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Recommend this book:
Flaherty's Crossing
Kaylin McFarren
2018 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren, Kate, a successful painter, is summoned to the deathbed of her father, Collin, who has only days to live. While Kate struggles to forgive him for the death of her beloved mother, Collin makes a startling confession. Meanwhile, Kate's husband, Drew, realising his loveless marriage has come to an end, decides he must leave home before Kate returns. Drew arrives at his friend's house to spend the night, only to find his friend's sister and ex-lover there. On her way home, Kate’s car is involved in an accident, resulting in a life-changing meeting with a man in a diner. The man is not all that he seems, and a shocking discovery has Kate running for her life, and hoping for a second chance to make her marriage work. Can Kate finally learn to forgive everyone she feels has wronged her? Will she finally find out the events surrounding her mother's death?
Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren is a story filled with tension and suspense. There are some fantastic twists to the story which were cleverly entwined into the plot and subplots. The character of Kate was very realistic. She was a strong female protagonist but with a soft emotional side too. Her relationship with her father was quite heartwarming and authentic. The dialogue was uniquely written to suit each well-created character. The ending gave me chills as it was completely unexpected. The author has a real talent for building a scene which you can easily visualise. This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a suspense novel, and is one of the best I have read.
In Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren, Kate, a successful painter, is summoned to the deathbed of her father, Collin, who has only days to live. While Kate struggles to forgive him for the death of her beloved mother, Collin makes a startling confession. Meanwhile, Kate's husband, Drew, realising his loveless marriage has come to an end, decides he must leave home before Kate returns. Drew arrives at his friend's house to spend the night, only to find his friend's sister and ex-lover there. On her way home, Kate’s car is involved in an accident, resulting in a life-changing meeting with a man in a diner. The man is not all that he seems, and a shocking discovery has Kate running for her life, and hoping for a second chance to make her marriage work. Can Kate finally learn to forgive everyone she feels has wronged her? Will she finally find out the events surrounding her mother's death?
Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren is a story filled with tension and suspense. There are some fantastic twists to the story which were cleverly entwined into the plot and subplots. The character of Kate was very realistic. She was a strong female protagonist but with a soft emotional side too. Her relationship with her father was quite heartwarming and authentic. The dialogue was uniquely written to suit each well-created character. The ending gave me chills as it was completely unexpected. The author has a real talent for building a scene which you can easily visualise. This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a suspense novel, and is one of the best I have read.
Recommend this book:
Children of Eden
Michael Beeney
2017 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
Children of Eden by Michael Beeney takes us into the world of Harry Lester from London. Harry, like many others, took part in visiting unregulated infertility clinics when he was a medical student. Harry easily donated his genetic material to allow couples who were infertile to seek help. Twenty years after his donation period, Harry has given in to his wanderlust and is a doctor on a cruise ship. This allows him to work, but also travel as much as his heart desires. Harry's lifestyle is luxurious, carefree and fun. Twenty-year-old Jason Brown was born to a mother who desperately wanted him. He was the product of one of those unregulated infertility clinics, his father only ever known as a donor to him. That is until he becomes obsessed with finding out who his father is, and the drive to find this knowledge leads him on a journey around the world.
I have to admit to being a person who has occasionally thought about what children who were conceived by sperm donation felt like when they were older. Diving into this story gave me a little taste of what that might be like, Jason is utterly determined to find out more about his father and I have to admire his ambition. Of course the story is not as straight up as one man trying to find his father. There has to be, after all, a woman involved too, and when you have people who don't know one of their parents and a man who doesn't know where his sperm was used, you can walk into some sticky situations.
Author Michael Beeney has written a fast paced, unique, and enjoyable book. You have mystery, intrigue, a little bit of a criminal element, and romance as well. This book is a page turner that truly does give the reader a little bit of everything. If you are looking for your next read that might make you gasp out loud at some of the situations that pop up, this is going to be one that you will enjoy a great deal.
