Book Nook Club: Reviewed by USMCwife329

Showing posts with label Reviewed by USMCwife329. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Reviewed by USMCwife329. Show all posts

March 18, 2012

Paydirt by Paul Levine

I always have trouble finding my husband a birthday gift, but I found the perfect present in Paul Levine’s novel, “Paydirt.” If you have a brother, father, or son who loves to read an upbeat novel revolving around football, then “Paydirt” is for you! In Part One, the reader meets Bobby Gallagher, a man who seems to have everything a man could want: a high-paying job, a beautiful, loyal wife, and a son who worships Bobby. Working with his father-in-law as a lawyer for the pro-football team, the Dallas Mustangs, Bobby protects the players from prison by employing not so ethical practices. While Bobby seems content, eventually one day he loses everything: his job, his wife, and his son.

Not wanting to reveal exactly what happens in Bobby, I can tell you that his solution to winning his old life back involves fixing the Super Bowl. Yep, the biggest football game of the year! Working with bookies, attempting to escape a gangster who wants his body floating in the Gulf of Mexico, and trying to hold on to custody of his son, Bobby knows that the chances of him getting out of his situation alive is slim. Fortunately, one of the teams playing in the championship is the Dallas Mustangs, a team he happens to know everything about. Having the inside scoop to this team allows Bobby to have a glimmer of hope of fixing this game and preserving his life and family.

Amidst the drama, Levine fills “Paydirt” with quotes from famous coaches, players, and sports commentators and focuses on one of the basics of football: the players. Levine allows Bobby to represent a man with a high moral code, who will stop at nothing to preserve this characteristic within him. Fighting against his crooked father-in-law, Martin Kingsley, Bobby represents the antithesis of any lawyer stereotype. Mixing football with drama, Levine creates a book that any man would love to have on his bookshelf.

4.5 stars

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Equity of Evil by Rudy Mazzocchi

Rudy Mazzocchi begins the novel “Equity of Evil” by describing experiments performed on fetuses in a laboratory setting. Certainly a scene to wake you up in the morning! The novel continues to detail a new company, EMBRYIA, which will commission and run mobile abortion units, MAU’s. These units will be stocked with a sterile environment, trained doctors and nurses, and a new technique that will allow the fetus to be removed intact, thereby preventing scaring and lessening trauma to the client. Promoting the social implications of this company by stating that it would lead to less backroom abortions by impoverished or embarrassed women, Roman Citrano decides to fund this new venture.

Based on true events, Roman Citrano suddenly finds himself immersed in a world of black-market organ donations, seedy scientists (led by the founder of EMBRYIA, Dr. Marcus Levine) who will stop at nothing to achieve their objectives, and a highly influential crime syndicate. Without giving too much plot details away, Citrano begins to unfold the PR nightmare involved with the intricate details of EMBRYIA’s operations.

Before analyzing the characters, let me start by stating that if you have strong pro-life views on abortion, the details in this novel will make you angry and upset. The author states in his afterword that he attempted to maintain a neutral stance on abortion throughout the novel, never declaring his own personal views, and I concur that the scenes did not substantially lean to any view on the issue. Overall, the details would be disturbing to any reader and are hard to digest as a true account. However, Mazzocchi does an excellent job of piecing together several intricate plot lines and characters. At first, the characters seem disjointed and robotic. As the reader continues to dive into Mazzocchi’s world, the characters begin to play their individual part in this mystery, allowing the reader to slowly discover EMBRYIA’s true mission.

In the beginning of the novel, Roman Citrano maintains his naivety in regards to the consequences and personal effects of abortion and his new venture. Not until someone he loves enters a MAU does Roman begin to search for answers and discover that Dr. Levine and others have constructed a puzzling game of Monopoly using women and unborn children. Mazzocchi uses intricate details, flashbacks, and emotional events to reveal the personal feelings and backgrounds of several characters, while continuously presenting several angles of abortion and the highly realistic MAUs. Based on true events, this novel continues to send shivers up my spine.

4 stars

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

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March 9, 2012

Her Frozen Wild by Kim Antieau

In "Her Frozen Wild” Ursula spends her time in the basement laboratories examining tattoos and body art of ancient mummies. In her spare time she fights with her cheating husband and listens to stories of the People told to her by her Siberian grandmother. As Ursula stays behind in the states, a team of her colleagues unearths a 2500-year-old mummy, adorned with tattoos and possessing a priestess headdress. As their plane crashes, Ursula is called to Siberia to finish her colleagues’ mission of identifying this woman. Blood and skin tests shows that the mummy’s DNA possess significant matches to Ursula’s DNA! How can she be connected to a 2500-year-old mummy? Well the answers to this question just scratch the surface of Antieau’s plot in “Her Frozen Wild.”

Also, as Ursula attempts to conquer her fear of flying in the middle of the Chicago airport, a suave Russian doctor helps her relax. Sergei Ivanovich Polyakov begins to seduce Ursula in his Russian mansion as she waits for her next plane to Siberia. One night she discovers that Sergei possesses the same tattoos as the ancient mummy, causing her to wonder about the connection between her, the mummy, and Sergei. Taken on a quest through time, Ursula begins to piece together this strange puzzle as Antieau creates a beautiful story centered on finding your true self and releasing the inner beast within.

