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

Immortals’ Requiem - Vincent Bobbe - Book Review

Immortals’ Requiem by Vincent Bobbe

Grimdark Fantasy: Speculative fiction

There are beings that live a shadow’s breadth from our reality…

They are the dreams and nightmares of humanity, the ancient seeds of fairy-tale and superstition. These are the Immortals, creatures of magic that should live forever… and they are fading.

When a horror two thousand years dead returns to contemporary England, creatures long thought lost to myth and legend collide in a scramble for survival that could tumble civilization back into the dark ages of blood and death.

Immortals’ Requiem is a Tolkienesque grimdark fantasy based in both a modern day city and vast supernatural worlds. If you like the idea of a drunken elf with a shotgun, an ancient warrior with a chainsaw and a whole host of violent supernatural beings you’ll love this gritty Amazon Number 1 Bestseller.

Buy Immortals’ Requiem to lose yourself in this epic award winning dark fantasy adventure today!

Review:

Immortals’ Requiem by Vincent Bobbe is a wild fantastical ride in a horrific setting filled with creatures made of nightmares. This is a story that is so terrifying that I could barely read it, and definitely couldn’t put it down. The characters in this book range from mortals to monsters of every kind. They are immortals waging war against one another and it is one scary battle. Characters are being killed off and blood is everywhere.

There are several plot lines that come together like an intricate puzzle. It flows nicely, is easy to follow along and keep up with the pace – which is extremely fast. Told in the third person of the different creatures, I found it to be extraordinary that the author could pull it off the way he did. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is perfect for those that love great storytelling coupled with dark minded, frightening creatures that are relentless and blood thirsty.

The world building in this otherworldly book is nothing less than brilliant. Vincent Bobbe has created vivid scenes, situations and locations full of supernatural beings, vampires, elves, shapeshifters, fairies, zombies, giants, etc. He has taken the fae world and put it all into one outstanding book. I felt like I was there watching on as the story unfolded. His descriptive writing had me on the scene, and Immortals’ Requiem is unlike anything I have ever read.

With a hand full of major characters, we follow along as the story unfolds in modern day England. The characters are complex and well developed. For a dark fantasy, they are extremely believable and realistic. Because of the masterful way this book is written, the entire story is believable and realistic. The characters are not without emotion, and the book brought up feelings that were relatable to me. It is a violent and graphic novel with an original premise and idea. Vincent Bobbe has won this reader over and Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends Immortals’ Requiem by Vincent Bobbe to all lovers of grimdark fantasy and horror.

Purchase Immortals’ Requiem @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

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus - Book Review

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus

Synopsis

Amelia’s past issues and personal time limits propel her into a relationship that alters her normal life at Westbrook University. Connor, her new potential boyfriend, triggers jealousy, rehashes old relationships, sparks new ones, and ignites a rage in others that will devastate her ordinary life. As she desperately tries to hold on to her pre-Connor life, she struggles to balance the new-found attention while trying to follow her heart. Something she realizes is complicated… very complicated – because her heart has no idea where it’s going.

Connor may be the change Lia is looking for, but he is certainly not the ending Hawk wants for his Queen. Hawk’s invested too much time in planning his future to let some random guy walk away with his happily ever after. He will do anything to protect her virtue, even if it means protecting her from herself because Amelia belongs to him.

He’s chosen her…

He’s watched her…

He’s studied her…

He knows everything there is to learn about her…

And when the time is right she will reign his heart.

Review:

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus is an intriguing young adult book filled with twists and turns. The main character of the book is Amelia. Amelia has not had much success in the way of relationships.

But she has a prospective new boyfriend, Connor, who has been after her to be his girlfriend. She is somewhat reluctant and has always had a habit of shutting herself down when it comes to the men in her life when things get confining. The problem with Amelia accepting Connor as her boyfriend is complicated. It brings up issues of jealousy, past relationships, it brings on new ones, and sparks anger in others that could ruin her everyday life.

As a college student at Westbrook University and the possibility of a new boyfriend, Amelia has a lot going for her. But things are not that simple for this young women. And if she knew that a guy named Hawk, has beenstalking her, she would really be over the top devastated. Hawk wants Amelia to be his queen. He knows everything about her and has been studying her intently. Amelia’s best friend, Robins, is the ultimate friend and the guy that the girls all want to be with. Amelia is popular and seems to have it all. But, to what extent will Hawk go to in order to make Amelia his queen?

