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The Missing Puzzle Piece
A Dying Truth Exposed, Book Four
Marcus Abston
2024 Finalist
280 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Missing Puzzle Piece fits into the historical drama, suspense, and family saga subgenres and is the fourth novel in the Dying Truth Exposed series. The work is best suited for mature adult readers owing to some scenes of sex and violence. Penned by author Marcus Abston, this gripping continuation of the Lighting-Strongman family saga sees Annabelle's legacy take center stage. The family faces new challenges and unforeseen trials, particularly regarding the search for Annabelle's missing young son, Joseph. The story is set in a perilous era, and the family must weather separation, clinging to their faith and values. As Annabelle delves into her past, an impending storm of change draws closer. Little does she know that her past is catching up with her, with Joseph at its heart. The narrative introduces new friendships and sparks a rebellion that eventually leads to a stunning revelation.
Author Marcus Abston has crafted a story with an intricate psychological feel to it that expertly explores the emotional depths of this family's journey, their determination to reunite, and their pursuit of the truth. The descriptions, attitudes, and setting of the work bring together a convincing sense of the historical period, the central family drama that is logically and authentically related to these hard times, and the suspense of all their interpersonal histories, creating a riveting narrative that keeps readers engaged and eager to discover the family's secrets. Abston's storytelling is captivating, with a keen sense of character development and dramatic tension that leaves readers wanting more. I was particularly impressed by the dialogue, which moves the story on without huge amounts of chunky prose and balances itself perfectly between period authenticity and accessibility for modern readers. Overall, The Missing Puzzle Piece is a compelling addition to the existing series and a must-read for those who enjoy multi-generational family sagas with a blend of mystery and historical context.
The Missing Puzzle Piece fits into the historical drama, suspense, and family saga subgenres and is the fourth novel in the Dying Truth Exposed series. The work is best suited for mature adult readers owing to some scenes of sex and violence. Penned by author Marcus Abston, this gripping continuation of the Lighting-Strongman family saga sees Annabelle's legacy take center stage. The family faces new challenges and unforeseen trials, particularly regarding the search for Annabelle's missing young son, Joseph. The story is set in a perilous era, and the family must weather separation, clinging to their faith and values. As Annabelle delves into her past, an impending storm of change draws closer. Little does she know that her past is catching up with her, with Joseph at its heart. The narrative introduces new friendships and sparks a rebellion that eventually leads to a stunning revelation.
Author Marcus Abston has crafted a story with an intricate psychological feel to it that expertly explores the emotional depths of this family's journey, their determination to reunite, and their pursuit of the truth. The descriptions, attitudes, and setting of the work bring together a convincing sense of the historical period, the central family drama that is logically and authentically related to these hard times, and the suspense of all their interpersonal histories, creating a riveting narrative that keeps readers engaged and eager to discover the family's secrets. Abston's storytelling is captivating, with a keen sense of character development and dramatic tension that leaves readers wanting more. I was particularly impressed by the dialogue, which moves the story on without huge amounts of chunky prose and balances itself perfectly between period authenticity and accessibility for modern readers. Overall, The Missing Puzzle Piece is a compelling addition to the existing series and a must-read for those who enjoy multi-generational family sagas with a blend of mystery and historical context.
Recommend this book:
Deadly Secrets from Pond Island
Olivia Raymond
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Deadly Secrets from Pond Island is a work of fiction in the mystery, suspense, and crime subgenres, and it forms part of the Vanessa Hutchins series of mystery novels. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Olivia Raymond, the plot follows our series star, Vanessa Hutchins, a successful lawyer on the brink of a senior partnership, who experiences a transformative vision. This vision prompts her to abandon her legal career, buy a house sight unseen, and escape the city in search of a more meaningful life. However, her new beginning takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her new home is filled with a hoard of secrets spanning decades. As Vanessa begins to discover the truth behind the hidden secrets, she realizes the town's revered heroes might be involved in a dark conspiracy.