Children of Eden by Michael Beeney takes us into the world of Harry Lester from London. Harry, like many others, took part in visiting unregulated infertility clinics when he was a medical student. Harry easily donated his genetic material to allow couples who were infertile to seek help. Twenty years after his donation period, Harry has given in to his wanderlust and is a doctor on a cruise ship. This allows him to work, but also travel as much as his heart desires. Harry's lifestyle is luxurious, carefree and fun. Twenty-year-old Jason Brown was born to a mother who desperately wanted him. He was the product of one of those unregulated infertility clinics, his father only ever known as a donor to him. That is until he becomes obsessed with finding out who his father is, and the drive to find this knowledge leads him on a journey around the world.
I have to admit to being a person who has occasionally thought about what children who were conceived by sperm donation felt like when they were older. Diving into this story gave me a little taste of what that might be like, Jason is utterly determined to find out more about his father and I have to admire his ambition. Of course the story is not as straight up as one man trying to find his father. There has to be, after all, a woman involved too, and when you have people who don't know one of their parents and a man who doesn't know where his sperm was used, you can walk into some sticky situations.
Author Michael Beeney has written a fast paced, unique, and enjoyable book. You have mystery, intrigue, a little bit of a criminal element, and romance as well. This book is a page turner that truly does give the reader a little bit of everything. If you are looking for your next read that might make you gasp out loud at some of the situations that pop up, this is going to be one that you will enjoy a great deal.
Recommend this book:
Echoes of Time
The Guernsey Novels Book 5
Anne Allen
2017 Finalist
290 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Like so many ‘small town’ young people, Natalie Ogier left her home on the beautiful island of Guernsey for university and stayed in London to experience life in the big city in Echoes of Time by Anne Allen. After surviving an abusive relationship, though, Natalie moves back to Guernsey where she purchases a beautiful new home, built on the site of an old farmhouse which had been destroyed by fire over 20 years earlier. Near her parents and best friend, and far from the former boyfriend, Natalie expects to relax and enjoy life. That is, at least, until she is disturbed by visions, horrific dreams, and even some active paranormal events. Natalie seems to be tied into the past with the original owners of the farm, who happen to have been her neighbor’s grandparents – or she is losing her mind? As Natalie develops a relationship with her neighbor, Stuart, the past invades more frequently. When Stuart’s mother arrives to visit and enters the property where she had grown up, the events take on even more sinister overtones. The spirit that tells Natalie to ‘Go away!’ is definitely violent, but when Tabby sees her parents for herself, Natalie finally accepts that she needs help outside the normal channels. The only question is how to set the past right and have these spirits move on.
Superbly written, Echoes of Time is captivating, exciting, sad, bittersweet and yet hopeful and full of happiness. Anne Allen lovingly depicts the place and people of Guernsey and seamlessly combines the past and present, telling almost parallel stories that come to a joint resolution. Even the cover art lends to the dual time setting that is the basis for the overall narrative. This is perfect as a stand-alone story even though it is actually the fifth in The Guernsey Novels. It is quite easy to read without any reference to the previous volumes. For history, romance, paranormal action and just plain great reading, Echoes of Time is a wonderful book.
Like so many ‘small town’ young people, Natalie Ogier left her home on the beautiful island of Guernsey for university and stayed in London to experience life in the big city in Echoes of Time by Anne Allen. After surviving an abusive relationship, though, Natalie moves back to Guernsey where she purchases a beautiful new home, built on the site of an old farmhouse which had been destroyed by fire over 20 years earlier. Near her parents and best friend, and far from the former boyfriend, Natalie expects to relax and enjoy life. That is, at least, until she is disturbed by visions, horrific dreams, and even some active paranormal events. Natalie seems to be tied into the past with the original owners of the farm, who happen to have been her neighbor’s grandparents – or she is losing her mind? As Natalie develops a relationship with her neighbor, Stuart, the past invades more frequently. When Stuart’s mother arrives to visit and enters the property where she had grown up, the events take on even more sinister overtones. The spirit that tells Natalie to ‘Go away!’ is definitely violent, but when Tabby sees her parents for herself, Natalie finally accepts that she needs help outside the normal channels. The only question is how to set the past right and have these spirits move on.