I found this novel to be truly magical, filled with details that will make the reader feel as if they are standing next to the mountain in Altai, Siberia with Ursula. Ursula tries to find herself as she untangles details from her past, including the disappearance of her mother 30 years ago. In addition to breathtaking scenery, Antieau adds some steamy sex scenes into the mix. She describes sex as a primal act, so if you are a conservative, modest reader this book might not be for you. Ursula attempts to unlock the inner animal inside of her, meaning that she is trying to break through all of the stereotypes and rules put on to her by society.

One of my favorite lines of the novel sums up the entire mission of “Her Frozen Wild:” “Who you are is the who you were before someone told you you weren’t tall enough, short enough, skinny or pretty enough. Before anyone told you you were not right.” What a great and true statement! Antieau combines more of her wisdom with intricate plot lines, which seem hard to follow at certain points in the novel. In the beginning of this novel, the reader will be reading several plots that occur in different time periods. They eventually collide into one, cohesive story so do not be discouraged if at first you are a bit confused. Overall, great message, superb details, and interesting character development.

4 stars

*I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinions.

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February 29, 2012

What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte

Tessa Golden embodies the typical life of a “Bridget Jones” administrative assistant. She hates the cold yet works in Massachusetts, her only friend works alongside her and they fill the day by making fun of their boss, and the love of her life works only a couple of feet away. However, he is married to a beautiful woman and Tessa is stuck in an endless cycle of pining over Nick, the untouchable married man who rules her heart. Oh, and her company’s biggest client is The Jiggly Kitty, a national strip club chain. Skilled in strip club lingo, Tessa feels her life suddenly going nowhere.

When Tessa is offered a three-month job in Las Vegas filling in for a woman leaving for maternity leave, she jumps at the chance. Not only is it warmer in Las Vegas, but this move will also give her a chance to get her mind off of Nick. Tessa suddenly finds herself consoling her boss, who’s husband just left her for a younger woman, and along the way discovers a new chapter in her life. She continues to dabble in her art and bonds with a handsome co-worker, Chris. But as Nick begins to admit some buried feelings, Tessa finds herself in the middle of a love triangle. Who will she choose and what sort of trouble happens to her in Las Vegas? You will have to pick up a copy of Beth Labonte’s “What Stays in Vegas” to find out!

Confined to my house on a rainy, windy day, I could not put this book down! Tessa truly resonated with me and I could relate to her love problems. I mean, every woman has wanted someone we knew was completely unavailable. Labonte creates a realistic woman, who has faults and talents, yet desires love above all else. She struggles to balance her need for a stable job with her love for art. Playing the sidekick, Tessa’s boss, Kendra is truly my favorite character. She spins out of control but you can’t help but feel sorry for this woman and hate the man who broke her heart.

Certainly a book that you can curl up to on a cold, rainy day, “What Stays in Vegas” will give you plenty to laugh and smile about.

4.5 stars

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February 28, 2012

Promise Me Eternity by Ian Fox

In Ian Fox’s “Promise Me Eternity,” Dr. Simon Patterson seems to live a normal life: he enjoys a successful career as a neurosurgeon at Central Hospital, has been married for 15 years, and he spends his free time performing research in his basement. Unfortunately, things are not that simple. Simon’s wife, Helen, is obsessed with spending money they do not have and constantly argues with him about her unhappiness, causing him to retreat even farther into his basement laboratory.

Simon’s world is suddenly turned upside down after he saves the life of a powerful and deadly mob boss, Carlo Vucci. Not realizing this man’s deadly and widespread circle of power, Simon agrees to dinner with Carlo and his wife, Christine. Arriving at their ornate mansion, Simon realizes that Carlo is not just involved in real estate. As he discovers more about his patient, he begins to understand the danger him and his wife have suddenly found themselves in. As events begin to unfold, Simon finds himself encountering jealous colleagues, extramarital affairs, and being accused of first-degree murder.

Not knowing the solution to this mysterious murder drives the reader to keep turning the pages of this enticing novel. As several storylines proceed throughout the novel, Fox keeps the reader guessing and certainly surprises everyone at the end with the answer. Fox successfully transforms a classic whodunit novel and adds sex and complicated plotlines. Everyone seems to have a motive in this novel, except for the confused Dr. Simon Patterson. Poor Simon trusts the wrong people and has a naïve view of the world. This character flaw forces the reader to seek justice for Simon.

The beginning of the novel is dedicated to character development, where the reader grasps an understanding of how mundane Simon’s life really has become. However, Fox adds other characters and their problems to keep the story moving along. Jerry Duncan, a jealous assistant surgeon, Dr. Miner, the plastic surgeon obsessed with getting beat by women, and Christine Vucci, an unhappy mob wife, all add more spice to this mystery novel. Compared to these people, Simon seems ordinary and incapable of murder. But if Simon did not commit the crime, who did? As the reader follows Simon in his quest to clear his name, Fox promises that the ending will be filled with nothing but shock and unbelievable twists.

