Review # 50: The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck: A Novel by Kathleen Y'Barbo

 Description:

~Wild American Charlotte Beck wants to attend Wellesley College to learn business.

~Daniel Beck, Charlotte’s father, wants her to settle down with a good man who can “tame” her.

~Alexander Hambly’s family is in financial ruin, but a rich wife could certainly fix their luck.

     So, Daniel decides to make them an offer they can’t refuse. He will make sure they have the means to do what they want, as long as they marry each other. Problem is they can’t stand one another. So Charlotte and Alex make a deal to annul their fake marriage as soon as they get what they want; unfortunately fate has other plans. Maybe their marriage isn’t that inconvenient after all…

Review:

     I have read the first couple books in the Women of the West series and I couldn’t wait to get into this one! Kathleen Y’Barbo creates amazing characters and has a wonderful writing style; Charlotte is stubborn, snarky, and sometimes annoying, but she also has another side: caring, intelligent, and spirited. Her relationship with her father is really entertaining, especially when she is trying to pool the wool over his eyes- to no avail. Besides the development of the characters, I liked the dialogue which fit perfectly with the book and the time period, (1880’s), and kept me laughing. I only wish that the ending had been different, (no spoilers). Overall, I was quite pleased with the addition of this book to the series and look forward to the books to come. Great book in a great series; recommended as a stand-alone, or to be read with its counterparts.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

***I received this eBook from Blogging For Books (WaterBrook Press) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 49: Nightshade: Book 1 by Andrea Cremer

Description:   
      Calla is an Alpha Guardian, (a kind of werewolf), who accidentally reveals her furred-form while saving a human from a bear attack. Hoping to get past her mistake, she goes back to life as normal, sticking with her plans to graduate high school, marry another Alpha Guardian (Ren), and blend their packs. That is, until the same human, Shay Dorian, shows up at her school and starts asking questions. Calla tries to avoid him, but her feelings towards him are changing. Will she stick with what she's planned all her life? Or risk everything for a human who is forbidden to know the truth?

Review: 

     I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series! I was originally skeptical about this book, but a friend told me it was excellent so I decided to try it out. Totally glad I did, because it was one hell of a read. Had romance, love triangles, a strong female lead, action, allure, envy, evil, and a little bit of violence. The characters needed a little bit of work, but the plot-line was fresh and kept me wanting to read more. Can't wait until Wolfsbane! Would recommend to anyone who's "hungry like the wolf" for fiction or really gets into their werewolf myths.

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

*** I checked this book out of The Harford County Public Library in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 48: Catherine the Great- Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

Description:
      Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie is the biography of Sophia Augusta, later known as Russian Empress Catherine the Great. It details Sophia's childhood, marriage, children, affairs, rise to power, famed coup, and eventual death. It is based on recorded historical documents and on Catherine's memoirs.

Review:
     I have never read any other books by Robert K. Massie, but now I'm hooked. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman is one of the most well-researched and compelling biographies that I have read to-date. The history contained in its 600+ pages is phenomenal, and once I started reading I didn't want to stop. Not only was Catherine the Great a strong-willed, clever, and courageous leader, but an amazing woman who was years ahead of her time. The book was laid out in typical biographical format, birth to death, but Massie's mastery of description and detail put the book in another class entirely. I felt like I was reading a gripping fictional account of the empress as she ruled and fought for equality and preservation of the Russian state, instead of a dry biography filled with dates and facts. I was very impressed with the book's pace as well as the depiction of many famous figures, particularly Diderot, Gregory Potemkin, and d'Alembert. I wish I would have had this book handy for my European history class because I truly feel like I have a better understanding of Russia as a country as well as the politics of the time period. I recommend this to history-lovers, history / literature students, and anyone who wants to experience the awe and majesty of Catherine the Great!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this ARC from Random House in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 47: The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life- How to Get Through Life's Holes Without Getting Stuck in Them by Judith A. Belmont, MS / Lora Shor, LSW

Description:
     The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life is a self-help guide to living your life to the fullest and cancelling out negativity, regret, disorganization, and imaginary "perfection". In its ten short chapters, (or "slices" as they are referred to), it explains regret, failure and success, pessimism, proactivity, spirituality, social connectivity, wellness, balance, stress, and ways to stay optimistic. Each "slice" is broken down into easy to digest sections filled with fun comics, quotes, quizzes, and instructions for assembling a metaphorical tool kit. This book teaches you to live your life, not just exist in it.

