Beauty in the Breakdown by Beth Childress

Beauty in the Breakdown by Beth Childress

Beauty in the Breakdown by Beth Childress

Synopsis:

You don’t have to hide anymore … there is hope. I had secrets … so many secrets … and they were corroding my inner being. How could I keep living in so much shame – shame that forced me to hide behind the masks that I constructed; masks that started as a mere screen to diffuse my inner pain then grew thicker until I had no idea who I really was. Every day became a masquerade.

Hating who I was, who I had become, I concealed the complexity of my mental illness in just about every way imaginable. But one day, I began searching for answers as to why I had run so far away from the person I once knew and actually liked: myself.

Beauty in the Breakdown is written for those I haven’t met but whose struggles I’ve likely encountered through the stories of others I have met – some of whose suffering has reached life-threatening depths.

It’s hard to face the truth, to look into the mirror and see who you really are. However, this book will offer real hope to do just that. By sharing my struggles, torments, fears and ultimate breakthrough, my hope is that you – or someone you know – will find solace, strength and courage to step outside of your own “hideouts” and to step out from behind your masks. Doing so will help you or a loved one become the person you/they were truly meant to be.

Welcome to my journey.

Review:

Beauty in the Breakdown is a heartbreaking, yet inspiring story of the author’s, Beth Childress, personal passage and discovery of her mental illness and her journey to wholeness. In her telling book, she talks about learning of the root causes, such as: psychological, spiritual, emotional, moral and even physical issues and more, which all contributed to her mental illness. After living as a Christian for ten years, Beth made a decision that was contrary to her spiritual beliefs and it caused her to have a mental breakdown. She then filled the void with damaging things and undertakings and made bad choices, all of which became her new god. Because she was now living in direct contrast to her inner beliefs, and held many secrets, she spiraled downward and began to isolate herself. But, even though it was a terrible time in her life, she eventually discovered herself, her faith and her God again. Through her experiences, she affirms that there is truly an unspeakable Beauty in The Breakdown. Hers is a story of suffering, deceit and mental anguish and finally to, emotional stability and completeness, leading to peace and joy.

Beauty in the Breakdown is the story of one woman’s journey from mental illness to reconnecting with God and ultimately becoming mentally and emotionally whole again. It truly is inspirational as she encourages others and lends compassion and understanding to those who are suffering themselves. She talks about the complexities of mental illness and offers much hope to those in need. Having experienced the hardship of a broken life and mind, and met with recovery for herself, she now has the knowledge and insights to help others. This book is also about the many people she encountered that helped her in many ways. These stories are interesting and very eye-opening.

With empathy and concern for people who are living a life of shame, pain and despair, Beth Childress sheds light and helps others to understand that they are not alone and that there is hope, especially with God. She shares her own anguish, struggles and fears, all the way, to her ensuing breakthrough. Her sincere desire is that others will realize and find comfort, strength and boldness to come out from their hiding places and unshed their masks and ultimately become the person they were meant to be. Beth Childress takes readers by the hand and becomes a true friend and compassionate mentor.

She is a gifted writer, a mental health advocate, a little quirky and has an ear that listens to those who are suffering. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends this impactful book, and I truly believe that Beauty in the Breakdown, will help the many people that are struggling with mental illness and break the cycle of destructive behaviors they sometimes have.

Purchase Beauty in the Breakdown @Amazon Here

It’s Just Your Imagination by Revital Shiri-Horowitz

It’s Just Your Imagination: Growing Up with a Narcissistic Mother – Insights of a Personal Journey by Revital Shiri-Horowitz

Synopsis:

Pinnacle Award Winning “It`s Just Your Imagination” is the book you want to read when you are looking to find some answers: Have you always sensed something wasn’t quite right in your life, but couldn’t pinpoint the cause? Have you always felt controlled and manipulated by those closest to you? Were you raised by a mother whose main priority was set on herself? Were you constantly told by that mother, “It`s only your imagination” when you questioned her?

If the answer is yes, then this is the book you want to read. “Your mother will always love you, no matter what.” “Whatever you do, your mother will always be on your side.” We’ve all heard these phrases about motherhood. If this describes the mother you grew up with, then count yourself as one of the lucky ones and read this book to learn more about narcissism. If not, this book can help you. It can also help your loved ones understand you and your emotional state. It`s Just Your Imagination explores what it’s like to grow up with a mother who insists on putting herself at the center of every situation. This book gives you the tools to live a pain-free life if you were raised by a narcissistic mother. This first-hand account of my personal journey offers a vicarious understanding of maternal narcissism and its implications. With the aid of supporting psychological studies, you will learn how you, too, can overcome the challenges of growing up in a household driven by narcissism. It`s Just Your Imagination was my mother’s mantra throughout my life. Whenever I confronted her about her abusive and manipulative behavior toward me, she always had the same response: “It’s just your imagination.” If this sounds familiar, I invite you to join me on the journey through grief, loss, understanding, and forgiveness, and to find the healing and personal strength that awaits us at the end of the path.

