I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A failed novelist and sports writer goes on a journey of self-discovery in author Samuel W. Reed’s “The Fabulist”.
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The Synopsis
Failed novelist and dispirited blogger Frank Shaw is hired to cover the Maui Classic Invitational, a pre-season collegiate basketball tournament in Hawaii over Thanksgiving. But after meeting a cute bartender he wants to impress at the resort, he dismisses his assignment and sets out on a path toward self-discovery, mind-bending adventure, and quite possibly love.
“The Fabulist” is a gonzo tale of one man’s obsession with finding joy in his life, consequences be damned! As Frank Shaw ruminates on the mistakes of his past, he hurdles headlong into uncharted emotional territory on an ever-escalating adventure in a place he deems “Paradise.”
Inspired by the tales of Hunter S. Thompson, Chuck Pahlaniuk, Charles Bukowski, and others, this is one unforgettable ride you won’t soon forget!
The Review
This was a powerful, character driven narrative. The author does an amazing job of crafting complex, multi-dimensional characters that draw the reader in with their layered problems that drive the plot forward. The down on his luck writer who throws himself head-first into a trip fueled by drinking, a beautiful woman and a need to discover himself makes for a complicated protagonist that readers will be fascinated with.
The author’s style of writing definitely feels cinematic in its approach, as if the author has utilized a theatrical approach to the story. The brilliant use of imagery really paints a picture not only of the setting and story but the characters themselves, immersing the reader into the narrative first-hand and making the story come alive.
The Verdict
A creative, dramatic and stunning narrative, author Samuel W. Reed’s “The Fabulist” is a must-read. Filled with the magic of an adventure, the complex drama of a man discovering his true joy, and the hardships we endure on the road to that discovery, this book really delves into some personal character growth for the protagonist and comes with some twists and turns that will keep readers intrigued. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Samuel W. Reed is a novelist, screenwriter, director, and film producer with a keen eye for emotionally impactful, character-driven stories. Sam was instrumental in the decade-long production of the groundbreaking disability-rights documentary “CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion” starring Jamie Foxx, Ben Affleck, Marlee Matlin, and others. He contributed narration to the SXSW award-winning documentary “Take Me To the River,” starring Terrance Howard, Snoop Dogg, and Mavis Staples, and he served as ghostwriter on the Sony Pictures International film “Beyond Valkyrie.” A frequent collaborator with notable producers, directors, actors, and writers, Sam is always on the lookout for a great new story, and the perfect cup of coffee.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A writer with a haunting past must face his history and forge a new path forward in author James Rourke’s novel “Out of the Basement”.
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The Synopsis
Michael Tanner is a citizen of two worlds. His outer world as a respected college professor affords him the opportunity to quietly pursue his joy of learning. His inner world, shaped by childhood abuse, is a prison of shame and pain where he battles mythological monsters that draw power from his nightmarish memories.
Though Michael has mastered the art of hiding his pain while in full view, the unexpected success of his new book, Bruce and Buddha: How Rock and Roll and Ancient Wisdom Can Guide your Life, pushes him well beyond his comfortable existence.
Bolstered by the possibility of romance, the encouragement of old friends, and a new ally, he decides he must face his past. Only by challenging humiliation can he earn the inner victory necessary to bring authentic peace to his life.
The Review
A truly powerful read, the author does an amazing job of creating a personal story of inner-turmoil that the protagonist has to fight from bleeding into his everyday life. Interspersed with the protagonist’s personal struggles is a fantastic and intellectual study of philosophy and mythology that really fascinated me.
