Beyond the Fall by Diane Scott Lewis - Book Review

Beyond the Fall by Diane Scott Lewis

Synopsis:

Tamara Ledbetter, dumped by her arrogant husband, travels to Cornwall, England, to research her ancestors. A trip first planned with her soon-to-be ex. While in a neglected cemetery, she scrapes two fallen headstones together to read what’s beneath, faints, and awakes in 1789. Certain she’s caught in a reenactment, she fast discovers she’s in the year of the French Revolution, grain riots in England, miners out of work, and she’s mistrusted by the young farmer, Colum Polwhele, who’s come to her aid. Can a sassy San Francisco gal survive in this primitive time where women have few rights? Could she fall for Colum, a man active in underhanded dealings that involve stolen grain, or will she struggle to return to her own time before danger stalks them both?

Review:

Beyond the Fall by Diane Scott Lewis is a fabulous and compelling, time-travel, romance story that readers will revel in. The story follows Tamara Ledbetter who lives in San Francisco and has just gone through a troublesome divorce. She goes to a cemetery in Cornwall, England, to research her ancestors. While there, she rubs two collapsed headstones together and then passes out. Suddenly, she awakes to find herself in 1789 during the French Revolution. A handsome farmer, Colum Polwhele, shows up to help her. He thinks she is a spy, but he isn’t all that trustful himself, as he is a thief and deals in robbing grain. Can this modern woman live in such a primitive setting without all the contemporary amenities that she took for granted? Or will love prevail?

Beyond the Fall is filled with twists and turns as Tamara’s life grows more and more complicated. While danger lurks, she must learn to survive it all, in a time and place that is foreign to her. This story is captivating and full of eye-opening surprises as author, Diane Scott Lewis, weaves a tale that is compelling and engaging. The historical aspects are well researched, written and brilliantly assessed. She takes readers on an adventurous journey as they follow the life of the main character, Tamara Ledbetter. The character development is skillful and impressive. They are well developed with interesting personalities that readers will immediately connect with and relate to. I was intrigued by Tamara’s predicament and whether she would be able to conform to life in 1789, Cornwall, England, or return to her modern day life that she was so used to.

Beyond the Fall is a multidimensional story that all sorts of readers will certainly enjoy. The descriptive writing is fabulous and had me on the scene feeling like I was actually there in England during the French Revolution, the grain riots and the miners that were out of work. The clothing and settings are clearly and vividly described and I was very captivated with it all. I couldn’t put this book down and turned the pages quickly and late into the night. This book will be a favorite for time-travel, romance enthusiasts and Chick Lit Café highly recommends it. It is an original work of fiction written with a unique and extraordinary voice. Diane Scott Lewis is an exceptional writer and I am eagerly looking forward to reading more of her amazing books.

Purchase Beyond the Fall by Diane Scott Lewis @Amazon Here

The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis - Book Review

The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis

Synopsis:

Lily Chaidee was never at home with herself, her family, or her geography, and as a hybrid-Asian growing up in the Texas Panhandle during the 1960’s, she was ill-equipped to face the challenges that would inevitably come. Amarillo, an inhospitable place for an ethnically diverse family, was only part of the problem. Mental illness, sexual predation, addiction, domestic violence, and hypocrisy lay formidable difficulties in her path. But Lily was smart, and smart people often find ways to triumph over horrific circumstances. Even if she could claim her joy, sometimes the worst enemy dwells within. Lily must seek her peace and her place in order to rise above the things that bind her.

Review:

The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis recounts a compelling story that begins with coming of age in the 1970’s when all of the hot topic issues in the news today were minimized and quickly brushed aside. The good ole boy mentality of West Texas perpetuated a culture of hypocrisy and marginalization of both women and minorities. Lily Lewis goes on to weave a exquisitely dark account of the tiny tragedies that a dysfunctional family and toxic community can perpetuate endlessly. The character portrayed evokes powerful empathy and affection  from readers yet causes them to despise her for the destruction she creates.

One of the biggest takeaways from The Last Mermaid Princess is the idea that we are all flawed and fighting our own battle to be the best version of ourselves possible. Being a survivor and overcoming insurmountable odds is a recurring theme that will resonate with most readers. There are messages about the very nature of the human experience. We are not one dimensional beings but complex multi dimensional creatures. The blurred lines between right and wrong, good guys and bad guys, black and white are explored with the idea that there are many shades of gray that color our world. Somewhere in all the chaos, we must learn to not only forgive other but to forgive ourselves.

Lily Lewis has a gift for words coupled with searing honesty and intimate revelations  that will hold readers close throughout the book. Just when something seems too much to bear, the power of the words will carry readers to and through to the next chapter. The story will bring out almost every imaginable emotion and be almost cathartic in the process. I wept, I laughed, and I longed for more when I reached the last page. The way the story is told is almost as important as the story itself. A story that tells the power of grace, the importance of hope, the need for forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Lewis is one of the most evocative and prolific writers I have encountered in some time. The Last Mermaid Princess will take you on a wild ride that will stay with you for a long, long time.

