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The Art of Good Enough
The Working Mom's Guilt-Free Guide to Thriving While Being Perfectly Imperfect
Ivy Ge
2020 Silver Medal
184 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
Everyone seems to have an opinion on what the term 'a good mother' means, but what is the true definition? For many working mothers, juggling motherhood with their chosen career can be a demanding balancing act filled with guilt as they try to live up to unrealistic expectations. Throughout The Art of Good Enough by Ivy Gee, you will discover techniques that, if practiced, will help you make sense of all those negative emotions you are experiencing. Learn how to uncover your hidden strengths, develop healthy, nurturing relationships with your children and partner, and understand the root cause of your negative self-image. As you work through the exercises, you will gain insights that will give your mind and body a complete overhaul so you can become the best version of yourself and begin the journey towards self-acceptance and happiness.
The Art of Good Enough by Ivy Ge is unlike any other guide I have ever read because it deals with the negative emotions every working mother can relate to. I loved the personal stories, especially Helen's, which I immediately related to. The author clearly has experience of being a working mother herself as her insights were so profound. I liked the way she gave you realistic techniques that you could try straight away. There are many golden nuggets of information throughout. I particularly enjoyed the section on pain and pleasure; that was a huge 'aha' moment for me. The statement that it is more important to enhance our strengths than improve our weaknesses was quite powerful. This guide gives every woman permission to live authentically and not feel obliged to live up to others' expectations.
I feel there is something in this book for everyone, from dealing with negative emotions, anxiety, and jealousy to overcoming fear, setting goals that matter to you, and nurturing your children according to their unique needs so they are fully prepared for the outside world. The most valuable part of this book for me, if I had to choose, would be the section on reverse engineering; this was such a lightbulb moment for me. I cannot recommend this guide highly enough. Thank you for creating such an uplifting and encouraging book.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on what the term 'a good mother' means, but what is the true definition? For many working mothers, juggling motherhood with their chosen career can be a demanding balancing act filled with guilt as they try to live up to unrealistic expectations. Throughout The Art of Good Enough by Ivy Gee, you will discover techniques that, if practiced, will help you make sense of all those negative emotions you are experiencing. Learn how to uncover your hidden strengths, develop healthy, nurturing relationships with your children and partner, and understand the root cause of your negative self-image. As you work through the exercises, you will gain insights that will give your mind and body a complete overhaul so you can become the best version of yourself and begin the journey towards self-acceptance and happiness.
The Art of Good Enough by Ivy Ge is unlike any other guide I have ever read because it deals with the negative emotions every working mother can relate to. I loved the personal stories, especially Helen's, which I immediately related to. The author clearly has experience of being a working mother herself as her insights were so profound. I liked the way she gave you realistic techniques that you could try straight away. There are many golden nuggets of information throughout. I particularly enjoyed the section on pain and pleasure; that was a huge 'aha' moment for me. The statement that it is more important to enhance our strengths than improve our weaknesses was quite powerful. This guide gives every woman permission to live authentically and not feel obliged to live up to others' expectations.
I feel there is something in this book for everyone, from dealing with negative emotions, anxiety, and jealousy to overcoming fear, setting goals that matter to you, and nurturing your children according to their unique needs so they are fully prepared for the outside world. The most valuable part of this book for me, if I had to choose, would be the section on reverse engineering; this was such a lightbulb moment for me. I cannot recommend this guide highly enough. Thank you for creating such an uplifting and encouraging book.
Recommend this book:
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers
Small Presses, book contests, university presses, and independent publishers for "unagented" authors
Marylee MacDonald
2020 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Lois J Wickstrom for Readers' Favorite
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers, subtitled Small presses, book contests, university presses, and independent publishers for “unagented” authors by Marylee MacDonald, is a valuable tool for authors who have been ignored by the big presses and agents who sell to them. This book lists over 300 small and independent presses that read manuscripts from unagented authors. Sometimes these presses require a query letter before deciding if they want to see your manuscript. Sometimes they want you to enter a contest. Sometimes, their staff is open all year to look at their specific types of manuscripts.
