Restaurants & Tales by Reha Tanör - Book Review

Restaurants & Tales by Reha Tanor

Synopsis:

Reha Tanor’s culinary infused short stories, a new chapter in his journey after his successful multi-faceted life as an entrepreneur, investor, professor and a loving father/husband. The globetrotter digs interesting details up from his rich past inspired by his dining experience at some of the best restaurants in the world from Tokyo’s Omotesando Hills to Modena’s Osteria Francescana.

Review:

Restaurants & Tales is a delightful, entertaining and sensory exploration of restaurants and thoughts from an extraordinary man and excellent writer, Reha Tanor. Through his intriguing and amusing short anecdotes, readers will be taken on a culinary and sensual journey filled with colorful places, people and conversations. This book is about food, but more than that it is about the full culinary and dining experience. Reha Tanor states that he is not that curious about food in itself. But, rather the ambiance and all that he can observe and take in. In his book he tells of many extraordinary and enjoyable dining experiences. He shares about the scenery of the restaurant, its atmosphere, the customers, servers, smells, tastes and all the great conversations.

Restaurants & Tales held me captive from the very first page. It is filled with the most interesting stories of the author’s experiences while dining around the world. The people he has met, the conversations and humorous tales will keep readers fully engaged and turning the pages while savoring every word. Reading about these tales are, not only inspiring, but informative as well.

His many personal thoughts while dining all over the world will interest and impress readers. This book is magnificent and written with finesse and intelligence. This is a one of a kind book about dining out at exclusive, intriguing and enchanting restaurants worldwide. It is filled with positive philosophical thoughts, gastronomy and the beauty and randomness of life and the dining experience. Reha Tanor has certainly lived a rich, interesting, fulfilling and beautiful life. This book is perfect for those who have a passion for life, dining and travel. Reha Tanor, eloquently shares his impressive, entertaining tales and observations, with a wide range and variety of restaurants and dining places to tell about.

Restaurants & Tales by Reha Tanor is a brilliant, clever book and way to convey the author’s personal perspective on life by combining rich memories with dining experiences from some of the best restaurants around the world. This book is filled with ideas of great restaurants and places to visit and enjoy. A wonderful gem for short story lovers. It is easy to read, fascinating, delightful and a must read 5 star book.

Reviewed by Sophie Rose for Artisan Book Reviews

Purchase Restaurants & Tales by Reha Tanor today!

Ghosters by Diana Corbitt - Book Review

Ghosters by Diana Corbitt

Synopsis:

One day, Theresa’s mom dies.

The next, money problems force her family out of their home.

Life has definitely taken a downward turn for the twelve-year-old. But then she meets Kerry, and their friendship quickly grows.

Although obsessed with the paranormal, Kerry has never seen a real ghost. But when she hears how the powdered sugar Theresa had been combing the kitchen to find just magically flopped out of the cupboard she’d already looked in three times, she proposes they solve both their problems by entering the Ghosters video contest.

And why not?

Kerry has the ghost hunting equipment, and after seeing the dining room curtains close in front of them, Theresa and her autistic brother, Joey, know their new house is definitely haunted.

So, we’ve got three kids exploring a creepy old mansion. What could happen?

A lot.

That’s just the beginning of this paranormal mystery series.

Review:

Ghosters by Diana Corbitt is an entertaining, suspenseful, creepy and engaging mystery and ghost story that children will revel in and, be unable to put down. The story follows a young girl, Theresa, whose mother has recently passed away. Along with her autistic brother, Joey, they are forced to move into their deceased grandparent’s ancient, huge and boring house. The neighbors believe the house to be haunted, but the kids don’t believe in ghosts. They are disheartened by their situation. That is until, things take a turn when Theresa meets a new friend, Kerry. And, Kerry does believe in ghosts, and has accumulated much ghost hunting equipment. When creepy unsound occurrences begin to happen in the old house, the kids decide to enter the Ghosters video contest. That’s when they start to discover that this old house is not that boring and could really be haunted after all. What ensues is a suspenseful, chilling and eye-opening adventure for these three kids.

Ghosters by Diana Corbitt is a fantastic, suspenseful read for children that love the paranormal and ghosts. It is well written, easy to read and flows nicely. It explores the hardships of losing a parent, childhood struggles, the difficulties, beauty and importance of friendship and autism. This book is intended for children ages 9-12 and grades 4-7, but as an adult, I found it to be fun, engrossing and overwhelmingly entertaining.

