24 - What Can Happen In A Day by Michael Ford Jr.

Summary

24—What Can Happen In A Day... Most people know that firefighting is an incredibly dangerous profession. The popular perception of firefighters is that they are fearless heroes who put their lives on the line to rescue people from burning buildings. That perception is mostly true. But there is so much more about firefighters and their community labor that is rarely revealed. 24—What Can Happen in a Day is a brilliant, intimate look into the daily lives of firefighters, from the experiences of Michael Ford Jr., who rose through the ranks from raw recruit to assistant fire chief. You will ride along with Chief Ford as he unveils the most interesting, disturbing, and adventurous firefighter escapades. You’ll laugh and wince in sympathy as Ford offers you a behind the scenes view into a world of secrets, failures, misfortune, exhilaration and triumph. You will cheer as you are encouraged to transcend perceived limitations to advance in life. And more than anything, you’ll be enthralled as you experience the inspiring, tragic, shocking, best and worst of humanity come to life, compelling you to treasure your family and friends with a more significant expression.Hilarious, profound, and deeply moving… this is a thrill ride you’ll never forget.


My Thoughts

What can I possibly say about this book!  It was wonderful and truly eye opening.  You never really realize what happens in the life of a firefighter.

I actually have a friend who is a firefighter but we have never really talked about what happens in his daily life.  This has inspired me to sit down and talk to him about it.

I'm so appreciative that this book was sent my way.  It is definitely worth the read.  Pick up a copy and see for yourself!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Heaven Shining Through by Joe Siccardi

Summary

Throughout her life, she had a rocky relationship with her mother – and now her mother is all she has left.


Through a nostalgic look back, Samantha recognizes the presence of God in an ordinary life. She learns more about herself as a wife and mother who has had her share of sorrow and blessings.


As her faith increases, she is able to see her mother through new eyes, leading to reconciliation …and is reminded of that every time she sees Heaven Shining Through.


My Thoughts

This book sounds great!  It has wonderful potential to be a really good book.  And yes, it was good.  However, it wasn't quite as good as I had hoped.  It wasn't horrible, it just wasn't great.

I'm not sure if it was lacking simply because the book was so short or if it wouldn't have been great no matter how long it was.  There didn't seem to be room for details, story building.  I think I missed some of that.

All in all, it wasn't a terrible book.  It just needed something more.  That's just my opinion though.  Pick up a copy and see for yourself!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Deceptive Bargain by Laura Beers

Summary

Hiding from the horrors of her past, Miss Martha Haskett is content living her days serving as a lady's maid to her friend Eliza, the Marchioness of Lansdowne. But then her father, the new Earl of Waterford, shows up, with the shocking news that she is now a titled lady. Further turning her life upside down, he proposes a bargain. She will have a single Season in London, and if she does not marry by the end of the Season, she will be gifted with her dowry and a small estate. Despite her mistrust of her father, Martha accepts his offer, but can’t seem to let go of the anger that has been festering inside of her, or her discomfort with a position in Society where she feels she does not belong.

Dr. Emmett Maddix is tired of the frivolity of the ton and spends his time atoning for his past sins by providing medical care to the poor. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is recruited to be an agent of the Crown. He is assigned to run a charity hospital as a front to collect information about a vicious band of smugglers known as The Cursed Lot, who have managed to overtake the entire town of Gravesend with a reign of murder and oppression.

As Emmett delves further into The Cursed Lot’s domain, he quickly discovers that not everything is what it seems, and it will take far more than one new agent to take down this ruthless gang. While the tangled web of intrigue begins to unravel, Martha and Emmett battle an undeniable but unspoken attraction that grows between them. But before either can be ready to share their hearts, they must overcome their past mistakes, and find their own reasons to keep fighting. With more than just their hearts at stake, surviving the mission will be more difficult than either of them could ever imagine.

My Thoughts

This is the 5th book that I have read by Laura Beers.  I have said it and said it but I'll say it again... I LOVE HER BOOKS!!! It's actually crazy because Historical fiction never really was a favorite of mine.  There were a few books that I liked but none like this series!

