particular the older generation (Mira’s mother and father, and Radha’s parents and in-laws) give the novel its dubious footing in the contemporary world as it clambers into the modern: an elopement shocks the family and reverberates throughout their close-knit community, the bullet of homosexuality ricochets through a marriage and impacts a father-daughter relationship, a differently-abled character is judged through the eyes of superstition, and so many more little nuggets that breathe life into the story.

I especially liked the parts that showed the contrast between the U.K./U.S.A. and India, for example the “cavalier” attitude of English people versus the key focus of career success among Indian families; and the references to the racism and stereotypes that each character faced. I also loved the sprinkle of authenticity with the use of language throughout the novel, and appreciated that the author’s writing style made it easy to follow along despite the lack of a word-for-word translation.

Conclusion

Overall, this was another fantastic and gripping read by this author. It expertly displays the core sentiment: despite our “liminal spaces” in life, we are all desperate to be loved and appreciated by our family, friends, and colleagues. As always, the prose is eloquent and visceral, transporting you to the mind and heart of the characters and breathing them into life as you read along. I would highly recommend this novel to other readers of all backgrounds, and I look forward to her next one!

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This book came to me via an ARC program, after reading another of the author’s books “Hearts on Fire.”

The Premise

The Pros & Cons

This is my second book by this author, and I snapped it up immediately once I got the alert that it was available. Having read her work before, I knew what I was in for in terms of smut — and if that’s to your liking, you’ll be more than satisfied here.

Though I personally found some of the sex scenes gratuitous, they are very well written so no complaints there. Above all as a reader I appreciate the story above all else — fortunately, there’s enough of that here too. As it’s the last book in a series and I haven’t read any prior in the series, I’m not sure how that affected my overall impression, but it’s easy to settle in and buckle up for the ride.

The main character Sheryl was fun to read, and you really do feel like you’re inside her head as she bounces off the walls — literally skating her way through life, flitting from one thought to the next. Still, there is some gravity to her childlike behaviour with her friends who trust her with their children, and as she opens up to Manic and reveals her softer side, it’s a truly glorious unfolding. Similarly, the gradual build-up to the reveal of Manic’s background is heart-wrenching and gripping.

Despite all of this packed into a story that was enjoyable to read, where it fell a bit short for me personally was that I was somehow hoping for a climactic event that didn’t materialize — it’s focused on their relationship, with minor speed bumps but no real off-the-cliff moment that you ever doubt they’re the end goal, and the final “resolution” is an easy slide into the end of the ride. Nevertheless not all stories need to shock you with that hard drop, and where this one shines is in its quieter moments. In particular, I loved the beautiful imagery of layers of a cake, and you feel this multiplicity in each of the main characters. I also appreciated that, in choosing characters with so-called “damage” to highlight, there is a sense of healing as it all wraps up.

Conclusion

Overall this is a great book that would tick most of the boxes for the average reader, especially for those who like a raucous romp in the sack as there’s oodles upon oodles of that here. As a second-time reader of this author, I’m glad that I took another chance, and I’m more than willing to go again!

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The author invited me to review this book, as I had previously reviewed another one of her books “The Perfect Face“, and I grabbed it off an ARC program.

The Premise

After witnessing a murder, Neely and her 10-year-old daughter Arial move to Neely’s childhood home in the countryside. Neely envisions this change as starting over a new leaf in a place she feels safe. Sadly, it’s just not to be — this poor single mom can’t catch a break. On top of money worries, co-parenting issues, job insecurity and a myriad of other things, her daughter also seems to be possessed. Arial begins spouting crude things beyond her years, shocking Neely and everyone around them, and commits violent acts that she has no recollection of afterwards. Is she just traumatised from what she witnessed (as doctors believe), or is there something far deeper and darker at work here?

The Pros & Cons

This was a gripping thriller that grabs you from the start. With a sweet moment fatally ripped to shreds by a violent stranger, your heart immediately goes out to the protagonists Neely and her daughter Arial.

The writer’s style draws you in and engages you from beginning to end as the tale unfolds. I like the way she developed the characters so that we get a real sense of who we’re rooting for. I also appreciated that Neely embraced ALL potential causes of her daughter’s behaviour fairly quickly. She dove in head-first as a mama; she was pragmatic and hitting it all from all angles: paediatrician, psychologist, and exorcist! I also absolutely loved Salem, who was just perfectly portrayed and (though there was zero need for romance in this thriller!) I entirely forgave that because he was so awesome.

I also loved Neely’s back story, but my main disappointment is also linked to this — the author writes it all so beautifully, giving us a full picture of the journey from being groomed as a child, and then… well, though I loved the twist with female empowerment, it felt contradictory that the douche daddy got so much real estate throughout the novel only for it to fizzle out towards the end. The big horror-thrill climax was good, and as things wrapped up I was glad Neely finally caught a break, but I must admit that it became maybe a bit *too* saccharine-sweet for the genre expectations!

Conclusion

Despite those wee niggles which most likely won’t bug most readers, overall this was a solid, fast-paced read that hits all the right notes of creepy, angsty, and sweet all in one. From motherhood to romance to friendship to thriller, it touches on a lot of themes to pull it all together into a cohesive story that is easy to connect to and love. As my second novel by this author, I noted some similarities in my feelings between my last book and this one. Though this one didn’t quite “drop me off a cliff” like the last one (I kept expecting a twistier twist here, but that’s just me!), I am thrilled that “The Trauma Child” didn’t disappoint, and I look forward to more of her work.

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Another amusing yet insightful foray into the role of “dadding”

This was my fifty-sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I loved the first three in the series, Dear Dory, Dear Arlo, and Toddler Inc., and was contacted by the author to also review this one. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Following on from the pre-birth debut “Dear Dory“, the newborn “Dear Arlo“, and the one-year-old in “Toddler Inc.“, the author continues writing a journal to his son, chronicling daily moments in his toddler’s development as well as his own maturity (or immaturity) as a parent.

The Pros & Cons

If you’ve enjoyed any (or all) of the “Adventures in Dadding” series, then this fourth instalment will hit the spot yet again.

As we follow another year of parenting ups and downs, there are moments that breathe life into the story of an ordinary family doing ordinary things — and finding the extraordinary value in the simplicity of just that.

From the horror-filled whisper — Mummy’s over-loud musing: “What if we die?” as both parents board a plane without Arlo for the first time together; to the double-edged sword of having a family network to rely on (so much so, that Arlo barely cares they’re gone), we see the family going through their growing pains and emerging all the better for it on the other side.

Now a headstrong toddler with a swiftly-accelerating vocabulary and typical terrible-twos antics, Arlo’s personality dominates every little vignette, bringing a smile to your face. There’s the sorrowful and dreaded death of the daily nap, a smorgasbord of gleeful moments of imaginative play (RIP, Cyril), and of course: the exuberance of the Hoover-palooza extravaganza!

Through the daily journalling, the messages resonate: treasure the small stuff; be present in the moment. Don’t lose yourself; prioritize your own needs and your own identity (guilt-free!) from time to time. Stay curious; keep learning. And above all: PLAY.

One beautiful undercurrent along the author’s parenting journey is his ever-increasing appreciation of his own mother; while raising him, and now in her role with Arlo, “Nana never hurries.” Always patient, creative, and energetic, she is present both literally, as part of their extended family, and also in some of the ways he chooses to be a parent himself — which is particularly meaningful, as she had to do it on her own as he grew up without his father.

As with all the other books in the series, the concept of manhood is at the heart of it all. At times, it’s a lighthearted or eye-rolling moment — Daddy’s eager deference to Mummy’s “maternal impulses” when Arlo is sick as he’d rather not “parent under unfavourable conditions”; or a friend’s gathering when yet another mate becomes a “fallen man… restrained, rationed and all but withdrawn” since becoming a father.

At other times, it’s a much deeper reflection on society’s expectation of men to stay silent and stoic, burying their emotions and pain — “suck it up and be a man.” While there’s nothing earth-shattering here, this memoir highlights the critical importance of consistently showing up for your family every day, in ways men often don’t because they simply haven’t got the tools — no one taught them.

There were also many noteworthy musings on what it means to be a parent, reminding us to go easy on ourselves:

[…] Parenthood is not one-way traffic: parent and child are both students, one learning what is, while the other learns what was.

What I am is an average guy doing an average job of something that arrived with no preparation or training, and there’s no continued supervision or appraisals. I do my best with what I’ve got, accepting that limitations and failures are two immutable clauses in my parenthood contract.

Conclusion

Overall, “The Search For Sanity” packs a significant punch: a hefty dollop of cuteness, a hearty dose of humour, and a heavy-handed reminder that there’s beauty hidden even in the ugly trenches of parenting. All of this makes the “Dadding” series enjoyable and, I think, incredibly useful for other parents or parents-to-be (especially fathers). While parenthood is surely a swift gut-smack of a reality check, on our darker days, these books remind us that there’s significant shiny stuff beyond the sacrifice:

That’s what parenthood is to me: humanity stripped down to its core. And what a bright and beautiful core it is.

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I received an advance copy of this book directly from the author, for whom I have reviewed several other books prior:

• A Quiet Dissonance
• Parvathy’s Well & Other Stories
• Damage & Other Stories
• Holi Moly! & Other Stories
• Intersections

The Premise

Hair

The collection opens with an unusual love story of how the family dynamic changes once the protagonist Divya’s aunt Baby moves into the household when she has nowhere else to go. A sour, dark energy seeps into the daily lives of the family, slowly sucking the energy from Divya’s beloved Amma (mother) and eroding Divya’s innocence and faith. With a sprinkle of otherworldly superstition that counterbalances the shocking twist at the story’s end, “Hair” comes full circle, grounding the tale into a stark, cold reality.

The Fake Rolex

Set in Italy, “The Fake Rolex” is a tale of unrequited love: Grace, who loves Gabriel but knows he will never love her back the way she wishes he would, meets another man Alessandro at an event celebrating the silver wedding anniversary of a wealthy couple. As the night winds to a close, the enigmatic Gabriel seizes the moment to regale the audience with a lurid tale: a family’s greedy lust for wealth, their fall from grace, and the symbolic fake watch at the heart of their demise.

Karolina

An unlikely relationship unfolds on the cold streets of Manhattan when homeless veteran Marty meets a wealthy woman Karolina. Reeling from the wounds of many past wars — both physical and emotional, Marty soon grows to look forward to Karolina’s bright spark to brighten the dreariness of his bleak life, but she has demons of her own. Can he save her; can she save him; can they save each other — before it’s too late?

The Purple Ribbon

Andrew reaches out to his friend Diego to embark on a nighttime journey in Xochomilco, Mexico in search of a “ghost story” to film: that of a spirit of a drowned girl haunting La Isla de las Muñecas; instead, Diego decides to take him to the lesser known Isla de las Cintas. As Diego recounts the ghostly tale to his old friend, Andrew chalks it up to tall tales — but once they get to the island, his skepticism soon evaporates as a powerful force shows her hand.

A New Place

Set in Scotland, Jackie wanders in the nebulous fog between sleep and wake of a coma, hanging in the balance as a flood of memories swarm her semiconsciousness: primarily, that of her father’s abusive behaviour that ruled over the family and led her to self-harm. Meanwhile, her mother and sister pray for her to wake up, reminiscing about how they failed to protect her from herself. As she hovers on the cusp of life, an idea occurs to Jackie.

La Dolorosa

The Spanish theatre takes centre stage in the final story of the collection about the zarzuela. At fifty, Inés knows that she is only a shadow of her former self in her younger years, and grows to believe that it is only a matter of time before her younger husband Miguel leaves her for another woman. Infatuated with him, she has poured all her energy into their relationship, only for crippling doubt to seep in when she receives a note that he is cheating on her. Could it be true?

The Pros & Cons

This was an eclectic collection of short stories set in different locations around the world. From India, to Italy, to New York (USA), to Mexico, to Scotland, to Spain, each story is unique and distinct in itself with its own worldly flavour.

Of the collection, one of my favourites was the striking opener “Hair” which showcased what I’ve come to know as the author’s style to infuse a story with deep cultural roots in India and combine it with a dark and unexpected twist. This story was shocking in many ways, and I appreciated the journey that brought the past into the present as the location (as well as the tone) swiftly shifted towards the story’s end.

I also absolutely loved “Karolina” — an unlikely love story of opposites finding perfection in their flawed selves in the daily struggle to survive. The sharp twist in “A New Place” was also a pleasant surprise to unveil, and I really liked that one as well. These were my personal preferences, but there is something to love in each story depending on the reader’s taste, particularly as each story takes place in a different part of the world. This premise (a different “flavour” in each tale) was carried throughout every story, with a sprinkle of language or colloquialisms or references to echo every unique environment and set the scene.

As a collection, there were similar themes (e.g. mental health and LGBTQ+ issues) shared by a couple of stories but generally each story is distinct. The only story that perhaps fell short for me was “The Fake Rolex”. All the other stories felt perfectly paced and I relished every moment from beginning to end to complete the reader’s journey, but in this one the pacing felt slow as there is a “story within a story” (as the character recounts the past) and a lot of characters to keep track of. Also (not really a con!) but I admit that the set-up of “The Purple Ribbon” as a “ghost story” left me on tenterhooks expecting a far darker twist!

Conclusion

Overall, as always with this author, I really appreciated the amount of depth packed into each story: every description tells a story, setting the scene and building complete characters within the limited space of a short story vignette. Having read her past short story collections, I’ve found myself appreciating both the light and dark elements of her storytelling, and while past collections I’ve read were predominantly leaning to one side or the other, in this collection there seems to be a stable balance of light and dark within each story — leaving the reader with an uplifting feeling as the collection winds to a close on its most positive note of love: acceptance. I would highly recommend this collection to other readers, as I’m sure there’s a tale for every taste!

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I chose this from an ARC program after having read the first in the series, “The Silence of Children” which blew me away.

The Premise

Picking up where the last book left off, Deirdre has now finally found a purpose in life: helping her father’s vigilante justice cause to aid children who are abused. When a rescued child Amy becomes their new charge, an investigation into her past leads them down a wild chase to reveal the dark truth and unmask the true kidnappers.

The Pros

Since the thrilling end to Book 1, Deirdre has been following her dad’s lead — going where he says, doing what he advises, and adjusting to her new lifestyle under the radar. But when he goes missing, she suddenly has to come to terms with the depth of her own ignorance on this “mad adventure” thus far, realising that though her father may be in deeper trouble, she is now “floating downstream without a paddle.” As she tells Amy, the child they rescued:

“Dad’s the brain, I’m just an accidental accessory.”

Dealing with child abduction and exploitation, this is not a book for the faint of heart. It exposes some of the unspoken truths about these difficult subject matters: the ones who are at the heart of the most despicable crimes are often the ones we trust blindly. As Deidre voices:

I have no idea why I had assumed that a pedophile wouldn’t be an educated professional. I guess it’s kind of a cliche to assume that pedophiles will be uneducated, dirty men, because that’s how we prefer to imagine them [but] it’s just that the educated ones are less likely to get caught, shielded by a social structure underpinned by finance.

I also loved the return of Greg — the sketchy on-and-off-lover who isn’t there most of the time, but sails in when needed to save the day. The new character of Amy was also wonderful: a half-child-half-adult who has had the world turned against her yet still manages to cope.

I loved the swift writing style that was at times emotionless and cold, yet somewhat endearing and inspiring as it gave readers a female protagonist who’s relatable in her imperfections, one not necessarily worth rooting for but yet we feel every moment of her crazy vigilante adventure, and we want her to win.

Conclusion

With a wild ride full of shocking twists and turns as it winds to an end, this was a suspenseful thriller that leaves you guessing. Warning: as the second book in the series, you do need to read the first one first! I admit the first one completely blew me away so this one was a wee bit less in my overall ranking, but this was through no fault but my own as I had grown to expect some of the aspects that rocked my world last time around. Overall I highly recommend the book and the series. The writer is talented at weaving a tale that not only tells a story about fictional characters, but also leads you to ask yourself the difficult questions in life: what do you stand for, what would you do, how far would you go… and: are you part of the problem, or the solution?

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I chose this from an ARC program because I enjoy poetry and have not reviewed a poetry book as yet for my blog.

The Premise

In his landmark debut, Carlos Andrés Gómez interrogates race, gender, sexuality, and violence to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time.

The Pros & Cons

This was a deep, moving, and unsettling collection of poetry that touches on some of the most urgent issues that permeate our society from the past, to the present, and into the future.

The opening piece reflects on the police shooting of Michael Brown Jr., and the sentiment that he cannot protect his family from potential harm in an unjust, racist world. This prelude is just a taste of what’s to come.

At the turn of each page emerges a story within each piece, couched in the framework of a few lines of poetry or prose. One of my favourites was a reflection on race that rings true for many of us, on the tether of parenthood that pulls us back from losing control and retaliating when confronted with racism:

I have watched my body’s primal wisdom flicker dark as a fist-concealed palm, ache so volatile it screams mute. Rage is a language I unlearn […]

–“INTERRACIAL IN FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN”

Another that stayed with me, hauntingly, was human resilience amidst the dark history of segregation that lives alongside us to this day:

[…] the cashier refused to offer her a word, instead pointed to the White Only sign and motioned toward a dung-filled field where she was forced to squat as a busload of tourists watched her slide her drawers to her ankles, trembling to keep her balance, trying to spare her church shoes and her grace.There is a child, four generations from now, who will remember […] a woman he’s never met alive on the wall of his grandmother’s foyer: bloodshot eyes that refuse to look away.