Author Olivia Raymond has penned a truly compelling page-turner that deftly explores themes of discovery, justice, and the consequences of unveiling hidden truths. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, and the small-town setting adds an intimacy to the story that amps up the tension by making everything else feel very closed in. One of the features I especially liked was the personality in the narrative, which blends traditional mystery tropes with a fresh touch of wit and a great undercurrent of genuine emotion to keep things realistic and resonant. Overall, reading Deadly Secrets from Pond Island was an engaging experience rocketing through a plot masterfully woven with suspenseful twists and turns, and I’d highly recommend it to other mystery and thriller fans to enjoy.
Deadly Secrets from Pond Island is a work of fiction in the mystery, suspense, and crime subgenres, and it forms part of the Vanessa Hutchins series of mystery novels. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Olivia Raymond, the plot follows our series star, Vanessa Hutchins, a successful lawyer on the brink of a senior partnership, who experiences a transformative vision. This vision prompts her to abandon her legal career, buy a house sight unseen, and escape the city in search of a more meaningful life. However, her new beginning takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her new home is filled with a hoard of secrets spanning decades. As Vanessa begins to discover the truth behind the hidden secrets, she realizes the town's revered heroes might be involved in a dark conspiracy.
Author Olivia Raymond has penned a truly compelling page-turner that deftly explores themes of discovery, justice, and the consequences of unveiling hidden truths. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, and the small-town setting adds an intimacy to the story that amps up the tension by making everything else feel very closed in. One of the features I especially liked was the personality in the narrative, which blends traditional mystery tropes with a fresh touch of wit and a great undercurrent of genuine emotion to keep things realistic and resonant. Overall, reading Deadly Secrets from Pond Island was an engaging experience rocketing through a plot masterfully woven with suspenseful twists and turns, and I’d highly recommend it to other mystery and thriller fans to enjoy.
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The Fragility of Light
Heather Lonczak
2024 Bronze Medal
393 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Fragility of Light is a psychological thriller by Heather Lonczak. When Sunny was eight years old, her mother Gracie passed away, leaving her father Peter to raise her, and he enlisted the help of his parents. Sunny had a deep affection for her loving grandparents, Baba and Papa, who supported her. After meeting at San Diego State University, Joshua Fitzpatrick and Sylvia "Sunny" Zielinski married the summer following graduation. Sunny became annoyed with her wedding guests when they laughed at her being smeared with cake and threw cake at them. Sunny had a dream job as a book editor but, following heartbreaking deaths in the family, she had a breakdown at work one day. Sunny discovered she had a schizoaffective disorder and became aware of her mother's mental health issues.
The Fragility of Light by Heather Lonczak is a complex and emotional read. This dramatic page-turner hooked me, and it was hard to put down. Issues related to mental health, trauma, resilience, and the enduring strength of family ties were sensitively addressed. Sunny's, Joshua's, and Peter's points of view are shown throughout the chapters. Joshua wanted to understand Sunny's condition and help in her recovery even though he was unfamiliar with her mental health issues. Joshua, Peter, and his wife did everything possible to ensure Sunny had the best care possible. This story was excellently written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I learned that people can live with their mental condition if they have a solid support network.
The Fragility of Light is a psychological thriller by Heather Lonczak. When Sunny was eight years old, her mother Gracie passed away, leaving her father Peter to raise her, and he enlisted the help of his parents. Sunny had a deep affection for her loving grandparents, Baba and Papa, who supported her. After meeting at San Diego State University, Joshua Fitzpatrick and Sylvia "Sunny" Zielinski married the summer following graduation. Sunny became annoyed with her wedding guests when they laughed at her being smeared with cake and threw cake at them. Sunny had a dream job as a book editor but, following heartbreaking deaths in the family, she had a breakdown at work one day. Sunny discovered she had a schizoaffective disorder and became aware of her mother's mental health issues.
