New Book Reviews Blog Pages

Dublin in the Rain by Andrew Critchley

 Review
Andrew Critchley's "Dublin in the Rain" is a novel that takes reader on an emotional journey that will have them reflecting on love, loss, and life itself.

The novel begins with the troubled Jonathan Melton getting a drink at a Dublin bar, where he meets the sprightly MaolĂ­osa.

The quiet scene has a reflective quality to it and is the stepping block for the rest of the novel, which explores how Jonathan arrived at that point in his life.

The novel takes the reader through the significant events of Jonathan's life, from his tumultuous childhood to the death of his baby and his divorce, forcing the reader to wonder whether Jonathan, given his traumatic past, can ever fully recover.

One of Critchley's strengths is his ability to create dynamic, tangible characters.

Repeatedly, the reader meets characters that feel as if they are someone the reader knows well.

Because of the strong connections Critchley forms between the characters and the reader, each of the characters' triumphs and trials hits the reader in the heart.

Critchley's writing as a whole is beautiful, descriptive, true-to-life prose, with vivid scenes and engaging dialogue.

The highlight of this powerful book, however, is that it leaves the reader examining his or her own life.

If you are looking for a beautifully written, character-driven novel about redemption following tragedy, then "Dublin in the Rain" is the perfect book for you.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Dublin-Rain-Andrew-Critchley-ebook/dp/B00H3OITOU

Warm My Heart by Tessa Stockton

Review
The first book of the HEARTS IN AFRICA series, "Warm My Heart," by Tessa Stockton, is an inspirational romance about two people who find a unique bond while on a missionary trip in Africa.

The main characters, Sarah and Mitch, are both in Africa following events in their past that they want to put behind them.

Through the trials of their environment, they learn about themselves and each other, growing as individuals.

The plot of this book is very much character-driven, and the reader is determined to find out what happens to Sarah and Mitch next.

The writing is fitting for the genre (inspirational romance), and Stockton has the characters reflecting about decisions, which leads to the characters' personal growth.

There are a lot of fun scenes, involving adventure and humor, that keep the feel of the book light-hearted throughout.

Overall, this is a great book for anyone looking for an uplifting, inspirational romance about love and faith.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Warm-My-Heart-Hearts-Africa-ebook/dp/B00HZNS25A

The Outmate by Victoria L. Trenton

Review
"The Outmate," by Victoria L. Trenton, is an erotic crime thriller about a charged relationship between two unlikely people.

Promoter Chrissie Laursen, recently divorced and recovering from alcoholism, reluctantly agrees to a date, set up by her flamboyant best friend, Roland, thinking it will be a good stress release.

She does not realize that her date, Nick Jessup, is a bad boy (with a dark past), who will soon have her hungering for his love.

Chrissie's feelings for Nick develop at an alarming rate, all the while, she's discovering he is much, much more than a pretty face.

The plot is incredibly gripping, with the reader wanting to know about Nick's past and the future of Nick and Chrissie's relationship.

The book's writing perfectly captures the tragic-yet-beautiful feeling of the story.

The book is written in first-person, with the narrator occasionally injecting hindsight thoughts into the story, which allows the reader to empathize with Chrissie and her decisions.

The highlight of "The Outmate" is the attraction between Chrissie and Nick, which, although it is strained and unusual at moments, develops into an incredibly deep, soulful, physical relationship.

If you are looking for a character-driven novel (with explicit scenes) that explores a dark yet beautiful relationship, then "The Outmate" is the perfect book for you.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Outmate-Victoria-L-Trenton-ebook/dp/B00F8KLT2U
Book website: http://www.theoutmate.com/

How to Attract and Make Women Want You Now by Keisha M. Michael

Review
Keisha M. Michael's "How to Attract and Make Women Want You Now" is a how-to book on optimizing the way you act and present yourself, so that you will have more success with women.

The brief book is divided into short chapters, each covering a topic (appearance, conversational topics, etc).

One of the best things about this book is that it is practical.

For instance, Michael doesn't say to start taking steroids and get plastic surgery to improve your image; she suggests simple, easy techniques for improving yourself.

Another highlight of the book is that the many of the suggestions it makes for improving your success with women are also applicable to other areas of one's life; for example, the book covers how to eliminate negative thinking and how to improve your self-esteem.

