Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

REVIEW: The Girls At 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib

17-Swann-Cover-Art
BOOK INFORMATION
Genre: Women's Fiction
  • Hardcover: 384 pages

    • Publisher: St. Martin's Press (February 5, 2019)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1250202442
    • ISBN-13: 978-1250202444

    Synopsis: Yara Zgheib’s poetic and poignant debut novel is a haunting portrait of a young woman’s struggle with anorexia on an intimate journey to reclaim her life.  

    The chocolate went first, then the cheese, the fries, the ice cream. The bread was more difficult, but if she could just lose a little more weight, perhaps she would make the soloists’ list. Perhaps if she were lighter, danced better, tried harder, she would be good enough. Perhaps if she just ran for one more mile, lost just one more pound.
    Anna Roux was a professional dancer who followed the man of her dreams from Paris to Missouri. There, alone with her biggest fears – imperfection, failure, loneliness – she spirals down anorexia and depression till she weighs a mere eighty-eight pounds. Forced to seek treatment, she is admitted as a patient at 17 Swann Street, a peach pink house where pale, fragile women with life-threatening eating disorders live. Women like Emm, the veteran; quiet Valerie; Julia, always hungry. Together, they must fight their diseases and face six meals a day.

    Every bite causes anxiety.  Every flavor induces guilt. And every step Anna takes toward recovery will require strength, endurance, and the support of the girls at 17 Swann Street.


    Review: This book nearly broke my heart on more than one occasion. It begins with Anna being brought to 17 Swann Street, a recovery facility for girls with eating disorders. The author gives us an amazing insight into the lives and mindsets of all the girls, but especially Anna. We experience her ups and downs as she struggles with the idea of having to gain weight back that she has worked so hard to lose. We get flashback glimpses into Anna's life before her illness, as well as present-day narration of the day to day events in the house and occasional clinical notes from her medical team. 
    Each of the girls she meets in the house has a story to tell and a different demon to fight. Not every story has a happy ending. Even Anna's story realistically remind us that eating disorders can be a lifetime battle. 

    Rating: Four stars

    About the author
    Yara-Zgheib-Author-Image-credit-Helen-KaramYara Zgheib is a Fulbright scholar with a Masters degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University and a Ph.D. in International Affairs in Diplomacy from Centre D'études Diplomatiques et Stratégiques in Paris. She is fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. Yara is a writer for several US and European magazines, including The Huffington Post, The Four Seasons Magazine, A Woman’s Paris, The Idea List, and Holiday Magazine. She writes on culture, art, travel, and philosophy on her blog, "Aristotle at Afternoon Tea" (http://www.aristotleatafternoontea.com/).


    Saturday, January 19, 2019

    30 DAYS TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE (30th anniversary edition) by Max Anders #biblein30days #flyby


    BOOK INFORMATION
    Genre: Christian/Bible Study and Reference
    • Paperback: 400 pages
    • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 23, 2018)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0785216189
    • ISBN-13: 978-0785216186

    Synopsis: If you've ever confused the ark of the covenant with the ark of Noah, or Jericho with Jeroboam, Max Anders' classic book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, is for you. In just fifteen minutes a day, you'll learn the Bible's key people, events, and doctrines to get more out of God's Word. This simple-to-use, straightforward guide has been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for thirty years, and now it's available in an expanded thirtieth-anniversary edition—with the most requested topics from the original edition restored and updated for today's readers.

    Features include:
    The “Arc of Bible History” to help you visualize the Bible’s overarching themes
    The “Story of the Bible” summarizing Genesis through Revelation in just a few pages
    The core beliefs of the Christian faith, focusing on the teachings that have united Christians for the last 2,000 years
    A 13-week plan that provides teacher’s every creative and effective tool for teaching the Bible in 30 days 
    Fan-favorite bonus content, previously removed, now restored from the original edition


