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I had the opportunity to speak with Win Charles on her podcast. I absolutely loved chatting with her about life, books, and life as a book reviewer. So when she told me about her book, I knew I just had to read it. I, Win by Win Charles is an autobiography about her life with cerebral palsy.
“Through my story, I will share with you the secret for painting life in bright, bold colors that pulse with hope.”
I, WIN BY WIN CHARLES, PAGE 2
Her story begins, at birth…actually before birth. She was born too early and weighed less than 2 pounds at birth. Her parents showed nothing but continuous hope and support. Throughout her life, despite every obstacle they are by Win’s side, teaching her that she can do anything. She has even learned to ski and snowboard! However, there are always trials. She goes into the death of her mother and a failed surgery. Even though there are low points, she rises above and has a gloriously positive attitude about life.
One thing is for sure, we take so much for granted. Win Charles’ story about being a disabled person in a non-disabled world is eye-opening! No matter what happens, she seems to overcome everything with hard work and hope. She also sheds light on her life with cerebral palsy that is not normally discussed so openly. I think that this is a beautiful thing. There should be more discussions. This way people can be more accepting to those with disabilities and embrace them as friends. One of the many amazing parts of this book is when she discusses her amazing parents and her friends. They sound like such an amazing support system! I also loved how she discusses her many jobs, especially art. She expresses herself through art and is very successful!
This book is inspiring, to say the least! I am truly thankful that Win gave me the opportunity to read her book! It is very short, but I am told she is working on another book. It is definitely worth the read! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars
“Through my story, I will share with you the secret for painting life in bright, bold colors that pulse with hope.”
I, WIN BY WIN CHARLES, PAGE 2
Her story begins, at birth…actually before birth. She was born too early and weighed less than 2 pounds at birth. Her parents showed nothing but continuous hope and support. Throughout her life, despite every obstacle they are by Win’s side, teaching her that she can do anything. She has even learned to ski and snowboard! However, there are always trials. She goes into the death of her mother and a failed surgery. Even though there are low points, she rises above and has a gloriously positive attitude about life.
One thing is for sure, we take so much for granted. Win Charles’ story about being a disabled person in a non-disabled world is eye-opening! No matter what happens, she seems to overcome everything with hard work and hope. She also sheds light on her life with cerebral palsy that is not normally discussed so openly. I think that this is a beautiful thing. There should be more discussions. This way people can be more accepting to those with disabilities and embrace them as friends. One of the many amazing parts of this book is when she discusses her amazing parents and her friends. They sound like such an amazing support system! I also loved how she discusses her many jobs, especially art. She expresses herself through art and is very successful!
This book is inspiring, to say the least! I am truly thankful that Win gave me the opportunity to read her book! It is very short, but I am told she is working on another book. It is definitely worth the read! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars
Beloved Mother by Laura Hunter is one of those stories that span generations. The novel mostly follows three women. First, there is Mona. She is a wild spirit and is always wandering in nature until one day she comes across Jackson Slocomb who rapes and abuses her. She becomes pregnant at 13 and they come across a Native American man named, Tall Corn and his farm. He protects Mona, who becomes Two Tears. He also raises her son as his own. During this time she learns wisdom and medicine from Beloved Mother. However, Tall Corn dies in a farming accident and she returns home where she is turned away. Then there is Anna, Mona’s younger sister, who leaves home with a man named Clint in hopes of a better living. However, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Last, is Lily, Anna’s daughter. All three lives are connected and all are surrounded by Cherokee spirits.
First of all, I absolutely love the cover, I think it is just beautiful! It really captures the incredible imagery that is throughout the book. Actually, the description and imagery are one of my favorite aspects of the book. I also loved the little details about the Cherokee spirits that are watching over everyone. It really adds beautiful detail about the culture and a bit of mysticism and legend.
Although, the book follows three different women I felt it was three stories in one and it did tend to jump around. The pacing is also a bit slow but that is because of the detail to the land, time period and culture. While this story is heartbreaking, it did shine a light on how women were a commodity. Every single man in this story views these women as their property. Tall Corn is the only man who does not use or abuse Mona. Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I really recommend this book for those who love historical fiction.
Thank you, Laura Hunter, for a copy of the book to review!
First of all, I absolutely love the cover, I think it is just beautiful! It really captures the incredible imagery that is throughout the book. Actually, the description and imagery are one of my favorite aspects of the book. I also loved the little details about the Cherokee spirits that are watching over everyone. It really adds beautiful detail about the culture and a bit of mysticism and legend.
