The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian  

Posted on December 30, 2015 by fredreeca

  

Overview

     When Richard Chapman offers to host his younger brother’s bachelor party, he expects a certain amount of debauchery. He sends his wife, Kristin, and young daughter off to his mother-in-law’s for the weekend, and he opens his Westchester home to his brother’s friends and their hired entertainment. What he does not expect is this: bacchanalian drunkenness, a dangerously intimate moment in his guest bedroom, and two naked women stabbing and killing their Russian bodyguards before driving off into the night. In the aftermath, Richard’s life rapidly spirals into a nightmare. The police throw him out of his home, now a crime scene; his investment banking firm puts him on indefinite leave; and his wife finds herself unable to forgive him for the moment he shared with a dark-haired girl in the guest room. But the dark-haired girl, Alexandra, faces a much graver danger. In one breathless, violent night, she is free, running to escape the police who will arrest her and the gangsters who will kill her in a heartbeat. A captivating, chilling story about shame and scandal, The Guest Room is a riveting novel from one of our greatest storytellers.

Review

Richard hosts a bachelor party for his brother.  It turns into a night of debauchery and murder. The fallout from this evening is never ending. 

This novel has so many levels and so many layers it is so hard to put down. One minute you are at a naughty bachelor party, the next you are envolved with Russians and sex slavery, not to mention, the repercussions on a marriage, job and family during the days after the party. 

This story just kept getting deeper and more envolved the more I read. Chris Bohjalian has not dissappointed me yet. I am amazed at his talent of weaving a tale. 

There is one part that should be reworked and I usually never just pick one, but this one irked me. When Richard is telling his wife on the phone about the murders, she repeats verbatim everything he is saying to her. That is not a conversation a wife would have with a husband. She would be yelling WHAT!!!! Or OH MY GOD!! She would not be repeating what he said. There would probably be expletives.  I think this is where I began not to like her. She is a little bit of whiner throughout this story.  However, she definitely redeems herself at the end. And the ending caught me by surprise. I never expected it. Just made the story better…if even possible. 

  
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Pieces Like Pottery by Dan Buri

Posted on December 29, 2015 by fredreeca

  
Overview

The first collection of short fiction from Dan Buri, Pieces Like Pottery is an exploration of heartbreak and redemption that announces the arrival of a new American author. In this distinct selection of stories marked by struggle and compassion, Pieces Like Pottery is a powerful examination of the sorrows of life, the strength of character, the steadfast of courage, and the resiliency of love requisite to find redemption. 

Filled with graceful insight into the human condition, each linked story presents a tale of loss and love. In Expect Dragons, James Hinri learns that his old high school teacher is dying. Wanting to tell Mr. Smith one last time how much his teaching impacted him, James drives across the country revisiting past encounters with his father’s rejection and the pain of his youth. Disillusioned and losing hope, little did James know that Mr. Smith had one final lesson for him. 

In The Gravesite, Lisa and Mike’s marriage hangs in the balance after the disappearance of their only son while backpacking in Thailand. Mike thinks the authorities are right—that Chris fell to his death in a hiking accident—but Lisa has her doubts. Her son was too strong to die this young, and no one can explain to her why new posts continue to appear on her son’s blog. 

Twenty-Two looks in on the lives of a dock worker suffering from the guilt of a life not lived and a bartender making the best of each day, even though he can see clearly how his life should have been different. The two find their worlds collide when a past tragedy shockingly connects them. 

A collection of nine stories, each exquisitely written and charged with merciful insight into the trials of life, Pieces Like Pottery reminds us of the sorrows we all encounter in life and the kindness we receive, oftentimes from the unlikeliest of place.


Review

Like all short story books, some of the stories really grab you and some do not. I have to say, there were very few tales in this collection that fell into that category. These tales are so creative and intriguing. With my work schedule, they were perfect for me to snatch a quick read at work (gasp…don’t judge).  

