Book Review | Suilyaniz Cintron | Windswept

Windswept

Author: Suilyaniz Cintron

Title: WindSwept

Genre: Drama, Performing Arts, Plays

Synopsis: The year is 1912 and Lady Amelia Williams is one of the wealthiest women in Manchester England and mother to the lovely Abigail. When James Thomas, the son of a family who has recently moved to the countryside is invited to dine at the Williams manor he encounters the secret that Amelia has long kept hidden behind the walls of her home. A woman enslaved into servitude and beautiful beyond words but donned in rags and treated in the cruelest, most appalling way. Her name is Magdalena and one look into her eyes, so full of pain and sadness is enough to capture James's heart. A story of tragedy, sorrow, loss and love, how much can two souls endure when there are those bent on tearing them apart?

Review: This is an excellent read that caught my attention from the first page. I could not stop reading and finished this book on the same day that I started reading it. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to get lost in a book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | R.V. Johnson | Beyond The Sapphire Gate

Beyond the Sapphire Gate

Author: R.V. Johnson 

Title: Beyond The Sapphire Gate: The Flow Of Power

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction

Synopsis: Beyond the Sapphire Gate is the fascinating world of Astura, a world where a frothing, river of magic addicts those who use the power it holds. Indentured to a private artifact collector on a dying world of high technology, Crystalyn naively activates a gateway. The temptation to touch it is too much for her sister Jade. Extending a fingertip into the mist, she vanishes. Crystalyn follows, stepping into a vibrant world infused with magic and those that Use. Aided by symbol magic killing her with each use, the defining line between good and evil is not as clear as Crystalyn once believed. The Dark Users want to help her, the Circle of Light wishes to use her. The War of a Hundred Seasons makes her choose. Half a world away, equipped with a seemingly useless ability to read auras, Jade embarks on a harrowing journey to escape the Dark Citadel with her soul intact. Propelled to Astura by a devious assault, Garn has only two desires. Reuniting family and destroying those enforcing his servitude. Some magic should remain untouched.

Review: This is an excellent book that I could not stop reading. I just could not close the file until I had finished the book. This is an amazing fantasy fiction story that grabs the reader from the first line. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read fantasy fiction. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Brittany M. Willows | The Calypsis Project

The Calypsis Project

Author: Brittany M. Willows

Title: The Calypsis Project

Genre: Adventure, Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Synopsis: Humanity has all but abandoned a dying Earth, ravaged by plague and pollution. Six decades following the colonization of the planet Anahk, a series of events triggers a devastating war between the United Nations Planetary Defense and an extraterrestrial organization known as the Drocain Royal Empire. NOVEMBER 2438 . . . Ten years have passed and still the battle rages on. With no signs of a conclusion in sight, the men and women of the UNPD have been forced into desperation as the human race moves ever closer to the brink of defeat. And now, the fate of the entire galaxy may rest on the shoulders of a single alien warrior: the shamed graduate, Kenon Valinquint—a young Drahkori who enrolls in the Drocain Royal Empire in the hopes of one day redeeming himself. Unbeknownst to the young warrior, his decision has set in motion a staggering chain of events that could very well change the direction of the war, and the known history of the universe, forever.

Review: This was an excellent read. It was such a good read that I could not stop reading and before I knew it I had finished the story. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good fantasy/fiction story. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Chris Grams | 3 Down

