Recovery by Michael Baron
Published by: The Story Plant
Publication Date: Nov. 19th, 2013
ASIN: B00E79005K
Pages: 66
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):
As November chill settles on the town of Oldham, CT, the world has shifted under the feet of Corrina and her teenaged stepson Ryan. Contending with tradition when nothing is the way it used to be is a challenge for the steadiest of relationships – and no one would ever define Corrina and Ryan’s relationship that way. But tradition is still staring them in the face, and they’re going to have to deal with it whether they want to or not. On a day when Ryan is too vulnerable to fight, he agrees to spend some time with his stepmother. Will it be the first stage in their recovery, or a final passage together before they go their separate ways forever?

In the first of four novelettes about the Golds – who we first met in Leaves – Michael Baron further explores the nuances, complexities, and unique comforts of family and shows that “nothing will be the same” has a multitude of connotations.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
I have been a huge fan of Michael Baron, enjoying every book written by him and even this novelette did not disappoint.

Recovery is a sequel novelette to Leaves. Leaves tells a story of 5 siblings dealing with the loss of not only their parents, but their decision to sell their family Inn.

In Recovery, Mr. Baron brings the reader up to speed on Corinna, (due to spoiler, will be vague) after a traumatic ending in Leaves. I felt that I was catching up with a friend. Emotional and tender, characteristics of Mr. Baron’s writing.

I understand that there will be 4 novelettes released, each chronicling one of the Gold siblings, which leads up to the next novel, Everything or Nothing. I can’t wait to read all the subsequent novelettes to see how each Gold family member is since Leaves.

If you haven’t read a Michael Baron book, you truly are missing out on an exceptional author. I highly recommend any and/or all books.

REVIEW DISCLAIMER
This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

(2014 Challenges: JustForFun, Mount TBR, EBook, Where Are You, A-Z, Turning the Pages, OutdoYourself

WELCOME ELAINE DRENNON LITTLE

ELAINE DRENNON LITTLE

Adopted at birth, Elaine lived her first twenty years on her parents’ agricultural farm in rural southern Georgia.  She was a public school music teacher for twenty-seven years, and continued to dabble with sideline interests in spite of her paid profession.  Playing in her first band at age fourteen, she seemed to almost always be involved in at least one band or another.  Elaine’s writing began in high school, publishing in local newspapers, then educational journals, then later in online fiction journals.  In 2008 she enrolled in the MFA program at Spalding University in Louisville, where upon graduation finished her second novel manuscript. Recently retiring after eleven years as a high school chorus and drama director, Elaine now lives in north Georgia with her husband, an ever-growing library of used books, and many adopted animals.
Connect with Elaine at these sites:

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Southern Place is a moving book that is expertly written! Mary Jane Hatcher–everyone calls her Mojo–is beat up bad. She’s in the ICU of Phoebe Putney, the largest hospital in South Georgia, barely able to talk. How Mojo goes from being that skinny little girl in Nolan, a small forgotten town along the Flint River, to the young woman now fighting for her life, is where this story begins and ends.

Mojo, her mama Delores and her Uncle Calvin Mullinax, like most folks in Nolan, have just tried to make the best of it. Of course, people aren’t always what they seem, and Phil Foster–the handsome, spoiled son of the richest man in the county–is no exception.

As the story of the Mullinax family unfolds, Mojo discovers a family’s legacy can be many things: a piece of earth, a familiar dwelling, a shared bond. And although she doesn’t know why she feels such a bond with Phil Foster, it is there all the same, family or not. And she likes to think we all have us a fresh start. Like her mama always said, the past is all just water under the bridge. Mojo, after going to hell and back, finally comes to understand what that means.

Review by Guest Blogger, Crystal from Bring On Lemons

I knew her name was Mary Jane Mullinax and folks called her MoJo, but there had to be more to the story than that. Sherriff Purvis of Dumas County Georgia described Mo Jo and her family as good folds, quiet-like and said there was no one to call. Her mama had died years before and she had never known her daddy. As a reader, I immediately felt I didn’t want to leave her side until she was out of the ICU and on the road to recovery.

 

Little did I know that A Southern Place would take me back in time to the days when Mo Jo’s grandparents were working the land and the rich Georgia soil. Wherever this story was going, I was going with it. I wanted to know everything about this young girl, her parents, her grandparents, and especially her uncle Calvin (Cal for short). Cal had been important in Mo Jo’s upbringing and I was intrigued by a man who would selflessly sacrifice everything for the sake of his family. Cal had died years before Mo Jo found herself alone and near death in the ICU, but something tells me Mo Jo had the same love for her family that her uncle had. She managed to take quite a beating and somehow protect her unborn child and that just seems like the same sort of family value that Cal showed when he selflessly put everyone else before himself.