When I was contacted about reading and reviewing this book I literally squealed! Hahaha!  I seriously love her books!  So, I knew that A Deceptive Bargain would be wonderful too!

Emmett and Martha are adorable.  Their story is a great one and I'm so happy that I had a chance to read it!  I am such a fan!

Thanks again, Laura Beers, for writing and introducing these books to me!  They are wonderful!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Legend of Sassafras House by Anita Stafford

Summary

Twelve-year-old Kale Flores knows life is not fair. He needs a friend, but more than that, he needs money. When he learns there could be a fortune hidden in the Sassafras house, he thinks his luck may have changed. Never mind the house is supposed to be haunted. When Jasmine Palmer revealed the legend of Sassafras house to Kale, she never thought it could lead to so much trouble. She says it's a place someone could go into and never come out. Is she right? The only thing Kale is sure of is that his problems will be solved if he finds the money. He doesn't know the deserted house holds secrets from the past, secrets that are waiting to tangle him in a dangerous web.


My Thoughts

When I picked this book up I somehow forgot that it was a children's/middle grade book.  I thought it was something different (I guess that's what happens when you read a million books a month).  Anyways, it took me a few minutes to realize that it was, well, what it is.

After the initial confusion was cleared up, I started having more fun reading this.  It's a very cute, fun little read.  Young readers will definitely find this to be an entertaining book.  I know I did!  While it could be a bit predictable at times, for me anyways, it probably won't be that way for younger readers.  Get a copy for yourself or a young reader in your life!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

365 Days of Happiness by Jacqueline Pirtle

Summary

Tamar and PJ: One Great Adventure by Mark F. Geatches

Summary

PJ’s weekend began like any other, but his sense of tranquility was mere illusion.  Hunted down and poisoned by a wicked humanoid strain, PJ slowly loses his health and sanity as a lone giant races to save him.  After centuries of solitude Tamar’s decision to save PJ has unforeseen consequences.  He unwittingly kills Krell, the vorteh Emperor’s son and heir to the throne, placing a mark on his own head.  Now Tamar must perform the nearly impossible task of creating an antidote that will save PJ, while avoiding marauding vorteh death squads.  With PJ’s outcome unknown Tamar makes one final decision.  He confronts Emperor Dedac, sacrificing his life to save the lives of PJ and his family.

No animals, humans, vorteh, or giants were harmed during the writing of this book.  Well, maybe some vorteh were.

My Thoughts

When I received a review request for this book I went back and forth about it a bit.  While I do like retelling, and this one is kind of a ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ retelling, I just wasn’t completely sold.  I decided to try it and now here I am posting a review!

Tamar and PJ: One Great Adventure is filled with excitement and fun.  I enjoyed the writing most of the time but, sometimes it felt somewhat confusing because of the different perspectives.

Overall, this book was pretty good.  While it wasn’t exactly my particular cup of tea, it just might be yours!  Pick up a copy and see for yourself!  You might love it!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Paloma’s Dream by Paloma Rambana (with Hillary Ring)

Summary

In a world where lobbyists are big and carry briefcases, one little girl with an iPad walked into the Florida State capitol and made a big difference.  Meet Paloma Rambana who was just an above average fourth grader until she successfully lobbied the State of Florida legislature to help secure $1 million in funds for blind and impaired kids in Florida.  Born with a rare eye condition called Peter’s Anomaly, Paloma knows what these kids need, and she is on a mission.  Join Paloma as she sets out on her adventure to secure funding for kids, to inspire kindness and activism in people of all ages, and of course to finish her homework before bedtime.

My Thoughts

I love hearing about young people who choose to be world changers!  This girl, Paloma,, is definitely a world changer.  This book, reading the things that she worked so hard to do, is so inspiring!  Paloma’s Dream is a short book at just 79 pages and it is defiantly worth the read!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Chicago Eternal by Larry Broutman

Summary

The cemeteries of Chicago preserve the stories of those who built the brawny city by the lake.  Larry Broutman has been researching Chicago’s cemeteries and recording them with his beautiful photography for the past five years.  In the pages of Chicago Eternal, he takes readers on a spectacular tour of death’s domain, which is, in another sense, a celebration of the fullness and flourishing of life.