Ghosters is thought provoking, humorous and captivating, as well. With surprises around every corner, these three kids are on quite a journey and adventure. It is an exciting tale about ghosts, mystery, friendship and adventure. There are family secrets to be discovered, along with self-discovery. This book held me mesmerized from the first chapter to the very satisfying end that has a shocking twist. I was always intrigued and wanting to know what I would discover next. What would happen next? What would the children find next? What will happen to them? Ghosters by Diana Corbitt is definitely one of the best children’s mystery, suspense and paranormal books I have ever read. It is so much more than just a ghost story. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends it. Children will love it. Get your child a copy, you won’t be disappointed and they will certainly be delighted.

Purchase Ghosters by Diana Corbitt today!

The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood - Book Review

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy by Kayley Wood 
Series: Club Series 
Genres: Emotional, Humorous, Romantic Comedy 
Format: Kindle 
Buy on Amazon 
Goodreads 
 

Synopsis:

Mia never felt the need to speak up for herself… not with three protective sisters (who always know what is best for her), an assertive boyfriend (Doug never minds speaking for her), and then there is her bestie, Kat, who has no problem stealing the attention for herself.

With a nervous bladder (which strikes at the worst possible times) and a fear of public speaking, Mia is comfortable with the way things are.

That is, until Mia comes home to find her things packed by the door and is told the news that her boyfriend and best friend fell in love.

Now homeless and anything but comfortable, Mia’s three sisters come to the rescue (as usual) by helping her land the perfect apartment, but a colossal mishap lands gorgeous, bad boy Logan on her doorstep with a key and a lease of his own.

In exchange for a free month’s stay, Logan agrees to help Mia find the voice and confidence she now desperately craves.

The plan? Mia will finally stand up for herself and give her exes what they deserve.

It’s not revenge. It’s Karma.

Mia’s one rule: No matter how charming, funny and sexy Logan Miller is, she cannot fall in love with him.

Logan’s one rule: No matter how adorable, sweet and sexy she is, Mia is off limits.

Are some rules made to be broken, or will Logan turn out to be what everyone warned her he was: someone who would only break her heart in the end?

An updated, professionally edited version. Although all books in the Club Series can be read as a standalone, it’s way more fun to read in order.

Purchase: The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood today!

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood

Book review:

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood is a must read, 5 star romantic comedy with delightful characters, an exciting, funny and heartfelt narrative and convincing, addicting plot.

Mia watches her entire life crumble before her very eyes as her so-called “best friend” and her supposed trustworthy “boyfriend” sit her down on her favorite red couch (that she purchased) to break the heartbreaking (for her) news that they were in love and kicking her out of her own apartment. Shocked and numb to this appalling and shameful act of betrayal, Mia has nothing to say but her mind races with a million thoughts. One being how she had paid for the majority of everything in her apartment and now she is getting nothing, but practically kicked out onto the street. What wonderful friends she has. Good thing Mia also has her sisters who come to her rescue like she knew they would, in their own ways of course but each very resourceful.  They even found the perfect new apartment for her that would set her on a good start to a new life on her own minus the toxic people she was leaving behind and to keep in her past.

Logan has been couch surfing for the past few months after having a fall out with a rich and popular power couple that had already made sure his good name was tarnished. This seemed to be preventing Logan from obtaining a new job which led to his stay at his best buds pad that he shared with his very reluctant girlfriend. He needed a place of his own and a perfect apartment happened to be opening up as soon as the old tenant died, which was at any moment now, Logan was told by his friend. Leases are signed and moves are made. Mia finds Logan at her door with a pleasant misunderstanding. With an agreement of exchanging confidence boosting coaching sessions for free rent, Mia decides to keep things platonic between her and Logan, despite his gorgeous looks and dashing personality. But that doesn’t quite work out for Mia when sparks fly with Logan!

The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood is hilariously funny and unique! A fun plot that keeps you guessing at every turn of the page! This book had me laughing out loud, along with experiencing many heartfelt emotions throughout this grand slam of a story! Kayley Wood has really delivered a fun-loving novel with charming characters and a delightful plotline to boot! She has a creative expressive voice and delightful writing style, drawing the reader in, engaging them with her outstanding narrative and plot. The Karma Book Club is a story which shows that even when life seems impossible and hopeless there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. Life has a funny way of working itself out and this is a perfect portrayal of such. What a great read! Chick Lit Cafédefinitely recommends The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood to all readers who enjoy original romantic comedies filled with down-to-earth emotion, relatable characters and packed with clever “LOL” humor.

