Review The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davy

CMash February 20, 2012 2 Comments

THE LEGACY OF EDEN by Nelle Davy

Published by Mira

ISBN-10: 0778329550

ISBN-13: 978-0778329558

At the request of Meryl L. Moss Media, an ARC TPB was sent, at no charge to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: An epic, sweeping tale of a dynasty rotten to the core, driven by ambition, lust – and hatred.

For generations, Aurelia was the crowning glory of more than three thousand acres of Iowa farmland and golden cornfields. The estate was a monument to matriarch Lavinia Hathaway’s dream to elevate the family name—no matter what relative or stranger she had to destroy in the process. It was a desperation that wrought the downfall of the Hathaways—and the once-prosperous farm.
Now the last inhabitant of the decaying old home has died—alone. None of the surviving members of the Hathaway family want anything to do with the farm, the land or the memories.

Especially Meredith Pincetti. Now living in New York City, for seventeen years Lavinia’s youngest grandchild has tried to forget everything about her family and her past. But with the receipt of a pleading letter, Meredith is again thrust into conflict with the legacy that destroyed her family’s -great name.

Back at Aurelia, Meredith must confront the rise and fall of the Hathaway family…and her own part in their mottled history.

My Thoughts and Opinion: I remember reading, and some of you may too, a Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford in 1979. It was with that book that I sought others of the same premise. How the role of the matriarch came to be. Usually with ruthlessness, revenge, lack of remorse, greed, and hatred but in the end, was always alone. Family members emotionally destroyed along the way. Secrets kept hidden. But memories never die.

The Legacy of Eden was just that book. The author, Nelle Davy, in her debut book, pulled you in from the start. Meredith, one of three grand daughters, who had tried so very hard to forget those years living at Aurelia, was located and notified that the farm was to be sold. The writer alternates between the present and past as stories that were related to Meredith from her dieing grandmother. The family members come to life but are products of their upbringing that at times you feel sorry for them. I could actually feel the lack of emotions between family members. There were hints of secrets within the family throughout the book, which one could figure out but then it still made the family what it truly was. A figment of their own imagination. A very engrossing saga, especially for a debut novel.

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: ARC, Off The Shelf, Just For Fun, Free Reads, Where Are You, A-Z, 52 in 52, Out Do Yourself, 100+)

Book Review

Review “Cross Fire” by James Patterson

CMash February 18, 2012 4 Comments

CROSS FIRE by James Patterson

Published by Little Brown and Company

ISBN-13: 9780316036177

At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a HC book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): Wedding bells ring

Detective Alex Cross and Bree’s wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington D.C.’s most corrupt: a dirty congressmen and an underhanded lobbyist. Next, the elusive gunman begins picking off other crooked politicians, sparking a blaze of theories–is the marksman a hero or a vigilante?

A murderer returns

The case explodes, and the FBI assigns agent Max Siegel to the investigation. As Alex and Siegel battle over jurisdiction, the murders continue. It becomes clear that they are the work of a professional who has detailed knowledge of his victims’ movements–information that only a Washington insider could possess.

Caught in a lethal cross fire

As Alex contends with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross and his family for good. With a supercharged blend of action, deception, and suspense, Cross Fireis James Patterson’s most visceral and exciting Alex Cross novel ever.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Who doesn’t like a classic James Patterson book with it’s 2-4 page chapters, especially his long running Alex Cross series? I got hooked on his books many years ago, and Cross Fire was true to form. Dr. Alex Cross, Nana and the kids are all a central part of the story line and his devotion to his family makes the character even more likable. And in this book he finally gets married. The action is fast paced and as stated above, because of the short chapters, it is very easy to say “just one more chapter” and you find that you have read ten. A very quick read. Even though I enjoyed this novel because it was an “Alex Cross book”, I found it to be predictable and lacking the high drama of investigation that one could find in his earlier books. Will I read another Patterson book? Yes….I still like his writing style.