The book's array of topics, from how to keep good posture to how to start a conversation, are pertinent and teach everything you need to know about improving your presentation to women.

"How to Attract and Make Women Want You Now" is the perfect book for any guy looking to improve his success with women by making simple, easy, healthy adjustments to his life.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GNAYXIQ

Dawning Passion by Elia Mirca

Review
"Dawning Passion (Web of Secrets)," by Elia Mirca, is a suspense novel, with lots of romance and sex, that will have the reader riding an emotional roller coaster.

When Julie, a young, newly married student in Cologne, agrees to an extramarital fling, she anticipates a meaningless one-night stand.

But in reality, her one night of passion triggers a descent into horrors she could have never imagined.

While her husband is away in California, Julie finds herself navigating a slew of difficult circumstances, involving lots of sex and money.

Written in first-person, the book's writing is fitting for the story, beginning in an almost playful way, but then turning dark as the plot thickens.

There is a fair amount of humor, in the appropriate places, which brings some light to the story.

The characters are interesting, and it is easy to choose who to root for and against.

If you like thrillers that explore relationships and sex, then "Dawning Passion" is the perfect book for you.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dawning-Passion-Secrets-Elia-Mirca-ebook/dp/B00HBUI5M2

My Life With Snoopy by Joey Camen

Review
Joey Camen's "My Life With Snoopy" is a laugh-out-loud tale of a human-dog relationship that brought joy to both parties.

The book begins with Camen's early life in Detroit (including a traumatic incident with a dog that put him off dogs for awhile) and continues through his various moves to his career as a comedian in California.

Anyone who has owned an animal  knows how special the relationship can be, and Camen does an excellent job of capturing that.

Camen is a great story teller, and he expertly interweaves the stories of his life with the stories of his relationship with his dog.

The book is also filled with humor, which keeps the reader laughing throughout the book, despite the book's dealing with some darker topics (bullying, loss, etc).

If you are an animal lover, "My Life With Snoopy" will have you laughing, crying, and reflecting on your own human-animal relationships -- this book is a must-read!

More Information
Book video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOs_WnXTbbY
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Life-With-Snoopy-Joey-Camen/dp/1936672553

Wayne Dyer: Understanding the Life and Teachings of Dr. Wayne Dyer by Dr. Ruth Carr

Review
"Wayne Dyer," by Dr. Ruth Carr, is a book about Dr. Wayne Dyers's teachings on self-improvement.

The book covers everything from discovering your purpose to how to remain humble.

The author, Dr. Ruth Carr, a clinical psychologist and counselor, did an excellent job of writing a book that captures both Dyer's life story and teachings.

Dyer (nicknamed The Father of Motivation) has had a singular quest to help people improve their lives, and this book is organized around that goal.

The book begins with a background on Dyer's life, starting with his time in orphanages.

The rest of the book is based primarily on Dyer's teachings, but does include some information about his life, such as the details of his trips to the East.

Carr does an excellent job of distlling Dyer's teachings into easy-to-understand chapters.

The book is organized in short chapters that each cover a topic, so the information is both comprehensive yet succinct.

Much of the teachings have to do with learning to accept yourself and then deciding how to improve yourself.

Overall, if you are looking for a book about how to become a better person through self-assessment and spirituality, then this book is for you.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wayne-Dyer-Understanding-Bestselling-Motivation-ebook/dp/B00HZ8VR4S

Amazing Power of Prayer by Bradley Stanton

Review
"Amazing Power of Prayer," by Bradley Stanton, is a book about every aspect of Christian prayer.

In the introduction, Stanton states that the goal of the book is to show you how to have strong, unwavering faith that will improve the your prayer experience and provide more hope and joy.

The book is filled with Biblical insights that are necessary to understand to get the full prayer experience.

Stanton writes about topics, such as how to be persistent with prayer and how to put God's will above one's own and how to deal with stress.

One of the great things about the book is that the author provides many inspiring stories from his personal life as examples, including his experience with a church in China.

The book is based on scripture, and there are verses provided with each point.

The book is written in an easy-to-understand manner; in past editions, there were problems with editing, but the current edition is free from problems with grammar, punctuation, etc.

