BOOK REVIEW: MY FISHY STEPMOM BY SHAKIRAH BOURNE

About 

Josephine Cadogan loooves cricket! The game, her dad and her best friend Ahkai are the only things that make living in the very, very, veeery boring village of Fairy Vale, Barbados manageable. She really wants to play for the school team, but Coach Broomes says only boys are allowed. Josephine knows she can play better than any of the boys in the team, if she could just get a chance. To make matters worse, her father has a new girlfriend. And no one is good enough for Josephine’s dad. Not since her mom died. But Josephine is very good at keeping women away by setting booby traps to scare them off.

No one ever survived her tricks - until Mariss came along.

No matter what anyone else says, Josephine knows there is something ‘fishy’ about Mariss. She is just too perfect. And maybe it’s all the stories about baccoos and douens, and other mythical creatures from Miss Mo, champion fish de-boner of Fairy Vale, or maybe it’s all the missing pets, but Josephine begins to suspect there is something downright spooky about Mariss. But will she be able to get to the bottom of the mystery?

My Thoughts 

My fishy stepmom was a wonderful book and a great start to Read Caribbean Month. Set on the island of Barbados, the story follows cricket lover 11 year old Josephine Cadogan, who along with her best friend Akhai and what I call their many "Operations" (You have to read the book to understand what this means.

What I liked about this novel is that while it was hilarious and quite a light read it dealt with a serious topic in a very clever way and that is the loss of a parent.

Josephine had lost her mother, and she was intent on not allowing another woman to take her place. I think this was a nice theme for a children or a book for younger readers because it is a topic not often considered. As a teacher myself, I have had many students who would have lost parents and it was indeed difficult so Josephine's character to me was very relatable in that way.

Oh gosh!! The Fishy Stepmom Mariss, what a character. And as a lover of West Indian Foklore myself I loved how that element of mystery and fantasy was woven into her character. The ending as well was very nice.

All in all I liked this book and would recommend it.

BOOK BLITZ: ALMOST PERFECT BY DELANEY DIAMOND

 

Almost Perfect
Delaney Diamond
(The Cordoba Agency, #4)
Publication date: May 20th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

A cat burglar and an assassin run for their lives across Paris—and try not to get distracted by the sizzling attraction between them.

Assistant antique dealer by day, cat burglar by night, Sable Devereaux has lived in the shadows for years. With one final heist, she can walk away from a life of crime and open her own antique store, retiring to the quiet existence she has always dreamed of. But during her last theft, she witnesses a murder and goes on the run to escape the cross-hairs of some very powerful people.

Agent and master-of-disguise, Hunter Mitchell is intrigued when he has to subdue the sexy thief after she breaks into his Parisian apartment. Then he quickly learns he must protect her—and himself—from an organization hiding much more than a murder.

The couple races across Paris in a fight to stay alive and stop one of the most powerful organizations in the world—and discover what they’ve been looking for all along… is each other.

Add to Goodreads / Purchase

—

EXCERPT:

“Let me help you,” Sable said from the doorway.

“I got it. I’ve been shot before. I have nine lives.” Hunter flashed a grin.

Her hand grasped his undamaged arm. “Please.”

He paused. “All right.” He turned down the lid on the commode and sat down.

“Take off your shirt,” Sable instructed as she doused a washcloth with warm water.

Hunter pulled the shirt over his head and revealed his firm chest. Blood stained his sandy-colored skin and the blond hairs on his forearm.

Sable started cleaning his arm and around the cut. “Why do you do this?”

“Do what?” So close to him in the small bathroom, his voice rumbled in her ears.

“You’re good at what you do, but you risk your life to protect people all the time, right? How can you constantly jeopardize your own safety?”

“You’re one to talk.”

She looked up at him briefly before setting the bloody rag on the counter and picking up a cotton swab. “Normally, being a thief isn’t so dangerous.”

He watched her work for a bit. “It’s exciting. It’s in my blood. I’ve been this way since I was sixteen. I got into trouble and an organization helped me get on the right path.”

“Men like you…” Sable shook her head, tossing the bloody cotton in the trash. “Never mind.”

“Men like me? Daredevils?” he prodded.

“Yes, daredevils. And players.”

“What’s wrong with us? Daredevils are fun. Players make the best lovers.” Amusement filled his voice.

She wrapped his arm with gauze, keeping her eyes trained on the task and avoiding his eyes. “Players also break hearts.”

“Only if you give them your heart,” Hunter said in a low voice.

