They Called Him Marvin: A History of Love, War and Family by Roger Stark

They Called Him Marvin: A History of Love, War and Family by Roger Stark

"They were the fathers we never knew, the uncles we never met, the friends who never returned, the heroes we can never repay. They gave us our world. And those simple sounds of freedom we hear today are their voices speaking to us across the years." Bill Clinton

Such a man was 1st Lt Dean Harold Sherman, B-29 Airplane Commander.

“They Called Him Marvin” is a history. A history of war and of family. A history of the collision of the raging politics of a global war, young love, patriotism, sacred family commitments, duty and the horrors and tragedies, the catastrophe that war is.

A reviewer explains: "I am a fan of historical fiction and this story did not disappoint. It was sweet, tragic, personal, and moving. Gradually and almost imperceptibly, the story of two wartime sweethearts begins circling the drain of a tragedy you know is coming. The book begins with the ending, but by the time you get there you have convinced yourself that it can't possibly be the case. I enjoyed every moment, even the ones that left me in tears.

The letters between Connie and Dean provided a fascinating glimpse into wartime life. Reading the experiences of people both at home and abroad was very engaging. I found myself eagerly awaiting the next letter, right along with the young couple!

Lastly, the book left me with an overwhelming acknowledgement of the universal trauma and tragedy of war. The Sherman’s are not the only family we meet in the book and the weaving together of several different narratives added a depth to the story that's hard to put into words.
I definitely encourage anyone to read this book, especially if historical novels are not something you typically read. This is a story about people and you won't want it to end.

Grab your copy of "They Called Him Marvin: A History of Love, War and Family by Roger Stark today!

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

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

Unrequited Guilt by Kim Praser

Unrequited Guilt by Kim Praser

Seventeen-year-old Amber Malley’s suicide sparks the depression that has been buried within teacher Kristen Hunter. The single mother of two struggles to cope with the loss of this student while coming to terms with her failed marriage that she denies to acknowledge.

Not only does Kristen work through her depression, Kristen’s father, Paul, deals with the rejection he received from his mother as a child, along with the deaths of his best friend and wife. Amber’s mother, Mary Alice, ignores the truth behind her daughter’s death; instead, she decides to sue Kristen who encourages the composition of Amber’s suicide note. Within weeks of Amber’s death, another student, Brian, commits suicide by walking into a train as a result of rejecting his father’s new marriage.

How will Kristen handle the guilt she feels contributes to these situations? To what degree does she hold herself responsible?

Review:

Kristen Hunter is a single mother of two and a high school teacher. Kristen is in denial when it comes to her failed marriage. When one of her students, seventeen year old Amber Malley, commits suicide, it sends Kristen spiraling into depression. Her failed marriage and the horror of her student’s suicide is too much for her to handle.

Kristen must also deal with her own father’s depression and issues due to his own childhood and the deaths of his best friend and his wife.

To top it all off, young Amber Malley’s mother, Mary Alice, refuses to believe the truth behind her daughter’s suicide, and decides to put the blame on Kristen. Mary Alice decides to sue Kristen for Amber’s death because she believes that Kristen encouraged the composition of Amber’s suicide note.

Then if things aren’t bad enough, another student commits suicide. Kristen is overwhelmed with depression and now she is ridden with guilt. Is Kristen somehow responsible for the suicides and deaths of the two young students? That is the question that bombards her mind continually. Will Kristen be able to overcome the depression and come to terms with the guilt that she feels? Will her life continue to spin out of control? Or will she be victorious in the end?

Unrequited Guilt is a phenomenal story of one woman’s unexpected twists and turns in life that result in tragedy and a life filled with depression, guilt and mental torment. How far should Kristen go in holding herself responsible for the deaths of these children? The guilt she feels is unfounded, but she struggles terribly with that and the other issues in her life.

Author, Kim Praser has composed a poignant, compelling and engaging novel that I was unable to put down. I was drawn in right from the beginning and fully occupied throughout. Unrequited Guilt is a real tearjerker filled with raw emotion, hope and inspiration. The storyline is highly imaginative, unique and creative. It is realistic and relatable. Kim Praser encourages the reader to allow themselves to have deep feelings and compassion as she paints the human condition like a portrait. This is a beautiful story that readers will not soon forget. I was touched deeply.

The characters are very well developed and woven into the storyline with meaning and carefulness. Much thought was put into the characters. They grow and evolve beautifully throughout the story. The plot and storyline is like a beautiful tapestry that captivates the reader and won’t let go. Unrequited Guilt is a novel well worth reading and one that readers will relate to on one level or another. The ending does not disappoint. I loved the satisfying finish. This is one that I could and would read again.