Review:

      I really enjoyed The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life both for its cheese-to-life metaphors and its simple set-up. This book proves that a self-help book does not necessarily have to be boring and mono-tonal, but can be fun and interesting to read! Judith A. Belmont and Lora Shor did an amazing job writing and formatting the material, and included fun and easy reader interaction points, (quizzes, tool box assembly, etc...). Although relating Swiss to life may seem cheesy and odd, I thought that it was a refreshing take on living and enjoying life; the Swiss Wiz and the Swiss Cheese Fairy of Life were good guides for teens and adults. I actually think that a version of this book would be good for children between 10 and 16, particularly for those who need a self-esteem boost during the middle and high school years. I loved the comics and illustrations, and I thought that the quizzes and tool kit were very helpful. Overall, I thought that The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life was well researched and full of great information for anyone in need of a little fun and a lot of great advice.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author(s), (Premier Publishing & Media), in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 46: Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp

Description:

   Amelia Hoffman is not who, (or what), she thinks she is. Her parents and siblings have been keeping the truth from her for fifteen years, hoping to protect her. But now other-worlders are being murdered, and they are all connected to her. Can she accept her birthright and save the ones she loves before she's the next one on the chopping block? 

Review:
     I was relieved when I picked up Natural Selection and realized that vampires weren't involved; I am always looking for paranormal romance/fiction that doesn't fit "today's norm". Elizabeth Sharp does an amazing job with the mythology and development of her characters, particularly how she explains and details the Gaia, Djinn, Succubi, and witches. The characters are very realistic, and their attitudes and bonds with one another are one of my favorite aspects of the book. The story-line is slow at the beginning, but it picks up the pace once you get past the first couple chapters. The only part that irks me is the abruptness of the ending. I feel like there was a lot of build-up to the final confrontation, only to begin and end in a mere five page stretch. Loose ends were tied up, (very quickly), but I enjoyed the Epilogue and can't wait to read the next book in the Forces Of Nature series! I recommend this read to tweens, teens, and anyone who enjoys a quick and unique paranormal romance. 


Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)


*** I received this book from 4 Corners Press in exchange for honest and unbiased review.

Review # 45: The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian

Description:
    A flock of geese have flown into the engines, and pilot Chip Linton's plane is going to crash, so he has no choice but to make an emergency landing on Lake Champlain, (much like the one on the Hudson). Unfortunately the resulting flip leads to the death of thirty-nine passengers. Although the crash was a freak accident, Chip feels completely responsible and constantly dwells on "what-if's". Grief-stricken, Chip and his wife Emily decide to rebuild their lives and move their family into an old Victorian in New Hampshire; against the wishes of their twins Hallie and Garnet, who have strange feelings about their new home.
     The new house has a door sealed with thirty-nine six inch carriage-bolts, and that's not the only strange feature. There are ghosts in the house, and they want something from the Lintons. Chip feels like he's losing his mind, while Emily and the twins find themselves surrounded by strange neighbors, (herbalists), who seem to have an unsettling fascination with their blood. Is the house to blame? Or is there something even more sinister at play? 

Review:
     Have you ever been so obsessed with a book that you forgot to eat or sleep? Well, that's how I felt while reading The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down, which I didn't expect from what I originally thought was "just a ghost story". It didn't have the typical haunted house/unfinished ghost business story-line, instead it was very unique and extremely creepy. The way the characters were set up was great; each of them, even the dead, had their own back-story and presence. Every time I read from Chip's perspective I felt like I was him, especially when he was on the edge of sanity, (this made the book feel a lot more real, not to mention particularly unnerving). The way that the separate plots came together in the end really threw me for a loop, and I didn't expect the ending, (or anything else about the novel's contents). This would make a great movie plot, with lots of twists and turns to keep viewers glued to the screen. Overall, I was blown away by Chris Bohjalian's writing style and attention to detail. Rarely does a horror novel come around that actually gives me chills and leaves me frighteningly aware of every creaking floorboard. I recommend to anyone looking for a haunting horror novel just in time for Halloween.


Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)


*** I received this book from Crown Publishing in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 44: Fallen by Traci L. Slatton

Description:

     In this fast-paced post-apocalyptic romance, the Earth is plagued by lethal mists that dissolve all living organisms and metal structures, excluding plants. Anything the mists touch, including humans, becomes a formless dead dust; and most of the human and animal populations have fallen prey.