–“UNDERGROUND”

Along with the overarching theme of racism, there are others: homosexuality, masculinity, fatherhood, birth, death, an immigrant’s struggle, and much more.

The overall sense of the body of work is fragments of a whole — a window into the many constructs that make up a man. From practicing to do hair (to get it right though his own father couldn’t with his sister) in preparation for his daughter’s arrival (“I can feel, with each pull and twist, the newly assembled crib watching”); to a father’s fervent prayer every time his Black son is away from home that he returns safely (“I will have nothing to offer the stoic night but clasped hands. And then, I will wait. I will sit beside the front door and wait”); to an immigrant’s duality of existence slipping between contrasting worlds (“You hardly remember your mother tongue. You are trying to pull something useable from the wreckage”), we feel his powerlessness battling with his strength to overcome life’s hurdles and setbacks as he becomes a man, a parent, a person with something worthy to say.

Conclusion

From beginning to end, this collection of poetry leaps off the page to assault all the senses, transporting us into the mind and lived experience of a fragmented, fractured man that represents pieces of us all. He also references contemporary events and other authors, placing his own work into specific contexts for interpretation. As with any amalgamation of poetry, there are many pieces that aren’t entirely straightforward as they may be personal to the author or written in an elusive way; yet the sentiment is there: we feel the meaning, even if we don’t understand every word. This is the kind of work that students of literature can pull apart to analyze, and everyone can find a different kernel of wisdom or poignant phrase to admire. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to others.

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https://a.co/d/d6mgIZV

I chose this from an ARC program because I enjoy memoirs and the topic intrigued me.

The Premise

The author shares her spiritual journey, alongside her daughter Ava’s physical one, from diagnosis to surgeries for a rare disease, revealing the most difficult moments and the greatest victories, while highlighting God’s provision and guidance along the way.

The Pros & Cons

This was a heartfelt and insightful memoir about love, family, and the power of spirituality in coping with illness.

Already blessed with their son Grant, they are thrilled at the addition to the family in their daughter Ava, but at nine months old they notice an odd curvature to her spine. She is eventually diagnosed at fourteen months old with Morquio Syndrome, a rare, progressive, genetic disorder.

The author, her mother Tammy, reflects on the sudden realization that the life she’d envisioned was gone in an instant:

“…We had just been pushed into a whole new world—a world where concern over the health of our child, her physical and mental growth, had suddenly thrown us into a moment-by-moment streaming of vile possibilities and unknowns. How could I think about anything else? How would I function for the good of Greg, Grant, Ava, our home, myself? How was I to get over the stifling grief and continue to do all the things a mom does for her family each day?”

Despite the devastating status of Ava’s illness, her parents are determined to roll with the punches. One example is the t-shirts that poked fun at her “halo” (a neck brace to support her spine) with quotes like: “Yes I’m wearing a halo. Don’t all angels?” and “My halo is fine, but my wings are in the shop.”

This was one of the aspects I loved, as well as just enjoying reading about a little girl’s life that didn’t always center on her disability but also highlighted the beautiful things about her day-to-day life that made her personality shine through — bamboozling her grandma to get a book she wanted, her glee and impromptu performance upon receiving her first pair of ballet shoes, and the typical bickering with her brother.

The memoir was also informational as I learnt a lot about Morquio Syndrome, the clinical trials, the endless testing, and so much more. I also liked the spiritual aspect that was interwoven throughout. Tammy realizes that much of the heavy burden was already carried by God: they had secured a place in the earliest of the clinical trials, He was allowing Ava to get actual medicine rather than placebo, He kept her safe and in the care of the most wonderful medical and support staff, and He had even facilitated the drug company to take care of their expenses; all she had to do was get Ava there and back.

Conclusion

From beginning to end, the reader embarks on the journey with Ava’s family, experiencing the highs and lows of both medical treatments as well as everyday life. As a guide to advise other readers, I must admit I did find the book itself to be quite long (over 530 pages) and there were perhaps parts that could have been shorter; however the author’s frankness and insightful honesty as well as the language and style of writing are engaging throughout. I can see how this memoir was not only part of her own healing process, but also a roadmap for other parents or children that may be in a similar situation. I would highly recommend to other readers, particularly if they enjoy connecting with their religion and/or spirituality. Overall, the lasting message is, no matter how difficult it may seem, to lean on your faith to guide you through. As Tammy states:

“As much as I would love for Ava to have no medical problems whatsoever, I can say that her condition changed my relationship with God for the good in a way nothing else had and perhaps nothing else could.”

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I chose this from an ARC program because I enjoy memoirs and the opening few paragraphs captured me.

The Premise

The author recounts her life, including experiences of three abortions she had at different times at her life, recalling her reasons and the after-effects both physical and emotional.

The Pros & Cons

An abortion may end one life, but it can save another — Teresa’s story is the epitome of this.

A promising, “stellar” engineering student, her first abortion emerged as the result of youthful promiscuity. After unsuccessfully attempting to contact the father, she decided to terminate it. The experience was traumatic and painful, but most of all confusing. Though an educated young woman, she could barely understand the terminology and the medical jargon.

Her second abortion a few years later was a more calculated decision. In a “frail” relationship because she “still did not know how to love,” she knew that she was still not ready, and refused to be pressured by the father who insisted that he wanted the child.

With her third pregnancy, however, she felt as though a child would be the answer:

Raising this child could be the antidote to my afflictions, like a magical elixir that instantly and irreversibly redacts a script, effectively turning me into the person I have always wanted to be, without any effort of my own. […] I’m ready. Right? […] So, how hard can it be? A blessing. That’s what everyone says. I don’t need to sit here paralyzed, and I don’t need to make the wrong decision. I can make a choice of peace and beauty; a new choice.

This third pregnancy eventually resulted in her daughter Teresita; however, it did not bring the peace and joy she had hoped for, but postpartum depression and addiction.

Over the next few years, she struggled to balance her mental health with her astounding career as an engineer and professor while raising a young child. Meanwhile, her relationships with her family members were fraught with tension, particularly with her mother — an experience that she feared she would pass onto her own daughter. Also, the child’s father John never “came around” to being a father:

[…] There is no “world” hurting Teresita; it’s me. I’m the one who hurts her. […] I am trapped in a generational chain of damage and cruelty. My mother was hurt, so she hurt me. John was neglected, so he neglects. Almost like we do not have free will. Like we are predisposed to mirror what we learned.

Nevertheless, her story is one of triumph: despite everything thrown at her, she makes changes to improve her life, to be a more involved mother, and to start her own journey of healing through therapy and medication.

Notably, Teresa’s experiences take place against the backdrop of the U.S.A.’s changing political landscape, and she learns of her fourth pregnancy on the same day that a critical abortion legislation is signed. This fourth pregnancy becomes her third abortion, and though she considers having the child, she soon comes to terms with her choice:

This was a choice of empowerment. I chose to persevere. I chose to give Teresita the best of me. To give myself the best of me.

Conclusion

This memoir was an emotional journey from beginning to end. Told with raw honesty that is painful to read at times, the author’s voice intrigues the reader as it veers from pragmatic to poetic prose as she opens up her life to scrutiny with her words. Despite the personal, painful topic, the writing was a pleasure to read. I would recommend this to everyone, but particularly to women facing a similar difficult choice.

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I chose this from an ARC program because I am interested in mental illness and the potential for therapy to improve it.

The Premise

A person with Borderline Personality Disorder reflects on her experience with therapy, giving others an insight into her mind as well as the outlook from her therapist’s viewpoint.

The Pros & Cons

It’s rare that we get to experience a person’s thoughts and feelings while they are suffering from mental illness, and this memoir aims to do just that. One side offers Kelly’s flow-of-consciousness while undergoing therapy; the other recounts the same session/timeframe from the therapist’s viewpoint, providing patient notes that offer some insight into Kelly’s state of mind.

Kelly begins from a skeptical view of therapy on the whole, having had bad experiences in the past. However, eventually she forms a close bond with her therapist, and is able to uncover the root of some of her issues, identifying the flaws in the relationship of her parents — her father, “a good man but a bad drunk,” and her mother, “kind and evil [who] always needs to be the hero.”

Their toxic relationship was one of abuse and infidelity, which left an imprint on Kelly as a young child. As an adult, her own relationships were unstable. She recounts the practice of being the perfect woman at the start of a relationship, before revealing her true self, and her desire for extramarital affairs to regain that perfection:

It’s a beautiful illusion. The perfect girl. It is tactical, spontaneous, and improvised. […] I just know that what I yearn for is the days that come with every new relationship. The honeymoon phase. I desperately seek a time before beauty turns broken.

One particular “broken” incident is recalled, whereby she and her husband have a physical altercation, and though she is the one who called the police, they take his side because she appears unstable:

Put catastrophic and calm in the same room and calm will win every time, and he did. Regardless of the scratches and red marks all over me, I was charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of my minor children. […] The system sucks. Yes I did push him. He wanted crazy, so I gave him crazy.

This memoir is quite short and choppy, and I did see some potential to expand it to draw readers in even more, but despite its brevity we do get a fair amount of knowledge and understanding about what she endured. As the memoir covers over three years, we see Kelly’s evolution to healing — not a linear journey, but a rollercoaster of relapses and tiny achievements that struggle to find their equilibrium to salvage her mental health. Eventually she has a breakthrough, and continues to improve with time and marked changes in her life, until she is able to “graduate” from therapy and face life on her own.

Conclusion

Purchase your copy

I chose this from an ARC program because I have an interest in persons with special needs so I appreciate learning about their experiences.

The Premise

With humour and honesty, the author reflects on her journey as the parent of a special needs child who is on the autism spectrum, and its impact on her own mental health as someone who suffers from anxiety.

The Pros & Cons

This was a beautifully crafted and engaging memoir that I flew through in a couple of hours without pause.

The author recounts her own foibles as an anxious person and how it led to her experience with one of life’s greatest letdowns: childbirth. Her imagined experience quickly turned into a horror story of pain with an unplanned C-section, a stint in the NIC-U, and a colicky “volatile, mutant” child with superpowers. It was an out-of-body experience whereby she could imagine her “other self” in an alternate universe living her well-planned life.

Her thoughts on early motherhood will resonate with mothers everywhere:

Time started to lose meaning. […] It felt like a long, endless, dark tunnel with no light at the end. […] Burnout set in, and with it came disappointment, bitterness, and even anger that my motherhood experience was so unlike the image I had created in my mind—the image of motherly bliss that I knew my alter ego was enjoying.

Then, it wasn’t until her son was a toddler that she really began to notice he was “different” — and even then, denial was a safer space to exist in than the alternative:

Everyone reassured us that he was fine. “He’s a boy! Boys have lots of energy.” “Boys talk later than girls.” “He’s super intelligent; that’s why he’s so observant.” “So what if he plays differently? That just shows he thinks outside the box.” I wanted to believe them. So did my husband. We both wanted to remain spellbound by our boy’s uniqueness, by his brilliance. In a way, our delusions became a cover for our denial.

However, when a diagnosis was finally made, she felt it “freeing” as it gave her direction and clarity to devise a new plan. As she engaged in the special needs community and found strength in sharing her story and learning of others’ challenges, a new path was forged for his education and additional support. When he outgrew the support his school could provide, the move to another school was a challenge — a heartbreaking moment for a parent when you don’t know how to help your own child.

There are many poignant moments the author captures perfectly. As a special needs parent, distance grows over time with anyone outside of the community with “regular” lives. Also, the things she loved and looked forward to as a child — holidays, snow days, vacations, playgrounds — all of these “special events” only stir up confusion in the “fish tank” her family exists in, so looking at the outside world is unbearably painful.

She demonstrates that despite all the commonalities among the special needs community, everyone’s story is unique. Also, the labels of “mild” or “severe” autism don’t serve any purpose except to adapt the therapies to help him:

It didn’t define who he was. It didn’t predict his future. Acknowledging where my son is on the autism spectrum at any given moment doesn’t mean I’m giving up or lowering my expectations. It means I’m accepting him for the wonderful, amazing little person he truly is—just as he is.

Unlike many other books of this nature, the focus is less on the day-to-day drama of her son’s challenges (though she does recount a few key incidents), and more on her own journey and emotions that range from anxiety and panic to acceptance and love. Her experience as his mother also led her to have a greater appreciation for her own parents, realizing only in retrospect that her humble upbringing was still a charmed one.

Conclusion

The overall message the author emphasizes is that she is no “better, stronger, or faster” than any other parent trying to do the best for their child. By virtue of that, like any parent she has had to shed parts of herself to adapt to her son’s needs — something that not just “special needs” parents but all parents face. But amidst that sentiment of sacrifice is one of immeasurable courage and love. Engaging from beginning to end, I highly recommend this book for everyone, but particularly for parents of children with special needs. It is beautiful and inspiring, providing insight and hope that may capture someone at an overwhelming moment of despair and uplift their spirits.

Purchase your copy

This book came to me via an ARC program and I chose it because I was in the mood for a unique romance.

The Premise

Kate immigrates to Canada in 1973, in search of a change of pace. She finds that and much more in her new friendship with Dave and his young son. Not usually the one to consider religion as a key factor in her life, she finds a new zeal for faith to steady her and give her purpose as their love blossoms in the off-grid backwoods. But is she willing to give up everything she’s ever known to commit herself to this man and his way of life?

The Pros & Cons

A slow-burn unique Western romance, “Purity Found” follows Kate as she distances herself from a troubled past in Oregon in the U.S.A. and stakes her claim in a rural backwoods community in British Columbia, Canada. A long way from home, she finds herself charmed by the “old-fashioned” slow pace but hardworking life — exemplified in the man she meets who will change her future, whom she describes to her mother as the strongest man she’s ever met, both mentally and physically.

As her friendship with Dave and his son blossoms, the attraction is undeniable, but Dave’s personal history presents a legal barrier as well as — more importantly — a religious and spiritual barrier. However, Kate soon becomes intrigued and inspired by his devotion to his religious beliefs. The emotional struggle leads her to question her own beliefs:

So, if there wasn’t a future for their growing attraction, wouldn’t it be better for her just to pull up stakes and move on before either of them got really hurt? Maybe she wasn’t right for Dave. She didn’t want to convert to Catholicism and pray to Holy Mary on her knees every night. And she failed to speak in tongues after she was baptized, and the Pentecostal people had prayed for her. She didn’t feel she belonged in any church or the community. So, what [was she] doing here?

But in her darkest moments of despair, she finds solace in her new environment that seems to protect her and encourage her to stay the course:

She was needed by him, and he had a purpose for her. She didn’t have to leave. She just had to love. She was a tool, a vessel designed to hold enough love to flow outward to those God cared about. Something big was happening, and she was a huge part of it. God needed her to get it done!

This story was easy to read and fall into the main character’s mind, experiencing every daily struggle as she acclimatized to the weather, the bone-weary work, the warmness of the community, and the new experiences of teaching and caring for children. A willing, good-natured woman, Kate is easy to love as a protagonist, and we see her rise to the occasion many times even when she is not sure that she is capable. I also appreciated the descriptions of the environment, as it was easy to picture the vast nothingness of the outdoors and the quiet, loving, rural community.

The romance is a unique one, as it seems to happen in the background at times, because the “great outdoors” itself becomes its own character, particularly coming down to the end when Dave has to throw himself wholeheartedly into manual labour to get the job done — there’s no time for romance when the stakes are literally life and death. Kate’s relationship to Dave’s son was heartwarming, and at times I enjoyed this even more than the romance!

Conclusion

Overall this was a great, enjoyable read. If there’s anything worth mentioning, I must admit that perhaps I was hoping for a more heightened point of action before the climax, but this may be because it is part of a series and there are still more books to come. I would recommend it to all romance readers, but particularly those who enjoy rural small-town stories, as this would definitely fit the bill. I look forward to reading more about these characters in future books in the series, and would also love to read more by this author.

Purchase your copy

This is my fourth book by this author, and in each case she has reached out directly. You can find her other books here:

• Maplewood
• Rue
• Bibliointuitive

The Premise

In the aftermath of an unspeakable tragedy, three women who survived it are still shattered in many ways 20 years later. The youngest, Paige, is now a young woman who stumbles into a relationship with her first love. Can she find a way to escape her past? Homemaker, wife, and mother Marie has never recovered from her loss and grief — is it too late to save her marriage? And finally there’s Julie, a divorced flight attendant who is still fighting to make a difference decades later — a losing mission, but her only way to channel her own grief and guilt over what took place that day. Can these woman each find a way to not only survive, but also thrive in their lives and forgive the past?

The Pros & Cons

This was another amazing read by an author who blew me away with her last novel. Here again, she deals with crippling grief and a tragedy that has forever marked the lives of these women. Each story occurs in the same timeline but almost entirely separately, with very little crossover at the beginning, and then we dive into their individual stories before it culminates in their reunion at the end.

For each woman, living and loving is a challenge. From the divorced Julie who ruined her own relationship after the tragedy she survived, and isn’t sure she can open herself to love again; to the still-married Marie who ignores her husband and family’s needs to wallow in her own grief; to the young and naive Paige who isn’t sure what love is as yet — love at different stages of life is depicted with an honest, raw intensity that keeps you feverishly turning the pages to see how their stories will turn out.

As with all of this author’s books thus far, I came away with an overwhelming sensation of having learnt something. In this case, it’s that regardless of what took place in the past, it’s never too late to heal. It took these characters decades to reach to that point of truly overcoming the past and forging a new way forward, and the wait was worth the while and hugely satisfying.