Reviewed by P. Sithsouravong – Pan Asian Book Club

Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis

Purchase The Last Mermaid Princess @Amazon Here

Earth Quarantined by D.L. Richardson - Book Review

Earth Quarantined (Earth Quarantined Book 1) by D.L. Richardson

Synopsis:

When the virus which killed millions of people is gone, humanity lives in a planet-wide quarantine enforced by an alien species.

The year is 2355. The deadly virus that killed millions of people is gone, thanks to the quarantine measures put in place by the Criterion, an alien species who appeared just in time to save the human race. In exchange for complying with their tough control measures, the Criterion promised us the technology for interstellar travel. We’ve done all they’ve asked, yet we’re still on Earth with no way of getting into deep space. The Criterion are lying to us. What they don’t know is that we’re lying to them…

Kethryn Miller is an award-winning actress, but nothing will prepare her for the role she’ll take on when a strange woman who shouldn’t be alive turns up in the city, threatening to expose the lies that have kept peace on Earth for 200 years.

Earth Quarantined is book one in the Earth Quarantined trilogy

Earth Arrested – Book 2 is coming soon

Earth Reclaimed – Book 3 is coming soon

Review:

Earth Quarantined by D. L. Richardson is a fantastic futuristic science fiction novel that is filled with twists and turns and will have readers turning the pages quickly in anticipation while being totally enthralled and entertained.

A deadly virus kills millions of humans, but is now gone thanks to the intervention of the Criterion, an alien race that set up a system and quarantined the entire planet. They promised to give their secret into interstellar planet travel, but after years have passed, they have failed to keep their intended promise. The Criterion continued to stay and control the planet and kept people in colonized segments know as states. They stayed to help rebuild the planet and keep peace among the population. They also put restraints upon the humans to control the population.  Because of these strict measures of intervention and control, many people live underground in secret cities where they are working on a solution to getting humans off the earth and into space. What follows is an exciting story filled with action as the benevolent Criterion and the humans fight to achieve their own specific agendas. The secret contact between the groups of separated people, how they sometimes work together, and their independent struggles on how they deal with the alien rulers, is what drives the plot and story forward.

Earth Quarantined is an outstanding story that science fiction lovers will revel in. The world building is extraordinary with descriptive writing that shines through on every page. The characters are both realistic and relatable. I really felt for the woman that was intended to be the nominal leader for the human race and her inevitable struggles. Readers will be rooting for certain characters at one moment, then doubting them the next. The characterization of the aliens is enthralling and complete. There is nothing missing in this thrilling story. This makes for great storytelling.

Earth Quarantined is unpredictable and extremely engaging. I was fully captivated by the futuristic world that D.L. Richardson has creatively built. The premise and plot are deep and resound with intrigue and fascination. Readers will find Earth Quarantined to be compelling, thought provoking and gripping. The conclusion is outstanding, came as a surprise and is left open for a sequel. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Earth Quarantined by D. L. Richardson. Get yourself a copy of this must read one-of-a-kind science fiction novel.

Purchase Earth Quarantined by D.L. Richardson @Amazon Here

Talon, Come Fly with Me by Gigi Sedlmayer - Book Review

Talon, Come Fly with Me by Gigi Sedlmayer

An inspirational, highly emotional and entertaining read for all ages

This book is a lovely adventure with an amazing heroine. Matica is a strong, brave girl, who battles with her handicap and how others view her. But this isn’t a story only about her gaining acceptance or overcoming her challenges. Rather, it’s a tale packed full of exciting moments and tons of emotions. Matica comes across naturally as does the village and world around her. It’s beautifully set and an easy landscape to dive into.

The way the author revealed each situation is fun to read and it made one anxious to see what’s next. Acceptance was eloquently woven into the story without being blatant. And the other thing I learned was that when certain things happen, you don’t always know why and just maybe something goodwill come of it.

Review:

Talon Come Fly with Me by Gigi Sedlmayer is an inspirational, engaging and thoughtful must read story. It follows the story of a little nine year old girl whose parents are missionaries in the small village of Pucara, Peru. Matica, finds making friends with the local kids to be difficult. Matica has a condition that has hindered her growth, so she is extremely small like that of a two year old. The local Indians and villagers, don’t understand her and are leery and mistrustful of her.

Then Matica comes upon two condors, a male and a female. She is able to win their trust and begins to mysteriously communicate with them. Her adventure has begun. The condor’s egg is stolen by poachers and Matica and her father set out to rescue it, and they are successful. With the condor’s approval, Matica takes care of the precious egg. When the egg hatches, Matica becomes a substitute mother to the baby condor and names it, Talon. The local’s observe the success Matica has had with the condors, and they begin to warm up to her. Eventually, tiny Matica, becomes a well-liked, admired and respected part of the community.