Review:

It’s Just Your Imagination by Revital Shiri-Horowitz is a touching story of the author’s own life growing up with a narcissistic and selfish mother. It details her experiences and reveals her own, very personal and private, revelations and confessions. Her journey from being broken and damaged, to healing and recovery, is a remarkable story that everyone must read.

Revital Shiri-Horowitz is an incredible writer and woman that has suffered much pain and distress. With tedious determination to heal from, the unavoidable, harm and devastation placed upon her by a narcissistic mother, she has now become a compassionate and successful woman. This book is extremely inspiring and will help other women that are daughters of narcissistic mothers. It will enable them to search out help, and do the important work required, to go from despair and dysfunction to hope, wholeness and joy.

Recognizing the narcissistic person can be difficult, but Revital explains it well and emphasizes that a child knows when there is something wrong. Their mother doesn’t support them, and instead, it’s all about the mother and her own selfish needs. I grew up with a narcissistic mother, myself, and could relate to this entire book. I was able to glean from it and had many “ah-ha” moments while reading it. It has given me the courage, knowledge and understanding that I need to confront my own issues, and desire to work through them to become whole, strong and happy.

Written with sensitivity and emotion, Revital, opens her heart in hopes to help others. I commend her for her honesty and ability to enlighten readers. She brings the knowledge, steps and tips to overcome the effects from being raised by a narcissistic mother, and to guide others as adults and parents.

With courage and strength, she has shared her journey of growth with the world and exposed many secrets and personal sufferings. This book must have been hard to write and I thank her for doing so. It is a subject that needs to come to light and will give inspiration and hope to so many. The ideas and discussions expressed are intelligent, clear and concise and is clearly based on much research. But it is accompanied by the author’s telling of her own aching and painful memories which led me to tears and sorrow at many points.

I believe, It’s Just Your Imagination, is a must read for everyone because it will give light to our own behavior towards others and our children. It will help those who have suffered from the words and actions of a narcissistic parent. It’s not just in your head, it is really happening. Highly recommended by Artisan Book Reviews!

Purchase It’s Just Your Imagination @Amazon

Something To Be Brave For by Priscilla Bennett

Something To Be Brave For by Priscilla Bennett

Synopsis:

SOMETHING TO BE BRAVE FOR tells the sometimes tender yet often harrowing story of abuse and of a woman’s resilience and courage, a tale that culminates in the triumph of self-discovery.

Review:

Something To Be Brave For by Priscilla Bennett is an eye-opening realistic look at domestic abuse. Whether physical or mental abuse, the victim feels trapped and unable to escape. In this novel we have Katie Giraud who lives a privileged life among the rich and affluent society. However, Katie’s life is not what it appears on the surface. Married to a prominent plastic surgeon whom everyone adores, Katie is constantly under the control of her husband. He physically abuses her on a continual basis while beating her senseless.

His charm and friendliness toward other people stops at the door when he enters the beautiful home that he and Katie share with their young daughter, Rose. While battling for her survival, without the support of friends and family, will Katie ultimately escape the fear and abuse, come to self-discovery and free herself from her abusive husband?

The story begins with some tragic events, but then author, Priscilla Bennett, neatly gives readers a look at the lovely love affair and marriage to the handsome young man and doctor, intent on an idyllic beautiful life together. Eventually her adoring husband, Claude, changes and turns into a monster with a serious mental illness issue. The author reminds and brings attention to readers on how such acts can go on without notice, repercussions or help for the victims.

This story will interest and help anyone who has been in their own fight to free themselves from mental or physical enslavement and violence. With an innate desire to help women that experience abuse at the hand of their spouse or someone close to them, Priscilla Bennett has woven together a thought-provoking, compelling and educational story that readers will appreciate and learn from.

Something To Be Brave For is not for the faint of heart. Filled with episodes of the horrors of attacks and the abuse perpetrated on the victim, it is also full of hope, inspiration and tenderness. Author, Priscilla Bennett is a retired emergency room nurse and relates that abuse has no confines and can occur in all walks of life. Her goal is to bring to light the atrocious cruelties of this continuing and rampant problem that we have in society- behind closed doors. Through her writing, she aims to give women a voice and to help them escape and heal.

This novel is remarkable, engaging and enlightening. Many women will identify with it and others will become more aware of the ongoing issue of domestic violence and hopefully reach out to those in need of help. It is written well with the author’s message and voice clearly heard. This is a must read story that I couldn’t put down. It is a sensitive and important subject, and Chick Lit Cafecommends Priscilla Bennett for addressing it and caring so much as to write  Something To Be Brave For.