The compassion shown in each story is of a different nature. Each shows creativity and a uniqueness that really plays on your heartstrings. The “real world” is played out differently in every story. 

I loved the passion I felt the author portrayed. A great talent! 

  

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Whatever it Takes by L. E. Bross #XOXperts 

Posted on December 26, 2015 by fredreeca

  
Overview

Tess is burdened with a responsibility she’s not quite sure she can handle, and Ryan is determined to save her from it—if she ever stops pushing him away—in this sexy follow-up to Right Where You Are, the first new adult novel in the captivating Second Chances series.

Tess is a lot of things. Strong. Independent. Determined. Completely overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being her little brother’s caretaker. But she can handle it. She has to. Because there’s no way in hell she’s letting anyone else raise Noah.

Ryan’s happy with a life on cruise control. He has no intention of tying himself down. That road only leads to heartbreak, a lesson he learned the hard way when he was fifteen. So why can’t he stay away from the one woman who broke his heart?

Tess knows exactly why Ryan keeps popping up right when she needs the most help: He’s got a hero complex big enough to save Cinderella. But Tess isn’t that girl, and she refuses to let him be part of her life. Not even when Noah takes a liking to him. Not even when they kind of, maybe, hook up.

Not even when she starts to fall for him…

Review

Tess is having a hard time in her life. She is trying to make ends meet, finish college and raise her little brother. Ryan, her old boyfriend, steps back into the picture. He is determined to keep her from failing. 

This story took me by surprise. I am a notorious insomniac. I usually end up reading about an hour or so in the middle of the night. I picked this book up during one of my “bouts of insomnia” (sigh). When I looked at my clock, it was 4:30AM. I had been so engrossed in this story, I think I read about 4 hours non stop.  

One of the attractions for me in this tale is,  it is so real. The struggles Tess faces are so common in real life.  The story is so relatable. Tess is a very strong woman character. She makes tough choices and works hard. Ryan is also, just a regular guy. Don’t we all want a knight in shining armor to save the day.  Ryan is that knight. He wants to “fix” all that is wrong in Tess’ life.  

This is a fabulous “real life” novel with real characters and events. I am really looking forward to another issue of the “Second Chance Series”. 

I received this novel from Simon and Schuster as part of the XOXpert

  
  

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Fooling Around with Cinderella by Stacy Juba 

Posted on December 21, 2015 by fredreeca

  
OVERVIEW

Get the special launch sale price before it turns into a pumpkin! What happens when the glass slippers pinch Cinderella’s toes? When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer. Her reign transforms Jaine’s ordinary life into chaos that would bewilder a fairy godmother. Secretly dating her bad boy boss, running wedding errands for her ungrateful sisters, and defending herself from the park’s resident villain means Jaine needs lots more than a comfy pair of shoes to restore order in her kingdom. First in the Storybook Valley series, a blend of sweet romance, chick lit, and fairy tale fun.

REVIEW

Jaine goes after a job that doesn’t exist. It turns into more of challenge than she expected. She ends up playing Cinderella in a local theme park and her childhood nemisis also works for the company. Challenges indeed!! 

This is a cute read. I enjoyed so many aspects of this book. Jaine and her sisters, learning about how to play Cinderella(did not know there was so much that went into it) Jaine and Dylan, all of these just make the story. I loved that Jaine is such a go getter and hard worker. She and Dylan make a great team plus they have wonderful chemistry. 

I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. If you like chick-lit, this book is a great read at a great price. 

I received this novel from the author for a honest review. 
  
PURCHASE HERE 

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Two Tales of the Moon by Jennifer Sun BOOK SPOTLIGHT plus GIVEAWAY 

Posted on December 20, 2015 by fredreeca

   
Two Tales of the Moon

By Jennifer Sun

Genre: Literary fiction 

Two lives converge over a high stake international deal between U.S. and China – Will Donovan, a successful cyber technology business owner and Lu Li, a Wall Street investment banker. From New York City to Washington, DC, to Shanghai, together they have to face ethical dilemmas, make life choices, and come to terms with their past. 