Talon, Come Fly with Me by Gigi Sedlmayer is filled with warmth and inspiration. It is a touching story about a nine year girl that overcomes her disability and uses it for something extraordinary. Her love for nature changes her life and it becomes meaningful and purposeful for her. Her disability is no longer a hindrance or something to be ashamed of.

Gigi Sedlmayer has woven a tapestry of beauty, harmony and excitement in her fabulous story. It is filled with intrigue and even some suspense. I loved it and couldn’t put it down and read it late into the night to find out what would happen next. It brought a feeling of serenity to my soul. I loved the tale of the giant magnificent condors, coupled with the human interaction. It is just a beautiful story that adults and children will both enjoy. It will be fully entertaining for the entire family.

I believe that Talon, Come Fly with Me should be a reading requirement in schools. It is full of emotion and love with important messages throughout. The exemplary descriptive writing had me on the beautiful scene watching on as the story unfolded. Gigi Sedlmayer is an excellent writer with a unique voice. This story is original, genuine and compelling. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends it to all readers. It is a page-turner and a must read magical tale for everyone that likes clean, thoughtful and exciting reads about animals and extraordinary people.

Purchase Talon, Come Fly with Me @Amazon Here

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford - Book Review

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford

Synopsis:

Wrong place, right time? A starbeing was supposed to travel light-years across the universe to help humanity by working in Washington, D.C.–but she accidentally lands in a small Kansas town in the body of Missy. Join her on this whimsical journey as she discovers the beauty of life and love on Earth.

Author Ann Crawford’s trademark optimism brings us a witty and wise book filled with memorable characters and insights into what makes us all so very human.

Review:

Fresh off the Starship is a wonderful and fun chick lit style book with a spin on science fiction.

Missy, a young woman is not human, but instead she is a glorious being from a distant galaxy light years away. From Andromeda, she is headed to earth-to be precise-to aid humans and the people of earth in whatever way she can. However, her ship takes a turn and she winds up in Kansas instead. As she is waking up, she can hear the voices of the humans talking to her. But, the voices sound so strange to her and not like the English she had learned in her studies. She is in Kansas now and they definitely speak with an accent. Instead of reaching humans on a grander degree, Missy is now stuck in Kansas living life like a human. She is determined to complete her assignment even though she is in small-town Kansas. Readers follow Missy on her adventure to help humanity discover the beauty of nature and the world around us.

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford is a light, warm-hearted book that readers will revel in and certainly appreciate. It is highly entertaining and full of wit and charm. It is intelligent and fun at the same time. It is written with a clear concise voice with a message that we humans need to hear. I was fully engaged from the very first chapter, as this book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

This honestly is a beautiful story from an extremely gifted writer. With fluently penned prose and a captivating romantic storyline and plot, Ann Crawford gives readers a one of a kind tale. We have a strong, rather bewildered heroine to be inspired by and a cast full of colorful characters. They are well developed and fleshed out with strengths and weaknesses we all can relate to. I loved Missy-she is a genuine character who had me thinking, making this a very thought-provoking book. Readers are reminded that life is beautiful and much more brilliant than we perceive.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fresh off the Starship and savored every word. Ann Crawford aptly has a flair for writing descriptive words that put the reader right on the scene, watching on as the story unfolds. I could visualize the entire setting and Missy’s unique take on things. This is a book that I would highly recommend to lovers of chick lit, science fiction, adventure and even fantasy lovers. The compelling ending is wonderful and completely satisfying.

Praise for Fresh off the Starship, a page turner and one of the best books I have read in a long time. Pick up your copy and be delighted and inspired.

Reviewed by Artisan Book Reviews

Purchase Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford @Amazon Here

Wobbles by Leah Venegas - Book Review

Wobbles by Leah Venegas

Synopsis:

**WINNER OF A 2018 MOONBEAM CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD***

Wobbles is a young leapfrog who has trouble learning to leap. He gets teased in school and feels alone. One day, a new student befriends Wobbles and tells him that her father, who is a champion leaper, had the same problem. With the help of his new friend and her father, Wobbles takes his first successful leap.

As the end of the school year arrives, Wobbles must conquer his fear and succeed in the leaping competition. Will he be able to show the students who bullied him that he is no longer afraid of them?

This book is about perseverance, endurance, and success from working hard and facing your fears.

Review:

Wobbles by Leah Venegas is an adorable children’s book about a little humble leapfrog that is trying to learn to leap. On his first day back to school, he tells his father he doesn’t want to go because he can’t leap yet. He is afraid. His father gently encourages him and he goes on to leaping school.