~Reviewed by Beatrix Bloom for Chick Lit Café~

Purchase The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood today!

What readers are saying about The Karma Book Club

“I must say I am totally wowed by this author. I spent as much time laughing as I did crying at parts of this story.” – Amazon review

“Phenomenal. I laughed a lot with this one. Well done Kayley.” – Amazon review

“I don’t believe in Karma so I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this book, but I did! So funny!” – Amazon review

“Logan stole my heart. Mia needed Logan for her to be the person she should be.” – Goodreads review

“I knew I liked Logan Miller! I was excited to read this one after The Virgin Club and I wasn’t disappointed. It was the right balance between fun and emotion and romance. – Goodreads review

Really love this series. Can’t wait until the next book is out. – Goodreads review
Check Out The Entire LOL Romantic Comedy “The Club Series” by Kayley Wood

Boulevard Dreams by E Ryan Janz - Book Review

Boulevard Dreams by E Ryan Janz

Synopsis:

Down and out private eye, Joe Nails, has a problem.
He endures a brief series of surrealistic dreams, in which his long-lost friend pleads for his help before turning a gun to his head and firing. Joe discovers the suicide did occur, a month before his dreams began, so he deepens his probe beneath the mystifying and smoky noir underbelly of 1958 San Francisco, and encounters rising walls of lies and heartbreak from amorous and anguished women alike, and stumbles across incomprehensible goons and vicious killers longing for further bliss, and where his long slow descent painfully binds him to a ruthless yet respectable kingpin bent on reigning over him.
Joe Nails has a problem all right, an entire shopping list of them, but as he speeds down an unrelenting road of murder and mystery with no off-ramps, he just may solve a few…providing the approaching.357 yearning for another victim allows it.

Review:

Boulevard Dreams by E Ryan Janz is an exceptional one-of-a-kind story filled with intrigue, mystery, mayhem, and suspense, in which readers will love and revel in.

It is 1958 in San Francisco’s smoky noir world, and private detective, Joe Nails is having reoccurring lucid dreams about his friend crying out to him for help, and then he puts a gun to his head and kills himself. Joe finally becomes concerned, and goes out to find his friend, but discovers that he has gone missing, and it has been a month since he has been seen. Joe begins to investigate and finds many shock-worthy things about his friend’s life, and some peculiar people that try to convince him of his friend’s supposed death. As Joe digs deeper in his investigation, the plot thickens. Soon, Joe finds himself deep in a world of deceit, murder, lust, suicide and suffering. Joe must face the truth of his friend’s horrific choices and actions, and in the end, the torment of his own.

E Ryan Janz has created a dramatic dark world of mystery, deception and death set in the nostalgic time of 1958, in a city that is known for its intrigue and worldliness. Boulevard Dreams is a fabulous read and one that readers won’t soon forget. Skillfully written, it has all the right elements of a smart crime and mystery novel. Then, goes beyond that and gives readers a chilling, thrilling and suspenseful ride with a fast paced, well developed and deep storyline and plot. The suspense is unsettling and very enticing. The characters are fully developed with quirky, curious and interesting personalities. Their clever, and sometimes humorous, dialogue is written in such a way that only an intelligent writer with a creative, original voice could think up. I connected with the characters and felt that author E Ryan Janz put his heart into them.

I couldn’t put Boulevard Dreams down, and turned the pages rapidly, fully engaged, to find out what would happen next and how Joe would solve this mystery without becoming a desperate man himself.   E Ryan Janz seems to have great detective skills himself, as it is clear in this story filled with twists and turns. The brilliant mystery plot had me guessing all the way through. My mind really became engulfed in this one, and I didn’t want it to end. I absolutely loved the setting and descriptive writing. Boulevard Dreams is an exciting page turner that readers won’t be able to put down until they have devoured the very last page. Boulevard Dreams is one of the best books in its genre that I have read in a long time. When I saw the cover, I had a feeling I would love the book – and I wholeheartedly did! Well done! Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends Boulevard Dreams by E Ryan Janz to all mystery and suspense lovers – and those who want to escape into the passion of the past, and a smoky noir world filled with intrigue, and crime in San Francisco!