Knights After My Heart is one wild ride. It is a romantic mystery filled with fascinating characters and interesting plot twists. I couldn’t put it down and devoured it to the very last page, which was a cliffhanger, causing me to want to quickly get the next book in the series in my hands. With the appealing descriptions and activity of college life, all readers will love to reminisce and dream about college life. This is such an entertaining, beguiling, and riveting sexy story. Perfectly crafted with powerful believable characters.

The wonderful descriptive writing put me right on the scene watching on as the story unfolded. I could see and feel the emotions and relate to what the characters were going through.

The romance in this book is also unique and there is an unexpected twist in the form of a love triangle of sorts. This book is full of mystery with suspicious behavior making it an enthralling suspenseful novel to revel in and be startled by. I became unnerved on many occasions and was stricken speechless.

The characters are fabulous and well developed with strengths, flaws and attitudes. They are relatable and likable except for the questionable and somewhat creepy guy, Hawk. The story is told in two POV’s, Amelia’s and Hawk’s. It works well with in the storyline and flows seamlessly. I was fully impressed by the way Sonja Jesus wrote the dialogue between the characters. She has a unique original voice that resounds on every page. I am definitely going to read more from author Sonya Jesus. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus

Purchase Knights After My Heart @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

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

Gallowglass by Jennifer Allis Provost

Gallowglass series book one by Jennifer Allis Provost

Synopsis:

Karina didn’t set out to free the Seelie Queen’s gallowglass. Now she’ll do anything to keep him.

After Karina and her brother, Chris’s, lives fall apart in separate yet equally spectacular ways, they leave New York behind and head to the UK. Karina buries herself in research for her doctoral thesis, all the while studiously not thinking about the man who broke her heart, while Chris—who’d been a best-selling author before his ex-fiancée sued him for plagiarism—drinks his way across the British Isles.

In Scotland, they visit the grave of Robert Kirk, a seventeenth- century minister who was kidnapped by fairies. No one is more shocked than Karina when a handsome man with a Scottish brogue appears, claiming to be the Robert Kirk of legend. What’s more, he says he spent the last few hundred years as the Gallowglass, the Seelie Queen’s personal assassin. When they’re attacked by demons, Karina understands how dearly the queen wants him back.

As Karina and Robert grow closer, Chris’s attempts to drown his sorrows lead him to a pub, and a woman called Sorcha. Chris is instantly smitten with her, so much so he spends days with Sorcha and lies to his sister about his whereabouts. When Chris comes home covered in fey kisses, Karina realizes that the Seelie Queen isn’t just after Robert.

Can Karina outsmart the Seelie Queen, or is Robert doomed to forever be the Gallowglass?

Review:

Karina and her brother Chris live in New York where they both experience loss and their lives begin to fall apart. Then, Karina receives a grant to work on her doctoral thesis in Scotland. So they both travel to Scotland where their lives change forever. Scotland is full of beauty and intrigue. It’s here where Karina and Chris experience much more than they could have dreamed of. The magic of Scotland becomes much more than a place for Karina’s doctoral thesis.

While Karina and Chris are visiting the grave of Robert Kirk, a seventeenth- century minister who was abducted by fairies. Suddenly a handsome man appears claiming to be Robert Kirk of the same time lorn legend. He declares that he has been the Seelie Queen’s Gallowglass and personal assassin for the past 300 years. Karina is skeptical until they are attacked by demons. Then the fantasy becomes real and Karina is in the midst of the whole ordeal.

In the meantime, brother Chris is drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Until he meets Sorcha and becomes instantly attracted to her. Karina then realizes that there is much more to the Seelie Queen’s motivation and evil designs.

When Robert applies the magical fairy ointment to Karina’s face, she is able to see beyond the earthly realm, curses and spells, but the ointment also has some side effects that aren’t so good.

Will Karina help free Robert from being the Gallowglass forever?

Gallowglass is an exciting paranormal, romance, fantasy that readers will indulge their minds, souls and emotions in. It is filled with adventure, magic and mythology. Scotland, in and of itself, is an enchanting place and in this story it becomes even more magical, mysterious and captivating. There are fairies, demons, pixies and all sorts of creatures, good and bad, to be had in this fantastic otherworldly tale.

