Book Club Reporter Book Reviews: Recent Episodes
Laura Jay
Book Club Reporter provides book reviews book clubs book recommendations of bestselling books. Book reviews by Laura Jay including reading lists for books clubs and all readers. Find the latest book news and about the author profiles and book summaries and book discussions.
**E & J – African-American-Contemporary-Fiction-Novel-Author-Michael-Angelo-Williams
Book Review by Laura Jay, Book Club Reporter*"I wholeheartedly recommend Michael’s book: E&J. Michael’s common sense approach is refreshing and brings an important message to the Black youth of America". - Laura Jay*
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Resilient Transition - Inspirational Self Help Combating Stress and Anxiety - written by author: Sa'eed Mustafa.
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Ocean State Y/A Thriller Novel - Book Review by Book Club Reporter: Laura Jay
Ocean State is a Y/A Thriller Novel written by author, Stewart O’Nan.
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- The Locked Door Thriller Novel - Book Club Reporter Book Review by Laura Jay
- The Locked Door written by author Freida McFadden
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Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead - Women’s Contemporary MysteryFiction
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**The Bodyguard - Women’s Contemporary Fiction Book Review
Author: Katherine Center - Podcaster: Laura Jay, Book Club Reporter
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commission earned:The Bodyguard - Author: Katherine Center
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The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley - Western Historical Romance - Book Review
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Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay book review of the Political Assistant - Election Year - a Women’s Contemporary Fiction Novel written by author, Nancy O’Brien.
The Political Assistant is an engaging story every woman should read. The sheer energy of this story quickly drew me in.
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**The New Wife – Mystery Thriller Novel – Book Review
The New Wife is a mystery thriller novel written by Sue Watson. Listen to Laura Jay’s book review of the New Wife.
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*The New Wife by author, Sue Watson. Buy book link:https://amzn.to/3rnmkb0
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Why She Left - Thriller Suspense Novel - Book Review by Laura Jay, Book Club Reporter. Why She Left - author is Leah Mercer. Why She Left drew me in right from the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique mystery-thriller! I look forward to reading more from the author, Leah Mercer.
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Heard It In A Love Song Book Club Reporter Book Review podcast episode. This is Season 3 - Episode 16
Heard It In A Love Song is a women’s fiction and contemporary romance novel, written by author, Tracey Garvis Graves.
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I Am Not Who You Think I Am - Mystery Thriller Book Review
Listen to Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay’s Book Review of Eric Rickstad’s stellar Mystery Thriller novel: I Am Not Who You Think I Am.
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Spotlight On Author Series - Rebecca Hodge - Wildland and Over the Falls
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Wildland is a women’s contemporary fiction novel and a thriller story as well. Wildland is the amazing debut novel written by author, Rebecca Hodge.
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Over the Falls Book Review - Book Club Reporter-
Over the Falls - Mystery-Suspense Novel - Written By Author, Rebecca Hodge
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**Housewife Chronicles II - Book Review
Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay, book review of Housewife Chronicles II
Housewife Chronicles II - written by author: Jennifer Snow**
- women’s fiction
- murder mystery novel
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Book Club Reporter - Spotlight on Author: Jennifer Snow
Today’s episode is part of my Spotlight on Author Series. And today the spotlight is on author, Jennifer Snow.
- Jennifer writes sweet romances and women’s fiction.
- In this podcast episode, Jennifer Snow tells readers a little about herself and that she also writes thriller novels under the pseudonym: J.M. Winchester.
- Jennifer’s much anticipated book two of her Housewife Chronicles series is due to be published in August 2021.
- Now would be a great time to get your copy of Housewife Chronicles I, and pre-order Housewife Chronicles II.
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Listen to Book Club Reporter Book Review of The Santa Suit - Holiday Fiction - Author: Mary Kay Andrews
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Laura Jay of BookClubRporter and BookPraises - Book Review Alex Michaelides Thriller Novel.
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Laura Jay’s Book Club Reporter and Book Praises Book Review of:
Contemporary Romance Novel - A Lot Like Love
A Lot Like Love - Author: Jennifer Snow
- A Lot Like Love, is Book One of the new Blue Moon Bay book series.
- Book 2 of the series is set to be available in October 2021.
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Action-Thriller Novel - A Caller’s Game by Author J.D. Barker - Book Review by Laura Jay.
- Listen to my book review of this amazing action-thriller novel from author, J.D. Barker.
- A Caller’s Game is fun, irreverent, clever, addictive and wicked smart!
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Book Club Reporter Spotlight on Author Series - Melinda Leigh
Hello gentle readers. Welcome to Book Club Reporter Book Reviews Podcast. I’m your host and Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay.
While this is season 3, episode 5 of my book review podcast, today’s episode is also the first episode of my new Spotlight on Author Series.
And before we get started be sure to read all my book reviews, book news, book club reading lists and more at bookclubreporter.com and now you can find additional book reviews by me on BookPraises.com. That is the sister podcast website for BookClubReporter.com. So, bookclubreporter.com and bookpraises.com.
And you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Just take a look at the show notes for this podcast for all the info and links.
Okay, today I am so happy to turn the very first Book Club Reporter Podcast Spotlight on Author: Melinda Leigh.
Melinda is a number one Amazon Charts, and a number one Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Ms. Leigh has sold over a whopping ten million books. And she is still writing more as I speak.
Thank you so much for joining me today for this Spotlight on author episode. I really appreciate you stopping by and listening to my feelings about the books I read, and about the authors I love.
I hope you have enjoyed this book review podcast episode and my book club reporter podcast show. And if you did, feel free to buy me a cup of coffee. Just click the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes of this podcast episode. Thanks in advance for your kindness. You are very much appreciated.
Thanks again for listening, see you next time.”
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Steamy Romance Novel - Crossroads - Book Review by Book Club Reporter
Love and Betrayals Book Series:
- Beginning - Book 1
- Betrayed - Book 2
- Crossroads - Book Three
Though connected, each book can be read as a standalone.
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**The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon
Reviewed by Laura Jay at BookPraises.com:*"This poignant ethereal story is nothing less than an outstanding literary masterpiece! As I slowly approached the close of the epilogue, I felt shivers all over my body.” -Laura Jay, BookClubReporter.com and BookPraises.com*
Publisher’s Book Description
- From the New York Times bestselling author of The Invited and The Winter People comes a chilling new novel about a woman who returns to the old family home after her sister mysteriously drowns in its swimming pool…but she’s not the pool’s only victim...
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**Moments Like This Romance Book Review
Moments Like This is a Clean and Modern Romance Story written by Anna Gomez in Collaboration with Kristoffer Polaha.**
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Provoked To Kill Book Review by Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay.
- Provoked To Kill - written by Judy Buch
- Suspenseful
- Captivating
- Murder Mystery Novel
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Unfaithful - Psychological Thriller Novel Book Club Reporter Book Review
Here is Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay’s book review of: Unfaithful, a psychological thriller, contemporary fiction novel written by Natalie Barelli.
“Psychological thriller fans will undoubtedly relish this faced-paced story. “ - Laura Jay, Book Club Reporter
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The Silent Wife: The Will Trent Series Book 10. Author: Karen Slaughter "I was quickly drawn into the Silent Wife. And even though I have not read the earlier books in this series, I was mesmerized by this crime thriller. I am now a Karin Slaughter fan and can’t wait to read more of her novels.” - Laura Jay, Book Club Reporter
Excerpt - Publisher Book Description:
Atlanta, Georgia. Present day. A young woman is brutally attacked and left for dead. The police investigate but the trail goes cold.
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Dead-End Detective is A Piper and Porter Mystery from Hallmark Publishing and written by author: Amanda Flower. The genre is listed as mystery & thrillers. I’m describing it as a cozy mystery.
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Be My Reason - Contemporary Christian Romance
Christian Romance Be My Reason is an enjoyable Romance Novel written by author, Brooklyn Taylor.
Publisher’s Book Summary of Be My Reason by Brook Taylor
Wyatt Galloway has a lot of things going for him in his life, but a woman is not one of them. He is focused on his career as a sheriff, setting his goals high for promotion. He has zero intention of falling in love with a woman, that is until he meets Breigh. Sweetness and beauty are not something he normally falls for, but she has him weak in the knees despite his resistance.
Having had her heart broken, Breigh has sworn off men and wants to concentrate on being happy. Career driven and busy, she doesn’t bother with a social life and has given up finding the fairy tale that she’d hoped for.
- Until … she is in the right place at the wrong time.
- Wyatt and Breigh are two people wanting love but insistent on not looking for it until they meet each other.
- Will either of them let it in?
- Is it worth fighting for when someone tries to take it away?
- Can a person you fall for truly be the REASON or just a season?
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Welcome to Book Club Reporter Book Reviews Podcast. I’m your host and Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay.