The Fragility of Light by Heather Lonczak is a complex and emotional read. This dramatic page-turner hooked me, and it was hard to put down. Issues related to mental health, trauma, resilience, and the enduring strength of family ties were sensitively addressed. Sunny's, Joshua's, and Peter's points of view are shown throughout the chapters. Joshua wanted to understand Sunny's condition and help in her recovery even though he was unfamiliar with her mental health issues. Joshua, Peter, and his wife did everything possible to ensure Sunny had the best care possible. This story was excellently written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I learned that people can live with their mental condition if they have a solid support network.
Recommend this book:
Finding Imogene
Teri Case
2024 Silver Medal
486 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
Finding Imogene by Teri Case introduces Frances and quickly establishes her controlling yet intensely vulnerable personality that makes her children, Art and Jean, avoid family dinners. A seemingly routine visit to the pathology lab triggers flashbacks to her childhood cancer and redeeming friendship with fellow sufferer, Imogene. The bad news that the cancer has returned sets a deadline for completing all her unfinished business. Frances asks her children to assist her in resolving the mystery of what had happened to Imogene, who she always feared fell prey to a child molester. Daughter Jean takes on the bulk of the investigation and begins to feel more sympathy for her mother as the layers peel away. Will the family be able to deal with the shocking truth?
Finding Imogene by Teri Case is a beautifully narrated and emotional thriller. I empathized with each of the characters and was enthralled by the unexpected plot twists. I admired the clever way the author has embedded stories within stories, including imperfect memories and procedural cover-ups to be disclosed. I enjoyed meeting both the adult Frances and the child version of “Frannie." Jean’s journey of discovery was also very engaging and I found myself hoping for the best outcome for this character, her husband and child. There were a few uncomfortable moments as grief, sickness, and death are subjects of the story, but they fitted in perfectly and were handled with authorial expertise. I also liked the way all the characters had multiple aspects and also found this realistic because nobody is faultless in real life. Overall, Finding Imogene by Teri Case is a complex and intriguing psychological novel.
Finding Imogene by Teri Case introduces Frances and quickly establishes her controlling yet intensely vulnerable personality that makes her children, Art and Jean, avoid family dinners. A seemingly routine visit to the pathology lab triggers flashbacks to her childhood cancer and redeeming friendship with fellow sufferer, Imogene. The bad news that the cancer has returned sets a deadline for completing all her unfinished business. Frances asks her children to assist her in resolving the mystery of what had happened to Imogene, who she always feared fell prey to a child molester. Daughter Jean takes on the bulk of the investigation and begins to feel more sympathy for her mother as the layers peel away. Will the family be able to deal with the shocking truth?
Finding Imogene by Teri Case is a beautifully narrated and emotional thriller. I empathized with each of the characters and was enthralled by the unexpected plot twists. I admired the clever way the author has embedded stories within stories, including imperfect memories and procedural cover-ups to be disclosed. I enjoyed meeting both the adult Frances and the child version of “Frannie." Jean’s journey of discovery was also very engaging and I found myself hoping for the best outcome for this character, her husband and child. There were a few uncomfortable moments as grief, sickness, and death are subjects of the story, but they fitted in perfectly and were handled with authorial expertise. I also liked the way all the characters had multiple aspects and also found this realistic because nobody is faultless in real life. Overall, Finding Imogene by Teri Case is a complex and intriguing psychological novel.
Recommend this book:
Elizabeth's Mountain
Lucille Guarino
2024 Gold Medal
287 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
Elizabeth’s Mountain by Lucille Guarino cleverly interweaves Elizabeth's twilight years with the new adult blossoming of her granddaughter Amanda. Commencing with Elizabeth’s ninetieth birthday party, it explores her memories of childhood and the tragic death of her first love, Robbie. A mourning period is followed by an emotional revival through friendship and courtship by her husband, Joseph. Amanda has left an unsatisfying relationship and moved into the house to provide Elizabeth with companionship. The young nurse attends a workplace training where she meets lawyer Jesse Taylor. The development of her relationship is pleasingly paced to match Elizabeth’s reminiscences.