Superbly written, Echoes of Time is captivating, exciting, sad, bittersweet and yet hopeful and full of happiness. Anne Allen lovingly depicts the place and people of Guernsey and seamlessly combines the past and present, telling almost parallel stories that come to a joint resolution. Even the cover art lends to the dual time setting that is the basis for the overall narrative. This is perfect as a stand-alone story even though it is actually the fifth in The Guernsey Novels. It is quite easy to read without any reference to the previous volumes. For history, romance, paranormal action and just plain great reading, Echoes of Time is a wonderful book.
Recommend this book:
Last Things
Betta Ferrendelli
2017 Finalist
324 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite
Meet Bridgette Connor. When luck is being issued, she must feel as if she is the last person in line receiving the good stuff. As her life plummets from bad to worse, she throws up her hands in total despair, and runs. Her heart is broken. Her dreams are shattered. She cannot take any more. Driving along a strange road, her life takes a further battering when her car rolls into a ditch. This moment is a pivotal one. After dragging herself from the wreckage of her car, she painfully makes her way to the only business showing lights in the small town. Despite the place being closed, the owner, Alexis Parker, opens up and so begins a whole new chapter in Bridgette’s life. She experiences not only a place of rest, but also a soul renewal, love, and family. A flicker of hope is kindled in her broken spirit into a glorious fire of realization that everything she has run away from can be healed right in this small town, if she is willing to stay.
Last Things by Betta Ferrendelli is a truly engrossing book. Once in a while you read a book that captivates your imagination, and your heart. This is one of those treasures. It is so engaging that I could not put it down. The characters are so real you can almost feel them beside you. Bridgette receives far more than she can give. Her pregnancy and her broken relationship become shadows of the past as she contemplates, and shares in, a life beyond her wildest dreams. A five star read, because it deserves it. The formatting, story and characters are superb. Wonderful story.
Meet Bridgette Connor. When luck is being issued, she must feel as if she is the last person in line receiving the good stuff. As her life plummets from bad to worse, she throws up her hands in total despair, and runs. Her heart is broken. Her dreams are shattered. She cannot take any more. Driving along a strange road, her life takes a further battering when her car rolls into a ditch. This moment is a pivotal one. After dragging herself from the wreckage of her car, she painfully makes her way to the only business showing lights in the small town. Despite the place being closed, the owner, Alexis Parker, opens up and so begins a whole new chapter in Bridgette’s life. She experiences not only a place of rest, but also a soul renewal, love, and family. A flicker of hope is kindled in her broken spirit into a glorious fire of realization that everything she has run away from can be healed right in this small town, if she is willing to stay.
Last Things by Betta Ferrendelli is a truly engrossing book. Once in a while you read a book that captivates your imagination, and your heart. This is one of those treasures. It is so engaging that I could not put it down. The characters are so real you can almost feel them beside you. Bridgette receives far more than she can give. Her pregnancy and her broken relationship become shadows of the past as she contemplates, and shares in, a life beyond her wildest dreams. A five star read, because it deserves it. The formatting, story and characters are superb. Wonderful story.