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers has all the instructions and appropriate websites for accessing each of the presses they list. Marylee has sold both fiction and non-fiction books. Here she has compiled a wide selection of presses, so that other authors may do the same. Since this is an ebook, it is easy to search for all the presses that might be of interest. I did a search for “graphic novels” and found two presses that publish books similar to what I’ve been writing, and one press that specifically does not want what I’m writing. This is all useful information. The press information not only lists the types of manuscripts each press seeks, but it also tells you which types they are looking for right now. So, if they sometimes print middle-grade novels, but don’t want them right now, you can save yourself the trouble of contacting them. Also, some presses have word length requirements. If your story is too long or too short, again you can save yourself the trouble. All of this information has two goals: to help authors find the right press for their books and help publishers avoid spending time looking at books that aren’t right for them. Marylee MacDonald has done a service to the publishing industry.
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers, subtitled Small presses, book contests, university presses, and independent publishers for “unagented” authors by Marylee MacDonald, is a valuable tool for authors who have been ignored by the big presses and agents who sell to them. This book lists over 300 small and independent presses that read manuscripts from unagented authors. Sometimes these presses require a query letter before deciding if they want to see your manuscript. Sometimes they want you to enter a contest. Sometimes, their staff is open all year to look at their specific types of manuscripts.
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers has all the instructions and appropriate websites for accessing each of the presses they list. Marylee has sold both fiction and non-fiction books. Here she has compiled a wide selection of presses, so that other authors may do the same. Since this is an ebook, it is easy to search for all the presses that might be of interest. I did a search for “graphic novels” and found two presses that publish books similar to what I’ve been writing, and one press that specifically does not want what I’m writing. This is all useful information. The press information not only lists the types of manuscripts each press seeks, but it also tells you which types they are looking for right now. So, if they sometimes print middle-grade novels, but don’t want them right now, you can save yourself the trouble of contacting them. Also, some presses have word length requirements. If your story is too long or too short, again you can save yourself the trouble. All of this information has two goals: to help authors find the right press for their books and help publishers avoid spending time looking at books that aren’t right for them. Marylee MacDonald has done a service to the publishing industry.
Recommend this book:
The Next Bestseller
Book Marketing for Success
Tim Riordan
2020 Honorable Mention
232 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
The Next Best Seller by Tim Riordan is a roadmap to success for authors with a focus on the best ways to market their books. Tim is very open and honest about his own writing and marketing strategies, sharing what has worked for him and the many lessons that he’s learned along the way. The book covers all of the major categories of marketing including creating a market strategy, using social media, developing an email list, book launches, and maintaining book sales indefinitely. It’s filled with easy to understand explanations of how each kind of marketing works, along with step by step instructions that are very practical and easy to follow.
I am an author whose biggest struggle as a writer is the marketing of my books. I can attest that in The Next Best Seller, Tim Riordan hits the nail right on the head as far as addressing the real issues that make marketing a book so difficult. I found the information that he lays out throughout the book to be well organized and relevant to today’s marketplace. Established authors, as well as first-time authors, can each draw plenty of great information from this book. For the beginner, it’s perfect because Tim Riordan has given them a plan for success that is so clear and easy to follow that even newbie authors will be able to follow along and launch their book-writing career correctly. Authors who’ve been in the business for a while will also find many tips to help them break bad marketing habits and start new ones that have been proven successful by the experts. I found this book to be a wealth of good information. Authors would be wise to use it as a compass to get them off the road of marketing frustration and onto the road of marketing success.
The Next Best Seller by Tim Riordan is a roadmap to success for authors with a focus on the best ways to market their books. Tim is very open and honest about his own writing and marketing strategies, sharing what has worked for him and the many lessons that he’s learned along the way. The book covers all of the major categories of marketing including creating a market strategy, using social media, developing an email list, book launches, and maintaining book sales indefinitely. It’s filled with easy to understand explanations of how each kind of marketing works, along with step by step instructions that are very practical and easy to follow.