Purchase Something To Be Brave For by Priscilla Bennett @Amazon Here

Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati

Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati

Synopsis:

The very first eating lifestyle book to tell you to Just Eat; have your ice cream, burgers and still look good whilst feeling light. In this book, the author shares her twelve-month success in liberating herself from thirty years of yo-yo roller coaster diets. She takes us through her journey of achieving health and fitness goals by adopting the Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle. Rachel also discusses various principles and recommendations of Intermittent Fasting protocols as well as how emotions can affect our eating patterns.

Review:

Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati is a wonderfully informative

Self-help book on how to implement and live the intermittent fasting lifestyle. After trying many programs, eating plans and various dieting products, Rachel Nekati was tired of the never ending cycle of failure and despair. Then she discovered intermittent fasting which offered new hope and promise to her weight loss journey. She has discovered a lasting way to keep the weight off, be healthier and have more clarity and energy. She shares about the science based method that helps to keep her on track.

Rachel Nekati shares all of this knowledge, and much more, in her excellent book, Just Eat, which will help others to learn new skills and help change people’s lives in a major and positive way.

With intermittent fasting, there is no counting calories, no weighing food, no diet pills, no protein shakes and no excessive exercise. Intermittent fasting is simply a way of deliberately cycling between eating and then not eating. Feasting and fasting. Rachel Nekati states that it will make you slimmer, healthier and happier. Some of the other benefits and health issues that were greatly improved for Rachel include: normalizing blood pressure, curing body inflammations, improving Insulin sensitivity, improving her eye sight and clearer and glowing skin

It has not only worked for her, but in her book there are many testimonials of people that have adopted the feast and fast method that have had great success with weight loss. They state that they are more energetic and satisfied. She also, extensively, discusses the important and common issue of emotional eating.

Just Eat has a wealth of knowledge in it. It is filled with tips and ways to implement the intermittent fasting lifestyle. If you are sick of the diet roller coaster and want a simple realistic way of losing weight, gaining more energy and living an overall healthier life, then get a copy of her fabulous book. Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati, will revolutionize and change your life. Highly recommended by Artisan Book Reviews.

Purchase Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati @Amazon Here

Speak of the Devil (Speaking in Tungs Book 2) by Karla M. Jay

Speak of the Devil (Speaking in Tungs Book 2) by Karla M. Jay

Synopsis:

Marleigh Benning thinks she’s mastered being a home speech therapist in the most remote region of Pennsylvania… and that the steep learning curve is behind her. But in Speak of the Devil further surprises await around the next bend, as her six unpredictable clients throw her for another loop; her relationship with local fireman, Lawyer, heats up to alarm-level arson; and she discovers why her birth parents went underground. The biggest danger Marleigh faces as she traverses the rolling, verdant terrain, going house by house to improve speech and articulation, is her inadvertent entanglement in a clandestine heroin operation.

Review:

Speak of the Devil is the fabulous sequel to Karla M. Jay’s book, “Speaking in Tungs.” In it we have Marleigh Benning, a compassionate and caring speech pathologist. Readers follow Marleigh on her adventures in rural Pennsylvania where she has recently moved to from San Francisco, California. Out of her element, but determined to make it work, her new caseload gives her a run for her money as her, sometimes, ill-tempered patients occasionally try to thwart her. But, she always remains kind and gives them her best with her utmost dedication. Besides her quirky patients, she has a lot going on with her daily life. Her romance with the hot fireman, Lawyer, is heating up. She continues the search for her parents and finds out about a possible witness protection connection. She winds up right smack dab in the middle of another mystery that threatens her life. Her life is complicated, yet rewarding. But more than that, she is in serious danger.

Karla M. Jay has hit it out of the park with her latest book, Speak of the Devil. With lovable fun characters and great descriptive writing, what’s not to love about her books? With never a dull moment, I was completely caught up in the mystery and suspense, and Jay writes it so well. The characters are so real and endearing that I fully connected with them in a passionate way. I was drawn in with amusement by the sincerity and humor of the characters with their flaws and strengths.

The detailed writing held me captive and I fell in love with the rural setting in small town Pennsylvania, The townspeople and setting had my imaginary senses soaring. This really is a fabulous story with a sensational storyline and plot. With an unpredictable outcome, Karla M. Jayhas woven together a unique and original novel that readers will revel in. She writes with flawless capability that has a mix of mystery, comedy, excitement and emotion. The suspense is permeating and had me on the edge of my seat. What a truly amazing novel is Speak of the Devil. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends this captivating book. Buy it and be glad you did.

Purchase Speak of the Devil by Karla M. Jay @Amazon Here

When I Was a Child: I Was Always Afraid – Michael Cascio

When I Was a Child: I Was Always Afraid – Michael Cascio

Synopsis:

Are you afraid when you go to bed? This book will put good thoughts in your head.