 

Mo Jo and her family hadn’t come from the best of backgrounds, but they were proud. As the story advanced in years, it became clear that the Mullinax family was deeply attached to the land; they worked the land and believed that hard work would win in the end. I found myself cheering them on and as things fell apart I slumped in my chair feeling the same defeat they must have felt as they took out another mortgage and sold off some of their precious land.

 

Little’s descriptions and understanding of everything from farming to history really made A Southern Place come to life for me. This may be Little’s first published novel, but I certainly hope it won’t be her last. She has a way of bringing her characters to life and her depictions of the south have me longing for a visit. I am curious about peanut plantations as well as intrigued by the author herself – a piano teacher with thirty years’ experience turned author, now that’s something I didn’t see coming! Thank you Elaine Drennon Little for this exceptional book and I do hope to read more from you in the future!

 

Want to find out more about taking life’s lemons and turning them into lemonade or read more of Crystal’s book reviews? Follow Crystal’s lemon blog by clicking here:http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

BOOK DETAILS:

Publisher: WiDo Publishing
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Number of pages: 294 pages
ISBN-10: 1937178390
ISBN-13: 978-1937178390

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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.

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

 

How Not To Murder Your Grumpy by Carol E. Wyer
Published by Safkhet Publishing
Publication Date: June 1, 2013
ISBN-10 1908208163
ISBN-13 978-1908208163
Pages: 106
Review Copy from: Author and Providence Book Promotions
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 4

Synopsis:
Is your Grumpy Old Man getting under your feet? Is he wrestling with retirement? Are you wondering if you should bundle him up and entrust him to basket-weaving classes? Then this book could be the answer to your prayers. This light hearted guide is packed full of lively ideas, anecdotes and quips. Not only does it set out to provide laughs, but offers over 700 ideas and ways to keep a Grumpy Old Man occupied. From collecting airline sick bags to zorbing, you will be sure to find an absorbing pastime for your beloved curmudgeon. There are examples of those who have faced extraordinary challenges in older age, fascinating facts to interest a reluctant partner and innovative ideas drizzled, of course, with a large dollop of humor. Written tongue-in-cheek, this book succeeds in proving that getting older doesn’t mean the end of life or having fun. It provides amusing answers to the question, “How on Earth will my husband fill in his time in his retirement?” It offers suggestions on what might, or most certainly might not, amuse him. Ideal for trivia buffs, those approaching retirement, (or just at a loose end) and frustrated women who have an irritable male on their hands, this book will lighten any mood and may even prevent the odd murder.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
I was first introduced to this author when I found her blog, Facing 50 with Humor. So when she contacted me to read and review her 1st book, exactly 2 years ago, Mini Skirts & Laughter Lines, I knew it would be enjoyable and funny, which it was.

Fast forward to a few months ago when I received an email asking if I would read and review her latest book, How Not To Murder Your Grumpy. When I read the synopsis, my first thought was, this is perfect! Over the past few months my husband (or as Carol has renamed the species, Old Grumpys) has been talking about when he plans to retire and I have to be honest, anxiety has set in thinking what will he do all day every day, my peaceful days will be no longer, will he be underfoot.

In How Not To Murder Your Grumpy, the author, has listed many activities, from A-Z, that one can be involved with to fill the days. Some are obvious, some I would never have thought of and some are down right hysterical. Each chapter, a different letter, has many suggestions to keep a Grumpy occupied. What I found funny were the author’s descriptions, dry humor editorial comments and riddles.

For example, on archery. A description of the sport is given and then…….

Archery is one of the most ancient sports known to mankind. In Ancient times and the medieval period, this activity was used for protecting people from enemies and for hunting wild animals. Today, it is regarded as a recreational activity or sport, and is looked upon as a way to improve concentration, mental strength, and precision…..where was I? Oh yes, sorry, I was thinking about Kevin Costner in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and got distracted.
Question: What did the lustful maiden say to the handsome archer? Answer: You make me quiver.

And that is just one of many descriptions that I was laughing at. And I had 25 more letters to get through. And 700 distractions hobbies to occupy my Grumpy for when the time comes. Yes 700! She found 700 activities!

This book will definitely be put in an easy accessible location and, I’m sure, will get much use once my husband leaves his office for the last time. It just might have saved him from a justifiable murder.

I recommend this if you are looking for a light read, full of humor and laughter and/or looking for a new pastime. Full of levity, amusement and witticism. I am looking forward to reading her next book, Just Add Spice, as I am sure it will contain more of the same.