Recommend this book:
Brought To Our Senses
A Novel
Kathleen H. Wheeler
2017 Honorable Mention
312 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Brought To Our Senses by Kathleen H Wheeler is a poignantly depicted fiction novel about the agony and trials of a family as they witness the decline of their mother as she ages. Jessica, Teri, and Elizabeth have begun noticing that their mother, Janice, is starting to exhibit uncharacteristic and bizarre behavior. Janice has started forgetting appointments, has no interest in her favorite daughter's newborn baby, and is remembering events that had never occurred. The sisters are alarmed, but their older brother, Tom, who lives over a thousand miles away, isn't too concerned. In his mind, his mother is depressed from the death of her close friend and boss of over twenty years, and ultimately the loss of her job. Plus, she is just getting older. The siblings have always clashed and have never experienced peaceful relationships, but when their mother's extreme conduct leaves her lost and confused in a police station many miles away, they unite. Despite their turbulent and less than satisfactory history, they must pull together and find a way to help their belligerent and wayward parent. This is their journey.
Brought To Our Senses by Kathleen H Wheeler is a heartrending women's fiction novel that portrays the tragic effects of Alzheimer's disease. The story displays an eye-opening and frighteningly realistic account of the chaos and grief that accompany this dreaded malady. I love that Janice's history is woven throughout the book, allowing the reader to know and understand each of the characters, lending insight into the family's incivility and bickering. Janice's journey through life, from her birth until her death, is the underlying mold that forms the story. Although the degenerative disease is the core of the book, it is a moving story about strength and determination in the face of adversity. I admired the way the author presented such a painful subject and applaud her ability to make it authentic. I recommend it to those who love an inspiring women's fiction novel with the stark element of reality.
Brought To Our Senses by Kathleen H Wheeler is a poignantly depicted fiction novel about the agony and trials of a family as they witness the decline of their mother as she ages. Jessica, Teri, and Elizabeth have begun noticing that their mother, Janice, is starting to exhibit uncharacteristic and bizarre behavior. Janice has started forgetting appointments, has no interest in her favorite daughter's newborn baby, and is remembering events that had never occurred. The sisters are alarmed, but their older brother, Tom, who lives over a thousand miles away, isn't too concerned. In his mind, his mother is depressed from the death of her close friend and boss of over twenty years, and ultimately the loss of her job. Plus, she is just getting older. The siblings have always clashed and have never experienced peaceful relationships, but when their mother's extreme conduct leaves her lost and confused in a police station many miles away, they unite. Despite their turbulent and less than satisfactory history, they must pull together and find a way to help their belligerent and wayward parent. This is their journey.
Brought To Our Senses by Kathleen H Wheeler is a heartrending women's fiction novel that portrays the tragic effects of Alzheimer's disease. The story displays an eye-opening and frighteningly realistic account of the chaos and grief that accompany this dreaded malady. I love that Janice's history is woven throughout the book, allowing the reader to know and understand each of the characters, lending insight into the family's incivility and bickering. Janice's journey through life, from her birth until her death, is the underlying mold that forms the story. Although the degenerative disease is the core of the book, it is a moving story about strength and determination in the face of adversity. I admired the way the author presented such a painful subject and applaud her ability to make it authentic. I recommend it to those who love an inspiring women's fiction novel with the stark element of reality.
Recommend this book:
A Blazing Gilded Age
Episodes of an American Family and a Volatile Era
Rich DiSilvio
2017 Bronze Medal
510 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Patsy Glans for Readers' Favorite
In A Blazing Gilded Age, by Rich DiSilvio, readers are transported into the world of men who were ahead of their time in the 19th century. Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, Edison and Teddy Roosevelt were determined to make their mark on history and would lie, cheat, and even bribe politicians to make it happen. The people who worked hard, long hours for very little pay are the real heroes; they worked in coal mines, built the impressive buildings, and held down other jobs to support their families. Marc Wozniak, along with his father and brother, worked in one of the coal mines. There had been explosions due to faulty equipment and the lack of proper training, which led to his father dying in the mine. It would take Marc most of his life to bring down the major players and finally make conditions safer for the workers.
In A Blazing Gilded Age, Rich DiSilvio has written not only an entertaining story, but he has given readers an insight into history through his excellent research on the men of the 19th century. He brings to life the story of America through stories of those who helped build and define it. A Blazing Gilded Age brings to light all the struggles and victories of the workers who defined a generation. I learned a great deal from this well-researched, informative and entertaining book. I would recommend this book to all readers, especially teachers looking for an entertaining way for their students to explore a critical time in our history.