Elizabeth’s Mountain by Lucille Guarino is a thoughtful and poignant novel that fulfills the reader's expectations of women’s literature. I liked that the story had two heroines from different generations. Elizabeth’s memories evoked the glamour and nostalgia of historical literature, while Amanda’s life contained the sparkle of contemporary romance. The two women seemed compatible because of temperament, family ties, and the mutual choice of nursing as their vocation. The house on the mountain formed the perfect background for multigenerational living. I enjoyed the exploration of aging, which was adroitly tempered with the sense that the older heroine, Elizabeth, had remained young at heart. Joseph was a solid and slightly damaged hero, providing the appropriate match for Elizabeth. Jesse was charming and mysterious, creating interest as Amanda’s romantic partner. The style was smooth and the dialogue flowed naturally, creating a relaxing reading experience. Elizabeth’s Mountain by Lucille Guarino presents a variety of interactions with family and friends and reflects the variability of life.
Elizabeth’s Mountain by Lucille Guarino cleverly interweaves Elizabeth's twilight years with the new adult blossoming of her granddaughter Amanda. Commencing with Elizabeth’s ninetieth birthday party, it explores her memories of childhood and the tragic death of her first love, Robbie. A mourning period is followed by an emotional revival through friendship and courtship by her husband, Joseph. Amanda has left an unsatisfying relationship and moved into the house to provide Elizabeth with companionship. The young nurse attends a workplace training where she meets lawyer Jesse Taylor. The development of her relationship is pleasingly paced to match Elizabeth’s reminiscences.
Elizabeth’s Mountain by Lucille Guarino is a thoughtful and poignant novel that fulfills the reader's expectations of women’s literature. I liked that the story had two heroines from different generations. Elizabeth’s memories evoked the glamour and nostalgia of historical literature, while Amanda’s life contained the sparkle of contemporary romance. The two women seemed compatible because of temperament, family ties, and the mutual choice of nursing as their vocation. The house on the mountain formed the perfect background for multigenerational living. I enjoyed the exploration of aging, which was adroitly tempered with the sense that the older heroine, Elizabeth, had remained young at heart. Joseph was a solid and slightly damaged hero, providing the appropriate match for Elizabeth. Jesse was charming and mysterious, creating interest as Amanda’s romantic partner. The style was smooth and the dialogue flowed naturally, creating a relaxing reading experience. Elizabeth’s Mountain by Lucille Guarino presents a variety of interactions with family and friends and reflects the variability of life.
Recommend this book:
Cheated
Avril Jones
2023 Finalist
226 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
In the poignant novel Cheated by Avril Jones, a woman’s fortitude carries her through her difficult childhood and turbulent adult years. Following a painful twist of events, Daisy is forced to put her daughter up for adoption. Georgia is adopted by Bert and Pat. After finally having the daughter he had been longing for, Bert feels content and is affectionate to Georgia. Pat, however, favors her biological son, Nigel. She treats Georgia even more cruelly as the years pass. As a victim of sexual assault and after suffering years of her mother’s neglect and abuse, Georgia suffers lifelong wounds that affect her throughout her life. At only fifteen years old, she is offered a post at a hospital in London as an apprentice catering officer. Though Georgia struggles to establish healthy, stable relationships, she works hard to provide for herself and her children.
Cheated by Avril Jones features an inspiring main character whose resilience helps her cope with trauma. It candidly shows the devastating impact of child abuse, parental neglect, and sexual violence. There are many uplifting, happy moments in the book when Georgia encounters breakthroughs which I loved. Jones does a remarkable job of highlighting Georgia’s feelings and perspective at every stage of her life. Family dynamics and the interactions between Georgia’s family members are realistic and their later effects on the family are well crafted. They include practical lessons that readers can glean from. Cheated by Avril Jones is a moving novel with powerful themes. It includes many touching scenes that are balanced by hopeful moments.