This is Season 2, Episode 27 - I may have indicated Episode “26" in my recording, but it is actually Season 2, Episode 27.
In today’s Book Review I will talk about Housewife Chronicles by Jennifer Snow. I will also take a look back at All The Lovely Pieces written by J.M. Winchester, which is a pseudonym for Jennifer Snow.
Housewife Chronicles is a dark comedy with a hint of mystery and a focus on unlikely female friendships.
- Visit me on BookClubReporter.com for lots and lots more book reviews!
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John DeBoer has written an intelligent and compelling spy thriller. Deep Cover is an absorbing and action-packed story. DeBoer makes the reader think. Deep Cover is an exceptional thought-provoking read.
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In today’s Book Review I will talk about:
- Book 2 of Melinda Leigh’s Bree Taggert detective book series.
- Book 1 is Cross Her Heart
I love the Bree Taggert book series because the characters are so real and life-like. Author Melinda Leigh is a master of characterization.
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Betrayed Book Two - Love and Betrayals Romance Series
Earlier this year I podcasted my book review of a first book in a series, brought to us by author, Nora Edington. Beginning is the title of Book 1 in the Betrayals Romance Series.
Now… after reading both books in this series, I can tell you Book 2: Betrayed, can stand just fine on its own, meaning you don’t actually have to read Book 1 to enjoy the story in Book 2. However, if you haven’t picked up a copy of Book 1: Beginning, I suggest you get both books now. Because, honestly, why would you want to miss out on any of the sensual desire and arousing fun found in the “Beginning?”
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of studious Jenny and successful businessman Ray. The beguiling and passionate relationship between the beautiful and chaste young woman, and the skillful and fascinating older man is simply irresistible! Oh… and I should mention that Jenny is over the age of consent. And if you’re reading these two books, you should be too.
Okay, now for my thoughts about Book 2. In Betrayed, the author fills us in a little about what occurred in Book 1. And this is accomplished by occasionally taking a look back at the past, and bringing the reader up-to-date with the characters in their current situations. I have been anxiously awaiting Book 2, and Betrayed did not disappoint me. Just as in Book 1, the author expertly paces this scintillating romance and presents readers with believable and passionate characters.
Based on the title: Betrayed (and all that word implies), I fully expected to see the relationships formed in Beginnings to be tried and tested. So what happens next in Book 2? You’ll have to read Betrayed to find out… And if you are like me…you may find y yourself looking forward to a Book 3 in this series. Oh…But wait! … Will there be a Book 3? I’ll be sure to keep a look out and let you know if there is a Book 3 on the horizon.
Believe it or not, while I was recording this book review podcast episode, the author told me that, YES, there will be a Book 3 in this Love and Betrayals Romance Series! YAY!
Oh I want to be sure to mention the following disclosure provided by the author:
“This book was published two years ago as the “Betrayed Love” under the name of R. James. Since then, the story was completely rewritten and re-edited. If you already read this book, I thank you and hope you have enjoyed it.” -Nora Edington
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Thriller Novel Pretty Things written by author Janelle Brown
- Author, Janelle Brown has penned an intricate story that kept me on the edge!
Pretty Things is an engrossing page-turner novel for me! Normally, I choose an audiobook version of a novel so I can listen and fall asleep. I usually set the sleep timer on fifteen or thirty minutes. How did that work out for me with Pretty Things? Quite frankly, it did not work out at all. On the contrary, Pretty Things kept me awake!
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A Fatal Fiction Fun Cozy Mystery is a fun murder mystery! I found the main character, Mikki, to be quite engaging. Mikki is a retired school teacher who lives with her Calico cat, that she calls Calpurnia. Mikki spends much of her free time editing books. Mikki loves a good mystery, so when someone in town is murdered, she is on the case. Mikki is entirely serious about solving the mystery of who committed the murder of Greg Onslow. I found myself chuckling over Mikki’s plans and schemes. However, it’s how Mikki physically carries out her plans that is both dangerous, yet hilarious in some ways!
A Fatal Fiction is exactly what it should be, an entertaining and fun cozy mystery. Yes, please forgive us cozy mystery fans. We just can’t help loving a witty story with a murder wrapped up inside. Now if only Columbo could have carried off some of the physical feats Mikki accomplished in her quest to figure out who killed Greg Onslow. And that is exactly what I’m not going to tell you, who killed Greg Onslow. You’ll have to read the book to find that out!
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Anna Bruno’s debut novel, Ordinary Hazards, is a quietly stunning story. Bruno has penned this poignant story, not unlike a powerful train slowing down to go through a long dark tunnel. As this proverbial train moves slowing through the tunnel it eventually emerges on the other side. It is now free to continue its journey. Ordinary Hazards is the story of Emma, a successful businesswoman in New York City. Emma is on a lonely emotional journey. Her journey will take her back to a small town in upstate New York. It is the town where she met and married Lucas. I find myself wondering if Emma will make it through her own dark tunnel and emerge on the other side.
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The Night Swim is an engaging mystery thriller, written by author, Megan Goldin. I particularly loved the podcast aspect of the story. Since I podcast my book reviews, I was thrilled to read about how, The Night Swim author, Megan Goldin, handled the main character/true-crime podcaster, Rachel Krall. Rachel is dedicated to making her fairly new podcast a success.
- Thanks so much for listening!
- To read lots more book reviews, or to get the book, visit me at BookClubReporter.com
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Shocking Tell-All Instant New York Times Bestseller!~
Nothing General About It How Love And Lithium Saved My Life
- Nothing General About It - How Love (And Lithium) Saved Me On And Off General Hospital written by daytime TV General Hospital star, Maurice Benard.
- Maurice is a wildly popular daytime star of General Hospital. He portrays the character of Sonny Corinthos, who suffers from manic-depression.
- Emmy Winning General Hospital star Maurice Benard has written a shocking tell-all
- Instant New York Times Bestseller!
- In his emotional account of his life, Maurice Benard, offers intelligent insight into the struggles that come with mental illness. In this poignant memoir, Nothing General About It How Love (And Lithium) Saved Me On And Off General Hospital, Maurice brings not just honesty, but the cold hard facts about living with bi-polar disorder. And to his credit, Maurice also provides useful, if not, critical mental illness facts and contact information for those who may be struggling.
Mr. Benard also stars in the movie: The Ghost and the Whale, which I believe is available for streaming. The Ghost and the Whale, is a powerful story in which Maurice portrays the main character, who suffers from bi-polar disorder and whose life is in utter disarray. However, as it turns out in real life, Maurice has lived his own personal life battling bi-polar disorder.
**Note from Laura Jay:
Buy the Book & Get the Audiobook Too...Here's why:**
I can tell you from my own personal experience, listening to Maurice tell his story in his own relaxed voice is amazing! You will feel as though he is speaking to the listener as a friend. All of his emotions are there. Maurice recounts his heartfelt reactions to life events, including several deaths of loved ones and friends. However, Maurice also cheerfully shares some funny and entertaining stories of his life. As you listen, you will hear the tone of his emotional and heart-felt feelings.”
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**Astounding Debut Novel!
Alone In The Light is brilliant story-telling at its best!**
- Benjamin Bass has written an astounding debut novel. Alone In The Light is much more than a book...it's a deeply moving, personal experience from which you must recover.
- Benjamin Bass brings to his readers, complex characters of depth.
- I believe Alone In The Light has the magnificent potential (and dare I say, the power) to bring the characters, as well as the readers, “together in the light!”
- The story of Alone In The Light is told from the perspective of characters, Josh Carpenter and Mary Fischer. Josh is affectionately referred to by the men in his National Guard unit as, “Big Sarge.” Mary is also in the military and meets Josh in Indiana. Everything is pretty much copesetic. Then Josh’s unit, and Mary, are moved from Indiana and stationed in Camp Wolf, Kuwait.
- Let's not minimize the strong message in Alone in the Light. Our VA has failed our military veterans for decades. If our veterans don’t deserve our help, then who does?
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Beginning is a beautifully well-written story. And it has the potential to affect readers emotionally. The characters have strengths and weaknesses with which many readers may identify.
In Nora Edington’s novel, Beginning, we learn Jenny was sheltered by her parents. Now she is a lovely nineteen year old woman. Jenny is an intelligent young woman. At nineteen years old she is diligently studying to take exams for medical school. Yes, Jenny possesses both beauty and brains! Yet, other than one boy who she does not like, Jenny has virtually no experience with boys, never mind men.
But Jenny’s friend, Leah, has invited Jenny to spend the summer with her at a lakeside cottage. Out by the lake, Leah and Jenny meet two handsome brothers, Gary and Ray. Gary is a bit rough around the edges, which makes him a pretty good match for Leah. Ray, however, becomes instantly taken by the sweet and lovely Jenny.