East meets West, past clashes with present. Blending romantic suspense with ethical intrigue. TWO TALES OF THE MOON is a compelling story that reveals that human struggle is the same regardless one’s past or cultural upbringing.

Clarion/Forward gave the book a four star rating, calls it “a thoughtful portrait of a modern woman who must choose between the burden of memory and a future of her own making…the writing takes on the sharpened focus of a play… the work effectively captures the effects of communism in searingly personal ways. 

BlueInk Review says:

 

“Jennifer Sun draws on personal knowledge of China and a former career in telecommunications/finance for her well-crafted debut novel about the meeting of East and West. Blending romance and ethical intrigue, Two Tales of the Moon is a unique novel, with characters of psychological depth. 

 
 
Author Bio 

Jennifer Sun has a MBA from George Washington University and a B.A. in English Literature from Fudan University in Shanghai, China. She has held several executive financial management positions at Fortune 500 companies in telecommunication and web technology industries. She currently writes full time and lives with her husband in Vienna, Virginia. She is also an avid reader, a runner and a foodie.

http://www.Facebook.com/JenniferSunAuthor 

@JenniferSun8

http://www.JenniferSunAuthor.com

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14554078.Jennifer_Sun 

Available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ns0irQ

The author is giving away a digital copy of Two Tales of the Moon.

<a class=”rcptr” href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/70954c79105/&#8221; rel=”nofollow” data-raflid=”70954c79105″ data-theme=”classic” data-template=”” id=”rcwidget_7bqzagrj”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js 

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The Covenant by Jeff Crook

Posted on December 18, 2015 by fredreeca

  

Overview

Jackie Lyons investigates a father’s mysterious death, in the second installment of her ghostly mystery series

When photographer and former Memphis police detective Jackie Lyons finds Sam Loftin’s lifeless body in the same location where his daughter died five years earlier, there’s no reason to think he didn’t kill himself, too. No reason, except Jackie has just seen Sam’s ghost act out the last violent moments of his life.

In investigating his murder, Jackie is drawn into a tumultuous battle between wealthy and powerful suburbanites and a charismatic preacher trying to serve the poor and homeless. But a deeper mystery lurks beneath the petty rivalries and jealousies of a gated community, one that stretches back into the distant past and reaches out to snare the youngest of this generation. A secret so dark, it can only be protected by “The Covenant.” 

Review

Jackie is a former Memphis city cop turned photographer. She lives in cheap motels and barely gets by. She takes a job to photograph an old plantation home on the outskirts of Memphis.  This turns into a bigger job than she bargained for. 

I was intrigued during the first part of this book. When the author opened with “the liquor store on the corner of Poplar and Highland” I knew exactly where he was talking about. (FYI, the liquor store is Busters and it is the best in Memphis). 

Jackie is a tough character and I really enjoyed her. She absolutely made the story! I love her quick wit and swagger. She brought a lot of intelligence into the plot. 

I love stories about old houses and their pasts. This tale is alluring from the very start. On the other hand, the writing is choppy and not very smooth in spots. There are also a few places the characters do things that are not possible. I know it is a “ghost” story but some just are not feasible. However, it is a quick, enjoyable read.  

I would love to catch up with this author at a signing somewhere. I love my southern authors and I would really like to pick his brain. 

I do like this cover….makes you want to pick up the book and settle in. 

I received this novel from Netgalley for an honest review. 

   

  

Purchase here 

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The I’Mpossible Project by Josh Rivedal and 50 other authors 

Posted on December 15, 2015 by fredreeca

  
Overview

Storytelling is one of our oldest traditions—yes, even older than the hokey pokey. Stories can make us laugh or cry… or both at the same time. They can teach, inspire and even ignite an entire movement. 

The i’Mpossible Project is a collection of 50 powerful stories. They’re gritty, deep, heartwarming—and guaranteed to help you discover new possibilities in your life.