On his first attempt to leap, he fails and the other little frogs laugh at him. Then, a little girl frog makes friends with him and encourages him. She tells Wobbles that her father was a slow learner too. But, he overcame his fear and went on to be a champion leaper. Her father agrees to help little Wobbles learn to leap. He tells him that he needs to overcome his fear and leap with his whole heart. After much practice, Wobbles learns to leap from one lily pad to another. He wins the contest at school and is inspired to help other little frogs learn to leap too.

Wobbles by Leah Venegas is an exciting adventure that young children will be delighted in. It teaches children several important lessons about learning new things. Little Wobbles had a lot of fear of failing and being laughed at. But, he overcame his fear and learned to do things with his whole heart. He practiced and practiced.

This book will be a favorite among children everywhere. It relates to young children that the feeling of embarrassment is normal and so is being fearful. However, by practicing with determination, they can do the very things that they are unsure of. Although a child may have a weakness in an area, he/she can still succeed. Bullying and self-esteem are important lessons in this book.

This book is delightful and captivating. The illustrations are enchanting and will surely bring the child much joy. The storyline and plot are easy to understand and written in a way that young children will be able to follow along and comprehend. I read it to my little grandchildren and they loved it. They have had me read it to them over and over again. It packs a nice important message inside while visually engaging the reader. It is a cute story filled with excitement and emotion. Leah Venegasis an excellent children’s author. I highly recommend Wobbles for all young children.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Café

Purchase Wobbles @Amazon Here

Santa's Dog by Joann Sky - Book Review

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky

Synopsis:

Sometimes the best gifts choose YOU!

Follow the adventures of Santa’s best dog, Lance, when he falls from the sleigh one Christmas Eve. He’s taken in by the animal shelter then brought home by a military family who needs some help as Dad is called to serve his country. When Christmas Eve comes ’round the next year, Lance must decide whether to return to the North Pole with his friend Santa or stay with his new family.

If you love dogs, if you have family in the military, or if you believe in Santa, you will be touched by this heartwarming tale for youngsters and the young-at-heart!

Review:

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky is a charming one of a kind Christmas story. At the North Pole, Santa has a secret that no one knows about, he has one hundred dogs, and he loves each one of them the same. However, one special dog named Lance, gets to sleep on Santa’s bed every night. Lance and Santa have been friends forever and they are never far apart from one another. But then something terrible happens and Lance falls out of Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. He gets lost but is quickly picked up by a local animal shelter (thank goodness for animal shelters.) A very nice family adopts him and he soon becomes a part of the family and is dearly loved and appreciated. He misses Santa and Santa misses Lance. For the whole next year Lance is busy making his new family happy and he loves each one of them. What will happen when Santa returns to see him next Christmas Eve? Will Lance stay with his new family that needs him desperately, or will he return to the North Pole with his dear old friend Santa Claus?

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky is an entertaining story for young children to love and cherish. It has a unique storyline and premise. It is fast paced and has easy to understand words for the young child. Parents will love this splendid tale as well.

It’s an amusing rhyming story that children will delight in and enjoy. It pulls you in and yanks at your heartstrings and won’t let go. It has a fabulous moral and nice subtle messages throughout. It is about love and finding one’s life purpose. The illustrations are lovely and playful, perfect for children to love and appreciate.

I thought it was a great idea to include the importance of adopting shelter dogs. And how many times, a shelter dog is the perfect addition to any family that wants a loyal companion to love and care for. Also, the little family that adopts Lance is a military family with their father gone from home in active duty. It shows how the perfect shelter dog can fill a void in the hearts of the entire family.

I read Santa’s Dog to my little grandchildren and they totally adored it. They became emotional several times during the story. They’ve had me read it to them over and over again and were excited every time. I highly recommend this original Christmas story to all families with young children and early readers. Buy it now in time for the holidays. Your children will love Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky.

Chick Lit Cafe recommends Santa’s Dog to all children everywhere

Purchase Santa’s Dog @Amazon Here

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay - Book Review

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay

Synopsis:

2018 Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) President’s Award in Humor and Chic Lit! In this entertaining first novel set in rural Pennsylvania, a young woman from San Francisco searches for her birth parents while beginning her first job as a home-health speech pathologist. She soon learns how hard one job can be as she navigates the backwoods of Tungston, (“Tungs”) trying to comply with the needs of her quirky patients, all the while being stalked by a violent fugitive, and finding herself unexpectedly falling for the charms of a small-town, including one hot fireman. Through no fault of her own, she exposes a criminal who has been safely hidden in the thick forest, and now as he tries to stop her from exposing him, her patients’ lives, as well as her own are in jeopardy.