3 Down

Author: Chris Grams

Title: 3 Down

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: Do you know how to hide a dead body? Heidi Artz is a recent divorcee nearing her 30th birthday. After buying a condo with the help of her best friend, Jane, Heidi throws a housewarming party. She’s got her eye on Jane’s sexy assistant and invites him with hopes of landing a date. The party is a success! Soon after everyone says their goodbyes, Heidi is brutally assaulted. Rage overriding intelligence, Heidi kills her attacker while trying to get away. Scared and uncertain, she calls Jane begging for assistance. While waiting for her friend’s arrival, Heidi sees a newscast announcing her ex-husband has been found murdered. At least parts of him have been found. Worried about being accused of her ex’s murder coupled with the murder she’s already committed, Heidi agrees when Jane decides calling the police is out of the question. The best friends are determined to get rid of the body themselves. Heidi has been receiving anonymous notes, dark messages containing instructions she must comply with or suffer consequences. In the beginning, Heidi thought those notes were pranks, jokes to keep her guessing. Now that her attacker is dead, the cryptic messages have to stop – or so she hopes. Magic – Obsession – Murder Someone is stalking Heidi Artz. Perhaps it’s a lustful neighbor or that perverted coworker who harasses all females. Maybe it’s simply a lovesick admirer. The faster she runs, the closer he gets. Hopefully, the police haven’t discovered her unintentional crime. Hopefully, they’re not following her. She keeps seeing a man in the distance, feels his presence, can smell him lingering. Heidi knows someone’s watching and waiting, a snake eager for the right moment to strike. Trying to focus on the right side of reason, Heidi finds that she and her life expectations have drastically changed. She vows to become self-sufficient and secure her own future no matter what it takes. She must find strength to escape a psychotic medicine man whose supernatural powers derive from a place far more terrifying than a government protected burial ground. With the body count rising, Heidi will have to do the unthinkable in order to survive.

Review: This is an excellent read and I could just not stop reading it until I had finished it. I love a good mystery/thriller story and this grabbed my attention from the minute I started reading it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery/thriller story. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Joshua Blum | A Shadow In The Moonlight: A Thirteenth Hour Prequel

A Shadow in the Moonlight: A Thirteenth Hour Prequel

Author: Joshua Blum

Title: A Shadow In The Moonlight: A Thirteenth Hour Prequel

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis: A gothic novelette about a young hunter who accidentally interrupts a wizard's spell which literally turns him into a living shadow, only able to venture into the world by night. He is doomed to spend the rest of eternity haunting the area where he was enchanted, hunting an elusive, ethereal deer night after night. Although his night vision becomes enhanced, and he is able to soar through the air with a shadow's weightlessness, interactions with other people leave him with such intense anxiety that he has no choice but to avoid them altogether. Help and danger collide when he encounters an injured runaway, whom he decides to help, despite the personal pain it causes. A stand alone prequel to the novel, "The Thirteenth Hour," by the same author. Approximately 11,000 words.

Review: This is a short read but also an excellent read. I could just not stop reading this book and it kept my attention to the end of the book. This is an excellent story all about magic and spells. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Donnielle Tyner | Lost

Lost: Volume 1 (The Caelian Cycle)

Author: Donnielle Tyner

Title: Lost: The Caelian Cycle

Genre: Science Fiction

Synopsis: During WW1 a meteorite crashed releasing a mist that changed the DNA of all who were exposed. One hundred years has passed and society is divided between the norms and the Caelians whose changed DNA awakened dormant gifts called talents. Sadie is over it. She's an orphan, her boyfriend was murdered and she's the only Caelian at St. Vincent's without a talent. Once she turns 18 there will be no place for her in the world. That is until a chance encounter with Kian, a Caelian boy who makes her feel uncomfortable and alive at the same time. Secrets of her past are uncovered and Sadie's latent, rare talent is exposed. With great power comes the hunters hired by an egomaniac who wants to use Sadie's power to establish Caelian dominance. On the run with Kian and her friends, Sadie will have to decide whether to hide or fight. Will Sadie accept her new reality or will she stay lost?

Review: This is an excellent book and I just was gripped from the first line. I could not stop reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi story. This was a gripping story that I would happily read again and again and I would probably buy the physical copy of this book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Carmen Stevens | Anne

Anne

Author: Carmen Stevens

Title: Anne

Genre: Historical

Synopsis: 18th century England, 14 year old Anne Falkman is an arrogant, desperate orphan trying to live any way she can on the streets of London. Through her desolate, lonely years, a hope was born within her, the hope that fate would bless her and give her lasting happiness. Growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Anne has nurtured a fear of men. She also fears marrying and giving birth, which was the death of her mother and caused her father to go mad and violently hate his daughter. When a series of events gives Anne a chance for happiness, she takes it and achieves her dreams, but at what cost? Will she attain the life of happiness that she dreamed of? What choices are the best ones to make?

