Tag: Family Life

Cinderella – A Love Story by Gina LoBiondo

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We all know the story of Cinderella, but the author Gina LoBiondo gives it a nice twist.  It is a love story with several different levels – the love of a daughter for her mother, father, and her true love.  While Ella is given the gift of attending the ball, it is not with the typical “fairy god-mother” but rather another that she holds dear to her heart.  LoBiondo includes others in the plan to unite Ella and Prince Andrew making the story unique and engaging.

LoBiondo plays on the established stereotypical behavior of each character but puts a slight twist on it.  While the stepmother is still a vile and evil woman, we see the sisters slightly different by the end of the book.

This is a very short book, but LoBiondo effectively weaves in the twists and gives her audience a different view of Ella.  While this still has a happy ending, it has far more depth than most.

The illustrations by Donna Sterpe are well done and appropriate for the age group, however, this story can be enjoyed by all ages.  LoBiondo gives her audience a fresh look into the Cinderella story.

Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.

 

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The Moonstoners by Barbara J. Dzikowski

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2020 B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree

The Moonstoners is a moving book that touches on difficult issues in a clear yet humanistic manner.  Noel Trudeau is a young woman who has secrets.  Secrets that marred her as a child and that continue to influence and affect her well into adulthood.   Two men, brothers who love the same woman, both with their own demons, and a country struggling through racism, violence, and the death of JFK.

This is a moving book – you will laugh, cry and so much more with the turn of each page.  Noel is drawn to Ricky but ultimately it is Leon that stirs her heart.  Leon rescues her and Ricky from Noel’s violent and abusive ex-husband only to find himself lost deeply in love with her.  Their love is a forbidden love that will tear a family apart.

This is a well-written book that explores tensions of the time period, fears, and love.  The characters are well developed and meaningful.  Each character is important to the story and moves the story along at a steady pace.  The revealing of the secrets Noel has endured and carried with her for a lifetime is well written.

I felt the pain, hurt, love, and fear of each character with each passing page.  Descriptions are vivid and the dialog is realistic.  The story moved at a steady pace and the plot and twists kept my attention.  The ending was well executed leaving me with a desire to see their story to the end.

I look forward to reading the next book.

 

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Finding Pluck by Peter Difatta

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A mesmerizing tale of a young man’s struggles to step outside the life he has known and move into a new, more exciting one. Winning a college scholarship designated for members of the LGBTQ community, Taylor agrees to become an activist. The long since deceased founder of the scholarship returns to haunt Taylor whenever he fails to live up to the agreement.

Moving the story between two time periods, Peter Difatta tells of the struggles that many face from those of small towns, the religiously small-minded folks, and bullies who are against anyone different from themselves. Difatta intentionally creates the story and carefully builds his characters and situations to tell the story of injustices, being ethical and moral, and humane.

The dialog is definitely “Southern” and realistic. Not only is the dialog realistic but so is most of the story; other than the paranormal twist to it, I would dare say authentic and powerful. The meanness, the fears, the small-mindedness are all daily headlines and reminders of our failures as humans. It is through Difatta’s skillful writing and storytelling that the listener stays engaged and engrossed. This is not an audiobook that one can listen to a little at a time, it is one that you will want to listen to from beginning to end because you just have to know what’s next!

I have not had the pleasure of hearing Keith McCarthy, narrator, before. I enjoyed his narration and voices. His enthusiasm and emotions were accurate and carried the story forward. I would enjoy hearing McCarthy again. His voice is soothing and versatile.

There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.

A must-hear audiobook!

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The Alchemy of Noise by Lorraine Devon Wilke

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A copy of this book was provided for an honest and unbiased review.

 

I have read a couple of Lorraine Devon Wilke’s books and found each one to be unique. The Alchemy of Noise was not what I expected. With each page I found myself becoming more and more intrigued. Then I had to step back for a minute and see the much larger picture she was painting with her words. Emotionally wrenching, The Alchemy of Noise takes relationships one step further than most bringing in racism. The fine line Wilke walks in this book is amazing – telling her story through fiction yet still relaying the heart-wrenching truth of her relationship.