While exploring the study of great philosophers and how modern-day equivalents exist even unwittingly in music, television, and film from some of pop culture’s greatest artists was a fantastic concept to explore. One of the early discussions that the protagonist had with a reporter that immediately stood out to me was the concept of synchronicity, as this is something that has played into my daily life for the last year or so and the study of it has been a truly remarkable journey to undertake, so getting to see the protagonist’s perspective was incredible.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, emotional, and grounding, this was a quick yet engaging psychological drama that readers will instantly love. Memorable and relatable characters showcase the inner demons so many people must face and yet hide behind a carefully orchestrated mask to hide the pain, creating a truly one of a kind narrative that cannot be ignored. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
James Rourke has been a high school of teacher of history, psychology, and philosophy for twenty-five years. His commitment to the idea that these three disciplines can assist his students to connect not only with his material, but to the unifying aspects of humanity, also guides his writing. “The Comic Book Curriculum” is praised for revealing”how major superheroes and their stories raise some of the deepest and most important ethical and psychological questions we all need to ask and answer.” This aspect of storytelling, the quest to tell stories that entertain, challenge, and uplift the reader, inspires James in his fiction as well.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
One man’s journey through a painful home life and a life of addiction takes a drastic turn in author Jeremy Rubinstein’s “Broken Mirrors and Burning Bushes”.
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The Synopsis
“Just call it the memoir love story of a drug addict white rapper with unresolved mommy and daddy issues.”
Ha. Yeah, that’s a laugher.
(Cause everything’s changing – just not myself lately / What have I become, Mom, this is not how you raised me / I pray to God save me – ‘fore the Devil he claims me / And I unleash the curse I was given when I was a baby)
The love story part of course being my wife Alice.
Except she forgets that my rap career in Southern California essentially ended –
(. . . like I was cursed from the start / As the fault lines start to shift again, the Kingdom falls apart / Another rapper’s got beef – it goes from the studio to the streets / And before we know what happens – Gunshots replace the beats)
With the shootout in the parking lot of Barnes and Noble, sending us pinballing across the country like a couple of wanna-be Bonnie and Clydes.
Only Bonnie and Clyde weren’t high on drugs, and they stuck to banks –
(Call it a Spiritual Malady – Attracted to what’s bad for me / As we give a new meaning to Comedy and Tragedy / Masks on, Guns drawn – as we run up in the Applebee’s / And turn our moral values into a pile of blasphemies)
Alice was a waitress when we met, so restaurants just made sense.
And I’m pretty sure Bonnie and Clyde never had children.
Our son Caleb was born in a crack motel while the cops were out in full force looking for us.
But all that comes later – like way later – after Alice first goes into labor with our daughter Hannah on Halloween night – the night Corey and I got robbed at gunpoint by the Three Stooges.
Of course, that wouldn’t have happened had I not let Alice convince me that selling crystal meth would make me more money than just pot and ecstasy.
But then Corey always said events like that tend to serve a Higher Purpose.
Kinda like that dream I had where I was trapped in the circus and the White Rabbit who’s foot had been chopped off lead me back to my childhood apartment where my long lost father was teaching my daughter Hannah how to skip stones over our linoleum kitchen floor while Fred turned my Mom into a Ventriloquist’s Puppet and then those teenagers dressed up as the characters from the Wizard of Oz set fire to my neighbor’s bush.
What can I say – Halloween has always had a weird significance to me. There’s something symbolic about running around at night with a mask on trying to be Master of your own Universe surrounded by ghosts and ghouls and goblins with your toy weapon in one hand and goodie bag in the other trying to score as much candy as you can before the real darkness takes over –
(Where did that child go? That kid with the He-Man mask? / Sometimes our biggest fears are the answers to questions that we ask)
Any other questions?
Just read the damn book.
The Review
A well-written novel, author Jeremy Rubinstein does a fantastic job of bringing out the painful, cringe-worthy and heartbreaking moments of the protagonists life in a very real way. Readers are able to see the steady decline in the life of this young man named Paul and a young woman named Alice, both of whom go on a journey of addiction, crime and family life.
The author does a wonderful job of character building in this novel, really fleshing out the backgrounds and histories of the characters that clearly contribute to their mental states and the choices they make as the book progresses. As time goes on however it is the shocking events they find themselves in and the consequences of their actions that reveal the troubled lives they’ve lead and forces them to make a decision that will affect not only their own lives but the lives of those they love most.