Dead Peasants by Larry Thompson
Published by St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: October 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 1250009499
ISBN-13: 978-1250009494
Pages: 292
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis:
Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client’s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
When I first saw the title of this book, and knowing it was a legal thriller, I have to be honest, I couldn’t figure out what peasants had to do with the plot. And then it is explained. A “dead peasant” is a type of insurance policy (being vague as to details so not to include spoiler), but let me tell you, this is a bit scary as to it’s existence in real life.

The writing style was fluid, the characters 3 dimensional, so it was easy to visualize both the cast and settings.

The protagonist, Jackson Douglas Bryant, attorney, has become one of my favorite characters, and hope that this is the beginning of many future books written around him. Jack Bryant is a successful lawyer, who decides to become a pro bono plaintiff’s lawyer for those who do not have the means to hire an attorney. And his first case, turns out to be more than just routine. People are being killed but by who and why? And the “who done it” ending was one I didn’t see coming.

One thing I really enjoyed was that, even though it was a legal thriller, it did not contain the heavy legalese often found in this genre.

This is the first time I have read a book by this author, but let me tell you, it won’t be the last!! Loved it! A definite page turner that will keep you guessing.

The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date:  June 18, 2013
ISBN:  978-1-61188-067-0
ISBN:  978-1-61188-068-7
Pages:  242
Review Copy from:  The Story Plant
Edition:  ARC  Kindle
My Rating: 5+

Synopsis:
Memories are the ultimate contradiction. They can warm us on our coldest days – or they can freeze a loved one out of our lives forever. The McCarthy family has a trove of warm memories. Of innocent first kisses. Of sumptuous family meals. Of wondrous lessons learned at the foot of a rocking chair. But they also have had their share of icy ones. Of words that can never be unsaid. Of choices that can never be unmade. Of actions that can never be undone.

Following the death of his beloved wife, John McCarthy – Grandpa John – calls his family back home. It is time for them to face the memories they have made, both warm and cold. Only then can they move beyond them and into the future.

A rich portrait of a family at a crossroad, The Rockin’ Chair is Steven Manchester’s most heartfelt and emotionally engaging novel to date. If family matters to you, it is a story you must read.

“Anyone who pities the elderly is a damned fool!……”The elderly should be envied”…..“They had realities of the past, which nothing or no one could take away”.

The Rockin’ Chair is a tender but powerful read.  A book that will stay with the reader for many years to come.  Engrossing and emotional!  Will tug at your heart strings!  Not only do I highly recommend this book, but believe this story should be a mandatory read for all.

 

I asked if number 3 could be as good?  My answer.  Not only did Steven Manchester hit a grand slam, he won the championship with The Rockin’ Chair!

REVIEW DISCLAIMER
This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

(2013 Challenges:  Just For Fun, EBook, Count The Ways, A-Z Where Are You, FreeReads, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, Read-A-Latte

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p class=”download”>Birthdays of a Princess by Helga Zeiner
Published by POW WOW Books
Publication Date: May 9, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-9868798-7-6
Pages: 290
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 4

Synopsis (from Amazon):
To be famous and be admired by total strangers can be very dangerous.

Her little girl has always been her princess. In fact, she was so lovely, Melissa entered her toddler into child beauty pageants, making her a star from an early age. But her dreams and hopes are shattered one October morning, when Melissa watches a breaking news story on television. A young girl has been filmed by bystanders, committing a brutal assault in broad daylight in a downtown Vancouver Starbucks…and it looks like the girl is her daughter.
From this moment on, a story unfolds, so shocking, that it will hold you captive and you will find yourself reading faster and faster into the night.

Guided by a forensic Psychiatrist, Helga Zeiner has captured the tormented inner thoughts of a former beauty queen and her mother with amazing sensitivity. The 5-star bestselling author delivers yet again an impeccably researched thriller – this time one that takes you into the complex world of child beauty pageants – with an ingenious plot. Just when you think you know the ending…read on, the ultimate surprise waits at the end of the thrill-ride.

Birthdays of a Princess is a chilling fictional read, but sadly, is also a real life actuality.  Scary!!  A white knuckle, edge of your seat read!!

Ladd Springs by Dianne Vanetta
Published by BloominThyme Press
Publication Date: April 10, 2013
ISBN-10: 098848711X
ISBN-13: 978-0988487116
Pages: 292
Review Copy from: Author and Providence Book Promotions
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 4

Synopsis:
A deathbed promise and a mysterious find in the Tennessee forest bring Delaney Wilkins and Nick Harris together in a dramatic fight for the rights to Ladd Springs.

Delaney Wilkins finds herself at odds with hotel developer Nick Harris over a deathbed promise and a mysterious find in the forest. Both are after title to Ladd Springs, a mecca of natural springs, streams and trails in the eastern Tennessee mountains, a tract of land worth millions. But Ernie Ladd, current owner of the property and uncle to Delaney, is adamantly opposed to them both.