As it is a five-star-read I struggle to find any hiccups here, but I do remember there was a moment very near the end where a sprinkling of a “steamy” moment for one of the characters seemed unnecessary — though I’m positive many readers would have loved it, LOL! I absolutely loved all the earlier steamy bits that sprung up though — the author writes these very well with such tastefulness and care; it’s just that for me at that stage of the book with just a few pages left to devour, it felt like a bit much. Also, honestly, there is so much here to love in this novel that even as a clean romance, everything would’ve still worked beautifully. Each woman’s story is a fantastic story in its own right, and it only gets better when everything ties together in the end!

Conclusion

This was another well-crafted novel that explores a shocking, rare tragedy and it reverberations decades later, and yet there is so much levity and sweetness at the same time that it makes your heart soar. Again I must mention my favourite thing about this author is that there are no tropes here; no cookie-cutter story whatsoever. Each story of hers is entirely different, so you never know what to expect, and this was another great surprise that wowed me. I absolutely loved it, and look forward to the next one!

Purchase your copy

This book came to me via an ARC program and I chose it because it sounded intriguing.

The Premise

A man in his late twenties feels like he has lost his way, and travels to South America in search of his life’s purpose through the use of powerful psychedelic plants at ayahuasca centres. His experience makes him question everything about himself as he searches for a meaningful existence.

The Pros & Cons

The feeling of “loss of self” is one we may have all felt at some time, and this is the sentiment that drives this novel. Nick, a 27-year-old Australian man, feels like he is all over the place — leaving a job as a high school teacher (unsure he’ll return); at the tail end of a relationship he ruined; still reeling from the reverberations of the breakdown of his family since his parents’ divorce; and with a general sense of “I-don’t-know-what’s-next-for-me.”

Having had some experience with psychedelic drugs, he believes that this may be the answer for him, and he travels to South America to seek a spiritual, mystical experience through a series of ayahuasca ceremonies at different retreat centres. As he says to a woman he meets:

I just sense that ayahuasca is the key to sorting me out… There’s something wrong with me but I don’t know what it is. I feel like I’ve lost something from when I was a child. I can’t really connect with anything. And I feel there’s this big, golden ball of power inside me, waiting to be unleashed into the world. I just have to figure out how to do it.

The novel unfolds describing his experiences on his own, with his friends who share part of the journey with him, with women he meets, and with passersby that he connects with on his journey throughout South America as he moves from one retreat centre to the next.

The author is extremely talented at description, taking you right there to the scene — you can almost feel the heat in the air, the pollution and pungent smells of the area, the meagre accommodations and environments at the centres, and so much more. Every ceremony is described in such detail that it captures both the typical general knowledge of these types of spiritual retreats, but we are also seeing it through Nick’s eyes with a certain level of skepticism, which adds to the overall feeling of realism as he reflects on the experience.

There is a sense of adventure as we follow Nick’s travels, but also we connect to his inner thoughts which are in constant battle to understand himself and the world around him, to tap into that mysterious meaning of life:

Nicholas. Nicky. Nicko. Nick. How many different people am I trying to be? I’ve been leading so many lives, playing so many roles, that I’ve forgotten who I actually am. Who is the person under all the layers? […] What do I care about? What do I live for? Why do I even bother getting up in the morning? I know there’s a reason. Even if it isn’t immediately clear. I know there’s something more to this life. […] I know that it’s there, the great… ‘it’. But what is ‘it’? I don’t know yet. But I’m close.

There were many moments where a poignant or memorable viewpoint was conveyed, such as our tendency to obsess with social media just to say we’ve had an experience because we get social validation from being “witnessed” doing something, whether or not we get validation from the experience itself; another was his reflection that you need to be whole and complete in yourself, else you will only attract other damaged and incomplete people.

While I enjoyed the novel, I do wish to warn other readers that the descriptions of bodily fluids are constant and visceral throughout (at times perhaps even gratuitous!), so bear this in mind if this factor isn’t to your liking. Also, the novel’s structure focuses on an experiential description rather than a linear action-driven plot, so don’t expect a typical plot arc or shocking twist — I myself was kind of “waiting for something to happen” but eventually realised that that wasn’t the point; the journey was more important than the destination!

Conclusion

Overall, it is an engaging story that makes you want to keep on reading because as readers we are transported to a startling experience most of us have never had, along with a refreshingly honest point of view from a young man. I did see many similarities with the novel/film “Into The Wild” (and there’s some intertextuality when the author mentions this title in passing through a comment from one of Nick’s friends); this novel captures the same combination of a sense of adventure, and flawed masculinity fighting to overcome the depths of depression and self-doubt. I would recommend this particularly to male readers who identify as millennials, as I feel this would resonate particularly with them.

Purchase your copy

This book came to me via an ARC program and it sounded intriguing — I’d never thought of the correlation between politics and the dating scene in such a way!

The Premise

This non-fiction book examines the influence of the U.S.A.’s president 45th president, Donald Trump, on the divisive “loveless age” whereby marriage rates fell, women’s rights were impacted, and the very fabric of our society became fractured. From racism to misogyny to patriotism and the erratic highs and lows of unchecked power, it examines gender dynamics and mating conventions that form part of Trump’s contentious legacy.

The Pros & Cons

Never before has politics influenced our love lives this intimately. As Donald Trump climbed into power, Trumpism swept over the U.S.A. and swiftly divided the population. From the blatant misogyny to intellectual incompetence to questionable practices that plague his character as a leader, his candidacy began as a joke to many — until his win suddenly became no laughing matter.

This book is unique in its exploration of “mating politics” that bleeds into everything else in our society — as the author reminds us, romance and marriage are the “conduit to family formation, the bedrock of society.”

Trump’s legacy was one of divisiveness in many arenas, and this is an important factor that isn’t often considered by historians. But as the author states:

“When politics interferes with love, you sense the country is too painfully divided.”

The wave of Trumpism saw politics becoming personal. Dating apps even used Trump-related questions in compatibility surveys, and profiles often clearly indicated a political stance — for instance, women anticipated that their career prospects would be slim under a Trump presidency, and avoided dating his supporters with profile statements like “No Trumpers please.” As one dating site stated: “It’s truly unprecedented the change in how people are using politics as a signal in dating, a reflection of the polarization under Trump and the rage of his detractors—particularly women.”

Packed with factual research, the book deep-dives into Trump from the ground up: the making of the man; the people who supported his rise to power despite blusters along the campaign trail that included mocking a disabled reporter and a distinguished Vietnam POW, and the infamous “grabbing women by the pussy” debacle. It is highlighted that women put Trump in power, voting not only for the misogynistic bully but also against the perceived brand of feminism that Hillary Clinton represented because, as one woman termed it: “I simply prefer the leadership of a strong male.”

The author posits the uncomfortable truth:

Did (white) women really vote for the least qualified candidate in U.S. history—a billionaire from the plutocracy class pretending to be a populist (a pluto-populist)—or were they voting against a “snobocrat” class, an elite feminism pretending to be populist for ordinary women?

The book points out Trump’s political failings: a fast-churning White House staff plagued with frequent resignations, racking up trillions in national debt, numerous proven false claims (over 30,500 over 4 years!), his poor handling of the Coronavirus pandemic, looting the taxpayer purse in record defense/border wall spending, spitefully repealing all of Obama’s achievements — including the virus unit whose purpose was to address global pandemics, and many more. He also demonstrated blatant white nationalism and racism, and his gender beliefs were telling: there were only 4 women initially appointed out of 24 Cabinet positions.

The author reiterates that Trump’s “diehard traditionalism” of “making America great again” hinged on America’s golden age of patriarchal glory, when “women and minorities knew their place and power was preserved for white men.”

It is a sobering thought that tens of millions of people put Trump into power, and despite all his failings, years later he still has so many followers who support him unfailingly — so much so, that he was able to incite thousands of people to attack the Capitol Building to prevent a peaceful transfer of power to Biden.

From his own government to the laws he created or beliefs he supported, Trump’s legacy is his control of the cultural narrative as he recreated the U.S.A. in his own image — and that image is a frightening reality that we have yet to truly escape.

Conclusion

This non-fiction book is a lot to unpack, and blends a wide range of sources throughout almost every sentence. Well researched and put together, it is a tell-all tale that gives a much deeper perspective than the average person’s media consumption may provide. It covers all the intricacies of contemporary news and current affairs relating to Trump and the reverberations in society that emerged as a result of his influence. Note: it is a “heavy” read, and provides a thoroughly comprehensive overview; you will need to take your time with it to fully appreciate the amount of work compiled into this. It was very educational and analytical, and I learnt a lot that will stay with me. I highly recommend to other adult readers who want to be politically enlightened.

Purchase your copy

This book came to me via an ARC program and I was interested in the topic.

The Premise

With decades of experience of coaching and developing strong business leaders and their salespeople, the author compiles and shares strategies for success by focusing on the human-to-human aspect of selling.

The Pros & Cons

“The Human Sales Factor” is a nonfiction self-help reference book aimed at business leaders and salespeople, which focuses on the human aspect at the core of every component of the sales process. The author highlights the fact that “every single one of us is a salesperson” and mentions that investors or clients don’t necessarily choose the best idea or product but instead, they invest in a person. He states:

Therein lies the underpinnings of getting what you want—a secret only the best salespeople, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in the world know: selling, at its core, isn’t about moving a product or service, it’s about moving people.

He mentions that we have to deal with our “interiority” first before we can explore our “exteriority,” and underscores the importance of one’s Emotional Quotient (EQ), i.e. “the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships.” While often regarded as a “soft skill,” this is extremely critical for business at any level. He considers it the “three-legged stool upon which H2H [Human to Human] connections are built” — the three legs being a combination of self-control, interpersonal skills, and communication.

He presents strategies for raising one’s EQ, which include a positive mindset, converting self-deception into self-awareness, turning self-focus into other-focus, becoming more rewarding to deal with, and controlling temper tantrums. Another key concept is “social proof” which itself has adapted drastically as we now focus heavily on others’ reviews to make a purchasing decision, and it also means that the seller’s credibility is under even more scrutiny. Similarly, the value of the seller’s “personal branding” has also become even more crucial amidst an increasingly more savvy marketplace.

Though the book is aimed at a specific audience, these strategies can be useful to anyone for our own self-reflection and self-improvement, for example the section on “controlling your impression” and how to adapt your sales approach based on the time (usually seconds) that is available. One important take-away for me was what the author referred to as unpredictable “black swan” events like a natural disaster or a pandemic that are extremely widespread and can have serious repercussions on the economy or the market of a particular industry. Essentially, these events cause huge shifts in the way people buy and sell things, and though the initial impact can’t be avoided, the recovery is the business leader’s domain of control to interpret the market and adapt:

The fact is, everybody wants or needs something. That will never change, no matter the environment. The key is to select the right strategy.

Throughout the book, there are many anecdotes or real-life stories interwoven into the strategies and concepts presented, and the language used is simple and clear. I also liked the nature of storytelling in the author’s voice, as it felt like a conversation rather than just “reading a book.” This is intentional, as the author highlights (which has been scientifically proven) that “people forget facts, but they remember stories.” These stories that he uses to convey his own messages are engaging, and the book is well laid out and presented. As each chapter unfolds, it provides a recap of what was covered, allowing for easy revision.

Conclusion

Overall, I must admit this is quite similar to other self-help books on the topic, and there is nothing radically new here; still, there’s always room in the market to provide inspiration and actionable strategies to business leaders, and this does the job well. I enjoyed it, and appreciated the research and effort put into compiling it in an easy-to-read and digestible format. It was educational and informative, yet also brief enough for casual but impactful reading, as the format makes the content memorable and it resonates with the reader. I believe it will be valuable for its target market, and I would recommend to other readers to internalize and apply these strategies in their own situations.

Purchase your copy

I read the first book in this series, after being blown away by this author’s other books (see all links below), so of course I eagerly lapped up this ARC once I got a notification that it was available.

• Inked
• The Girl Who Talks To Ashes
• The Lightning Conjurer Series (4 books)

The Premise

Continuing on from where the last book ended, Talia now has some experience in the Fae world under her belt, but there’s still a lot she doesn’t know about her mysterious Runemaster and incubus boss Zayn. When he is captured in a seemingly unreachable location, she must find a way to rescue him from the power-hungry mob boss that he betrayed. But as she learns more about Zayn, she realises she may be in over her head with the violent magic they are fighting against. With the help of a reincarnated fledgling familiar Biscuit in tow, can she find a way to save them all?

The Pros & Cons

This was another rollicking adventure with lovable, colourful characters that leap off the page and stay with you. As Talia bumbles her way through the Fae world and finds innovative ways to survive, we cheer her on hoping that she and her lover Zayn can reunite and FINALLY get their act together! But of course it’s not quite that simple… though the passion is there (and there are some super-steamy moments to prove it!), she soon realises that her infatuated connection is no match for the power-hungry Sol and his crew of evil-doers. The history between Sol and Zayn goes way back — and Zayn has conveniently omitted a few key details about how they became entangled in the first place.

Again I loved all the descriptions, the hilarious moments, and of course the always-cheeky Biscuit! The book is fast-paced and if you put it down for a bit you’ll struggle to get back into the swing of it, because there is barely a pause for breath from one scene to the next! I mentioned with the first book that I got a wee bit lost with keeping track of the fae realm’s inner workings, so I was grateful this time for the inclusion of a chart at the beginning with some info to remind me of what’s what! Also I did miss the Jewish language scattered among the words throughout the last book; there’s a bit of it here as well, but just not quite as much overall — as we’ve gotten to know the characters better, and the action is heavier with the plot moving things forward quicker. Nevertheless these tiny niggles are minuscule compared to the story that is riveting from beginning to end, with a hefty amount of heart for good measure!

Conclusion

This was another great one to complement the first in the series, and I highly recommend to adult readers who enjoy a little raunchiness in their fantasy reads. Fabulous characters, beautiful book covers (works of art!), just the right amount of steaminess to curl your toes, and a nice dollop of humour to make you laugh out loud! This is now my seventh book by this author, and I’m officially a fan (I have been from the first one!) so I eagerly await the next in this series, and look forward to her other future works as well.

Purchase your copy

This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the synopsis sounded unlike anything I had ever read.

The Premise

Reverend Amos Richardson, Rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church outside of Richmond, Virginia, is a man of deep faith, confident in his gifts as a husband, father, and priest — that is, until he befriends a convict in Virginia’s prison system while his life goes into a downward spiral. Weathering this crisis, he questions his faith, his vocation, and even who he is at his core, and wonders if he will ever be the same again.

The Pros & Cons

“Kenosis” explores the thorny subjects of faith and religion. Centred on the life and trials of an Episcopal reverend, it explores an unusual friendship between a man of the cloth and a convicted felon who is doing time. In each other, they find a connection that transcends the disparities between the stations in their lives, and Reverend Amos Richardson is touched and forever changed by his interaction with Jess.

Amos is a husband, a father, and a spiritual leader in the community, yet we can also see the ways in which he behaves less than admirably: he disregards his wife’s and children’s needs at times in favor of his job, and succumbs to unhealthy vices when faced with challenges in his life.

The story moves along at a steady pace, revealing an imperfect man who is trying to cope with the cards he is dealt. It does seem a wee bit slow or uneventful at times in between the key points of action, but the poignant conversations and descriptions make up for this wonderfully.

The novel highlights the ways in which the Episcopal church is “deeply flawed” as it operates like a “feudal system” with distributed power, which often gets in the way of accomplishing anything. However, it underscores the advancements over the years to include more women, and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

The conversations he has with Jess and with his peers reflect Amos’ more liberal beliefs (and I assume, the author’s as well!) and are candidly expressed. One of my favourites was:

“There is some scriptural support for condemning homosexuality, but you can argue that there is Biblical support for the subjugation of women or even slavery. […] Even if homosexuality is a sin, I can’t get worked up over it. It’s right up there with butt scratching, in my humble opinion.”

When Jess’ selfless act to aid a sick child has repercussions, Amos feels helpless as he cannot save him from the law. This leads to a series of events that unfold to unveil the seedy underbelly of faith-based care, which challenges Amos’ belief in his own religion when he sees other faiths showing more humanity in times of crisis.

I appreciated that despite the novel’s genre of Christian fiction, at no point does it feel overly “preachy” — the reader is guided to a balanced representation that evolves along with the main character. It was enlightening to see Amos knowingly fulfilling his part as a cog in the flawed machine of the Church, and then to later see the ways in which he chooses to be more active in influencing the changes he wishes to see. He showed significant growth by the story’s end — from a naive and idealistic priest, to a real leader worthy of the priesthood.

Conclusion

Overall, this was an interesting read and one I would recommend to others. The novel’s focus on deep, thought-provoking conversations will best suit a reflective reader who appreciates beautifully written prose that influences our own introspection. I will close with one of these that stayed with me:

[…] in most parishes about twenty percent of the parishioners carried the church […]. The remaining eighty percent simply attended on the occasional Sunday […] but wanted someone to baptize, confirm, marry, and then bury them. Religion was basically one of the many ornaments hanging from their tree of life.

Purchase your copy

This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the blurb piqued my interest.

The Premise

As a five-year-old child, Tori walked into her newborn brother’s room in the middle of the night to see a shadowy figure abducting him, and her baby brother’s lifeless body was later found in the crib. No one believes what she saw that night — which also becomes the case decades later when her old childhood friend also believes her baby was taken by someone. The similarities are uncanny; is there something more behind this crazy coincidence? The truth lies somewhere in Tori’s blurry past… can she figure it out, before it’s too late for her friend this time around?