When Jenny meets Ray, her life as she knows it begins to change. The shadow of naivety begins to disappear as a stunning array of light begins an awakening. This older man, Ray, is not only gorgeous, smart, and successful. He is smitten with Jenny. He quickly recognizes her inexperience. Ray begins to woo Jenny. Jenny is receptive to Ray's advances.
The characters in Beginning are well-drawn and engaging. At times you may dislike Gary, but then he may redeem himself by letting his guard down and allowing us to see another, better side of him.
Edington provides us with just the right amount of conflict/resolution/conflict to keep this story moving and on track. Edington skillfully paces the progression of Jenny’s carnal education with Ray. While the author has developed Ray as a sexy hunk of man, we get to see who he really is through his growing love for Jenny. I thoroughly enjoyed Beginning.
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Looking for a fun little romance, you just got lucky!
In this chick-lit short story, Lucky Suit by Lauren Blakely, twenty-something Kristen Leonard, doesn't have a significant man in her life right now. Kristen has had the misfortune of agreeing blind dates arranged for her by her grandmother. Needless to say, none of the dates turned out to be winners.
Kristen is a confident and intelligent woman. Math is Kristen's strong suit. At night, she enjoys peering at the stars and constellations through her telescope. Kristen lives in a condo next door to her grandmother, who's still looking marvelous in her skinny jeans! While they have a great relationship, Kristen is not interested in any more setup dates arranged by Grandma. But not so fast! Grandma still has a few tricks up her sleeve.
Lucky Suit, began as an Audible Original Only short story. But now Lucky Suit is Book One of Lauren Blakely's Sexy Suits Book Series, and in addition to audio book, Lucky Suit is now also available in Kindle, paperback, and audio CD.
Lucky Suit is a quick, fun romance read. The relationship between Kristen and her grandmother is refreshing. But now Kristen has to sort out her feelings between Mack and Cameron. And that might turn out to be a bit tricky indeed.
For the full book review and/or to buy the book: Click here
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**My Way To You - Creek Canyon Book 1 - Author: Catherine Bybee
Book Club Reporter - Book Review** My Way To You is the spectacular beginning of a new book series by Catherine Bybee, Creek Canyon, Book 1. This book is a women’s fiction novel about college age, Parker Sinclair. A devastating wildfire wreaks ruin upon her family’s land. And the passing of their parents, has left Parker to take on the responsibility of raising her younger siblings.
My Way To You is a fascinating novel highlighting the inner strength of a young woman who leaves college in order to raise her younger siblings and manage her parents’ property. This is also the captivating story of a young woman’s inner strength, in the face of seemingly unsurmountable obstacles, to accomplish more than she ever dreamed. To paraphrase from the publisher’s description: “The last thing Parker needs is a mudslide destroying everything she has worked so hard to maintain.”
Parker has her work set out for her. As the reader, we are gripped by Parker’s admirable determination to succeed. But soon we are dismayed Parker’s obstinacy might be her undoing, as she is steadfast in her ways. Colin Hudson, the public works supervisor, tries diligently to lend a hand to Parker. Yet, she is distrustful and doesn’t make it easy for Parker to help her.
My Way To You is an absorbing story of a young woman’s determination to succeed. However, the story of Parker also brings something important to the forefront. There are times when accepting help from others, may be the wrong thing to do. However, sometimes it is the only right thing to do. And knowing the difference is essential, if not crucial.
I highly recommend My Way to You as a fabulous women’s fiction novel. I am greatly looking forward to the next book in this series.
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The Grace Year - Author Kim Liggett - Book Review PodcastThe Grace Year - YA Fiction Novel. Kim Liggett has written a completely absorbing young adult, YA fiction novel with an amazing feminist story! I was completely absorbed by The Grace Year, which is set to become a film.
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One Little Secret Book Review
One Little Secret is a murder mystery thriller novel of suspense and reminiscent of the popular Peyton Place series from way back when. Susan decides to invite her new neighbors to join her and her husband, Nadal for a short summer getaway in the Hamptons. Susan is hopeful that she and Nadal will become closer friends with the two couples joining them at the beach house. Unfortunately, Susan’s balloon will land pretty quickly when one of the women in the group is found murdered.
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Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay, Special Message to Listeners/ReadersHello fellow readers. Thank you so much for listening to my book review podcast. Today I began a book review of Cate Holahan's book, One Little Secret. But then, I guess the spirit hit me and instead this podcast episode is a special message from me to you all.
Not to worry, my book review podcast episode 13 - One Little Secret has been published.
-Laura Jay
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Murder She Wrote - Murder In RedThis is my first ever reading of a Murder She Wrote novel. While I am life-long fan of Angela Lansbury’s film career, I have only watched a couple of Murder She Wrote tv episodes. I very much enjoyed those Murder She Wrote tv episodes. However, I wasn’t sure, without the delightful Angela Lansbury performing on my tv screen, how reading this book would pan out.
But as it turned out, just like a great Murder She Wrote tv series episode, I very much enjoyed Murder She Wrote, Murder In Red. Jon Land’s writing in Murder In Red, brought Jessica Fletcher and all the other characters to life for me in living color. I can’t tell you how many times I smiled while reading, as I felt like I could literally feel the character of Jessica Fletcher, coming to life…and to me, she looked just like Angela Lansbury. The dialogue for Jessica and the rest of the cast of characters was written so expertly by Jon Land, I felt as though I was watching a great Murder She Wrote tv movie.
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The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax
The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax is a women's fiction novel. The story provides us with an inside view of the lives and careers of four women writers. Wendy Wax touches on the seriousness of how authors must sacrifice and work hard to succeed in the highly competitive book publishing arena. However, regardless of the seriousness of the subject matter, The Accidental Bestseller turned out to be a nice summer read for me.
The Accidental Bestseller is about four women writers who met some years ago at a writer's conference. Each woman is from a different part of the country, and their lifestyles are diverse as well. Regardless of their differences, these four women, Kendall, Tanya, Mallory and Faye became fast friends and have remained so over the years.
Wendy Wax captures the real-life struggles experienced by many aspiring writers. The Accidental Bestseller storyline revolves mostly around the life of Kendall Aims. While Kendall has enjoyed a fairly successful writing career, she is now struggling with a bad case of writer's block. And as if that isn’t enough to make any writer miserable, Kendall's marriage is sinking fast! And she fears her writing career is going down with the ship.
I really enjoyed The Accidental bestseller. First and foremost, it is a story of women supporting women. And that in itself makes this a timely story of how a group of diverse women, each acting according to their own belief system can change the life of another woman. In the case of the Accidental Bestseller, I believe the actions of the four friends changed all their lives for the better. However, they each learned a hard lesson from the experience. Let’s face it, by its very definition, sacrifice is not easy.
If you are curious of what Kendall, Tanya, Mallory and Faye actually did together. And if you want to know how it all turned out, I suggest you read The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax.
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Lying Next to Me by Gregg Olsen – Book Review
Suspense mystery thriller, Lying Next to Me, is a page turner right from the start! Anxious to figure out what happened to Sophie, a woman with a husband and a three-year old daughter, I rock 'n rolled right through this book.
Author Gregg Olsen opens his novel, Lying Next to Me, with a short, but interesting and foreboding, tale of the female giant Pacific octopus. I actually read the octopus tale twice to try to figure out why I needed to know about this octopus.
Adam and his wife, Sophie, were spending Memorial Day weekend in a cabin by the beach. Sophie was relaxing alone on the beach while Adam and their little girl, Aubrey, were out on the water crabbing from a row boat. All was tranquil and calm until Adam heard Sophie screaming. Adam looked toward the shore to see a man dragging Sophie across the sandy beach as he and Aubrey watched helplessly from the row boat.
Only one elderly man, with failing eyesight, saw what happened to Adam’s wife. Sophie was kidnapped in broad daylight. She was taken right out in the open on the beach where her husband and daughter had watched helplessly from the row boat.
The local law enforcement arrived on the scene, but there wasn’t much to go on. Detective Montrose and his female partner, Lee, began working the kidnapping case. We learn that Adam and Lee had actually known each in the past. Adam had been a buddy of Lee’s older brother when they were all kids growing up in the same small town. Lee felt a strong desire to solve Sophie’s case. She was driven because of her connection to Adam, and she had another reason as well.
When I reached the end of Lying Next to Me, I went back and re-read the part about the giant octopus. This time, I only had to read about that scary octopus one time. Now, it all made sense. This is my third Gregg Olsen mystery thriller book and it did not disappoint. Lying Next to Me provided plenty of twists and turns to keep the momentum of the story moving forward at a quick pace. If you've read other Gregg Olsen books, you'll love Lying Next to Me. If this is your first Gregg Olsen book, you'll love Lying Next to Me.