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: TBR, Romantic Suspense, Bucket List, Mystery/Suspense, Off The Shelf, Serial Killers, Free Reads, Where Are You, A-Z, Merely Mystery, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

2012 Challenges, Book Review, Guest Author

Guest Author and Review Vincent Zandri

CMash February 11, 2012 3 Comments

He’s baaaaack!! Yes, my paisan from the old neighborhood is back. For those who aren’t Italian, paisan means pal and/or buddy. I don’t think I ever told the story how we virtually met. So before he starts telling us about his latest book, I will digress and share.

He sent me an email via GR asking me if I lived anywhere near Providence College, which is where he attended college and in which he mentions in his Moonlight novels. And then he happens to mention…..”Oh and btw I just wrote a book that you might enjoy.” I explained I would put it on my TBR list but that I review for several publishers and publicists and when I had a lull I would pick it up. It just so happened, that a week later a tour company that I was reviewing for put a call out for his book so I jumped at the chance, and as they say the rest his history.

As I said, he is returning today to talk about his latest book, which should be quite interesting since this is definitely not in the genre that he hooked me with. But I will let him explain. So I am happy to have Vincent Zandri here once again!!!

ABOUT VINCENT ZANDRI

Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 International Bestselling author of THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD, THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT FALLS, CONCRETE PEARL, MOONLIGHT RISES and SCREAM CATCHER. He is also the author of the bestselling digital shorts, PATHOLOGICAL and MOONLIGHT MAFIA. Harlan Coben has described his novels as “…gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting,” while the New York Post called THE INNOCENT, “Sensational…Masterful…Brilliant!” In March, April and May of 2011, he sold more than 100,000 Kindle E-Book editions of his novels. In September 2011, he signed a major deal with Thomas and Mercer of Amazon for the publication of his new novel, Murder by Moonlight, and the re-publication of many of his back-list titles, including The Innocent and The Remains. Zandri’s list of publishers also include Delacorte, Dell, StoneHouse Ink and StoneGate Ink. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, Zandri’s work is translated into many languages including the Dutch, Russian and Japanese. An adventurer, foreign correspondent, and freelance photo-journalist for RT, Globalspec, IBTimes and more, he lives in New York. For more go to WWW.VINCENTZANDRI.COM

You can find Vin at the following locations:
Website, Blog, Amazon Author Page, Facebook, Twitter

Or at his next 2 stops:

2/14/2012 Misty Rayburn Review – http://www.the-top-shelf.com

2/15/2012 Molly Edwards Review of Love at First Sight – reviewsbymolly.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

A young U.S. Army officer who’s served in Afghanistan finds himself suffering from intermittent bouts of “hysterical” temporary blindness due to impossible and deadly orders he was forced to obey by high command in the field. When he’s reunited with his fiancée in a military hospital in Germany after being separated for more than year, the couple are encouraged by doctors to travel to Venice, Italy together. There, amongst the canals and the cafes, they try to rekindle their love and fight off their personal demons while trying to comprehend the enormity of the heartbreaking role they now must play in love and war.

Amazon buy link

Barnes and Noble Buy Link

Addendum: In case you don’t see it, Vin just left a comment that his novel Scream Catcher is a free download all weekend!!!! What a deal!!! Don’t miss out!!!

MY REVIEW

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT by Vincent Zandri

Published by StoneGate Ink

ASIN: B0060MB5JM

At the request of his Virtual Publicist a digital short edition, was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon): A young U.S. Army officer who’s served in Afghanistan finds himself suffering from intermittent bouts of “hysterical” temporary blindness due to impossible and deadly orders he was forced to obey by high command in the field. When he’s reunited with his fiancée in a military hospital in Germany after being separated for more than year, the couple are encouraged by doctors to travel to Venice, Italy together. There, amongst the canals and the cafes, they try to rekindle their love and fight off their personal demons while trying to comprehend the enormity of the heartbreaking role they now must play in love and war.

