Leaves by Michael Baron
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: Sept. 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 0984190546
ISBN-13: 978-0984190546
Pages: 352
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle TPB
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):
Welcome to Oldham, CT, a small town rich in Colonial heritage while being utterly contemporary. Situated along the Connecticut River Valley, Oldham bursts with color every fall, as the leaves on its trees evolve into an unmatched palette of scarlet, orange, purple, yellow, and bronze. For more than three decades, the Gold family has been a central part of Oldham in the fall, its Sugar Maple Inn a destination for “leaf-peepers” from all over the country, and its annual Halloween party a stirring way to punctuate the town’s most active month.

But this year, more than just the leaves are changing. With the death of their parents, the Gold siblings, Maria, Maxwell, Deborah, Corrina, and Tyler, have decided to sell the Sugar Maple Inn, and this year’s Halloween party will be the last. As October begins, the Golds contend with the finality that faces them, and the implications it has for a family that has always been so close. For some, it means embracing new challenges and new love. For others, it means taking on unimagined roles. And for others, it means considering the inconceivable. Complicating it all is a series of “hauntings” that touch each of the Gold siblings, a series of benign interventions that will remain a mystery until October draws to a close.

Filled with romance, tension, and unforgettable family drama, Leaves is the first in a series of novels about a world and a family that readers will want to make their own.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
Michael Baron has been compared to Nicholas Sparks, but since I have not read any of Mr. Sparks books I can’t compare, but what I do know is that when I first went public with my blog, Mr. Baron’s publisher contacted me to read the author’s book Crossing The Bridge and I instantly became a fan. However, I did recommended his books to another book blogger, Ann from  Ann’s Reading Corner who has read Mr. Sparks’ novels and she stated “personally I like Michael’s novel much better than Sparks novels” (you can see her review  here). Crossing The Bridge was a short read but written with such tenderness and emotion that it was hard to believe a male author had penned it. Since then I have read every book written by him and we have both grown. His books became full length novels, books that I would anxiously wait for and I am coming up on my 3rd blogiversary. His répertoire of books that I have read are The Journey Home, Anything, Spinning, When You Went Away, and A Winter Discovery. And now Leaves.

Leaves takes place over a period of less than a month’s time. Four siblings have decided that it is time to sell their parents Inn that they have helped with, even as children, since their parents have passed away. Their parents hosted a yearly event and would open the Inn’s door to the small and quaint town of Oldham with a big Halloween party. And this year will be bittersweet as it will be the last day before the new buyers take ownership the next day. In the days before the party, the reader is introduced to the siblings and also a look into their family dynamics.

Mr. Baron has the gift and ability to sweep you away from reality into the story like the winds of autumn sweeps the last leaves off the trees. The characters are so life like that they become one’s own family. The story felt like a real life event, whereas you are looking forward to see what happens as he counts down the days to the Halloween party but then on the other hand, you know that the story will end but don’t want it to be over. His manner of writing flows and is so realistic that it transports the reader right into the middle of the plot. This is the first time that I have read a book that every one of the senses was a vivid experience. Mr. Baron, has shared his music on Spotify to listen to and hear as you are reading, the details of Deborah’s cooking made my mouth water and could imagine the smells in the kitchen, I could create the imagery of seeing the settings, I was able to feel the emotions and tender touches of the characters. And as the days kept getting crossed off the calendar and getting close to the end, I didn’t know whether to read faster to see what happened or read slower so that I could savor this book and not have it end. The ending bittersweet, which I did not see coming (sorry but I will not include a spoiler). The ending is too special to even hint at what happens.

Knowing the style of Mr. Baron’s work, when I read the following from the prologue, I knew that this book, like his others, would tug at my heart strings, take me away and that I would have a difficult time putting it down.

For this October, certain threads would fray and certain binds would loosen. Unspoken words woud be uttered at last while things that needed to be said would be withheld. Tradition would be honored and the past would be rejected. One heart would beat for another’s for the first time, while one heart would stop beating forever. And a message would be delivered that was essential to all who heard it.

Mr. Baron’s, Leaves, is a poignant, compelling, moving, passionate, feel good read. Once the last word is read and the book closed, the characters live on in one’s heart and mind. An absolutely recommended read!!

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

(2012 Challenges:  FreeReads, Where Are You, A-Z, 1st In A Series, 52 in 52, Outdo, 100+)

……of India’s Summer by Thérèse

51 Anita Yancey Be a Public Follower of ‘CMASH Loves to Read’

Thank you to all that entered!!!  The winner has been notified via email and has 48 hours to respond with a mailing address or another winner will be chosen.

I so enjoy when authors come back to visit.  It means that we are in for a treat to read and escape into their latest novel.  Ms. Alers visited us  back in January, so it has been a while since we had the pleasure of her company.  Grab a coffee, sit and please help me wecome Ms. Rochelle Alers back to CMash Reads!

ROCHELLE ALERS
Photo by Henry Stampel

With nearly two million copies of her novels in print, Rochelle Alers is a regular on national bestseller lists, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award.

Bestselling author Rochelle Alers has long been known for her warm yet sensual writing style and intriguing plots set in small towns. Earlier this year she released Sanctuary Cove, the first book in her Cavanaugh Island series. Now Rochelle is poised to release ANGELS LANDING (Forever mass market; August 28, 2012; $7.99), the second book in the charming series.
You can visit Ms. Alers at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kara Newell has a big-city life that needs a major shake-up. Her dedication as a social worker is unwavering, yet her heart tells her that there is more to life than just work. Kara gets the push she needs when she shockingly inherits a large estate on an island off the South Carolinacoast. Now the quaint town of Angels Landingawaits her – along with a secret family she never knew she had.