Although, the book follows three different women I felt it was three stories in one and it did tend to jump around. The pacing is also a bit slow but that is because of the detail to the land, time period and culture. While this story is heartbreaking, it did shine a light on how women were a commodity. Every single man in this story views these women as their property. Tall Corn is the only man who does not use or abuse Mona. Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I really recommend this book for those who love historical fiction.
Thank you, Laura Hunter, for a copy of the book to review!
This book introduces Ceralda Ryhan who is on the road fleeing from the man who murdered her family named Varthan. By her side, is her bond mate, a wolf named Trikser. They are magically bonded to protect one another. She carries a magic sword that her family needs to protect. While in a tavern she comes across Jorrin Aldern, who is a half elf and half human. He is using his empathetic magic to find his father who disappeared twenty years before. However, Cera can’t stay in one place too long with Varthan hunting her down. Jorrin and Cera decide to stick together to journey to a castle to keep the sword safe and hopefully defeat Varthan once and for all.
This story is a great introduction to a magical world filled with elves, wolves, mages, and wizards. I must say that I really love the world building! The description of the layout of the kingdom is fantastic and I love how the story revolves around a quest and not just a love story. The characters are strong but also had their faults. Yes, sometimes there are a few pointless fights but overall, I love how they grow together. Trust is an issue for Cera. Jorrin doesn’t seem to communicate very well, but in the end, they work.
My favorite aspect of this story is the magic. Everything scene is just filled with it. I love the concept of Cera being magically bonded to her wolf. The concept is that neither can live if the other dies. They act as one. Now, there are a couple of technical issues. For instance, the flow of the story and wrapping up the conclusion. However, as the first book in a series, it does a great job of introducing the world and memorable characters!
Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really can’t wait to start book 2! If you love fantasy, magic, and romance, you will love this book!
This story is a great introduction to a magical world filled with elves, wolves, mages, and wizards. I must say that I really love the world building! The description of the layout of the kingdom is fantastic and I love how the story revolves around a quest and not just a love story. The characters are strong but also had their faults. Yes, sometimes there are a few pointless fights but overall, I love how they grow together. Trust is an issue for Cera. Jorrin doesn’t seem to communicate very well, but in the end, they work.
My favorite aspect of this story is the magic. Everything scene is just filled with it. I love the concept of Cera being magically bonded to her wolf. The concept is that neither can live if the other dies. They act as one. Now, there are a couple of technical issues. For instance, the flow of the story and wrapping up the conclusion. However, as the first book in a series, it does a great job of introducing the world and memorable characters!
Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really can’t wait to start book 2! If you love fantasy, magic, and romance, you will love this book!
After reading Sword’s Call, I jumped right into the second book in the King’s Riders series titled, Love’s Call by CA Szarek. The story picks up not long after the first story ends except it focuses on new characters. Cera and Jorrin are still very much a part of this story, but now Ansley Fraser is introduced. She is also a King’s Rider, delivering a message to Jorrin from the King. She is unaware of what the message contains. Before she reaches the castle, she finds a young woman unconscious and badly beat up. Thankfully Jorrin’s personal guard is nearby to help her. Ansley has been in love with the captain, Leargan for years but has never said anything. Leargan can’t help but notice Ansley and feels drawn to her. Then when he discovers that the message is an order for him to marry Ansley, he doesn’t know if he should tell her. It is obvious that there is love between them but Ansley will not marry because of an order. But that is not all that they have to worry about, the young woman they found is escaping a dangerous past, that could bring danger to them.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, I could not wait to see what this book had in store for me. I must say that I enjoyed this one even more than Sword’s Call. The story flows so much smoother than the first one. The only thing is I was hoping for more danger. There are more sword fighting scenes and moments of danger in the first book. This book while engaging did lack a moment of uncertainty. However, the author does an amazing job with details in this book. The imagery and the descriptions made me feel as if I was in the story.
I also enjoy the characters. One aspect that I love about her characters is that they are real. They get their feelings hurt. They react to situations poorly out of anger. They are emotional and don’t communicate their feelings well. I love when characters are like this because that is how people are in real life. I don’t want fake emotions.
Now, this is a fantasy series but is also a romance story. If you don’t like romance and love scenes then this series is not for you. However, I do recommend it to fantasy and romance fans because of the amazing world building and the characters. Overall, I rate this book 4 out 5 stars. I truly can’t wait until I pick up Book Three: Rogue’s Call.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, I could not wait to see what this book had in store for me. I must say that I enjoyed this one even more than Sword’s Call. The story flows so much smoother than the first one. The only thing is I was hoping for more danger. There are more sword fighting scenes and moments of danger in the first book. This book while engaging did lack a moment of uncertainty. However, the author does an amazing job with details in this book. The imagery and the descriptions made me feel as if I was in the story.