My Thoughts

At first thought, some may think this to be somewhat of a morbid book.  However, that really isn’t the case at all!  I found this book to be extremely interesting.  When I first picked this book up I just went through every page looking at the pictures.  That, in itself, was very interesting.  Then I went back through and read it.  Reading the historical information that went with each photograph kept my attention all the way through.

At the end you get a little something special!  The 3D photos were so cool and unexpected!  Very neat!

This is a massive, super interesting book!  It is not something that I would typically pick up so I am glad that it was sent my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Piraroo by Marko Kitti

Summary

Dear Reader,

I’m afraid you’re soon going to meet a tarantula the size of a kitten. You’re also going to bump into a whopper of a seagull who is the British Champion in Poop Bombing. Not to mention an extraordinary, furry creature whose ancestor once belonged to a notorious pirate captain.

You’re also going to meet a ten-year-old boy called Max, the owner of the tarantula, whose life is about to turn upside down in this nail-biting adventure that includes petnappers and disgusting healthy smoothies!

So I am warning you, Dear Reader: Should you decide to read about Max and his animal friends, your life will never be the same again.

Yours sincerely,
MK


My Thoughts

This was a cute little book for children of all ages!  I am not a stranger to books by Marko Kitti and this one is just as good as the others!  I quite enjoyed it!

I do have to say, I am not a fan of spiders.  So, it wasn't my favorite thing to read about! Haha!  However, I did sympathize with poor Max.  When your pet is your family, the love is real!  Also, the illustrations were fun!  I found myself wanting to color them!  I actually might do that later!

Overall, this was a fun book and I recommend reading it to/with the children in your life!  Enjoy!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple

Summary

With all his family and friends gone, one-hundred-year-old Murray McBride is looking for a reason to live. He finds it in Jason Cashman, a ten-year-old boy with a terminal heart defect and a list of five things he wants to do before he dies. Together, they race against the limited time each has left, ticking off wishes one by one. Along the way, Murray remembers what it's like to be young, and Jason fights for the opportunity to grow old. But when tragedy strikes, their worlds are turned upside-down, and an unexpected gift is the only thing that can make Jason's final wish come true.


My Thoughts

Oh my goodness... this book...

I knew from the start that I was going to like this book.  The summary told me that much.  And then, literally within the first few pages I knew that I was going to enjoy it!

I also love the writing style.  The personalities in this book are so well written and they feel so real!

The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride should really be a movie.  I could picture each scene while reading this book.  It has a great mixture of humor and drama.  I honestly teared up quite a bit with this one.

The ending hit me a little hard, I must say.  It was so good yet I was so upset!  I don't want to spoil it so you'll just have to pick it up for yourself.

I'm so glad this book was sent my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Memory Tree by John A. Heldt

Summary

Days after barely escaping 1889 with their lives, the Carsons, siblings from the present day, resume their search for their missing parents in 1918. While Adam and his pregnant wife, Bridget, settle in Minnesota, unaware of a wildfire that will kill hundreds, Greg seeks clues in his great-grandparents' Mexico, where he finds love, danger, and enemies. At the same time, Natalie, the ambitious journalist, follows a trail to World War I France, and teen twins Cody and Caitlin rekindle a friendship with an old Pennsylvania friend haunted by her past. In THE MEMORY TREE, the sweeping sequel to RIVER RISING, several time travelers find answers and meaning as they continue the adventure of a lifetime in the age of doughboys, silent movies, and Model T's.


My Thoughts

The Memory Tree is the second book in the Carson Chronicles series.  Not I read the first book, River Rising, and enjoyed it so I jumped at the chance to read this one.  I can't say that I was disappointed.

I do believe that the first time travel book I read was written by John A Heldt.  That book was where I found a love for time travel books.  I have enjoyed all of his books ever since.

While I enjoy all of his books, I'm not sure that this one is at the top of the list.  It's still great, just not my favorite.  I may have enjoyed River Rising more than this one, but it was still quite good.