    Find out more at the website: Bible In 30 Days
    30-Day-Meme-v1


    Review: While this book is designed so that it can be used by an individual over 30 days, taking only 15 minutes per day, there are other ways it can be used as well. For instance, I am using it with a Bible study group as an addition to our regular weekly study, covering one day per week. There are charts to fill out and questions to answer as you go along. That helps you to really take in the information. If you go to the website, there are also downloadable resources to use with a group.
    The book is divided into multiple sections:
    Section 1: The Story of the Old Testament

    Section 2: The Story of the New Testament
    Section 3: Ten Great Doctrines of the Bible
    Section 4:  NanoSummary of the Bible
    Section 5: How To Master the Bible So Well that the Bible Masters You
    Section 6: Teaching Plan
    Section 7: Bonus Chapters

    This would be a wonderful book for any Christian to read/study, whether you are new to the faith or have been a believer for years. The language is simple, without being "dumbed down," and it answers many of the questions I've had for years.

    Rating: Five stars

    About the author
    max-anders
    Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books, including the bestselling 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, and is the creator and general editor of the 32-volume Holman Bible Commentary series. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor.  Max provides resources and discipleship strategies at www.maxanders.com to help people grow spiritually.

    Monday, December 3, 2018

    BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: Attorney At Paw (A Chrissy the Shih Tzu Mystery) by Diane Wing


    BOOK INFORMATION
    Genre: Cozy Mystery
    • Paperback: 188 pages
    • Publisher: Modern History Press (September 20, 2018)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1615993967
    • ISBN-13: 978-1615993963
    • ASIN: B07HR3TP7Y



















    Only Chrissy, a cute little Shih Tzu, can unlock this mystery! 

    Autumn Clarke survived the car crash that killed her parents. To help her cope with PTSD, she adopts Chrissy, a Shih Tzu with a remarkable secret. Chrissy is also the only witness to the mysterious death of her pet parent. Autumn vows to find the truth behind his death with the help of Chrissy, the neighbors, and an attractive detective. Can Autumn unravel the clues while trying to heal Chrissy's trauma and overcome her own devastating emotional wounds in the midst of a dangerous murder investigation?

    Review: Chrissy is the most unusual cozy mystery character I have ever had the pleasure to meet in a book--she has an amazing talent which aids her new owner, Autumn, in solving the murder of her former owner, attorney Gary Martin.
    Autumn is an interesting character as well, as she is grieving the loss of her parents and has PTSD from the accident which took their lives. The author does a wonderful job of describing her panic attacks and other issues.
    Most of the other characters are very likable, and I look forward to seeing all their relationships grow and change throughout the series. There were two characters, Anna and Fran, whom I disliked from the very beginning. They are cruel, greedy and totally despicable.
    There is a sneak peek of the next book at the end of this one, and it sounds like it will be another thrilling adventure.

    Rating: Four stars

    Available to buy from...

    From Modern History Press 
    www.ModernHistoryPress.com

    “Chrissy the Shih Tzu may be the cutest sleuth on the job, but don't let that button nose fool you—it's perfectly able to sniff out a killer with a little help from her human friends. Great start to a fun new series!” ~ Sheila Webster Boneham, Author of the award-winning Animals in Focus Mysteries 

    “Diane Wing does an excellent job of showing readers just how animals can communicate with us through images and actions when we are tuned into their frequency. Through the relationship between Autumn and Chrissy, Wing also shows the importance of therapy animals and how much they can help those who need them. Add in a sweet romance to the intrigue of the mystery and you've got a book that you won't want to put down.” ~ Melissa Alvarez, Intuitive, animal communicator and author of Animal Frequency and Llewellyn's Little Book of Spirit Animals 

    “Diane Wing has created a wonderfully endearing little character in Chrissy the Shih Tzu. It really shines through that the author is an animal and dog lover. I can see these books quickly becoming a cherished addition to the cozy mystery genre.” ~ J. New, author of The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries

    About the author

    Author, teacher, and perspective changer Diane Wing, M.A. enjoys exploring the mysteries of life and the way that people experience themselves and the world around them. A phenomenologist at the core, Diane uses a variety of techniques combined with discovering unique patterns experienced by her clients to reveal a deeper understanding of the self and to shift their perspective enabling them to move past obstacles that keep them stuck.