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The Giver Of Stars - Historical Women’s Fiction written by Jojo Moyes
The Giver Of Stars - Book Club Reporter Book Review
Historical women's fiction lives inside the pages of this marvelous book written by the talented and outstanding author, Jojo Moyes. I suppose many well-read women will find it hard to believe, but this is my first Jojo Moyes read. However, those same women will find it quite easy to relate to me when I say, “As soon as I finished reading this story, I quickly picked up all of the books in Moyes’ Me Before You trilogy.” I feel as though I have come way late to the Jojo Moyes readers party. All I can say for myself is, better late than never!
I thoroughly enjoyed Moyes’ story based on the Kentucky pack-horse librarians. And if you are also a Jojo Moyes fan, you may be surprised at how different this book is from other books by Moyes. Don’t get me wrong, The Giver of Stars is an outstanding piece of literature. I have learned that Moyes has an exceptional talent for writing women characters of depth. She depicts women in all their glory, and in all their misery as well. This author boldly brings us intelligent and marvelously strong women.
In the Giver of Stars, Moyes presents us with a wide array of women from various levels of education and intelligence, as well as women who are rich, poor, savvy, innocent, backward, sweet, forward-thinking, different, and downright tough. And by golly, the packhorse librarians make it their mission to bring books to those who have no access to literature. I really loved it when the packhorse women, were told by men, that Sophia, who is black, was not allowed to "use" the library. The women quickly replied that Sophia, was not "using" the library, on the contrary, she was "working" in the library.
But just because these women are determined to do good by women less fortunate, doesn’t mean that they look down on those same women. For me, The Giver of Stars is a story about watching a sisterhood of women come together to grow and flourish. And an old saying comes to mind, “If I could, I would give you the stars.” In the Giver of Stars, the growing sisterhood of women are determined to be “the givers of hope, love, friendship, strength, and courage, along with the tools to make a difference for all women. What a glorious and marvelous book Jojo Moyes has written. She is surely a Giver of Stars!
Note: As soon as I finished reading this story, I quickly made it the next book club selection for my women's book club. And how much they loved it, was no surprise to me! I highly recommend this book for women's book clubs.
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**The Accident - Well-Written Thriller Novel - Powerful Story
The Accident - Gillian Jackson - Book Review**
The Accident emphasizes how everything we know, and how we live, can change in one tragic moment. This dramatic story captured my attention right from the beginning. As the story unfolds, the requisite time is taken to provide readers with well-drawn characters with whom we can identify.
- A terrible winter storm precipitates a terrible accident with serious repercussions for those involved, and for those whose love them as well. The Accident will pull on your heartstrings. And in aftermath of the accident, there will be physical and emotional agony.
- As in all serious accidents, there is an effort to uncover the facts of how and why the accident occurred, and on what, or whom, the blame should be placed. But regardless of where the blame may fall, time cannot be turned back. The tragic results of the accident cannot be erased. All that is left after the accident are the challenges that come with the fortitude to go forward. And the biggest challenge may be to dig deep inside one’s self. In order to take that first step, one must first find the effort to cope and go on with life as it is in the present.
- The Accident is about tragic trauma, yet it points the way to hope of survival and the dream of being able to rise above heart-breaking adversity.
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The Accident - Publisher Book Description:
- One moment can change a lifetime… England, February 2018 ‘The Beast from the East’ – a deadly combination of below-freezing temperatures, torrential rain and flurries of snow – has swept across the British Isles.
- Most people are merely inconvenienced by it, but for some, the deadly storm will change their lives forever. With the icy conditions on the roads making navigating rush hour more perilous than ever, it only takes a moment for an accident to occur.
- Hannah Graham wakes up in hospital, suffering a life-changing injury – but she has no memory of the crash. Joe Parker escapes the accident but the person he loves most is not so lucky. Alan and Cassie Jones receive the worst news a parent can imagine a few hours after the collision.
- Three families have been affected, but who was to blame? As they struggle to piece their lives back together, can anything good come out of something so devastating?
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What You Wish For is an emotional and heartfelt story. The characters are so realistic, you may feel you as though you know them. Katherine Center takes readers on a poignant journey, then brings them back home with tears of joy. In fact, finding joy in life is an integral part of this engaging story.
If you’re already a Katherine Center fan, you are bound to love What You Wish For. If you've never read a Katherine Center, now is a good time to get started.
Much like other novels written by this author, What You Wish For is a wonderful women’s book club selection. I know this to be true because my women’s book club just loved How To Walk Away and Things You Save In A Fire, both written by Katherine Center.
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**DARK MATTER INTRIGUING SCIENCE FICTION STORY NOVEL
Dark Matter is an intriguing science fiction story. Author Blake Crouch and narrator, Jon Lindstrom, take us on a high-speed expedition through quantum physics and alternate lives, and one you will likely never forget.**
- Dark Matter is an engaging story having to do with Quantum physics. I certainly cannot say I understand how the theories work, or if any of the theories are sound. But, I can say that some parts of the theories do tie in with things I have wondered about over the years.
- So, I decided to take a little quantum leap of my own when I downloaded and listened to the Dark Matter audiobook. Thus, I began my trip through the story of Jason Dessen’s quantum journey where he is nagged by the question that precipitated his strange quantum sojourn: “Are you happy with your life?”
As the Dark Matter story begins, Jason is kidnapped at gun point and drugged. And the next thing Jason knows, he is on a quantum leap through his life where he encounters various versions of himself.
- For those of you like me, who have minimal knowledge in that area, but enjoy the idea of quantum leaps and what that might entail, Dark Matters might be just the ticket to imagine a quantum journey through various versions of your life…and what might have been.
I loved Dark Matter. I was totally engrossed in Jason’s story. The audiobook was narrated by Jon Lindstrom, who I understand is a talented actor who has enjoyed quite a successful career in daytime television.
- Mr. Lindstrom has a smooth and pleasing voice with which he expertly portrays Jason Dessen, along with all the other characters in the story. I found Lindstrom’s narration of Dark Matter to be nothing less than superb.
All in all, I found Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter to be an emotional, yet a fun, fast, and furious adventure through quantum physics.
- If you decide to read Dark Matter, and, if you would enjoy the feeling of being completely immersed in a story, I highly recommend listening to the audio version of Dark Matter.
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Exciting Thriller Novel Last One to Lie by J.M. Winchester
Okay, let’s talk about Last One to Lie the Exciting Thriller Novel written by J.M. Winchester. Last One to Lie grips readers instantly! The story begins as a mom (Kelsey Jennings) returns from her yoga class, to the daycare facility where she left her little girl just a few hours ago.
Kelsey quickly becomes distraught as she is told her little girl is not at the daycare and never was at the daycare. I don’t know about ya’ll, but if I left my child at daycare and was later told my child was never at the daycare, I’d be losing it every which way but loose.
- Last One to Lie thrill-ride hurtles readers through this intense fast moving story. Kelsey Jennings, is coming apart at the seams as she waits for police to arrive at the daycare.
- As you might imagine, it is terribly difficult for Kelsey to collect herself as the police arrive on the scene. With frayed nerves, she struggles to provide the pertinent details to assist Detective Paul Ryan, and a rookie police officer, with information to find her daughter, Mikayla.
- And it doesn’t help matters that the daycare staff continue to insist Mikayla was never there. To further inhibit the search for Mikayla, Kelsey’s husband is also nowhere to be found.
To say Last One to Lie is a thrilling page-turner is an understatement. This psychological thriller keep you on the edge of your seat, and on your toes all at the same time! I absolutely loved the twists and turns!
- As the suspense builds, readers will begin to realize much of what they think they know isn’t what it appears to be. That doubt and uncertainty drives the suspense to a fever pitch.
- There’s a lot going on in Last One to Lie. The plot thickens! J.M. Winchester expertly provides details to help readers fill in the blanks. And I’m not about to provide any spoilers! And the author is also careful not to prematurely provide too much information, too soon. Last One to Lie is a unique puzzle of a story.
- Readers will notice that there are no chapter titles in Last One to Lie. Not including chapter serves to build the suspense of the story. The fact that some of the puzzle pieces are missing here and there, just adds to the challenge of solving this mystery.
- Last One to Lie is full of mysterious questions to which the answers continue to elude readers. I found Last One to Lie to be an engaging and unique story. Last One to Lie, is an intriguing thriller-mystery that kept me on my toes and turning the pages fast and furious.
Last One to Lie follows J.M. Winchester’s 2019 debut thriller novel: All The Lovely Pieces.
- J.M. Winchester also known as Jennifer Snow. Jennifer is a successful and accomplished romance writer. And as J.M. Winchester, Jennifer is quickly establishing herself as a talented thriller writer as well.
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When You See Me is a detective/police-procedural crime thriller novel, written by Lisa Gardner. Lisa is a No. 1 New York Times Bestselling thriller novelist.
You can click here if you would like to purchase When You See Me.