In the poignant novel Cheated by Avril Jones, a woman’s fortitude carries her through her difficult childhood and turbulent adult years. Following a painful twist of events, Daisy is forced to put her daughter up for adoption. Georgia is adopted by Bert and Pat. After finally having the daughter he had been longing for, Bert feels content and is affectionate to Georgia. Pat, however, favors her biological son, Nigel. She treats Georgia even more cruelly as the years pass. As a victim of sexual assault and after suffering years of her mother’s neglect and abuse, Georgia suffers lifelong wounds that affect her throughout her life. At only fifteen years old, she is offered a post at a hospital in London as an apprentice catering officer. Though Georgia struggles to establish healthy, stable relationships, she works hard to provide for herself and her children.
Cheated by Avril Jones features an inspiring main character whose resilience helps her cope with trauma. It candidly shows the devastating impact of child abuse, parental neglect, and sexual violence. There are many uplifting, happy moments in the book when Georgia encounters breakthroughs which I loved. Jones does a remarkable job of highlighting Georgia’s feelings and perspective at every stage of her life. Family dynamics and the interactions between Georgia’s family members are realistic and their later effects on the family are well crafted. They include practical lessons that readers can glean from. Cheated by Avril Jones is a moving novel with powerful themes. It includes many touching scenes that are balanced by hopeful moments.
Recommend this book:
Tour of Duty
William H Coles
2023 Finalist
216 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Gordon D. Durich for Readers' Favorite
Americans in France. Not so unusual, or is it? Tour of Duty by William H. Coles is set in 1960s Europe in the Cold War era during a nuclear attack threat. Physician Miles Ballard is serving in the Air Force at US Air Station, Châteauroux, France. Ingrid, the beautiful wife of Ballard's best friend Oliver Stern, there to locate lost relatives in the Holocaust and ascertain their fates, welcomes Miles. Enter Alyce Read, a New York Herald Tribune writer in France, on assignment to cover the war’s personal devastation. Ballard’s ambitions to serve versus his conflict with his ethics and morals make for hostility. Impeding the doctor’s challenging mission includes confronting the military hospital and his personal demons.
William H. Coles creates a world of historical intrigue in Tour of Duty. As a reader and a writer, I admired his narrative building and development of a darn good story. Written with strong believable characterization and a dialogue-driven plot, Tour of Duty is a perfect Sunday afternoon read. As an American citizen and European born, I loved the exotic backdrop and the culture climate of the period, for example, the reference to all-American “Coke” versus Sancerre Rouge pinot noir wine. I would like to experience more of this writer’s work. Highly descriptive, this novel would translate well into a solid and engaging screenplay. I, for one, would definitely pay to see the film version. Thank you for such a great read.
Americans in France. Not so unusual, or is it? Tour of Duty by William H. Coles is set in 1960s Europe in the Cold War era during a nuclear attack threat. Physician Miles Ballard is serving in the Air Force at US Air Station, Châteauroux, France. Ingrid, the beautiful wife of Ballard's best friend Oliver Stern, there to locate lost relatives in the Holocaust and ascertain their fates, welcomes Miles. Enter Alyce Read, a New York Herald Tribune writer in France, on assignment to cover the war’s personal devastation. Ballard’s ambitions to serve versus his conflict with his ethics and morals make for hostility. Impeding the doctor’s challenging mission includes confronting the military hospital and his personal demons.
William H. Coles creates a world of historical intrigue in Tour of Duty. As a reader and a writer, I admired his narrative building and development of a darn good story. Written with strong believable characterization and a dialogue-driven plot, Tour of Duty is a perfect Sunday afternoon read. As an American citizen and European born, I loved the exotic backdrop and the culture climate of the period, for example, the reference to all-American “Coke” versus Sancerre Rouge pinot noir wine. I would like to experience more of this writer’s work. Highly descriptive, this novel would translate well into a solid and engaging screenplay. I, for one, would definitely pay to see the film version. Thank you for such a great read.