That was a warning if she ever heard one. Sable smoothed a hand over the bandage. “There.” She briefly washed her hands while he continued to watch her.

When she finished, she stepped back, but Hunter caught her shirt and held her in place. She didn’t want to look at him but couldn’t resist lifting her gaze.

“You want to give me your heart, Sable?”

The thinning of the air made breathing difficult. “I’m not that foolish.”

Hunter’s light-colored eyes scoured her face. Then he stood, fisting her shirt in his hand and hauling her closer. Sable let out a soft gasp. The breath leaving her nostrils trembled and stuttered as much as her beating heart.

“Thank you for taking such good care of me.”

She swallowed. “You’re welcome.”

He cocked his head, gaze dropping to her parted lips. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you for the longest. You gonna let me kiss you, Sable?” he asked huskily.

He didn’t wait for an answer.

He dipped his head, and her lips fell open wider before his mouth touched hers. Their mouths crashed together, guttural moans leaping from their throats and filling the small bathroom.

Author Bio:

Delaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sensual, passionate romance novels, and was born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not busy reading or writing, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale. To get sneak peeks, notices of sale prices, and find out about new releases, visit her website and join her mailing list. Enjoy free stories on her website at www.delaneydiamond.com.

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BOOK BLITZ: PAINTED SCARS BY NEVA ALTAJ @XpressoBookTours

 

Painted Scars
Neva Altaj
(Perfectly Imperfect, #1)
Publication date: May 24th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Nina
Charming, captivating, and seductive,
And a cold-blooded killer.
But I married the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva anyway.
I had to; it was part of the deal.

Now, I’m faking marital bliss,
As I tremble with fear,
And I cannot wait to be out of the clutches of this ruthless man.

Roman
I get anything I desire.
And I want this perfectly imperfect little manipulator.

The way she can deceive anyone into believing she’s crazy in love with me,
Just makes me want her even more.

She doesn’t know it yet,
But I am not letting her go.
The deal – is off.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

(Nina POV)

“How much do you owe them?” I ask.
“Three million dollars.”
I stare at him with my mouth wide open. “Dear God, Dad.”
I bend down and place my forehead on my knees, trying to control my breathing. I’m not marriage material, no one in their right mind would offer three million dollars in exchange for six months of marriage. There must be a catch.
“He’s ninety, isn’t he?” I mumble into my knees.
“I don’t know how old their Pakhan is, but I don’t think he’s ninety.”
“Eighty then. I’m so relieved.” I’m going to be sick.
“They said it’ll be a marriage in name only. You won’t have to . . . you know.”
“Sleep with him? Well, if he’s eighty, then he probably can’t have sex. That’s good. Eighty is good.”

Author Bio:

Neva Altaj writes steamy contemporary mafia romance about damaged antiheroes and strong heroines who fall for them. She has a soft spot for crazy jealous, possessive alphas who are willing to burn the world to the ground for their woman.

Her stories are full of heat and unexpected turns, and a happily-ever-after is guaranteed every time.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub

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BOOK REVIEW: AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED BY KHALED HOSSEINI

AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED BY KHALED HOSSEINI

So, then. You want a story and I will tell you one...Afghanistan, 1952. Abdullah and his sister Pari live with their father and stepmother in the small village of Shadbagh. Their father, Saboor, is constantly in search of work and they struggle together through poverty and brutal winters. To Abdullah, Pari - as beautiful and sweet-natured as the fairy for which she was named - is everything. More like a parent than a brother, Abdullah will do anything for her, even trading his only pair of shoes for a feather for her treasured collection. Each night they sleep together in their cot, their heads touching, their limbs tangled. 

One day the siblings journey across the desert to Kabul with their father. Pari and Abdullah have no sense of the fate that awaits them there, for the event which unfolds will tear their lives apart; sometimes a finger must be cut to save the hand. Crossing generations and continents, moving from Kabul, to Paris, to San Francisco, to the Greek island of Tinos, with profound wisdom, depth, insight and compassion, Khaled Hosseini writes about the bonds that define us and shape our lives, the ways in which we help our loved ones in need, how the choices we make resonate through history and how we are often surprised by the people closest to us.

MY THOUGHTS

Amazing!!!

As usual Khaled Hosseini did not disappoint. Abdullah and Pari's story was very emotional and ooh that ending would really bring you to tears. I think it was different to The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns but equally enjoyable. This one read a little like a short story collection in my opinion, which I found quite interesting. I am so glad that I read this finally.