My Thoughts and Opinion: The mystery, the suspense, the engrossing roller coaster twists and turns, white knuckle ride to the very last word is what put this author on my radar when I read Moonlight Falls. And as I kept reading his subsequent novels (all of them) it moved him right on up to the Number 1 spot for mystery/suspenseful reads. Then I read Scream Catcher and instantly saw a difference in his writing style. Not in a bad way, but in a way that proved that this author has a lot to give, that he is most definitely a master at storytelling. And then something happened, that I can honestly say, I was blown away. I never thought these 2 words would be in the same sentence, Zandri and romance.

OK..another test..could he pull this one off? Even though it was a digital short, which disappointed me because I wanted to get the whole package, but I will be patient until the sequel is out), he transported me to the sidewalk cafe in Italy sitting next to this American couple that seemed to be quite uncomfortable with each other. Yes, he made the characters come to life, he allowed the reader to form a vivid imagery of the scene, feel the emotions, see the sights and sounds. If this digital short is any indication what the novel will be, I have something to look forward to. He just raised the bar even higher!!!

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,

Barnes & Noble and/or any other retail/wholesale

outlets either online and/or elsewhere.

I am providing this link solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

I do not receive any monetary compensation from any parties

(2012 Challenges: EBook, Off The Shelf, Free Reads, Where Are You, A-Z, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

2012 Challenges, Book Review

Review Gods and Fathers by James LePore

CMash February 7, 2012 3 Comments

GODS AND FATHERS BY JAMES LePORE
Published by The Story Plant
ISBN-10: 1611880297
ISBN-13: 978-1611880298
At the request of The Story Plant, an ARC EBook Edition was provided, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from publisher): Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he’s known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy’s girlfriend.

Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle.

My Thoughts and Opinion: To be completely honest in reviewing this book, I feel I should start with a caveat. I don’t usually read novels that have espionage, government intelligence and/or spy plots. And from reading the synopsis, I did not think that this book held those elements. However, as I was caught up in the story, and then when international terrorism was introduced into the story line, I didn’t know if this was going to be a good book match for me. Another factor was the many different agencies and the long list of characters. This novel was definitely out of my comfort zone.

But I had already been pulled in right from the start of this book. How could a young man be accused of murder and rape of his girlfriend and facing the death penalty have anything to do with international relationships of terror? And why are those that are investigating or close to this case being killed? How is this all tied together? As I said, the characters are many, but through Mr. LePore’s writing style, he reminds the reader as to who the character is and/or the agency he/she works for. Because the characters are all flawed in some way, it was had to determine who could be trusted. Who were the good guys? Who were the bad guys? How was the plot all tied together? That’s why I had to keep turning the pages!!. With an ending that I never saw coming!!!!

Even though this was a book outside of my comfort zone, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would have missed out on an exceptional read had it not been for a requested review. Mr LePore, with his excellent detailed writing ability, whereas I could create vivid imagery, and his masterful story telling, has transformed my thinking on espionage novels. Well, at least his. Kudos Mr. LePore!!

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: EBook, ARC, Mystery/Suspense, Off The Shelf, Free Reads, Where Are You, A-Z, Merely Mystery, 52 in52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

2012 Challenges, Book Review, Guest Author

Guest Author Peter Leonard Review

CMash January 19, 2012 8 Comments

Today I am thrilled for a few reasons. Thanks to Mr. Lou Aronica of The Story Plant, who publishes many authors that I have grown fond of and enjoy reading, has given me the privilege and honor to host today’s guest as he begins his virtual tour with Partners In Crime Tours, and who now has been added to that list of esteemed writers that I look forward to escaping into the pages of their latest novels. After reading the book that he will be discussing today, I am looking forward to his future novels. So please help me welcome Mr. Peter Leonard.