The Verdict
A lengthy yet moving read, author Jeremy Rubinstein’s “Broken Mirrors and Burning Bushes” is a gut-wrenching, emotional read that delves into the painful process one goes through with addiction and the impact it has on so many factors in a person’s life. The author speaks with a tone and quality that speaks of authenticity and emotion, grabbing the reader’s attention thoroughly and keeping them engaged until the final page. Be sure to grab your own copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Not really sure what to say about myself; I’ve been writing since I was a child. I started getting ideas for stories and movies and even poetry as far back as Kindergarten. I was also in love with music from a very young age, and at 13 got my first guitar and took off writing my own songs almost immediately.
I’m also sort of a wanna-be scientist and inventor, and have recently developed and obsession with Bill Gates, as well as a new-found love for speed reading.
Thanks to this, my new goal for reading this year is about 50 books.
I draw all of my inspiration for both my writing and my music from life, and all of its experiences, much of which has been centered in the world of drug abuse and addiction – and all the drama and trauma that comes along with that – followed by recovery (in January I picked up 6 years of sobriety).
Because of this particular life experience, my writing, as well as music has deep undertones of spirituality, which lends a sort of hopeful wisdom to the darkness. I like writing about the human condition, and all of its many facets, both heartbreaking and beautiful. Oftentimes, my inspiration will come in the form of a rather mundane daily experience that my overactive imagination will toy with, adding the “What if?” element, and I’ll just go from there.
Or, it’s therapy – as a way to keep from committing any felonies.
In May – God Willing – I’ll be starting school again with a major in psychology to become first a certified drug and substance abuse counselor, followed down the road with simply working with troubled teens. I expect much of this will play into my future fictional writings.
My book, Broken Mirrors and Burning Bushes, is of course based in part on my own life experiences as a person in active addiction, being in a relationship during that time, and growing up in a dysfunctional household. It was my way of processing and healing, but it was also my love for the Bonnie-and-Clyde style of outlaw romances that I’d grown up with as a child. Natural Born Killers with Mickey and Malory, True Romance with Clarence and Alabama, these films were always near the top of my list as favorites and I just always wanted to do my own version of that, so that’s really what Broken Mirrors and Burning Bushes was: my way of processing my own pain and trauma from life, using a vehicle/plot that I’d always found engaging and entertaining.
I also brought in my love and talent for music on the story, so most of the songs that the characters do in the book are actual songs I’ve written, or am in the process of still producing, along with the rap/hip-hop lyrics of the main characters.
So it was a rather large project, even aside from the writing itself.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman on the cusp of losing her mother discovers a family secret that will change her life forever in author Linda Rosen’s novel “The Disharmony of Silence”.
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The Synopsis
In 1915, jealous, bitter Rebecca Roth cuts all ties with her life-long friends, the Pearls. Eight years later, Rebecca’s son and young Lena Pearl begin keeping company in secret. Rebecca agrees to a truce when the couple marries. But the truce is fragile. Rebecca’s resentments run deep.
In 2010, Carolyn Lee, fitness instructor and amateur photographer, must come to grips with the fact that her mother’s imminent death will leave her alone in the world. While preparing her childhood home for sale, she realizes for the first time that her mother’s antique brooch is identical to the one pinned to the lady’s dress in the painting hanging above the fireplace. Coincidence or connection? Carolyn is determined to find out. What she discovers has the potential to tear lives apart or to bring her the closeness and comfort she longs for. It all depends on how she handles her newfound knowledge.
The Review
A truly emotional and heartfelt story, author Linda Rosen does an amazing job of delving into the theme of family, how we define it and how family secrets can change the dynamic of future generations as a whole. Two families who once considered themselves one take diverging paths, and leave future generations in the dark, waiting to discover the truth of the bonds they never knew existed.
Switching back and forth between the past and present is an honest and emotional journey the author takes the reader on. The book is a relatively even paced read and does an amazing job of not only creating a narrative that will take the reader down paths they never thought it would go but will do an amazing job of building up the characters of this novel and have readers identifying with them and gasping as the shocks keep rolling in.
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The Verdict
A must-read book, author Linda Rosen’s “The Disharmony of Silence” is a wonderful read filled with heart, the challenge of friendship and the emotion of true family. A one of a kind story of how easily the bonds between one another come together and can just as easily fall apart, the story of connection plays prominently in this tale and will keep readers invested throughout. Be sure to grab your copy of this wonderful novel today!