     Emma and her daughter Mandy have survived the mists, finding food and shelter in whatever places they can. There are several orphaned children in their group, a few with strange gifts that mysteriously manifested when the mists began. Emma can heal someone just by touching them, and one of the children is slightly clairvoyant.

     When a group of men save Mandy from the mists, Emma must decide what is best for the children; traveling with no protection, or joining the new group? So she finds their leader, Arthur, and trades her "affections" for a safe haven.

     Their bargain begins as necessity, trading her womanly goods for food and shelter, but Arthur and Emma eventually start to fall for one another. Unfortunately, as soon as they give in to their desires they are tested. The mists are getting worse, rogue riders are attacking, and the other survivors can't be trusted, especially around Emma and the children. Can Arthur and Emma protect themselves and everyone that's relying on them? Or will the mists claim everyone and everything they love?

Review:

     Fallen definitely had my attention from page one. It is an intense post-apocalyptic action/romance that's so well written you feel like the mists exist; (and you will probably avoid fog after reading). Being a fan of the survival-horror genre, I didn't know how a "survival-romance" would mesh, but Traci Slatton made it work. Her writing style is really descriptive and has a great flow to it; one minute your heart is racing, and the next minute you can't help but smile. The characters, Emma especially, had an authentic quality to them. They weren't just cookie-cutter characters, but 3-dimensional, and the dialogue fit them perfectly. As for the plot, it was very well developed, fast-paced, twisty, unique, and you won't see the ending coming. I personally can't wait for the next book in the trilogy!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from FSB Associates (Telemachus Press) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 43: Reboot Your Career: 27 Ways to Reinvent Yourself in the Workplace... (If You Still Have a Job!) by Peter J. Fogel

Description:

     Reboot Your Career: 27 Ways to Reinvent Yourself in the Workplace... (If You Still Have a Job!) by Peter J. Fogel does just what it promises. It motivates the reader to try 27+ ways to make their job, as well as their life, more managed, meaningful, and exciting; not to mention less stressful. These steps include: finding out what you are passionate about/ what goals you have, making yourself into the person you want to be, managing your time and money, learning to network, and generally, reinventing yourself in order to get to where, and who, you want to be. Basically, it's an easy to understand self-help book for anyone, (employed or unemployed), that wants to make it further in, and be more happy with, their career.

Review:

      After graduation, I myself am unemployed; so when I saw the chance to read and review 'Reboot Your Career...' I jumped at it! Peter Fogel's tips are very well organized, as well as helpful; written in a way that is simple for readers to understand and implement in their daily lives. The chapters are short and to the point, with a little humor to ease the way through more detail heavy material. The comics were a surprise, funny, but related to the sections they were in. I appreciated that the book's overall tone was that of motivation, optimism, and a do-it-yourself attitude; I dislike when other self-help books talk down to the reader. None of the tips are extreme, in contrast most of them are very simple, it's just about being able to stick with them. Overall, I liked Peter Fogel's approach to self-reinvention, and feel that it is a good book for anyone,with or without a job, to have on their desk.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways (Frederick Fell Publishers) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 42: God's Eye by A.J. Scudiere

Description:

      Katharine Geryon comes from money, runs the family business, and seems to have the perfect life with everything she'd ever need, until she begins experiencing strange and horrific events she has no control over. She feels watched and begins seeing things that couldn't possibly exist, strange messages in her apartment and dark creatures hiding in the shadows. This is coupled with the arrival of two mysterious and alluring men, Allistair and Zachary, who may have their own motives for staying by her side. Who can she trust? And when she's pushed to her breaking point, will she be able to make the right choice and save her soul?

Review:

      Firstly, I have to acknowledge the cover art by Ruke Studios; it is beautifully unsettling and creepy, yet it drew me to the book. Secondly, I have to applaud A.J. Scudiere on another complex and amazing read that kept me up past 3am. After reading A.J. Scudiere's Resonance and Vengeance, I was excited to see if God's Eye could top them; and it definitely did. There are only three primary characters, Katharine, Allistair, and Zachary, all of which are thoroughly developed and unique as individuals, even though most of the thoughts and dialogue center around Katharine. I found her to be strong, intelligent, and refreshingly bold, in contrast to other female characters. I felt there could have been a little bit more romance involved, but I liked how the main focus was on Katharine's choice, and how her decision could change more than just her own life. The theme was very apparent, but the ending was not foreshadowed; I thought it was a great page-turner and that, overall, it was excellent. (I got a fair amount of goosebumps too). I recommend God's Eye to anyone who loves a book they won't want to put down!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this ARC from Griffyn Ink (JKS Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 41: Vengeance by A.J. Scudiere

Description:

     Vengeance by A.J. Scudiere is appropriately titled; it's about getting vengeance, and lots of it. Claymore Beller was an accountant for the Russian mafia, until the day he tried to turn them over to the IRS, resulting in the murder of his entire family, and of Claymore; or so they thought. Claymore's youngest daughter Cynthia survives and makes it her mission to get vengeance on the men who killed her family.