I am an author whose biggest struggle as a writer is the marketing of my books. I can attest that in The Next Best Seller, Tim Riordan hits the nail right on the head as far as addressing the real issues that make marketing a book so difficult. I found the information that he lays out throughout the book to be well organized and relevant to today’s marketplace. Established authors, as well as first-time authors, can each draw plenty of great information from this book. For the beginner, it’s perfect because Tim Riordan has given them a plan for success that is so clear and easy to follow that even newbie authors will be able to follow along and launch their book-writing career correctly. Authors who’ve been in the business for a while will also find many tips to help them break bad marketing habits and start new ones that have been proven successful by the experts. I found this book to be a wealth of good information. Authors would be wise to use it as a compass to get them off the road of marketing frustration and onto the road of marketing success.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-run-around&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KveCfRPVL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin is a romantic comedy covering the chaotic and amusing midlife crisis of Hope, an accountant-sometimes-wedding-planner. After managing to get her brother’s "thoroughbride," Amy, (a chronic runaway bride) down the aisle, Hope is unceremoniously smashed on the temple by an errant baseball during the wedding phot...){kind=link}
The Run Around
Bernadette Franklin
2020 Gold Medal
522 Pages
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Romance - Comedy
Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite
The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin is a romantic comedy covering the chaotic and amusing midlife crisis of Hope, an accountant-sometimes-wedding-planner. After managing to get her brother’s "thoroughbride," Amy, (a chronic runaway bride) down the aisle, Hope is unceremoniously smashed on the temple by an errant baseball during the wedding photographs, leaving her in the care of her brother’s best friend, Rick. While she is ensconced in the hospital, Rick asks Hope if she would be willing to plan his cousin’s wedding, to which Hope agrees. After the hospital stay, and her brother’s complete disregard for her help in getting Amy to be his wife, Hope uproots her life and moves to New York. Rick is recruited by her family to find out where she is and talk some sense into Hope, as she deals with outlandish wedding requests, a new job, and her feelings for Rick in the process.
I certainly have to say this novel was not what I expected it to be. Witty dialogue, some immensely memorable characters, and a brilliant romantic build-up kept me hooked from page one. I devoured this book in two days, only because I had to stop to eat, sleep, and do housework. Hope is a captivating character with a punchy sense of humor that Rick fed right into. My favorite characters, though, were the Carters, but you’ll have to read the book to find out why! I will definitely be looking for more books by this author, as she seamlessly wove together a story that would do the big screen proud. The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin will keep any romance fan entertained from page one.
The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin is a romantic comedy covering the chaotic and amusing midlife crisis of Hope, an accountant-sometimes-wedding-planner. After managing to get her brother’s "thoroughbride," Amy, (a chronic runaway bride) down the aisle, Hope is unceremoniously smashed on the temple by an errant baseball during the wedding photographs, leaving her in the care of her brother’s best friend, Rick. While she is ensconced in the hospital, Rick asks Hope if she would be willing to plan his cousin’s wedding, to which Hope agrees. After the hospital stay, and her brother’s complete disregard for her help in getting Amy to be his wife, Hope uproots her life and moves to New York. Rick is recruited by her family to find out where she is and talk some sense into Hope, as she deals with outlandish wedding requests, a new job, and her feelings for Rick in the process.
I certainly have to say this novel was not what I expected it to be. Witty dialogue, some immensely memorable characters, and a brilliant romantic build-up kept me hooked from page one. I devoured this book in two days, only because I had to stop to eat, sleep, and do housework. Hope is a captivating character with a punchy sense of humor that Rick fed right into. My favorite characters, though, were the Carters, but you’ll have to read the book to find out why! I will definitely be looking for more books by this author, as she seamlessly wove together a story that would do the big screen proud. The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin will keep any romance fan entertained from page one.