ABOUT PETER LEONARD

Peter Leonard’s debut novel, QUIVER, was published to international acclaim in 2008 (“A spectacular debut…you will be holding your breath until the final page.”– The New York Sun). It was followed by TRUST ME in 2009 (“TRUST ME is fast, sly and full of twists.” – Carl Hiaasen, New York Times bestselling author). The Story Plant will publish Leonard’s newest novel, ALL HE SAW WAS THE GIRL, in the spring of 2012.

You can visit Peter Leonard at his website here.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year is 1971. The place is Detroit. Harry Levin, a scrap metal dealer and Holocaust survivor, has just learned that his daughter was killed in a car accident. Traveling to Washington, DC to claim the body, he learns that the accident was caused by a German diplomat who was driving drunk. This is only the beginning of the horror for Harry, though, as he discovers that the diplomat will never face charges – he has already been released and granted immunity. Enraged and aggrieved, Harry discovers the identity of his daughter’s killer, follows him to Munich, and hunts him down. What Harry finds out about the diplomat and his plans will explode his life and the lives of everyone around him.

Brimming with action and dark humor, Voices of the Dead, firmly positions Peter Leonard as a writer ever suspense fan needs to read.

Read an excerpt:

Hess found out the woman lived on P Street in Georgetown, not far from the consulate. He told the ambassador he was having dinner with potential clients, and wanted to drive himself. It was unorthodox, but plausible. He had been issued one of the embassy’s Mercedes sedans. He stopped at a bookstore and bought a map of the area, and located P Street. He drove there and saw the Goldman residence, a federal-style brick townhouse.

Hess went to a restaurant and had dinner and a couple drinks. At ten o’clock he drove back, parked around the corner on 32nd Street between two other vehicles so the license plate was not visible to anyone driving by. He walked to the Goldmans’, stood next to a tree in front of the three-storey townhouse. There were lights on the first floor. He walked to the front door and rang the buzzer. He could hear footsteps and voices inside. A light over the door went on. Hess stood in the open so whoever it was would see he was well dressed. The door opened, a man standing there, assumed he was Dr. Mitchell Goldman, dark hair, big nose, mid-forties, top of the shirt unbuttoned, exposing a gold chain and a five-pointed star. Hess smiled. “My car is on the fritz. May I use your phone to call a tow truck?”

Dr. Goldman stared at him with concern.

“I am staying just down the street at the consulate,” Hess said, smiling. Now the door opened and he stepped into the elegant foyer, chandelier overhead, marble floor.

“Mitch, who is it?” a woman said from a big open room to his right.

Dr. Goldman looked in her direction. “Guy’s having car trouble, wants to use the phone.”

“It’s ten o’clock at night.”

“He’ll just be a minute,” the dentist said.

Hess could see the woman sitting on a couch, watching television.

“The phone’s in here.” The dentist started to move.

Hess drew the Luger from the pocket of his suit jacket,and aimed it at Goldman.

The dentist put his hands up. “Whoa. Easy.”

“Who is in the house?”

“Just the two of us.”

“Are you expecting anyone?”

He shook his head.

“Tell her to come in here,” Hess said.

“What do you want? You want money?” He took his wallet out and handed it to him. “There’s eight hundred dollars in there.”

“Call her,” Hess said.

“Hon, come here, will you?”

“I’m watching ‘All in the Family.’ Can you wait till the commercial?”

Hess could hear people laughing on the television.

“Just for a minute,” the dentist said.

Hess saw her stand up and step around a low table in front of the couch, moving across the room, still looking back at the television. She turned her head as she entered the foyer and saw him holding the gun. Her hair looked darker in the dim light but he had only seen her briefly that day.

“Oh-my-god,” she said, hands going up to her face.

“We’re reasonable people,” the dentist said. “Tell us what you want.”

“The pleasure of your company,” Hess said. “Where is the cellar?”