Thank you, John A. Heldt, for sending this book my way!  I am a fan!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Burglars and Blintzes by Morgan C. Talbot

Summary

Moorehaven is swarming with guests during summer’s last hurrah, and Pippa has her hands full at the mystery-author B&B. When her gossip-group connections inform her that a local construction project has unearthed a skeleton with a pocketful of Spanish gold, the news spreads, and treasure hunters flood the beaches. But the skeleton has a more recent connection to the area than anyone suspected, unearthing a shameful secret that hits far too close to home.

A marine salvage team rolls into town, seeking the rest of the treasure. When they hire Pippa’s boyfriend, Lake, to be their pilot, the team’s pretty spelunker quickly stakes a claim, rousing Pippa’s jealousy. But Pippa’s been playing tug-of-war over Lake ever since his ex-wife, Mallory Tavish, became the new acting chief of police.

When a killer’s strike brings tragedy to Moorehaven’s door, Pippa must rally her friends, family, and mystery-writing guests to catch the murderer before she loses someone she can’t live without and all the warmth of summer dies with one last gasp.


My Thoughts

Oh, Morgan Talbot, you've done it again!  I loved the first Moorehaven Mysteries book and I just may have loved this one even more!  

Cozy mysteries are definitely at the top of my reading preferences so when I received the review request for this book I was pretty excited.  Not to mention the fact that I was already a fan of Morgan Talbot and pretty invested in Pippa's story.  I love the relationship between Lake and Pippa!

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries then I am sure you will enjoy this book!  Pick it up and settle in for a great story!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Afterlife of Walter Augustus by Hannah Lynn

Summary

Walter Augustus is dead. His current state of existence has become a monotony of sweet tea and lonely strolls and after decades stuck in the Interim — a posthumous waiting room for those still remembered on Earth — he is ready to move on. Only when he is forgotten by every living person will he be able to pass over and join his family in the next stage of the afterlife. At last the end is tantalizingly close, but bad luck and a few rash decisions may see him trapped in the Interim for all eternity. 

Letty Ferguson is not dead. Letty Ferguson is a middle-aged shoe saleswoman who leads a pleasant and wholly unextraordinary life, barring the secret fortune she seems unable to tell her husband about. However, when she takes possession of an unassuming poetry anthology, life takes on a rather more extraordinary dimension.


My Thoughts

The Afterlife of Walter Augustus is definitely a book unlike any others I have ever read.  That is for sure.  I wasn't sure if I would like it but I actually did!

It's an interesting thought that you can't move on if you are still thought of by anyone.  I'm sure glad that's not how it really works!  I don't know if it would be flattering or annoying to know that you are in someone's thoughts.  And, for that matter, would it be hurtful to never be thought of at all?!

I did enjoy both characters, Walter and Letty.  I did not, however, like Hector!  Whew!  Then there's Pemberton.  I grew to appreciate his character as well.  You'll have to read the book to know why!

Overall, not a bad book at all!  I quite enjoyed it!  So glad it was sent my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You Can't Sell Right Field by Brian Tarcy

Summary

Every small resort town in America faces huge development pressures. This is the story of one such town.

In the summer resort town of Vermouth, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, Cletis Bord is the town garbageman and the shortstop on the Townies softball team in the Vermouth Softball League. His best friend, Bobby Linster, the second baseman, just sold the Linster family land that is the right field of their longtime softball field. You can't sell right field. Can you?

You can if a well-dressed slick-talking developer claiming to be an heir to Walt Disney comes spreading money around like lottery winnings to 19 Vermouth landowners, including the Linster family.

And that's how Cletis Bord, an unambitious stoner got involved with other town characters, and even an endangered species, trying to win an election to stop a zoning change that would allow a huge development to change his hometown forever.

Set during a softball season pennant race during an idyllic summer on Cape Cod, You Can't Sell Right Field follows the Townies as they split apart over the zoning change and try to come together to win softball games and the championship.

By the end of this love story for his hometown, Cletis, the narrator, finds his own version of love, grows up some and learns an important lesson about small-town democracy.

My Thoughts

I'm not quite sure how to classify this book.  Not really sure how to rate it.  It wasn't super great.  It wasn't horrible either.  It was just simply ok.  Somewhere between 'meh' and good.  I hope that makes sense.