Review: This is an excellent read that I could just not stop reading. I read this book in a short time and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read and getting lost in a book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Suren Hakobyan | Godforsaken: Shade Of Light

Godforsaken: Book 1: Volume 1 (Shade of Light)

Author: Suren Hakobyan

Title: Godforsaken Book 1 Shade Of Light

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction

Synopsis: Lily's dreams have always been haunted by a mystical stranger with green eyes, until the day comes that she unexpectedly meets that stranger in a club. He's wealthy and handsome, but those traits aren't the ones that mark him as being not like average men. In truth, he possesses a surreal power, and a set of angelic wings... An archangel turned outcast, Samael has wandered Earth for eons, unable to belong in either Heaven or Hell. However, he still holds a secret that both the angels and the fallen ones need to acquire at all costs. As soon as Lily meets Samael, her life is irrevocably altered. She herself is the secret at the heart of the war between angels and demons, and there's only one person who cares for her enough to try and save her from her fate: the exiled creature, Samael.

Review: This was an excellent read and I could not stop reading this book. This is an excellent fantasy/fiction story that will make the reader get lost in the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in fantasy and fiction books. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | SJ HIggins | The Dark Side Of Chemistry

The Dark Side Of Chemistry (The Chemistry Series Book 1)

Author: S.J Higgins

Title: The Dark Side Of Chemistry

Genre: Romance, Fiction

Synopsis: When Trent is given orders to leave his lab and to deploy to Afghanistan to test a highly confidential and dangerous serum which he has developed, Skyla can’t shake the feeling that the life she has with strong, dependable, loving, Trent is about to irrevocably change.

Her fears are soon realized when an unknown enemy, intent on revenge, grabs hold of hers, Trent’s and Trent’s unpredictable brother Jensen’s lives and plays puppet master.
A dangerous formula, a well kept secret, love and passion will change the course of three people’s lives more than they would ever have dreamed, or feared, possible.

Review: This was an excellent book that I just could not stop reading. I finished this book the day that I started reading it. This is an excellent fictional romance story that will keep anyone who enjoys romance stories attention for hours on end. I would recommend this book to enjoy who enjoys getting lost in a good book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Lucia Mann | A Veil Of Blood Hangs Over Africa | Bostick Communications

A Veil of Blood Hangs Over Africa: The Birthplace of Slavery

Author: Lucia Mann

Title: A Veil Of Blood Hangs Over Africa: The Birthplace Of Slavery

Genre: Historical, Fiction

Synopsis: The grief of the newly captured slaves was overpowered only by the lecherous brutality of their master. From a humble Tswanas Kraal to an opulent South African estate, you will be held captive by Lucia Mann's interweaving stories of loss, cruelty, courage and hope. You will never forget the characters who bring this tale so vividly to life. 

- Mabali - Who was stolen from the comfort of her ancient homeland and forced to endure decades of agony and ruthlessness.

- Nobuntu - who discovered the purity of love in the filth of a slave estate and who would ultimately give birth to zulu kings. 

- Shiya - The offspring of a white slave child who was forced to suffer the same indignities her mother suffered.

- Nigel and Alan Hallworthy - two cruel and callous men who inherited fortune and bought protection from their evil deeds.

- Brianna - Shiya's modern day heir who struggled to make sense of a history that was slowly eating away at her. 

This multi-generational tale takes one on a journey that starts with an encircling rope net; progresses to a filthy stifling slave ship; and ends at a rich slave estate where unthinkable acts take place. The thorny history of the birthplace of slavery comes to life with unforgettable characters yearning for liberty, meaning and justice. 