Recommend this book:
A Darling Lovebug Summer
Tanya Rumford
2023 Honorable Mention
434 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
A Darling Lovebug Summer is a family drama by Tanya Rumford. Grandma Imogene left a strange item in her will for each of her four grandchildren. Belinda was a free spirit who sold her handmade jewelry while riding on a bus around the country. Emeline was a divorced mother of two who relocated due to her work. Wyatt and Geoff, their twin brothers, were also present at the reading of the will. Wyatt had experienced Grandma Imogene's unfortunate final years, while Geoff was having problems with his fiancée. Grandma Imogene left her four grandchildren a VHS videotape of herself, allowing them to learn things about her that they didn't know. Even though some of them had reservations, after realizing that the objects were clues they soon banded together and embarked on a summer adventure.
A Darling Lovebug Summer is captivating and interesting. Tanya Rumford has combined a mystery with a family-focused plot about a grandmother who brought her grandchildren together for a big surprise after she died. The narration alternated between the four grandchildren and the chapters flowed into one other. The story is fast-paced and full of action. I could not predict what would happen next and was guessing until the end. The characters were well-developed and authentic. I joined them on their travels, following the clues that were left for them. It was easy to become part of the journey. The story is about family, love, and friendship in a grandmother's attempts to have one last summer with her four Lovebugs. It is excellently written.
A Darling Lovebug Summer is a family drama by Tanya Rumford. Grandma Imogene left a strange item in her will for each of her four grandchildren. Belinda was a free spirit who sold her handmade jewelry while riding on a bus around the country. Emeline was a divorced mother of two who relocated due to her work. Wyatt and Geoff, their twin brothers, were also present at the reading of the will. Wyatt had experienced Grandma Imogene's unfortunate final years, while Geoff was having problems with his fiancée. Grandma Imogene left her four grandchildren a VHS videotape of herself, allowing them to learn things about her that they didn't know. Even though some of them had reservations, after realizing that the objects were clues they soon banded together and embarked on a summer adventure.
A Darling Lovebug Summer is captivating and interesting. Tanya Rumford has combined a mystery with a family-focused plot about a grandmother who brought her grandchildren together for a big surprise after she died. The narration alternated between the four grandchildren and the chapters flowed into one other. The story is fast-paced and full of action. I could not predict what would happen next and was guessing until the end. The characters were well-developed and authentic. I joined them on their travels, following the clues that were left for them. It was easy to become part of the journey. The story is about family, love, and friendship in a grandmother's attempts to have one last summer with her four Lovebugs. It is excellently written.
Recommend this book:
Drowning
Katelin Maloney
2023 Bronze Medal
312 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
In Drowning by Katelin Maloney, Rebecca is a normal woman living in New York with dreams of making something better of her life. On the outside, she is happy and on the verge of success, but the inside of her life tells a different story. She is not happy in her marriage to Mitch. He is a successful doctor, and he controls every aspect of Rebecca’s life. If there was love in their marriage, it is long gone and now it has been replaced with abuse and hatred. When Rebecca got the chance of a promotion at the bank where she works, she hoped Mitch would be happy for her. Turns out it was the catalyst that changed things for them forever. Once a strong, capable, and confident woman, Rebecca is now too scared to do things that would enrage her husband and bring a beating. With the plan to change her life, she enrolls in online courses, but she has to be sneaky, or else Mitch would find out. He always does.
Drowning by Katelin Maloney is a story of living and surviving an abusive relationship, of a woman finding her way back to her old self and making changes that will mean she is still alive. Abusive relationships are far too many, but not many people give them enough attention. Drowning gives the gory details of an abusive relationship, but along with that, the author gives her readers hope and shows a way out of the relationship as well. Amazingly written, Drowning is an inspiration for many women looking for a way out of their old life. Simply inspiring!