MY REVIEW

VOICES OF THE DEAD by Peter Leonard

Published by The Story Plant

ISBN-10: 1611880327

ISBN-13: 978-1611880328

At the request of The Story Plant, an EBook Edition was sent at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from publisher): The year is 1971. The place is Detroit. Harry Levin, a scrap metal dealer and Holocaust survivor, has just learned that his daughter was killed in a car accident. Traveling to Washington, DC to claim the body, he learns that the accident was caused by a German diplomat who was driving drunk. This is only the beginning of the horror for Harry, though, as he discovers that the diplomat will never face charges – he has already been released and granted immunity. Enraged and aggrieved, Harry discovers the identity of his daughter’s killer, follows him to Munich, and hunts him down. What Harry finds out about the diplomat and his plans will explode his life and the lives of everyone around him.Brimming with action and dark humor, Voices of the Dead, firmly positions Peter Leonard as a writer ever suspense fan needs to read.

My Thoughts and Opinion: I feel I need to start this review with a caveat because even I was surprised by my thoughts and opinion of this book. If I was to solely choose this book based on the synopsis for my personal library, without the request for review, I would most likely have not picked this one up as I tend not to enjoy espionage thrillers. However, with this book, I would have missed out on a great read.

The book pulled me in quickly with the car accident and death of Harry Levin’s daughter. From that moment on, the action begins, the suspense ramps up, and the books holds you to the very last page. It takes you from Detroit to Germany to Miami during the years of 1971 and shares the memories of Harry when he was a 14 year old boy, who watches his parents executed by the Nazi regime but was one that was able to escape the atrocities of that time. The characters come to life. The settings are conveyed so that detailed imagery can be formed in one’s mind, especially of the years of 1940s. Mr. Leonard’s writing style is flawless, and the type of read that I call, a “one more chapter” and before you know it, you have read 5 more chapters. What I found amazing, was that a book with a premise of a horrific time in our history, Mr. Leonard could interweave some humor without being disrespectful.

As the synopsis states, who is this diplomat Hess, that has been given immunity, for an accident that was his fault and that resulted in the death of a young and vibrant daughter of Harry Levin? Why does this man Hess look familiar to Harry? Harry is so distraught over his daughter’s passing, he travels to Germany, where Hess resides, and what he finds, is bigger than he imagined. More deaths? But why? The hunt begins.

Highly recommend!!!!!

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: Romantic/Suspense, EBooks, ARC, Mystery/Suspense, Off The Shelf, Serial Killers, Free Reads, Where Are You, A-Z, Merely Mystery, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

Book Review

Review Killer Bytes by Alan Williams

CMash January 12, 2012 1 Comment

KILLER BYTES by Alan Williams

At the request of the author, the first half of a digital manuscript was provided, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: A killer is stalking London; a banker is already dead, killed in an explosion, and there are more victims in the killer’s sights.

Techno geek and Internet journalist, Wil Jackson becomes inadvertently embroiled in the investigation when he interviews one of the murder victims, and the killer starts communicating with Wil via the Internet. Can Wil help the police stop the killer before the body count increases further?

Killer Bytes is a novella of intrigue from blogger, Alan Williams, due for publication in 2012. Follow Alan via his bloghttp://tontowilliams.posterous.com or on twitter @tontowilliams http://twitter.com/tontowilliams.

My Thoughts and Opinion: This is the second time this has happened to me and I feel that it is the greatest honor and most humbling experience to be bestowed with and that is to be entrusted with an author’s manuscript for review.

Through blogging and the PR company, Partners In Crime Tours, I met someone who is an outstanding blogger and reviewer. After working with him on several projects, I had a feeling that he might also be a writer.

I asked and he said that he had been working on a novella and asked if I would read it and give him my honest opinion. For me, that’s like being asked to be the Godmother of someone’s baby. Such an honor yet also a huge responsibility.