Review: This was an excellent read and I just couldn't bring myself to stop reading and put the book down. I am strongly against racism and slavery so it was saddening to read this book. This book outlines the true nature of slavery and how slaves were treated. It was very saddening to read how slaves were treated and that pretty much nobody cared enough to try and help them and that those who did care were disposed of by the rich and it was not investigated. Those who stood up for what was right where killed without there being any consequences. There is a mix of stories throughout this book that all interweave together. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read historical accounts of slavery and the cruelty that slaves had to endure. This is a fictional book but the cruelty shown in this book would have been real for people who were actually slaves. This book is factual in how the slaves were treated and abused by their white masters even though the characters are not real. The white masters thought that they were above the law because they were rich and could afford to pay bribes. There are many issues faced in this book such as interracial marriage(which was illegal), racism(which is still as strong today as it was then) and the apartheid which meant that there was a separation between black and white people. 

I would like to thank Bostick Communications and Lucia Mann for sending me this book for free for review. Bostick Communications is a company that deals with press releases and they send out free books to book reviewers so that the books and authors can gain recognition. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Marilyn Phillips | The Daughter We Didn't Know We Had | Goodreads Giveaway Win

The Daughter We Didn't Know We Had

Author: Marilyn Phillips

Title: The Daughter We Didn't Know We Had: The Tears, Fears And Joys Of A Mother Of A Transgender Child

Genre: Biography, Family And Lifestyle

Synopsis: When your beautiful son comes to you and says he has had feelings of suicide, your heart skips a beat. You do whatever it takes to get him help. When your beautiful son comes to you and says he wants to become a woman, your world is suddenly turned upside down. A million thoughts invade your mind. Fear becomes your constant companion and tears swell up inside you every time you think of what could be waiting ahead. You can't help feeling pride in your child for showing the kind of courage that would be needed for their long road ahead. You watch as your family struggles to come together and stay together in what will be the most trying of times.

Review: This is an excellent read and I just could not put the book down. Before I knew it I had finished the book within hours of me starting to read it. This is an inspiring story that would be an helpful read to anyone going through this situation or to the family of someone who is transgender. Throughout this book there is a strong sense of heart warming support within this family network especially whilst they are facing difficult times and decisions that may lead to a lot of negative reactions from people outside of the family. I think that it is excellent that they stuck together as this would be a great barrier against any negativity they may have had to face. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an excellent read and enjoys a happy ending for real people dealing with real issues. I love this book as it shows that love and support are enough to get a family through the hardest of times.

I would like to thank the author and her family for this book, it really is such an excellent read, and for sharing such a personal and difficult story with complete strangers as a way to show your support to your daughter and to try and help others who are possibly struggling with being transgender. 

Rachel, congratulations on having the courage to make the decisions that were right for you and having the support of your family. You have such an amazing family and you are just amazing. Be sure to stay strong and beautiful. 

Marilyn, Thank you so much for posting that giveaway and I am so glad that I won and had a chance to read this excellent story. I am posting this review as a kindness to you so that others may see and buy your book and receive any help that it may encourage them to get. I will be sure to treasure this book and pass it down through the generations to come. I hope that if one of my children turn out to be transgender that I handle it with as much love and support as you did. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Albina Hume | Miss Fortune

Miss Fortune

Author: Albina Hume

Title: Miss Fortune

Genre: Women, Health/Family/Lifestyle, Conservation

Synopsis: "Who would think that my inability to pronounce the letter R would turn my life upside down and lead me from Ukraine to South Africa?"

Albina Hume is often asked the same question - how did she meet her South African husband John, a property developer and a rhino breeder, who is 36 years her senior? She has always kept her response simple. Until now...

Her childhood fear that no one in Ukraine would want to marry a 'crow' at first resulted in various misfortunes, from failing dreams and relationships to even ending up in a police cell for 51 days, until she finally learned to focus on her dreams, not her fears. Now, Albina and John Hume have dedicated their lives to preventing the South African rhino population from becoming extinct by breeding rhinos for future generations.

In the past six years, they have bred over 500 white rhinos, with Albina emerging as a pro-rhino activist, advocating for an end to the war on trade in rhino horn that has only resulted in illegal trade and killing of rhinos and also people in Africa. Albina calls for legalising trade in horn - a renewable product - to help create harmony between African people and their natural heritage.