In Drowning by Katelin Maloney, Rebecca is a normal woman living in New York with dreams of making something better of her life. On the outside, she is happy and on the verge of success, but the inside of her life tells a different story. She is not happy in her marriage to Mitch. He is a successful doctor, and he controls every aspect of Rebecca’s life. If there was love in their marriage, it is long gone and now it has been replaced with abuse and hatred. When Rebecca got the chance of a promotion at the bank where she works, she hoped Mitch would be happy for her. Turns out it was the catalyst that changed things for them forever. Once a strong, capable, and confident woman, Rebecca is now too scared to do things that would enrage her husband and bring a beating. With the plan to change her life, she enrolls in online courses, but she has to be sneaky, or else Mitch would find out. He always does.
Drowning by Katelin Maloney is a story of living and surviving an abusive relationship, of a woman finding her way back to her old self and making changes that will mean she is still alive. Abusive relationships are far too many, but not many people give them enough attention. Drowning gives the gory details of an abusive relationship, but along with that, the author gives her readers hope and shows a way out of the relationship as well. Amazingly written, Drowning is an inspiration for many women looking for a way out of their old life. Simply inspiring!
Recommend this book:
Bespoke Betrayals and Sartorial Secrets
Marc Kage
2023 Bronze Medal
415 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Jabir and Michelle Soni left Boston in search of a fresh start. Melford looks like the perfect place to relocate, but the young couple finds it challenging as they can barely make headway in their businesses, which is starting to impact their finances. Jabir remains optimistic that their situation will turn around, but Michelle feels differently. It’s like her past is reluctant to let her go, and with the mounting problems on the home front, it is a question of when and not if everything will fall apart. Michelle senses an opportunity to break free when she receives an offer from a mysterious client. However, she must decide if the price of peace of mind is worth destroying everything she holds dear in Marc Kage's Bespoke Betrayal And Sartorial Secrets.
Bespoke Betrayals and Sartorial Secrets directly showcases intriguing family dynamics. Marc Kage's characters are well set up and effectively brought to life with origin stories that are thoroughly explained and emotionally deep. He spares no effort to bring them to life so that they are as realistic as everyday folk. The storyline looks simple enough to follow yet is ingeniously constructed. The reader becomes immersed in a plot that gradually opens up along new tangents in layers that require that extra bit of intuition to decipher. The best part of this novel is how Kage maintains palpable suspense throughout, using some astute storytelling techniques in his subplots. I wondered when the ball would drop on Michelle or if there was more to Jabir's good-natured interest in the Old Town. Following this riveting story to its conclusion was a satisfying experience.
Jabir and Michelle Soni left Boston in search of a fresh start. Melford looks like the perfect place to relocate, but the young couple finds it challenging as they can barely make headway in their businesses, which is starting to impact their finances. Jabir remains optimistic that their situation will turn around, but Michelle feels differently. It’s like her past is reluctant to let her go, and with the mounting problems on the home front, it is a question of when and not if everything will fall apart. Michelle senses an opportunity to break free when she receives an offer from a mysterious client. However, she must decide if the price of peace of mind is worth destroying everything she holds dear in Marc Kage's Bespoke Betrayal And Sartorial Secrets.
Bespoke Betrayals and Sartorial Secrets directly showcases intriguing family dynamics. Marc Kage's characters are well set up and effectively brought to life with origin stories that are thoroughly explained and emotionally deep. He spares no effort to bring them to life so that they are as realistic as everyday folk. The storyline looks simple enough to follow yet is ingeniously constructed. The reader becomes immersed in a plot that gradually opens up along new tangents in layers that require that extra bit of intuition to decipher. The best part of this novel is how Kage maintains palpable suspense throughout, using some astute storytelling techniques in his subplots. I wondered when the ball would drop on Michelle or if there was more to Jabir's good-natured interest in the Old Town. Following this riveting story to its conclusion was a satisfying experience.
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