4.5 stars

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February 21, 2012

Dark Side of Valor by Alicia Singleton

Lelia Freeman helps children who others have given up on. Runaways, drug addicts, and forced into a life of crime or prostitution, these children have no hope of surviving the streets. Pulling from her own experience as a runaway, Lelia saves these children from a doomed life and is rightfully dubbed “The Street Angel.” Alicia Singleton’s “Dark Side of Valor” follows Leila as she finds herself appointed to a special federal committee. In charge of saving children from a war devastated African country, Leila crosses boundaries and makes enemies in her attempt to save the children from their hellish fate.

Elijah Dune, driven by passion and a haunted past, has one mission to accomplish: vengeance on his enemies. As his history remains a mystery, his fighting skills and hunger for killing distinguishes him as a man with a dangerous objective.

These two characters cross paths as Leila is kidnapped and held hostage after uncovering disturbing facts about the true state of the children and people of Sudania. Attempting to escape the clutches of the evil and corrupt President Deng, Elijah and Lelia embark on a dangerous journey filled with messages of facing one’s fears, reconciling with the past, and forgiving one’s self. Fighting enemies and each other, these characters begin to bond over their experiences with pain and loss. Fighting to stay alive and return home, Lelia must battle her growing feelings for Elijah with her will to survive.

Singleton creates a book filled with action and romance, while concentrating on the core message: facing the darkness inside of your heart. As the reader discovers the story of Lelia’s past and pieces together the puzzle of Elijah’s mysterious vengeance, the plot continues to pick up the pace. The characters are realistic, however, I would have liked to delve more into Elijah’s past. Singleton reveals his entire life story in one paragraph, while Leila’s story fills a couple of chapters. This character development would have allowed me to bond more with Elijah and instead I felt as if I barely knew him.

Despite this one hiccup, the book satisfied my expectations. Leila embodies a strong woman not restricted by the torments of her past, yet bearing the guilt for an unfortunate accident. She deals with these issues while remaining stubborn and quick to fight for her life, regardless of her opponent. Surely a role model for any reader who has experienced pain, rejection, and abuse, Lelia paves the way for conquering the past and fear.

3.5 stars

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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February 20, 2012

The Qur'an Dilemma

Have you ever wanted to dive into the Qur’an, yet didn’t know where to even start? “The Qur’an Dilemma” allows Muslims and non-Muslims to examine the Qur’an and look at each sura (or chapter) critically. Written by numerous former Muslims, who remain anonymous throughout the book, the book is divided into three main parts.

Part I consists of different articles on a host of controversial issues, such as women, the treatment of people of other faiths, and the chronological order of the Qur’an. This portion proved to be the most interesting for me. The authors explained that much like the Bible, the Qur’an has many different versions, published and edited by scholars of differing opinions on how the Qur’an should be organized. Also, the section covering people of other faiths, such as the Jewish population, served as a real eye-opener. The book continues on in Part II as the first nine suras are examined. Think of this as an intricate Bible study. The authors examine what certain words refer to and historical meanings behind passages. Part III holds resources, such as maps and a glossary, to aid the reader.

Overall, this book proves interesting if you enjoy examining other cultures. As for those who are already Muslim, I would imagine this take on the Qur’an would be intriguing as well. The authors claim that the Qur’an has never been critically analyzed before, as Muslims consider this holy book infallible. The core of this book rightly reflects the title: “The Qur’an Dilemma.” The authors continually point out that this holy book contains errors and issues that no longer apply to today’s society. However, no revisions are authorized. Therefore, many Muslims are presented with a true dilemma: how do you separate the truth from the negations in the Qur’an. My only issue with the book was the level of difficulty it presented. For an individual who has a basic understanding of Islam, I was constantly rereading sentences and continually flipping to the glossary to define a term. Some parts still leave me confused, however, I enjoyed expanding my knowledge concerning a religion that remains a mystery to many Americans.

3 stars

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

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February 17, 2012

The Firelight of Maalda by Melissa Douthit

I just finished the second book in “The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia” trilogy, rightfully named “The Firelight of Maalda.” The book picks off right where “The Raie’Chaelia” (first book in the series) left off. Chalice and her group make their way to Portalis, the city ruled by the Terravaillian. As Chalice begins to learn about the history of this secret city, she clashes with the rules and social customs of her new surroundings. Butting heads with many of her advisors and guards, she discovers the heavily guarded secrets that reside within the library and archives of Portalis.

Along the way, Chalice learns that Dar’Maalda possesses the Firestone, the black obsidian stone stolen from her in the previous book. While he doesn’t know how to unlock its secrets, both him and Chalice know its importance. Practicing her skills and connecting more with her daeioden, she begins to harness her powers and truly evolve into the Raie’Chaelia D’Ielieria. Also gaining speed is her romance with Jeremiah, when Chalice must defend her feelings to the Terravailians of Portalis.