    Wing's books create a transformational experience for the reader while incorporating a bit of the unexpected. Many say that her fiction has a sense of Karmic justice rendered within the realm of the unknown and that her non-fiction brings about a heightened awareness of the self and the world to enhance understanding of our own internal transformations.

    Diane Wing is dedicated to helping people get grounded and trust themselves so they can live a peaceful and fulfilling life of joyful self-expression. She inspires others and teaches them to safely tap into the energies around them to turn anxiety into tranquility. Her clients are those who are ready to stop struggling in their personal life so they can feel their best.

    Wing sees connections between things that seem disparate to others and can help you see their significance in your life. She's an idea person who helps you shift your perspective to see yourself and your life in a whole new way and is a master at bringing magick into the everyday. She wants to live in a world where people feel inspired and motivated to evolve beyond their current way of being. As a Perspective Changer and Blockage Buster, she's a wiz at helping people find their Inner Magick to help them be happy in the present while creating their ideal future.

    To that end, Diane Wing created a body of work focused on knowing the self at a deep level in order to build self-trust and self-confidence. Her books, both dark fantasy fiction and enlightening non-fiction, hold lessons based in Universal and Magickal Law and energetic consciousness. Her games, Pathways and Insight Stones®, are systems of metaphysics designed to facilitate self-discovery, develop intuitive ability, and to enhance self-awareness. The emphasis of her school, Wing Academy of Unfoldment, and of her radio show, Wing Academy Radio, helps students and listeners learn ways to take metaphysical and personal development concepts and apply them to everyday life in their own distinct way. It's about going deeper and seeing the patterns of your life.

    According to Diane Wing, "Ever since I was little, the world felt magickal. [Magick with a "k" is used to differentiate the magic of an illusionist or stage magician from the magick that includes your intuitive abilities and tapping into the flow of the Universe). The world was beautiful and mysterious, filled with things to learn and experience. The path led me to become a lifetime student of metaphysics, mysticism, magick, and spirituality and to achieve a Master's degree in psychology...and it all shows up in my writing. You never know what's waiting around the bend.

    "The world still feels magical to me; every act of nature, every energetic exchange, every new discovery is perceived through the eyes of wonder. I now understand that self-knowledge is the key to all magickal operations; the discovery of our own Inner Magick is essential to living in concert with the Universe. We are the Magician, as in tarot, orchestrating and creating life in accordance with our true self."

    Diane is an avid reader, bibliophile, lover of trees, and a lifelong learner. She and her husband are pet parents to a sweet little Shih Tzu.

    Find out more, listen to Wing Academy Radio, and take the Vibrational Quiz at www.DianeWing.com

    Find the author on the following sites...
    Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Pinterest   YouTube   Goodreads   Amazon author page
    Join my community and get full, unlimited access to my perspective changing tool called Pathways and receive my bi-monthly newsletter filled with articles, information, and special offers for those who are ready to see things differently. 

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    I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

    NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY
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    Saturday, February 10, 2018

    BOOK TOUR: The Promise by Sally Jenkins @rararesources

    The Promise Initial Banner
    Book Information
    Genre: Psychological Thriller
    • File Size: 438 KB
    • Print Length: 218 pages
    • Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd (January 28, 2018)
    • Publication Date: January 28, 2018
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1912083981
    • ISBN-13: 978-1912083985
    • ASIN: B078RK6Q8S

    The Promise by Sally Jenkins

    Synopsis: A man has been stabbed. A woman is bloodstained. The nightmares from her teenage years have begun again for Olivia Field – just as she is preparing to marry.

    Ex-convict Tina is terminally ill. Before she dies, the care of her younger, psychologically unwell brother, Wayne must be ensured. So Tina calls in a promise made to her thirty years ago in a prison cell. A promise that was written down and placed with crucial evidence illustrating a miscarriage of justice in a murder case.

    Tina believes Olivia is perfectly placed to provide the care Wayne needs, but to do so, Olivia must be forced to cancel her own wedding and wreck the lives of those close to her. Tina’s terrible blackmail demands put Olivia’s entire future and, ultimately, her freedom under threat.

