What It Was Like by Peter Seth
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
ISBN-10: 1611881900
ISBN-13: 978-1611881905
Pages: 464
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: TPB
My Rating: 5+

Synopsis( via Amazon):
“It’s really a very simple story. What happened was this: I met this girl and did a very stupid thing. I fell in love. Hard. I know that to some people that makes me an idiot and a loser. What can I say? They’re right. I did some extremely foolish things; I’m the first to say it. And they’ve left me in jail and alone.”

So begins one of the most compelling, emotionally charged, and affecting novels you are likely to read this year.

It is the summer of 1968 and a young man takes a job at a camp in upstate New York before starting his first semester at Columbia University. There, he meets Rachel Price, a fellow counselor who is as beautiful as she is haunted. Their romance will burn with a passion neither of them has ever known before…a passion with the power to destroy.

In the tradition of Endless Love and Gone Girl, What it was Like is an intimate, raw, and revealing journey through the landscape of all-consuming love. It announces the debut of a remarkable storyteller.

My Thoughts and Opinion:

WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!!

It has been a few days since I read the last word and closed the back cover, before putting my thoughts in writing, because it took me some time to process and reflect on what I had just finished reading.

From reading the back cover/synopsis and previous reviews, I knew that somewhere in these pages, an outcome was going to be tragic. And a love story was to be told.

But before I go any further, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, I am a member of The Story Plant’s Spread the Word Initiative, with a little tease “It’s both romantic and suspenseful, but it’s not romantic suspense.” However, please know, I was asked, in return for this copy, I would provide an honest review, which I will.

Did I say WOW??!! I still don’t know where to start with this review because my head is still reeling.

It is a story of, to name a few elements, a first love, obsession, manipulation, parental love, friendships, boundaries, unconditional love and one life changing decision. Characters and settings will touch every reader and will evoke memories and emotions as one turns the pages. Gripping!! A page turner!!

I could not put this book down, reading into the early hours. Riveting!! And when I read the last word I was astounded. Is what I just read a fictional novel? Or was it based on truth? Was it an autobiography? Or is this debut author a masterful, first-rate storyteller that has my head reeling still? Outstanding!!

My prediction…in the coming days, weeks, months, this book will become a bestseller!!! And Peter Seth will be a familiar name in the literary world!! An extraordinary read!!! Bravo Mr. Seth!! And kudos to publisher, Lou Aronica, for discovering this brilliant author!!

I am definitely spreading the word on this book, and I’m sure, once you read it, you will be doing the same!!!

Pressed Pennies by Steven Manchester
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: May 13, 2014
ISBN-10: 1611881358
ISBN-13: 978-1611881356
Number of Pages: 355
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: ARC
My Rating: 5

Synopsis via GoodReads:
Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige’s father nearly destroyed Abby’s spirit.

Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they’re hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She’s very protective of the life she’s made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn’t know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you’ve dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?

PRESSED PENNIES is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love it its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.

My Thoughts and Opinion:

pg 126   Smiling faces, framed in woolen scarves and colorful earmuffs, released a chimney of steam into the starry night and most waved at him.  Shop windows, adorned in the year’s latest clothing styles and ingenious toys, beckoned the masses…..Massive garlands, strung from lamppost to lamppost, dangled red-bowed wreaths at each center.

An Anniversary Feast by Michael Baron
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: January 14th, 2014
ASIN: B00G1SM4ZO
Pages: 60
Review Copy from: Personal Purchase
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 4

Synopsis (via Amazon):
Deborah Gold and her boyfriend Sage are celebrating their three-month anniversary, marking one of the longest relationships Deborah has had in a young life of too much work and not nearly enough play. They have a special, very romantic day planned, one that will culminate in a sumptuous meal at one of the hottest restaurants in the country. When they wake up to a blizzard, though, they realize that not only have their evening plans changed, but everything they were going to do for their celebration has been snowed out. Fortunately, for a couple of food lovers like Deborah and Sage, there’s a day’s worth of entertainment available in trying to turn the limited supplies in Sage’s apartment into a fine-dining experience. The adventure this entails will challenge their creativity and define their relationship in ways they’ve never before considered.