Review:

After the death of her parents, Marleigh Benning, a young woman with a degree in speech pathology, discovers that she was adopted. She decides to search for her birth parents and takes an internship as a home health speech therapist. But, she soon realizes that her job isn’t going to be easy, as she traverses through the backcountry of Tungston, Pennsylvania. As she tries to meet the needs and deal with her quirky unusual patients, she is definitely out of her element in this rural town, being from San Francisco, California, she is miles away from home and in a completely different societal setting. However, she begins to not only fall for the town of Tungston, but also for a hot fireman. She also finds herself and her patients in danger, as she is being stalked by a hardened and vicious escapee that she has unintentionally exposed.

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay is an intriguing engaging story that follows the life of one young woman who finds herself in a part of the country that she is totally unfamiliar with. There are dirt roads, peculiar small town stores and residents that are completely different than what she is used to from living in the west. Marleigh is dependable and reliable, intelligent and very likable. She is attracted to the fireman and feeling very passionate. She is out of place but determined to be a part of the community and make her life work in this foreign place she now calls home. This is a hilarious story with emotional moments that will touch every reader’s heart.

Speaking in Tungs is a heartwarming story filled with twists and turns and bold unusual, yet realistic characters. This story has a very different premise with a speech therapist going to live, work and fall in love in a pastoral setting in Pennsylvania. It is a multi-genre piece. It’s a romance, a mystery, a laugh out loud humorous chick lit read and a lightly suspenseful novel. The characters in this fabulous book are quirky, colorful and well developed. They humored me and had me thinking that I would love to know them in person. I found myself being drawn towards them and really caring about them. I love it when a book has me really desiring to know the people and be a part of their lives and live where they live.

Karla Jay has an exciting unique voice and a way with words that draws the reader in from the very first chapter. Even the title of this book gives readers insight into her distinctive creative play on words. She grew up in the area that is the setting of the book and mixes facts with fiction well. Her descriptive writing is filled vivid scenes of the landscapes and woods and had me craving to visit that part of the country and to behold the beauty of the land with its lush green countryside that she often describes in her story.

Speaking in Tungs had me completely hooked from the very beginning to the final last satisfying page. It is one of the best novels that I have read in a long time. This was Karla Jay’s debut novel and she has written more since then. I will definitely be picking up and reading the sequel to this book entitled “Speaking of the Devil.” Chick Lit Café highly recommends Speaking in Tungs to all readers.

Purchase book @Amazon here.

The Revelation: Rise of the Fallen by David Salvi

The Revelation: Rise of the Fallen by David Salvi

Synopsis:

The war has started. Michael and Gabriel must find the other two archangels. Evan, the world’s richest man, is revealed as the Antichrist with armies of evil and beasts of the apocalypse at his command to decimate the world. Lies and deceit put Evan on the world stage before his horrific plots unfold. Michael and his angels must stop them. And somewhere the holy family is hiding, and waiting for their guardian angel to save them. This is an action-packed thriller from beginning to end! Part 2 of The Revelation series by David Salvi doesn’t disappoint!

Review:

The Revelation: Rise of the Fallen by David Salvi is Book 2 in The Revelation book series. The story follows archangels Michael and Gabriel whose mission is to stop the world’s wealthiest person, Evan, (aka the Antichrist) in his determination to bring about the downfall of the earth. His plan? To bring about the destruction of the digital age and all its appurtenances and watch the world literally grind to a halt and cease to function. Evan is narcissistic and indomitable and he commands his legions and evil beings to assist him with no care for the lives of those who get in his way. He cares not whether child, man, woman, family or powerful ruler; Evan will let no earthly man prevent him from achieving his goal.

Enter the ethereal superheroes, Gabriel and Michael, who together with Uriel and Raphael engage in a fight that is not only the quintessential fight of good against evil, but the very essence of civilization depends on their success. Michael appears as a somewhat reluctant archangel at times, tortured by concern for his human family and his child Joshua, who is more than just an ordinary child. But his faith that God will protect them gives the assurance he needs to continue his mission. Gabriel is steadfast and dependable and where he needs to be, which is at Michael’s side.

The Revelation is an amazing piece of writing. The author, David Salvi, has developed a perfect ‘voice’ for this battle between heaven and hell, between good and evil, and between all that is right and all that is wrong. The writing is strong and confident and believable, and each main character has the reader totally hooked. I have not had the benefit of reading Book One in this series, but this did not detract from enjoying Book Two and now looking forward with great expectation to Book Three.

The Revelation: Rise of the Fallen by David Salvi  has quite an impact on the reader. Not only is it disturbing from the point of view of the gullibility and susceptibility portrayed in world leaders whose role one would expect is to protect those who have elected them, but in the sheer complete callousness of Evan as the Antichrist. One cannot help but compare the scenario created by David Salvi to the state of our world today, to its reliability on technology, and the power of a deceitful smile.

This book is a credit to a writer who is clearly a craftsman of the written word. A memorable book that will have every reader turning to their Bible for reassurance that all is well with the world.