The Pros

This was an intriguing mystery with a relatable female lead. I enjoyed the story and read it fairly quickly. I really liked the plot and found it was original and refreshing. I liked all the characters and the relationships built between Tori and each twin — a somewhat romantic interest with Cole as they conduct their amateur sleuthing investigations, and a begrudging but trusting friendship with his sister Missy.

I also appreciated the supporting character of her grandmother, and her role as one of the gatekeepers of knowledge about the family’s past. Her mother was the one who really stole the show though — what a reveal! As the mystery unravels, the deplorable actions of the past come to light, and it makes for a shocking discovery — nicely done! The novel also made me think a lot about the issue of mental illness, particularly as it relates to women, motherhood, and the general sense of a “fragility of mind” that society often assumes of women.

The Cons

Though I liked the premise of the story and the plot a lot, the pacing of the story was a bit choppy for me — it began slowly, sped up, then tapered off, sped up, and so on, which was quite a shame considering the great material to work with! If it were another genre (say literary fiction or women’s fiction), perhaps I wouldn’t have noticed or minded, but here it felt like there were moments that were bogged down with minutiae in the midst of such a great mystery! I also felt like there was a bit too much signposting from early on as to who the “villain” was; I’d figured out about 75% of the “twist” long in advance.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a great novel that I enjoyed and would recommend to others. I categorised this as a mystery rather than a thriller — mind you, this isn’t a con because I LOVE mysteries, but this isn’t the “psychological thriller” one might expect (from the title and cover), but a mystery with a sprinkle of family drama and a tiny smidge of romance. This seems to be a standalone in a series and I’m not sure exactly how interlinked the books are, but I can confirm it definitely reads quite nicely as a standalone and leaves you satisfied with a full, well-rounded story. It was my first by this author, but I’ll gladly read more.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it as the opening lines caught my attention.

The Premise

In the 18th century, a series of unfortunate events and circumstances led to the death of a young woman, Sarah Grosvenor. This historical fiction revisits the shocking days of deceit, betrayal, and malevolence during the “Age of Enlightenment,” and then imagines what led to the multiple arrest warrants that were finally issued some three years later for the horrific crime.

The Pros & Cons

This was a thought-provoking tale of power and privilege that reveals the intrinsic horror of entrenched patriarchy in the face of social justice. Based on real historical events in colonial America, it recounts the events that led to a young woman’s death, primarily told through the eyes of her younger sister Rebecca who campaigned for the truth to be revealed. Though set in the 18th century, it is a timely tale particularly in light of the recent U.S. court ruling regarding Roe v. Wade, and its subsequent impact on women’s rights in America as it pertains to their bodies and the bearing of children.

Under the guidance of her doctor and coercion of her lover, Sarah Grosvenor was “taking the trade” to rid herself of an unwanted pregnancy. Her younger sister Rebecca bore witness to the events that led to her death, and the perpetrators involved in the crime–a murder, she believes it to be:

“I had been to the graveyard and it was not full to overflowing with stones set for women who had taken the trade and paid the doctors. Women lived. Something had gone horribly wrong for my sister.”

The village absorbed Sarah’s death and buried their heads in the sand to protect themselves and uphold the prominent reputations of the two families involved, until Rebecca took it upon herself to seek out the justice of the peace and demand that the truth be uncovered. Three years later, the court eventually charged the doctor John Hallowell and Sarah’s lover Amasa Sessions. The result was a trial that exposed shocking events, but the ultimate result was disheartening for Rebecca (and for the reader!) as the entitlement of men knows no bounds:

“Both men would be heralded for their future successes and lauded for their fine accomplishments. They would live prosperous lives, and that prosperity would guarantee that all was forgotten.”

Firstly, I must admit that this book was a difficult read in many ways. In one aspect, which I commend, the topic is unsettling, and the vivid imagery leaves an imprint — these are excellent for a writer to convey. In another aspect, though, the style of writing is quite eloquent which I found challenging to follow at times — some parts have repetition or an overabundance of description that obscures the actions or events of the plot from shining through. However, these unwieldy elements soon give way to the compelling story that unfolds beautifully in all its gory glory.

I appreciated the author’s talent at descriptive elements when it came to the powerful imagery that abounds: the chamberstick illuminating Rebecca’s face outside the justice’s door, Amasa’s callous ripping apart of beautiful wildflowers in his path, the demise of the underdeveloped baby, and so many more facets that were brought to life. From the defiant red-orange flame of Rebecca’s hair, to the ruddy-cheeked villagers whispering amongst themselves in the taverns, the author takes you right to the scene of the “crime”–not simply the death of a young woman, no, but the blatant disregard for women’s rights in favour of the men who hold all the power in society. At its close, when all was revealed, I especially appreciated the title’s choice of the word “murder” (rather than simply “death”) despite the intangibility of blame.

Conclusion

A historic novel based on an uncomfortable truth, this was no doubt expertly researched and presented. It gives many sides of the story through “vignettes” — we learn about Amasa’s family, Sarah and Rebecca’s family, several of the villagers, and the weary cowardice of those charged with making the laws and keeping the peace. I invite readers to challenge themselves and take a chance on this because its value runs deep both as a contribution to literature and to history on the whole. I can see this novel being used in an educational setting as a literature text for analysis, as there is a lot to dissect here. It is humbling and frightening to realise that women’s choices and the lives experienced in what we consider “ancient history” bear far too many similarities to the injustices that we still face today.

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A heartwarming, insightful, witty, and amusing memoir about “dadding”

This was my fifty-fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I loved the first two in the series, Dear Dory and Dear Arlo, and was contacted by the author to also review this one. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Having found solace in penning a “journal” of sorts to his unborn miracle baby via “Dear Dory” and later to his newborn in “Dear Arlo“, the author continues writing a journal to his toddler son. From nursery drama to tantrums to health scares, the journal entries showcase the author’s continuing evolution into parenthood from a father’s (often hilarious and/or immature) perspective.

The Pros

After enjoying “Dear Dory” and “Dear Arlo”, I was excited to once more dive into the raw, honest, and refreshing take on parenthood from a dad’s perspective.

“Daddy” realises that he’s mastered the early challenges of keeping a small human alive; now, suddenly, there are more requirements:

How do I prepare for the next stage of psychological development, one that involves nuances that I simply cannot research?

As he watches his son evolve from helpless infant to a curious toddler with a mind of his own (plus an affinity for bananas, and an obsession with the vacuum — erm, sorry, “Hoover”), he imagines the world through Arlo’s eyes and finds wonder in the small things: the simple activity of wandering off and experiencing a space on his own, the flurry of a first snowfall, the wondrous all-encompassing power of heavy rain that makes the world seem limitless.

On the downside, there are the less-than-ideal moments: the horror of the airborne nappy, the seemingly-senseless tantrum, the exasperating washing-machine vs. toddler battle, and the deeper “Santa-isn’t-real” moments — when a wrong decision can impact the child’s wellbeing, namely an unsuitable nursery; and when parenting communication misfires and the result is a nasty toddler tumble. All of this, of course, while living through a pandemic — and eventually contracting not just the disease, but the debilitating weakness of being trapped indoors under quarantine… with a toddler… ***dun dun dun!***

There are some memorable scene stealers: celebrating the non-parenting moments of freedom to let loose; the anxious early-morning nursery drop-off — followed, of course, by overwhelming guilt; and Mummy (a child carer at one nursery) being devastated to learn that the new nursery’s maximum capacity is five (hers is seventeen). I also liked the through-Arlo’s-eyes “intermission” reports — we all wonder what’s going on in a child’s brain as they encounter the world, and I imagine that many toddler brainwaves are contemplations on how to wreak havoc!

I appreciated that the author doesn’t forget to check his privilege:

It’s times like this when I spare a thought […] for anyone out there who is a single parent with a limited support network to lean on. If they look at the cards they’ve been dealt, they won’t find a too hung-over-to-parent card, a too-ill-to-parent card or even a can-I-have-five-minutes-to-drink-a-cup-of-tea card. I look at my hand, and I’m spoilt for choice at the cards I can lay down.

Overall, from “Dory” to “Arlo” and now to “Toddler Inc.”, a begrudging maturity emerges, evident in reflective passages that ruminate on everything from parenthood to relationships to a “how-the-hell-did-I-even-get-here” career introspection, and this rawness will truly resonate with readers of all kinds. We’re all wondering, to some extent, how point A led to this moment right here right now — what tiny change could have sent our lives down an entirely different path?

From the awful first encounter that eventually blossomed into a loving relationship and a miracle child, “Daddy” reminds us that difficult days are part of the journey. To get to the good stuff — the “serotonin-like substance” that repels negative thoughts and makes you feel alive, you have to power through:

People queue up for the parenthood gig each day because of the unconditional love they have for their children. […] There is nothing more rewarding than parenthood, but you have to work for it.

Conclusion

As a parent of a toddler, this comedic memoir hit home for personally. It being the third book in the series, I can see many readers happily wanting more and more, for the pure escapism of diving into someone else’s mind and learning the inner workings of their family lives. If you love one of these, you’ll love them all — while a parenting memoir seems like it would be a humdrum, I beg to differ; when done right, these words connect to parents everywhere and let us all know that we’re not alone.

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Other formats:
https://books2read.com/toddler-inc

This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the blurb was intriguing.

The Premise

At thirty-seven with two teenagers and a husband who isn’t bringing home the bacon, Trudy is unhappy with life. When an attractive ex-coworker suddenly shows up and proclaims he always had feelings for her, this seems to be the change she’s needed to shake things up in her life. Matthew is a sexy and successful man (everything her husband James isn’t!) who makes her feel like a woman again. Is the allure of this other man worth risking the life she’s built, or would taking a chance with him be her biggest regret?

The Pros

This was an interesting read that deals with adulthood, motherhood, marriage, and infidelity — serious themes that are often unexplored in the wide gamut of books about relationships. I really appreciate that these types of books exist rather than the typical run-of-the-mill romance, and I absolutely love difficult-to-love characters as both a reader and a writer of what I call “real-life romance”, so this was right up my alley as it was certainly realistic — painfully so, at times!

I also really liked the relationships portrayed with other women, showing other types of marriages to highlight how Trudy and her friends were all unhappy in different ways. This is so true in today’s world especially, as it seems divorce and separation seem more common rather than the long-term partnerships that previous generations were able to achieve. I think we are all on that “edge of discontent” — always wanting the greener grass and the flashier partner or job. Trudy’s actions — however deplorable — were so relatable, and this novel made me quite introspective. I also liked the ending; while reading, I was dreading an “all-tied-up-prettily” ending, and I was ultimately so very thankful that it wasn’t. Life is messy and we make mistakes — and while luckily, mistakes aren’t the end of the world and there is always hope that things can be healed somehow, there should be repercussions.

The Cons

Though I enjoyed the story and it kept me interested throughout, I did wish for a few things that could have made it even better. The “twist” was evident from a mile away; I was hoping this would have been more nuanced so it would be more shocking when it was revealed. Also I felt like the dialogue was a bit too “detached” at times which left the sensation that it was not natural speech or behaviour for the characters — for instance, when Trudy bluntly tells her husband that she’s been getting attention from other men and he should pay attention to her so she won’t cheat. More “showing, not telling” could have been employed to make it more subtle and draw me in deeper as a reader.

Conclusion

Overall, I enjoyed the writing style and the plot was engaging. Even though I was internally conflicted with disliking the main character (and that’s the whole point!), I was intrigued and kept wanting to read more. The author aptly delivers a hot mess of a character that you want to root for, while also despising them for their naivete — and that is a talent! I would recommend this book to others, particularly female readers over 40. I look forward to more from this author.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview sounded interesting.

The Premise

After her husband leaves her for a younger woman and her daughter heads off to college, Emerson is divorced and feels like the prime of her life is over at 43. Her best friend gives her a luxurious post-divorce gift: an all-expenses paid trip to New York City, with one contingency… she’ll have to see a sex therapist to deal with her abandonment and intimacy issues. Dr. Alexander Jameson is a younger man, and known for his unorthodox therapy sessions. She has a week before she’s off to Paris — can he work his magic on her within that short time frame… and heal not just her, but perhaps also himself?

The Pros

This was a sexy read that will likely appeal to the over 40s female crowd. I liked the dialogue and banter between the two main characters, and the New York City setting with the opulence and crazily expensive lifestyle felt like something out of “Sex & The City” — along with the super-rich characters of her best friend and the doctor, and the types of events they all go to. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments when her snarky mouth rules the scene, and their sexual encounters are racily written to titillate those readers who like a good sex scene. I also loved the interaction with her friend and Dr. Jameson’s sister, and the sentiment of sexual liberation and women connecting with one another and openly discussing their lives in that regard that wasn’t JUST a catty, braggy way (though that was there as well) but in a more intellectual and genuinely caring manner.

The Cons

As a fellow writer I don’t criticise other books/writers without careful consideration, but as an avid reader I appreciate reading reviews that give me a clear picture of what to expect. That said, there is quite a bit to enjoy here (I wouldn’t have bothered writing a review if not) but also quite a lot that didn’t sit right with me. While I was enjoying the story as it went along, I kept expecting something to happen… and ultimately, nothing much did. It played out quite predictably with not much of a plot — just one sexy scene to another, and then she’s off to Paris (as she’d planned) and nothing fundamentally changes but the characters magically have a change of heart and then wind up together (as expected).

I usually love these post-divorce women’s fiction sexual-renaissance stories (I’ve read quite a few and usually they are 4 or 5 stars for me), but in this case I really couldn’t connect much with her character to gain any real depth… her daughter’s role didn’t feel needed at all, I kept hoping the ex-husband (or any other man on the planet) would show up for some kind of drama, or the doctor would do something to hurt her or vice versa, or her friend would have a health emergency or her daughter would be endangered somehow, or a natural disaster would occur… or something… just something. Anything! Literally… ANYTHING! I’m no prude and I love a sexy story but dammit I desperately, desperately, desperately, DESPERATELY needed more of a plot here. I felt like the build-up didn’t have the pay-off I needed… so I was mentally unsatisfied by the end of it.

Conclusion

Overall, I did enjoy the writing style and it was engaging. The banter and sexy scenes were appreciated, but I wanted something entirely different from this book. I can see the value here, but I know I am certainly not the ideal reader — that’s it in a nutshell. My rating is fair and based on that duality I’m fighting with: I know other readers will absolutely love this and rave over it, but I personally expected so much more in terms of a plot (especially with such a great writing style!)… I almost wish the writing weren’t as good so that I could’ve given it up earlier rather than read it to the end only to be disappointed! Ah, well. Still, I would perhaps give this author another chance, because I feel like I may enjoy something else with more of a plot.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview sounded interesting.

The Premise

Years after Marcus and his wife Charlotte adopted Eva, her birth mother Reine shows up on their doorstep demanding to get her child back. However, she was the one who insisted they adopt her, so as to ensure she would be safe and not fall through the cracks of the foster system. Reine has everything to lose by showing up unannounced, but she risks it for a chance to get back her daughter. But with everything against her in a broken system, does she have a chance?

The Pros

This fast-paced drama that deals with serious issues that tug at your heartstrings — a mother does her best to protect her child, but she is no saint; does she deserve to get her child back? I particularly liked the dialogue between the characters and the build-up of the drama, and the conundrum that Reine faces when she is accused of a crime; in an already broken system, does her innocence or guilt even matter? The parole officer’s influence was a realistic portrayal of the power one holds in that position, and it was heartbreaking to see just how easy it is for him to ruin the lives of others. I also like the secondary roles that supported Reine, which gave the story its heart.

The Cons

Though I enjoyed the book for the most part, I really wanted to love it more. I liked all of the characters, but wished for more development and evolution throughout the story. It felt at times that they were broad strokes of archetypes — the hot-headed policeman, the long-suffering mother, the innocent child, the corrupt parole officer, and so on. This was a book in a series (Book 16) that could be read as a standalone, and (having not read the others) perhaps this is why it felt underdeveloped for me as characters didn’t get the chance to fully blossom on the pages and draw me in. There was potential for me, but not the ultimate payoff. For instance, the very end of it went from one scene where it seems impossible to remedy the situation, and then you turn the page and everything magically works out — what? All the tension fades away and it ends disappointingly.

Conclusion

Overall this was a decent read that will satisfy most readers who are looking for something dramatic, quick, and emotional. Though it wasn’t entirely for me, there is a lot to love here. I liked the writer’s style and would be interested to read further in the series, or perhaps other books by her.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it out of a few others because I was interested in the subject.

The Premise

This non-fiction book explores the different phases of childhood development with a focus on the family unit and how best it can function to create a cohesive “mettle” for the next generation. It serves as a go-to guide for parents and guardians to use all the available tools to expand their minds and consider the holistic experience of child-rearing in the modern world, enabling them to “forge” a resilient, cohesive and high-functioning family.

The Pros & Cons

Opening with the infamous poem (and one of my own personal favourites!) “The Tyger” by William Blake, the author uses Blake’s exaltation of creation as inspiration to frame her own analogy of a blacksmith’s workshop as the “creator” of the “mettle” of a family, which she defines as a proactive point of view and spirit of resilience that one can adopt to improve the chance of life success.

Her framework explores the idea of the family as a system that works with “mettle” bows and arrows, which contain the shifting perceptions, values, and beliefs that evolve as you grow with your family. The goal is to craft positive interactions moment to moment — “small joyful routines” which weave “the golden thread of the future” that thereby “forge” the family life you wish to have.