Review:

When I Was a Child: I Was Always Afraid by Michael Cascio is a wonderful children’s book about conquering fear. The book talks about many things that even adults have been afraid of. – unexplainable noises coming from other rooms, lurking spooky shadows, monsters under the bed, scary silhouettes and sounds of trees, and sometimes thunder, outside the window, Children’s minds can get carried away with imagining all kinds of horrifying things. Thankfully, Michael Cascio has thoughtfully addressed the problem by writing an excellent little book for children to learn how to overcome and face their fears.

In When I Was a Child: I Was Always Afraid, we have a little boy that is dealing with the issue of fear. His devoted father takes him by the hand and together they explore the house with the lights on and see that there is nothing scary there. They look under the bed, and surprise, they find lost toys – no monsters. They go outside and look at the beautiful tree and its branches. That is all it was, just a tree. The boy is relieved, and by examining the things he was afraid of, he faced his feelings of fear and conquered them.

The father’s wisdom and willingness to help his child is an important message to parents. Children need to be able to approach their parents and talk about their emotions and fears. By not brushing off his son’s fear by just saying, “there is nothing to be afraid of,” he actively and lovingly helped his son in a real tangible way by showing him that what the boy feared was just normal things around the house. He taught him how to put good thoughts in his head when he became afraid.

This book is written in poetry form with delightful rhyming verses that flow beautifully. The illustrations are vivid and irresistible, as they show the emotion behind them. They start out a bit darker in the beginning, but as the pages are turned they are lit up and cheerful. A perfect depiction of what fear looks like to a child, without being too frightening. The characters in the pictures are actually cute and winsome.

This is a timeless book that should be in libraries, and on every child’s bookshelf, to be read to at bedtime to diminish any fears. Praise for Michael Cascio’s, When I Was a Child: I Was Always Afraid.Get a copy for every child in your life. They will be comforted, delighted and inspired.

Purchase When I Was a Child: I Was Always Afraid @Amazon Here

Reviewed by Artisan Book Reviews

The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis

The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis

Synopsis:

Lily Chaidee was never at home with herself, her family, or her geography, and as a hybrid-Asian growing up in the Texas Panhandle during the 1960’s, she was ill-equipped to face the challenges that would inevitably come. Amarillo, an inhospitable place for an ethnically diverse family, was only part of the problem. Mental illness, sexual predation, addiction, and hypocrisy lay formidable difficulties in her path. But Lily was smart, and smart people often find ways to triumph over horrific circumstances. Even if she could claim her joy, sometimes the worst enemy dwells within. Lily must seek her peace and her place in order to rise above the things that bind her.

Review:

The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis is described by the author as her pseudo-autobiography and tells the life story of Lily Chaidee. Born to a mentally unstable white mother and an emotionally unavailable Thai father, she was frequently subjected to racial abuse as well as emotional and physical abuse and struggled to find love anywhere she could, the latter leading her on a downward path of self-destruction. The toxic love from those closest to her resulted in her shutting down her feelings and closing her heart and her body to the appalling things that she was subjected to. Unable to resurrect emotions that over the years she had buried deep within her, Lily unwittingly finds herself becoming a duplicate of her mother. It takes a long period of self-evaluation, numerous mistakes, imprudent decisions, and heart-wrenching experiences before Lily is able to rise above her past and become what she perceives as a perfect mother to her children.

Unfortunately, without realizing until it was too late, Lily discovers that her actions destroy all that she has held dear, and she loses those she loves the most. It takes ill-health and the onset of her senior years for Lily to reflect on her life, to realize where she had put her own needs above those of her children, and to see how her past had dictated her future.

The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis is an incredible personal account of growing up in the 1960’s and 1970’s when racism in Texas was rife, and drug abuse an everyday occurrence. The author, Lily Lewis, writes beautifully, full of emotion even when she recounts the darkest times. She has a wonderful command of the written word, with descriptive phrases that resonate with the reader, such as ‘depression followed me like a shadow’ when struggling to find the positive side of every negative, and referring to herself as a ‘ghost hoarder’ when focusing on the many people and things that haunt her from the past. I found the whole book to be a compelling read, and I know it will be a story that will stay with me for a long time. Such was the skill of writing that I felt a personal attachment to Lily, even empathizing when she made blatant mistakes and acted inappropriately, or made decisions that would clearly end in disaster.

In the current social landscape with a growing awareness of sexual improprieties and misogyny and deep-seated racism and hypocrisy, the themes of the book demonstrate that these problems have always been there, hiding in plain sight. The marginalization that young Lily experiences along with other forms of exploitation only go to show that beneath the friendly Texas hospitality dwells a sinister side.