There were times when it felt like I was reading about The Sandlot kids all grown up with mediocre lives.  That was when it was a bit more enjoyable.  Then there were times when I got kind of bored with it.

I honestly don't think it was a bad book!  I just don't think it was the right book for me.  I will say, there are times when I feel like I completely wasted my time with a book.  This didn't feel like a complete waste of time.  There were good parts.  It just wasn't a good fit for me.

*Note:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Tangled Ruse by Laura Beers

Summary

After a failed abduction attempt, Lady Rachel is sent into hiding on her uncle’s estate near the sleepy village of Rockcliffe on the shores of Scotland. As she struggles to cope with the nightmares of her past, she unwittingly stumbles into even greater danger than she left behind. And this time, Shadow isn't around to save her.

Luke Beckett, the Marquess of Downshire, was content running his stud farm in solitude, far from the scheming of the devious women of Society. That is, until his neighbor's infuriatingly contrary niece rides into his life. Hiding behind the guise of a common horse trainer, he begins to form a peculiar friendship with Lady Rachel, without the constraints of his title. However, the longer the ruse continues, the more Luke realizes there is much more at stake than just their friendship.

With the looming threat of a French invasion, Luke and Rachel must work together to stop the tangled web of treachery before it is too late. When the truth is finally revealed, will they have the strength to trust each other with their hearts, or will the fear of rejection destroy their relationship before it has a chance to begin?


My Thoughts

Once again.... I loved a Laura Beers book!  I am never disappointed in her books!  I am a major fan!

There are some books that I receive for review and I'm just not sure about how I'm going to like them.  At times I feel a bit anxious because I worry about writing unfavorable reviews.  However, with Laura Beers books, I never worry!

The first of her books that I read was Saving Shadow.  That one was extremely good and I was a fan from that point on.  There is just something about her books that keeps my attention and makes me smile!

One thing that I absolutely love about these books is ow they continue from one story to the next.  Like, Saving Shadow for example.  As you read, you learn about a few side characters.  Then, the next book in the series focuses on one of the side characters from the previous book!  And so on and so on!  I absolutely love that!

I loved (and sometimes hated) Luke and Rachel!  They were very well written characters.  I found myself annotating like crazy in this book!  There were just so many thoughts in my head while reading this and I needed to get them in the book!  The sarcasm and humor are my favorite.

In case you haven't figured it out, I loved this book!  I have already been recommending it like crazy!  Thanks again, Laura Beers, for sending it my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes

Summary

A spellbinding novel about an unspeakable secret that could destroy a family, from the New York Times bestselling author of Finding Emma.

Elle is a survivor. She’s managed to piece together a solid life from a childhood of broken memories and fairy tales her mom told her to explain away bad dreams. But weekly visits to her mother still fill Elle with a paralyzing fear she can’t explain. It’s just another of so many unanswered questions she grew up with in a family estranged by silence and secrets.

Elle’s world turns upside down when she receives a deathbed request from her grandfather, a man she was told had died years ago. Racked by grief, regrets, and a haunted conscience, he has a tale of his own to tell Elle: about her mother, an imaginary friend, and two strangers who came to the house one night and never left.

As Elle’s past unfolds, so does the truth—if she can believe it. She must face the reasons for her inexplicable dread. As dark as they are, Elle must listen…before her grandfather’s death buries the family’s secrets forever.


My Thoughts

Wow.  This book.  Seriously!  I'm having trouble finding the right words.  Since that is exactly what I'm supposed to do, I will try my best.

This story has so many layers.  So many secrets and mysteries.  I still can hardly believe some of the details that came to light.

When I first started reading this book, I was concerned that I wasn't going to like it at all.  I was bored and completely disinterested.  To be honest, I did put it aside for a bit.  I decided to take a look at Goodreads to see what others thought of it.  After reading such wonderful reviews, I figured I would give it another try.  I was determined to power through!

Oh how glad I am that I did!  I am blown away by this story!  It is unlike anything I have read before!  This is the first Steena Holmes book that I have read but I plan on reading more and more!  This was amazing!