Admittedly, there is quite a lot of preamble at the beginning, but once the bulk of the book gets underway, you realise that much of this introduction was necessary to frame your own mindset as a reader. She delves into the early infancy years and the importance of sensory stimulation and eye contact even from the earliest “conversation” you have with a newborn — the parent/child communication (or lack thereof) influences language development. From this stage, the toddler’s level of understanding also needs additional consideration to enhance communication, for example providing an out-loud “commentary” by explaining day-to-day actions helps to connect their actions to their emotions, and one should “tune in” to what interests your toddler to adapt accordingly — your own patterns will help them construct language; “they meet the world in words.”

For later phases of child development, the focus should shift to encouraging activities related to sports and arts, which leave a significant impression on the developing mind at that stage. Into the teen years, there are many “hard conversations” that should be carefully navigated; though there is no clear method to approach any of these, she does provide a short synopsis with key points and useful resources for further information. One point that stood out to me (and can apply to any age/development phase) was her discussion of the role of the parent as a “mediator” rather than a teacher when introducing new ideas to a child — being readily available to support them, but as a partner in the learning who follows their pace rather than setting your own.

Overall, I liked the varied concepts she uses in her analysis, which are a combination of quotes from authors such as Kahlil Gibran and Rudyard Kipling, interlaced with psychologists including Maslow, Piaget, and Bronfenbrenner, as well as academic theorists or other renowned thinkers. She also looks at scientific aspects, such as comparing the communication within a neuron to the connection of a family that works together; and even drops in contemporary news articles and pop-culture references including TV shows for comparison, as well as her own personal anecdotes.

Conclusion

Well researched and conveyed in a part-conversational, part-academic voice, this book packs a powerful punch. I especially appreciated that despite the wide array of sources (which can sometimes weigh down or disorganise a non-fiction book), here the overall layout is cohesive and everything ties together nicely to make an enjoyable read for a wide audience. With clear sectioned headings and summary pages at intervals, it is easy to follow along. This format will particularly appeal to those who read short bits on a regular basis, and can be a motivational tool as part of a morning or nightly routine. I thank the author for taking the time to compile and produce this valuable collection of information, and I am pleased to recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about ways to nurture your family life by practicing mindful parenting.

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https://a.co/d/bKMzzF1

I received an advance copy of this book directly from the author, for whom I have reviewed several other books prior, namely the list below. While my short story tastes by this author are a mixed bag, the first book I read from her was a most exquisite novel, and I’m thrilled that this one was as well!

• A Quiet Dissonance
• Parvathy’s Well & Other Stories
• Damage & Other Stories
• Holi Moly! & Other Stories

The Premise

Pari is thrilled to befriend the new girl Samira, who seems to have what Pari always wanted for herself. Samira’s beauty and wealth evokes adoration from admirers all around, but her life at home is not quite as enviable — her mother is frequently unwell and does not have much of a relationship with her, and her father is often away on business. Samira craves the easygoing, loving family home that Pari shares with her brother Srinivas and their parents, but she is always on the outside looking in — even more so when Madhu’s family comes to live with them, and her mother soon cozies up to the impoverished but brilliant Madhu. And then there’s Roma, who sets her sights on the boy of her dreams, and whose jealousy and hatred for Samira only keep growing. Decades ago, these four young girls formed an inseparable bond — until a shocking event ripped them apart. In the present time, there seems to be hope that they can unite as friends again — but is it too late?

The Pros & Cons

This was an epic, gripping women’s fiction that takes you through decades of friendship — and frenemy-ship — as it recounts the family lives of four young girls as they mature into womanhood. Opening with a tragic event, the reader is left in the dark trying to piece together why it will eventually happen and to whom.

Told from four different points of view, we get an in-depth look at the inner workings of the minds of each of these complex characters, and it was fascinating to gain that insight. I especially loved the genuine friendship that blossoms between Pari and Madhu in their later years as adults, which was a stark difference from the girlish bond between Pari and Samira. My favourite character, though, was the legendary — and deeply misunderstood — Samira, who bears the burden of beauty and wealth coupled with an emptiness she can never overcome. Her story is an emotional gut-punch — as is Madhu’s, whose rising stardom crumbles to ashes due to circumstances beyond her control.

The author aptly captures the nuances of the female psyche — the uncertainty of self, the jealousy of others, the fear of rejection, the glossy thrill of first love, the underlying hatred behind a youthful giggle. The prose is eloquent and visceral, and the intricacies of their intersections of friendships are a curious blend of happenstance and fate. The story unfolds with a deep, thought-provoking insight into the most overwhelming of emotions that we all someday face: loss, grief, forgiveness, and regret. It is also an atmospheric tale that transports you to its key location of Delhi, India, with a sprinkling of authenticity in the language and the sense of community and family among its characters. I also particularly appreciated the — often unexplored — aspect of a woman’s life (and in particular, an Indian woman’s life) that achieves success, fulfillment, and peace within oneself without the necessity of a romantic relationship with a man or the societal requirement to bear children.

With so much to love here, it’s hard to pick apart for flaws. Usually with stories that span decades, I find issues with pacing, and here it does admittedly start off a tad slow at the very beginning. However, this is necessary in this case, as it focuses on the initiation and blossoming of these friendships as children, before leaping to the present when the main characters reunite as middle-aged women. The leisurely unraveling of each character pulls you in, exquisitely carving them out in all their raw and flawed youthful naïveté, and it was a joy to relish in the novel’s journey.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a timeless tale that will resonate with readers — particularly, women readers — everywhere. We can all see a little of ourselves in each of these girls, and our own painful pasts in the tragedies they face. Though we know this group’s friendship is somehow doomed from the beginning, there is always a flutter of hope that something survives that impending collision at the intersection of life. I truly enjoyed this novel and am happy to recommend it to others, and I look forward to the next one from this author.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and the preview was intriguing so I chose it.

The Premise

When his younger brother Stevie disappears from in front of their house, Michael wants to pitch in to help find him. He’s relieved when Stevie soon mysteriously returns — until around him, everyone seems to be acting strange: his parents and grandparents, and even his crush Detective Ito. He soon realises that all is not as it seems, and Stevie may not be safely returned as he first thought. Even worse — other young Asian boys are also disappearing in their neighbourhood. Can he figure it out and solve the case before it’s too late?

The Pros

This was an intriguing mystery/suspense featuring a young gay male protagonist, and I really enjoyed seeing this representation. Michael is a great character to root for: smart, savvy, and endearing. I also loved the representation of Stevie and his quirks due to his autism. Their brotherly bond was undeniable and brought the story to life. Another aspect that drew me in was the elements of history that are interwoven throughout. We learn about a war that shaped the nation and its people, but instead of it being the main feature, we see it through the eyes of later generations that only witness the effects it left behind on their elders.

Overall, the story’s shining glory is the relationship between Detective Ito and Michael. As his grandfather’s friend and former student, he is protective of his young protégé, and there is never a disrespectful moment between them — he is older, and married with children; still, he has a connection with Michael that is undeniable. I loved seeing this type of crush that is not over-sexualised, and it is heartwarming to see their friendship grow into something that nurtures Michael’s character and development.

The Cons

Though I enjoyed the story and there is a lot to love here, I have to admit that the plot gets a little tangled sometimes, and let me wanting for a more consistent flow and a bigger “reveal” moment. For a teenage mystery, I wasn’t entirely sure about who the target audience would be — the main character is 16, but at times the voice feels a bit more innocent and younger than that, and there are parts coming down to the end that get quite dark for a teenage audience. Nevertheless, overall the writing style shines through to uplift these areas.

Conclusion

Overall, I really appreciated that this is a unique story unlike any other I have read before. It combines the gravitas of war history and child abuse with a coming-of-age story that is not often told: Asian, male, and gay — but these aspects are not the core focus; they just form the background of the character who has so much more to offer than just these categories. This was a great introduction to a series, and leaves you wanting more as the main character’s genius has a lot of room to grow and bloom more stories. I look forward to what’s next!

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it out of a few others because the synopsis looked good and the existing other reviews were also very positive.

The Premise

Hank is on probation, working a dead-end job while he recovers from the worst mistake he ever made in his life: in a moment of grief, he assaulted someone in a bar while under the influence. A chance encounter with Jess, a university student studying to be a marine biologist, changes Hank’s trajectory forever. Their connection leads him to believe in himself and pursue his dreams, even long beyond the blossoming and fading of their short-lived summer romance. Jess’ faith in him is tested by insidious forces that attack Hank’s character, and she flees town. Their stories continue separately for years as they each focus on rebuilding their lives and flourishing independently, until one day fate brings Jess back to the town of Wilmington, North Carolina where she runs into Hank again. Is it too late for them to find the pieces of their previously broken hearts, and create something new?

The Pros & Cons

“Wrightsville Beach” was a beautiful coming-of-age story of young love that falls victim to the trials of real life. From Hank’s tainted reputation he desperately wants to overcome, to Jess’ emotional rollercoaster of doubt and fear to let herself love and trust her heart, we feel every moment of their fraught relationship as it swells to the highest heights and then plummets to its darkest moments. One painful twist of fate rips them apart and they set off on their separate paths, though they each still love each other deeply and struggle to move on and open their hearts again.

I loved the winding tale of their lives as they each flourished in their careers, and I was so grateful to see Hank’s journey in particular, as he never believed in himself until Jess did. Her words set up shop in his soul, and he was able to convert that faith she had in him into faith in himself, sustaining a route to gain his education and start a profitable career. Jess also blossomed in her new environment after she moved away, gaining the experience she’d always dreamt of having with her research on turtles.

The details of the ecological research were expertly crafted into the story, and the care and attention that went into creating this part of the story was evident. The author also describes the atmosphere exquisitely: you can see the scenery of the beachy, close-knit community overrun with university students surfing and bike-riding, and you can almost smell the salt in the air and hear the roar of the ocean as she takes you from one scene to the next. I also really loved the plot aspects it explored beyond just the simple romance: Hank’s longstanding friendship with Mike, the mentorship he received from Mr. DeGaulle, and his relationship with his own father that flounders but finds its way back to the surface.

This was a lovely story I truly enjoyed. However, I did feel at times that the pacing was a bit slow, particularly when we read something from one character’s perspective and then right afterwards it is followed by the other character’s perspective (in just as much detail), which isn’t always needed. Reducing these parts would have made the pace swifter and reduced the overall word count to greater enhance and streamline this wonderful story.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a fantastic book to read as my first novel by this author. There is a lot to love here, and I really appreciated reading this type of romance with such a deep story that lies beneath. This will suit readers who like clean and/or slow-burn romances, particularly if they appreciate nature and love animals. I also really liked the fact that the author has dedicated this book to serve the preservation of these beautiful animals, and she provides excellent resources for others to participate. This book will touch many readers deeply, and I look forward to seeing more of her work.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the synopsis was intriguing.

The Premise

While on a much-needed vacation from her job as a reporter for Wealthy magazine, Maddie meets a preteen girl and her mother on a ferry in Greece. The girl Ruby’s — or Doris’ — and her mother’s stories don’t seem to match up as to why they’re there, which triggers Maddie’s investigative instinct. Her own trauma still haunts her, and she sees similarities in Ruby. But is the girl’s “uncle”, the eccentric and reclusive billionaire Dexter Hunt, hiding a dark and illegal secret on his private neighbouring island? Faced with the opportunity to escape the debt and insecurity that has plagued her and her mother in the past, Ruby is eager to please her host. But is she being exploited? As Maddie’s and Ruby’s paths continue to cross as Maddie digs deeper to get to the story, the secrets she uncovers are even more disturbing than she ever imagined.

The Pros

This was a genre mash-up with elements of drama, thriller, women’s fiction, a wee bit of romance, and even a sprinkle of sci-fi. The plot yanks you back and forth, diving into entirely unexpected places. I loved that it was entirely unique — it’s not often that you get something these days that you can genuinely say that you never saw coming… but this was it. I absolutely loved the author’s way of building a story — dropping all the clues pointing to one thing, and then going somewhere entirely different. She has a way with words that draws you in and takes you along for the ride — and this ride was a doozy!

I felt like I was part of Maddie’s character, triumphing in her wins and cringing in embarrassment along with her as she haplessly chooses the wrong person to trust over and over again. The setting of Greece is also expertly crafted, taking you right there to the stunning views and architecture — and the sumptuous men like Elias, of course! I loved how he was portrayed, as well as the other male interest Logan, and as an avid reader I really appreciated that — for once! — the men were not one-dimensional; all of them, even the creepy billionaire Dexter Hunt, had both good and bad sides that resonated with the reader and made us trust and doubt them in equal measure as the plot unfolds.

The Cons

I enjoyed this book a lot, but I must admit that the uniqueness of the plot did make me feel unsettled when it ended. Firstly (and this may be my own personal pet peeve), when authors choose to go with multiple points of view, I prefer (1) they stick to the same kind of POV e.g. both first-person or both third person, and (2) keep it balanced. In this case we get a LOT of Maddie in third person and a minuscule amount of Ruby in first person (not to mention yet another POV much later). My editor’s hat was twitching to chop out some of Maddie and insert more Ruby!

Without giving away too much, I wished that Maddie following up on her past trauma wasn’t included, because I was unhappy with how she dealt with it, so that plot point I would’ve loved to reduce greatly in favour of including more of Ruby. The author’s writing style is excellent and demonstrates great talent and delicacy in portraying sensitive matters, and I could see that being an entirely separate (and terrific) story in its own right, but I just didn’t need quite so much of it inside of *this* story. Finally, I also felt like the motive of the eventual antagonist wasn’t sufficient; the twist was shocking, but I wished for more back story.

I know that my “cons” seem really long here, but I am a picky reader, and mind you: all of this only made me dock one star! So you know the book was pretty damn amazing despite all of this!

Conclusion

Despite the issues I pointed out, I must say this was a stupendous book as my first novel by this author. It manages to take a lot of genres and build a winding story that drops you off a cliff, and I loved that I — an oft-jaded reader/reviewer/author — am still able to get such a huge jolt to my system. There’s a lot to love here, and I am thrilled to recommend this book to others, and I’m also pretty sure that my own issues would be incredibly minor to the average reader! This was a great read, and I look forward to many more from this author.

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An informative guide and roadmap with practical advice for expectant UK mothers

This was my fifty-fourth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

This guide aims to be a cohesive roadmap for expectant UK mothers, with checklists and tips along with practical guidance and reassurance to successfully transition out—and also back into—the workplace. Presented in a simple, easy to follow format, this book is the perfect companion to inspire and empower all working women about to embark on this life-changing journey.

The Pros & Cons

This is an informative guide and roadmap with practical advice for expectant UK mothers.

First, we begin with some key facts: UK law provides 52 weeks statutory leave, and the ability to start from as early as 11 weeks before the baby’s due date. However, only the two weeks after the baby’s birth are mandatory. As such, women have a choice with regard to maternity leave — some return after the first six months (ordinary leave), others the full 52 weeks (additional leave), and many choose a non-standard timeframe that suits their needs. However, the reduced rate of pay during this period may be a motivating factor for a mother to return to work earlier than the full timeframe available.

Job security should be guaranteed (the same job with the same terms and conditions) after the first 26 weeks of “ordinary leave”; while if you return in the longer “additional leave” period, your employer should also provide job security but the role and responsibilities may be adjusted (though not less favourable). If you are unable to claim Maternity Pay if you haven’t been at the company long enough, or if you are self-employed, the government steps in.

Indeed, as the author’s tip notes:

“Job security for a full year in the UK is extremely generous and a rare opportunity.”

There are also additional employment rights that you are guaranteed during your maternity leave, and discrimination upon your return is unlawful. However, despite protections in place, many women do face unfair treatment — and it is important to ensure to document any of this in writing to protect yourself.

The book is easy to read and laid out clearly, with reference checklists and bullet-point lists that catch the eye. There were also many tips that didn’t seem focused on childbearing/childcare only but just general advice for saving, budgeting, and planning; physical and emotional self-care; and even self-development and career tips. I also appreciated that there is some research and wider context provided, as well as the links provided to online tools to help with the practical planning for bringing a child into the world. Notably, while actual “having” a baby is free (via the NHS) or very low cost in comparison to other countries, the UK has one of the highest costs in the world for nursery childcare — though, thankfully, there are government initiatives to offset some of these costs.

Conclusion

Overall this was an informative and easy-to-read guide, and the writing style is engaging and personable. With the varied aspects it covers, it felt like the author gathered her own multifaceted experience to share with others. While I enjoyed this style, other readers should be advised that this would not be a go-to reference guide if you are looking for something formal with primary research or a cohesive unique thesis; rather, this touches on many aspects and points you to other sources of information — it is, as outlined, a “practical guide”. I can see this being a great gift to give any expectant mom.

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An informative and insightful look at those who challenge the “status quo” script of life by actively choosing to be childfree

This was my fifty-third book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Dr. Jay is childfree and the founder of Live, Learn, Plan, and Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm specialising in helping childfree Individuals. This book compiles portraits of 26 childfree individuals he interviewed, and explains many common terms about the childfree community.

The Pros & Cons

This was an informative and insightful look at those who challenge the “status quo” by choosing to be childfree.

The author demonstrates that there is no one singular reason but a myriad of reasons. Some have chosen this because of trauma in their past with families, considerations for finances, mental and physical health issues, other obligations to care for elderly or disabled family members, other relationships with children that they appreciate but prefer not to have responsibility for parenting, and much more.