I must say that I blazed through this book in about three days. Motivated by the unanswered questions of the first novel, Melissa Douthit cleverly enticed me to read her second creation. With even more adventure and danger than the first novel, “The Firelight of Maalda” brings new, fantastical creatures to life (such as the mysterious Naezzi) and delves deeper into the detailed world of the Terravailian and the Naeon. Bringing back favorites, such as Bunejab, Ben, and Ardenne, the reader can dive right into this magical world. Chalice continues to impress readers with her dedication to morals and bravery even though those around her disagree with her every move. Not only does she embody an independent woman, she continually puts herself in dangerous situations for the good of her people. Her selflessness sets her apart from other characters, and quite honestly makes the reader wonder what she will try next.

So what exactly does the Firestone do? What are the Naezzi? And more importantly, what is Portalis hiding behind its doors? These questions and more will be answered in the second installment of this trilogy. But don’t expect for every mystery to be solved. Douthit leaves the reader hungry for more and, much like the first novel, ends “The Firelight of Maalda” on a cliffhanger. Her third novel, “The Return,” is not released until August 2012, so you will have plenty of time to ponder the mysteries of Naeo’Gaea.

5 stars

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February 15, 2012

The Raie'Chaelia by Melissa Douthit

In “The Raie’Chaelia,” the first book of “The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia” trilogy, the reader meets Chalice, a stubborn, strong young woman. She suddenly flees her hometown of Canton in the middle of the night per her grandfather’s instructions. On horseback, she makes her way to a farm in Branbury and finds her friend Jeremiah alone in a ghost town. Both piece together pieces of the puzzle and realize that the King’s men are looking for them, destroying towns and killing many people in the process. Meeting up with a friendly Chinuk (the cutest teddy bear creature) and an older man, Ben, the two begin to realize that there is more to this journey than they realize.

Chalice has no knowledge of her parents and has grown up with her grandparents in Canton for the entirety of her seventeen-year-old life. Possessing only a strange birthmark, she finds this marking in a book dropped by the Chinuk. As she slowly discovers facts about her true identity, Melissa Douthit examines the concept of self-identity and choosing between duty and love.

I found this book slow toward the beginning, but it certainly picked up the pace toward the third chapter and suddenly I became hooked! Any woman will find a role model in Chalice as she refuses to bend to anyone’s will but her own and stands to fight for her beliefs, family, and friends. The chapters are long, twenty to over thirty pages at times, and the names will certainly send your tongue into a tailspin. That being said, this book is packed full of adventure, mystery, and danger. Douthit ends this first book on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for unanswered questions. I certainly will be reading the next two books in this trilogy!

4 stars

**To read my review of the second book in the series, "The Firelight of Maalda" click here.

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February 9, 2012

GIVEAWAY: Hot Chocolate by Dawn Ireland (Closed)

This giveaway is closed and the lucky winner is....Margaret at singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com.

Chocolate, mystery, and murder…what else could a reader want from a book? Well, Dawn Ireland delivers that and more in her most recent book, “Hot Chocolate.” Centering on the Alcott daughters, heirs to the Alcott Chocolate fortune, “Hot Chocolate” begins as the sisters agree to move their 92-year-old father to a senior assisted living facility. They also agree to fire his nurse, Bambi, who resembles a hooker more than a caregiver. While Bambi departs without a fuss and graciously accepts her severance package, her husband, Jimmy Ray, does not go so quietly.

Demanding they sue the Alcott family, Jimmy Ray believes they have a slam-dunk case. However, the judge sees through their greed and quickly dismisses the frivolous suit. While the Alcotts celebrate their good fortune, some mysterious individual murders Jimmy Ray at his bowling alley. Bambi deals with her grief, and the Alcott sisters try to digest the latest discovery in Jimmy Ray’s murder: the murder weapon was a prized fork belonging to Dorothea Alcott.

As the murderer’s identity comes closer to being revealed, the reader is kept guessing along with the Alcotts at what will happen next. All the while, delicious dishes, such as Lila Mae’s famous café mocha and Amelia’s (Lila Mae’s housekeeper) chicken and corn gumbo, make appearances at pivotal moments in the plot. Ireland cleverly places all of these yummy recipes at the end of “Hot Chocolate” so that the reader can fully immerse themselves in the interesting world of the Alcotts. Certain to not disappoint, the Alcott sisters act as any siblings would: fighting, joking, and working together, with unique personalities and quirks. The mystery of Jimmy Rae’s murder will keep the reader guessing until the very end and certainly will provide laughs and gasps along the way.

Want to delve into the book and discover the murderer as well as try the scrumptious recipes? Reply to this post by midnight EST on Thursday, February 16 to win a free eBook copy of “Hot Chocolate.”