Review: This is an excellent read and I found it really easy to get into. This book is about the life of a woman and the good times and the bad. This story is also about the choices she made for her future. I found it hard to stop reading this book and would recommend it to pretty much anyone who loves to settle down and get lost in a book.

Star rating:   5 out of 5

Book Review | Preeti G | I Am An Angel's Daughter

I am an Angel's daughter

Author: Preeti G

Title: Angel’s Daughter: An inspiring story, I am an angel’s daughter

Genre: Biographical, fiction, contemporary, women

Synopsis: At the age of seven, when Ganga is diagnosed with polio, she doesn’t allow it to kill her spirit. Instead, she fills her life with renewed optimism and an undying philanthropism, inspiring the world around her. Her fight against poverty and discrimination for her disability becomes stronger as she grows up amidst highly defeating barriers of religious orthodoxy. 
Love comes in the form of Paul, lighting up the dreams extinguished in her long ago. But, later when this very love threatens her identity and choices, she keeps her faith alive, despite incidents around her failing her. 
Years later, yet another shocking fatality is secretly planning its attack on her. Will she fall frail to the gall of this new adversity? Will this cruel twist of fate bring untold changes to her loved ones’ lives? 

Review: This is an excellent read and I found it really easy to get into.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read biographical stories.  This is a sad story to read as the child is ill but it is inspiring as she does not let it get her down.

Star rating:   5 out of 5

Book Review | Melody Jerva | Ella's Gift

Ella's Gifts

Author: Melody Jerva

Title: Ella’s Gift – A Badges of Boston

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis: A murderous psychopath is stalking the city of Boston, leaving ominous clues, and taunting detectives. Little does Ella know, she's the ultimate prize?

At six-years-old, Ella survived a horrific car crash that took her mother's life. Ella has been petrified of water ever since. Now a nurse, living in Boston with her best friend Jess, Ella meets Rett and immediately senses an electrifying connection. She's led to believe he's a landscaper. He has his own reasons for letting her believe her assumption. He's actually a Boston PD detective. He's working to solve his first case. The Butcher of Boston has been leaving gruesome crime scenes across Boston. Rett's world is centered around the bleak, decaying dregs of Boston. He's mesmerized to find a luminous entity through the seemingly never ending display of death when faced with a direct threat against Ella; Rett believes he must push her away for her own safety. The lies and omissions keep piling up for Ella. How can she trust Rett? How can they be together when it seems that their lives are pulling them apart?

Review: This is an excellent book that was really easy to get into. I found it difficult to stop reading. I would read this book over and over and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance and suspense.

Star rating:   5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Gina LoBiondo | Button Nose The Sad Little Bear

Button Nose the Sad Little Bear

Author: Gina LoBiondo

Title: Button Nose The Sad Little Bear

Genre: Children’s, Fiction

Synopsis: What if toys could actually feel? Would they be happy or sad? Would they be able to love? Button Nose the Sad Little Bear is the story of a much loved little bear and the little girl who will never give up on finding him again.

Review: This is an excellent children’s book and it would be the perfect book for any child to enjoy during the day or as a bedtime story. This is a timeless book that I can imagine children through the years enjoying.

Star rating:  5 out of 5 

Book Review | Gina LoBiondo | Pegasus A Dragon's Tale

Pegasus: A Dragon's Tale

Author: Gina LoBiondo

Title: Pegasus A Dragon’s Tale

Genre: Children’s, Fiction

Synopsis: For hundreds of years tales of dragons have been told and cherished. What child hasn't wished to have his or her own dragon or to fight the great fire-breathers? Pegasus - A Dragon's Tale is the delightful, heart-warming story of two young bear cubs and the dragon they find that changes their lives forever.

Review: This is an excellent children’s book and it would be the perfect book for any child to enjoy during the day or as a bedtime story. This is a timeless book that I can imagine children through the years enjoying.

Star rating:  5 out of 5 

Book Review | Courtney Shepard | Unbalanced

Unbalanced

Author: Courtney Shepard

Title: Unbalanced

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis: Asha is fire. 