I have rarely felt such strong feelings for an author, and I commend Lily Lewis for conveying every conceivable emotion with exquisite prose in a gripping and heart-wrenching story.

Reviewed by Jane Finch for Chick Lit Cafe

Purchase The Last Mermaid Princess @Amazon Here

Watch the Book Trailer of The Last Mermaid Princess by Lily Lewis

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford

Synopsis:

Wrong place, right time? A starbeing was supposed to travel light-years across the universe to help humanity by working in Washington, D.C.–but she accidentally lands in a small Kansas town in the body of Missy. Join her on this whimsical journey as she discovers the beauty of life and love on Earth.

Author Ann Crawford’s trademark optimism brings us a witty and wise book filled with memorable characters and insights into what makes us all so very human.

Review:

Fresh off the Starship is a wonderful and fun chick lit style book with a spin on science fiction.

Missy, a young woman is not human, but instead she is a glorious being from a distant galaxy light years away. From Andromeda, she is headed to earth-to be precise-to aid humans and the people of earth in whatever way she can. However, her ship takes a turn and she winds up in Kansas instead. As she is waking up, she can hear the voices of the humans talking to her. But, the voices sound so strange to her and not like the English she had learned in her studies. She is in Kansas now and they definitely speak with an accent. Instead of reaching humans on a grander degree, Missy is now stuck in Kansas living life like a human. She is determined to complete her assignment even though she is in small-town Kansas. Readers follow Missy on her adventure to help humanity discover the beauty of nature and the world around us.

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford is a light, warm-hearted book that readers will revel in and certainly appreciate. It is highly entertaining and full of wit and charm. It is intelligent and fun at the same time. It is written with a clear concise voice with a message that we humans need to hear. I was fully engaged from the very first chapter, as this book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

This honestly is a beautiful story from an extremely gifted writer. With fluently penned prose and a captivating romantic storyline and plot, Ann Crawford gives readers a one of a kind tale. We have a strong, rather bewildered heroine to be inspired by and a cast full of colorful characters. They are well developed and fleshed out with strengths and weaknesses we all can relate to. I loved Missy-she is a genuine character who had me thinking, making this a very thought-provoking book. Readers are reminded that life is beautiful and much more brilliant than we perceive.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fresh off the Starship and savored every word. Ann Crawford aptly has a flair for writing descriptive words that put the reader right on the scene, watching on as the story unfolds. I could visualize the entire setting and Missy’s unique take on things. This is a book that I would highly recommend to lovers of chick lit, science fiction, adventure and even fantasy lovers. The compelling ending is wonderful and completely satisfying.

Praise for Fresh off the Starship, a page turner and one of the best books I have read in a long time. Pick up your copy and be delighted and inspired.

Reviewed by Artisan Book Reviews

Purchase Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford @Amazon Here

Immortals’ Requiem - Vincent Bobbe - Book Review

Immortals’ Requiem Vincent Bobbe

Grimdark Fantasy: Speculative fiction

There are beings that live a shadow’s breadth from our reality…

They are the dreams and nightmares of humanity, the ancient seeds of fairy-tale and superstition. These are the Immortals, creatures of magic that should live forever… and they are fading.

When a horror two thousand years dead returns to contemporary England, creatures long thought lost to myth and legend collide in a scramble for survival that could tumble civilization back into the dark ages of blood and death.

Immortals’ Requiem is a Tolkienesque grimdark fantasy based in both a modern day city and vast supernatural worlds. If you like the idea of a drunken elf with a shotgun, an ancient warrior with a chainsaw and a whole host of violent supernatural beings you’ll love this gritty Amazon Number 1 Bestseller.

Buy Immortals’ Requiem to lose yourself in this epic award winning dark fantasy adventure today!

Review:

Immortals’ Requiem by Vincent Bobbe is a wild fantastical ride in a horrific setting filled with creatures made of nightmares. This is a story that is so terrifying that I could barely read it, and definitely couldn’t put it down. The characters in this book range from mortals to monsters of every kind. They are immortals waging war against one another and it is one scary battle. Characters are being killed off and blood is everywhere.

There are several plot lines that come together like an intricate puzzle. It flows nicely, is easy to follow along and keep up with the pace – which is extremely fast. Told in the third person of the different creatures, I found it to be extraordinary that the author could pull it off the way he did. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is perfect for those that love great storytelling coupled with dark minded, frightening creatures that are relentless and blood thirsty.

The world building in this otherworldly book is nothing less than brilliant. Vincent Bobbe has created vivid scenes, situations and locations full of supernatural beings, vampires, elves, shapeshifters, fairies, zombies, giants, etc. He has taken the fae world and put it all into one outstanding book. I felt like I was there watching on as the story unfolded. His descriptive writing had me on the scene, and Immortals’ Requiem is unlike anything I have ever read.