4.5 stars

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February 8, 2012

Aries Fire: by Elaine Edelson

A respected woman of her day, Hypatia taught students in Alexandria, Egypt about astrology and mathematics. Slaughtered by Christians and dumped in front of her house, she left behind a legacy that affected many scientists and scholars. In Edelson’s novel, “Aries Fire” Hypatia also left behind a stubborn, fiery bastard daughter: Seira. Worried that Hypatia’s murderers will come after Seira, Theon, her grandfather, quietly and quickly smuggles her out of Egypt. Seira is suddenly thrown into a world where civility and rules no longer cater to her whim. Sailing on a merchant vessel, she meets a handsome sailor, Alexander. While fantasizing about their future, Seira is unexpectedly secretly escorted off the ship and joins forces with a quirky elderly woman named Kiki and a Jewish rabbi, Isaac. This all happens within the first two chapters! Juggling her love for two men, Attila (the heir to the Hun throne) and Alexander, Seira also struggles to accept her role as her mother’s daughter and find her father, a secret hidden by her unwed mother.

“Aries Fire” is filled with twists and turns and develops into a love story with an unexpected ending. Edelson creates a main character that the reader learns to love. As the novel progresses, the reader witnesses a stubborn, cocky teenager mature into a wise and patient woman. Seira makes rash decisions that the reader will most likely not agree with, but Edelson adds these into the plot to show the growth and evolution of Seira’s personality. While graphic in detail and a slow beginning, Edelson picks up the pace when Seira meets Attila, a prince in the Hun community. The chapters are extremely long, spanning more than forty pages at times, and while I disagreed with the ending (we all attach ourselves to specific characters that we wish would triumph in the end), this book certainly surpassed my expectations. I certainly will be looking forward to reading Edelson’s next creation!

Aries Fire is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble and other places books are sold.

4 stars

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February 7, 2012

Pictures of the Past- by Deby Eisenberg

“Pictures of the Past” begins as an elderly woman makes her way through the Art Institute of Chicago, and suddenly glimpses a painting that sends her back into the past. Seeing this remarkable painting, Jeune Fille à la Plague by Henri Lebasque, in her friend’s house at the start of World War II, this woman rightfully accuses its donator, Taylor Woodmere, of being a Nazi thief. Unbeknownst to her, Taylor Woodmere’s connection to this paining also traverses time. Purchasing this painting in France, he gives this work of art to Sarah Berger, a German Jewish woman. Fallen madly in love, these two individuals attempt to reunite with each other during the devastating events of World War II. Realizing that Sarah will not be able to escape Nazi Germany, the dreams of these two soul mates suddenly become lost in the terrors of World War II.

Also included in this enticing story resides the compelling tale of Rachel Gold, a unmarried pregnant woman in the late 1960s. Abandoned by her child’s father, Court Woodmere, son of Taylor Woodmere, she raises her child with the aid of her aunt, a Holocaust survivor. As the truth of this painting’s legacy comes to light, Taylor, Sarah, and Rachel’s strange connections are revealed to the author.

While confusing at first, Eisenberg divides the book into chapters focusing on different characters at various points in history. Spanning the 1930s, 1960s, and the twenty-first century, the reader connects the dots toward the middle of the novel. Filled with historical details, such as the predicament of the St. Louis during World War II and the risks Jewish people undertook to escape Europe, “Pictures of the Past” places the reader in a trance, unable to set this book down. The characters are developed fully and one cannot help but long for Taylor Woodmere to experience happiness. Connecting with the character’s will to achieve the impossible, the pages scream with life and eerily realistic details. A testament to true love surviving time and impossible challenges, Eisenberg creates a masterpiece that the reader will cherish even after the story is completed. Do not be discouraged by the overwhelming presence of details and dates, the story will come together eventually and you will be thankful that you stuck with this book.

5 stars

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February 2, 2012

Hiring Worthless Heroes- by Mark Forrest

Do you ever wonder what you would do if you had seemingly worthless superpowers? Would you even attempt to use them or just pretend to be a normal individual? The narrator, Greg Foster, has one secret that he has not shared with anyone: he can create glow-in-the-dark farts. Yep, you heard me right. That amazing ability is actually Greg Foster’s superpower. This detail is only one in hundreds that Forrest uses to create his story, “Hiring Worthless Heroes.”

Recruited by Ian Simpson to create a superhero detective agency, Greg convinces Bean and Jim (two other individuals with equally ridiculous abilities) to join his team and solve crimes. Their first mystery: to uncover the whereabouts of Tommy, a local schoolchild. Not giving any more details away, this mystery is short lived and falls flat. I wanted to love this novel, as it made me laugh out loud at certain parts. However, it was too short for my liking. I wanted more mysteries, more details, and more plot. I think that is Forrest extends the plot line a bit and adds more cases, then this book would be a great success!

I did appreciate Forrest’s humor and unique perspective on superheroes though. In a society where blockbuster after blockbuster is about recreating comic books, Forrest plays on this fascination with the unusual. I honestly am looking forward to Mark Forrest’s continuation of the adventures of Greg and his gang of misfits. With a bit of editing and a longer story, Greg is sure to become your next favorite superhero. As a short story though, this book will make the reader laugh and wonder what sort of trouble could these heroes possibly run into next?