Purchase Boulevard Dreams by E Ryan Janz today!

Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack & Kelly by Theresa A. Laws

Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack & Kelly by Theresa A. Laws

Synopsis:

Jack wasn’t perfect but he could admit it. Kelly wasn’t perfect nor could she hide it. A beautiful love story of a confident Christian politician and his love for a reluctant beautiful woman with special needs. Jack Riley, is an up and coming politician embarking on a new campaign to win a congressional seat in the state of Mississippi. Full of compassion for people, he’s fulfilling his ailing father’s wishes to take up the cause of social injustice. He’s also waiting on something or rather someone else he didn’t know he needed to fulfill his journey. Pressure from his mother and her tactics in matchmaking cause him to stop seeking all together and give the matter over to God. Kelly Sanders has had many obstacles to overcome due to special needs, but she and her family never give up. Seeking to overcome rejection through prayer and an ever determined spirit she reaches many of her life goals. But, something she never expects proves that God does indeed have a sense of humor as these two lives intersect. Jack and Kelly are both seeking to love and to be loved. Is she the one for whom he waits? Can their different paths merge into one? What do they learn about God and each other? Can family and friends derail heart decisions? What lessons are we taught as we journey through life with them? Be prepared. Be very prepared.

Review:

Despite her youth, Kelly was a brilliant and scholarly intellectual, being the only one in her family to earn her BA degree. Her mama, Emma, always knew her youngest daughter was smart and had a uniqueness apart from her older two girls, but she was also very protective over Kelly. And this was because even though Kelly was so intelligent, there was something else that made her “special”, due to complications at birth. Her condition caused bouts of social awkwardness fueled by severe anxiety, memory loss and unpredictable behavior, which trying to control with meds always just put her in a lethargic and sedated state. Emma figured she would always be the one to care for her youngest daughter, even after her older two were married off. Kelly would be the one to remain single because of her mental health and its circumstances.  That was up until her graduation, when to her mother and older sister’s surprise, a charming and charismatic man: Jack Riley, shows interest in young Kelly. But what are his intentions? What would a popular, almost celebrity-like, aspiring politician want to do with naive and inexperienced Kelly? Emma and her other daughters were unsure, but they did know one thing, they were not going to allow her to be taken advantage of. But maybe, just maybe, Jack was different as well, with a calling even unbeknownst to himself.

A completely enthralling and heartfelt story of how true, unconditional love still exists when we least expect it, and can come from the most unlikely of sources. Theresa A. Laws paints a lovely picture of a cute and quirky romance that will keep you guessing at every turn of the page. Funny and lighthearted, Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack and Kelly had me smiling till the very end. It was refreshing to see such a strong, and vigorous, steadfast faith in God within Laws’ progressive characters. Her descriptive and colorful narrative really makes the reader feel connected and engaged with each personality they encounter, along with very relatable issues and storyline.

If you’re looking for an outstanding illustration of the power of prayer and how God works in mysterious ways, Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack and Kelly by Theresa A. Laws is a perfect portrayal of such beautiful wonder. I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and delightful book and also was able to really appreciate the lessons to be learned from it. All very important things to be packed into one story, and Laws nails it. It is a definite recommend to anyone that desires to read something so expressive and lively.

Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack and Kelly by Theresa A. Laws is a must read, and should certainly be added to your to-be-read book list!

Book reviewed by Beatrix Bloom for Chick Lit Café

Purchase Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack and Kelly by Theresa A. Laws today

There Will Be Hell To Pay by Benjamin Gilad

There Will Be Hell To Pay by Benjamin Gilad

Synopsis:

They say those who get deep into the Kabbalah’s mystical text of the celestial spheres can lose their minds. But one man discovers the celestial spheres are far from saintly. The man, Jack Merriman, is a Seer sucked into the celestial realm against his better judgment. He finds out Satan is a beautiful female with a keen sense of justice. Archangel Michael sounds just like James Earl Jones and the Cherubs fill the Celestial spheres with heavenly elevator music. But underneath, the Celestial Spheres are as political and incompetent as a big government agency.

Jack is driven to the brink of insanity with this discovery, as his girlfriend, Harmony tries to keep him from being killed. Or does she? In the midst of it all, Jack has to make a choice between justice and forgiveness. He chooses justice, and all Hell breaks loose, and it’s a good thing.