With a hand full of major characters, we follow along as the story unfolds in modern day England. The characters are complex and well developed. For a dark fantasy, they are extremely believable and realistic. Because of the masterful way this book is written, the entire story is believable and realistic. The characters are not without emotion, and the book brought up feelings that were relatable to me. It is a violent and graphic novel with an original premise and idea. Vincent Bobbe has won this reader over and Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends Immortals’ Requiem by Vincent Bobbe to all lovers of grimdark fantasy and horror.

Purchase Immortals’ Requiem @Amazon Here

The Side Job by Don Lubov - Book Review

The Side Job by Don Lubov

Synopsis:

This is the story of Maggie Gomez — an unwed, unskilled mother of a sickly daughter. She lives a hardscrabble life on the underside of Las Vegas. As her daughter’s health deteriorates, Maggie’s need for money for an operation skyrockets. Maggie was vulnerable and defeated early in life. Her long-suppressed strength blossoms and Maggie becomes “La Femme Nikita”. As Maggie gets more involved with her loan shark boss and his crew, her world begins to spiral out of control. Her simultaneous involvement with a gangster and the detective investigating him turns her life into a soap opera of emotions. She must figure out how to escape her underworld life, protect her daughter, and live happily ever after.

Review

Gritty, rich and captivating!

The Side Job by Don Lubov follows Maggie Gomez, a young mother who is trying to save the life of her daughter. She is powerless, weak, impoverished and desperate for money. She ends up becoming involved with a loan shark, who becomes her boss. Things quickly get out of control and Maggie is in over her head. She is personally involved with the detective that is investigating the gangster who she is also involved with. Things are complicated and Maggie’s life is an emotional rollercoaster. Will she rise above her complex problems and figure out a way to free herself and keep her relationship while saving her young daughter’s life? You must buy this extraordinary book to find out.

The Side Job is an interesting, captivating, quick read that had me fully engaged from the very first chapter. It is an especially remarkable page-turner that readers won’t be able to put down.  As readers dive into the bottom and barren side of Las Vegas, they are thrust into a story that they will soon not forget. Maggie Gomez is poor and powerless and lives an unproductive, desolate life. She turns to crime to gain money and save her young daughter’s life. Over time, readers watch as she evolves and becomes a strong unbeatable woman. This is a fantastic story written with grit, rich with emotion and filled with passion. Readers will feel the desperation in this young mother’s life. Her love for her child is so strong and her despair so deep it caused me to totally relate to the things she did to save her six year old’s life.

I totally connected with the unimaginable characters in The Side Job. They are unusual and well developed and completely relatable to and real. The main character starts out as a weak, poor young mother, but eventually, she transforms into a strong and powerful woman. This story is written well, with the characters being fully fleshed out – they are real and human.

The descriptive writing really captured me and had me on the scene watching on with intensity as the story progressed. The Side Job takes readers on a trip to the dark side of life and keeps them there for the entire read. The smart dialogue between the characters is extremely impressive. Don Lubov is an intelligent, creative writer and his book, The Side Job, is a unique, original piece of fiction. Chick Lit Cafe fully recommends this book to all readers, and especially to those that like gritty smart reads.

Purchase The Side Job by Don Lubov @Amazon Here

Six Months - Mona Sedrak - Book Review

Six Months by Mona Sedrak

Synopsis:

For twenty years, Mikala Jacobson had it all: loyal friends, a precious little girl, and a man who adores her. Then double tragedy strikes and her perfect world shatters.

Good friends, Rena and Jake are instantly by her side, protecting her from her husband David’s sordid secret life and his final drunken confession.

With their help, Mikala finds strength to rebuild and redefine her life. As her spirit and heart heal, she not only finds closure, but the beauty of a new love built upon an old friendship.

Review:

Mikala Jacobson is a wife and mother that has a beautiful fulfilling life, having everything she has ever desired. But then, tragedy strikes when her daughter is killed in a car crash. Mikala is devastated and stricken with grief. She must find the strength to rise above, carry on and survive. Mikala had everything, a loving husband, a beautiful daughter and close loyal friends.  What was once the perfect life, now seems to be left in ruins. Forever gone.

Six Months by Mona Sedrak is a passionate story of a woman who has lost everything and must endure grief, sorrow and loss and somehow find the strength to rise above the tragedy and its intense negative effects that it has had on her life. After her daughter’s death, she begins to learn some painful truths regarding her husband, and realizes that the life she had was not what she thought it was.

The death, betrayals and lies have torn down her life and now she is left with the daunting task of rebuilding her life. With a couple of great loyal and helpful friends, she does begin the healing process. When Jake comes to her rescue and helps her begin to live again, will Mikala open her heart at a chance at love again? Readers are taken on a journey of what it would be like to live through the horrifying devastation of loss that a person could experience in life.