If you are a Christian who wants to deepen your understanding of prayer, then this powerful book is the perfect book for you.

Additional Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008EOCODK

Vigilante Patsy by Ronald Kent

Review
Ronald Kent's "Vigilante Patsy" is a gritty story (involving every crime imaginable) about how a community deals with crime that has infiltrated every aspect of their society.

Set in 1970s Montreal, the novel shows what happens when criminals, too big for their own shoes, collide.

The plot develops slowly, with lots of character-building, but eventually comes to a dramatic head.

The characters, even the ones you are rooting against, are interesting to follow, and Kent is careful to show all aspects of their personality.

Kent spends time showing the human side of crime, such as the effect on the local families.

As exciting as the main plot is, it is the stories that Kent builds around each of the character's lives that is most interesting.

Kent does a masterful job at painting their interactions and thoughts as realistically as possible.

Overall, "Vigilante Patsy" is a great book for anyone who likes crime novels with large casts of characters and detailed descriptions.
 

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vigilante-Patsy-Ronald-Kent-ebook/dp/B00FQ5U49G

Armageddon and the 4th Timeline: A Spiritual Odyssey Through Time & Eternity by Don Mardak

Review
"Armageddon and the 4th Timeline: A Spiritual Odyssey Through Time & Eternity," by Don Mardak, is an impossible-to-put-down mystical fantasy that makes the reader think of deep issues while entertaining with a fast-paced adventure.

The plot of the  novel is centered on the potential for disaster as a result of conflict between heavily armed factions; this is only a very broad overview, however.

The novel is really an intricate web of subplots, involving spirituality, politics, the military, and time travel.

One of the exciting things about the novel is that the reader is taken to many different locations, from Hamburg, Germany to Tel Aviv, Israel.

The characters in the book are well-written and perfectly relay the excitement of the situations to the reader.

The highlight of the book, however, is that it brings together three themes: the war on terror, spiritual teachings, and the idea of time travel.

These themes are brought together in a way that creates a fascinating, thought-provoking book.

If you are someone who wants a mystical-fantasy book that is incredibly exciting (yet you can also learn from it), then, without a doubt, "Armageddon and the 4th Timeline: A Spiritual Odyssey Through Time & Eternity" is the perfect book for you.

Other Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Armageddon-4th-Timeline-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B00AQ3LU4G

The Hustler: Become the Best at What You Do by Chris Vadnais

Review
Chris Vadnais' "The Hustler: Become the Best at What You Do" is about becoming the most successful person you can possibly be.

Vadnais describes the hustler as the person who is always winning awards, constantly taking their success to the next level.

This inspiring book tells you how to become the hustler, by taking inventory of what you are currently doing in your life and what you need to do.

One of the things that Vadnais stresses, which is not a point made in similar books, is that the hustler works hard for success.

Vadnais makes it clear that you must work hard to be a hustler; he also emphasizes that failure is allowable, as long as the hustler does not quit.

Some of the topics covered in the book are: how to find your niche, how to dream big, and how to network, among others.

Something that is helpful about the book is that it has tie-ins to other books and psychological theories, as well as examples of hustlers in the public eye.

If you're looking to improve your productivity through hard work and determination, then this book is for you.



More Information
Buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HTP5S0Q
Author website: www.chrisvadnais.com

How To Use Your Reputation To Dominate Your Market | Reputation Management by Andrew Wroblewski

reputation management, andrew wroblewski, reputation monitoring, reputation books
Review
"How To Use Your Reputation To Dominate Your Market," by Andrew Wroblewski, is a comprehensive how-to guide on managing your reputation as a business.

With the advent of many new types of marketing (search-engine optimization, pay-per-click, etc), many businesses have neglected their reputation.

"How To Use Your Reputation To Dominate Your Market" aims to have the business re-take their reputation and turn it into a valuable asset through three easy steps to help with reputation management.

Wroblewski asserts that by taking control of the business' reputation, the business can drive in more quality customers than with other methods of marketing.

The three steps toward taking control of your reputation, monitoring, management, and marketing, are laid out in a way that is easy to understand and implement.

Andrew Wroblewski also explains how to deal with a bad reputation and provides examples (in the oil and burger industry) of how other companies dealt with the problem.