    The Promise is a fast-paced psychological thriller told from several third-person viewpoints. The novel explores the lengths to which people are prepared to go in order to protect those they love and the impossibility of ever fully escaping our past actions.


    Review: This book is definitely action-packed. Sometimes there is so much going on you wonder how it will all wrap up by the end of the book. And, to be honest, I found that at least one major point was NOT wrapped up by the end.

    The main premise of the book is how far someone would go to force someone to honor a promise made for them years ago. Tina needs to provide for her brother Wayne before cancer takes her life, She decides that Olivia should marry him and provide for him, and she is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it happens.

    The story is very well written and paced, and the characters are well-defined. We get a look into their pasts, their motivations, and their emotions as the story plays out.

    Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys this genre.

    Rating: Four stars

    Sally Jenkins 4About the author

    Sally Jenkins lives in the West Midlands. She is a member of a Speakers’ Club, a volunteer library reading group coordinator, and a church bell ringer. Sally's first psychological thriller, Bedsit Three won the Ian Govan Award.

    Social Media Links –
    Twitter: @sallyjenkinsuk


    The Promise Full Banner 1

    Monday, January 22, 2018

    RELEASE DAY REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: The Social Affair by Britney King

    Title: The Social Affair
    Author: Britney King
    Genre: Psychological Thriller
    Release Date: January 18, 2018 
    In the tradition of Gone Girl and Behind Closed Doors comes a gripping, twisted, furiously clever read that demands your attention, and keeps you guessing until the very end. For fans of the anti-heroine and stories told in unorthodox ways, The Social Affair delivers us the perfect dark and provocative villain. The only question—who is it? A timeless, perfect couple waltzes into the small coffee shop where Izzy Lewis works. Instantly enamored, she does what she always does in situations like these: she searches them out on social media. Just like that—with the tap of a screen— she’s given a front row seat to the Dunns’ picturesque life. This time, she’s certain she’s found what she’s been searching for. This time, she'll go to whatever lengths it takes to ensure she gets it right—even if this means doing the unthinkable. Intense and original, The Social Affair is a disturbing psychological thriller that explores what can happen when privacy is traded for convenience.


    Review: This book is full of dysfunctional characters. Izzy Lewis is obsessed with social media, where she stalks people she admires. She buys clothes they wear, tries fashion trends they suggest, etc.

    Grant and Josie Dunn look like the perfect couple from the outside, but in private things are not so wonderful. They are members of a "church" which is more cult--there are some seriously messed rules the members have to agree to follow, and members are "mentored" (more like monitored) by other members.

    When Izzy meets the Dunns and begins to stalk them, she is drawn in by Josie's social media posts about their happy life and happy family.  The farther she delves into their life, the darker the novel becomes.

    The ending was a TOTAL surprise to me. It left me with a few unanswered questions, but nothing that distracted from my enjoyment of the story. 

    If you enjoy a good psychological thriller, be sure to add this to your reading list for this year!!

    Rating: Four stars



    Britney King lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, children, two dogs, one ridiculous cat, and a partridge in a pear tree.

    When she's not wrangling the things mentioned above, she writes psychological, domestic and romantic thrillers set in suburbia.

    Currently, she's writing three series and several standalone novels.
    The Bedrock Series features an unlikely heroine who should have known better. Turns out, she didn’t. Thus she finds herself tangled in a messy, dangerous, forbidden love story and face-to-face with a madman hell-bent on revenge. The series has been compared to Fatal Attraction, Single White Female, and Basic Instinct.
    The Water Series follows the shady love story of an unconventional married couple—he’s an assassin—she kills for fun. It has been compared to a crazier book version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Also, Dexter.
    Around The Bend is a heart-pounding standalone, which traces the journey of a well-to-do suburban housewife, and her life as it unravels, thanks to the secrets she keeps. If she were the only one with things she wanted to keep hidden, then maybe it wouldn’t have turned out so bad. But she wasn’t.