After surviving war, loss, and heartbreak, ex-marine Jeffrey Hamilton takes his position as sheriff ofCavanaughIsland seriously. So he is the perfect person to watch over the beautiful, confident woman who has turned her new family’s expectations upside down-and stepped into the crosshairs of angry local residents.

Soon Kara becomes more than just a job to him, and he begins to need her in ways he never expected. As Kara and Jeffrey confront the town gossips together, they’ll learn to face their fears and forgive their pasts in order to find a future filled with happiness in Angels Landing.
Watch for my review in the near future.

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It was just a few months ago that I was introduced to today’s guest author through a tour with Partners In Crime Tours via Mr. Lou Aronica, publisher of The Story Plant.  It was Mr. Gilleo’s debut novel, Love Thy Neighbor, and I have to tell you, I was blown away.  You can read my review here.  It was amazing!!

Today he is back to tell us about his latest novel, that hit the shelves today, as he kicks off another tour with Partners In Crime Tours.  I ask, for you to help me, give him a warm welcome back to CMash Reads!!

MARK GILLEO

Mark Gilleo holds a graduate degree in international business from the University of South Carolina and an undergraduate degree in business from George Mason University. He enjoys traveling, hiking and biking. He speaks Japanese. A fourth-generation Washingtonian, he currently resides in the D.C. area. His first two novels were recognized as finalist and semifinalist, respectively, in the William Faulkner-Wis- dom creative writing competition.
You can connect with the author at his website.

 GUEST POST

I am often asked where I get the plot for my novels.    The answer is “I don’t know.”   The idea for Sweat came from a conversation I overheard while working in Asia.    How that single line idea transformed into several hundred pages with multiple subplots, well, that is the mystery and magic of writing.     Obviously, the idea for my previous novel, Love Thy Neighbor, is pretty straight forward, as the inspiration came directly from a real situation.

When I first starting writing Sweat, there was no Senator.    The story was about an international businessman, his son and a seamstress.   As I progressed through the book and the plot expanded, a host of other characters entered into the fray.    A couple of chapters into the book I realized that it may be more relevant if the subject of scrutiny were a Senator.   It occurred to me that people could imagine a Senator more easily than they could an international businessman.  Maybe I am wrong on that point, who knows.

Some readers are probably saying “but the Senator first appears in chapter 2.”   They are right!    I have started five books and finished three of them, and I have yet to have Chapter 1 remain the first chapter.   At some point, Chapter 1 gets bumped, as does Chapter 2 and 3.    I have actually given up on numbering chapters I am currently just naming them and will assign a number later.   For whatever reason my subconscious mind doesn’t want to feed me the story in the correct order.

Another question I often get is whether characters in my book are born from people I know.    “No” would be my short answer, butthere are elements of people I know in almost every character I write.     I don’t consciously pick and choose the character attributes, but there are occasions when I am re-reading a passage and I think to myself, “That guy sounds a like Uncle Joe.”     If I were to try to mold a character to a real person, I think it would slow me down.   It could easily become an exercise akin to fitting a square peg in a round hole.  No two people are alike, even if one of them is fictional.   So a real person, with all their skills and flaws, may not meet the requirement of a fictional character I need to fill a particular role in the story.

So not only do I avoid modeling a character after people I know, I wouldn’t want to, unless a friend came out and asked me if I would.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would never have guessed that he’d find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator, conspiracy, backroom politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help – and much more than that – from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of the law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.

From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.
Read my review here.

Read an excerpt:

Purchase links:  AMAZON link    B&N link

Synopsis:
When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would have never guessed that he’d find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator that was rife with conspiracy, back-room politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help – and much more than that – from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.

From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
I was first introduced to Mark Gilleo when I read his debut novel, Love Thy Neighbor, back in March. You can read my review here. I was blown away with that novel on so many levels because it was not high on my list for plots, being in the espionage genre, having 400+ pages, which I read in a matter of a few days because I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and a debut novel that read as if it was written by a seasoned author.

Now comes his 2nd novel, which I couldn’t wait to read but honestly was a bit skeptical because the bar was set so high. Could it be as good or better? Would it compare? The answer is a resounding Yes!! There are so many facets of his writing style that appeal to me. The dialogue between characters are so realistic and fluid that I have the feeling that I am eavesdropping on a conversation. The action is non stop from the first page to the last word. The characters three dimensional and animated. The “espionage” is not so detailed and deep, that I have to figure out the inner workings of a department where it would get boorish. The settings vivid. The story lines are fiction imitating reality or reality could be possible with imitating fiction.The plot was a page turner and heart pounding.

Sweat takes place over a 5 week time span traveling from Seattle, WA to Saipan and ending in Washington, D.C.. with a premise ripped from the headlines. A multi cat and mouse chase at the speed of a run away train. Sweat has it all and more, unethical politicians, kidnapping, murder, greed, bribery, assassination attempts, deceit, greed, truth, police procedural investigations, betrayals, forced labor, stake outs, organized crime, friendships, love relationships and an ending that will leave the reader wanting a sequel. Another amazing, white knuckle read!! Mark Gilleo is both talented and gifted when it comes to page turning story telling. A master!! Bravo!! A book not to be passed by!! Extraordinary!!!

(2012 Challenges: JFF, FreeReads, Where Are You, Merely Mystery, I Want More, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)