Recommend this book:
Scoring the Keeper's Sister
A Pro Soccer / Matchmaker / Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy (Mr. Match Book 1)
Delancey Stewart
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Comedy
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Scoring the Keeper's Sister is the first book in the Mr. Match series by Delancey Stewart. Erica was not expecting it when she was dumped by Andrew, her boyfriend who just happened to be a hand model. Now looking for love, she was surprised when her brother suggested Mr. Match, a dating app. However, when she was matched with Fernando “the Fire” Fuerte, she knew her luck was out to get her into trouble. He was a PR nightmare that she often had to handle as the representative for the Sharks. He might be a great player on the field, but he was not a man she would want to get romantically entangled with. He was a man who loved the chase and she was looking for something serious. However, a silly bet with her brother made her take the risk to make Fernando fall in love with her. The more time he spent with her, the more she started liking him. If she was not careful, she might be another victim to the Fire. Could she keep her heart in check to win a bet?
Scoring the Keeper's Sister by Delancey Stewart was flirty, hilarious, and too entertaining to put down. I loved the clichés and the surprises in the story. Erica and Fernando complemented each other well. He was the not-so-player player and she was the misinformed lady who was used to handling messes he created. At a glance, they were different but when I looked at them closely, they were very similar. They both loved with a fierceness that was at once as relatable as it was believable. They both were compassionate and they both loved to take care of people they liked. The pace was fast, it kept the story going and the plot was well thought out. I enjoyed how Erica and Fernando learned more about each other and how their feelings developed. It was not instant; they took their time and I got to enjoy their not-so-friendly banter in the meantime. This is entertainment at its best!
Scoring the Keeper's Sister is the first book in the Mr. Match series by Delancey Stewart. Erica was not expecting it when she was dumped by Andrew, her boyfriend who just happened to be a hand model. Now looking for love, she was surprised when her brother suggested Mr. Match, a dating app. However, when she was matched with Fernando “the Fire” Fuerte, she knew her luck was out to get her into trouble. He was a PR nightmare that she often had to handle as the representative for the Sharks. He might be a great player on the field, but he was not a man she would want to get romantically entangled with. He was a man who loved the chase and she was looking for something serious. However, a silly bet with her brother made her take the risk to make Fernando fall in love with her. The more time he spent with her, the more she started liking him. If she was not careful, she might be another victim to the Fire. Could she keep her heart in check to win a bet?
Scoring the Keeper's Sister by Delancey Stewart was flirty, hilarious, and too entertaining to put down. I loved the clichés and the surprises in the story. Erica and Fernando complemented each other well. He was the not-so-player player and she was the misinformed lady who was used to handling messes he created. At a glance, they were different but when I looked at them closely, they were very similar. They both loved with a fierceness that was at once as relatable as it was believable. They both were compassionate and they both loved to take care of people they liked. The pace was fast, it kept the story going and the plot was well thought out. I enjoyed how Erica and Fernando learned more about each other and how their feelings developed. It was not instant; they took their time and I got to enjoy their not-so-friendly banter in the meantime. This is entertainment at its best!
Recommend this book:
Inside the Sun
The 8th Island Trilogy, Book 3, A Novel
Alexis Marie Chute
2020 Gold Medal
400 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Inside the Sun: A Novel is the third book in the 8th Island Trilogy by Alexis Marie Chute. All the worlds are dying and there is nothing anyone can do about it except Ella, her mother Tessa, and her grandfather Archie. What started as a quest to save Ella is now a quest to save all the worlds. To save the worlds, Finnah the Star needs a key and she wants Ella to bring it. The way to salvation is not easy, enemies are coming at them from everywhere, and it is up to Ella, her family, and friends to defeat the villains to save it all.