I recommend this but after you read The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.

 

BOOK REVIEW: IN FIVE YEARS BY REBECCA SERLE

 

IN FIVE YEARS BY REBECCA SERLE

Where do you see yourself in five years?

When Type-A Manhattan lawyer Dannie Kohan is asked this question at the most important interview of her career, she has a meticulously crafted answer at the ready. Later, after nailing her interview and accepting her boyfriend's marriage proposal, Dannie goes to sleep knowing she is right on track to achieve her five-year plan.

But when she wakes up, she’s suddenly in a different apartment, with a different ring on her finger, and beside a very different man. The television news is on in the background, and she can just make out the scrolling date. It’s the same night—December 15—but 2025, five years in the future.

After a very intense, shocking hour, Dannie wakes again, at the brink of midnight, back in 2020. She can’t shake what has happened. It certainly felt much more than merely a dream, but she isn’t the kind of person who believes in visions. That nonsense is only charming coming from free-spirited types, like her lifelong best friend, Bella. Determined to ignore the odd experience, she files it away in the back of her mind.

That is, until four-and-a-half years later, when by chance Dannie meets the very same man from her long-ago vision.

Brimming with joy and heartbreak, In Five Years is an unforgettable love story that reminds us of the power of loyalty, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of destiny.

MY THOUGHTS 

⭐⭐⭐

This was my good reads book club pick for May and it was ok.

This story was surprising because in reading the synopsis I really thought that it was a romance novel but instead I read a story about friendship and dealing with loss.

Dannie, a thirty something year old lawyer at the height of her career, who is engaged to a decent guy seems to have life figured out. She has a dream that takes her five years in the future where she is supposedly engaged to the handsome Aaron. This dream seems so real that Dannie could not shake the uneasy feeling that she may meet this guy. She actually does meet Aaron but not in the way she expects cause ***SPOILER*** He is dating her best friend BELLA.

Bella seems to be having the time of her life, she is carefree but then tragedy strikes and everything isn't the same anymore.

As you get to the middle of the book the story really takes a twist and in my opinion it becomes very sad. I liked the story line, I didn't love the book as I thought I would have though. I would recommend although it was not my favourite.

Join the discussion about this in my book club between the pages on Good reads.

TGR QUARTERLY READING WRAP UP....

  

TGR Quarterly Wrap

2022 has been a slow but steady reading year for me. Mainly because work has been very busy. Thus far I read only 13 books which were all very exceptional in their own right. 

Readers to my blog probably think I only write positive reviews and there is a simple explanation for this and it is very rare I read a book that is bad. I believe that reading should be an enjoyable experience so I research well for good books. I also like to give my readers good book recommendations.

Next quarterly plans will include, getting my long NETGALLEY TBR down, reading some new authors who have been kind enough to send me review copies and of course read my shelf. So readers you have a lot to look forward to on the blog.

Happy Reading!!!

BOOK REVIEW: THE BOOK OF NIGHT WOMEN BY MARLON JAMES

ABOUT:

The Book of Night Women is a sweeping, startling novel, a true tour de force of both voice and storytelling. It is the story of Lilith, born into slavery on a Jamaican sugar plantation at the end of the eighteenth century. Even at her birth, the slave women around her recognize a dark power that they and she will come to both revere and fear.

The Night Women, as they call themselves, have long been plotting a slave revolt, and as Lilith comes of age and reveals the extent of her power, they see her as the key to their plans. But when she begins to understand her own feelings and desires and identity, Lilith starts to push at the edges of what is imaginable for the life of a slave woman in Jamaica, and risks becoming the conspiracy's weak link.

Lilith's story overflows with high drama and heartbreak, and life on the plantation is rife with dangerous secrets, unspoken jealousies, inhuman violence, and very human emotion between slave and master, between slave and overseer, and among the slaves themselves. Lilith finds herself at the heart of it all. And all of it told in one of the boldest literary voices to grace the page recently--and the secret of that voice is one of the book's most intriguing mysteries.

 My Thoughts

This book was such a heavy read, if you are triggered by brutality and violence especially related to slavery maybe this would not be your cup of tea.

What I enjoyed about this story the most, as a person who have studied Caribbean History, is how Marlon James was able through this work of fiction depict quite clearly major events that occurred in Jamaican Sugar plantations during slavery.