The vignettes are interspersed with the author’s analysis as he discusses terms such as: FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) where the goal is retirement; FILE (Financial Independence, Live Early) which is more of a “dimmer” switch for work rather than the “off” switch of FIRE; the LAT movement (Living Apart Together) for modern [and often childfree] relationships; and “The Gardener & The Rose” analogy, whereby a couple takes turns allowing their partner to follow his/her dreams.

I appreciated that it featured a wide range of persons — some with partners, some without; different levels of wealth; some who were dating someone with kids (but they themselves remain childfree with no obligations); those from different racial and cultural backgrounds; those who had positive family relationships and/or came from big families as well as those who were only children; and so on.

Some pertinent quotes were:

“What a lot of guys would want and expect from a woman was also just a massive turn-off. They were just like, my dad worked four jobs, and my mom stayed at home taking care of 12 kids. And I’m like, no, no, no.” – Alison

“I think it’s freedom for me. Freedom, autonomy. It’s on a macro level, like this evening. If I want to go do a thing, I can just go and do a thing. It doesn’t matter what the thing is.” – Matt

“I can quit a job that I don’t like. I can quit a career that I hate. I’m not reliant on that money for someone else whom you can’t get rid of. The wealth is in the freedom.” – Autumn

In some cases, the very idea of choosing NOT to have children wasn’t an option until someone else introduced it to them, and they eventually found online communities that were supportive to those who live this type of lifestyle. Notably, the wider society is exclusionary or judgmental towards the childfree community. For instance, women often struggle to find doctors willing to do sterilisation; some employers afford more benefits or time off for parents rather than the childfree staff; and families also lean heavier on financial and other support from their childfree members.

The format and layout were easy to read, and I liked the use of direct quotes as it felt like I was having a conversation with someone. Admittedly, it does get quite repetitive (and the author acknowledges that), with many themes emerging such as a correlation — or causation? — due to growing up in poverty. Many interviewees also expressed huge relief about being childfree during the Covid-19 pandemic, as children could have been even more detrimental to their emotional and financial wellbeing.

Despite the many backgrounds, beliefs and opinions, my greatest takeaway is simply: “Being childfree allows us to stretch, learn, and reinvent ourselves.”

And, in the words of one of the interviewees, who knew that her very existence compromised her mom’s trajectory in life:

“You might have a kid and regret it too.” – Amelia

Conclusion

Though I myself recently became a parent, I chose this route extremely carefully and only because I fulfilled certain conditions prior (education, relationship, career, and financial goals, etc.). I fully support my friends who have chosen to be childfree, and I chose this book to gain more insight into their community. I can see it being a catalyst to changing someone’s life, if they happen upon this book at just the right time and get pointed in the direction whereby they suddenly realise: “Wait, I don’t HAVE to have children!” It is a brave move for many, who will likely always be judged by friends, families, employers, medical professionals, and even random strangers with insensitive remarks. Choosing to be childfree is a revolution in itself, and I thank the author for providing a voice to this community.

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A collection of short stories that touch on mental health issues — each with a twist

This was my fifty-first book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

This collection of fictional short stories focuses on women, and is centred around the theme of mental health. Issues include post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociative identity disorder (or multiple personality disorder), prolonged grief disorder, insecurity, depression, and dementia.

The Pros & Cons

This was a collection of short stories that touch on mental health issues — each with a dark or poignant twist.

In the opening story “For Jesse“, we meet a young woman focused on enacting revenge for the murder of her friend. This was my favourite story, and the reason I chose the book (as it was the preview). I loved the style of writing that sets the reader in the scene with the character, the way her mind rolls back and forth between her friend’s death and her mother’s suffering, and her determination in conquering the monster — which was both literal and figurative.

“The Gift” deals with a young woman’s dissociative personality disorder that leads her to commit heinous acts under the guise — and protection — of her ‘guardian angel’, her alter ego that emerges as a response to abuse she suffered as a child. Though this was well-written with a good balance of coldheartedness and angst, I was hoping for a more original surprise or twist.

In “Delicious“, a teenage girl struggles with insecurity about her self-image and her sexuality after a homeless stranger flirts with her. I loved this story as well, as the dialogue with her aunt was heartwarming and brought the story to life. This one will resonate with many young women who often feel unsettled by the ‘male gaze’, which though thought to be innocuous when a comment is made in passing, it has a much deeper impact on one’s psyche.

In “Things, Remembered”, a young woman swirls into depression due to grief, but her twin sister comes to her rescue. Though I liked the message, as it ends on a somewhat ‘happy’ note, I felt it would have benefitted from being shorter and less detailed and repetitive, so as to retain more power by being succinct.

“Fixing Brandy” was expertly crafted to showcase a mother’s eternal regret that results in a psychotic break on her daughter’s birthday, and I really enjoyed this as well. The style shifts as the mother ricochets between what is real and not real in front of her, and the writer does a great job of reflecting this.

Finally, in “Home”, a bus ride takes a woman on a journey of memories that mesh together the past and present. As she feels strangely out of place with things she notices, as well as the behaviour of others, we soon realise that something is wrong with her perception. I enjoyed this as well, and was glad to see this as the closing bookend of the collection, as its warmth counterbalances the intensity of the opening bookend.

In terms of the collection as a whole, the stories work well together due to the unifying theme of mental health, and there is a distinctive flair in each. Some of them feature characters of colour, and I was excited to see this representation interwoven so effortlessly and beautifully — particularly in the dialogue in “Delicious” and references to historical markers (segregation) in “Home”.

The medium of short stories is constrictive in terms of what you can really do with character development, but the author did quite a lot despite that limitation, as we meet a lot of great characters in this collection that I would love to have kept on reading about! For instance, I felt like “Delicious” could have been a great basis to build a YA novel.

Conclusion

Overall, this was an enjoyable read — short and swift, but packing a powerful punch. I appreciated that each of these stories was engaging on its own merit, as well as forming part of a larger whole that addresses such an important topic: mental health. However with such a great theme to explore, I did wish at times for a bit more shock value or a darker twist in some stories to make it more memorable. Nevertheless, I think the writer has a lot of talent, and I would love to see what she can do with a longer collection — or even better: a novel-length’s worth — to fully bloom. I look forward to reading more of her work.

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A heartfelt and insightful memoir about love, family, and the tides of cancer

This was my fiftieth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

The author, cancer nurse Janice Post-White, recounts her experience as the mother of a child with cancer. Diagnosed with leukaemia at age four, Brennan is now an adult and survivor, but his battle with cancer left an indelible imprint on his mother, who never feels safe and “free” from cancer. Interspersed with Brennan’s childhood drawings and family photos, Janice tries to make sense of her experience through this memoir.

The Pros & Cons

This was a heartfelt and insightful memoir about love, family, and the tides of cancer.

The author’s expertise as a cancer nurse ultimately fails her when her own son is diagnosed with leukaemia. Her upbringing was shaped by her mother’s emotionally stunted responses and her father’s stoicism — typical of that era — which influenced her own psyche, and she bottled up her feelings:

[…] this history of buried emotions, unexpressed grief, and learned self-sufficiency […] accompanied me into the hospital when Brennan was diagnosed. Logically, I understood. Emotionally, under stress, I regressed.

Though her family all loved and supported each other, as Brennan’s mother she bore the bulk of the burden of responsibility on her own shoulders, always having to put on a brave face for everyone else, even her husband who withdrew into his own thoughts rather than sharing his fears with her:

We inhabited our own emotional orbits and just kept marching along. It was a time of getting through. The road map directed our actions but advised very little. I knew how to lead the army into battle, but I had no idea what to do with the effects, my responses and feelings.

As Brennan’s treatment progressed, she saw the light in him fade. Still, his drawings and conversations with her showed maturity beyond his years as he found his own ways to process what was happening with him:

I’d never imagined that I would lament the absence of his fiercely independent and tempestuous attitude. As I watched him, I pleaded with myself to find something, anything, in this boy that I recognized and loved. […] Chemotherapy was saving my son, but I felt I was losing him.

As she struggled to ensure Brennan’s protocols were followed despite his resistance, her own health suffered both physically as well as mentally, but there was little respite. Her workload seldom abated, and her health worsened. Nevertheless, she took on the mantle of leading a “cancer family” and tried to make their lives as normal as possible, with family vacations, sports, and activities scattered around hospital visits.

Fortunately, Brennan survived — but the shadow of doubt is always there. She was always acutely aware of his other “cancer peers” who relapsed and eventually died, and there were even instances of unexpected non-cancer-related deaths that rattled her even more. To this day, she still dreams of Brennan’s death.

This was a powerful and difficult read, as the author’s frankness and insightful honesty is gripping from beginning to end. The language and style of writing are engaging and thoughtfully executed, and it also includes a significant amount of research. I can see how this memoir was not only part of her own healing process, but also a roadmap for other parents or children that may be in the same situation.

Conclusion

I loved and enjoyed this journey that this memoir took me on, and it was truly moving. I am amazed at the trials she endured, and that she was able to manage a successful career despite her own family issues she was dealing with at the time. What also resonated with me were the moments that she took pause and said “Enough”, focusing on herself and her family for a short time to maintain that balance. At times raw, at times painful, overall this message is one of triumph and courage. I thank the author for sharing her story, and look forward to more of her writing.

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An emotional journey into the halcyon days of youth, and the crushing regret of past love and loss

This was my forty-ninth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Margaret and her husband Tom have lived for decades with the ghost of the woman they once both loved — Tom’s former girlfriend and Mags’ best friend, Susan. Susan suffered with “disease of the mind” in the 1970s, when shock therapy was a common treatment. Its legacy and the memory of Susan remain, though she is long gone. When her brother arrives with fresh news forty years later, the memories all come flooding back to them both — and most importantly, the guilt they both feel about being responsible for her death.

The Pros & Cons

This was an emotional journey into the halcyon days of youth, and the crushing regret of past love and loss.

This novel was unique and beautifully done. Told in alternating parts by Tom and his wife Margaret, the tale slowly unravels to reveal the shocking events of the past that led to the death of the person they both dearly loved, and the ghost that hovered over their marriage for the past forty years: Susan.

Part manic pixie dream girl, part free-love-era sex bombshell, Susan was the glue that held their little group together — until she died, and they never could quite recreate love in their own relationship formed from the ashes of her memory. They both felt responsible for her death — both the direct incident, as well as ignoring or glossing over the warning signs prior to it. Despite the decades they’ve been married, the daughter they raised, the family they built — Susan was always hovering on the peripheries, preventing them from ever attaining real happiness or true love and meaningful communication with each other.

I loved the way the past is uncovered layer by layer as we experience the “Susan effect” through both their eyes: Tom as a lover, and Margaret as her best friend. Ricocheting between child-like sweetness to vicious diatribes, Susan’s tragically exuberant personality leaps off the pages, propelling the reader to keep going to find out her story.

The prose is excellent and takes you on a journey through its lyrical words, fleshing out the pain and unbearable loss of someone who was the very fabric of their lives. Each character was gloriously imperfect in their own way, and the descriptive power of the writing paints them each perfectly, even the side characters like their other family members that only flit across the pages for a few moments.

There were truly shocking moments as the reader grapples to combine the past and the present, empathising with their pain and regret of the actions in their youth, yet at the same time critical of their deplorable actions as we wait for that moment of impending doom, as we already know what is about to happen to Susan.

To advise other readers, I should mention there were a few moments when I had to re-read as I got a bit lost between the character jumps (as they are not labelled), and the style of writing veers to the poetic which at times may be dense for some readers, but I truly enjoyed this style and only wish more writers took such care to treat words as their craft.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a novel that will stay with me. It feels like a text that can be dissected and explored for literary purposes, as there were many deep, profound issues it dealt with — love, loss, grief, mental illness, drug abuse, assault, communication, parenthood, marriage, and so much more. With so much bubbling below its surface, it was an enriching experience from beginning to end — deep, emotional, and moving. I would recommend to other readers, and I look forward to more of this writer’s work.

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A horrifically true memoir of the evil that lives within the “ties that bind” a family

This was my forty-eighth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

This true story is the author’s memoir of her life, primarily aspects between 1967 and 1971, before women had reproductive rights — her attack by a serial murderer, physical abuse in her family home that led to a coma, a beating by a rapist, a gang-rape attempt, and molestation under the influence of a date-rape drug. Later in life, she realised that these incidents were not random — they were intentional, and callously executed by the people closest to her whom she trusted. Through it all, her faith in God helped her to survive and find forgiveness.

The Pros & Cons

This was a horrifically true memoir of the evil that lives within the “ties that bind” a family.

I read this in one night, and I am still in shock days later — and absolutely horrified that it was a true story.

Told in a matter-of-fact tone that highlights events rather than emotions, we nevertheless feel every emotion that Jackie goes through. She was always treated as an outcast within her family because she was an “unplanned mistake” although her parents were married and already had a daughter. They had had an agreement with her grandmother not to have any more children at that time, and so her grandmother doted on her sister but ignored her completely.

The root of her family’s discontent towards Jackie seemed to be her ambition, as she was hardworking and focused her energy on developing a career rather than simply settling to be just a wife and mother. Jackie made major strides in the tech world, even presenting at Oracle’s national convention alongside Steve Jobs and Larry Ellison; she was also recognised as the “mother of pet invention” for the safety product she developed for dogs, and she was granted four patents, among other noteworthy accomplishments.

This ambition seemed to irritate everyone around her. The abuse began as a very young child, and ranged from neglect — her father choosing to save her sister’s life rather than try to save her — to outright disregard: her brother’s attack that hit her between the eyes almost killed her, but no one even noticed she was in a coma, and even later they did not seem concerned for her health or her education that was adversely impacted.

There were also deeply engrained layers of emotional abuse, with her mother even openly admitting to favouritism:

“I just love her more than I love you. I can’t help it.”

“Your sister and brother are weak, so we must take care of them. You’re strong, so we don’t need to do anything for you. You go out and get everything you want before we even know you want it.”

Alongside her experiences, the developing sociopolitical changes in women’s reproductive rights and workplace discrimination policies shape Jackie’s life, and we clearly see the ways these can drastically affect someone. From the employer who tried to fire her because she was trying to get pregnant (but couldn’t when she actually did get pregnant), to the horrific actions of her family members to conspire to get her pregnant via a rapist — these shocking real-life recounts leave an indelible impression on the reader.

Another heart-wrenching moment was her mother’s financial abuse of her, literally robbing her when they shared ownership of a home that Jackie helped her parents to buy — out of the goodness of her heart, despite how badly she had always been treated!

Throughout all of this, it was Jackie’s faith that kept her going and striving to succeed, after having had an enlightening experience as a teenager. Thankfully, in her darkest moment, she was saved:

“So you want to kill yourself? Why would you want to do that? You’re one of the good guys. If you want to kill anyone, you should kill one of the bad guys.”

…And thankfully, she didn’t kill or take out her anger on the “bad guys” (who deserved so badly to suffer!) but she survived to tell the tale, and to use her experiences to uplift others.

Conclusion

I am honoured to have gotten the chance to read the memoir of this amazing woman. I admit at times that I felt the narrator was unreliable, but only because I simply couldn’t believe the horror she faced from those closest to her who were supposed to love and protect her. I feel forever changed by this story, and so blessed to have chosen this to read. I would love to learn more about the author and all that she has contributed to the world despite it all, and I look forward to reading anything else she writes.

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A mystery/thriller coming-of-age story with a sprinkle of the supernatural

This was my forty-seventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

After waking up from a coma, Carmela learns from her father that her newlywed husband Dylan was killed, and someone is after her — but she can’t remember any of this. She is taken to a small town in Nevada by her father, where he tells her to wait and hide out while he “figures things out” as this is the only way to protect her. With no friends or contact with the outside world, and a mobile phone that only has her father’s number on it, Carmela struggles with her faith in her father — whom she has always obeyed. Should she listen to him, as she usually does — or is it time that she strikes out on her own and risk endangerment?

The Pros & Cons

This was a mystery/thriller coming-of-age story with a sprinkle of the supernatural.

Our heroine Carmela’s life has been fairly simple up to the point we meet her — a “good girl” who has done everything she was told. The problem is that now her dad is telling her to just “sit still” and wait for further instructions from him — and with little information, it is a mental battle for her as she isn’t sure who to trust.

Caught between two worlds — her past, where her closest friends think she is still in a coma — and her new life where she hesitates to get too attached, Carmela finds herself at a crossroads where she has to force herself to become an adult in more ways than one. She has always trusted her father, but now he is behaving oddly and she begins to question everything she always believed — even her own love for her recently-deceased husband.

I loved the premise of the story and was quickly drawn in by Carmela’s story, as it is one that will resonate with many young women. Our fathers are often our heroes, and if we never have reason to doubt, would we follow them blindly over a cliff? I also really liked the inclusion of the supernatural, which was naturally blended into the story without making it totally about these elements — a kind of “magical realism” effect. This was lovely to read, as it is unusual to have an action/thriller that also has fantasy elements casually thrown in! The supernatural powers of her friends made it an interesting read, particularly when Carmela learns (quite humorously!) of her own special skill. The dialogue of their banter is great, and the dashes of romance and drama liven up what might have otherwise been a grittier read. These were all nicely done and I could see myself reading an entire series of this just to see the stories of the other girls!