There are still some things in this story that I'm unsure of.  Some of the "answers" didn't exactly add up for me.  I'm guessing I'm not alone in this.  However, that definitely doesn't take away from my love of this book!  It is now one of my favorites!  So glad that it was requested for me to read and review this book!  And I'm even more pleased that it was so excellent!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance by David Ahern

Blurb

A surprise role in a movie takes actress Derry O’Donnell to a romantic castle in the Scottish Highlands. But romance soon turns to fear and suspicion. Someone means to kill, and Derry, moonlighting as celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip, is snared in a net of greed, conspiracy and betrayal.

A millionaire banker, a film producer with a mysterious past, a gun-loving wife, a PA with her eyes on Hollywood, a handsome and charming estate manager—each has a secret to share and a request for Madam Tulip. 

As Derry and her friend Bruce race to prevent a murder, she learns to her dismay that the one future Tulip can’t predict is her own.

Madame Tulip and the Bones of Chance is the third Madam Tulip adventure.


My Thoughts

Once again, David Ahern has done it.  Another well-written, funny book!  This is the third Madam Tulip book and possibly the best!  They just keep getting better!

I am a lover of cozy mysteries, especially if they make me laugh too!  This one does just that. It could actually be read as a stand alone but I think you get more out of it if you read the three books in order.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries then you'll like this one, I'm sure of it!  I'm so glad that I was given this book to read!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Death of a Movie Star by Timothy Patrick

Blurb

StarBash is the hottest thing on TV. Featuring desperate actors facing off in absurd competitions to win a movie deal, the reality show is famous for making fools of its fame-starved participants.

So it seems odd that respected Hollywood A-lister Cassandra "Casmo" Moreaux would become a contestant. But her motivation is simple: revenge against the program’s producer, Lenora Danmore, the dastardly old bag who blacklisted Casmo’s mother during the McCarthy era. 

Casmo plans to use StarBash to confront and embarrass Lenora in front of the entire country—but what Casmo doesn’t know could kill her.

Vindictive and wicked, Lenora is determined to set a trap for the upstart movie star. But when Casmo unexpectedly falls in love with the show’s wry host—who also happens to be Lenora’s illegitimate son—the murder plot bubbles over with unforeseen complications.

Featuring sarcastic celebrities, murderous androids, and off-the-wall humor from beginning to end, Death of a Movie Star is a gut-busting satire that masterfully tears Hollywood culture apart at the seams. It is part suspense, part romance, and all zany fun!


My Thoughts

I am actually having a little trouble reviewing this book.  I liked so many things about it and yet there were enough things that I didn't like that it has me questioning how I really feel.  Let's see how I feel by the end of this post.

I think that a lot of how a person would feel about this book depends on their appreciation for reality television.  If you're not a fan of reality tv then you probably won't love this book.  I guess I'm kind f in the middle.  I like some reality tv and then there's some that I really, really don't like.

A lot of the characters were a bit unbelievable to me.  Maybe a little too vindictive and mean.  It made an interesting story but they just weren't likable.

On a good note, I think this book would make a great movie!! It could be a dark comedy or something!  I think it would do great!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Drift Stumble Fall by M. Jonathan Lee

Blurb

Richard feels trapped in his hectic life of commitment and responsibility. From the daily mayhem of having young children, an exhausted wife and pushy in-laws who frequently outstay their welcome, Richard’s existence fills him with panic and resentment. The only place he can escape the dark cloud descending upon him is the bathroom, where he hides for hours on end, door locked, wondering how on earth he can escape. 

Often staring out of his window, Richard enviously observes the tranquil life of Bill, his neighbour living in the bungalow across the road. From the outside, Bills world appears filled with comfort and peace. Yet underneath the apparent domestic bliss of both lives are lies, secrets, imperfections, sadness and suffering far greater than either could have imagined. Beneath the surface, a family tragedy has left Bill frozen in time and unable to move on. As he waits for a daughter who may never return, Bill watches Richards bustling family life and yearns for the joy it brings. As the two men watch each other from afar, it soon becomes apparent that other people’s lives are not always what they seem. 

Drift Stumble Fall is author M. Jonathan Lee’s fifth novel, and is his most recent release. 