2.5 stars

*I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

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The Other Side of Suffering- by John Ramsey

Almost every person knows the story of JonBenét Ramsey’s murder on Christmas day of 1996. The tragic, brutal murder of such a beautiful, vivacious six-year-old girl captivated the entire nation and for years the suspicion would lay on her parents, Patricia and John Ramsey. After the media painted the portrait of these two parents, it was hard to see the truth, and the facts became muddled as the case went cold. In “The Other Side of Suffering” John Ramsey tells his side of the story for the first time, allowing readers to glimpse into his own personal Hell, full of grief, tears, and anger.

As John Ramsey courageously recounts the events that led up to this disaster, the reader is compelled by his details. While the beginning of the novel focuses on the loss of his young child, the majority of the book discusses John Ramsey’s faith in God. As a Christian, he wavers in faith after JonBenét’s death, a natural reaction as blame shifts from killer to self to God. A fellow sufferer, John Ramsey takes the reader on his journey to accepting his life after the murder of his daughter. Packed with emotion, unanswered questions, and a strong connection to God, this novel transcends every expectation in a delightful way.

Each individual in the world has experienced some sort of loss, whether it be a breakup, the death of a loved pet, or the death of a family member. The reader connects to John’s grief, not being able to understand how this man and his family overcame the evil and destruction that lay before them at the end of 1996. John claims, “tragedy doesn’t have to damage our souls” and I believe he proves this statement over and over again through his memoir. Inspiring all Christians to pray and proving the power of God, John Ramsey creates a book that all human beings can relate to. In the midst of suffering, everyone must find his or her way over the hill. Inspiring others to hang on to life and seek aid from friends, Ramsey creates a hopeful narrative on how to overcome life’s injustices, disappointments, and obstacles. Armed with his faith in God, Ramsey motivates all readers to believe that the best is yet to come.

5 stars

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will not be released until March 2012.

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January 26, 2012

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab: by Fiona Ingram

Whisked away on a short vacation with their aunt, cousins Justin and Adam find themselves on a tour in the middle of the Egyptian desert. Both cousins admire Mr. Kinnaird, an English archeologist, who suddenly went missing on a dig while investigating the ancient legend of the Scarab King. Fueled by these accounts, Adam convinces himself, along with his cousin, that there is adventure to be found in Egypt and treasure that is just waiting to be uncovered. While following their beautiful tour guide, Laila, the boys are approached by an unusual peddler outside the museum in Memphis. This odd looking man gives them three wooden scarabs in exchange for no money and utters odd words like “son of fire and light”, catapulting the boys suddenly into a real-life Indiana Jones adventure movie.

The book continues to pick up the pace as Adam and Justin begin to find clues connecting these plain looking scarabs with Mr. Kinnaird’s mission and the tomb of the Scarab King. Being chased by men dressed in dark robes, uncovering secrets of the dark Dr. Khalid, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Department, and inching closer to the location of the Scarab King’s tomb are just some of the details that continue to pour out of the pages of “The Secret of the Sacred Scarab” and will leave young readers mesmerized. As danger becomes a reality for both boys, their aunt and feisty grandmother begin to worry and slowly connect the dots, aiding these youngsters on the quest of their life.

Fiona Ingram creates the first book in the Chronicles of the Stone and “The Secret of the Sacred Scarab” does not disappoint. While adding in facts about Egyptian culture and history, I did not even notice that this book was a learning tool until after the last page. Laila, the tour guide, provides factual information about hieroglyphics, ancient culture, and the practices of the pharaohs and their priests. Stemming from Ingram’s trip to Egypt as a child, this novel imbeds history into the core of the adventure. Although simple in language and obvious plot details foreshadowing future action, this book is perfect for young readers, male and female alike. Adam and Justin are typical boys, and filled with imagination and a spirit thriving for adventure they invite other young readers on their remarkable escapade. Ingram excels at combining a foreign culture with an interesting plot and details that will jumpstart any child’s imagination.

4 stars

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January 19, 2012

The Discovery of Jeanne Baret: by Glynis Ridley

At first glance, “The Discovery of Jeanne Baret” seems to be just another nonfiction novel, detailing the events that occurred in a deceased female’s lifetime. However, Glynis Ridley evolves this seemingly simple story and breathes life into Baret’s impressive life. At the end of the introduction to this novel, Ridley makes a statement that sets the tone for the rest of the book: “one human being, irrespective of the hand dealt by fortune, can have as much curiosity about the world as another. And that, like race and class, gender should pose no barrier to satisfying that curiosity and discovering how far it may take you.” Talk about a declaration for gender equality and the power of women!

But, the story of Baret is more than just a giant banner advocating women’s strength and determination. The reader first meets Baret as she grows up in her humble hometown in the Loire valley of France. Her parents were in the lower class of individuals during the mid-1700s and worked as day laborers. While Baret should have been subject to the same fate as her parents and expected to die in her early twenties, she possessed a skill that allowed her to escape this fate. Knowledgeable about plants, seeds, and their medicinal uses, Baret belonged to an ancient order of herb women who were often secretly sought out for their knowledge by doctors, surgeons, and sometimes students of botany.