Lilith's character was a testament of James' skill as a writer. When you read about Lilith and the night women especially Homer, You would not help but feel empathy and also admire the strength of these women. I always felt that women's voices especially black's women voices are underrepresented in Caribbean History. This was what probably drew me to the story so much.

I am going to look for other books written by Marlon James . I cannot believe this is the first time that I read one of his books. For persons who like historical fiction novels this one is really good.

BOOK REVIEW: GET A LIFE CHLOE BROWN BY TALIA HIBBERT

 

Blurb

Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with six directives to help her “Get a Life”, and she’s already completed the first: finally moving out of her glamourous family’s mansion. The next items?

• Enjoy a drunken night out.

• Ride a motorcycle.

• Go camping.

• Have meaningless but thoroughly enjoyable sex.

• Travel the world with nothing but hand luggage.

• And... do something bad.

But it’s not easy being bad, even when you’ve written step-by-step guidelines on how to do it correctly. What Chloe needs is a teacher, and she knows just the man for the job.

Redford ‘Red’ Morgan is a handyman with tattoos, a motorcycle, and more sex appeal than ten-thousand Hollywood heartthrobs. He’s also an artist who paints at night and hides his work in the light of day, which Chloe knows because she spies on him occasionally. Just the teeniest, tiniest bit.

But when she enlists Red in her mission to rebel, she learns things about him that no spy session could teach her. Like why he clearly resents Chloe’s wealthy background. And why he never shows his art to anyone. And what really lies beneath his rough exterior…

My Thoughts

Hands down the best book I have read for 2022 so far.

I got myself the e book because I usually do that if I am unfamiliar with an author but I need this series on my shelves.

This was a lovely romance simply because Chloe and Red were realistic. I could not get enough of Chloe. She was suffering with chronic pain from her fibromyalgia but was determined to not let her limitations keep her back. As I always say if God can't come to earth himself he sends a man. And that he did in the right time in Red Morgan, the artistic, handsome and oh so appealing building superintendent, who with a past that he has been struggling to pick up the pieces builds a deep connection with Chloe.

This book was deep, it was funny, sexy, and just enjoyable. Loved it.

Book Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Synopsis

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.

Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.

Promises get broken.

Rules get shattered.

Love gets ugly.

My thoughts

This is one of my Between the Pages book club picks for April. This is the second Colleen Hoover book I ever read after reading the much talked about Verity last year and I must say that while Ugly Love is a completely different story it is quite a good book indeed. In recent years I have read few romance novels but I enjoyed the spin on this one. I liked how Hoover went into Miles' past and carefully explained the cause of Miles behaviour towards Tate. 

I think Tate agreeing to just a sexual relationship with Miles reminded me a bit of Anna and Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey in a way (not certain why). The word "ugly" to describe how love could become especially in light of Miles' past experience was nothing short of brilliant. The ending was very moving and touching.

It is my intention now to read more of Colleen Hoover's books. This was a good one as well.

BOOK BLITZ: BECKON by VERLENE LANDON @ Lady Amber's Reviews & PR

 

 

Title: Beckon
Author: Verlene Landon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Indie Sage
Editor: My Brother’s Editor
Publication Date: April 14^th, 2022
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

Blurb: 

In the alphabet of love…B is for Beckon.

Chandler Benson is coping with losing a team member and adjusting to civilian life when he finds out something he was never supposed to know. The unredacted knowledge of his last mission is more than he can handle. The only peace he sees is six feet under.

Tamitha Spencer knows loss. Her husband was killed by a drunk driver years ago, and now she does what she can to make sure no one else feels that pain. When she finally overcomes the devastating loss, she longs to love again but doesn't know how.

Chandler is looking for an end, Tami is searching for a new beginning.

Is it possible for them to find both...together?

The ABCs of Love is a multi-author world of stand-alone novels based on the alphabet.

Book Links: 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KLf3ZB

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/mBzP8y

Series: https://amzn.to/3JRZDlf

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60140312-beckon

Author Bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Verlene Landon was born and raised in the south.

 

Thanks to the military, she’s traveled the US, but now calls Sin City home…again.

 

Self-proclaimed zombie apocalypse enthusiast, word porn peddler, human canvas, Manowarrior, serial grammar killer, rabid Bama fan, accidental dust bunny population specialist, and abuser of the word f*ck.

 

Lover of all things wine, the 80s, skulls, head-banging rock, and Lemmy.

She’s thrown live grenades, survived the tear gas chamber and forced road marches, but still thinks writing and publishing are more brutal.

Verlene is on a mission to make naughty the new normal.