"How to Use Your Reputation to Dominate Your Market" is comprehensive yet succinct, which makes it easy to remember all of its points.

This book is a great choice for any business looking to draw more customers and improve their image through reputation management.


More Information
Buy the book on Amazon
Visit the book's website

Argosy by Jason Brandon

Review
Jason Brandon's debut novel, "Argosy," is a Sci-Fi thriller about an apocalyptic virus from Asia and how a determined Cleveland, Ohio family adapts to the chaos in order to survive.  

The protagonist and father of the family, Jack, is a university historian who witnesses the sights and stench of death on the last day of the school semester, which is foreshadowed by a "death by plague" dream in the prologue.

Quickly, Jack gathers the necessary resources such as food, water, and medicines before rushing to ensure the safety of his wife, Emily, and their two children, Vic and Lucy. 

With the government and authorities disbanded by the killer virus, the family must fend for themselves in their 1,500 square-foot basement with no power and limited supplies. 

Nevertheless, Jack demonstrates his creativity and resourcefulness to keep his family safe often using keys from the historical past like the Black Death in 1348 to inform his decisions. 

The first-person narrative is captivating because it conveys a sense of immediacy and presence with the characters as they navigate the world as isolated survivors.  

Overall, "Argosy" is a perfect read for fans of the post-apocalyptic genre and dystopian literature. 

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Argosy-Jason-Brandon-ebook/dp/B00HWK37HY

STRUGGS by Brad Hecht

Review
"STRUGGS," by Brad Hecht, is a young adult adventure set during 1775.

The main characters are an eclectic group of five teenage orphans, who serve the Patriot cause.

Each character has a unique talent to contribute, such as sailing skills and fencing abilities, and it is fun to see them use their different talents and grow as individuals along the way.

The book takes place in a variety of locations, from Bunker Hill to Puerto Rico to the streets of Boston, which keeps it interesting.

The writing is just the right level for young adults, with the good pacing and good descriptions.

The historical components of the book are grounded in reality and are compelling.

One of the highlights of the book is the amount of exciting action sequences, which are written flawlessly.

If you like historical fiction (especially colonial fiction) with lots of action, then "STRUGGS" is the perfect book for you.

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ALEC by Stan I.S. Law

Review
Stan I.S. Law's "ALEC," the first book in the Alexander Trilogy, is a fantasy novel about the coming-of-age of a young, imaginative boy.

The main character is precocious dreamer Alec Baldwin, a boy who goes on fantastical adventures frequently in his mind.

When the adventures come to an end, Alec becomes distraught, but then he discovers Princess Sandra, his inner voice.

It is inspiring to follow Alec on his journey of self-discovery throughout the novel.

The writing is both descriptive and affecting, making the reader even more connected with the plot.

Portions of this novel were contained in Law's "The Princess," but the material was expanded to meet the desires of a more mature audience. It is clear from reading the book that this novel has a broad appeal.

Overall, "ALEC" is a great novel for any fantasy fan who wants a deeper meaning in their literature -- highly recommended!

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ALEC-Alexander-Trilogy-Book-I-ebook/dp/B00FROTPAU

Screechers by E. Lucas

Review
"Screechers," by E. Lucas, is a fun-filled picture book meant to be read aloud to pre-school children.

The plot revolves around an alien family from the planet Screech (where everyone shouts to be heard) and their daily life, such as going to a restaurant, the doctor's office, and the seaside.

The plot is interesting enough to keep a child engaged, and there  are plenty of moments for humor.

The characters are the members of the Screech family (e.g. Pa Pa Screech and Mo Ma Screech) and their dog, and they each have their humorous moments.

The illustrations in the book are whimsical and entertaining and go well with the text; children will find the colorful images engaging and humorous.

The real draw of the book is that the Screechers speak in a special language (e.g. Woo Woo Waa Whoo Baa), and whoever is reading the story aloud has to replicate the sounds, before reading the translations.

"Screechers" is the perfect picture book for someone who wants to read a humorous story (with lots of funny noises) to a pre-school age child.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Screechers-noisy-little-silly-noises/dp/1494909677

Steam City Pirates (Pat O'Malley Steampunk Mysteries) by Jim Musgrave

Review
Jim Musgrave's "Steam City Pirates" is a fresh steampunk mystery that will have even the most seasoned steampunk fans clamoring for more.

