The Remains by Vincent Zandri
Publisher StoneHouse Ink
ISBN 0982770502
ISBN 13: 9780982770504
At the request of Pump Up Your Book, an EBook edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (borrowed from PUYB): Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape.
  Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead.
  Now, it’s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year.
  But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He’s back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Zandri delivers again!!!! If you follow my blog, you know that I became a fan of Vincent Zandri after reading Moonlight Falls. He has been a frequent visitor here as “Guest Author” for his books and one Sunday was here “Live”. I have to be honest, I was a bit skeptical reading The Remains, afraid that it would not be as good as, or better than Moonlight Falls. I was wrong!!! I will be very vague as to the story line so as not to include spoilers. This was the kind of book that I call a “one more chapter” read. Short chapters and so gripping that you have to read “just one more chapter” and then you realize it is 10 chapters later. The chapters alternate between Rebecca’s present life and then to her past and back to the present. The characters were life like including the autistic savant artist. Mr. Zandri’s writing style is brilliant and because of that, this reader became so engrossed in the plot that I was transported to Albany, where the story takes place, and not aware of what was going on around me. The story pulled me in from the first few pages and didn’t let go until the last word. It was a bone chilling read!!! This talented author takes the reader on a heart pounding suspenseful ride as the story follows Rebecca in the present and just when you remember to breathe, he catapults you to her past. The unfolding progress of the plot is written at a crescendo pace, from the first word to the last. This book is a nail biting, white knuckle, spine chilling, page turning thriller. Do I suggest that you read this book? Not only do I think that YOU MUST read this book but also recommend that this be the next book you read!!!  Fantastic!!!  Sensational!!!  Excellent!!!  Vincent Zandri hits this one out of the park!!!!!!

With Friends Like These by Sally Koslow (ARC)
Published by Ballantine Books
ISBN 978-0-345-50622-1
At the request of Pump Up Your Book, a PB ARC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from book): A novel following four New York City women’s complicated friendships across a span of twenty years.
  When Quincy, Jules, Talia and Chloe become fast friends despite their drastically different personalities. Now, nearly twenty years later, their lives have diverged as much as they possibly can within one city: Quincy is mourning a miscarriage and lusting for the perfect Manhattan apartment; Jules, a woman with an outsize personality, is facing forty alone; Talia, married and the mother of a four-year-old, is her family’s reluctant breadwinner; and Chloe faces pressure from her hedge fund manager husband to be more ambitious. As these women grapple with the challenges of marriage, motherhood, careers, and real estate, they can’t help but assess their positions in life in comparison to each other-leading them to envy and disillusionment.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary chick lit novel, maybe even more so, because of recent personal issues, namely empty nesting. Lately I have been thinking about the past 20+ years, reassessing, recalling memories, taking inventory of life’s ups and downs and what I have learned from them in my own personal life. The same premise as this book. I could relate to many experiences that these 4 very diverse women with different personality traits encountered in their lives. I could also compare them to my friendships that I have been lucky to have, for many years, and how each of us has changed but still maintained that special friendship bond. Ms. Koslow has written a very emotional, touching and thought provoking novel that has an outcome that will have the reader, at least it did for me, taking stock of our own lives and friendships. What makes friendships endure for years? Even when there are times where intentions aren’t truly genuine and/or have even a little bit of envy. The plot is profound and meaningful, whereas the author, creates 4 characters that experience so many real life emotions, trials and tribulations and through her written words, allows the reader to palpate each and every sentiment. A poignant must read !!!

With Friends Like These by Sally Koslow (ARC)
Published by Ballantine Books
ISBN 978-0-345-50622-1
At the request of Pump Up Your Book, a PB ARC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from book): A novel following four New York City women’s complicated friendships across a span of twenty years.
  When Quincy, Jules, Talia and Chloe become fast friends despite their drastically different personalities. Now, nearly twenty years later, their lives have diverged as much as they possibly can within one city: Quincy is mourning a miscarriage and lusting for the perfect Manhattan apartment; Jules, a woman with an outsize personality, is facing forty alone; Talia, married and the mother of a four-year-old, is her family’s reluctant breadwinner; and Chloe faces pressure from her hedge fund manager husband to be more ambitious. As these women grapple with the challenges of marriage, motherhood, careers, and real estate, they can’t help but assess their positions in life in comparison to each other-leading them to envy and disillusionment.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary chick lit novel, maybe even more so, because of recent personal issues, namely empty nesting. Lately I have been thinking about the past 20+ years, reassessing, recalling memories, taking inventory of life’s ups and downs and what I have learned from them in my own personal life. The same premise as this book. I could relate to many experiences that these 4 very diverse women with different personality traits encountered in their lives. I could also compare them to my friendships that I have been lucky to have, for many years, and how each of us has changed but still maintained that special friendship bond. Ms. Koslow has written a very emotional, touching and thought provoking novel that has an outcome that will have the reader, at least it did for me, taking stock of our own lives and friendships. What makes friendships endure for years? Even when there are times where intentions aren’t truly genuine and/or have even a little bit of envy. The plot is profound and meaningful, whereas the author, creates 4 characters that experience so many real life emotions, trials and tribulations and through her written words, allows the reader to palpate each and every sentiment. A poignant must read !!!