     Lee Maxwell's family was also killed by the Russian mafia for his own betrayal. He, like Cynthia, yearns to get vengeance for the deaths of his wife and daughter; and upon meeting, they decide to make the mafia pay for their crimes. Law enforcement and the media refer to them as the "Grudge Ninja".

     Owen Dunham has been following the "Grudge Ninja" case, but none of the evidence/profiles seem to get him any closer to apprehending the suspects. Until he figures out their motive, leaving him to decide whether the "Grudge Ninja" has the right to deal out payback, or if  it's his sworn duty to report them.

Review:

      After reading A.J. Scudiere's Resonance, I was excited to read Vengeance, especially after reading the book blurb. The characters were very unique and well developed, and the plot was definitely solid, two of the many reasons that the book took off as soon as I started reading. I love a good thriller, but most times I find them predictable, so the fact that I was constantly on my toes trying to figure out what was going to happen earned this book huge Brownie points. I also appreciated the level of detail, particularly the grittiness, violence, and gore associated with the pairs' vendetta. I wouldn't be surprised to see this as a movie or as the plot in one of the many crime shows currently on television. This fast-paced thriller is definitely on my recommended list!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from Griffyn Ink (JKS Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 40: Resonance by AJ Scudiere

Description:

     Like clockwork, every 60 million years, the Earth's magnetic poles reverse. 65 million years ago, the Earth's magnetic poles switched leading to the destruction of the dinosaurs. Planet Earth is 5 million years late for the next reversal. By the time the scientific community realizes what's to come it may already be too late.

     A group of  four scientists and medical doctors begin noticing that there are things changing in their areas of study. David, a geologist, realizes that the Earth is due for a complete magnetic pole reversal like the event that took out the dinosaurs; Jillian and Jordan work for the CDC and are studying a disease that seems harmless until its victims become comatose and begin to die; and Becky, a biologist, discovers six-legged frog mutants and strange bird migration patterns. None of these events seem to have anything in common, until the four of them meet and discover that the pole reversal starting, and maybe the end of existence as they know it.

Review:

     I am a fan of science fiction and end-of-the-world theories, therefore, when I saw the giveaway for this book on LibraryThing I knew I had to enter. After the first two chapters I didn't want to put the eBook down. What began as a slow-paced introduction to the characters and their strange discoveries turned into a fast-paced page-turner. A.J. Scudiere has a way with making the world and characters within this book come to life. I felt like I was part of the action, trying to figure out why everything was happening and how the pole reversal would effect me; I love when a book makes me feel "included" in some way. Being a microbiologist I definitely appreciated the science behind the pole reversal, and I think the author did a great job setting up the plot and the dialogue, especially the scientific parts which were easier to understand than in other books of the genre. Overall, I thought the book was great, and it had everything I wanted in an end-of-the-world scenario. The only thing that bothered me was the snappiness of the ending which seemed a little rushed, but all of the loose ends seemed to be tied up and accounted for. I recommend this book to science fiction lovers and people who want to read about world ending scenarios that doesn't involve zombies, aliens, or Mayan prophesies.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this eBook from LibraryThing Member Giveaways (Griffyn Ink) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 39: Midlife Crash Course-The Journey From Crisis To Full Creative Power by Gail C. Feldman, PHD

Description:

     Midlife Crash Course-The Journey From Crisis To Full Creative Power by Gail C. Feldman, PHD was a personal story of survival as much as it was a self-help book for anyone who needs to empower themselves. Gail's story was an emotional journey into her human experience: a painful divorce after a 35 year marriage, a series of accidents that left her both physically and psychologically wounded, failed relationships, and a devastating depression, followed by her rise to power over herself and her past. This book is all about overcoming obstacles, and she definitely proves that it is more than a possibility.