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On The Road For A Cause
You may also find additional pertinent information hereregarding Lisa Gardner's On The Road For A Cause tour dates and locations. Lisa is an advocate on behalf of at-risk children and the Humane Society.
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Trespassing is an Amazon Charts bestselling mystery novel of psychological suspense. Veronica Cavanaugh is a young mother who follows a dangerous path to find her missing husband.
- Veronica’s grasp on the world is slipping. Her most recent fertility treatments have been unsuccessful, leaving Veronica teetering on the edge of her sanity. And, Veronica’s three-year-old daughter, Elizabella (Ellie-Bell), has a new imaginary friend. But, Ellie-Bell’s make-believe friend seems more devilish than playful, and perhaps, a little too real.
- When Veronica’s husband doesn’t return home from his latest business trip, what’s left of her frayed nerves begins to unravel.
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Hands Up is a disturbing story of Tyrell, a young black male, who was shot and killed by Ryan, a white rookie police officer. This premise alone is enough to invoke feelings of anger, sorrow and guilt.
- The author Stephen Clark does a fine job bringing to the reader an engrossing gripping story of racism and injustice. The readers is almost immediately faced with the fact that Tyrell was unarmed, at the time he came into contact with the police officer, Ryan and his older/senior partner, Greg. Hands Up brings to the reader an all too realistic story of another young black male’s shocking and unwarranted death.
- Hands Up is reinforces the shock and grief felt by citizens of a country that was formed on the basis of freedom and equality. And the people of this country are constantly confronted, and literally bombarded, with similarly tragic, and completely avoidable deaths of black men. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that racism is somehow (yet inexplicably to me) still alive.
- I am writing this book review within just a couple of weeks of Martin Luther King Day. I feel in my heart that this country is sorely in need of another man such as the great Dr. King. Martin was the man with a dream shared by black citizens of this country. And that same dream, I am sure is, shared by disenfranchised people everywhere.
- In my lifetime, I have witnessed great changes in this country. I feel proud to be employed in a workplace that sets a good example of how a company free of discrimination empowers its workforce. But, as a country, we still have much work to do towards true equality.
- Hands Up is a compelling story. The characters are realistic and ring true. And while the murder of Tyrell is tragic, the reader is confronted with not just tragedy, but with anger, distrust, hate, and racism. Hands Up serves up a compelling story that will make you think. And hopefully, it will also make us act.
- As the adoptive (and Caucasian) parent of three children of another race, it is my hope that we can all share the same dream as Martin Luther King. We the people are afforded the right to make decisions and choices. Let us go forward in making the right ones, the ones that will ensure freedom and justice for us all.
Hands Up is a very good "five-star" read with a gripping and authentic story.
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Get ready to sit by the fire wrapped in a warm blanket and be swept up into An Unwanted Guest murder mystery by Shari Lapena. As weekend guests begin to arrive at a secluded mountain inn, run by James and his son Bradley, a winter storm soon graduates into a full-on blizzard knocking out the electricity.
Even so, the romantic inn set in a lovely wooded area in the Catskills, seems just right for a relaxing getaway. The guests are checked in as they arrive and led to their lovely mountain inn rooms. There's a library stocked with books, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, a well-stocked bar, and even an "Ice Bar" outside on the grounds of the inn.
Ah, what could be any better than this for a delightful winter retreat?
Laura Jay, Book Club Reporter
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On Canaan's Side is an Irish cultural historical-fiction novel, written ever so beautifully by its author, Sebastian Barry.
When I suggested reading On Canaan’s side to my friends, a few of them weren’t sure this story was one they would enjoy reading. And I can understand their hesitance. I say this because for me, there is great sadness in this story of Lilly Bere, a young Irish woman who is forced to flee Ireland in fear and haste.
I finished reading On Canaan’s Side nearly a year ago, yet the story of Lilly Bere stays with me. In preparation for this podcast episode, I went back and re-read the first chapter and that alone, flooded my heart all over again with all the emotion invoked by initial reading of the book.
On Canaan's Side, led me to question and contemplate my own feelings as well as my perspective on life. And, for me, that is a meaningful take-away from this moving story.
I enjoyed the audio version of On Canaan's Side, as narrated by Wanda McCaddon. Wanda immerses you into the story with her beautiful, authentic Irish brogue. But I came to appreciate the speed control provided by audiobooks. I highly recommend On Canaan’s Side. This story is beautiful literature written by a talented author, Sebastian Barry. On Canaan’s side is truly worth a read.
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The Other Woman Psychological Thriller Book Club Reporter Book Review
- Author Sandie Jones knocks it-out-of-the-park, with her debut novel, The Other Woman.
- Emily Havistock is a leading recruitment consultant. She’s also a self-assured and determined business woman.
- Emily strives to be the best at what she does. One day, while attending a business conference Emily, meets Adam Banks.
- Adam is quite handsome and he, is much more than just his good looks. Emily and Adam are quickly drawn to each other. And soon, Emily feels Adam might just be the right man for her.
- As they grow closer, Emily desires to meet Adam’s mother, Pammie.
- As Adam’s relationship with Emily progresses, Pammie proceeds to launch a diabolical mission of psychological assaults on Emily!
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Megan Abbott - Die A Little - Book Review - Podcast
I loved Die A Little so much, I put it on my monthly Book Club list. I am thrilled to say that my book club members loved reading Die a Little as much as I did.
I am very much looking forward to reading more books written by Megan Abbott. In fact, Give Me Your Hand is next on my Megan Abbott reading list.
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Psychological Thriller Snow Creek - Book Review Podcast
Snow Creek is a tense, psychological thriller novel. Gregg Olsen introduces us to a new character, Detective Megan Carpenter.
Megan is a complex woman with a past. But she is also a determined sleuth who doesn’t back down. In spite of her own troubled mind, Megan won’t turn loose of this complex case until she exposes who’s innocent and who’s guilty of the violent murders.
I totally enjoyed this gripping thriller! The suspense in this skillfully written murder mystery kept me turning the pages of Snow Creek. Lies and secrets abound and the well-drawn characters provide the reader with strangely curious and thought provoking situations.
When it comes to twists and turns, Olsen does not disappoint! Snow Creek is full of twists and turns and a bit of the macabre.
Undoubtedly, we will be reading more about Detective Carpenter in the future. I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.
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Cast Iron by Marilyn Todd pub date Oct 1, 2019
This was my first reading of a book written by Marilyn Todd. After reading Cast Iron, I would love to go back and read the first book in this series, entitled: Snap Shot. Both Snap Shot and Cast Iron take place in England, circa 1895.
I can say, even though Cast Iron works just fine, as a stand-alone story, I will first provide a little information from the first book, Snap Shot.
As a young widow in London, Julia McAllister supported herself by taking risqué photographs. Unfortunately, when her models began dying, Julia was being framed for their murders.
And here’s some info from the publisher’s book summary describing this book series as :
- “A brilliant new Victorian mystery series you won’t want to miss!”
- “For fans of Sherlock Holmes, Anne Perry, Elizabeth Peters and Victoria Thompson.”
- “Julia turns from murder suspect to England’s first crime scene photographer…”
As Cast Iron begins, we learn that Julia has apparently moved on from the problems she faced in Snap Shot, and is ready to move forward with her life. In fact, at this moment, she is ready to board a train out of town and into a new life!
Ah! But, before you can say, “All Aboard,” Julia finds herself right smack in the middle of...
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Diane Chamberlain is the gifted writer who brings us this compelling story in her latest novel, Big Lies in a Small Town. Ms. Chamberlain expertly intertwined the characters and the lives of two young women, Anna Dale and Morgan Christopher.
I truly enjoyed reading Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain. The mystery of why Morgan was chosen to restore Anna Dale’s 1940 mural was compelling enough for me to keep right on turning those pages. And I felt like I even learned some things about art restoration processes.
The racial aspect of the story and the divisive issues related to prejudice, including prejudice against women, are handled adeptly by the author and that all works to make Big Lies in a Small Town a must-read novel. And I very much appreciate how this original storyline, presented a solid depiction of not only racial prejudice issues, but of the prejudice against women and the "Me Too" movement as well.
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The Illness Lesson by Clare Beams
The Illness Lesson is quite different from the books I have been reading of late. However, I think I knew that going in. The story begins in 1871, and takes place at the farm owned by Samuel Hood.
Samuel is a philosopher/teacher. Along with his daughter, Caroline (who is a teacher) Samuel plans to create a school for young women to teach them in the same way as boys are taught. This plan to facilitate the intellects of young women seems a commendable endeavor, especially if we consider the historical time period in which the story takes place.
As a strange flock of red birds arrives at the farm, The Illness Lesson seems to morph into something like a transcendental journey. While Samuel views the unexpected birds as a good omen, Caroline is not so sure.
One by one, the young women begin to develop symptoms of unknown illnesses, and Caroline, although older than her students, also began to display symptoms of a mysterious illness.