As I said, he sent me only the first half, as the 2nd half was with his editor. I started reading with great skepticism because now it was going to be the moment of truth. The novella starts off with a prologue and within the first couple of pages, the book grabbed me. The suspense and action was fast paced. The writing style flowed and it was easy to create my own imagery from the detailed prose. There were only two (2) items that I felt that could be improved upon, which with time, mentoring and professional advice, would help make this blogger’s work into an author’s success. Those 2 items were, and only during a couple of places in the story, a bit of simplistic dialogue and the other being of tweaking to make the story in certain places tighter and mature. Oh and one other big problem was the fact that now, I don’t know what happened next, I don’t know how the story ends, and who the killer was. But overall, from what I read, and knowing that this will be his debut novella, I was quite impressed. I definitely see a tour in his future.

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.

Book Review

Review “Come Back To Me” by Melissa Foster

CMash January 10, 2012 6 Comments

COME BACK TO ME by Melissa Foster

Published by Greenforge Books (October 26, 2011)

ISBN-10: 0984716513

ISBN-13: 978-0984716517

At the request of the author, a Kindle edition was provided, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from Amazon): As featured in USA Today’s, Happily Ever After blog, “Come Back to Me is perceptive and penetrating look at the intricacies of love, respect and relationships. Foster’s characters are solid; her writing style engaging and her story moving.” —IndieReader 5 STARS

.

Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret–only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project,Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

My Thoughts and Opinion: This book is poignant, heart wrenching, emotional, a love story, suspenseful, with images of war, real life trauma, betrayals, friendships, family dynamics, lies, secrets, and so much more, that once the first page is opened, it can’t be put down. Bravo Ms. Foster!!!! I finished reading this book on December 30th, 2011, and as the saying goes, saved the best for last. This was definitely one of my top 5 books of 2011.

Ms. Foster’s writing style allowed the characters to jump from the pages, they were so life like. Her writing style, with detailed descriptions, allowed me to create images as if it were in real time be it if I was in Iraq or standing outside the doors of both the ICU and PICU of the hospital. The emotions and relationship dynamics between the characters were so profound and touching within the story line. However, for the reader, at least for this reader, thought provoking as each character examined their own what ifs and the guilt of their actions that might have changed the course of the outcome (vague–do not want to include spoilers).

This is the 2nd book I have read of Ms. Foster’s. The fist being Megan’s Way, which I also enjoyed. I highly recommend not only this book, but this author. This book is a must read, but, it is a box of tissue read. An Awesome 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.

Book Review

Review "Hospice Tails" by Debra L. Stang

CMash December 22, 2011 Leave a Comment

HOSPICE TAILS by Debra L. Stang

Published by Booklocker.com, Inc.

ISBN-10: 161434261X
ISBN-13: 978-1614342618

At the request of WOW Tours, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from back of book):

Hospice Tails: The Animal Companions Who Journey With Hospice Patients and Their Families

Told from the perspective of a hospice social worker, Hospice Tails is a baker’s dozen of stories about the animal companions of hospice patients and their families.

In these pages you will meet King, an abused pit bull fiercely loyal to his rescuer, Fizzle, a teacup poodle who guarded his human in death as well as life, Io and Oi, two cats who facilitated a beautiful conversation between their owners, and Lightning, a horse who helped a widower find the strength to go on.

Uplifting, matter-of-fact, sometimes funny and never sappy, Hospice Tails will change the way you think about the animals in your life.

My Thoughts and Opinion: In this very short and quick read, 108 pages, the author introduces the reader to some terminally ill patients and their pets who give unconditional love and comfort to their owners until their very last breath. When I was contacted to read and review this book and also hosting the the author as a guest, it was an automatic yes. Being a former nurse, I have witnessed the residents in a Nursing Home setting and their reactions to and behavior toward animals. How one’s eyes light up and a smile will appear. How the patient will eagerly try to pet or cuddle with the cat and/or dog, give him/her a treat.

This book had me exhibiting an array of emotions. Sadness, laughter, empathy and tears. A deeply emotional poignant read, however, delightful and funny. A definite book for animal lovers and for those in the medical field.