Mona Sedrak has crafted a captivating, beautiful and poignant story that pulls at the heart strings and gives readers a rollercoaster ride of emotion and incredible passion. In this dramatic piece of fiction, the premise is original and extraordinary. While the main character, Mikala, struggles to heal and regain her life, I was moved to tears on many occasions. It felt so real to me that I cried, smiled and felt the struggle and pain myself. This is due to the exemplary descriptive writing style of author Mona Sedrak. I was impressed by how she wrote the dialogue between the characters. The characters are well developed and fleshed out with personalities that readers will love and relate to.

For readers looking for a journey filled with beauty, drama and emotion, Six Months is the book for you. You will smile, cry, and root for Mikala as she suffers and goes through more losses and grief than any person should ever have to endure. Then we see her inspiring recovery. Woven within the storyline is romance, friendship, love, hope, the importance of family, and dealing with guilt. There is something for everyone in this novel, especially those who can relate to the trauma of loss.

From the very first chapter of Six Months, I was hooked, fully engaged and didn’t want to put the book down. Towards the end, I was strongly desiring to see that Mikala would get the gratifying happy ending she so deserved. Life can be difficult and many people go through these very things. Six Months is rich in detail and filled with emotion, hope and inspiration. This book does not let the reader down. It is a worthy read written by an insightful writer with a unique lyrical voice. This is the best book that I have read in a long time. Highly recommended by Chick Lit Café.

Purchase Six Months @Amazon here

Wobbles by Leah Venegas - Book Review

Wobbles by Leah Venegas

Synopsis:

**WINNER OF A 2018 MOONBEAM CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD***

Wobbles is a young leapfrog who has trouble learning to leap. He gets teased in school and feels alone. One day, a new student befriends Wobbles and tells him that her father, who is a champion leaper, had the same problem. With the help of his new friend and her father, Wobbles takes his first successful leap.

As the end of the school year arrives, Wobbles must conquer his fear and succeed in the leaping competition. Will he be able to show the students who bullied him that he is no longer afraid of them?

This book is about perseverance, endurance, and success from working hard and facing your fears.

Review:

Wobbles by Leah Venegas is an adorable children’s book about a little humble leapfrog that is trying to learn to leap. On his first day back to school, he tells his father he doesn’t want to go because he can’t leap yet. He is afraid. His father gently encourages him and he goes on to leaping school.

On his first attempt to leap, he fails and the other little frogs laugh at him. Then, a little girl frog makes friends with him and encourages him. She tells Wobbles that her father was a slow learner too. But, he overcame his fear and went on to be a champion leaper. Her father agrees to help little Wobbles learn to leap. He tells him that he needs to overcome his fear and leap with his whole heart. After much practice, Wobbles learns to leap from one lily pad to another. He wins the contest at school and is inspired to help other little frogs learn to leap too.

Wobbles by Leah Venegas is an exciting adventure that young children will be delighted in. It teaches children several important lessons about learning new things. Little Wobbles had a lot of fear of failing and being laughed at. But, he overcame his fear and learned to do things with his whole heart. He practiced and practiced.

This book will be a favorite among children everywhere. It relates to young children that the feeling of embarrassment is normal and so is being fearful. However, by practicing with determination, they can do the very things that they are unsure of. Although a child may have a weakness in an area, he/she can still succeed. Bullying and self-esteem are important lessons in this book.

This book is delightful and captivating. The illustrations are enchanting and will surely bring the child much joy. The storyline and plot are easy to understand and written in a way that young children will be able to follow along and comprehend. I read it to my little grandchildren and they loved it. They have had me read it to them over and over again. It packs a nice important message inside while visually engaging the reader. It is a cute story filled with excitement and emotion. Leah Venegasis an excellent children’s author. I highly recommend Wobbles for all young children.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Café

Purchase Wobbles @Amazon Here

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky - Book Review

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky

Synopsis:

Sometimes the best gifts choose YOU!

Follow the adventures of Santa’s best dog, Lance, when he falls from the sleigh one Christmas Eve. He’s taken in by the animal shelter then brought home by a military family who needs some help as Dad is called to serve his country. When Christmas Eve comes ’round the next year, Lance must decide whether to return to the North Pole with his friend Santa or stay with his new family.

If you love dogs, if you have family in the military, or if you believe in Santa, you will be touched by this heartwarming tale for youngsters and the young-at-heart!