Other novels by M. Jonathan Lee include the first and second parts of the ‘The’ trilogy ‘The Page’ and ‘The Radio’, dark family mystery ‘Broken Branches’ and ‘A Tiny Feeling of Fear’. 

The Radio was nationally shortlisted for the Novel Prize in 2012. 

Jonathan’s writing has always been inspired by a number of novels, including Alex Garland's The Beach, and his writing is comparable to Mark Haddon, Nick Hornby and Joseph Connolly. 

Jonathan’s novels are published with the Northern Publishing House, Hideaway Fall. All novels published through Hideaway Fall are creative fiction that grab the attention of the reader and have unexpected twists in the plot. They stray away from sci’fi, romance novels and non-fiction, because as they state, they’re ‘not our bag’. 

Jonathan is active in the author community, and has spoken on multiple occasions in schools, colleges, prisons and universities about creative writing and storytelling and appeared at various literary festivals including Sheffield’s Off the Shelf and Doncaster’s Turn the Page festival. 

He is also a tireless campaigner for mental health awareness, which has led him to write regularly for the Huffington Post, the Big Issue and spoken at length on numerous occasions about his own personal struggle on the BBC and Radio Talk Europe. 

“Honest, unpredictable and deeply moving.” Milly Johnson Sunday Times Bestseller 


My Thoughts

This is such a powerful book!  I had literally just been talking to a few people about how you never know what people are dealing with.  Things may look like a person is leading the perfect life on the outside but you have no idea what they are dealing with internally.

Life is hard.  Not just for some, but for all.  Everyone goes through things.  The grass may seem greener somewhere else, but chances are there are problems there too!  This book is a wonderful example of this fact.  Two men, looking at each other, envious of what they think the other's life holds.  How often do we all do that?

Thank you, Hideaway Fall, for sending this book to me!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Looking For Dei by David A Willson

Summary

Fifteen-year-old Nara Dall has never liked secrets. Yet it seems that her life has been filled with them, from the ugly scar on her back to the strange powers she possesses. Her mysterious father refuses to say anything about her origins, and soon, she and her best friend must attend the announcement ceremony, in which youths are tested for a magical gift.

A gifted youth has not been announced in the poor village of Dimmitt for decades. When Nara uncovers the reason, she uses her own powers to make things right. The decision sets her on a path of danger, discovery, and a search for the divine. In the process, she learns the truth about herself and uncovers the biggest secret of all: the power of broken people.

My Thoughts

Looking For Dei was quite an enjoyable book!  I really liked the magic and the world building.  Lately, it seems, most YA fantasy books are becoming more and more alike.  This one didn't have that issue.

This story was unlike any other I have read.  It is refreshing to read a book that is fresh and new.  There was a lot of information (character development, world building, etc.) so the book was info dumpy at times.  However, that is typical of most first books in a series.

Overall, this was a great book and I recommend it to YA fantasy lovers everywhere!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

NADI by Loren Walker

Summary

Two weeks after the Kings Canyon massacre, the crew of the Arazura is splintering apart. Haunted by what she witnessed, Sydel makes a fraught connection with a mysterious newcomer, CaLarca, who teaches the young woman about her abilities, but harbors dangerous secrets about both their pasts. Brothers Renzo and Cohen must deal with the aftermath of their absentee father’s sudden death, while their sister, Phaira, struggles with her drug addiction, grief, and the presence of a former advisory while traveling as a bodyguard.

As pressure mounts to make an arrest in the Kings Canyon case, and as a separate, unidentified danger draws closer, the foursome must work through their deep-rooted issues, learn to trust each other, and come together in the wake of new enemies.


My Thoughts

I read EKO a while back and enjoyed it a lot so when I received the request to review this one I was pretty pleased.  It had been a while since I read EKO so I wanted to read it again before I started NADI.  I actually enjoyed it more the second time around and it made me more excited to start the next one.

NADI is a wonderful sequel!  I may like it more than EKO.  The plot was very interesting and the way that the characters have grown makes it even better.  I am happy to have found another author that I enjoy!

Thank you, Loren Walker, for sending this book to me!  I'm looking forward to reading more and more from you!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.