The second of four novelettes about the Golds, who we first met in the national bestseller LEAVES, AN ANNIVERSARY FEAST is a cornucopia of food and romance.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
In this novelette sequel to Leaves, we are reacquainted with Deborah, one of the 5 Gold siblings. Since selling the family inn, which she was the chef, Deborah has settled into her new life, including her relationship with Sage. Plans for their 3 month anniversary, an elaborate dinner at a friend’s restaurant, are thwarted by a blizzard, but together, they prepare a gourmet meal from items in Sage’s pantry.

This is the second of four novelettes, that will be published, that showcases each member of the Gold family, ending with a full length novel Everything of Nothing. The remaining novelettes are titled Harmony and Putting Yourself Out There. My review of Recovery can be seen here.

Reading the first two novelettes, felt as if I was catching up with old friends.

Not only did I enjoy “catching up” with Deborah, but also the chapter entitled “a note from the author” in which he relates how each Gold sibling was “born”.

The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the length. Michael Baron’s writing always leaves this reader wanting to read more of his characters. I am now anxiously awaiting the next installment. Warning: do not read this sequel if you are hungry. The food descriptions will have your mouth watering.

Highly recommend not only this novelette but any and all of Mr. Baron’s titles.

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: EBoook, Where Are You?, A-Z, Turning The Pages, Outdo Yourself)

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

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

Synopsis:
Peter Leonard’s jaw-dropping VOICES OF THE DEAD introduced us to two mortal enemies: Holocaust survivor Harry Levin and Nazi death angel Ernst Hess. Now, their struggle reaches its dramatic conclusion in BACK FROM THE DEAD.

Bahamas, 1971. Ernst Hess, missing and presumed dead, regains consciousness to find himself stuck in a hospital bed on a strange ward in a foreign country. He must do what he needs to do to get his life back and to finish the job he has been doing for decades.

Harry believes he has already stopped Hess. When he finds out that the war criminal has somehow survived, Harry must do the only thing he can do – kill Hess again – even if it means crossing continents and putting his life and the lives of those that matter to him on the line.

Action-packed and darkly humorous, BACK FROM THE DEAD is the unforgettable conclusion to a story that launches Peter Leonard into the pantheon of great suspense novelists.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
WOW!!! Peter Leonard did not disappoint for this anxiously awaited sequel!!!

I was first introduced to this author in January, 2012 when I read and reviewed  Voices of the Dead and became a fan of his work.  Even though it has been a year, within the first few paragraphs, I was drawn back in and buckled up for another fast paced thrill ride.

In Voices of the Dead, Nazi war criminal, Ernst Hess, was shot three times by Holocaust survivor and victim of Hess’, Harry Levin, who believes the shots were fatal.  But were they?  Thus begins Back From The Dead.  And this time, Hess is back with vengeance leaving innocent bodies in his wake, without a thought.  However, Harry Levin is just as determined to hunt him down and make him pay for his sins.

Leonard doesn’t miss a beat. The same white knuckle read he takes his readers on in Voices of the Dead is as equally suspenseful and action packed in Back From The Dead.  Once again, the pages kept turning because I could not put this novel down.  I found myself trying to read faster to keep up with the action.  The characters come to life. Peter Leonard’s writing is nothing short of amazing.  The only negative is that now I have to anxiously await his next novel.  Highly recommend both Back From The Dead and Voices of the Dead!!!!  You won’t be disappointed!!

(2013 Challenges: Just For Fun, EBook, Count The Way, 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.

Knowing by Laurel Dewey
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: Dec. 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 1611880491
ISBN-13: 978-1611880496
Pages: 394
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 4

Synopsis:
After the life-altering ending in the third Jane Perry thriller, REVELATIONS, Jane Perry takes time off from the job to find the missing part of herself she never knew existed. But her journey is quickly hijacked when a wanted criminal, Harlan Kipple, steals her car. Kipple—accused of the heinous murder of a prostitute in a seedy motel—is on the run and desperate to stay that way. Jane’s personal plans take a back seat as she tracks down her stolen ride and discovers through an unusual source that Kipple may be innocent and is being framed by a nefarious group. When she trails Kipple and confronts him, every belief she ever had about this world and the next is put to the test.