Review:

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky is a charming one of a kind Christmas story. At the North Pole, Santa has a secret that no one knows about, he has one hundred dogs, and he loves each one of them the same. However, one special dog named Lance, gets to sleep on Santa’s bed every night. Lance and Santa have been friends forever and they are never far apart from one another. But then something terrible happens and Lance falls out of Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. He gets lost but is quickly picked up by a local animal shelter (thank goodness for animal shelters.) A very nice family adopts him and he soon becomes a part of the family and is dearly loved and appreciated. He misses Santa and Santa misses Lance. For the whole next year Lance is busy making his new family happy and he loves each one of them. What will happen when Santa returns to see him next Christmas Eve? Will Lance stay with his new family that needs him desperately, or will he return to the North Pole with his dear old friend Santa Claus?

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky is an entertaining story for young children to love and cherish. It has a unique storyline and premise. It is fast paced and has easy to understand words for the young child. Parents will love this splendid tale as well.

It’s an amusing rhyming story that children will delight in and enjoy. It pulls you in and yanks at your heartstrings and won’t let go. It has a fabulous moral and nice subtle messages throughout. It is about love and finding one’s life purpose. The illustrations are lovely and playful, perfect for children to love and appreciate.

I thought it was a great idea to include the importance of adopting shelter dogs. And how many times, a shelter dog is the perfect addition to any family that wants a loyal companion to love and care for. Also, the little family that adopts Lance is a military family with their father gone from home in active duty. It shows how the perfect shelter dog can fill a void in the hearts of the entire family.

I read Santa’s Dog to my little grandchildren and they totally adored it. They became emotional several times during the story. They’ve had me read it to them over and over again and were excited every time. I highly recommend this original Christmas story to all families with young children and early readers. Buy it now in time for the holidays. Your children will love Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky.

Chick Lit Cafe recommends Santa’s Dog to all children everywhere

Purchase Santa’s Dog @Amazon Here

Four Takeaways and a Funeral - Kerrie Noor

Four Takeaways and a Funeral: A Deliciously Succulent Comedy (Belly dancing and Beyond) By Kerrie Noor

Synopsis:

Mavis and Lumpy are getting married. It is to be a small affair with a hot and spicy theme, a few close friends, and a celebrant on Skype.

“We want no fuss,” said Mavis. “Just lots of food, great photos, and belly-dancing.”

However…

Mavis’s idea of hot and spicy is not Lumpy’s, and Lumpy’s idea of great photos is definitely not Mavis’s. Mavis and Lumpy find there is more to getting married than organizing the dips. And as their relationship spirals out of control Mavis loses her mother and must come to terms with a past she would rather forget.

With a funeral befitting a sitcom, sibling rivalry on a par with a Shakespearean tragedy and a dying mother’s impossible wish; Mavis and Lumpy relationship crumbles like a burnt chapatti.

And it is up to Nefertiti to make “things” right…so she thinks.

Review:

Four Takeaways and a Funeral by Kerrie Noor is a hilarious romp of a tale about a couple that are getting married and things get ridiculously out of control.

Mavis and Lumpy are the celebrated couple that are planning their wedding. Mavis has her idea of how she wants her wedding planned but Lumpy has other ideas. Mavis wants her wedding to be hot and spicy with lots of belly dancing and photos. Lumpy’s idea of hot and spicy is Indian food for their Scottish wedding.

Then there is Mavis’ sister, Fanny, who is always right about everything, causing a constant flow of sister rivalry. All of a sudden, Mavis’ mother passes away and there is a funeral in the mix.

Things spin out of control and Mavis and Lumpy are about to fall apart. But, in comes Nefertiti, the belly dancing instructor, to save the day.

Four Takeaways and a Funeral by Kerrie Noor is a down right funny comedy that readers will be thoroughly entertained by. The story is narrated by the eccentric belly dancing instructor, Nefertiti. She is always there doing crazy things and is best friends with Mavis. There are other quirky characters like the bag lady that is camped out in the backyard.

This book totally lives up to its description. I found myself laughing my head off on many occasions. The storyline and plot flow with ease. The characters are colorful and realistic at the same time. They are well developed and charming. I totally got into them and all their antics had me in stitches. The settings, food and people are described so vividly that I had a perfect picture in my mind of the whole scene.

There are many humorous situations going on and readers will be turning the pages quickly while laughing out loud hilariously. Witty and fun, Four Takeaways and a Funeral is an original work of humor and satire. It is written very well and has a completely unique plot and storyline. This is the first book in the series that I have read and it was easy for me to understand what was transpiring and simple to get to know the various charming characters. There are two previous books in the series that I am definitely going to read.

Kerrie Noor has a way with words that draws the reader in right from the very first chapter. Her style is completely different from anything I have read before and I loved every word of her quirky, unconventional book. It’s captivating, kooky and offbeat and perfect to cure the blues. I totally recommend this book to readers that love comedies and something different for a change. This book is a great escape from ordinary everyday life. Highly recommended by Chick Lit Cafe.

Purchase Four Takeaways and a Funeral @Amazon here