Review:

      Midlife Crash Course was an honest story of one woman's constant battle with life's unexpected challenges. I was surprised to find that Gail was so open about her struggles, especially about her vulnerabilities. It was very touching and real, which was refreshing since most self-help type books profess to the reader instead of opening up and showing the reality. How can someone help themselves or anyone else if they aren't honest and open about their own problems and feelings? That is why I appreciated Gail's approach; she has a no-holds-barred way of describing her struggles while still helping the reader to find their footing with their own challenges. I enjoyed the writing and the overall theme of hope, even when her life seemed to be falling apart. The only thing that bothered me was that, at times, instead of a conversational tone, I felt that the writing became more clinical, harder for the reader to relate. Overall, I got Gail's message, and I liked the road she took her readers down. I recommend Midlife Crash Course to anyone who believes in the power to overcome whatever obstacles present themselves.

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

***I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways (Vantage Point Books) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 38: Powder Dreams by David Ward-Nanney

Description:

     Powder Dreams by David Ward-Nanney is a novel about Bo Grayson, a ski bum who has no life plans except to find the best "powder" on the ski slopes. He only works an occasional temporary job, and any money he earns is quickly depleted on skiing and other less than legal pursuits. He doesn't see his life as squandered, but as an adventure; even though he lacks an actual home-base and has no real friends or family. He continues on this route until he is trapped in an avalanche, both literally and figuratively. Is skiing really his only goal? And is it enough? Depression sets in and Bo decides to analyze his life, his friends, his goals, and his career using Jungian methods. This is how he figures out who he could be, but he is still knee-deep in money problems, debts, and the urge to revert back to old habits. He eventually changes and begins living for the first time in his life, which is followed by him making and sustaining actual relationships outside of skiing and work. Even with all the progress he makes he still has problems, but he figures out how to deal without relapsing.

Review:

      I requested this book because I have always been into psychological processes and how everyone functions differently under stress, whether emotional or physical. The premise sounded very interesting, and the use of Jungian analysis appealed to me since I had recently read about it in a Psychology class. After receiving it, I found the overall set-up interesting with the six different sections comprised of their own chapter numbering system, separate from the others. I found the chapter sizes to be perfect, not too short or long; and the content and dialogue were very well organized and understandable. As for the characters, I found it fascinating how Bo was set up, very complex, but not so much that you couldn't follow the change in his overall attitudes and emotions, most characters were developed enough to serve their purposes. The plot was very intricate, I found that once I had an idea where it was going, it would shift again and it would end up somewhere else entirely; especially when Bo started the therapy and was torn between his old actions and what he was trying to achieve. Overall, I enjoyed reading Powder Dreams and may even find a copy of Particular Obedience to start reading. Nothing like reading about a guy finding himself and contemplating finding one's own self.

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

*** I received this ARC from LibraryThing Member Giveaways (Mud Season Publishing) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 37: The Outlaw Album by Daniel Woodrell

Description:

     The Outlaw Album by Daniel Woodrell is a set of 12 short stories describing "those on the fringes of society". These include a man who seeks revenge for the murder of his wife's dog; a girl who makes her rapist uncle pay for his sins, and a jealousy that could be deadly to a hitchhiker.  

Review:

     Being a fan of the film version of Daniel Woodrell's Winter's Bone, I had a feeling I would enjoy a set of his "backwoods" short stories. Each of the twelve stories was chillingly realistic and gritty. I love the detail and the dialogue, especially in the most twisted tales, like in The Echo of Neighborly Bones. I also really like the cover art, it adds to the overall dark, twisted, and broken feel of the stories. My only complaint was that there weren't more stories since they were all between 7 and 28 pages each. I would recommend The Outlaw Album to anyone in the mood for some seriously unsettling and eerie stories of the "invisible" outlaws.

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

***I received this book from Little, Brown and Company (Hachette Book Group) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 36: Expand Your Brand- How to Supersize Any Brand Anywhere in the World by Merrill Pereyra

Description:
     Expand Your Brand- How to Supersize Any Brand Anywhere in the World by Merrill Pereyra is a businessperson's guide to the strategies used by top company brands, such as McDonald's and Coca Cola, to build and market a successful and confident business or brand. In it's 23 short and easy to read chapters it describes how manage your business, employees, marketing, finances, and overall productivity without stressing over all the details.

Review:

      After reading Expand Your Brand, I can honestly say that I understand a lot more about branding and marketing in relation to global expansion. Not being a career businesswoman, I had never thought of how much work went into global branding. Choosing the best location, catering to the populace's needs, making small changes in service to increase customer loyalty; all of these ideas go into the marketing plan and can make or break a business if they aren't considered. During his 23 years with McDonald's, Merrill Pereyra has obviously learned and perfected a very plausible branding and marketing technique that can be applied to most products/services in a variety of global markets. I recommend Expand Your Brand to businesspeople and anyone interested in branding and marketing, both locally and globally. Great reference and overall format.