In A Blazing Gilded Age, by Rich DiSilvio, readers are transported into the world of men who were ahead of their time in the 19th century. Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, Edison and Teddy Roosevelt were determined to make their mark on history and would lie, cheat, and even bribe politicians to make it happen. The people who worked hard, long hours for very little pay are the real heroes; they worked in coal mines, built the impressive buildings, and held down other jobs to support their families. Marc Wozniak, along with his father and brother, worked in one of the coal mines. There had been explosions due to faulty equipment and the lack of proper training, which led to his father dying in the mine. It would take Marc most of his life to bring down the major players and finally make conditions safer for the workers.
In A Blazing Gilded Age, Rich DiSilvio has written not only an entertaining story, but he has given readers an insight into history through his excellent research on the men of the 19th century. He brings to life the story of America through stories of those who helped build and define it. A Blazing Gilded Age brings to light all the struggles and victories of the workers who defined a generation. I learned a great deal from this well-researched, informative and entertaining book. I would recommend this book to all readers, especially teachers looking for an entertaining way for their students to explore a critical time in our history.
Recommend this book:
Tiger Pelt
Annabelle Kim
2017 Silver Medal
362 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
Tiger Pelt by Annabelle Kim takes us into the story of a time that was a savage and sometimes unforgiving time. You are taken into Korea when Japan was an occupying force. A young boy from a farm goes on a quest that will lead him into an adventure that takes him through the entire peninsula of Korea and all the way to crossing the Pacific. In a life running parallel to the young farm boy's, a young girl who is beautiful and vibrant is taken and forced to work as a 'comfort woman' for the Japanese forces. When a monsoon hits, two souls find themselves brought together and escaping death.
The Korean War and the time before and after that is an era that is often overlooked by people. The simple fact that this book takes place in that particular era was attractive to me. Beyond that, Annabelle Kim has crafted a truly beautiful book here with compelling characters and a fantastic story. Some stories make you feel emotional when you read them; they draw you in and refuse to let you go, and for me this was one of them. It is a little hard for me to write this review simply because I don't feel any of my words can truly compare to the feeling this book gives me. Life has a way of bringing people together, but it can also pull them in directions they never thought they would go. If you want to be swept up in a book full of emotion and events that feel so real you can touch them, this is one book you should read.
Tiger Pelt by Annabelle Kim takes us into the story of a time that was a savage and sometimes unforgiving time. You are taken into Korea when Japan was an occupying force. A young boy from a farm goes on a quest that will lead him into an adventure that takes him through the entire peninsula of Korea and all the way to crossing the Pacific. In a life running parallel to the young farm boy's, a young girl who is beautiful and vibrant is taken and forced to work as a 'comfort woman' for the Japanese forces. When a monsoon hits, two souls find themselves brought together and escaping death.
The Korean War and the time before and after that is an era that is often overlooked by people. The simple fact that this book takes place in that particular era was attractive to me. Beyond that, Annabelle Kim has crafted a truly beautiful book here with compelling characters and a fantastic story. Some stories make you feel emotional when you read them; they draw you in and refuse to let you go, and for me this was one of them. It is a little hard for me to write this review simply because I don't feel any of my words can truly compare to the feeling this book gives me. Life has a way of bringing people together, but it can also pull them in directions they never thought they would go. If you want to be swept up in a book full of emotion and events that feel so real you can touch them, this is one book you should read.