There are many fiery battles that the character Robert must face and these battles are written with animation and a fine descriptive style and voice. I could just imagine the complexion of the large creatures he faced. I was caught up and captivated from the beginning to the fulfilling end. It is fast paced, full of action and engrossing.

I loved the characters, they are fabulous and well developed. Karina’s personality shines and the narrative between the sister and brother, Karina and Chris, was written very well and I found it to be very appealing. I fully connected with the characters and felt drawn to them and marveled in their quests.

Jennifer Allis Provost writes and composes a very descriptive piece of work in Gallowglass. The scenery, battles and creatures are well defined and extremely vivid and exciting. There is romance, magic and legends to be found in this highly recommend novel.

The premise of the story is unique and original, I haven’t read anything like this before. It’s full of creativity and has a fresh plot and storyline with genuine characters.

Gallowglass is an absorbing story that will capture reader’s attention from start to finish. It is highly entertaining and gripping, as I couldn’t put it down.

I highly recommend Gallowglass to all urban fantasy, paranormalromance lovers out there, and am looking forward to the next book by this excellent author Jennifer Allis Provost.

Purchase Gallowglass @Amazon Now

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

Quest to the Unknown by Annelies George

Quest to the Unknown by Annelies George

Synopsis:

Quest to the Unknown revolves around up-and-coming Dutch reporter Jessie Golden, ready for her first holiday with business mogul and playboy Carlos Gomez, with whom she is engaged in a budding romance. Her journey begins when she finds a folder full of information on a mysterious woman named Nancy and her son Paul, leading her to an unexpected quest. Soon thereafter Jessie is confronted with a series of unexplainable supernatural occurrences. She realizes there is no such thing as coincidence, although she can’t unravel the true meaning of her quest nor her link to Nancy and her son.

At the same time Jessie believes Carlos’ father has ties with some questionable characters. Startled by a series of unexpected events she reaches out to Ed Turner, Carlos’ right-hand man. In order to protect the one she truly loves, Jessie starts an investigation that points to the murky world of the mob. When a stranger is constantly following her, Jessie’s life is in serious danger. Can the ones she implicitly confides in, still be trusted?

The first part of the Jessie Golden 21st Century Earth Series, introduces the main characters of the saga in an intriguing story of exceptional mother love, the far reaching consequences of choices in life, genuine feelings, blind faith and brutal deception, set in a multitude of countries in today’s fast moving business world.

Review:

Quest to the Unknown by Annelies George is book one in the Jessie Golden 21st Century Earth Series. In it we have Jessie Golden, a Dutch journalist at Kruger Publishing, responsible for a business magazine. After ending a fifteen year relationship, she is tasked to interview Carlos Gomez, a playboy and powerful businessman, in which she falls in mutual love with. But Carlos is not the only one that is attracted to Jessie. Then she finds a folder in her room with information about a curious family in which she immediately feels a connection to. After finding numerous leads in the documents, she and her friend Angelina embark upon a journey that leads her to an energy healer named Nancy. Through Nancy she learns of her mission. Then she checks out Nancy’s son Paul and discovers a link between them.

She also has other missions that are more tedious. Her journey leads her to various countries. She has a story with Carlos’ father, Sancho, who is involved with the mob and insider trading and he may, in fact, be trying to destroy his son’s businesses. Carlos declares his love for Jessie and they become engaged to be married. Is Carlos the right one for Jessie? Little is what it seems and Jessie has to determine the truth, including Carlos’ extreme feelings for her. As situations are revealed, Jessie moves forward towards her life altering mission. During her travels she has some supernatural encounters. Is all this a coincidence? To top it all off, someone is following Jessie and her life is in danger.

Quest to the Unknown is the first in an apocalyptic series by Annelies George. It is filled with mystery, crime and the supernatural. The author does an exemplary job of creating characters that are realistic and interesting. Moreover, the suspense in this novel is nail biting and riveting. There is rape murder, drug lords and violence. It keeps readers on the edge of their seat with its intense suspense and mystery. The characters are well developed and multifaceted. I became invested in their lives. There were even parts where I cried. Annelies George did a great job of developing the characters with their particular personalities. I truly became steeped in Jessie’s life as she is determined, independent, with keen investigative prowess. She is loyal and successful in all that she does which will make good for immediate and future missions. I became emotionally entrenched in Jessie’s life and her missions and their outcomes. My heart went out to her many times.