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

***I received this book from Bookmasters in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 35: West By West- My Charmed, Tormented Life by Jerry West and Jonathan Coleman

Description:

      West By West is the autobiography of L.A. Lakers All-Star Jerry West. The autobiography is a detailed account of Jerry's entire life from his birth in WV in 1938, to his experience in the 1960 Rome Olympics, even his years as a L.A. Laker and a coach/adviser; and everything in-between.

Review:

      Let me begin by saying that I have never been a fan of basketball, not of any sport in particular, but when I read the pre-release for this book I felt compelled to request a copy. I do love a good autobiography, one written by the person themselves always seems more authentic than one pieced together by a secondary source. But when I began reading West By West, I immediately noted how genuine it was. It wasn't just another look at a celebrity's career and faux pas, but a completely honest and compelling look at Jerry West, the real man behind all of the celebrity/sports star persona. As Jonathan Coleman writes,"this was an opportunity to peel back the onion, layer by layer, to try and get at, by whatever means necessary, the riddle and enigma that Jerry West had always represented to me..." At this, both Jerry and Jonathan succeeded. The personal feel of every account is apparent; from the abuse Jerry suffered as a child, to the death of the brother he looked up to, the wins and losses both on and off the court, and the struggle with his own inner demons. As for the writing style, it emotes highly and goes perfectly with the content. I may not be a sports fan, but after reading West By West, I feel like I know Jerry West personally, his life, his career, and his hardships. Amazing autobiography, not just for the sports oriented.

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

***I received this ARC from Little, Brown and Company in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 34: Ascent From Darkness by Michael Leehan

Description:

     Ascent From Darkness is the true story of Michael Leehan, a man who felt abandoned by God and turned to Satanism. Michael's whole life seemed to be submerged in a darkness he couldn't defeat, so he gave in. He had a loving family, friends that cared about him, and was brought up going to church, but no one seemed to be able to get though to him, especially after he experienced cult life and became "Satan's soldier". He goes through so much torment because of this, breaking apart his family, losing his job, cutting, suicidal thoughts, and an attempted murder; a downward spiral that almost lands him in jail and worse. Thankfully, he turns back to serving God before he loses his life, or takes the life of someone else.

Review:

     I am a strong-willed Christian and a firm believer in redemption and forgiveness. That in mind, I knew that this book would be challenge for me because I was brought up with religion and I have never imagined not being a God-fearing Christian. Surprisingly, after the first chapter I couldn't put the book down. Michael's story both horrified and amazed me. It is unbelievable all that he went through and all that it took for him to get where he is today, faithfully serving the Lord. This is a book that every Christian should read because the devil is very real, and he is always trying to weasel his way into our lives, whether we recognize his influence or not. His story is gripping, heart-breaking, and inspiring. I believe I am a stronger individual and Christian after reading this. Overall, both style and substance were evident and appreciated. I recommend Ascent From Darkness to Christians and anyone who who wants to explore the real-world of God vs. Satan.

Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5)

***I received Ascent From Darkness from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 33: Say Not What If by Andrew Friedman

Description: 

     Say Not What If  by Andrew Friedman is a 51 page short story in the format of a rhythmic poem. It is narrated by a man who is on death row for murder, and describes his work-a-holic lifestyle, his crime, his sentencing, and his remaining life in prison. 

Review: 

     I have always been interested in the different formats that writers use to convey their thoughts; so when I read about Andrew Friedman's short story, Say Not What If, I was ready to read something out of the ordinary. The paperback I received didn't disappoint!

     After page one I was hooked. The rhyming scheme was excited and bouncy, yet the actual subject matter was gritty, full of despair and hopelessness. I thought this stark contrast really helped with the poem's rhythmic flow. I found myself reading, (in my head and out loud), at an energetic pace, almost like lyrics to a song, waiting to find out what would happen next. I don't know how Andrew Friedman managed to keep the rhyming scheme consistent, but it was nearly perfect and very easy to read and understand. I actually read it a second time just because I liked the flow of the poem as a whole.

     I recommend this poetic short story to anyone who wants to read something different, likes a little rhyme, or those who find it's contents intriguing.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

***I received a copy of Say Not What If  from author Andrew Friedman in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.