SPOILER ALERT – Okay there are some spoiler’s in this Podcast. I have placed a very clear Spoiler Alert Warning in the podcast, so you will know when to stop listening if you don't want to hear spoilers. Then after you have read The Illness Lesson, you can come back and listen to the rest of the podcast.
I highly commend, author, Clare Beams for the Illness Lesson. In today’s “Me Too” society, women are finally standing up and speaking out. The Illness Lesson points out how social pressure, and/or social acceptance of abhorrent behavior, can cause victims to allow personal violations.
My hope is that the Illness Lesson will encourage more writers to write stories covering similar important "Me Too" issues. As women (and men), we want to be sure that everyone hears and understands as much as possible about this serious and criminal subject matter.
The Illness Lesson made me angry. I hope it makes you angry too. I suppose we need to get angry in order to stop the madness. So, while the Illness Lesson has made us angry, we must use our intelligence and our humanity to affect change and to be sure the guilty are punished according to the law.
Book Review Podcast by Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay
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Book Club Reporter Book Reviews is presented to you by me, Laura Jay. In this episode, present my book review of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, written by Gail Honeyman.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a poignant story of a thirty-year old woman. Eleanor lives a lonely life, works in a small office and is friendless. Although, we do not how it happened, one side Eleanor's face is badly scarred.
This story is heartrending and touching. At times it may you cry, yet at other times, it may make you laugh out loud. And if you have ever felt socially awkward, out of place or different from everyone else, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a great book to read.
Read the full book review and all my book reviews at BookClubReporter.com
I would like my readers and listeners to know, in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman has written an insightful and touching story. I find myself at a loss for words, to express how much I have fallen in love with Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
Oh! If you think you've heard something about this book before, that's probably because Reese Witherspoon is reported to be one of the producers of the Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine feature film.
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I Will Make You Pay is a gripping psychological thriller expertly written by author, Teresa Driscoll. This suspenseful mystery will keep you guessing.
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Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay
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The Other Gloria Psychological-Thriller Novel
- The Other Gloria is an emotional and addictive Psychological Thriller novel written by L.A. Villafane. This outstanding novel is not only surreal, but it is a frighteningly realistic story as well.
- In the first chapter of The Other Gloria, Gloria, is driving a car, careening down a dark highway blinded by oncoming headlights. In her confused state, Gloria sees that she is covered in blood, yet she cannot find any cuts or wounds. With a pounding pain in her head, she pulls the car over and seems to be hyperventilating. Gloria soon realizes that she has experienced another memory lapse.
- Gloria, a mother of two sweet daughters, has suffered through degrading instances of disgusting verbal, psychological and physical abuse at the hands of her husband, Charles. Personally, I believe there are no words to describe highly abusive people. I believe that most of them have suffered some form of abuse in their lives which manifests itself in violent behavior. Unfortunately, it’s just this type of belief that may cause some partners/spouses to be overly sympathetic and understanding of abusers in their lives. I’m not suggesting that abusers don’t deserve some understanding and sympathy. However, it is when the abused begin to make excuses for the abuser, because they love them and want to help them, that they become trapped in the situation. And that is when they, other family members and even others, may find themselves squarely in the line of danger.
- If you are familiar with the cycle of abuse, then you know that even when the abuser becomes contrite, it won’t be long until the next abusive cycle begins. And in many situations the abuse escalates and becomes more dangerous, more injurious and even fatal. In The Other Gloria, the abuse follows just as I have described. Regrettably, Gloria has been through so many of Charles’ abusive cycles, that her inner mind has stepped in for self-protection. The author, L.A. Villafane, has skillfully depicted the cause (in this case) as well as the presentation of dissociative disorder along with its symptomatic behaviors.
- Due to her dissociative mental disorder, Gloria is experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity. She escapes reality in ways that are involuntary, unhealthy and cause problems with functioning in everyday life. And yet, Gloria is managing to raise two children and is a loving and caring mother. But she soon begins to realize that she has no memories of certain time periods of her life. And that is where the Other Gloria begins.
- I left out all the particulars of Gloria’s two darling daughters, her mom and dad, and Rick, a new man who came into her life. And when exactly did Rick come into Gloria’s life? Oh now, you will have to read the book to find out.
- The Other Gloria was an unputdownable read for me. I was impressed with the authenticity of the writing. And I highly recommend The Other Gloria to r
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Meet Me in Monaco is lovingly written by the team of bestselling author, Hazel Gaynor, and historical novelist, Heather Webb. Meet Me in Monaco begins in May 1955. The London Herald has just printed a news article written by senior fashion editor, Angeline West. All the stars are out in Cannes for the eight annual Film Festival. Hollywood’s darling, Grace Kelly, is one of the loveliest stars in Cannes this year. Each chapter of Meet Me in Monaco tells the story via the alternating points of view of Sophie Duval, James Henderson and Angeline West (via her news articles).
Financially-strapped perfumer, Sophie Duval, is also in Cannes running the Duval perfume boutique. Following the death of her father, Sophie has worked long and hard to carry on the family perfume business. Modern perfumes are now being produced faster and cheaper with chemical ingredients. The fragrant ingredients used to make Duval’s unique perfumes are derived from flowers cultivated on the family-owned land.
As a talented perfumer, Sophie insists on the continued quality of Duval perfumes. She has learned everything she knows about making perfume from her father. However, Sophie has developed her own expertise at creating just the right scents for customers based on their personalities and interests. Sophie is a master perfumer in her own right.
Unfortunately, with her being father gone for a number of years, times are tough for Sophie. Duval’s company finances are a mess. Sophie is beleaguered by the probability of losing both the land and the business.
James Henderson, is a news photographer. His daughter Emily lives with her mother and step-father. James to see Emily as much as he can. On assignment, James is covering the Cannes Film Festival. During the festival, Sophie has chance meetings with both Grace Kelly and James. While working during the Cannes Film Festival, James chases Grace into Sophie Duval’s boutique. Sophie effectively thwarts James’ attempt, by hiding Grace. This bad news for James, as his job on the line. He desperately needs some good shots of Grace Kelly. James leaves the boutique with Sophie’s business card. Grace was grateful to Sophie.
James attends a news photoshoot for Miss Kelly’s “first meeting” with Prince Rainier. That day resulted in a chance meeting between Grace Kelly and James Henderson. Grace catches a whiff of a lovely scent. James hands her Sophie Duval’s perfume-scented business card. This happening sets the tone for the rest of Meet Me in Monaco.
Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco fall in love and become engaged. James and Sophie were able to spend only a little time to get to know each other before James returned to London.
April 1956: The Royal Wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco! Grace would soon be known as Princess Grace of Monaco. Will Sophie be invited to the wedding? Will James Henderson be covering the wedding for the Herald? Will Grace Kelly wear a Sophie Duval fragrance at her wedding? Will James and Sophie find each other again?
I enjoyed reading Meet Me in Monaco. I was completely caught up in the story of Sophie, James and Grace Kelly. Meet Me in Monaco was a “I can’t turn the pages fast enough” book for me! I was enthralled with Grace Kelly and amazed at how seamlessly her persona was blended her into the story. With only words on paper, the authors painted an amazing portrait of a lovely woman with a beautiful soul, Grace Kelly.
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**Thirteen Across - Action Novel - Action-Packed FBI Thriller
Quote:"Katherine be mindful of origins and the clock. The puzzle is greater than riddles and pain. The quest for truth is not for the faint at heart. Survive if you can." Thirteen Across Book Review:**
- Hang on for a terroristic rollercoaster ride! Thirteen Across is an action novel, and an FBI thriller adventure, hurtling readers through Washington, D.C.
- FBI Special Agent Kate Morton somehow manages to survive her early morning railway commute after the commuter-packed train is bombed and derailed. Philip Barnes, a government lab rat, is the domestic terrorist responsible for the bombing. Philip’s super power is extraordinarily high intelligence. Kate soon discovers the evil-minded Barnes is hell bent on revenge and has thrust her into a frantic race against time to solve a cryptic crossword puzzle (with a violent solution) before the stroke of midnight.
- Kate is determined to thwart Philip’s plan and she is quick to accept that she cannot accomplish this goal on her own. The Thirteen Across storyline flies towards midnight at a hurried pace. The crossword puzzle, and its possible solutions, takes the characters through the nation’s capital city searching for victims in churches, underground tunnels and more. Barnes’ high-tech weaponized autonomous/driver-less vehicles travel the city undetected.
- Thirteen Across reads like an action-packed spy movie. I can just picture Jennifer Garner as Katherine Morgan. And I can see Kate's team of strange bedfellows, with Steve Carell as William Shortz, a NY Times crossword editor/master crossword puzzle solver, and Gal Gadot as Rachel Pratt, whose super power is self-healing. I can imagine all three of them in Thirteen Across scrambling at a frenzied pace to save lives and prevent disaster.