Recommend this book:
If The Devil Had a Dog
T.K. Lukas
2017 Gold Medal
322 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Dr. Oliva Dsouza for Readers' Favorite
If The Devil Had a Dog by T.K. Lukas is a wonderfully crafted, edge of the seat thriller that has equal amounts of suspense, action, romance and intrigue to keep you glued to the book until the end. Sidney McQueen is fleeing from her drug-dealing, abusive husband who also happens to be a powerful attorney involved with the Mexican cartels. The perfect foil for this lady in distress is the mysterious and intriguing character of Markus Yeager, a former Marine turned CIA operative. Suffering and dealing with his own past and demons, he is initially wary of Sidney. But, as the story unfolds, he becomes the hero who gets pulled deeper into the life he has been trying to avoid. Will Sidney escape the clutches of a man who is willing to do anything to get what he wants? Will Markus be able to overcome his past and emerge as the hero who saves the day?
If The Devil Had a Dog had me hooked from the word go! I simply could not put it down. This action packed book makes you want to finish reading it from start to finish in one go. The thrills and action are fantastic and one cannot wait to turn the page to learn more. Markus and Sidney are the kind of people we all know from somewhere and, even though their situations may not be something we see in our lives, their characters are totally realistic. A must-read for people who love thrillers with lots of action. Good job!
If The Devil Had a Dog by T.K. Lukas is a wonderfully crafted, edge of the seat thriller that has equal amounts of suspense, action, romance and intrigue to keep you glued to the book until the end. Sidney McQueen is fleeing from her drug-dealing, abusive husband who also happens to be a powerful attorney involved with the Mexican cartels. The perfect foil for this lady in distress is the mysterious and intriguing character of Markus Yeager, a former Marine turned CIA operative. Suffering and dealing with his own past and demons, he is initially wary of Sidney. But, as the story unfolds, he becomes the hero who gets pulled deeper into the life he has been trying to avoid. Will Sidney escape the clutches of a man who is willing to do anything to get what he wants? Will Markus be able to overcome his past and emerge as the hero who saves the day?
If The Devil Had a Dog had me hooked from the word go! I simply could not put it down. This action packed book makes you want to finish reading it from start to finish in one go. The thrills and action are fantastic and one cannot wait to turn the page to learn more. Markus and Sidney are the kind of people we all know from somewhere and, even though their situations may not be something we see in our lives, their characters are totally realistic. A must-read for people who love thrillers with lots of action. Good job!
Recommend this book:
Rude Boy USA
Victoria Bolton
2016 Bronze Medal
282 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
A story that begins with someone spitting in another’s face and getting tortured and killed for a secret he can’t reveal immediately raises a lot of interest and curiosity in readers, but the grim fun is yet to begin. Rude Boy USA by Victoria Bolton is a riveting story of an unquenchable thirst for power and terror, featuring characters that will draw powerful emotions from readers. Bernie Banks has slowly but surely established himself as a powerful gangster with unusual but ruthless methods of operating. At a time he and his boys are sure to get on the top of the game, a powerful rival joins the game and a waitress causes a distraction that could break the solid Chimera Group. The big question is: who’ll make it to the top in this game of power where no one accepts defeat?
Victoria Bolton’s Rude Boy USA will take readers deep into the psychology of kingpins and the mechanics of the game of power. Bolton writes with unwavering confidence and grace, unveiling a plot that is laced with unusual turns and sudden surprises, a pace that quickens with the reader’s heartbeat. The characters are as real as they are compelling, sometimes funny and at times very, very nasty. The language is blunt, so blunt the reader can squirm at times at what they hear. The dialogue comes off the pages naturally and draws readers in as the plot progresses to a rocket-like climax. This is a book I will gladly recommend to fans of thrillers and crime fiction. An enjoyable read indeed.
A story that begins with someone spitting in another’s face and getting tortured and killed for a secret he can’t reveal immediately raises a lot of interest and curiosity in readers, but the grim fun is yet to begin. Rude Boy USA by Victoria Bolton is a riveting story of an unquenchable thirst for power and terror, featuring characters that will draw powerful emotions from readers. Bernie Banks has slowly but surely established himself as a powerful gangster with unusual but ruthless methods of operating. At a time he and his boys are sure to get on the top of the game, a powerful rival joins the game and a waitress causes a distraction that could break the solid Chimera Group. The big question is: who’ll make it to the top in this game of power where no one accepts defeat?