Praise for Kim Praser’s Unrequited Guilt a 5 Star Novel.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Cafe

Purchase Unrequited Guilt by Kim Praser @Amazon Today

Keeping Sam by Joanne Phillips

Keeping Sam by Joanne Phillips

When Kate wakes up from a year-long coma, the first person she asks for is her son. Recovering from a head injury and getting back on her feet takes all of Kate’s energy, but toddler Sam has left a hole in her heart – a hole that isn’t healed by the knowledge that Sam is being cared for by Kate’s mother. Estranged from her parents since she was eighteen, Kate soon discovers they took Sam home to Cornwall months ago, convinced Kate would never wake up … By the time Kate is well enough to reclaim her son she is frantic with worry. Why hasn’t her mother brought Sam to see her? Why haven’t they replied to any of her letters? And why will no one talk to her about the circumstances around her injuries?

Review:
Kate is a young mother who gets attacked and ends up in a coma for almost a year. Her parents obtained custody of Kate’s toddler son when they thought that she wasn’t going to ever wake up.

But she did wake up, only to find that she had lost her son to her parents. As she recovers from her head injury and learns to walk again, Kate is only interested in getting her son back. But Kate’s mom, of whom she is estranged from, wants to keep Sam, Kate’s son. Kate is pain-stricken with worry and works hard to fully recover from her head trauma. In the meantime Kate’s mother hasn’t even brought Sam to see his mother. Kate is furious and anxious. She gets caught up in the red tape of the legal system and fights hard to get her son back. And why will no one talk to her about what happened to her and who attacked her?

Keeping Sam is a roller coaster filled with emotion and passion as one mother fights to get her son back from her parents and the legal system. It is an exceptional contemporary read and very interesting. It’s a complex realistic drama about modern day families. It touches on relationships and dysfunctional families. Kate is anxious and frustrated, as any mother would be if they were in her situation. Her relationship with her mother is strained and her mother doesn’t want to give up Sam, Kate’s son.

I found Keeping Sam by Joanne Phillips to be an engaging relatable story that many readers will like. I was caught up in the drama of the family dynamics and Kate’s struggle. I found myself filled with emotions such as, anger, sorrow and hope. The tension between Kate and her parents are revealed in a clever skillful way.

Joanne Phillips has introduced some more lighthearted moments in this story in the form of Kate’s landlady, Marie, and the love of her life Tony. All the characters have their place in this book and are well developed. Kate, and her mother Barbara, are both interesting and multidimensional characters, with strengths and weaknesses that we all have. The rest of the characters are nice additions to the story and help to give it life and interest. . I found the dialog between Kate and her mother, Barbara, to be especially interesting and well composed.

There is a little mystery and romance, but no sex or bad language, which I found refreshing. It’s a well written and narrated story

Overall, Keeping Sam by Joanne Phillips, is a poignant and likable story about one mother’s struggle to keep her child. The storyline is compelling and unique. Readers will be interested in this dysfunctional family. I believe many will relate to the modern day relationships and scenario. The ending was satisfying and conclusive.

This is the first book that I have read by Joanne Phillips and I am delightfully pleased. She is an excellent creative writer. I am going to pick up one her romance or cozy mysteries books that she is better known for. I am anxiously looking forward to reading more by her.

Chick Lit Cafe gives Keeping Sam 5 big stars.

Purchase Keeping Sam @Amazon Now

A Journey to Yonder by Nidhi Kaur

A Journey to Yonder by Nidhi Kaur

A Journey to Yonder is the tale of one woman’s refusal to allow the challenges of her past to define her present. She grows up with a special needs sibling and loses her childhood home, and we then follow her through an abusive relationship and into the most unforgiving of human trials.

With experiences that leave you feeling so alone, how do you hold on to hope? How do you go on?

Nidhi Kaur’s compelling use of both poetry and prose intimately welcomes readers into this moving story of spiritual rediscovery. Poems are sprinkled throughout the story, guiding readers through intimate and stunning moments of truth. Kaur reminds us that if we offer our trust completely to God, we are never alone.

The author of the spiritual collection of poetry My Wedding with Truth, Nidhi Kaur once again delivers an emotionally enlightened journey through the human heart. Miracles can be seen everywhere in this world, and Kaur helps us remember to keep our eyes open in this riveting story of redemption.