- I found Thirteen Across to be unputdownable. The storyline is an original page-turner with plenty of plot twists to keep it moving ever forward to its ultimate conclusion. And yet when the story ended, it left me yearning for a great action-packed sequel. And I think that's outstanding! If you like action adventure novels, I believe you will love Dan Grant’s Thirteen Across!
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How to Start a Book Club the Right Way
Today, let’s talk about how to start a book club.
So, if you are listening in today, I will assume that either you have recently, and possibly for the first time, created your own book club,
Or maybe you are in the planning stages of creating a new book club, and you are wondering how to make a success of it.
Well if that’s the case, good for you, because it does take some careful planning to make your book club a success.
Can I guarantee your book club will be a success, heck no! We are dealing with people, so kind of like a rodeo, anything can happen.
And today I am onlytalking about actual in-personbook club groups and notvirtualbook clubs. And I am only talking about a reading group that you plan to lead.
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The Silent Patient written by Alex Michaelides.
The author has delivered a psychological thriller with twists and turns that leave the reader truly surprised! Without giving anything away, I can say that there will come a moment in The Silent Patient when you will say, “What the …? Hmm ... I did not see that coming! If you’re tired of reading thriller books with predictable endings, this book is for you.
Alex Michaelides has written a well-crafted suspense novel. All the praise surrounding this smart, authentic psychological thriller novel is well deserved. The last time I looked The Silent Patient was on the New York Times bestseller list for over six months! The Silent Patient has an intricate and skillfully written plot. Alex has expertly woven together well-developed characters, along with the twists and turns thriller fans love. And by doing so he has created a special gift that will excite and please thriller fans everywhere! I highly recommend the The Silent Patient for psychological thriller fans.
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Things You Save In A Fire Book Review Podcast by Book Club Reporter - Laura Jay
About The Author - Katherine Center
- In addition to her latest book Things You Save in a Fire, Katherine Center is also the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of How to Walk Away which is novel reviewed on my website: BookClubReporter.com. And I will create a podcast for How to Walk Away in the near future.
Katherine Center has also written five bittersweet comic novels about love and family, including:
- The Bright Side of Disaster
- Happiness for Beginners
- And, The Lost Husband, which went into production in 2018, as a feature film, unfortunately I was unable to find a release date at this time.
Things You Save in a Fire
A Story About Letting Go and Learning to Begin Again
In this "good for the soul" story, fans of How To Walk Away will fall in love with female firefighter, Cassie Hanwell. Cassie is an intelligent and capable young woman following her dream to be successful at what she loves. And what Cassie loves is firefighting. At fire station eleven in Austin, Texas, Cassie can pretty much do everything the men firefighters can do…and sometimes even better.
While twenty-six-year-old, Cassie is tough, strong and determined, she is also carrying a couple of gigantic emotional scars. Her mother, Diana, left Cassie and her dad on the evening of Cassie’s sixteenth birthday. In addition, it soon becomes clear, Cassie is suffering the memory of an unspeakable occurrence in her past, the nature of which we have yet to learn. Everyone deals with adversity in their own way. Cassie’s coping mechanism seems to be the development of a stoic and tough exterior. She doesn’t believe in love. And when it comes to her mother, Cassie has no forgiveness in her heart.
With Captain Harris, an African-American female, in charge at the progressive Austin fire station, the amount of flack that Cassie might be subjected to from male counterparts, is virtually non-existent. However, that might change as Cassie is faced with moving to Massachusetts, to help out her ailing mother.
As fate would have it, Cassie lands a job with an all-male fire station in Lillian, Massachusetts. To make matters even worse, Cassie learns the Lillian fire station doesn’t want a female firefighter. They are only taking her on because they are desperate. Warned by Captain Harris, back in Austin, Cassie has a good idea of what she can expect from the Lillian fire station male crew.
When Cassie arrives for her first day at the Lillian fire station, she is welcomed with anything but open arms. She quickly realizes she will need to heed the tough advice of Captain Harris. That advice, in a nutshell, is don’t dress or act like a woman, and whatever a man can do, make sure to do it better. Cassie recognized that she was now a part of a fire station where she would be ignored, excluded and resented; and that no amount of hard work on her part would matter. The first thing Cassie learns on her first day on the new job is that being fifteen minutes early, means you’re half an hour late. The second thing she discovers is, Captain Murphy, of the Lillian fire station, proclaims meetings by announcing: “Attention, please. There’s a stripper at the kitchen table.”
As Cassie settles into her new job, she does her best to fit in. She is a pro and an outstanding firefighter. When faced with obstacles, Cassie creates methods and techniques to accomplish the tasks as well as, if not better and faster than the men. Ah, but Cassie is not the only new firefighter in Lillian. A rookie firefighter started work the same day as Cassie. Everyone calls him "The Rookie" and not by his actua
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Mother Knows Best is an extraordinary psychological thriller! Completely captivated by the story, I was frantically flipping the pages from start to finish.
Talented fertility doctor, Robert Nash, and his attractive and younger, over-achieving scientist/assistant, Jillian, have developed a unique technique to help prospective parents avoid passing down certain genetic mutations to their children. The main concept at play here is a, still mostly hush-hush, procedure of creating a child with three parents.
Kudos to author, *Kira Peikoff, for expertly writing Mother Knows Best with just enough clinical detail for lay people to grasp the medical concepts and the scientific technology. I never felt like the medical/scientific details were over my head or overwhelming.
Claire and Ethan Abrams lost their eight-year old child to a genetic mutation inherited from Claire. While Claire and Ethan are both hopeful that someday they may have another child, they differ on how to make that happen. Ethan prefers to hold out hope that he and Claire have a chance to have a healthy child. He has it in his mind that they will love the child regardless of any health issues.
Claire, on the other hand, is searching for any new techniques that will guarantee her a healthy child who should have every opportunity to live a normal healthy life. Claire and Ethan have been advised that there is a more than likely chance that any child they bring into the world will have the same genetic mutation as their late son, Colton. The death of Colton, deeply affected Claire. Her heart and her now fragile mind hold out no hope of ever having a healthy child. Claire understands the reality of her situation. She knows that she cannot contemplate bringing another child into the world only to watch it slowly deteriorate and die an early death.
I very much enjoyed how each character is a uniquely fascinating personality. With multiple viewpoints battling for what they each believe is right and fair, the tension in Mother Knows Best is nerve-racking. Let’s face it, if the main characters in this story decided to agree to disagree, we wouldn’t have such a tension-filled and emotionally-charged story in Mother Knows Best. Even ten-year old Abby has a mind of her own. She’s like a little Captain Marvel with the physical and emotional energy to plan out her own objectives and successfully carry them out to fruition. But not even Abby can triumph every time.
Mother Knows Best is an extraordinary novel! I was totally invested in this story as evidenced with how fast I was turning the pages! Even the cover grabbed me before I even had a chance to open the book. I was mesmerized by the red-haired braid that is twisted across the book cover—like the twisted strands of DNA.
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*I erred in the spelling of the author's last name in the podcast audio. The correct spelling is Peikoff.-Laura Jay
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Another You - A Story About Letting Go and Learning to Begin Again - Author Jane Cable
Romance love story-women’s fiction Another You is a haunting love story made up of many “moving parts.” The story is one of historical-fiction, romance, family-drama, and is mostly focused on Marie, the protagonist. Marie lives in a small building that also houses the seaside pub she runs alongside her husband, Stephen, and their teenage son, Jude.
Jude is a budding young artist faced with making the all-important decision whether to follow his dream, or to take what others see as the safer and more sensible route. And Jude is in love with a girl who has not yet told her parents about him. While Marie and Stephen remain married on paper and continue to run the business together, their marriage has gone by the wayside.
The storyline of Another You takes on some serious issues such as mind-numbing migraines, abusive relationships, post-traumatic stress disorder, futile relationships, as well as the emotional stress and anxiety that accompanies the realization of imminent divorce. It seems the greatest factor holding Marie back from living her best life— is a serious amount of fear-based avoidance behavior.
Take heart dear readers, Another You is also a story about friendship, budding new relationships, romance, young love and mature second-time around love. It’s about acceptance—letting go and learning to begin again. The characters are brought to life through courage, anticipation and hope for a better tomorrow.
With so much going on, readers may tend to feel Another You is a great deal like real life...it is! Much like the jigsaw puzzle featured in the story, Jane Cable spreads out the puzzle pieces of the story, then sensitively assembles all the pieces of Another You with loving care. I highly recommend Another You as a moving and complex love story. I would so love to read a sequel to Another You.
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**Hello, Welcome to Book Club Reporter - Book Review Podcast This is Episode 3, dated September 1, 2019. And I’m your host, Laura Jay.