Though I enjoyed the novel and read it quickly, I did wish it explained more of the plot. For me, it wasn’t enough to just have “elements” of crime that we learn took place in the background — for this genre, there needed to be more story development in the foreground, or an original shocking twist to blow me away. Also, though I absolutely loved all the friendships with her flatmates and Carmela’s developing relationship with a new guy, I was also aching for a bit more on the “action” side of things — it does happen, but the biggest action scene comes and goes so quickly! Nevertheless this is a great, swift read that will titillate readers who like an easy-to-follow thriller with a gutsy girl lead.

Conclusion

Overall I quite enjoyed the story, particularly the original aspects with the interweaving of the supernatural. Though it fell short for me a bit personally in some ways, I would still recommend to other readers — however, I think it would be most suitable for younger readers (teenage girls especially) as it is focuses more on Carmela’s journey to adulthood rather than leaning heavily into the action/thriller aspects. It was a nice balance of multiple genres that made for a pleasing ride. This was a new author for me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Purchase your copy

A heartfelt family drama about grief, loss, forgiveness, and finding the strength to survive and thrive

This was my forty-sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Grieving the loss of his disabled sister, Raymond’s thoughts wander back to one of the first (and few) persons who really knew and loved her — his first love, Dorothy. Now a retired cop, he passes his time befriending his new neighbour, a young mother of twin babies, who does not seem to have much support from their father: the shifty, suspicious “BMW man” who travels frequently and seems to have a short temper.

Raymond is no stranger to violence — nor was Dorothy. They had formed a bond as adolescents as each suffered through abuse in their families. Raymond decides to reach out to his old friend and first love. Though decades have passed, they still have a lot in common when they reconnect. Now divorced, Dorothy has a strained relationship with her teenage children who chose to live with their father. In the face of tragedy, can their rekindled bond heal them both?

The Pros & Cons

This was a heartfelt family drama about grief, loss, forgiveness, and finding the strength to survive and thrive.

It is a story of second chance romance, but so much more — there are mystery/thriller elements, as well as heart-wrenching abuse in the childhood trauma of each of the two main characters. Both characters are fully developed, and we get to see each of their lives’ journeys after they separated as children: the slow crumble of Dorothy’s marriage as the wayward children eventually built a wedge between her and her husband, and Raymond’s former relationship that ended in tragedy, as well as his allegiance to his disabled sister until her death.

I loved how they took their time to find each other again, each carrying their own baggage, and I appreciated the friendships they each had — particularly Raymond, who began helping his neighbour Joanne as he felt inexplicably drawn into her fraught relationship with her partner. All the relationships were beautifully described and you can feel the emotion in each separate story, as well as the elation when Raymond and Dorothy do finally reconnect and find that there are still deep feelings there — and maybe there is still even a spark.

Though I enjoyed the novel, this is a very slow-burn of a story — it’s worth it to get all the way there, but it is not for readers without patience! Also, it did take me some time to get used to the storytelling style that mixes Raymond in first person and then Dorothy in third person (it may have worked better for me with both first person, or both third person) but this may be my own pet peeve! Nevertheless the writing was excellent, and I’m glad I kept on reading to finally understand all the connections between the characters. However, there are two main threads that weave Raymond’s and Dorothy’s stories together, and I wished that one of the main points in the last chapter was revealed in the “present” timeline rather than referred to in the past tense — this was a disappointment as I’d been waiting to see it happen!

Conclusion

Nevertheless, overall this was an enjoyable story that will lift your spirits, and I would recommend for readers who appreciate authors similar to Nicholas Sparks. It takes you on an emotional journey as you get to know these characters, all of whom feel very real — their pain, their anguish, their failures in life, and yet their indomitable spirit to build a family with each other out of the ashes of dysfunction. The lasting message here is that it is never too late to find happiness — and that happiness lies in the people you love, above all else. I look forward to more by this author.

Purchase your copy

A valuable resource for those looking to break into the real estate industry

This was my forty-fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Real estate guru with over 20 years’ experience, Anthony Rosado, shares his expertise in this book, giving a blueprint to equip prospective buyers with confidence, knowledge, and the required skills to be successful. He clarifies terms to become familiar with upon approaching the industry, and advises on the mistakes to avoid, providing a three-step guide to closing your first wholesale deal, and other crucial strategies.

The Pros & Cons

This was a valuable resource for those looking to break into the real estate industry.

The format is engaging, and concepts were explained for a layman, with the inclusion of many terms known in the industry. There is a lot of practical advice provided, for example sample percentages to work with:

You should set aside 5%-10% for expenses like taxes, attorney fees, appraisal fees, and other administrative tasks that are necessary to the successful completion of the project. The renovations should make up roughly 20%-35% of the budget, the marketing budget should be between 1%-3%, and the property should make up the rest of the budget.

He advises on the importance of due diligence: making sure all legal documents are in order, all of the taxes have been taken into consideration, and more. One important note is to “figure out who you are selling to and add value to the property accordingly” — avoid additions like swimming pools, wine cellars, tennis courts, and garages as these increase renovation costs but don’t offer a proportionate return on investment.

I also liked the nature of storytelling in the author’s voice, as it felt like a honest conversation rather than “reading a book” at times, for instance:

Finding the right house is like solving a Rubik’s cube. All of the colors have to be on the right sides for it to be complete. If even one square is in the wrong place, the whole deal could go sour.

There were some aspects that felt like a bit too much “common sense” — for example: don’t send mail to vacant properties, don’t approach people who own higher-end properties if you are not interested in investing in this type of property, and many more that were obvious. But for the most part, this guide will be an excellent starting point as it offers advice that may be entirely new if someone has never invested in property before.

Conclusion

I myself have invested in real estate already. Thus, I may not be the intended audience, but I still found that there is a wealth of information here. I appreciate how clear and detailed the explanations were, and I would recommend this as a starting point for new investors, but they will need to do much further research.

For me, the intention of this book was not to “give all the answers” but to point you to what your questions should be — and THAT is invaluable. As the author mentions, there is a “Rubik’s cube” to unravel in the field of real estate investing, and you will be doing yourself a disservice if you enter that minefield entirely unprepared.

Purchase your copy

A moving, inspirational memoir about overcoming the odds to become a champion for disability rights

This was my forty-fourth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

As a child, Amraj “AJ” Rai endured bullying from both students and teachers, and among his community as a UK Punjabi Sikh, they believe that no one will ever “give their daughter” to a “cripple”. His therapist Sonia becomes the catalyst of change for him — as he recounts his experience, reflecting on aspects of his life, she helps him to analyse his own responses to the challenges he faces.

When he takes on a volunteer role at a charity that provides support for disabled people, he is skeptical at first, having had bad experiences with these types of jobs for “vegetables” (lower-functioning disabled people) in the past. However, this soon becomes his calling.

As the years go by and AJ rises in his profession, even entering the realm of politics, we are given an intimate portrait of the trials and tribulations he faces while navigating a world not designed for disabled people. This semi-autobiographical book weaves in the co-author Amo’s own experience: a triumphant story of rising above all to build a life of meaning and purpose.

The Pros

This was a moving, inspirational memoir about overcoming the odds to become a champion for disability rights.

In AJ’s case, being doubted by others is what spurs his determination. Upon seeing the “activities” he is expected to do, he shouts:

“Is this all you think I’m capable of? You want me to come here each day and stare at the walls? Just you wait and watch. I’ll prove to you I’m going to be someone special and not what you think I should be.”

As his aimless youth of pain and anger evolves into a life of purpose as a disability-centre CEO and politician, AJ maintains a tenuous link to his therapist Sonia. She is always the one to point out his foibles that are not related to his disability: his self-absorption, his negativity, his anger, and his hesitancy to trust and accept love and friendship from others. I loved this aspect in particular — too often, we are presented with “saintly” images of leaders, particularly those with disabilities, when this is far from the case; they too are human.

As he terms it, his background as a Sikh with a disability in the Asian community makes him “highly visible and incredibly invisible at the same time”, but his role at the charity finally gains him the respect he craves. His accolades are, however, coupled by his mental health issues, which evolve as time goes by and his innate “sensitivity” has to come face-to-face with the real world. AJ hides his struggles, not wanting them to become an additional barrier; his physical weakness is already enough of a “strike” against him.

There were many conversations/themes that really hit home. For instance, AJ points out that we don’t worry about disability until it affects us directly, even though it will surely affect us all at some stage in life; and that mental health issues abound all around us: sometimes the “loudest one in the pub” may actually be the one who is most at risk. Another theme that is prominent is that of the “strong male”. In the words of his friend Tan:

“We’re conditioned as men not to talk about how we’re feeling when we’re hurt. After a while, it just builds up and we continue to suffer in silence. Our pain manifests in drinking, drugs, or other vices.”

I especially appreciated the way that AJ’s depression — even at times when his life seems to be going well — is portrayed. We tend to assume that bad events lead to depression, but it is evident that depression is its own beast:

“It’s mine, a part of me. I own it but every now and then it owns me.”

Conclusion

This was a beautiful story that was well written and engaging. I am glad that I chose it, and it was an excellent read that I would highly recommend to others from all backgrounds — particularly if they live with a disability, but the lack of this should not deter any reader!

Overall, the most important message here is one of triumph, of overcoming the odds and never letting anyone set limits on what you can and can’t do. Another line that resonated with me is that perhaps we are not all meant to be happy; discontent is the root of much-needed transition and evolution, or as AJ/Amo aptly terms it:

“Those of us who are depressed live to change the world.”

Purchase your copy

This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview was great, and as a women’s fiction writer myself who employs similar themes, I was really excited to dive in.

The Premise

Nudged by an unexpected pregnancy, Kimberly married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Jay. Now in her late 30s with their daughter approaching adulthood, she expects their relationship to blossom as they enter the “empty nest” phase — only to learn that the nest is about to get even emptier than planned, when Jay says he’s leaving her. As she navigates divorce and strikes out on her own in the game of love, Jay remains in the background, their history intrinsically intertwined. But as she falls for her new love interest(s) and rediscovers herself as an independent and self-sufficient woman, what role will a man play in her life — and which should she choose: the throes of new love, or Jay’s desperate attempts to get her back?

The Pros

This was a well-written women’s fiction novel that deals with the fallout from a “good marriage” that causes shock waves in their community.

There are three main relationships in the book, and I appreciated that we got a good picture of the highs and lows of each — it is well balanced throughout, allowing the reader to fall in love with the new men she meets for different reasons as she explores the new phase of her life, and also slipping in bits and pieces of the relationship with her husband both from past experiences/memories and in the present time.

I also liked the depiction of female relationships, as we saw the mother-daughter bond as well as her close friends and even “frenemies” — all of these felt very genuine and real. There were many women’s fiction gems in terms of describing her steps towards getting a new lease on life, how she felt and experienced sex, and the emotional exhaustion of recreating yourself from the embers of all the baggage of a longstanding-and-now-broken marriage.

Finally, I loved the interweaving with humour that had its unexpected moments — from her under-the-influence first meeting with one of the main characters, to macho stand-offs, and literally falling head-over-heels, there was a lot here that had both dark and light humour, tying together nicely for the reader’s amusement and enjoyment.

The Cons

I enjoyed this book, but I must admit that I really struggled to like Jay. The thing is, I LOVE difficult-to-love characters and I actually WRITE women’s fiction with difficult-to-love characters (esp. husbands/wives, infidelity/marriages crumbling as partners evolve, etc), so I am definitely the right target market here. With divisive characters it comes down to (1) understanding their motives, even if you don’t agree with them (2) falling in love with some sweet aspect of their past actions (3) admiring their heroic present actions.

…But: his motives were weak, their past seemed rose-tinted and muddled at best, and he did not do anything in the present worth admiring. I felt like he wanted to sow his seeds, and then backtracked. It was realistic, yes, because I’m sure many people have done the same, but I felt like he needed a few more scenes (both past and present) where he showed he was worthy of her love. Each of the other two guys had a few scenes where it felt like their “moment” but Jay just didn’t have one (to me, at least — there were glimmers, but no shine!). I kept waiting for the “moment”, and it was a huge let-down, because at the novel’s end, I still felt like drop-kicking him! And like I said, I usually LOVE these kinds of characters!

Conclusion

Despite my own personal feelings about the characters, this is a really good women’s fiction with a lot of great messages here that will resonate with many women. Though there are several romances, at its heart it is really about Kimberly’s self-discovery and personal growth as a woman to gain independence from her marriage and become her own person. As she stumbles through her post-divorce mid-life crisis, she eventually figures out what she wants in her career, in her lifestyle, and finally in her love life. It felt very “real” as I could imagine this situation happening to many of my female friends, especially in this day and age where a lasting marriage seems to be the exception rather than the rule. I would recommend this book to other readers, and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Purchase your copy

A moving, heartbreaking, and triumphant story about family and community in the face of evil

This was my forty-third book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

After the death of their mother Chandra, her three children continue to live on as though she is alive but just isolating like she had been at her workplace due to the Covid-19 outbreak. They fear that they would be split up in foster care, and with the oldest daughter Isabella’s resourceful measures, they are able to survive on their own for several months — before they are noticed by someone who abuses the information. Their suffering at the hands of this evil man is brought to an end when Chandra’s former coworker visits to return her things, but escaping from his lecherous reach is not quite so simple. Their story reveals the seedy underbelly of sex criminals, and celebrates the power of a community to counteract the darkness.

The Pros & Cons

This was a moving, heartbreaking, and triumphant story about family and community in the face of evil.

With the Covid-19 pandemic as a backdrop, it explores a “what if?” scenario that, though fictional, could easily have happened to a family: death of a parent, lockdown restrictions, and a lecherous abuser exploiting their misfortune. Told from a third-person omniscient narrator, it covers multiple viewpoints of the mother, her children, and all the parties that come into play to rescue the family and defend the eldest daughter’s unknowingly illegal activities. Swinging from emotionally wrenching scenarios to practical, procedural court justice systems, there is a lot to love here for all types of readers — drama, crime, family life, faith, and even a sliver of romance.

Above all, at its heart is the story of the community that closes ranks around the three children once they knew what was going on, rescuing them in more ways than one. I especially loved the late-in-life romance with two characters who assumed parental roles, the Reverend’s involvement at all stages of the children’s lives, and the resilience of the young girl Isabella as she faced her abuser despite having the odds stacked against her. There are also a few plot twists that employ dark comedy, which will thrill and excite readers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel all the way through, and flew through it quickly. There are no real flaws here, but I were to comment on anything to set other readers’ expectations, it would be that as it covers several years of events, the pacing does speed up significantly at times, particularly when the chunks of the factual research of the novel are slotted into the narrative.

Also, though I appreciated that there is a universal element to this story — this could’ve happened to any family — I felt like race was a critical factor of this particular story, but it was mentioned (told) rather than being naturally interwoven into the story (shown) through descriptions, behaviours, language, etc. The story is more plot-driven than character-driven so these elements were minimal, whereas the backdrop of Covid and the story’s events with the court case took prominence. Nevertheless, as indicated, these are not drawbacks to the story itself in any way, but just my own takeaway as a reader of the writer’s style and preferences in the way she told her story.

Conclusion

Overall this was a beautiful, multi-layered story that was well written and engaging. I admit that the title made me wary at first — as we’re still *in* the pandemic, it’s difficult to read novels set in this time! — but I was glad that the real story here is much, much deeper than just “another pandemic story.” Here, we see the potential gaps of coverage revealed by the pandemic — the events that snowballed simply because our society was not prepared for it.

From the abuse that was able to trickle through the gaps, to the new criminal outlets that manifested as predators were forced to change tactics, to the flaws in the systems for social and financial government assistance programs; it was eye-opening and enlightening to consider some of the ways in which this pandemic broke our society. More importantly, it was heartwarming to see the ways in which the goodness in our community can triumph over its evil.

This story is an important one, and I could even imagine it being made into a film, as there are many highs and lows and twists that would make for an epic, excellent, cinematic story. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Purchase your copy

This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview sounded good. Thankfully I was not disappointed!

The Premise

Upon inheriting her grandmother’s house, Chloe returns to her hometown to fix it up. She plans to sell it and leave — the town holds more bad memories than good — but then she meets her neighbour, firefighter Drew, and his endearingly annoying cat Bodhi. As their connection sails quickly past the pretence of friendship and into something much deeper, the ghost of her past returns to thwart her happiness: her estranged father she hasn’t seen in years. With her truckload of baggage, and Drew’s own issues, can they surmount it all to find a love worth salvaging?

The Pros & Cons

This was an excellent adult romance with lovable characters — especially the cat Bodhi. I mean, you can’t really go wrong with a hot firefighter cat dad and his son, right? The two main characters were enjoyable and fun to read, and each had a much deeper story on their own that I also enjoyed. I appreciated that though this was more or less an “insta-love” situation (usually not my thing), their connection still felt like a gradual build as they opened up to each other to share their damaged parts. These aspects made the story feel grounded in reality — despite falling in love quickly, the romance feels genuine.

The darker moments of violence and abandonment are difficult to read as you get invested with the characters and feel their pain. I also liked the steamy moments; though a few felt a *wee* bit gratuitous, they were all well written and will thrill readers who like it hot! The dialogue — though a bit corny at times! — was also really good, vivid and engaging, and there are laugh-out-loud moments, particularly when the close-knit town get wind of their developing relationship. I liked the town’s supporting characters as well — and then, of course, Bodhi steals the scene every time he stomps in! He was so realistic that I’m pretty sure his muse was hovering over the author as she typed away!