I read in fascination seeing a lot of my family and self in the comments, actions and such leaving me wondering whether I was prepared to help raise my two grandsons of mixed race. This book brought home the truths and solidified my concerns for my grandsons in a world where tolerance is non-existent.

Well written and developed, Wilke has communicated the fears, doubts and being human in a world where intolerance of difference is rampant, where being humane is not extended to those who are different.

This is not a light book, it is one that will stick with you for weeks if not longer. I finished this book about three weeks ago and just now sat down to write the review. Having come from a family from the deepest part of Indiana where racism runs unchecked and fueled by the past, I still feel the impact of this story.

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Ghosters 2: Revenge of the Library Ghost by Diana Corbitt

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This is a delightful story of two unique boys – Joey who has Asperger’s and Elbie who lives above a mortuary. They both share one thing in common – they can see ghosts! Together they are a force to be reckoned with as one is a practical joker and the other is learning to be. Together with a couple of professional ghost hunters (ok, not really but they are girls, about the same age as the boys and they won a ghost contest), they solve the mystery of the haunted library.

I loved this book! It was fun to read, light and had moments where I would laugh out loud. It was well written with the plot moving forward with each page. The character development for each was well done and each character had their own quirks which made them more realistic.

Although it was written for ages 9-14, adults can love this book as well! Diana Corbitt, the author, built the characters with tender loving care and a realness. The dialog was perfectly done and the “pranks” were corny but funny – typical kid stuff. I think the age group that it is written for will love it as well – I read passages to my 16-year-old grandson who loves all things ghostly and he asked for a copy.

Although I read book 2 in the series, it is a stand-alone. The only issue is … you will want to read the first one and then any others that come along! You will be hooked.

I highly recommend this book (series) to young adults of ALL ages.

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Boris and Betty by Lee Harris

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Boris and Betty spend way too much time inside, so their mother decides to take them outside. She walks them through the outdoors and reintroduces them to the wonders they have forgotten. A much-needed book given how many children are inside playing with tablets and game consoles.

Lee Harris, author, took a common problem and creatively and effectively gave it life through Boris and Betty. This book was short, pleasant and the rhymes came naturally, nothing was forced. The plot is simple and easy for children to follow. As a parent, this is something we all struggle with so we and our children can relate. Sometimes, as a parent, we need to guide our children more and this book is a gentle reminder of it.

The illustrations were awesome, they went with the story and were vividly colorful to capture children’s attention. Jordan Brown did an excellent job of illustrating the story and bringing the characters to life.

This book is highly recommended for anyone with young children.

 

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Plumbelly: A Novel by Gary S. Maynard

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A father and mother uproot their family to sail around the world giving themselves and their children an experience we all yearn for but never quite accomplish.  The father is a bit abusive, the mother very submissive, the younger brother is a go with the flow type, and the older boy (Gabe) – well, he’s a teenager experiencing puberty, rebelling, and has his own yearning to travel.  Leaving home on a 29-foot sloop with his new-found love along with his best friend, they encounter nature and humans at their worse.

This is a book that sneaks up behind the reader and draws them in, holding their attention until the last page is turned.  The author, Gary Maynard, describes the islands and people easily, using vivid imagery that makes them real.  The dialog is realistic as well as the angst and turmoil the teenagers experience during their escape.  We all experience, at one time or another, the need to flee – to get away from the authority figures in our lives and these teenagers do it – but the life lessons they learn are harsh and unyielding.

Plumbelly is a haunting novel that brings back the long-forgotten desire some readers have had to flee and experience life on their own terms.  It also drives home the consequences we must face for our choices.  It is a thrilling novel with a startling ending that one expects but when it happens one is left reflecting and hurting for them.  The ending is sad, realistic and haunting to the core.

I enjoyed the vivid imagery and words that the author took great care to shape and present allowing me to “see and feel” the novel as it unfolded.  Drawn in completely, the story of what Gabe went through and the thought of his future has haunted me several days after finishing the book.  This is a beautifully written book that will capture the hearts of anyone with wanderlust in their heart and a need for adventure.