I also enjoy the characters. One aspect that I love about her characters is that they are real. They get their feelings hurt. They react to situations poorly out of anger. They are emotional and don’t communicate their feelings well. I love when characters are like this because that is how people are in real life. I don’t want fake emotions.
Now, this is a fantasy series but is also a romance story. If you don’t like romance and love scenes then this series is not for you. However, I do recommend it to fantasy and romance fans because of the amazing world building and the characters. Overall, I rate this book 4 out 5 stars. I truly can’t wait until I pick up Book Three: Rogue’s Call.
It is a new year and a new year of book club reads. My book club’s January selection was The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn. This psychological thriller is about Anna Fox who has a severe case of agoraphobia. This means she had a severe fear of leaving her home. She “copes” by self-medicating her pills and heavy amounts of wine. Anna Fox and former psychologist spends her days playing chess online, talking with other sufferers, watching old movies and mostly, watching her neighbors. One family in particular…the Russells. She seems to know so much about her neighbors and hasn’t actually talked to them, until one day she meets Jane Russell. They drink and talk. Everything seems fine until one night she sees Jane get stabbed. However, no one believes her. Was it just a hallucination from the drug and alcohol abuse or are the Russell’s hiding something?
I think I have read too many psychological thrillers. Unfortunately, I did not have that moment where I gasped in shock. I am the type of reader where if I am reading a psychological thriller or mystery I am trying to figure it out as I am reading. This book has the feel of The Girl on the Train. I suspected a couple of the twists right off the bat. Don’t get me wrong, this book is very engaging. I never wanted to put it down, but there is nothing shocking about the plot or the plot twists. Another thing that bothered me is nothing really happened until about 150 pages in. I know there has to be a setup and clues put into place but I felt a lot of it became repetitive. Once Jane was stabbed, that is when the momentum of the story picked up.
I do appreciate the discussions of mental health, especially as a result of unimaginable grief. I must say, there are parts of this story that absolutely broke my heart. I could relate to the main character. I imagine I wouldn’t be much different if I were in her shoes. Not only does this book talk about mental health, but it also discusses the addiction and danger of self-medication and alcoholism.
Overall, I rate this book 3 out 5 stars. It is a great book, but I need something I little bit more unpredictable when it comes to psychological thrillers. However, I am really looking forward to the movie adaptation.
I think I have read too many psychological thrillers. Unfortunately, I did not have that moment where I gasped in shock. I am the type of reader where if I am reading a psychological thriller or mystery I am trying to figure it out as I am reading. This book has the feel of The Girl on the Train. I suspected a couple of the twists right off the bat. Don’t get me wrong, this book is very engaging. I never wanted to put it down, but there is nothing shocking about the plot or the plot twists. Another thing that bothered me is nothing really happened until about 150 pages in. I know there has to be a setup and clues put into place but I felt a lot of it became repetitive. Once Jane was stabbed, that is when the momentum of the story picked up.
I do appreciate the discussions of mental health, especially as a result of unimaginable grief. I must say, there are parts of this story that absolutely broke my heart. I could relate to the main character. I imagine I wouldn’t be much different if I were in her shoes. Not only does this book talk about mental health, but it also discusses the addiction and danger of self-medication and alcoholism.
Overall, I rate this book 3 out 5 stars. It is a great book, but I need something I little bit more unpredictable when it comes to psychological thrillers. However, I am really looking forward to the movie adaptation.
This is the third book in the King’s Riders series, called Rogue’s Call by CA Szarek. Even though the book still touches on characters from the previous books like Ansley, Leargan, Jorrin, and Cera but now readers are introduced to Lady Elissa and Sir Alasdair. Lady Elissa is an elemental mage who can control all the elements which are extremely rare. In fact, so rare that an evil dark mage is after her powers. In order to protect her, the King sends her to Greenwald to stay with Cera and Jorrin and is to select a husband. While she is there, a knight named Alasdair is assigned to protect her at all times. Alasdair is a ladies man and is not interested in love and marriage. However, Elissa seems to spark something in him and he can’t get his mind off of her. But, she is his charge, she is destined to marry someone else. As their attachment grows, dark magic also grows and is getting closer to Elissa.