Reviewed by Jane Finch for Chick Lit Cafe

Purchase The Revelation by David Salvi @Amazon Here

Into the Lyons Den by Donni De-Ville

Into the Lyons Den by Donni De-Ville

Synopsis:

Story set in England, based on some exaggerated true life events and emotional experiences of the author.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Instead of a flowery romance, Viv, the main character, encounters far more than she could ever have bargained for, or deserved. The reader will go through all the gamut of emotions with the 3D characters, and enjoy the strong story-line all the way through the book. The ending is un-anticipated and you would have to be made of stone not to be deeply moved.

Viv, still heartbroken about Lawrence, a man whom she fell deeply for previously, is still getting over a nasty divorce from the man she married to get over the memory. She becomes a member of a dating agency, when her pent up emotions rise, as she becomes attracted to the owner of the agency. Viv then falls for two very different men. One who fills a woman’s every desire, but in choosing him, life would become as dangerous as walking a tightrope. The other man depicts total stability and a wholesome ruggedness, but without the erotic excitement. Vic’s separate world’s eventually square up with shocking consequences.

With a sinister thread causing havoc in the lives of most of the characters, crime, murder and mystery runs throughout the action-filled story.  Clues are given and each chapter’s ending has a cliff hanger, making it difficult to stop reading.

Men can also relate to this sensual, sexual romance in ways which can help them learn more about the intricacies of the female mind.  The characters individually take the reader on an emotional journey, which probably the reader has never experienced before, invoking feelings and thoughts they will think deeply about.

Should some of these scenarios play-out into the real world, (as have occurred with the author) the climatic twist would be similar to the ending of this story.

An unusual and unique, exciting story the reader who loves thrillers will want to share with others and a story never to be forgotten.

by Donni De-Ville @Amazon  https://donnideville.com 

Review:

Into the Lyons Den by Donni De-Ville is an exciting, racy novel filled with raw emotion and a thrilling, unexpected storyline. The story is about Viv, a beautiful woman who is remembering her first love and the intense passion she felt with him. She had made the decision to part with Lawrence due to her own fears and inability to trust. Unable to shake him from her thoughts and mind, she decides to take action and look for a new man that she can love and spend her life with. She stumbles across a dating agency entitled “The Dandy Lyons Marriage Agency.” She reluctantly makes the decision to visit the agency and sign up. What Viv doesn’t know is that her life is about to be turned into a rollercoaster of turmoil and upheaval.

This is a story based on the true life events of author, Donni De-Ville. It is compelling, thrilling and engaging. There is a lot going on in this story including, kidnapping, murder and many crazy scenarios. I couldn’t put this book down. From the very first chapter I was completely drawn into the life of Viv and all the things that she goes through. She encounters many different types of men and interesting people along the way. First, we meet the Lyons, the owners of the upper-class dating agency. While at a party with them, a murder occurs. Viv and her new friend begin to help clear the main suspect and she ends up getting more than she ever bargained for.

Throughout her journey, Viv, meets many unlikely characters including a transgender, an exuberant detective, a baron and many other, seemingly, questionable people. All the while a serial killer is lurking in the shadows. This is all a big change for Viv who works in an ordinary office in London. Her life has been turned upside down and she is on a thrilling, dangerous adventure.

This book is about crime, sex, lust, murder, romance and mystery. It is filled with twists and turns and at the end of each chapter readers are left hanging and hungering for more. It is the story of one woman’s desire to find a lasting true love and all the crazy things she goes through with the people she meets along the way.

Into the Lyons Den is fast-paced and action filled. Readers will be taken on an unbelievable ride of murder, madness and crime. There are tender emotional moments and some laughs along the way.

The characters and settings are beautifully described causing this reader to feel like I was right there watching on. It is written intelligently and extremely well. The author, Donni De-Ville, has a unique, crisp voice with a writing style that is very professional and appealing.

She has brilliantly woven a one-of-a-kind story with a solid plot and a conclusion that, I didn’t see coming, but is completely satisfying and exciting.

This book is a definite must read. Not only because it is based on a true life story, but because it is completely different from anything I have ever read. It is filled with intrigue and has the most interesting storyline, plot, characters and conclusion. It really touched me to my core, bringing up feelings and thoughts that are new to me. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Into the Lyons Den to all readers that are looking for a story to escape into that is realistic, engaging and shocking at the same time. Expect the unexpected. Unforgettable!

Purchase Into The Lyons Den by Donni De-Ville @Amazon

Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins by Robert Crown

Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins by Robert Crown

How Does a Child’s Life Change When His Mother Tries to Murder Him? It’s one of the most profound betrayals imaginable, and it can follow the victim into adulthood, into all he does with his life, tainting his sense of self and his relationships with others. How does a man’s life change when he discovers that with his thoughts, his imagination, and his ability to listen to his higher self, he has the power to overcome the devastating events of his past and build a new life and a family?