“Linda Rosen spins an intriguing tale of long-held family secrets, an emotional search for identity, and a painting that may just be the key to untangling the complicated past. The bittersweet mystery kept me reading rapidly until the last page!” —Kristin Harmel, bestselling author of The Winemaker’s Wife
Rosen paints a vivid picture of a family torn apart then shows us what true family means. – Pamela Taylor, author of the Second Son Chronicles
A wonderful novelist . . . Ms. Rosen’s writing is both tender and inspiring. The Disharmony of Silence unfolds with emotional and wise insights. – Bunny Shulman, author of After Aida
“A family torn apart by jealousy and reunited by love is devastated again when tragedy strikes. A poignant and moving debut novel about the fragility of life, the power of love, and the cost of keeping a secret.” Gina Sorell author of Mothers and Other Strangers
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About the Author, Linda Rosen
Linda Rosen, fitness professional turned writer, lives with her husband splitting their time between New Jersey and Florida. She was a contributor to Women in the Literary Landscape: A WNBA Centennial Publication for the Women’s National Book Association and has had stories published in Foliate Oak and Crack the Spine, both in their online magazine and print anthology. Follow her at www.linda-rosen.com.
— Blog Tour Dates
March 2nd @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and join us as we celebrate the launch of Linda’s blog tour The Disharmony of Silence. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book too!
How much does setting matter in a novel? Author Linda Rosen talks about this very subject over at Caroline’s blog today. You can also enter to win a copy of her book The Disharmony of Silence.
Make sure you visit Louise’s blog and read her review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!
Stop by Lori’s blog today and you can read a fitness inspiring post by author Linda Rosen! She shares some tips about strength training while reading audiobooks. You can also enter to win a copy of Linda’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
Make sure you stop by Madeline Sharples’ blog today and read Linda Rosen’s blog post about inspiring your creative self by getting outdoors. Don’t miss it!
Looking for a new book to add to your reading list? Make sure you visit Bev’s blog today and read her review of “The Disharmony of Silence.” You’ll want to add it to your list!
What do you do if you are writing about a made-up setting? Make sure you visit Bev’s blog today and you can read Linda Rosen’s guest post where she shares her advice.
Over at Jessica’s blog today, you won’t want to miss her review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tragedy and heartbreak bring two teens from very different worlds together in unexpected ways in author Whitney D. Grandison’s novel “A Love Hate Thing”.
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The Synopsis
When they’re stuck under one roof, the house may not be big enough for their hate…or their love.
When Tyson Trice finds himself tossed into the wealthy coastal community of Pacific Hills, he’s ready for the questions, the stares and the feeling of not belonging. Not that he cares. After recovering from being shot and surviving the rough streets of Lindenwood, he doesn’t care about anyone or anything, much less how the rest of his life will play out.
Golden girl Nandy Smith has spent most of her life building the pristine image that it takes to fit in when it comes to her hometown Pacific Hills where image is everything. After learning that her parents are taking in a troubled teen boy, Nandy fears her summer plans, as well as her reputation, will go up in flames.
Now with Trice living under the same roof, the wall between their bedrooms feels as thin as the line between love and hate. Beneath the angst, their growing attraction won’t be denied. Through time, Trice brings Nandy out of her shell, and Nandy attempts to melt the ice that’s taken Trice’s heart and being. Only, with the ever-present pull back to the Lindenwood streets, it’ll be a wonder if Trice makes it through this summer at all.
The Review
An emotional and very real roller coaster of emotions take center stage in this gripping YA romantic drama. The characters become the central focus of this story as Trice and Nandy both are forced to step out of their comfort zones and find meaning in places neither of them ever thought they could.
The alternating chapters between both protagonist’s point of view gives readers an in-depth look into the overall theme of star-crossed lovers, a breakdown of privellige versus middle class living and of breaking down the barriers created by stereotypes and judgment to discover who people are on the inside. The heartbreak of Trice and his past collide with the upscale lifestyle Nandy has grown up with, and each of them learns things are not quite as they seem from the other side of their respective fences.