Review:

In A Journey to Yonder we discover one woman’s strength and refusal to not let her past dictate her future.

After going through many trials and heartaches, such as living with a special needs sibling, losing her childhood home and experiencing an abusive relationship, she wonders if there is really any hope.

In her beautiful memoir, through poetry and prose, she takes readers on her spiritual journey.

A Journey to Yonder is a poignant beautiful story of how unconditional love can overcome all fears. It is a passionate and heartfelt story filled with tragedy and the beauty of the world and love. It is a combination of beautiful poetry and honest impeccable storytelling mixed with fact and fiction. It’s a truly stunning and moving story.

As author Nidhi Kaur bears her soul readers can’t help but to be deeply moved and inspired. Her openness compels readers to follow along and be deeply moved by the childhood traumas, abuses she suffered and the love she ultimately finds. It’s a poetic and artistic treasure.

In the first half of the book Nidhi Kaur expresses and opens her heart to the tragedies and torments of her childhood and younger years. I could completely relate, and I think many readers will be able to relate as well. Then we go on to learn of her life in India and the culture and difficulties she had during that time. I was drawn in and felt her emotions as I read her accounts of her life. While the last part of the book is about herspiritual journey to light, love and healing.

A Journey to Yonder is an engaging read that’s brilliantly written. Nidhi Kaur has composed a book like no other I have ever read. Part memoir, part fiction, part poetic and part prose. All woven together in a stunning tapestry of literary creativity and genius. This is the best book in its genre that I have read in a long time. A Journey to Yonder is inspirationaland compelling. It’s a must read 5 star read.

Chick Lit Café Highly Recommends A Journey to Yonder by Nidhi Kaur

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The Armoire by Ione Joy -Book Review

The Armoire by Ione Joy

Synopsis:

Maxine, a psychology major from Wisconsin, has always wondered what her grandmother kept locked away in her armoire. But when she inherits it, Maxine unlocks something divine and wonderful that’s to lead her to the answer of her life’s biggest question – what is my purpose? She embarks on a journey that opens her eyes, opens her heart, and lights a fire in her soul. She’s shown things that people only dream of, as well as the things of nightmares. Inspired, Maxine sets her life on a new course, but life comes with pain, just as it does joy. Shaken by a devastating discovery, she has to learn to trust God to go where she cannot and protect who she cannot. Will she be able to stay the course, or will the discovery be too much for her to bear?

Review:
Maxine is a young woman who has always wondered what was in her grandmother’s armoire. When her grandmother passes away, Maxine inherits the key to the armoire. Delighted and excited, Maxine must first find the key. When she finally finds it, she is in for an exciting adventure filled with joy, pain and also suffering. The only thing inside the armoire is a beautiful magical feather. When she picks it up, a sparkling angel of the Lord appears. It is Maxine’s guardian angel. The angel asks Maxine what she wants most in life. Maxine confesses that she only wants to know the purpose of her life.

With that, Maxine and her guardian angel set out on an adventure. A magical experience of beautiful supernatural encounters, as well as, some more horrifying things. Through all their adventures, Maxine finds out that God does have a good plan for her life. And even though some things are hard, she learns that she must accept God’s plan.

The Armoire is a delightful supernatural story filled with beauty and tragedy. I loved the main character Maxine and warmed up to her quite quickly. She is blessed to be chosen by God to show her the purpose of her life. I felt the story was realistic, as I have had supernatural experiences and things that the Lord has shown me. I loved how our author Ione Joy shows how in life we must change the things we can and accept the things we can’t.

Maxine goes on a beautiful spiritual journey that many Christians will relate to. Even though it is a fantasy type read, reader’s will get the meaning of the story and will be able to easily apply it to their lives.

The descriptions are dazzling and enchanting. Ione Joy has created a stunning world in her fabulous book The Armoire.

The characters are likable and realistic. They are all well developed and multidimensional. Ione Joy has a way with words. She has created a beautiful painting with words that flow off the page.

The storyline is extremely creative and well thought out. There is meaning to this story and readers will be inspired.

I couldn’t put the book down and kept wondering what was going to happen next. All the adventures are exciting and interesting.

The Armoire is one of the best Christian books that I have read in a long time. It is a real page turner and very inspirational. If you enjoy Christian stories with angels, the supernatural and the beauty of the universe, this is the book for you. The experiences that Maxine goes through portrays our beautiful world with its goodness and its tragedy. It’s an exciting journey and an enjoyable read.

Ione Joy is an excellent writer and I’m looking forward to reading more books written by her.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Cafe

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