The cover is gorgeous and fits well with the vibe of the story. It is bright and attention-grabbing, just like the story. This latest installment provides a stunning conclusion to the series and the author has done an incredible job of providing a cohesive story as well. The story itself is mesmerizing. You cannot help but feel a part of Ella’s struggles, Tessa’s desperation, and Archie’s determination. The descriptions are out of this world. The images are vivid, the characters are relatable and heroic yet not unapproachable, and the overall feel of Inside the Sun is magical. I love how Archie, Ella, and Tessa all have their quests and they get enough page space to give readers an ending. The glossary at the back is fantastic for first-time readers, but reading this fascinating yet incredibly hypnotic story in order is an experience unlike any other. Alexis Marie Chute deserves 5 stars and a lot more.
Inside the Sun: A Novel is the third book in the 8th Island Trilogy by Alexis Marie Chute. All the worlds are dying and there is nothing anyone can do about it except Ella, her mother Tessa, and her grandfather Archie. What started as a quest to save Ella is now a quest to save all the worlds. To save the worlds, Finnah the Star needs a key and she wants Ella to bring it. The way to salvation is not easy, enemies are coming at them from everywhere, and it is up to Ella, her family, and friends to defeat the villains to save it all.
The cover is gorgeous and fits well with the vibe of the story. It is bright and attention-grabbing, just like the story. This latest installment provides a stunning conclusion to the series and the author has done an incredible job of providing a cohesive story as well. The story itself is mesmerizing. You cannot help but feel a part of Ella’s struggles, Tessa’s desperation, and Archie’s determination. The descriptions are out of this world. The images are vivid, the characters are relatable and heroic yet not unapproachable, and the overall feel of Inside the Sun is magical. I love how Archie, Ella, and Tessa all have their quests and they get enough page space to give readers an ending. The glossary at the back is fantastic for first-time readers, but reading this fascinating yet incredibly hypnotic story in order is an experience unlike any other. Alexis Marie Chute deserves 5 stars and a lot more.
Recommend this book:
As The World Falls Down
From the ashes of the old world, something new is rising...
Katy Nicholas
2020 Silver Medal
410 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
As The World Falls Down is a work of science fiction penned by author Katy Nicholas, focused on survival in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world: “From the ashes of the old world, something new is rising...” Our focus is set on a wipeout situation after a mysterious plague kills nearly the whole of humanity. Halley Clarke is a survivor, and when she ventures out and finds Nate Reynolds, she realizes that they can’t have survived without good reason. The virus has changed them both, with instincts and voices they never knew before. Together, they desire the truth of this new world, but it may be the very thing that tears them apart.
Accessible to teen audiences and up for its non-graphic content, author Katy Nicholas has created a highly engaging science fiction and dystopian tale with lots to offer. The backstory of the destruction of humanity is well played out with plenty of excellent detail and thought-out construction, and the strange new world that Nate and Halley embark on is beautifully atmospheric, thanks to the author’s descriptive techniques. The novel is as much a mystery plot as it is a survival tale, and the encounters of the plot structure have a slow but satisfying feel to them as we work towards uncovering the mysteries of the virus, its true effects on people, and what the future of Earth may be. Overall, As The World Falls Down is a great read, recommended for fans of dystopian adventure and mystery tales in unusual settings.
As The World Falls Down is a work of science fiction penned by author Katy Nicholas, focused on survival in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world: “From the ashes of the old world, something new is rising...” Our focus is set on a wipeout situation after a mysterious plague kills nearly the whole of humanity. Halley Clarke is a survivor, and when she ventures out and finds Nate Reynolds, she realizes that they can’t have survived without good reason. The virus has changed them both, with instincts and voices they never knew before. Together, they desire the truth of this new world, but it may be the very thing that tears them apart.
Accessible to teen audiences and up for its non-graphic content, author Katy Nicholas has created a highly engaging science fiction and dystopian tale with lots to offer. The backstory of the destruction of humanity is well played out with plenty of excellent detail and thought-out construction, and the strange new world that Nate and Halley embark on is beautifully atmospheric, thanks to the author’s descriptive techniques. The novel is as much a mystery plot as it is a survival tale, and the encounters of the plot structure have a slow but satisfying feel to them as we work towards uncovering the mysteries of the virus, its true effects on people, and what the future of Earth may be. Overall, As The World Falls Down is a great read, recommended for fans of dystopian adventure and mystery tales in unusual settings.