Kipple, who by his own admission is not the “brightest bulb in the box,” received a heart transplant seventeen months ago. His life changed from the moment he woke up in the recovery room. In fact, he’s not so sure where he ends and his heart takes over. As strange as that sounds to her, Jane cannot deny what she witnesses after spending just two days with Kipple. It becomes clear that nothing is what it appears as Jane is drawn into a deep rabbit hole with dark webs and darker crevices that force her to operate on the other side of the law. With the police hot on Kipple’s tail and a devious faction intent on finding him first, Jane is caught in the middle and realizes that solving this crime could have fatal consequences.

With themes as diverse as immortality, regeneration, resurrection, transformation and death, author Laurel Dewey tackles this latest Jane Perry novel with originality and plenty of suspense. “Finding yourself” takes on a whole new meaning in KNOWING.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Brilliant!! This was the first full length novel featuring Det. Jane Perry that I read. I had previously read two (2) novellas, Unrevealed and Promissory Payback where Jane Perry was first introduced to me, and enjoyed the story line and the main character. So I was looking forward to reading this novel. I also read another novel by this author, Betty’s (Little Basement) Garden, which I also enjoyed.

In Knowing, Jane Perry has taken some time off to investigate a lead, but this is different, it’s personal.  However, trouble finds her before she can even make it out of state to begin her journey.  Instead she gets thrown into the middle of a murder investigation, one that will take it down many different roads, including harboring and assisting the murder suspect to clear his name. However, what she learns is a conspiracy, laid out in post cards, left behind by an organ donor.

The plot is ingenious and inventive touching upon many subplots including the murder investigation, organ transplants, a bit of paranormal and spiritual, altered states and the power of heart and mind, which keeps the reader turning the pages to find out all the answers. The action was non stop. The story line is profound, whereas the reader will ask the questions, do you believe in reincarnation, life after death and the capacity of the mind. A thought provoking murder mystery. Definitely recommend to adults only, due to the excessive language.  A read that will keep you on the edge of your seat!!

(2013 Challenges: Ebook, Count The Ways, A-Z, Where Are You, Mystery/Suspense, 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.

Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
ISBN-10: 1611880610
ISBN-13: 978-1611880618
Pages: 308
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5

As always, I am skeptical reading a second novel by an author that blew me away with his debut novel.  Will this latest book do the same?  Will the writing take me places within my mind?  Will I relate to the characters?  Will I be transported, by the authors words, into the story?  Will I enjoy it as much as I did with his book, Twelve Months?  Five (5) questions asked about Goodnight, Brian.  And five (5) very enthusiastic Yeses!!  I was bowled-over for a few reasons, one of them being that of, the parallels to my own life, were to a point, eerie. 

It has always been my policy not to include spoilers but I will provide a warning….a box or 2 of tissues, should be a prerequisite, before reading the first page.  This is a story that will tug at your heart strings, have you rooting for the “underdog”, celebrating the victories, crying both sad and happy tears and wishing you had a “Mama” in your family.

What should have been a joyous time in Joan and Frank’s life, with the arrival of a brand new baby boy, Brian, turns into a nightmare.  After being prescribed a certain formula from the pediatrician, Brian was not thriving.  After months of tests and multiple medical consults, the devastating results are delivered to the parents, Brian will never walk or talk.  However, those doctors have never dealt with the likes of Mama and her power of strength, tenacity, conviction, stubbornness, unconditional love and faith.  The author, with his fluid and descriptive writing style, allows the reader to become part of this family’s disappointments and triumphs.  An emotional read!!

I could not put this book down and felt that the author was retelling a bit of my own personal life.  Every one of my senses were triggered with this book.  The setting, even to the family’s favorite “pizza place” was easy for me to envision since the story takes place in the state that I reside.  I could smell the “gravy” that would be simmering on the stove every Sunday at Mama’s house, just like at my own Nana’s house.  I could hear the wisdom my Nana would share with the family as Mama did with her’s.  I could see the pain in Joan and Frank’s eyes as I had seen in my own parents’ faces since my only sibling is afflicted with cerebral palsy.  I remember the touch of leather seats in Uncle Sal’s red Cadillac, which was the last car my father purchased and I drove before his passing.  The parallels uncanny!

Goodnight, Brian is a tender, moving, sensitive, poignant and emotion packed story that will stay with you long after the final page.  Highly recommend to all readers!!  A 5+ read.  Kudos Mr. Manchester, you blew me away again!!!

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.