Live To Tell by Lisa Gardner
Published by Bantam Books
ISBN 978-0-553-80724-0
At the request of Pump Up Your Book, a PB ARC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from back of book):  The lives of three women collide on a suburban night: Veteran Boston police detective D.D. Warren is called to the scene of the murder of a family whose sole survivor lies clinging to life….Nurse Danielle Burton works in a locked-down pediatric psych ward, haunted by a tragedy she’s desperate to conceal….Victoria Oliver will do anything to protect her troubled son-even when the threat comes from within her own home. This investigation will bring these remarkable women together-and sweep all three closer to the edge than they’ve ever been before.
  My Thoughts and Opinion:  I have been a fan of Lisa Gardner’s books for many years and jumped at the chance to read, review and host a “Guest Author Spotlight” for her newest novel. And once again, she delivered a page turning suspenseful read. However, being a mother, the plot regarding the children suffering from severe psychiatric trauma and issues, was heart breaking at times. I enjoy books where the chapters alternate between characters with little cliff hangers that I call a “just one more chapter” read and that was how this book was written. The story takes place over several days, with fast paced suspense that includes 2 multiple domestic murders, kidnapping, an individual suicide or was it, and so much more. And an ending with a surprising twist. A great book that kept this reader guessing as to what was around the next corner. Who survives and lives to tell? A must read !!!

Live To Tell by Lisa Gardner
Published by Bantam Books
ISBN 978-0-553-80724-0
At the request of Pump Up Your Book, a PB ARC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from back of book):  The lives of three women collide on a suburban night: Veteran Boston police detective D.D. Warren is called to the scene of the murder of a family whose sole survivor lies clinging to life….Nurse Danielle Burton works in a locked-down pediatric psych ward, haunted by a tragedy she’s desperate to conceal….Victoria Oliver will do anything to protect her troubled son-even when the threat comes from within her own home. This investigation will bring these remarkable women together-and sweep all three closer to the edge than they’ve ever been before.
  My Thoughts and Opinion:  I have been a fan of Lisa Gardner’s books for many years and jumped at the chance to read, review and host a “Guest Author Spotlight” for her newest novel. And once again, she delivered a page turning suspenseful read. However, being a mother, the plot regarding the children suffering from severe psychiatric trauma and issues, was heart breaking at times. I enjoy books where the chapters alternate between characters with little cliff hangers that I call a “just one more chapter” read and that was how this book was written. The story takes place over several days, with fast paced suspense that includes 2 multiple domestic murders, kidnapping, an individual suicide or was it, and so much more. And an ending with a surprising twist. A great book that kept this reader guessing as to what was around the next corner. Who survives and lives to tell? A must read !!!

The Price of Revenge by Dennis Vaughn
Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9842358-1-0
ISBN-10: 0-9842358-1-7
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Publicity, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (back of book): Dennis Fox has a life anyone would envy-a flourishing career as a lawyer, a condo in Denver, and a beautiful girlfriend, Ellen-until he begins investigating a lawsuit against the Denver City Ballet. It seems like a commonplace allegation of misspent funds at first, but soon David finds himself caught in a web of blackmail, betrayal and dark secrets. To escape, he’ll have to answer some uncomfortable questions: Who was responsible for the embezzlement , and how far will they go to cover it up? What precisely is Ellen discussing in those sessions with her psychiatrist? And is telling the truth worth losing everything? The Price of Revenge follows David across boundaries both professional and personal as he tries to find his way out of the maze of intrigue into which he has stumbled.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: When I was first approached regarding this book to read and review, I read the synopsis and thought this one is for me. However, I was wrong. I found myself enjoying the sections that described the relationship between David and Ellen, however, that was only a small portion of the plot. The majority of what I did read, and this is my opinion only, was very difficult to follow due to the many characters that were introduced in the beginning of the book and all the legal and financial terminology. I found it hard to engage in the story line and not anxious to continue reading. Unfortunately, and again this is my opinion only, I had to put this one aside. I have read reviews around the blogosphere where this book did get good reviews, but the subject matter was just too dry and technical for my liking. If you are interested in legal and financial thrillers, check it out, maybe this one is for you. I sadly had to rate this novel as a “didn’t finish”.