Victoria Bolton’s Rude Boy USA will take readers deep into the psychology of kingpins and the mechanics of the game of power. Bolton writes with unwavering confidence and grace, unveiling a plot that is laced with unusual turns and sudden surprises, a pace that quickens with the reader’s heartbeat. The characters are as real as they are compelling, sometimes funny and at times very, very nasty. The language is blunt, so blunt the reader can squirm at times at what they hear. The dialogue comes off the pages naturally and draws readers in as the plot progresses to a rocket-like climax. This is a book I will gladly recommend to fans of thrillers and crime fiction. An enjoyable read indeed.
Recommend this book:
Finding Maslow
A Novel
Susan Lee Walberg
2016 Honorable Mention
254 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Valerie Rouse for Readers' Favorite
Finding Maslow by Susan Lee Walberg is an interesting novel about Justina Gonzalez, an avid student, and her budding romance with Daniel. The story begins with Justina so fully absorbed in her studies that she does not realize that Hurricane Sandy is approaching her area in Long Beach, New York. She is brought out of her reverie when she hears a loud banging outside her house. She looks out and sees a guy outside, boarding up a window. Daniel was a handyman that her father had hired to do odd jobs around the house. Daniel duly informed Justina about the coming Hurricane Sandy and they made preparations. The two of them rode out the storm together at Justina’s house. They quickly formed a strong friendship. Justina’s father, Senator Gonzalez, immediately frowned upon their friendship. He voiced his concern as well, as he preferred his daughter to associate with a more elite person, not a local boy.
Finding Maslow is a novel showcasing the vast divide between the haves and the have-nots. Author Susan Walberg has done an excellent job in exposing the reality of the worlds of the poor and the rich. The language used is semi-formal to reflect the seriousness of the author’s message. I love the fact that the author included a thread of romance which many readers can relate to. This tactic also allows us to wish that we could be the hero/heroine and be a partner in a loving relationship. This book encourages the concept of true love despite the odds. It also has a realistic feel to it in that the disaster and its effects are mentioned. I love the irony whereby the two main characters find each other again in a different yet negative environment. Were they destined for each other? Overall, Finding Maslow is an engaging book filled with encouragement. I recommend it to all readers.
Finding Maslow by Susan Lee Walberg is an interesting novel about Justina Gonzalez, an avid student, and her budding romance with Daniel. The story begins with Justina so fully absorbed in her studies that she does not realize that Hurricane Sandy is approaching her area in Long Beach, New York. She is brought out of her reverie when she hears a loud banging outside her house. She looks out and sees a guy outside, boarding up a window. Daniel was a handyman that her father had hired to do odd jobs around the house. Daniel duly informed Justina about the coming Hurricane Sandy and they made preparations. The two of them rode out the storm together at Justina’s house. They quickly formed a strong friendship. Justina’s father, Senator Gonzalez, immediately frowned upon their friendship. He voiced his concern as well, as he preferred his daughter to associate with a more elite person, not a local boy.
Finding Maslow is a novel showcasing the vast divide between the haves and the have-nots. Author Susan Walberg has done an excellent job in exposing the reality of the worlds of the poor and the rich. The language used is semi-formal to reflect the seriousness of the author’s message. I love the fact that the author included a thread of romance which many readers can relate to. This tactic also allows us to wish that we could be the hero/heroine and be a partner in a loving relationship. This book encourages the concept of true love despite the odds. It also has a realistic feel to it in that the disaster and its effects are mentioned. I love the irony whereby the two main characters find each other again in a different yet negative environment. Were they destined for each other? Overall, Finding Maslow is an engaging book filled with encouragement. I recommend it to all readers.
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