Today I am bringing you my book club reporter book review of All the Lovely Pieces written by author, J.M. Winchester (and you may already be familiar with this author, as she also writes romance novels as Jennifer Snow). But, All the Lovely pieces is not a ‘happy-ever-after” romance novel. All the Lovely Pieces is a chilling and an unputdownable, psychological thriller suspense novel.**
- All the Lovely Pieces is the intensely gripping story of Drew Baker. Drew has been badly beaten by her husband, Adam. And that fateful night was not the first time. As it turns out, Adam is a serial abuser and his form of abuse knows no bounds. But Adam is also a powerful billionaire business man. I would go so far to say that Adam “takes no prisoners,” but, actually, that wouldn’t be true. In fact, Adam is holding his pregnant wife, Drew, prisoner at home.
- With no explanation, Adam seizes the newborn baby boy from Drew, as soon as she gives birth to him. He takes the baby down the hall and places him in the nanny’s arms. The nanny, Catherine, understands that Adam expects her to take care of the baby, because according to Adam, Drew is mentally disturbed. And that is exactly what Adam tells everyone who comes into or around his palatial home. As a powerful billionaire, it seems that no one questions his words.
- Drew is shocked that her baby was taken from her. Desolate and bewildered, Drew remains a prisoner locked in her room. There are no words to describe the desperation and emotional state of this battered, imprisoned mother who isn't allowed to bond with her baby. Nearly anything and everything Drew says to Adam earns her another battering.
- Finally, when an opportunity presents itself, Drew seizes the moment and escapes with her baby. But her escape isn't pretty...and it isn't without violence. Drew's memory of how she escaped on that frantic day is blurry. But, now Drew is on the run as not just as a kidnapper but as a murderer too. And although her recollection of that struggle over her baby is as clear as mud, Drew believes she may well have committed murder during her escape. With the belief that Adam will never stop searching for her and his son, Drew is living life on the run with her son Michael. She moves them frequently, afraid to stay anywhere for too long.
- After nine years of running, Drew moves them to the small town of Liberty. I couldn’t help wondering if the town, Liberty, might hold a more positive future for Drew and Michael. And things do start out pretty well for them. Drew finds herself almost ready to believe that she and Michael actually have friends, yet she continues to live her life consumed with fear. Drew is determined that once she accomplishes what she believes she needs to do in Liberty, she and Michael will once again move on. It becomes crystal clear that Drew lives an anxiety-filled life with little hope for a better future.
- All the Lovely Pieces is told from the viewpoints of Drew, Michael and Catherine (the nanny). And we begin to put the pieces of the past together mostly through the viewpoints of Drew and Catherine. While Michael's viewpoint contributions are brief, we learn enough to be concerned for him. Drew has kept all the terrible details of the past from Michael. She told him his father passed away. But as Michael gets older, he has more questions in his mind about why they are on the run. And he wants to know more about his father.
- All the Lovely Pieces propels us through the story on an intense, unstoppable and emotional rollercoaster ride. It’s impossible to actually want to put down this all-consuming story. But, be ready as this story does involve the serious
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Hello, welcome to Book Club Reporter - Book Review Podcast. This is Episode 2, dated August 31st, 2019. And I’m your host, Laura Jay. Today I am bringing you my book club reporter book review of Haunting Paris, written by author, Mamta Chaudhry.
Oh! And be sure to check out all my book reviews, reading lists and more on: BookClubReporter.com, and you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram too.
- But right now, I invite you to sit back and relax, as I review Haunting Paris. Haunting Paris is a sensitive and heart-wrenching romantic historical novel, and the evocative story line enhances the narrative. From the onset, readers will welcome the characters as each one struggles to overcome the reality of the powerful and disturbing events that take place. The characters become caught up in a mission to discover their own individual, personal truths. The American, Will, longs for a different kind of life. While Isabelle must learn to accept he0r husband, Julian, has left her for Sylvie, a younger woman. Sylvie will become driven to discover the meaning behind a mysterious note left behind by her lover, the now ghostly, Julian.
- The author, Mamta Chaudry, expertly creates an accurate setting derived from World War II German-occupied France history books as well as her imagination. The cast of characters is well-rounded, especially the forlorn ghost, Julian. However, it is the grieving, ever-faithful and determined, Sylvie, who spellbinds the reader as she diligently works to solve the mysterious fate of her deceased lover’s sister and nieces. Loaded with emotion, fans will not want to put down this haunting romantic historical history novel.
- The author has written Haunting in such a way to immerse the reader into “City of Light,” Paris. If you’ve ever been to Paris, Haunting Paris will tug lovingly at your memories. If you’ve never been there, Haunting Paris will have you planning your first visit to the extraordinarily endearing city. To quote Ernest Hemingway, “There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris.” That being said, I believe that Haunting Paris is a beautiful and eloquent valentine gift from the author to the city of Paris.
- So, here’s my personal take on this deeply moving debut novel from Mamta Chaudry. Haunting Paris is a memorable and unique telling of the abject horrors of the Nazi occupation of France. While the story is set in 1989 Paris, the mystery of the missing child takes us on an incredibly emotional journey back to the 1942 streets of Nazi-controlled Paris. The reader is helpless to stop the massive tragedy in which Jewish men, women, and children are rounded up and exterminated as part of the Nazi murderous policy known as the Final Solution.
- I believe Haunting Paris is one of many stories that must be retold time and time again. Every generation should know the horror of what happened, and understand that it should never be forgotten. As human beings we must learn from the mistakes that history provides to us. We should be as the ghost in Haunting Paris, “And now I consider my new state with a similar doubleness, observing how as I am slowly being absorbed into the past, the past is also being absorbed into me.” Let us remember together. And let us never forget. Haunting Paris has deeply affected me and will stay with me forever.
- I hope you will read Haunting Paris soon. The world is changing so fast! Just think, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral (which, of course, was mentioned in Haunting Paris) was burning on April 15, 2019.* We all saw the videos of the raging fire and huge plumbs of smoke engulfing the Parisian sky. I myself have never been to Paris, but I had just f
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Book Club Book Review Women's Fiction Romance Novel
Book Club Reporter Book review of the 2019 women's fiction romance novel, The Year I Left written by author, Christine Brae.
- In The Year I Left, Carin Frost has a great career and a ten-year-old son. Her husband is a stay-at-home dad, leaving Carin to act as family bread-winner. Carin works long hours to stay successful and feels the pressure of knowing her family depends on her income.
- Carin seems to be on-the-fence about where her marital relationship is headed…and/or whether or not it fulfills her as a woman. On top of that, Carin’s mother has recently passed away. To add insult to injury, Carin’s beloved dog dies. And if you are an animal lover, you can probably understand how that might, quite literally, be the straw that broke the camel’s back.
- At this point in her life, Carin seems to be emotionally adrift. Although there is no actual financial issue, Carin simply stops paying the bills. She just keeps working and pretty much nothing else. It is now clear that Carin is breaking down mentally and feels alone and bereft. She is under extreme emotional pressure and is in trouble. Carin loves her son. But her feelings about her husband are mixed. I would say she loves him, but not in the way she should. And, to me, it does not appear that he even realizes how far gone Carin is at this point. He's not a bad guy...just probably not the right guy for Carin.
- In the midst of Carin’s overwhelming emotional distress, Matias comes into Carin’s life. Matias is a man who, much like Carin, is feeling family pressure. His prominent, wealthy family expects him to marry the woman to whom he is engaged. However, he is not in love with his fiancé and does not want to marry her. Matias is completely taken with Carin and begins to pursue her. Carin and Matias go on a business trip together on the other side of the world. Tragedy strikes the area, with Carin and Matias caught up in the panic. It is within these tense moments that Matias presents Caring with a life-changing choice. And in that very moment, one that may never present itself again, they make a heart-wrenching decision to grab on to life with all that they have.
- It will take all the sensitivity the reader can muster to understand the things that come next in The Year I Left. The deep impact of Carin's decision is driven across the world, like a giant wave moving from east to west, growing ever stronger, bringing bad news to her family— crashing over them like a devastating tsunami. In order to truly understand The Year I Left, the reader must come with an open and non-judgmental mind.
- I hope the author will not mind if I share with my readers what she said to me about The Year I Left: "This story is ours—Every wife and mother who has somehow lost herself along the way." I agree that Carin is lost. And the question here is, will Carin find a way to find herself? Can she become her true self? Will she stick with the decision she made in a moment of extreme stress? My answer is: Read on gentle readers...read with an open heart...read with the understanding we reserve solely for those we love without limits.
- The Year I Left storyline affected me deeply. There is so much more to say about The Year I Left, but that is better left for the reader to discover and explore. The Year I Left is suffused with quandary and emotion—overwhelming indeed. I can't say for sure what you will think and what emotions you will feel, as you read The Year I Left. What I can promise you is, you will think, and you will feel. And after all, is not a great story one that makes the reader think and feel?
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