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My T(r)oyboy is a Twat by Paula Houseman

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My T(r)oyboy is a Twat is a hilarious continuation of Ruth Roth’s adventures as a mother, in-law, wife, and neighbor. Not only is Ruth faced with being married to her cousin (by adoption) but her connection to her husband is growing by leaps and bounds making one question whether the weaver of synchronicity is on drugs! Plagued by her dead mother’s voice, her best friend/husband has stepped off the deep end, a gorgeous author neighbor, and a Ma and Pa Kettle duo, Ruth’s world is spinning out of control.

Houseman will have you snorting out loud, laughing uncontrollably with her sassy, snarky sense of humor. Houseman has developed a captivating group of characters and intertwined them so very delicately. Her down to earth writing, sense of humor and ability to plot twist makes her unique.

I highly recommend this book, series if you need a laugh! I lost count of the number of times I received odd looks when I’d burst out laughing! I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Houseman and look forward to each of her books! Houseman is a talented and enthusiastic wordsmith!

Click here to purchase your copy of this awesome book!

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Two Stones and The Orb, Books 1 & 2 of the Fantasmagorical Forest Series by Sharon Dwyer

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A three-time winner of the indieBRAG Medallion.

Two Stones, Book One of The Fantasmagorical Forest Series

Katelin and Simon are devastated. Not only has their father passed away but now they are being sent to stay with their grandmother in the middle of nowhere! Angry and bored, Katelin wants nothing more than to be home with her friends. Simon embraces the stories their grandmother tells and is eager for an adventure.

Katelin and Simon soon discover that there is more in the forest near their grandmother’s house and even more than they can see! Together they must rescue grandmother from the evil creature that holds her while also discovering the mysteries and other inhabitants of the magical forest.

 

 

The Orb, Book Two of The Fantasmagorical Forest Series

Katelin has found some peace and finds she looks forward to returning and spending the summer with her grandmother. Alone, without Simon, Katelin not only finds her own adventure but encounters a young man who sends flutters through her stomach. Through the journey, Katelin and her elfin friends discover how deeply her loyalty, fearlessness, and determination runs. Together they must overcome the tyrant of the Elfin world and keep the Orb out of his grasp. The only question is, is Katelin strong enough or will she bite off more than she can handle?

What a fantastic fantasy! I enjoyed the first book but was blown away by the second. Sharon Dwyer set the “worlds” up very well, the characters were very well developed; Katelin was perfect! Dwyer captured Katelin’s “attitude” and emotional well-being accurately. Dwyer skillfully wrote the stories so that her readers do/will connect with Katelin in one way or another. The connection between the worlds was realistically done – meaning the characters had believable crossover and purpose. The first book was excellent!

The second book, I LOVED! I enjoy reading books where the female character is strong without knowing it. Piney, while not a cute character in real life, became adorable and perfect for Katelin. Dwyer expertly built up the suspense between the two books building stronger characters. I am intrigued to find out how Nana and the other worlds play out in Katelin’s birthright … I suspect a twist somewhere!

Dwyer’s The Fastasmagorical Forest series is exciting, inviting and mesmerizing. Once you get into the books, there is no stepping away. Lots of fun, plot twists, and adventure.

Very well done! While a book for young adults, those of us who enjoy fantasy, magic and adventure will love this book as well! I cannot wait for the series to continue!!!

Don’t miss these books – they are … magical!

Click here to purchase Two Stones.

Click here to purchase The Orb.

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Bad by Accident by Henry Blumenthal

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Bad by Accident by Henry Blumenthal is a light, fun read, doused with mystery and moral lessons that are very poignant yet not overbearing.  Joe Green, a lawyer, tells the story about a couple of his court cases as well as the deadly stalking he is experiencing – someone is out to get him!  The book is well developed with character development rich.  Readers cannot help but connect with Joe Green and several of his clients.  Clean, fast-paced, and well written!

Blumenthal gives his readers issues to ponder and how they intersect – sexuality, violence, medication, lies and as parents, how can we define why our children are different.   I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys conflict of laws, light thrillers, mysteries and a touch of romance.   Easy fast read that you won’t be able to put down!

I hope Blumenthal grows a Joe Green series!

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