 

The Price of Revenge by Dennis Vaughn
Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9842358-1-0
ISBN-10: 0-9842358-1-7
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Publicity, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (back of book): Dennis Fox has a life anyone would envy-a flourishing career as a lawyer, a condo in Denver, and a beautiful girlfriend, Ellen-until he begins investigating a lawsuit against the Denver City Ballet. It seems like a commonplace allegation of misspent funds at first, but soon David finds himself caught in a web of blackmail, betrayal and dark secrets. To escape, he’ll have to answer some uncomfortable questions: Who was responsible for the embezzlement , and how far will they go to cover it up? What precisely is Ellen discussing in those sessions with her psychiatrist? And is telling the truth worth losing everything? The Price of Revenge follows David across boundaries both professional and personal as he tries to find his way out of the maze of intrigue into which he has stumbled.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: When I was first approached regarding this book to read and review, I read the synopsis and thought this one is for me. However, I was wrong. I found myself enjoying the sections that described the relationship between David and Ellen, however, that was only a small portion of the plot. The majority of what I did read, and this is my opinion only, was very difficult to follow due to the many characters that were introduced in the beginning of the book and all the legal and financial terminology. I found it hard to engage in the story line and not anxious to continue reading. Unfortunately, and again this is my opinion only, I had to put this one aside. I have read reviews around the blogosphere where this book did get good reviews, but the subject matter was just too dry and technical for my liking. If you are interested in legal and financial thrillers, check it out, maybe this one is for you. I sadly had to rate this novel as a “didn’t finish”.

 

  There are caveats before I give my official review. Back in February I read, reviewed and hosted a “Guest Author” spotlight at the request of Pump Up Your Book, for A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker. I thought the book was exceptional, giving it a rating of 5/5. You can read my review here. Bill had contacted me, after I posted my review, and asked if I would mind posting the review on some sites, which I agreed to do. Since that time, we have touched base every now and then as to how things were going with his book. He told me that he was working on a manuscript (revising, editing, making changes) of a book that he had written and with limited printing in 1998. I then received an email from him, which amazed me, surprised me and, quite honestly, felt honored to receive this request. Could he entrust me with this manuscript and give my honest opinion as a reader, consumer and reviewer?

  I have not read the original Titanic 2012, that was printed years ago so I can not compare it to the revised manuscript that I recently finished reading. However, and ironically knowing that I had the manuscript in my EReader waiting for me to read, I saw that another blogger had found a copy of the original and had read the book. Sheila, from One Person’s Journey Through A World Of Books, reviewed this book on her blog. I also need to say that the revised manuscript edition, is just that, a manuscript. Bill has informed me that it is now in his agent’s hand, so the revised edition, that I will be reviewing, has not yet been published nor is it available as of this date. However. I did tell him that since this blog is about books and my honest thoughts and reviews of books I read, that I would treat his manuscript in the same manner I do for all books I read. I also told him that I pride myself on giving a credible and honest review of every book I read, and that the same criteria would be utilized for his manuscript. He agreed. He also promised me that when the book does become available, he would notify me to let my followers, readers and visitors know so that I can give an update. And now my thoughts and opinion of said manuscript:

Titanic 2012 by Bill Walker (revised manuscript)
Final Manuscript Draft
At the request of the author, who entrusted me with his manuscript, a PDF was sent via email to be downloaded to my EReader, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (blurb borrowed from GoodReads for original print): When James Cameron’s vision of a movie, Titanic, made it to the screen, who would’ve known just how popular it would become? Now there’s a new mystery thriller that puts the luxury liner of doom in the near future with suspenseful results. It’s the year 2012, and best selling mystery novelist Trevor Hughes has just about completed his next big book when old friend Harlan Astor announces that he’s spent hundreds of millions of dollars to stage one of the biggest publicity shows in history: he’s built a new Titanic, an exact replica of the 1912 version. This tweaks Trevor’s writerly instincts, and in short order, he breaks up with his girlfriend and heads out for Poland to board the maiden voyage of this colossal remake. Even Kate Winslet is on hand to christen the ship, and the media are eating it up. But why did Astor do this, and why did he handpick the people who are boarding this remarkable ship? First-time novelist Bill Walker rings all the bells and blows all the whistles as he sets sail with his maiden voyage déjà vu, TITANIC 2012.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to preface this by saying that I saw the movie, Titanic, on multiple occasions and enjoyed it each time. Also, there will be no spoilers in this review. The premise of the plot, at times parallels the movie to some degree, but the story line stands on its own. The parallels were Harlan Astor, who’s great grandfather was lost in the tragedy of the original Titanic, designed the new ship to resemble the original. He also planned other details to resemble the maiden voyage of 1912, such as the dress of the passengers, the menu, the different classes, the valets. As the synopsis states, Titanic 2012 is a suspenseful romance. The author’s words transported me back to 1912 and then back to the present. I found myself so engrossed in reading this manuscript whereas I became part of the story and unaware what was going on around me. The characters were brought to life through the writer’s descriptions and each had their reasons for wanting to be a part of Titanic 2012. As far as the suspense, a page turner. I apologize for being vague, but there are many aspects to the suspense theme and will not include any spoilers in this review. The romance perspective profound, yet tender and emotional.
  I am sorry for posting this review due to the fact that it is unavailable as of right now. But will honestly tell you, that when it is published, it is a must read. If you are a fan of Titanic, the movie, you will love Titanic 2012. Put this one on your TBR list now and hopefully it will be obtainable soon. And like the movie whereas I saw it more than once, when this is in print, I will be reading it again. Bravo Mr. Walker !!