The story is about Pat O'Malley, a man with a troubled past who seeks to save the city he loves from evil forces.

O'Malley's character is well-developed, and it is engaging to read his inner monologues.

Musgrave also did a thorough job penning the other characters, but his main strength is in describing scenes.

The world of "Steam City Pirates" feels rich and lively and includes many steampunk attributes.

Musgrave states in the book's introduction that many of his influences are outside of the steampunk genre, such as Edgar Allan Poe, and the gothic and SciFi contributions to the story add a unique flavor.

One of the highlights of the book is it multimedia, with illustrations, links to online games, and a music playlist, which makes reading the book feel like a full experience.

Overall, the book is perfect for steampunk fans who want a new, yet still familiar, take on the genre.

Additional Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Steam-Pirates-OMalley-Steampunk-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00HMNHYN4
Visit the book website: http://contempinstruct.com/Forevermore/

101 Recipes from Holyland Israel by Tal Dahan

Review
"101 Recipes from Holyland Israel," by Tal Dahan, is a cook book packed with traditional and more modern Israeli recipes.

The book is part recipe book and part memoir, according to the introduction, and the text certainly corroborates this claim.

The book is organized into four regions: Old Jerusalem, Old Jaffa, Bethlehem, and Hebron.

Dahan writes about the culture of the region, then shares recipes from that region.

The recipes vary from simple to complex, but for the most part, are practical and contain easy-to-find ingredients.

Some examples of the tasty recipes included in the book are krembo cake, borekas, and cholent.

There is also a beautiful color picture for each recipe.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Israeli dishes and wishing to buy a recipe book.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/recipes-book-101-holyland-book-food-israel-ebook/dp/B00HNS1UOW

The Iron-Jawed Boy (Sky Guardian Chronicles) by Nikolas Lee

Review
The first book of the Sky Guardian Chronicles series, "The Iron-Jawed Boy," by Nikolas Lee, is about a boy, who, after being taken from his family, discovers he possesses an incredible power.

Set in 2300, "The Iron-Jawed Boy" begins when young Ionikus Reaves is taken away from his family and sold as a slave. But before he leaves with his captors, his dad imbues his jaw with iron.

Ion leads a miserable life serving Sir Dread, a cruel, powerful judge, until one day a god, called a Guardian, takes him away to an island where the rulers of Earth reside.

"The Iron-Jawed Boy" has an interesting plot that has a good balance of slow-paced moments and exciting action scenes.

The characters, especially Ion, are well-developed and fun to follow.

The greatest strength of the book is its world-building.

Although it is a fantasy book aimed at a younger audience, there is a fair amount of lore in the book that is very engaging.

Overall, "The Iron-Jawed Boy" is a great read for younger fantasy fans or anyone who likes approachable, imaginative books.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Jawed-Boy-Sky-Guardian-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DSEDXWC


A Countdown to a Wedding - An A - Z of Weddings by Anna Maslin

Review
"A Countdown to a Wedding - An A - Z of Weddings," by Anna Maslin, is a guide on making the wedding experience as pleasant as possible.

The author had two children marry within a six-month period, so she has first-hand experience in dealing with the struggles of making a wedding enjoyable.

The book strives to inform the reader how to make a wedding cost-effective, stress-free, and memorable for the families and guests.

The book is laid out so that each letter of the alphabet is the starting point for a piece of wedding advice -- for example, A is for Advance Planning.

As the reader goes through the alphabet, he or she learns more and more about the process of planning a wedding.

The book is succinct, yet offers specific advice, such as a list of traditional songs that work well for weddings and how to find a venue.

Whether you are the primary wedding planner or just loosely involved with the planning of a wedding, "A Countdown to a Wedding" is a must-read to ensure you are able to provide an enjoyable, stress-free experience for everyone who attends the wedding.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Countdown-Wedding-An-Weddings-ebook/dp/B00APZ6V5S

The POWER of Leads - The Secret to Generate More Buyer and Seller Leads by Jeff Coga

Review
Jeff Coga's "The POWER of Leads - The Secret to Generate More Buyer and Seller Leads" is a must-read book for anyone interested in selling real estate.