Yet it is the story of real love that takes hold in the reader’s minds and hearts here. Not a fairytale style love that people always dream of, but of true love that comes with pain, heartbreak, and solid connections that speak true to readers everywhere, making this an excellent read.
The Verdict
This is the perfect YA drama to start off 2020. A great mix of drama, romance and teen angst makes this the perfect read that is relatable to teen readers and memorable to many others. With a dramatic conclusion, this evenly paced read is not to be missed, so be sure to grab your copy of Whitney D. Grandison’s novel “A Love Hate Thing” today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Whitney D. Grandison was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, where she currently resides. A lover of stories since she first picked up a book, it’s no surprise she’s taken to writing her own. Some of her works can be found on Wattpad, one of the largest online story sharing platforms, where she has acquired over 30,000 followers and an audience of over fifteen million dedicated readers.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman struggling internally as she is caught between her family, the man she’s sure she’s meant to marry and her career finds new life in unexpected ways in author Jessica Leed’s novel “Nine Years”.
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The Synopsis
An emotional, captivating tale about the complexity of relationships, self-discovery and long-lost love. Perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kristin Hannah and Jane Green.
You would think Sienna Henderson had the perfect life. She has a successful career, a loving family and is engaged to be married. From the outside she appears to have it all together, yet on the inside she is coming undone.
Caught inside a dysfunctional relationship and with her work environment intolerable, she finds herself slipping further from the life she has envisioned.
After reuniting with a man from her past, Sienna’s life is turned upside down in a way that has her questioning everything she has ever known.
The Review
An emotional, well plotted and character driven narrative, Nine Years hits every emotional beat that a good drama/romance genre novel should. Highlighting the struggle that comes from trying to make a strained relationship work, the author does an amazing job of showcasing how those types of relationships and how a life that has gone down a road not thought possible can impact a person mentally and emotionally.
Sienna is a relatable, honest and heartbreaking character that readers will instantly connect with. Like many people before her, Sienna finds herself fighting to keep a relationship alive despite a complete lack of effort from the other half of that relationship. Showcasing the struggles she undertakes with that effort and highlighting how the protagonist is affected in her career, her personal life and her romantic life after an old friend with deep emotional roots in her heart comes back into her life suddenly, this novel produces a narrative many people are familiar with, but yet still remains relevant and engaging with readers everywhere.
The Verdict
This is a a must read novel for anyone who enjoys a good romance/drama book. The author does an excellent job of creating an ending that can easily lead into further books along the way, and showcases how often life is more complex than the fairytale romances other novels often portray. Those novels are an escape from reality, giving life to the hopes we all have in our hearts, yet the author creates a realistic and personal story that many can relate to, and a protagonist fans can not only root for but can identify with easily, making for an engaging read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “Nine Years” by Jessica Leed today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jessica is a 30-year-old school teacher, former fitness professional and dancer. She was born and raised in Bendigo, Victoria before moving to Melbourne in 2008. For as long as she can remember she has had a passion for storytelling—in all forms.
From writing countless short stories as a child to later completing a creative writing course, written by her favourite and best-selling author, Karen Kingsbury, Jessica was adamant to become a published author. NINE YEARS is the first book in the two-part series BENEATH THE CLOUDS.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A small town drama unfolding in the New Mexico countryside blends with a sci-fi mystery as a small time writer finds his creations taking a life of their own in author R. Douglas Clark’s novel “Welcome To Maravilla”.
The tiny hamlet of Maravilla, New Mexico is not immune to modern-day problems. But the citizens of Maravilla have their own special problems, as well:
A developer wants to build a Christian-themed amusement park next to Maravilla’s historic church.
The county line runs right through the town, splitting it in two.
And the government is threatening to close their post office!
Into this muddle steps Jake Epstein, a young writer from the big city. Jake is seeking peace and quiet to finish his current project: a science fiction story in which adventuress Tai-Keiko must deliver the secret formula for Zeton-9—with the evil Krossarians in hot pursuit.