Also in France, Philibert Commerson grew up in completely different conditions. Pampered by the success of his father, Commerson was given the chance to succeed in education and prompted to enter law by his parents. However, Commerson, known for his stubbornness, pursued a different course in life. Through his determination and risk-taking demeanor, he was able to fill his days with his one true love: botany. Commerson eventually married an even richer woman and settled down in Toulon-sur-Arroux, only a couple of miles away from Baret’s location. It was through a chance meeting that these two characters joined forces, exchanged knowledge, and set off on a journey that would allow Baret to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Filled with adventure, romance, and a testament to the mental, emotional, and physical strength of a singular woman, this novel allows the reader to adopt Jeanne Baret as their new role model.

While the facts are fascinating and the plot intoxicating, Ridley continues to counter facts previously assumed about Jeanne Baret and her expedition around the world. Not possessing any prior knowledge about the events surrounding Baret’s life, I was not surprised by any revelations made by Ridley. However, the novel was still compelling and allowed me into the life of a truly remarkable woman. “The Discovery of Jeanne Baret” is not your typical biography and if you are not familiar with Baret’s story and accomplishments, I highly recommend reading this novel.

4 stars

**Note: If purchasing the paperback edition, do not forget to read Ridley’s afterword. It truly allows you to appreciate the ending of this remarkable story.

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January 1, 2012

With Deepest Regrets: A Memoir Alive- by Robin Michael Smith

My husband has been in the military for quite a while, and being a military wife, I approached this book with eagerness and excitement. I love reading military memoirs and I wanted to add this one to the top of my favorites list. This book was advertised as a memoir of a US Army sniper who was sent on a secret mission to assassinate Saddam Hussein. I wanted to love it; I wanted to be enraptured by each and every word and while I fell in love with Robin, both as a man and a soldier, this book just did not measure up.

Before I get to the list of things I did not like about this book, I must say that I was mesmerized by the middle of Smith’s novel. The retelling of his mission was done with eloquence and vivid detail. But this was the only part of the book that kept me reading. Every other page left me with disappointment, and I honestly did not want to finish the book.

I believe that Smith has a great storyline; I just feel the novel needs refinement and editing. The beginning of the book details his childhood and his abusive stepfather. I wanted more detail, more stories that dealt with this part of his life. The few he did tell, completely disturbed me but I enjoyed peering into his soul. I understand that these emotions are still raw, but I believe with some editing and more detail, the beginning of With Deepest Regrets would be transformed into a captivating novel.

The end of the novel also confuses me. I realize that since Smith is still alive and dealing with these emotions that there is no definite end to the story. However, adding in the emails between him and the publisher proved unnecessary. I did not need to know his struggle to get published since every novice author has to face these obstacles. Also, he glazes over the fact that his stepfather died. I want to know more about his emotions, his struggle with this discovery. I wanted to feel closer to Smith and yet I was confused with his journey after he survived his mission in Iraq. I wanted facts, emotions, and plot and instead was served a jumble of words that did not tie the story together.

This story has potential and even with the unfocused plot, grammatical errors, and stagnant ending, With Deepest Regrets was not a complete disaster. I sympathize with Smith’s struggle to come to terms with his mission and the death of his partner. I cannot imagine the obstacles he has faced and has yet to overcome. However, this book needs some desperate help from an editor.

2 stars

*I received a free copy of the book for review. These are my honest and true opinions.
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Red Hot Sky- by Gordon Gumpertz

At first glance, Red Hot Sky reminded me of the movie Armageddon. The world was going to end, a man was going to save it, he gets the girl, and everything turns out picture perfect as world destruction is avoided once again. While this book contained some of those cliché elements, Gordon Gumpertz transforms this classic man versus nature battle into an action packed story of survival.

This adventure all begins with one man: Ben Mason. After years of research and models, Dr. Mason launches a supercomputer that will showcase the earth’s condition within the next couple of years. As he slowly scrolls through the projections, Dr. Mason uncovers a devastating fact: the earth will suffer a major drought that will devastate all of humanity. Dubbed as the Jupiter effect (because of the red, dry circles that will form because of the drought), Dr. Mason works with his partner and lover, Dr. Claudine Manet to save the world.

However, things take an interesting turn when attempts begin to be made on Ben’s life. From a sniper shooting at his moving car to being pushed to the edge of a ravine, Ben starts to deduce that his results may not be as private as he once thought. Hiring a private detective to accompany him to Geneva for a conference, Ben suddenly becomes entangled with the CIA as he becomes their new spy. Infiltrating Russia and discovering a secret plot formulated by dictator Yuri Kulganin, Ben is given a series of missions that will force him to become the world’s savior.

While the plot and details seem extremely overwhelming at first, Gumpertz cleverly pieces each puzzle piece together in a way that seems natural. Alternating chapters allow the reader to see multiple plots converging into one. The characters were endearing and acted in a realistic manner, and I especially liked how Gumpertz detailed the interactions and dialogues between Ben and Claudine. Instead of a cookie-cutter romance, Gumpertz created a strong, independent female that was not afraid to speak her mind and a romance that suffered ups-and-downs, much like any other natural relationship.