Recommend this book:
Memories of the Future
My 2020 Vision
David W. Loomis
2020 Finalist
366 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Memories of the Future: My 2020 Vision is a work of fiction in the science fiction, time travel, and interplanetary adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author David W. Loomis. Written for a generally mature audience, there are some small instances of violence and sexual references, but it is largely non-graphic. The two central characters are grandfather Eon and his grandson Quinn, who find themselves embroiled in a quest to save the planet when the evil fallen angel Dogod begins an onslaught through the universe. As Eon and Quinn travel on, so begins a journey to discover the dark heart of greed, and to spread the power of love.
Author David W. Loomis has crafted a fantastic adventure novel with plenty of amazing universal vistas, foreign planets to explore and amazing twists and turns in the plot. Fans of traditional blockbuster sci-fi adventures will appreciate the spirit of the novel, which is deeply inspired by a love and appreciation for life and the planet we have. The time travel concepts are well planned and well organized within the plot to provide plenty of opportunities for adventure, and the characters have a great emotional bond and common ideals that keep us invested in them as the story unfolds more. I also felt that the dialogue was particularly poignant in getting those underlying messages across. Overall, I would highly recommend Memories of the Future: My 2020 Vision for fans of science fiction and time travel: an action-packed novel with an emotive, effective message at its heart.
Memories of the Future: My 2020 Vision is a work of fiction in the science fiction, time travel, and interplanetary adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author David W. Loomis. Written for a generally mature audience, there are some small instances of violence and sexual references, but it is largely non-graphic. The two central characters are grandfather Eon and his grandson Quinn, who find themselves embroiled in a quest to save the planet when the evil fallen angel Dogod begins an onslaught through the universe. As Eon and Quinn travel on, so begins a journey to discover the dark heart of greed, and to spread the power of love.
Author David W. Loomis has crafted a fantastic adventure novel with plenty of amazing universal vistas, foreign planets to explore and amazing twists and turns in the plot. Fans of traditional blockbuster sci-fi adventures will appreciate the spirit of the novel, which is deeply inspired by a love and appreciation for life and the planet we have. The time travel concepts are well planned and well organized within the plot to provide plenty of opportunities for adventure, and the characters have a great emotional bond and common ideals that keep us invested in them as the story unfolds more. I also felt that the dialogue was particularly poignant in getting those underlying messages across. Overall, I would highly recommend Memories of the Future: My 2020 Vision for fans of science fiction and time travel: an action-packed novel with an emotive, effective message at its heart.
Recommend this book:
The Colonel and The Enchantress
An Enchantress Novel Book 4
Paullett Golden
2020 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
The Colonel and The Enchantress by Paullett Golden is the fourth in her An Enchantress Novels series. Lady Mary Mowbrah waits faithfully for years for her sweetheart to return from the war, rejecting every suitor her mother attempts to shove her way. Duncan Starrett returns as a Colonel and a Baronet, but he also comes back with a battle-worn body and doubts about his future. The love they shared before the war has become more of a fantasy as they realize they have each changed in the past five years. Mary never doubted her devotion to Duncan, but she sees a different man now. His body is much more chiseled, but he lacks the carefree attitude that she loved. Duncan has seen the worst of men, and now he doubts if his low standing in society and crippled body are what Mary deserves in life, though he has been nothing but loyal to her. Will they both be able to set aside their personal baggage and stubborn attitudes for a chance at a love they have waited for?
Paullett Golden isn’t afraid to weave complex family matters into her historical romance, The Colonel and The Enchantress. The characters face the reality of recurring health issues that aren’t often seen in novels. The author’s strong points are her ability to reveal the vulnerability of her characters while showing you how they work through their differences. Though there are many sensual scenes within the novel, the characters develop a deeper love that overlooks the physical aspects of their relationship. This novel heralds the men that represent honor and bravery while showing a humbleness rarely seen. The women are strong and resourceful, yet know what they want. I look forward to reading more from Golden; she is an author that shows great promise in the historical romance genre.