Author Links: 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JGziWS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14426250.Verlene_Landon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVerleneLandon/

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VerleneLandon/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verlene.landon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Verlene_Landon

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/verlene-landon

Website: https://verlenelandon.com/

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y4s5g5

Book Review: The Mistress Files: Dirty Diana by Yolanda Randolph

 Synopsis

“If I can’t have you, then she can’t either.”

Diana’s sentiments exactly…

Diana James is madly in love with Adam, a man whom she met and fell in love with over a decade ago. He’s the perfect man for her, her soulmate. There’s just one problem… Adam is married with a family.

Diana’s love for Adam is strong, in her eyes, much stronger than the love that his wife, Jennifer, has for him. She’s the better woman for him, and she would do anything to prove it to him. In her mind, she was doing everything that proved her love for him, and soon, he would be home with her, building a life with her. But on a cold Christmas morning, Diana’s
dreams are shattered when Adam announces that under no circumstances would he leave his wife.

With Adam’s harsh announcement, Diana’s love turns to rage! She’s ready and willing to do anything to turn Adam’s life upside down, including humiliation, devastation, and… murder.

My thoughts

Diana is in love with Adam, but does he feel the same? What is crystal clear is that Adam does not want to destroy his happy home with his wife Jennifer and their two children. Diana is just his mistress but she is not accepting that place. She thinks she deserves the life that Jennifer has. All she could see is red rage....Things quickly take a deadly turn but who is to blame Adam? Jennifer? Diana? Not certain who.

This was a story about obsession and how infidelity can take a turn for the worse. I always say that women love strong and men must be careful with playing with women's feelings. The author did a good job with Diana's character. Although she was crazy as hell I felt a bit sorry for her. I think Jennifer was one of those wives who deep down inside didn't want to admit that her life is anything but perfect.

The message in this story is so good. Great book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

BOOK REVIEW: THE KISS QUOTIENT BY HELEN HOANG

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases—a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice—with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan—from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic..

MY THOUGHTS

This book has been on my TBR for a while so I am glad that I was finally able to complete it. I liked the story line of the book. It was great seeing the world through Stella's eyes and learning about the struggles that young women with autism face with respect to love and just life in general. Michael's character was quite interesting, I think it took me towards the end to really understand the things he was facing dealing with his family and the huge responsibility of his family on his shoulders.

The sexual passion in this book was something else let's just say the scenes had my attention. I also liked that there was an element of humour in some parts of the story making it a lighter read. If I were to criticize one thing it would be in the middle of the story there was a point where I felt that it was taking long to get to the point a bit. Overall though this was a nice romantic story and I look forward to the other books.

BLOG TOUR: A NURSE TO CLAIM HIS HEART @XpressoTours

 

A Nurse to Claim His Heart
Juliette Hyland
(Neonatal Nurses, #1)
Publication date: March 29th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Will a fake relationship turn into a forever romance? Find out in Juliette Hyland’s latest Harlequin Medical Romance, the first story in the Neonatal Nurses duet!

A picture is worth a thousand words…What about a viral video?

When Dr. Benedict saves an infant on the Washington Metro, the treatment he performs with nurse Penny becomes the talk of the town—and social media! Not least because the world thinks they’re a couple… While a real relationship is a no-go zone for divorced Benedict, prolonging their “faux-mance” is the perfect way to raise vital hospital funds. But the longer their ruse goes on, the more real it feels!

From Harlequin Medical: Life and love in the world of modern medicine.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

HERE IS AN EXCERPT

“His smile sent thrills chasing through her. “That is an excellent line, Benedict.”

“Not a line.” He stepped a little closer. “You are adorable, gorgeous and one of the most intelligent people I have ever had the benefit of knowing.”

“If this was a romantic comedy, this is the part of the movie where I jump into your arms and kiss you.” Penny raised a brow and leaned a little closer, waiting to see if he’d pull back. When he didn’t, Penny decided to let her inhibitions down. What good was pretend-dating Dr. Benedict Denbar if she didn’t at least get to see how the man kissed?

“Kiss me.” The soft demand left her lips, and if she’d been uncertain, the slow smile spreading across Benedict’s lips would have cemented the need in her belly. God, the man was hot.

His lips were soft as they grazed hers. He pulled her closer, the heat of his body echoing through her. She moved without thinking as she wrapped her hands around the nape of his neck. The world slowed as she relished the feel of his body next to hers.