The plot and storyline flow with ease even though it is intense and powerful. It is fast paced and fully engaging. The characters help weave together a story that is an extreme combination of uncertainty, science fiction and romance. There are many mysterious questions that inevitably must be figured out and answered. Annelies George writes an involved and engrossing mystery that grabbed my attention from the start and wouldn’t let go until the end. And even then, I am looking forward to the continuing saga.

The scenes to introduce each chapter were written well and I was able to easily follow along. The descriptions gave me a keen idea of the locations, the people and their surroundings. This novel is excellent and well composed. There are no grammatical errors which made for an enjoyable smooth read. With a strong female protagonist, mystery, adventure, drama and suspense I was totally hooked and engaged. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a real page turner. I fully anticipate the second book in the series.

Quest to the Unknown is a must read, 5 star saga, with more to come.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Cafe

Purchase Quest to the Unknown by Annelies George @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

Purchase Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman @Amazon

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100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba

100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba

100 Dates & a Wedding relates the dating tribulations of a young French divorcee named Valerie Duval. It narrates Valerie’s dating experiences in London and shares the lessons she learnt from them. Her disillusionments, her joys, and her own ambiguities are shared without concession questioning how to deal with a break up after a long relationship? How to believe in love again after being defeated? Doesn’t everyone kiss a few frogs before reaching their happy ending? But the questions every woman wonder: How many dates does it get to find the “One”? 100? How many shags? Valerie won’t tell. How many mistakes made? Certainly plenty. Should you play the Game?

Valerie never understood the rules. So how do you meet the right one then? After a few slaps on the face. The road to love is not easy, but when you find it, you realize that somehow you enjoyed the ride, but more so adored reaching the destination. We must all go through this, c’est la vie! 100 Dates & a Wedding will make your heart laugh out loud; it is filled with raw emotions and evinces an incredible honesty in terms of storytelling. 100 Dates and a Wedding is moving and charming, is the perfect novel for a female of any age to engross herself into and delve into self-discovery through Valerie’s inspiring journey.

Review:

100 Dates and a Wedding is a fictional story based on author, Steph Tumba’s, real life events. In it we meet Valerie Duvall, a young French woman that has lived in London for three years now. She was married for seven years and is now divorced. Her two best friends, Camellia, sensitive and loyal, and Bianca, outgoing and sexy, help Valerie signup and create a profile on the dating site “match.com”. Valerie is reluctant at first but decides to give it a try and creates her profile in hopes to meet someone she can have a real relationship with.

As she looks at the profiles of the men online, she starts to relax and have fun. With so many men to choose from, she doesn’t know where to start. So she decides to send messages to all of the ones that caught her attention. Right away there is action on her profile. She receives a hundred emails and a 300 winks from the eager men that are hoping to find a date. With her friend’s approval, Valerie begins to date. Will she find the love of her life – her soulmate?

What follows is a humorous adventure in the world of online dating and matchmaking. It is the story of one woman’s life, her marriage and divorce, her career, her life in London and her experiences in online dating and finding the love of her life.

100 Dates and a Wedding starts out with a humorous bang right from the beginning, as Valerie is having her divorce and birthday party on the same day. The things that go on at the party are laugh-out-loud-funny.

Then she starts dating and has many trials and tribulations with her dates. She goes from one date to the next excited and confused. She actually seems to find some keepers but then as time goes on and she gets to know them for one reason or another things don’t work out. Will she ever find the one who she will fall in love with and get married? You must read the book to find out.

I couldn’t put 100 Dates and a Wedding down and read it almost straight through. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I began laughing right away. It is engaging, fun and exciting. There are real moments when my emotions got caught up in the story, as it made me angry and sad at times too. But it’s mostly funny and definitely interesting, as the reader gets a peek into the author’s life. It is written very well with a bit of a French flair to it.

Author Steph Tumba did a magnificent job of describing the setting, which is in London, as I felt like I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters. They have interesting and quirky personalities. They are well developed and fleshed out and became real to me.

I know readers will enjoy 100 Dates and a Wedding, the story is original, creative, well written and composed. Because it is based on a true story of the author’s own experiences, it is very realistic and down-to-earth, yet very funny, amusing and especially entertaining. I loved the satisfying ending.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends 100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba to all romantic comedy lovers.

Purchase 100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba @Amazon Now