Review:

There Will Be Hell To Pay by Benjamin Gilad is a clever, entertaining story filled with mystery, conflict and intrigue. Jack Merriman is an ex-law enforcement officer. He is forty five, alone, without any family and his sister, Leah has passed away. He reluctantly accepts employment with the MHB, which is the Memory Hunting Bureau, a mysterious agency whose task is to save the In-betweens – people who have died and the memory of them is vanishing, but who can remain “alive” as long as someone remembers them.  Jack travels the world uncovering vanishing memories when he meets Harmony whose specialty is the role of magic in modern time. Readers will contemplate whether she will be his love interest, or something more, while she tries to keep him from being killed. Jack is pulled into the celestial realm where he can see and hear, and discovers a chaotic and incompetent organization. Jack is almost driven to madness, while readers will be driven to the edge, while reading this remarkable book.

There Will Be Hell To Pay by Benjamin Gilad has suspenseful, intriguing twists and turns, while Jack is finally on the track of the unknown driver who killed his sister, whose memory is vanishing too.  The political workings of the heavenly beings is smart, and described with depth and imagination. Author Benjamin Gilad brings readers an engrossing story while interpreting Genesis’ “So God created man in His own image” literally. Glued to the pages, I was taken on an emotional journey between earthly activity and the spiritual interactions of cosmic beings, while glimpsing into their petty and at time nefarious fight for power. There Will Be Hell To Pay is a most interesting, original and compelling read with a solid plot that drew me in from start to finish.

I couldn’t put There Will Be Hell To Pay down – not only are the characters incredible, but the pages are filled with absurdities and humor. This book will appeal to a variety of readers. I was very intrigued and fully entertained by the clever idea of the celestial spheres, the spiritual realm, their activities and thought-provoking politics.

There Will Be Hell To Pay by Benjamin Gilad is a must read for all those who love the supernatural, suspense and mystery genres. Chick Lit Café is confident in recommending There Will Be Hell To Pay. Readers will absolutely love and devour it.

Purchase There Will Be Hell To Pay by Benjamin Gilad @Amazon here!

Fate Cuts Both Ways - Barbara L.B. Storey - Book Review

Fate Cuts Both Ways: An Improbable Love Gives and Takes Away by Barbara L.B. Storey

Synopsis:

A set designer and a movie star are stranded together in the wilderness after filming. Upon realizing that no one is coming for them – her car won’t start and he told everyone not to bother him – they decide to rough it out together.

In an unlikely twist of fate, the little moments of smiles, flirting, openness and comfort begin to build into something more. The stranded weekend turns into a romantic fantasy.

As all fantasies do, however, it comes to an end. Jon Jacobs is a movie star, after all, and Becca is just, well, Becca. When they return to the real world, friends and family begin to doubt the longevity of the so-called fling.

How could these two people, who are so different and from different places, be this into each other after such a short period of time? Who is using who here?

In the midst of these doubts, something happens that could bring them together forever. But will it last? Will fate allow it?

Review:

Fate Cuts Both Ways by Barbara L.B. Storey is a captivating romance story filled with emotion and unexpected twists. Readers will be swept up in the love story of two unforgettable characters.

Becca and Jon are on the set of a production they are both working on at a remote location. Fate steps in, as they are both left behind while the rest of the crew takes off. As they begin to set up for survival, they share a lovely, romantic and sexual time together. There, during their weekend together, they totally fall for one another, and their budding romance begins.

Once back home in London, they share many awkward and lovely firsts that come with a new and steamy relationship. They must also overcome obstacles, losses, uncertainty and guilt. Readers will be fully drawn into this love story while feeling many relatable emotions and turning the pages quickly to journey alongside Becca and Jon’s extraordinary story.

I so enjoyed Fate Cuts Both Ways by Barbara L.B. Storey. It has a memorable cast of characters that are fully developed, likable and who go through many trials along the way. As they overcome the issues they are facing, they are also learning to trust and be in a real loving relationship. Readers will be able to relate in so many ways. The story is rather long, but worth devouring it to the very end. It is divided into three sections, which makes for an easier read. It is deeply profound and full of emotion and tender moments. The couple must face so many difficult things that affect their relationship. They go through many ups and downs and readers will certainly be engaged while hoping for the best for them.