But then reality and science fiction converge—and Tai-Keiko finds herself in present-day Maravilla, face to face with a gobsmacked Jake.
Join Jake on this comic run along the dusty roads of Maravilla, and find out who won the fight between Father Ignatius and the heathen pig farmer. How a basketball game changed the fate of the town. And was that white flash in the sky a UFO?
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The Review
This novel expertly crafts a personal, everyday drama filled story that fuses elements of sci-fi into the narrative. The majority of the novel focuses on the people of Maravilla and the individuals who hold special places within the community, as they struggle with their own personal lives while the threat of the government shutting down the town’s only post office looms overhead, leading to a lengthy court battle that could determine the fate of the entire town.
Meanwhile author Jake finds himself searching for the perfect place to write out his next story, facing a slew of deadlines that he hopes to meet before his publisher pulls the rug out from under him. However not only does his growing love for the small town keep him invested in real life, but his story begins to unfold in ways he never expected, as one of his own characters finds life in the real world, bringing attention to the town no one could have imagined. It’s a creative world and perfect way to blend science fiction naturally into the narrative of this drama filled story, but the biggest focus of the novel has to be on the author’s amazing character development. The characters all felt real, allowing the reader to not only relate to them but to feel their own internal struggles and emotions as the events around them unfolded.
The Verdict
This is a must read novel. Filled with amazing stories of community, inspiration and even love, this fairly quick read will instantly engage with readers and creates a story unique to the drama genre. Heartfelt, real and engaging, this is a story not to be missed, so be sure to grab your copy of “Welcome to Maravilla” by R. Douglas Clark today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
R. Douglas Clark was born in Vermont, grew up in Colorado, attended college in Chicago, and received a Master’s degree in music from Brown University. Seeing no future for himself in academia, he spent a year in the Oregon woods, living in a primitive cabin, writing music reviews and cultural commentary for magazines and newspapers. Next stop, Eugene, Oregon where he spent 20 damp years as a bootstrap businessman, father and musician. On a vacation trip, he and his wife, Shelley, fell in love with sunny northern New Mexico and subsequently moved there. After four years running Boys and Girls Clubs in Chimayó and Abiquiú–and another four, running a U-pick raspberry farm–he retired to write fiction full time.
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Join us as we celebrate the launch the blog tour for author R. Douglas Clark’s book Welcome to Maravilla. Read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book.
Middle Schooler Carmen Otto reviews R. Douglas Clark’s Welcome to Maravilla and explains to her friends why this is a great book for even young readers.
Nicole Pyles reviews Welcome to Maravilla by R. Douglas Clark and delights readers at World of My Imagination with an opportunity to learn more about this fast-paced sci-fi novel!
Today’s guest author at Memoir Writer’s Journey is R. Douglas Clark with an article about _________. Join Kathleen Pooler’s audience as they learn more about Clark and his latest book Welcome to Maravilla.
Sreevarsha reviews Welcome to Maravilla by R. Douglas Clarks and delights readers at To Write or Not To Write with her thoughts about this excellent novel!
Learn more about R. Douglas Clark and his new book Welcome to Maravilla as he shares a few thoughts in an interesting interview with Nicole Pyles at World of My Imagination.
Today’s Book Spotlight at Breakeven Books is Welcome to Maravilla by R. Douglas Clark – don’t miss this great opportunity to add this lovely new novel to your collection!
October 28th @ Lisa Haselton Reviews and Interviews
Lisa Haselton interviews R. Douglas Clark about his latest novel Welcome to Maravilla . Readers will delight in learning more about this science fiction story with it’s courageous characters!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A series of short stories illustrate the world people thought they knew is not what it appeared in author L.M. Brown’s novel “Were We Awake.”
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The Synopsis
In each story of this collection, events make the characters understand that their world is not as it seemed.
In Hidden, the discovery of an affair between her father and aunt is only the start of finding hidden secrets for Hazel.
What it Means to Be Empty-Handed is narrated by a fourteen–year-old daughter of an alcoholic. Her denial and elaborate imagination starts to disintegrate when she lies to the wrong person.