The Colonel and The Enchantress by Paullett Golden is the fourth in her An Enchantress Novels series. Lady Mary Mowbrah waits faithfully for years for her sweetheart to return from the war, rejecting every suitor her mother attempts to shove her way. Duncan Starrett returns as a Colonel and a Baronet, but he also comes back with a battle-worn body and doubts about his future. The love they shared before the war has become more of a fantasy as they realize they have each changed in the past five years. Mary never doubted her devotion to Duncan, but she sees a different man now. His body is much more chiseled, but he lacks the carefree attitude that she loved. Duncan has seen the worst of men, and now he doubts if his low standing in society and crippled body are what Mary deserves in life, though he has been nothing but loyal to her. Will they both be able to set aside their personal baggage and stubborn attitudes for a chance at a love they have waited for?
Paullett Golden isn’t afraid to weave complex family matters into her historical romance, The Colonel and The Enchantress. The characters face the reality of recurring health issues that aren’t often seen in novels. The author’s strong points are her ability to reveal the vulnerability of her characters while showing you how they work through their differences. Though there are many sensual scenes within the novel, the characters develop a deeper love that overlooks the physical aspects of their relationship. This novel heralds the men that represent honor and bravery while showing a humbleness rarely seen. The women are strong and resourceful, yet know what they want. I look forward to reading more from Golden; she is an author that shows great promise in the historical romance genre.
Recommend this book:
The Studio
Judith Erwin
2020 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Character-driven and cleverly plotted, The Studio by Judith Erwin is a suspenseful romance that follows two rock-solid characters as they encounter each other, each of the two carrying a hidden pain. Kaci is still disturbed by the tragedy that spoiled her career and now she runs her own ballet studio. When Commander Matt Emerson comes to enroll his five daughters on an ordinary day, all that Kaci wants is to get the registration completed as she looks forward to her next class. But she soon develops a fondness for the children that pulls the single father into her orbit. Can she replace the mother and wife who disappeared from the life of this man and his children?
There is a lot to love in this novel. First, the characters are strong and real. Matthew Emerson is a naval aviator and son of a U.S. admiral and a man who can't stop blaming his wife's disappearance on himself. Being a single parent is another experience that doesn't come easily for him. Kaci has her own share of pain and running her studio is what has kept her going. The story starts simply and the emotional depth grows through each page. The elements of the setting are beautifully written in such a way that it is easy to imagine the locales and the places in which the action happens. The writing is stellar and I loved how the intelligently written dialogues deepen plot and character. Judith Erwin deftly uses suspense to keep readers engaged. This is a fast-paced, emotionally rich, and hugely entertaining read with a delightful ending.
Character-driven and cleverly plotted, The Studio by Judith Erwin is a suspenseful romance that follows two rock-solid characters as they encounter each other, each of the two carrying a hidden pain. Kaci is still disturbed by the tragedy that spoiled her career and now she runs her own ballet studio. When Commander Matt Emerson comes to enroll his five daughters on an ordinary day, all that Kaci wants is to get the registration completed as she looks forward to her next class. But she soon develops a fondness for the children that pulls the single father into her orbit. Can she replace the mother and wife who disappeared from the life of this man and his children?
There is a lot to love in this novel. First, the characters are strong and real. Matthew Emerson is a naval aviator and son of a U.S. admiral and a man who can't stop blaming his wife's disappearance on himself. Being a single parent is another experience that doesn't come easily for him. Kaci has her own share of pain and running her studio is what has kept her going. The story starts simply and the emotional depth grows through each page. The elements of the setting are beautifully written in such a way that it is easy to imagine the locales and the places in which the action happens. The writing is stellar and I loved how the intelligently written dialogues deepen plot and character. Judith Erwin deftly uses suspense to keep readers engaged. This is a fast-paced, emotionally rich, and hugely entertaining read with a delightful ending.
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