Felicity Wilkins, Delaney’s daughter, deserves to inherit her family’s legacy, but neighbor Clem Sweeney is working against her, ingratiating himself with Ernie Ladd. Clem is also harboring a secret that will make him a very wealthy man—unless the others stop him before he can bring it to fruition.

Complicating matters is Annie Owens. Ex-girlfriend to Jeremiah Ladd, Ernie’s estranged son living in Atlanta, she declares her daughter Casey is Jeremiah’s, making Casey every bit as entitled to the property as Felicity—only Annie hasn’t proven this claim. Yet.

All are fighting to get the property, but only one will walk away with the gold. Which will it be? Find out in the first installment of Ladd Springs…

My Thoughts and Opinion:
One thing I really enjoy about the book blogging community is finding “new to me” authors at the recommendations of other bloggers. I picked up this book at the suggestion from Gina at Hott Books, and so glad that I did. This may have been my first introduction to this author but it surely won’t be my last. Matter of fact, I can’t wait for the sequel!!

Ladd Springs is a very wholesome and enjoyable read that contains many elements that had me turning the pages. Suspense, romance and family dynamics. A story of principals, emotions, greed, prosperity and lineage Ms. Vanetta’s writing flowed and her descriptions of both the characters and settings made it very easy to visualize. There was a large cast of characters, approximately 14, but an ancestry list at the beginning of the book, helped immensely in keeping each character’s role and status clear. The cast believable and relatable. As in real life, some lovable, some likable and some despised.

Ms. Vanetta is now on my “authors to read” list and I am anxiously waiting for the next installment to see what is in store for the Ladd family.

(2013 Challenges: JFF, EBook, Count the Ways, First Reads, A-Z, Where Are You? FreeReads, 52 in 52, Outdo, Read-A-Latte)

REVIEW DISCLAIMER
This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the
best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book
was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.

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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

EVIDENCE OF LIFE
by Barbara Taylor Sissel
Published by Harlequin MIRA
Publication Date: March 26, 2013
ISBN-10: 0778315169
ISBN-13: 978-0778315162
Pages: 320
Review Copy from: Meryl L. Moss Media
Edition: ARC    TPB
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (from Amazon):
On the last ordinary day of her life, Abby Bennett feels like the luckiest woman alive. But everyone knows that luck doesn’t last forever…

As her husband, Nick, and daughter, Lindsey, embark on a weekend camping trip to the Texas Hill Country, Abby looks forward to having some quiet time to herself. She braids Lindsey’s hair, reminds Nick to drive safely and kisses them both goodbye. For a brief moment, Abby thinks she has it all—a perfect marriage, a perfect life—until a devastating storm rips through the region, and her family vanishes without a trace.

When Nick and Lindsey are presumed dead, lost in the raging waters, Abby refuses to give up hope. Consumed by grief and clinging to her belief that her family is still alive, she sets out to find them. But as disturbing clues begin to surface, Abby realizes that the truth may be far more sinister than she imagined. Soon she finds herself caught in a current of lies that threaten to unhinge her and challenge everything she once believed about her marriage and family.

With a voice that resonates with stunning clarity, Barbara Taylor Sissel delivers a taut and chilling mystery about a mother’s love, a wife’s obsession and the invisible fractures that can shatter a family.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
I became a fan, of this author, after reading The Ninth Step and then her subsequent book, The Volunteer. And with her latest book, Evidence of Life, she did not disappoint.

Abby is looking forward to a quiet weekend alone. Her husband, Nick, and their daughter, Lindsey, are spending the weekend on a planned camping trip and their son, Jake, is away at college. But within hours of Nick and Lindsey leaving, Abby’s tranquil weekend turns into months of hell. With news of powerful rains and flooding, that have claimed lives, Abby has no word as to the fate of her family. As months go by, and no definite answers, if Nick and Lindsey were victims, Abby holds on to hope that they will be found. Even though, those around her fear and accept that father and daughter were among the causalities, Abby starts looking for answers. If it is closure that Abby is seeking, she soon finds out, that her life wasn’t as she thought it was.

As with her other novels, Ms. Sissel expands on an every day topic, adding suspense, romance, relationship dynamics and thought provoking scenarios culminating to a “never saw coming” finale. Her characters come to life and can be related to. Her descriptive settings allow the reader to create vivid imagery. The suspense, page turning. Evidence of Life…another 5 star read!! Highly recommend, not only this book, but Ms. Sissel’s previous stories. Guarantee that you will be placing her on your “authors to read” list!!!

(2013 Challenges: Count The Ways, A-Z, Where Are You, Mystery/Crime, FreeReads, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, Read-A-Latte)

REVIEW DISCLAIMER
This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the
best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book
was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.

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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.