In Crashing, a middle-aged woman lives a life of servitude until she hits teenage boy with her car.
A thirty-year-old murder takes its toll on the victim’s family in Walking A Country Road.
The stories are set in Boston and Ireland.
The Review
Author L.M. Brown does it again, creating a wonderful collection of stories that are both connected and illustrate the way life constantly throws people curve balls, turning the world they knew into a completely new one. A collection that showcases that things are never simple or what they appear.
One of the truly engaging stories of the collection has to be Hidden, which delves into the complex family life of Hazel when she discovers her father and aunt are having an affair. Yet as her family life implodes, new secrets reveal that things are not as simple as they first appeared. The story is a prime example of how life is often lived in shades of grey, with people often living complicated lives in an attempt to find peace and happiness. The author beautifully illustrates the pain, the shock and the confusion that comes from having a person’s world turned upside down, and perfectly taps into the emotion and complexity of humanity as a whole.
The Verdict
A fairly average length read with completely dynamic characters and stories that feel both personal and connected, this collection of stories is truly unique and wonderfully captures the author’s unique writing style and voice. A collection that honestly showcases the ever changing landscape of the world we live in, both the world at large and the world we create for ourselves. A dramatic journey through life’s greatest challenges, this is a fantastic collection readers will not want to miss, so be sure to grab their copy of Were We Awake by L.M. Brown today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
L.M Brown is the author of the novel Debris. Her stories have appeared in numerous literary magazines. She grew up in Sligo. Ireland, but now resides in Massachusetts with her husband, three daughters, a dog and a bearded dragon.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
One many faces the most painful and difficult challenge of his life as he balances family, career and life in author James F. Rosenberg’s novel “The Jersey”.
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The Synopsis
Dan West wonders which is more important to him: Helping his long-time friend win back his business after being accused of stealing money from the company or coaching his eleven-year-old son’s soccer team trying to win an improbable championship.
Money and prestige don’t motivate Dan. Rather, family, work and coaching soccer are the underpinnings of his life. He revels in the simple joys like hanging out with his wife Jill, mentoring a young lawyer at his firm and watching the boys connect on three passes before drilling the ball into the back of the net.
Dan always knew to keep it steady—not to get too high or he might get knocked off of his perch. And he did, until he, and the boys’ soccer team, achieved unimagined success. Before he can grasp how good he has it, tragedy rips a hole in his family.
James Rosenberg, author of the bestseller Legal Reserves, strikes a new chord in his exploration of what makes a life and how to put it back together after it is shattered.
The Jersey is a beautifully written, profoundly touching, and relatable story of love, loss and the redemptive power of a group of motivated eleven-year-old kids.
The Review
This was a beautifully written, powerful and emotional read. A steady read that draws readers into the life of protagonist Dan, readers are left reeling as much as Dan himself after the tragic event that tears his family apart. The author does an excellent job of showcasing a detailed backstory and delving fully into Dan’s career as an attorney with a healthy balance of family life leading up to the tragedy.
What really is captured is the raw pain that comes with tragic events and loss of any kind. The author delves into the grieving process and challenges the reader to find a way to overcome that grief, vowing to live life in the face of great tragedy and heartbreak. This is a story that is fueled by powerful character development that readers can instantly connect to and most readers will be hard pressed not to have a tear in their eye as the story progresses.
The Verdict
Emotional, heartbreaking and real, author James F. Rosenberg has written another smash hit that is engaging and evenly paced throughout the entirety of the novel. Showcasing the painful process of loss and grief and searching for a way to overcome them both, the author does an amazing job of creating a protagonist and narrative that readers can engage with and care for greatly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “The Jersey” by James F. Rosenberg today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
James Rosenberg has tried cases for the almost three decades. He has learned that every case is unique and has compelling storylines. He weaves his novels with morsels from his legal career and makes trials come to life. He started writing legal thrillers as a stress reducer and finds that having control over what his characters are going to do is easier than controlling his own clients.
When he is not in court, he hangs with his family watching his boys play soccer or his girl dance. He and his wife try to have a little free time but whenever the kids leave them alone, the dog wants more attention.
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