    The With You Series at its core is a deep love story about unlikely friends who travel the world; trying to find themselves, together and apart. Packed with drama and adventure along with a heavy dose of suspense, it has been compared to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Love, Rosie.

    The Social Affair is an intense standalone about a timeless couple who find themselves with a secret admirer they hadn’t bargained for. For fans of the anti-heroine and stories told in unorthodox ways, the novel explores what can happen when privacy is traded for convenience. It is reminiscent of films such as One Hour Photo and Play Misty For Me. 
    Without a doubt, connecting with readers is the best part of this gig. You can find Britney online here: 
    Web• http://BritneyKing.com
    Instagram • https://instagram.com/britneyking_ 
    Facebook • https://www.facebook.com/BritneyKingAuthor
    Twitter• http://twitter.com/BritneyKing_
    Goodreads • http://bit.ly/BritneyKingGoodreads
    To get more-- grab two books for free, by subscribing to her mailing list at britneyking.com or just copy and paste bit.ly/britneykingweb into your browser. 

    Happy reading.
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    Sunday, November 12, 2017

    BOOK REVIEW: God's Great Love For You by Rick Warren #RickWarren #flyby

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    BOOK INFORMATION


  • Age Range: 4 - 8 years

    • Grade Level: Preschool - 3
    • Hardcover: 32 pages
    • Publisher: Zonderkidz (October 3, 2017)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0310752477
    • ISBN-13: 978-0310752479

    Synopsis: God’s Great Love for You, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author and respected pastor Rick Warren, takes children on a whimsical and heartfelt journey that lets them know God’s love is with them wherever they go. With breathtaking illustrations by Chris Saunders, the simple yet poignant text comes alive as a child journeys to places far and near and discovers God’s great love is perfect, and everywhere, and will never end.

    711

    Review: A very well illustrated picture book with a great message for young children. There is limited text on each page, which makes it easy for beginning readers, as well as keeping the attention of children who are being read to by an adult. The five-year-old to whom I gave this as a birthday gift enjoys reading it and having it read to her. 

    Rating: Five stars

    About the author
    Dr. Rick Warren is pastor, author, global strategist, theologian, and philanthropist. His book The Purpose Driven Life has been called the bestselling non-fiction hardback in publishing history by Publishers Weekly, having sold more than 32 million copies. Warren founded Saddleback Church in 1980 with his wife, Kay. In addition to a 120-acre campus in Lake Forest, CA, the church has fourteen satellite campuses in Southern California and three international campuses. Rick Warren is often called "America's most influential spiritual leader." He and his wife, Kay, founded Saddleback Church in Orange County, California, which is now one of the largest and best-known churches in the world. He also wrote the #1 all-time bestselling hardcover book, The Purpose Driven Life.

    Tuesday, October 3, 2017

    REVIEW: Trick or Treason (Zoe Donovan Mystery #26) by Kathi Daley




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    Book Information
    Genre: Cozy mystery
    Series: Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery

    • Paperback: 258 pages
    • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 26, 2017)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1548558214
    • ISBN-13: 978-1548558215

    Synopsis: As is his tradition, Zak has gone Halloween Crazy, while Zoe is trying to overcome the baby bump blues and harness some enthusiasm for the annual Haunted Hamlet. Things seem to be on track for a Spooktacular good time until Zoe stumbles onto a Halloween mystery even she didn't see coming.

    Review: Another successful novel from Ms. Daley. This is one of my two favorite series from her (be watching next week for my review of the latest release in the other one!).

    In the midst of preparing for Halloween, Zoe discovers another dead body and is determined to discover whodunnit before the holiday. Due to her pregnancy, she is a little more subdued in her sleuthing this time around, which I found to be realistic and a relief--I was concerned that she might continue to be reckless and I'd get frustrated with her!

    This mystery is filled with twist after twist. Every time I thought I had it solved, there were clues to point me in a completely different direction. The reveal was a surprise but in the end, the motive made sense. 

    I'm already looking forward to Zoe's Christmas adventure!!

    Rating: Five stars

    About the author
    91 DWAjd WBj L SY200Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
    Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

    Join her on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).