When he deepened the kiss, her soul exploded. If she was ever given the option to pause time, this was the moment she’d choose to run on a loop.

“Penny.”

Her name on his lips reached through her senses as she pulled back. “Wow.”

“Wow, indeed,” Benedict echoed. ”

Author Bio:

Juliette Hyland believes in caffeine, hot drinks and happily ever afters! She lives in Ohio, USA, with her prince charming, who has patiently listened to many rants regarding characters failing to follow the outline. When not working on fun and flirty happily ever afters, Juliette can be found spending time with her beautiful daughters, giant dogs or sewing uneven stitches with her sewing machine.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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BOOK REVIEW: NINETEEN MINUTES BY JODI PICOULT

 

Synopsis 

In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist; you can fold laundry for a family of five....In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world, or you can just jump off it. In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge.

Sterling is a small, ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens -- until the day its complacency is shattered by a shocking act of violence. In the aftermath, the town's residents must not only seek justice in order to begin healing but also come to terms with the role they played in the tragedy. For them, the lines between truth and fiction, right and wrong, insider and outsider have been obscured forever. Josie Cormier, the teenage daughter of the judge sitting on the case, could be the state's best witness, but she can't remember what happened in front of her own eyes. And as the trial progresses, fault lines between the high school and the adult community begin to show, destroying the closest of friendships and families.

Nineteen Minutes is New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult's most raw, honest, and important novel yet. Told with the straightforward style for which she has become known, it asks simple questions that have no easy answers: Can your own child become a mystery to you? What does it mean to be different in our society? Is it ever okay for a victim to strike back? And who -- if anyone -- has the right to judge someone else?

My Thoughts

Wow. This one took me a while to get through but I finally completed it.

This is only my second time reading a Jodi Picoult book having previously read My Sister's Keeper during the pandemic. I enjoyed this one more though because of the topic of bullying and the fact that it can indeed lead to trauma like what Peter the main character was going through. Peter represented what many kids go through on a daily basis. As an educator I make it my duty to really disallow bullying of any kind. I liked how this work of fiction by Picoult creatively dealt with the effects of bullying so that a greater appreciation of it's impact could be gained by readers.

What was interesting also was Josie's character. I felt that Josie and Peter both were kindred spirits. While she wanted to fit in with the cool kids like Peter, she often felt insecure and out of place. This book really gave us many characters and relationships to analyze as well. For me Lacy and Alex, the two mothers and their dealing with their children spoke to the fact that many parents really have no idea what their teenagers are like.

The ending though I did not really like too much but overall this was indeed a good book.

BOOK REVIEW: TURNING A BLIND EYE BY TE'WRITES

 

Synopsis

What happens when one member of the family decides that the family secret isn’t worth keeping?

Based on a true story, this riveting tale exposes the shared secrets that many families would rather take to the grave.

Chantel’s world was turned upside-down when she discovered the abuse of her brother Roy at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend, J.R. Outrage and panic left Chantel’s head spinning. How could someone do something so disgusting and violating?

Even after numerous attempts to end the abuse, Chantel was silenced by her family. It was clear to Chantel that they were not being protected by those who are supposed to love them the most.

The questions lingers with Chantel for years to come: Why is J.R’s protection continuously held above the love and care of innocent children?

Chantel was expecting that this tortuous situation was in the past. She had hopes that Roy could heal despite of the abusive presence still in their lives. Healing, however, isn’t in the cards yet for this family as all three of Roy’s children—

Chantel’s nieces and nephew—have experienced the same horrors as their father before them. Chantel will not be silent and allow the family to keep J.R.’s sordid secrets.

Turning A Blind Eye introduces a heroine whose fierce ambition has her stop at nothing to expose her family’s secret. It is Chantel’s mission to reveal the truth and break the generational curse.

MY THOUGHTS 

"It's easy to stand in the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone," Mahatma Gandhi

This book was not easy to read by any means but my goodness I was glad I did. I became very emotional throughout this book and yet I could not put it down.

This story gives a spin on child sexual abuse that I think people take for granted. Many families just like this one hide sexual abuse for fear of bringing shame upon the family by people knowing or for fear of being judged by the public. The story made me think about the many children who are presently going through situations such as this that are afraid to speak out.

This book is something that every parent should read, especially single mothers. As a mother, you cannot afford to be careless with your children, boy or girl and they should feel comfortable enough to come to you knowing that you are there to protect them. Te'Writes did not hold back in her story whatsoever.

I really am glad I read this and you should too.

*Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse.....