Conclusion

All in all, this was a great book, and I would highly recommend to other adult readers who enjoy a well-rounded romance that isn’t too saccharine-sweet, and still packs a bit of a comedic punch. It was lovely and heartwarming how they (even the cats) all formed a family out of all their abandoned, broken pieces. It was a joyride from beginning to end, and I look forward to more by this author. This was my first book by her, but it definitely won’t be my last.

Purchase your copy

I was blown away by this author’s other books that I’ve read (see links below), so I eagerly lapped up this ARC once I got a notification that it was available.

• The Girl Who Talks To Ashes
• The Lightning Conjurer Series (4 books)

The Premise

In a moment of desperation when she runs out of ink, Talia uses her missing boss Zayn’s deluxe ink locked away in his office. The resulting tattoo — a rattlesnake cobra on her client — magically springs to life, which becomes the catalyst for Talia learning about her boss’ double life as a magical fae and Runemaster who can slip between worlds once he hops into his inter-dimensional filing cabinet. Even more shocking is the knowledge that she herself belongs to this world — she has “gold blood” highly valued by the lethal flora, fauna and fae she encounters when she and Zayn’s familiar Biscuit join Zayn on a magical quest he is obligated to fulfill. With an undeniable connection bubbling between Zayn and Talia, and Talia’s penchant to find herself in sticky situations, it’s bound to be a wild — and, of course, insanely colourful — ride!

The Pros & Cons

This was a fast-paced adventure with characters that I loved from the moment they entered, all the way to the end — particularly Biscuit (rechristened from “Hibiscus”)! Talia’s zany bumbling personality is easy to fall in love with, and Zayn is appropriately frustrating as he struggles to fulfill his mission and fight his incubus urges — among others — while still trying to protect Talia. The descriptions were vivid and engaging, and there are laugh-out-loud moments that will stay with you! I especially loved a few of the fae that were a little *too* human in their deceptive, manipulative, and/or lecherous ways. And, of course, there was the steamy factor with the smoking hot tattooed boss (who disappointingly wasn’t on the cover! Lol! Not the point, I know, but still!)

My only teeny weeny con was that there were moments that seemed a wee bit all over the place — major life/plot events we learn about in “throwback” memories smack dab in the middle of the action… not my personal preference, but I soon forgave these as I got lost in the wild magical adventure! Also (not a con, but worth mentioning for this genre), in terms of world-building, I’m not entirely sure I understood the hierarchy of fae in terms of powers/abilities — though I’m sure we’ll learn more about this in later books, as it is the first of a series.

Conclusion

This was a great book, and I would highly recommend to other adult readers (as there are some raunchy scenes). The characters are amazingly developed, and it is hilarious and engaging — not to mention sexy! — all the way through. As this is my sixth book by this author, I’m thrilled that I am in no way disappointed, and I eagerly await the rest of this series — or anything else she puts her hand to again!

Purchase your copy

This has been on my Kindle awhile so I’m not entirely sure how I got it, but I believe it would’ve been via a newsletter promotion.

The Premise

Trailer-park tough chick Chastity — “Chaz” — is suddenly thrown into the lifestyles of the rich and famous when her mother becomes engaged to one of her patrons at the strip club. She now has a new family — with a seemingly kind-hearted stepdad Atticus and a surly stepbrother Seth; a new mansion of a home; and a new school — Everly Prep.

The exclusive academy contains uber-rich, uber-spoilt cliques — “The Rogues” and “Roguettes” as she terms them, and they soon place her in their sights as an object to torment. She knows she doesn’t fit in, but can’t understand why she’s attracting such venom from all directions — even the teachers. When “Rogue” Mason approaches her, their passion soon escalates — until everything spirals out of control. But is everything as it seems?

The Pros

This was a fast-paced read with spunky characters and tight writing that kept me intrigued all the way through. I enjoyed the rags-to-riches arc as Chaz struggled to come to terms with her new lifestyle. I loved the supporting character of Joshua who was awesome and brought life to the story, and the mean-girl and antagonistic teachers’ actions were shocking and interesting to see portrayed.

The Cons

Though I enjoyed the story, there were some instances that didn’t take me all the way there. A few events happened and then were told in retrospect — I wish they were happening in the present, rather than being told in the past tense. Also as it is a series, the ending seems abrupt as you never quite find out the reason for the bullying… it will be revealed later in the series, but it may annoy some readers that they have to read further to get to the root of it.

Conclusion

This was a good book and I would recommend to other young adult readers (later teens and older, as there’s profanity). The character-building throughout is well done, and there are great messages here that will speak to others, especially if they have also endured cyber-bullying. I look forward to other books by this author. I also note she writes in other genres, and I would particularly like to see something entirely different with her writing skill, as I think this type of story may not have done justice to what she can produce.

Purchase your copy

This is my third book by this author, and in each case she has reached out directly. You can find her other books here:

• • Rue
  • Bibliointuitive

The Premise

Following the tragic loss of her husband and stepson, Amanda struggles with her grief and loneliness. At her mother’s suggestion, she decides to purchase her childhood home and move across the country, far from the ghosts of loss and death. As she reacclimatises to the warm cocoon of her family and friends, she is nudged by friends in the direction of a blast from the past — her high school boyfriend Jonathan. Suffering from his own pain after his divorce, they find solace in each other, and romance soon blossoms again. But can love shine through their respective walls of darkness, for them to truly find their way back to each other?

The Pros & Cons

This was an amazing read that blew me away, and my favourite so far by this author. It is a story of second chance romance, crippling grief, unbelievable loss, and redemption. There is a lot to love here — the way the two former lovers take their time to find each other again, each carrying their own baggage; Amanda’s relationships with her friends and family that show difficult emotions and believable characters struggling with their day-to-day lives; the descriptive dissonance of tragedy that ruptures a family; and so much more. I also liked the way Amanda finds a new lease on life by shifting her mindset towards work, even though she’s well established in her career. It’s never too late to go back — in so many ways; this was the lasting overall message that stayed with me.

I loved this and enjoyed it a lot, so it’s hard to pick at flaws, but I always try to be fair. If anything, coming down to the end, there’s a “big event” that happens suddenly in the last few chapters and then is quickly resolved; I felt as though this needed to either come earlier, or for it to have more fleshing out afterwards. Maybe I just wasn’t ready for it to end!

Conclusion

This was a really great novel and one I would highly recommend to other readers. There are so many messages here, and they’re not hitting you over the head like in some other books — it is beautifully crafted, leaping from one heavy subject to another, and yet still managing to treat each with delicate finesse. Despite the heavy overtures of death, mental illness, and so much more, there is a bubble of hope and survival that lifts your spirit as you read all the way to the end. What I love about this author is that each of her books is distinctly different from the other, and there is no formula or trope or preconception that you can really have of what to expect — each book is a surprise, and this one was a really great surprise. I loved it, and look forward to reading more by this author — she’s getting better with each book, so I can’t wait for the next one!

Purchase your copy

I’ve had this on my Kindle for ages since I started following the author on social media. So glad I finally got around to reading it!

The Premise

When she realises she has the Gift of a Jinn, Princess Arie knows she has to get help to get rid of it. After all, in her kingdom, women with the Gift are not trusted, and it is believed that they are killed. However, men with the Gift have much greater freedom — particularly when they have the Gift of persuasion, like the neighbouring King Amir of Sagh, who comes to take her hand in marriage, much to her dismay. With Amir using his power to control her father, Arie sees no other option but to run away — far, far away to a place where Amir can’t get to her, and where she can perhaps find a way to get rid of her Gift. Along the way she encounters Kadin and his gang of thieves, who are also hunting a Jinn for another reasons: revenge! Can they join forces and help each other?

The Pros

I knew from reading up about it (and from the author’s social media) that this was a loose “Aladdin” retelling, but honestly without that premise, I would never have guessed it. There’s more than enough here for the book to stand on its own without being compared to any fairytale! I loved the feisty Princess Arie, and her first encounter with Kadin was hilarious and sweet. I also enjoyed every moment of Gideon and wanted so much more! This was a lovely tale that takes you in a totally new direction, and you easily fall into this fantastical world where magic is its own character. The mind-reading also had funny parts that made me laugh out loud (whoever though of mind-readers being inundated by folks desperately needing the toilet?!) and there were so many more snippets that held my interest. I liked that the characters had their own stories, which was great for character development and also made it easy to picture them and root for them individually. The suspense builds nicely and is executed well, and I liked that though there was an attraction between the two main characters, it doesn’t dwell too much on this — thankfully, as there’s so much more important parts of the story to focus on!

The Cons

I really enjoyed the story, but there were a few tiny things worth mentioning. The writer’s style of language has its moments where it swivels from “formal/ancient” to “informal/modern”, and though these are few, I somehow wasn’t expecting it in this type of book. Also the mermaid that came into the story at the end, which I correctly noted was put there solely to introduce the second book in the series, felt really, really out of place and random, which was distracting as it was in the middle of all the action! The ending was also a gut-punch, so I sincerely hope we see these characters again later in the series!

Conclusion

Notwithstanding these tiny things, I am happy to recommend this one to any and everyone who enjoys a good YA fantasy. With lovable heroes and heroines, memorable characters, and a doozy of a plot, this is a surefire win to tick all those boxes of a great read. I look forward to reading more in this series — particularly because the mermaid will have the chance to tell her story rather than hang onto the coattails of this one! Great author, great writing, and I want more!

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The Premise

When Pete’s girlfriend dumps him suddenly, he’s left holding two non-refundable tickets for an amazing trip around the world. He decides to offer it to any woman with the same name, and many applicants throw themselves at the chance of a lifetime — and at him, as he’s a hot, eligible bachelor. The “Allie James” who wins the gig turns out to be a jaded divorcee who’s in no mood for love. Of course, that soon changes as the two of them embark on the trip of a lifetime — unfortunately, with some baggage and drama in tow.

The Pros

This was a great romp of a read with believable, lovable characters. It’s light and fluffy with just enough of a dark, shocking twist to drop your jaw and swoon at the same time! I flew through the book in a couple of days, eager to read on and see where this epic journey would take them. From hilarious scenes to friendship betrayals to steamy sex scenes, it’s a thrill of a ride from beginning to end and sweeps you off your feet. I like sassy heroines but hate when they go over the top, and thankfully our Allie has a nice balance. Their friends and families made great secondary characters, and of course there were the pets — nice touch!

The Cons

I really enjoyed the story, but I must admit that there were a few things that let me down. The age of her daughters made their behaviour seem strange — they are practically adults, but acted like much younger children! I also found the couple’s “big wow” of an argument to be a bit out of left field — like, they went from barely being friends and then somehow it jumped to expecting the world of each other a couple of weeks later… I just wish that the premise could have been something else, or it could have been written somehow differently — I’m not even sure what I want, I just knew it wasn’t that! Their communication just seemed to dip off-kilter and unrealistic, which was a shame because up to that point the dialogue was amazing.

Conclusion

Notwithstanding those minor disappointments, this was a fabulous read that I would highly recommend, particularly for mature readers. Later-in-life love stories can sometimes be dreary, but this one keeps your soul buoyant, and the twist at the end, along with the lasting message to follow your dreams and your heart — all of this totally makes it worth your while. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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The Premise

When Blythe finds a scrap of paper with her former lover Finn Lannigan’s number on it, she reminisces about all that could’ve been — if she’d chosen him instead of her now ex-husband. Now a divorcee in her forties, she’s aware that she wasted her best years on a man who ultimately betrayed her. While her ex is on honeymoon with his new wife and his and Blythe’s two daughters, Blythe takes the rare opportunity of solitude to embark on a journey to rediscover herself — and perhaps, to find her long-lost love. She goes to Blue Mountain, a small town with a tight-knit community that seems to clam up when she starts asking questions about the powerful Lannigan family. Can she unravel the secrets of the Lannigan family — and get her second chance at love?

The Pros

Part family drama, part romance, part women’s fiction, Blythe’s story is one that will touch the hearts of many women. I loved the relationships throughout the entire novel, including the family connections between the Lannigan brothers and Blythe and her sister’s close-knit love as well. The matriarch is also formidable and a great character. I especially liked how Blythe’s motherly-ness instantly connected to Kevan’s daughter. There’s a lot to love here, including well-written steamy scenes, heart-wrenching dramatic moments, and soap-opera-esque shocking reveals.

The Cons

Though I liked and enjoyed the story overall, I have to admit that the plot did seem far-flung at times. I found it hard to believe that her brief affair was such a family legacy among the Lannigans, Blythe’s sister’s over-indulgence with expensive gifts seemed unnecessary, and a few other small things that just rubbed me a wee bit the wrong way and spoilt the otherwise thrilling ride of the story! Poor communication and misunderstanding abound in the Lannigan family, which frustrated me as a reader though I understood it was necessary for the mystery buildup.

Conclusion

Despite my niggles, this was a great read and one I would highly recommend. The elements are all there to draw you in, and there is enough sprinkled through about the secondary characters to make you want to read on more. I look forward to reading more by this author, and I may pick up others in the series.

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The Premise

Never-travelled-anywhere travel agent Marie is newly single in more ways than one — after being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend, she faces even more singledom as her best friend is about to migrate to the USA. Determined to reinvent herself or die trying, Marie focuses on attracting stylish, sophisticated friends. But alas, the friends that seem to come her way are an eclectic bunch of misfits. And then there’s Brian, with whom there’s a consistent bubble of attraction as their friendship blooms — but have they friend-zoned each other for too long?

The Pros

With quirky easy-to-love characters, this was a sweet story that fell squarely in the “chick lit” category — a blend of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic-esque impossibly implausible situations, with a sprinkle of British humour and romantic comedy. I liked all the characters, and the dialogue kept me laughing all the way through. I also noted the heavier overtones of Marie’s hurt after being betrayed by her ex, and her best friend’s uncertainty and anxiety about her life decisions — these are portrayed well and keep the story grounded, rather than being too over-the-top with its cutesy-ness.

Marie’s romance with Brian is the definition of slow-burn — if that’s your cup of tea, then this will hit the right spots! From antagonistic suspicion to begrudging friendship to eventual love, I was rooting for them all the way! I also loved her friendships with each individual character, as well as the overall “Thursday night” group as a whole. It was lovely and heartwarming to see all of these relationships developing despite their strange combination of personalities and situations. Finally, the twist at the end is unusual, and so sweet — I was expecting all kinds of crazy ideas, but never saw it coming… and it was so much better than anything I’d considered!

The Cons

While I enjoyed the story, it did seem to be a bit slow at times, where it felt as though some events were “told” rather than “shown”. I found myself putting down the book whenever this happened, but kept going back because I wanted to see what happened to Marie and her friends! That was unfortunate, as a swifter pace could’ve made a fair bit of difference.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there are many great messages here that are uplifting — friendship, love, loyalty, family, and so much more. Though I was twitching to chop out a chunk of it to get on with the story, overall it winds things up beautifully in the end, and it’s worth the journey to get there! I noticed it’s part of a series, and although I don’t think it needs to be (things seem to be tied up quite nicely!), I would perhaps pick up another in the series to see what happens to Marie and her odd bunch of friends. Also, beyond this series, as I enjoyed the author’s writing style, I’d love to read more books by her.

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The Premise

Lauren has cultivated a reputation for herself as a sexy, independent woman who only needs men for one thing — but then she meets her match when she has a chance encounter with Hunter. Playgirl meets playboy is bound to steam things up quickly — but they have to pull up the brakes on things when she soon realises he is her new client. She needs him to help her win a prestigious home design contest — lest she lose a high-stakes bet to her nemesis. Her good intentions soon crumble as they spend more time together, but they agree to keep it casual. Can they resist the scariest gamble of all — falling in love?

The Pros

This was a good, steamy romance read that kept me entertained all the way through. The chemistry between the main characters was really good, and I liked their first encounter especially! Lauren is blazing her way through men, leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake, and I liked her independence and feisty demeanour; meanwhile Hunter’s suffering under the weight of his family’s expectations and meaningful relationships are not his top priority.

The relationship issues and conflicts are relatable and believable, and it’s easy to fall into their world of luxury and success. It was heartwarming to see them build a relationship gradually — despite each claiming they didn’t want one — as their feelings evolved into much more, and I loved how they struggled against their beliefs and resisted opening their hearts because they had been hurt before. The novel’s shining grace is its excellent dialogue, which I really enjoyed reading.

The Cons

Though I liked and enjoyed the story overall, the bits and pieces of other characters were distracting. It was evident to me that the book was part of a series (which is fine), but every so often there was an info dump about other characters — her friends, his friends, his sister, etc. and they all had huge events happening to them: a baby being born, surviving a disease, overcoming grief, having a contentious affair, etc. It’s like I was supposed to get invested in these other people, but I really was too wrapped up in the main characters’ story (a good thing!) so it just made the overall story longer and more difficult to follow. All these side characters are great on their own, and the author is talented at creating memorable and lovable characters, but I just would’ve preferred them to get less real estate in this particular book!

I also felt like Lauren’s family drama, though a great story arc, it was somehow not blended into the story aptly — one minute she had no intention of going to see her father, and then she showed up with no real event in between to nudge her in that direction. Also, not really a con, but it’s marketed as an “age-gap romance” but the age difference seemed negligible (not sure why it was even mentioned in such a big way!)

Conclusion

Despite my few niggles as a picky reader (especially one that has high expectations if it’s a trope-filled romance!) this was a good book and I would recommend to others. I would rate it high on the steamy scale, so buyer beware… not for the kiddies! I would like to read more by this author, and may pick up others in the series to learn their stories more in depth.

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