This is The Inspiring True Story of Robert Crown’s amazing journey out of the darkness of his childhood and into a world brightly illuminated by the power of positive understanding and purposeful thought. It’s the story of rejecting the victimhood he once embraced and finding the answers that allowed him to embrace the power to create a new life using universal spiritual laws.

“In this book, Robert Crown not only shares the intensity of his outer life story but also the intimacy of the inner journey he took as a spiritual warrior determined to be victorious through an evolution of consciousness from the inside out.”

Review:

Horrific, compelling, inspirational.

Robert Crown’s Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins is a thought provoking, horrendous and finally triumphant story. Right from the very first chapter I was thrown onto an emotional rollercoaster as I read how Robert was a rather sickly young boy. He and his sisters are being physically and emotionally abused and harmed. Then as a young boy of just eleven years old, Robert’s own mother tries to kill him and his two sisters. How can any child process that and live through the horrible torments that Robert did? Robert’s life and young mind was always on the line. But, somehow he was able to be cognitive enough to sense when imminent danger was upon him and divert himself from it. Even though we wonder, how a loving God could let something like this happen to a child, we also see that some higher power also helped him in many ways.

Robert’s account of his life is indeed heartbreaking and devastating. Most people would be severely damaged for life and unable to overcome their hardship and live a functional life. But, Robert is an exceptional person in that he was able to do just that – overcome and live a life full of purpose and love, all the while helping others to heal and become aware enough to see things differently from the inside out. He became a warrior fighting for his sanity and his life.

This story is not for the faint of heart. Robert endured many traumas and hardships. But, he had an inner voice that guided him and helped preserve him. He had to live on the edge, always being careful lest he fall prey to harm and torment.

Robert Crown’s story helped me to look at my own life and see things differently. It awakened me to the fact that even though I struggled and had times of abuse and rejection, I can and will rise above it. This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. There are so many damaged people walking around these days.

Robert Crown’s passage out of the darkness of his childhood and into a world that is illuminated by the power of undeniable comprehension and determined positive thought, has brought a miraculous healing to his emotions and mind. This is the story of Robert, no longer accepting the victimhood he once welcomed. Then discovering the answers that helped him to welcome the ability to build a new life by use of the universal spiritual laws.

Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins not only enlightened and inspired me, but it has also made me grateful for the childhood, although not perfect, that I did have. It is well written and composed. Robert has a clear crisp voice and the book was enjoyable and hard to read at the same time.

This is a great and insightful look into the psyche of the mind of someone who has been traumatized to the degree of no return. But, he did return and he did it in a big generous and wonderful way.

This is a must read memoir and self-help book for anyone who has experienced any kind of negative childhood. From the extremely abused and traumatized to the person that has had negative imprints placed upon them as a child.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins to all readers. To those that desperately need help and to those that want to read a compelling, inspirational life changing story.

Purchase Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins by Robert Crown@Amazon

Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind by Kelly Smith

Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind by Kelly Smith

Synopsis:

What kind of person ends up in a toxic relationship? And why does she stay? This searingly honest novel answers both those questions head-on. Coming out of a failing marriage, Kelly turns to Gabe out of fear of being alone. Her gradual slide into danger is at once terrifying and inevitable, and the steps she takes to get out of it will both inspire and offer hope.

Review:

In Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind we have Kelly Smith, a talented well put together woman. She is separated from her husband whom she has 3 children with. She sees an old school mate, Gabe, on Facebook and reluctantly friends him. They begin a relationship, but Kelly is mourning her divorce. She can’t talk to Gabe about it because he has a bad temper and won’t understand. As the story progresses we learn about Kelly’s difficult childhood with her alcoholic father. Gabe reassures her that she need not worry about alcohol problems with him, but he lied. In fact, he lied about many things.

Out of fear of being alone, Kelly stays with Gabe. But things get bad and he begins to abuse her. He calls her horrible names and is jealous of her every move. Kelly continues to stay with him. In the beginning the signs that Gabe was abusive were there. But she ignored them because she didn’t want to be alone and she was excited about her new relationship with Gabe. She begins to live in a whirlwind of abuse, name callings, one sided apologies and a cycle that never ends. How did she get herself into this situation? And how can she get out?

Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship is one woman’sfirsthand account of what it’s like to live in the cycle of abuse and how she got there in the first place. She had the best of intentions but made small choices here and there without thinking of what was really going on. She was blinded by the idea of love and spending her life with someone that seemed to be loving and caring. But things began to slowly change. Eventually she was being put down, manipulated, controlled and called the most horrible names, on a regular basis. She tells of her inspiring and brave escape from the abusive Gabe. Kelly also gives us her back ground from her previous marriage and her childhood. It is a very compelling and interesting read.