Out of all the books in the series, this book is by far my favorite. The first book had a wonderful love story and action but the flow was a little uneven. The second book has an amazing love story but there was not much of a danger aspect. This book has it all. The love story is enchanting, there is danger and the story concludes so beautifully! As always, the world building is spectacular. I love the magic and the wolf bonding. The wolves are one of my favorite parts of the series, but I am biased because I love wolves. After reading this book, I wish I could be bonded to a wolf.
Another amazing aspect is the characters! Alasdair has wonderful character development throughout the series. Elissa is his match. She is kind and strong. Their chemistry is wonderful!
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Even though the story is concluded wonderfully, there are a couple small details that leave it open for another book. I hope that there will be more books in this series in the future! For those who love a steamy romance with a wonderful fantasy world sewn in, then this book is for you!
Out of all the books in the series, this book is by far my favorite. The first book had a wonderful love story and action but the flow was a little uneven. The second book has an amazing love story but there was not much of a danger aspect. This book has it all. The love story is enchanting, there is danger and the story concludes so beautifully! As always, the world building is spectacular. I love the magic and the wolf bonding. The wolves are one of my favorite parts of the series, but I am biased because I love wolves. After reading this book, I wish I could be bonded to a wolf.
Another amazing aspect is the characters! Alasdair has wonderful character development throughout the series. Elissa is his match. She is kind and strong. Their chemistry is wonderful!
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Even though the story is concluded wonderfully, there are a couple small details that leave it open for another book. I hope that there will be more books in this series in the future! For those who love a steamy romance with a wonderful fantasy world sewn in, then this book is for you!
I have been wanting to read I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon for what feels like ages! I have always been fascinated with the Romanov history. The book has two timelines. One of Anastasia, the other of Anna Anderson. The Anastasia timelines go through the rise of the revolution and the last days of the Romanov Family. Anna Anderson is the woman who believed she was the Grand Duchess Anastasia. If you do not know history, the Romanov family was murdered but there were rumors that the daughter, Anastasia, escaped. So Anna Anderson’s timeline actually starts in the reverse. It starts with her in her old age and proceeds backward dealing with the court decisions to recognize her as The Grand Duchess.
So I mentioned that I have been fascinated with Romanov history. This book weaves both historical timelines together beautifully. The way the author captures the last days of the Romanov family is absolutely heartbreaking, but very well written. Now I must mention this next bit…I don’t find this a spoiler because it happened 30 years ago but if you don’t want to know, stop reading. Well, Anastasia’s body was found not far from her families grave. DNA testing proves it is her and not Anna Anderson. I already knew this before reading the book. The main point of the book to me was to spin the mystery as if Anna Anderson was a possibility of being Anastasia.
“Am I truly Anastasia Romanov? A beloved daughter. A revered icon. A Russian Grand Duchess.
Or am I an imposter? A fraud. A liar. The thief of another woman’s legacy.
That is for you to decide, of course.” – I Was Anastasia, page 2 (Fair Warning)
So this quote, written for the reader, even though it is beautifully written, bothered me. It is meant to entice the reader into a mystery. There is no mystery or captivation for me because I knew the history. Now, for the pacing. I flew through the chapters of Anastasia. I felt like I was gripping the book, fearing to miss even one word. However, during Anna’s chapters, it felt blah. Not only is it confusing because her timeline goes in reverse but there is nothing to really keep me interested. I did not connect with Anna as I did with Anastasia. Maybe that is the point? Possibly.
Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the book. I think the writing is beautiful. I just think Anna’s half of the story is lacking.
Thank you to the publishers and Goodreads for a copy of the book!
So I mentioned that I have been fascinated with Romanov history. This book weaves both historical timelines together beautifully. The way the author captures the last days of the Romanov family is absolutely heartbreaking, but very well written. Now I must mention this next bit…I don’t find this a spoiler because it happened 30 years ago but if you don’t want to know, stop reading. Well, Anastasia’s body was found not far from her families grave. DNA testing proves it is her and not Anna Anderson. I already knew this before reading the book. The main point of the book to me was to spin the mystery as if Anna Anderson was a possibility of being Anastasia.
“Am I truly Anastasia Romanov? A beloved daughter. A revered icon. A Russian Grand Duchess.
Or am I an imposter? A fraud. A liar. The thief of another woman’s legacy.