I couldn’t put Fate Cuts Both Ways down. It had me from the very first chapter, where it starts out as an exciting romantic encounter between two special people that find a real connection with one another. Then, it develops into a much stronger story with more of a meaningful, deep plot, with a satisfying conclusion that brings closure. Barbara L.B. Storey has a unique voice and she certainly is an exceptional storyteller.  Her descriptions are captivating and vivid, which kept me sensually delighted. This book is unique and fabulous. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Fate Cuts Both Waysto all avid romance readers that are looking for something original and entertaining to escape into. Get yourself a copy and discover a love story worth fighting for.

Purchase Fate Cuts Both Ways by Barbara L.B. Storey @Amazon here!

Shattered Moon by Renata Lanzoni - Book Review

Shattered Moon: When a romantic dream turns into a nightmare by Renata Lanzoni

Synopsis:

Shattered Moon is based on a true story. The book explores the heights of an unexpected romance, the lows of despair and the terrors of violent abuse. The purpose of the book is to show you are not going crazy, you are not alone and that there is hope on the other side of pain. An Oxford graduate, lawyer, dependable mother, Maddy has been living a secluded life since her teenage son ran away from home three years ago. Her grief for his loss and her sense of guilt have been plaguing her ever since. When her daughter leaves for university, and her estranged husband announces he is moving abroad, she finds herself without purpose. At 42 she decides it is now time to start living again and accepts her friend’s offer to go away on holiday to Sri Lanka. On the exotic island, she encounters an enticing young man who showers her with unexpected attention. She is swept off her feet by the intensity of his feelings and the effect he has on her. The connection with him is so deep, so sudden and so powerful that she decides to leave her empty life behind and embark on an exciting new adventure.

But the mysterious young man, damaged by a past of suffering and loss, is not what she expects him to be. She finds herself more and more tangled in his web and unable to see a way out. Feeling responsible for his every mood and fiercely protective of him, she fails to recognize the first signs of abuse and only realizes what is really happening to her after months of emotional and physical violence. But the shame and disbelief isolate her from everyone, and she finds herself lonely, utterly sad and fighting against her feelings. The unprecedented rollercoaster of emotions traps her in a toxic and violent relationship. Her life is in danger. Can she save herself? A story of unconditional love, powerful emotions, strong friendships, deep despair and utter terror, hope and resilience. A true account told with the desire to help others find the strength to save themselves and maybe even to recognize early signs of toxic relationships and avoid all the pain and damage they cause. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Amici di Casa Mihiri, a registered charity which is doing a fantastic and thankless job helping and housing women and young girls affected by domestic violence and abuse in Sri Lanka, giving them safety, security, love and hope.

Review:

Shattered Moon by Renata Lanzoni is a heartbreaking, beautiful and enlightening story about the horrors of domestic abuse. Based on a true story, it is a must read novel that will take readers to the heights of romance and excitement then straight into the depths of disappointment, tragedy and agonizing terror. The story follows the main character Maddy, a middle aged woman whose eighteen year old son ran away from home three years ago. Her daughter has left for college and her husband has abandoned her by taking off to another country. All alone, she gathers her strength and determination to live again and decides to go to Sri Lanka with her friends. While on the beautiful island she meets a charming, handsome gentleman that quickly sweeps her off her feet. However, things begin to spiral out of control as this new “wonderful” man in her life starts to become toxic and abusive toward Maddy. But, Maddy doesn’t see the signs of abuse that are creeping in and her emotions are all over the place. Her life and emotions flow between love, ecstasy, excitement, terror, fear, horror and ultimately to victory. As I was reading her story, I could feel every single feeling that she was experiencing.

Shattered Moon by Renata Lanzoni sheds light on the terrible and common issue of domestic violence. With both emotional and physical abuse, the author writes of the real horrors these women from all over the world endure. She exposes the, many and various, beginning signs and what to look for in a man that could be a potential abuser. It was fascinating to watch how the abusive relationship developed and evolved. This story will chill the reader’s spine as they read about the severe emotional and life threatening abuse that Maddy went through. It is intense, romantic, violent, entertaining and realistic. From the very first chapter, I was pulled in and fully engaged. Maddy’s life story will draw readers in and reveal the real life dire scenarios of how one can be pulled into a tangled web of love and terror, unable to escape it all because of the emotional rollercoaster the she was forced to ride.

Renata Lanzoni shines light on the subject of domestic abuse like no other author has been able to do. This book will help many to understand the psychological aspects of the whole ordeal and how to avoid the horrible trap from the get go, by recognizing the signs. Maddy just didn’t see it coming, and so it is with many women who become entangled in such a relationship. It became confusing, unescapable, dangerous and life threatening for Maddy.