Every generation four sisters with power over earth, air, fire, and water are born to fight against a fanatical, secret faith. The Order exists only to sacrifice the sisters for their power. With each success their strength and control grows. They have never failed, for their rule depends on it. 

The sisters, separated at birth, are unaware of what hunts them...but they are coming.
A handsome stranger discovers Asha in hiding, and swears allegiance to her cause. She falls for him; though he is not who he says he is. Betrayed and imprisoned inside the Order, Asha is without her power for the first time in her life. 

As the war heats up haunting secrets and true motivations are revealed, but the sisters must unite and override their instincts and trust the untrustworthy if they are to fight their terrifying destiny.

Review: Excellent book with a good storyline that I found it easy to lose myself in. Felt drawn into the story and found it hard to stop reading.

Star rating:   5 out of 5 

Book Review | Lilly Gayle | Slightly Noble

Slightly Noble

Author: Lilly Gayle

Title: Slightly Noble

Genre: Romance

Synopsis: American privateer, Captain Jack isn't really an American, but heir to a viscountcy. When his father dies, he leaves everything not entailed with the estate to his worthless cousin. Jack's only hope of inheriting his mother's ancestral home and honoring her dying wish is to marry and produce an heir before his thirty-fifth birthday—in five months. And he doesn't have a single prospect. Pregnant and unwed, Abigail Halsey is sent by her father to an Anglican convent until he can find a family to adopt his grandchild or a husband for his daughter. Abby has other plans, but they go awry when she goes into labor early and her rescuer, a pirate captain turned lord, insists on marrying her. Is Jack too much like his jealous, unforgiving father? Can Abby overcome her fear of men and have a real marriage? Or will she never be anything more than the unwanted wife of a Slightly Noble Viscount?

Review: This book is brilliant and well worth taking time to lose yourself in this book. The storyline is gripping and you will be hooked after the first few pages. I generally do not read romance novels but I found it easy to get into this storyline and I found it hard to put the book down. I couldn’t wait to free up time to read some of this book and find out how things worked out for the characters.

Star rating:   5 out of 5 

Book Review | Susan Paulson Clark | The Relationship Riddle

The Relationship Riddle

Author: Susan Paulson Clark

Title: The Relationship Riddle

Genre: Romance

Synopsis:  Vince, a football coach who foster-parents a five-year-old boy, dodges romance like a shifty running back. Belle, who runs her own business, has sworn off chasing men like Vince. A strong attraction comes into play and Belle and Vince start dating -- but with all their objections and temptations, will the flame keep burning? When Vince and his foster son find themselves in harm’s way, Vince and Belle’s involvement takes a surprising new direction.

 Review: This is an excellent book that was easy to read. I found it really easy to get into the book and follow the storyline. This is perfect for people who love a romance. This book will provide a heart-warming story and will show love between a man and a woman as well as love between a parent and child. This book is perfect for adults and young adults.

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Wayne Elsner | Tannion

Tannion

Author: Wayne Elsner

Title: Tannion

Genre: fiction

Synopsis: Lightning is always powerful and occasionally deadly. The bolt that hit Jim Tannion however was different. It gave him skills and abilities that made him think he could be the closest thing to a superhero the world had ever seen. Skills he could use to heal any injury, enhance his body, and control the bodies of others with only a touch. Then he found he could kill. Tannion knew he had to keep his new found skills a secret. No one could know about him or what he could do. Being found out would put him on a doctor's table as they took him apart to find out how he could do what he did. He wanted to use his skills to help people who needed it and to hurt those who would hurt others. From Kansas, to New York, and then to Los Angeles he searched for the people he wanted to stop. The bad guys who needed to be put away or maybe put down. But things and times change and sometimes one finds a line that is easier to cross than to stand behind. When do the good guys become the bad guys and do they always know the difference? What is important and what becomes important to each of us? Tannion isn't always sure. 

 Review: Excellent book. Easy to settle into and hard to stop reading. Really enjoyed reading this book and I would highly recommend it. This is good for both young and old.

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 stars