My only criticism of the book is that I did not enjoy the ending. Everything was wrapped up in a couple of sentences. I would have liked an open ending or Ben to step up to the plate and been more decisive. He seems a little wishy-washy in the final chapter which completely tarnished my view of him as a character. I think Gumpertz could have made this last chapter a bit more detailed, and while I appreciated him tying up loose ends, I hated how it was all bunched into one set of dialogue. Despite the shortcomings of the ending, Red Hot Sky is a well-written end of the world thriller, that will satisfy any reader.

4 stars

**I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. These are my honest and true opinions.
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December 24, 2011

The First Rule of Ten: A Tenzing Norbu Mystery- By Gay Hendricks and Tinker Lindsay

Usually books with co-authors completely turn me off, their disjointed thoughts trying to come together to create one cohesive story that usually falls short of anything creative and interesting. Gay Hendricks and Tinker Lindsay elevate this writing concept to the level where it was intended to reside. Combining Lindsay’s screenwriting talents and love of yoga and meditation with Hendricks’ contributions in the body-mind therapy field, the Tenzing Norbu mystery novels were born.

The first book in this series, “The First Rule of Ten” introduces the reader to the main protagonist, Tenzing Norbu. With a background ranging from a former Tibetan Buddhist monk to a LAPD police officer in the Robbery/Homicide division, Tenzing is not your normal private detective. After quitting his job as a police officer, Tenzing begins to ponder where his life is headed. Enter Barbara, the drug-reformed ex-girlfriend of Tenzing’s former landlord. After a bizarre conversation where she reveals she escaped a religious cult, Barbara turns up in a park dead, and Tenzing gains his first client as a detective, even though she cannot pay him.

While investigating Barbara’s murder, Tenzing meets a host of characters including a sexy chef who he cannot get enough of, a group of religious cult members, shady insurance salesmen, and John D, an almond farmer. Discovering connections between all of these characters, Tenzing slowly begins to uncover a plot that involves more than just Barbara’s murder.

“The First Rule of Ten” starts off a bit slow, as Hendricks and Lindsay develop Tenzing’s persona, which proves crucial toward the end of the novel. Tenzing is a flawed character, in that he clearly has issues with his parents and analyzes his issues with intimacy after one date. However, these flaws, while some seem unrealistic and forced, add to the bizarreness of this character. How often do you find a Buddhist monk who owns a Wilson Combat .38 Supergrade gun and drives a 1965 Shelby Mustang? Tenzing holds on to his spirituality and love for simplicity as his navigates through this labyrinth.

As a lover of mystery novels, this book certainly had some twists that had me speeding through the pages. I was waiting for the different aspects of the story to connect, and I felt that Tenzing was waiting for the same thing. Combining spiritual faith with logic, he serves as the modern Sherlock Holmes. Quirky and a loner, Tenzing takes the reader on a journey as the clues start to fit together, revealing an intricate web of lies, corruption, and death.

Released in January 2012, “The First Rule of Ten” will have you waiting for Hendricks and Lindsay’s sequel, “The Second Rule of Ten.” I recommend this book to readers who want a detective novel that brings Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s hero to the modern age.

4.5 stars

**I received a free copy of this book from Hay House Publishers.

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December 12, 2011

Laughing Through Life by Connie (Corcoran) Wilson

Laughing Through Life was certainly an interesting read as I journey through Connie (Corcoran) Wilson’s short stories that detailed her attempts at cooking, her disasters with shoes, and her views of none other than President George W. Bush. I wanted to love this book and quite honestly, I enjoyed the majority of it. The tales, while disjointed and not revolving around a singular theme except for the fact that they all occurred in Connie’s life, made me laugh out loud. I felt connected with Connie over her inability to keep grapefruit ripe and her observation that everything DOES go wrong at dinner parties where the main goal is to impress your guests. Also, let’s not overlook the story about her student who wanted to perform a mock interview for Hooters, and certainly dressed the part!

My only strong criticism of the book was her political content. I tried to remain unbiased throughout reading the entire book and believe I set some of my personal views aside with grace. I also understand that strong political views exist, and the fact that a woman such as Connie uninhibitedly speaks these opinions makes me proud to live in America where freedom of speech is rampant. However, I think the continual outpouring of these political stories distracted me from the main goal of Laughing Through Life: to make the reader cry with laughter. I would have liked to see the Bush jokes decreased a bit and more antidotes about her children and life experiences inserted in the book. Although, putting my personal opinions aside, I do have to say that her story about getting kicked out of the radio station for singing an anti-Iraq song proved hilarious.

Overall, this book made me laugh and smile, which I believe was Connie (Corcoran) Wilson’s goal. The novel reads like a collection of short stories, so do not expect an overall theme to be present, but this type of book was refreshing to read. I do warn that if you have strong Conservative views to not reading this book or to read with an open mind. Laughing Through Life just might surprise you.

3 stars.

*I was provided with a free copy of this book to review.

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