Author, Renta Lanzoni writes with deep empathy for the abused woman, and her descriptive writing puts the reader directly on the scene experiencing all that is unfolding. I love her unique and interesting writing style which is easy to read, fast paced and electrifying. It is written in short chapters that leave the reader hanging and turning the pages quickly. Her well drawn characters are fully developed, realistic and relatable.

Shattered Moon is a thought provoking, compelling, educational and highly entertaining read. Author, Renata Lanzoni has an original voice and excellent writing skills. Readers will enjoy this book while feeling every emotion from glorious to hellish. Overall, Shattered Moon is a must read, 5 star book filled with meaningfulness, romance, suspense and inspiration. Highly recommended byChick Lit Cafe.

Purchase Shattered Moon by Renata Lanzoni @Amazon Here

Stowaway by Darcy Flynn - Book Review

Stowaway by Darcy Flynn

Synopsis:

Her identity is hidden … He’s determined to uncover it

Charleston, South Carolina shipping heiress, MIRANDA MERRICK, discovers one of her family’s cargo ships, the Elle Merrick, has suffered multiple attacks by a saboteur. The devious actions have put the company at risk for bankruptcy. Miranda refuses to sit idly and wait for years of hard work to be destroyed. She boards the Elle in hopes of gaining help from her uncle, the ship’s captain, only to discover a stranger at the helm.

In an effort to discover the culprit and save her family’s company, Miranda stows away on the ship – keeping her identity a secret while conducting her own investigation. Making matters more complicated, she finds herself attracted to the new captain, who could very well be the enemy. After all, until she can uncover the truth, everyone is suspect.

Captain NOAH SHEPPARD is hoping to merge his small, cargo shipping line, Clayton Company, with the multinational conglomerate, Merrick Shipping. Upon discovering one of Merrick’s ships has been deliberately and systematically sabotaged by a crew member, he agrees to captain the targeted vessel in hopes of discovering the identity of the saboteur. Once caught and brought to justice, both companies will then be able to close the deal and complete the merger.

Two days into the voyage, Noah discovers a stowaway, and assumes she’s either the saboteur or in league with him. But what Noah didn’t bargain for is having to deal with the mysterious, gorgeous, redhead, who wreaks havoc – not only to his patience, but to his heart.

Review:

Stowaway by Darcy Flynn is an adventurous, fun and romantic tale set on the high seas. Miranda Merrick is a Charleston, South Carolina shipping heiress that discovers that one of her family’s ships has been under multiple attacks by a saboteur. Her family is facing bankruptcy and her father wants her to marry for financial gain. But, Miranda has another plan, and decides to board the same ship that has come under attack, the Elle Merrick, and get help from her uncle to conduct her own investigation. However, she falls asleep and the ship takes off for Australia. When she awakes, she finds herself as a stowaway aboard the ship. There is a young handsome new captain and a new crew. Miranda hides her identity and takes a job as a cook and a maid, while trying to discover who the saboteur is. Captain Noah Sheppard has agreed to captain the ship to discover who the saboteur is. He also wants to merge his shipping company with the Merrick Company. Miranda and the captain both suspect one another despite their growing attraction for one another. What ensues is a swashbuckling journey filled with danger, suspense and romance.

Stowaway by Darcy Flynn is a modern day swashbuckling romance filled with uncertainty and mystery on the high seas. Darcy Flynn is an excellent storyteller which reveals itself in this fun contemporary story set on a cargo ship headed for Australia, and that has been attacked and sabotaged many times. The author’s writing proficiency shines through as the story unfolds. The characters are amazing, real and relatable with flaws and strengths. They are well developed, as is, the exciting unforgettable plot. Miranda has a spunky clever personality and the romance between her and Captain Noah Sheppard is stirring and electrifying. Darcy Flynn knows how to keep readers in suspense, guessing who the identity of the saboteur could be. Her descriptive writing creates an edgy atmosphere of intrigue and mystery. She sets the tone well with her use of language and draws readers in from the very first chapter. As the ship crosses the ocean, and danger, romance and suspense ensue, readers will revel in it. This dangerous, exciting, fun and sweet love journey is a must read for all readers of this genre. Get yourself a copy and go on an unforgettable exciting journey with the crew of the Elle Merrick. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends Stowaway by Darcy Flynn.

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