The stories in this first volume are all about overcoming obstacles, reengaging with life, and creating new possibilities—a son’s homicide, a transgender man finding love, coming back from the brink of suicide, finding your funny in the face of overwhelming odds, and more…

If you’re ready to create new possibilities in your life, you need to read this book! 

Curated by international speaker, Josh Rivedal—among the 50 authors are Academy Award Winner, James Lecesne, and actress Ali Stroker of Fox’s GLEE. 

Available January 13, 2016 in paperback, e-book on Amazon Kindle, B&N, Books-A-Million, iBooks and everywhere else books are sold. 

Review

This is a great, inspirational read. It reminds me of the Chicken Soup for the Soul, just better. The reason it is better……it is unpolished. I loved that.  I felt like the authors were talking directly to me.  

These stories are about the struggles in life and overcoming most obstacles.  And if you can’t overcome, it is about learning to accept the things you cannot change. 

I do not think I have ever stopped reading this book since I started it. I just keep rereading a story every day. They always brighten my day and give me guidance.  These short tales are just what is needed to keep me moving forward. Words cannot express how uplifting some of these tales are. 

I received this book from the author for a honest review. 

  
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Whistling Women by Kelly Romo 

Posted on December 12, 2015 by fredreeca

  
Overview

Life went terribly wrong for Addie Bates in San Diego, and she’s been running from dark memories ever since. For fifteen years, the Sleepy Valley Nudist Colony has provided a safe haven for Addie to hide from the crime she committed. But when the residents pack up to go on exhibit at the 1935 world’s fair in San Diego, Addie returns and must face the thrilling yet terrifying prospect of reuniting with her estranged sister, Wavey.

Addie isn’t the only one interested in a reunion. When her niece, Rumor, discovers she has an aunt, Rumor is determined to bring her family together. But it’s not so easy when the women are forced to confront family secrets, past and present.

Set against the backdrop of the 1935 world’s fair, Whistling Women explores the complex relationships between sisters, the sacrifices required to protect family, and the devastating consequences of a single impulsive act. 

Review

Addie has been running away for 15 years.  She now must face the music and pay for her past. When Addie returns to Sand Diego after a 15 year hiatus in a nudist colony  (yes, I said a nudist colony), she tries to reunite with her sister.  Things do not go as planned. 

There are so many aspects of this novel that I adored. I loved the time period. The 1935 world’s fair, what a great setting.  The author did a lot of research to get that right. And the nudist colony!!! Who would’ve thought to use that. Very unique! 

The characters are impressive. They interact well and really draw you in and keep you there. I loved Rumor. She is an amazingly, strong  character.  One minute you want to come through the book and hit her upside the head, and the next minute you want to give her a hug. 

I did feel the story was a little wordy and long. Parts of the tale are brilliant, just a little too descriptive in places. However, don’t let that stop you. This story should not be missed. 

And the cover is just marvelous! 

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review. 

  
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Heliotrope by JC Miller

Posted on December 10, 2015 by fredreeca

  

Overview

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Buckle up your Birkenstocks and travel back to 1975. Discover (or relive) the pre-digital age in Arcata, a remote Bohemian college town on the northern edge of California. Meet Kit, a hard-working, bookish senior, on track for graduation–that is, until she falls for Jonathan, one-time bestselling author, now her stand-in professor. Jonathan, a master in the art of deception, isn’t who he appears to be. As their bond grows, Kit’s desire blinds her to the truth– a shocking discovery shatters her faith and ultimately tests her integrity. 

From the first blush of fall quarter to the final breath of spring, hard lessons will be learned. To “graduate” into an uncertain future, Jonathan and Kit must first embrace the present–including the injustices, ambiguities and absolute beauty of their lives. 

Beneath the ever-changing Humboldt skies they forge ahead; they stumble and sometimes fall.

Heliotrope, a coming-of age story for the ages.