This is a poignant look at how easy it is for one to get sucked into an abusive relationship. It was not Kelly’s fault, she was manipulated, lied to and led into what she thought was a relationship of mutual care and love. It wasn’t until after the fact that she began to be mistreated. I really empathized and had compassion for Kelly, although she doesn’t write her story in a “feel sorry for me” way. She is very graceful and owns her own mistakes. This is an inspiring story, full of hope and a must read for those that are trying to break out of the cycle of abuse. If you are in a toxic relationship, this is the book for you. I enjoyed it immensely. It is very well written and composed. I was caught up in her story and read the book straight through in one sitting. I highly recommend Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind by Kelly Smith to all readers.

Purchase Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind by Kelly Smith @Amazon

Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

Teacher’s Comments: Vervain has made satisfactory progress and has achieved an average level in most subjects.

What do you think, Diary? Yes, I know it’s not a BAD report but words like SATISFACTORY and AVERAGE just don’t feel like me. I’ve looked up ‘average’ in the dictionary. It says: a middle place between two extremes, usual, normal.

I don’t want to be NORMAL, I want to be spectacular! I feel special inside. Does everyone feel special? Maybe it’s just normal to feel special and I’m not actually special at all.

Diary, do you think I can be average and special at the same time?

Vervain isn’t the smartest, the most stylish or the best at flying and magic – she’s just an average fairy. But when the magical kingdom is threatened by evil, she finds herself central to its safety. Through her anything-but-average adventures, Vervain learns that true friendship is precious and that ordinary folk can do the most extraordinary things.

Vervain shares these exciting adventures with her diary and confides her thoughts and feelings. She struggles with difficult emotions – fear, anger, envy, sadness, grief, yet infects us with her determination, her delight of simple pleasures, and her exhilaration at overcoming obstacles.

The author M.M. Hillman is a practicing therapist. Using a language of emotion that children understand, she invites us into a world of mythical creatures who are just like you and me. Amusing and sometimes very moving – a tale that neither children nor adults will forget.

Review:

Vervain is an average fairy who is barely tall enough to make it into Fairy School, but she does. She reluctantly begins Fairy School with a squeamish stomach and all. So she takes out her piece of rainbow, her secret weapon to cheer herself up. It fills the room with color – yellow, reds, greens and blues that dazzle so much. It calms her down. She writes in her diary daily. In it she shares her innermost feelings. She loves the simple pleasures that life holds for her.  In her diary, she talks about her exciting adventures and experiences. But she is just an average fairy, although she does feel spectacular and very special.

But soon the magical kingdom is in peril, and Vervain finds herself in the middle and able to help. She engages in adventures that are anything but normal.  She learns that friends are important and that, although she is average, she can do anything she puts her mind to. She is brave and helps to free the kingdom of the tyranny of Magowr.

Diary of an Average Fairy is anything but average. It is a fabulous tale about an average normal fairy that does great things to help the fairy kingdom. It has a message to middle grade and teen kids that it’s alright to be just average. And that being average doesn’t limit them from doing great things. Vervain expresses her many feelings of fear, anger and sadness in her diary. Her diary tells of her many experiences, good and bad, at school and during her free time.

I know that children will really relate to Diary of an Average Fairy. It touches, extensively, on all the issues and problems that middle grade and teens go through. It is exciting and entertaining with creatures, fairies and foes. The way that author M M Hillman describes things like the magical kingdom, the fairies, the creatures and the surroundings, is lush and rich. A true delight for the imagination and the senses. It is a splendid, beautiful place that any child will marvel in, and want to visit in this book.

Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman is engaging, even for me as an adult. I loved it and I can see how any child, young or older, will love it. They will totally relate to it. The characters will remind them of themselves and their friends and even those that give them a hard time. They will relate to the various scenarios too. It will speak to their self-consciousness and to their insecurities. It will encourage them to be brave and show them that their feelings are normal.

The characters are great. They are genuine, well developed and have fun personalities with strengths and weaknesses. Children will see themselves in and relate to the various characters.

It is written extremely well. It is smart and easy to read. It is written in the form of a diary – Vervain’s diary. It completely works and is composed with skill and creativity. I love it when I read a book that is written so well in every aspect. It’s important that kids read books that are written and edited well. This one hits a home run in that area.

Diary of an Average Fairy is unique and beautiful fantasy tale. Its premise is original and authentic.

It has a positive message that kids will glean from. It truly is splendid with gorgeous descriptions and with a very entertaining delightful storyline. I recommend that parents get a copy of this book for their kids. They will really love, and enjoy, it. They will learn from it. Parents can rest assured that it will be very appropriate and fitting for their child.

Overall, Diary of an Average Fairy is a glorious, charming and delightful story that captivates the reader and causes them to see vivid scenery and fairies, to feel various emotions and to enjoy a story well told.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

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