That is for you to decide, of course.” – I Was Anastasia, page 2 (Fair Warning)
So this quote, written for the reader, even though it is beautifully written, bothered me. It is meant to entice the reader into a mystery. There is no mystery or captivation for me because I knew the history. Now, for the pacing. I flew through the chapters of Anastasia. I felt like I was gripping the book, fearing to miss even one word. However, during Anna’s chapters, it felt blah. Not only is it confusing because her timeline goes in reverse but there is nothing to really keep me interested. I did not connect with Anna as I did with Anastasia. Maybe that is the point? Possibly.
Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the book. I think the writing is beautiful. I just think Anna’s half of the story is lacking.
Thank you to the publishers and Goodreads for a copy of the book!
"It is absolutely impossible to put this regency romance down!"
Check out the rest of my review here:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/february/viewer/desktop/#page/56
Check out the rest of my review here:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/february/viewer/desktop/#page/56
The Last Straw by Ed Duncan is the second book in the Pigeon-Blood Red Series. Even though this is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone novel. Readers are introduced to the two main characters, Paul Elliot and Rico Sanders. Paul Elliot is an attorney. When his friend’s daughter witnesses a carjacking, she becomes a target. Rico Sanders is the man many people go to when they have a problem, specifically crime bosses. Rico is approached about killing the girl but turns down the job, leaving it to a man named D’Angelo. Rico and Paul must now work together to keep the girl safe.
This book keeps an unstoppable pace. There is constant action. I do enjoy the nonstop action and suspense portrayed. The characters are also very complex. Rico may do bad things but he has a code of honor and stands up for those in trouble. Paul Elliot is a typical good guy but really comes to the aide of the other characters. What I enjoyed the most about this story, is their complex friendship. They are both from different sides but have to work together.
The story does get a little muddled with the constant point of view changes. The point of view switches from each character often and it is always a rough transition. Sometimes it causes a little confusion within the story. However, overall, it is very entertaining! I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author and JKS Communications for a copy of the book!
This book keeps an unstoppable pace. There is constant action. I do enjoy the nonstop action and suspense portrayed. The characters are also very complex. Rico may do bad things but he has a code of honor and stands up for those in trouble. Paul Elliot is a typical good guy but really comes to the aide of the other characters. What I enjoyed the most about this story, is their complex friendship. They are both from different sides but have to work together.
The story does get a little muddled with the constant point of view changes. The point of view switches from each character often and it is always a rough transition. Sometimes it causes a little confusion within the story. However, overall, it is very entertaining! I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author and JKS Communications for a copy of the book!
Little Girl Lost is a collection of poems and songs written by Angel Vetrano. The collection of poems mostly touches on PTSD after a childhood filled with violence. The book is broken into 3 parts. The first part is called childhood. The second part is titled Luvsik. The last part is titled, Beyond the Pain. The author begins the poems as if she is a little girl trapped. The poems go into detail about the fear and pain she experienced.
The poem entitled 7/15-1:37 a.m. is a heartbreaking poem. “No matter what she tried to do the abuser always found a way through.” As a parent, this poem broke me. No one should ever feel this pain or fear. may of these poems brought up so many emotions as they are very raw.
In the second section, I loved the poem titled, Home.
“Sacred lovers contained a brought together
to be united again.
So take my hand
and walk with me.
Together, we will live the way
we were meant to be,
in peace, love, and harmony. “
This section pulls at the reader’s heartstrings even further because they so desperately want the author to find love and happiness. There is just a glimmer of hope.
Then the final section… The author goes through stages. The fear is still there but the author works so hard to find peace.
“Living through this life, we go into stages
of growth” -Untitled
This whole collection is heartbreaking but inspiring. I truly commend the author for bringing to light mental health and PTSD. Hopefully, these poems could help others who are suffering through the same. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
The poem entitled 7/15-1:37 a.m. is a heartbreaking poem. “No matter what she tried to do the abuser always found a way through.” As a parent, this poem broke me. No one should ever feel this pain or fear. may of these poems brought up so many emotions as they are very raw.
In the second section, I loved the poem titled, Home.
“Sacred lovers contained a brought together
to be united again.
So take my hand
and walk with me.
Together, we will live the way
we were meant to be,
in peace, love, and harmony. “
This section pulls at the reader’s heartstrings even further because they so desperately want the author to find love and happiness. There is just a glimmer of hope.
Then the final section… The author goes through stages. The fear is still there but the author works so hard to find peace.
“Living through this life, we go into stages
of growth” -Untitled
This whole collection is heartbreaking but inspiring. I truly commend the author for bringing to light mental health and PTSD. Hopefully, these poems could help others who are suffering through the same. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.