Review

Kit is a straight A, hardworking student who falls in love with her professor. The professor turns out not to be the man she thought he was. This discovery sends her on a path of self destruction. 

Don’t you just love this cover!!!  This coming of age tale brought back so many memories of my growing up years.  I remember when air travel was easy peasy and a child traveler received many free item,but never cigarettes. I am sure it happens though. 

I loved so many parts of this novel and it had so much to say.  Kit has so much going for her, talent, brains and beauty. But, she lets her impulses get the better of her. Jonathan, her professor, is a misguided, sort of self-hating person. He ends up learning a hard lesson and Kit overcomes many trials and tribulations. 

However, this novel fell apart in the middle. It was almost like the author just added plots to make the story longer. But,I see real growth in this author’s writing. I have read many of her books and this, by far, is her best. Her characters are very well developed and her story line is very unique.  And the time period…..well…..I loved it. 

 I received this novel from the author for a honest review. 

  
Author Bio

  

 JC (Jeanne) Miller, M.A., is an avid reader, aspiring traveler and table tennis enthusiast. She resides in Northern California.

 

Follow the author online

https://www.facebook.com/jcmillerprotagonista

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26801949-heliotrope

http://jcmillerwriter.com/

 

Purchase Heliotrope
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NitleC  

 

B&N: http://bit.ly/1HkHSJT

 

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Thirst Blood of My Blood by R P Channing BOOK SPOTLIGHT 

Posted on December 8, 2015 by fredreeca

   

240+ Pages

WITH BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS

 

~ Kira Sutherland ~

 After a near fatal accident (and getting cheated on by her ‘boyfriend’), and beating up the lead cheerleader (with whom the boyfriend cheated…), and being labeled as having ‘issues’ in her school because she, uhm, sees ghosts, Kira is left with two choices:

1. Continue her ‘therapy’ (where she’s told the ghost is a hallucination and also gets her legs ogled too often…) 

Or 

2. Go to Starkfield Academy, a boarding school for “Crazies and Convicts” (as the social media sites call them.)

She chooses the latter… 

~ Cory Rand ~

Cory Rand has not had an easy life. His mother died in a car accident when he was twelve, and so did his mother’s best friend…sort of. You see, Janice made a promise to take care of Cory just before she died, and so she lingers. Undead. A ghost that watches out for him. 

Brought up in an abusive home, Cory quickly falls into a life of disreputable behavior. After his third offense (which was prompted by a girl, as usual – he has a weakness) he’s left with two choices:

1. Be tried as an adult and share a cell with a guy named Bubba (he thinks…)

Or

2. Go to Starkfield Academy, which Cory is pretty sure is run by vampires. But, hey, at least he’ll get an education. 

He chooses the latter…

 It’s at Starkfield that Kira meets Cory Rand, a boy with an insatiable Rage who sees ghosts, too. As well as other things, other things from his past, things that confuse him, things like fire and witches and demons.

Things he’s always ignored.

Until now. 

Genres:

Young Adult Romance

Paranormal Romance

High School

Vampires, Demons, Witches

Dark Fantasy

Horror

 

Buy Links

Amazon US

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018M5GTLI&nbsp;

Amazon UK

Kindle Unlimited

 $20 Amazon Gift Voucher Giveaway

At the back of the book there is a giveaway link. Once the book hits fifty reviews on Amazon, one of those reviewers will win a $20 (US Dollars) Amazon Gift Voucher! 

Author Bio

R P Channing started writing three years ago, but never published anything even after churning out over a million words of fiction. Thirst: Blood of my Blood is the first book he dared to publish. When asked why, he said, “Because it’s the first thing I wrote that my wife actually enjoyed reading.” When not hammering away (most literally) at his keyboard, he can be found buried in a book, reading anything from romance to horror to young adult to non-fiction to comedy. If it has words in it, I’ll take it.

 

Author Links

Website

http://blog.rpchanning.com

Twitter

@rpchanning

Amazon

http://amazon.com/author/rpchanning

 

  

  

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