The book details everything you need to know about buying and selling property in a way that maximizes profits and minimizes effort.

The book is written in an extremely practical manner, outlining each step of buying and selling property.

One of the book's strengths is it is concise -- there is no unnecessary information to waste your time.

The book is also laid out in a way that is easy to follow, with helpful bold and highlighted typefaces.

The book is very specific in the areas it needs to be, such as marketing. The book covers how to use everything from flyers to business cards and everything in between. It even lists specific websites for purchasing bandit signs.

For anyone looking to make money with real estate, "The POWER of Leads" is absolutely essential reading.

Additional Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-POWER-Leads-Secret-Generate-ebook/dp/B00HS940W0

Immortal Weaver by Sophia Myers


Review
The first book of The Fate Weavers Trilogy, "Immortal Weaver," by Sophia Myers, is a contemporary fantasy novel, based on Greek mythology, that grips the reader from the start.

Set in Boston, the story revolves around young, intelligent Kathryn McDounough, who is working on a journalism internship at a regional newspaper.

Her most important assignment is to interview a reclusive author about his new book on Greek mythology.

During their first interview, Kathryn is surprised by the author's peculiar claims about having had visions that predict the end of the world, as well as other strange occurrences.

Although Kathryn is initially skeptical, she soon finds herself a part of supernatural phenomena, such as predicting a car crash before it happens.

Myers is talented at capturing mood with her writing, and there is a tone throughout "Immortal Weaver" that leaves the reader with a haunting feeling, wanting to know more.

Another one of Myers' strengths is her ability to pace the plot -- "Immortal Weaver" is fast-paced and never loses any speed.

Overall, "Immortal Weaver" is the perfect book for anyone who likes fast-paced, fantasy-themed novels.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Weaver-Fate-Weavers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00HS8YF2G
Author website: http://sophiamyers.com

Young Love Lost by Doug Burris

 Review
“Young Love Lost,” by Doug Burris, is a story about a high school romance that begins when David Jennings meets Mary Roberts on the beautiful beaches of Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

David encounters Mary on the last day of his family vacation. Though time is scarce, they feel the romantic spark immediately through their common interests in classic novels and the outdoors.

When David returns home, he can't get Mary off his mind. Mary thinks of David,  but her friends persuade her that he is too good to be true.

That next summer, they awkwardly meet again at Emerald Isle.  They soon they rekindle their electrifying love, however.  Both are completely committed and plan to attend college together, but something happens that turns their worlds upside down...

In addition to romance, family dynamics also play a big role in "Young Love Lost."

The plot of "Young Love Lost" brings the reader on a wild ride that takes unimaginable twists and turns that are only resolved at the very end.

The strength of “Young Love Lost” is most definitely the descriptive writing, which perfectly captures the essence of young love.

If you're someone who likes suspense and action with your romance, then "Young Love Lost" is the book for you.

More Information

Buy the book on Amazon
Check out the book on Goodreads

She Who Dares Wins by Amanda Mackey

Review
Amanda Mackey's "She Who Dares Wins" is a story of a woman finding strength when she needs it most.

The novel, which has elements of suspense, mystery, and romance, is about Dakota Livingston, a survivor of an abusive relationship.

Dakota escapes her violent past in an island paradise when she falls in love with movie actor Kyle Rutherford.

But just as the relationship is intensifying, Dakota flies home to tie up the loose ends of her past relationship, only to have her plane crash and her wind up on a remote island, where she befriends a boy who was also abused.

The plot of the story is both engaging and fast-paced, without losing its meaning.

The writing of the book is descriptive, and it came as a surprise when I learned that this is Mackey's debut novel.

The characters are incredibly dynamic, and each has their own trial to face.

It was particularly interesting to see Dakota overcome her trust issues (from her previous relationship) as she got closer with Kyle.

"She Who Dares Wins" is the perfect book for anyone wanting to read a story about overcoming obstacles in a plot filled with romance and suspense.

More Information
Author website: amandamackeyauthor.com
Buy the book: amandamackeyauthor.com/purchase.php

The Mother Lode Manifesto by Margie J Baldock

Review
Margie J. Baldock's "The Mother Lode Manifesto" is a book that aims to give women the tools and inspiration necessary to achieve their financial goals.

Baldock, as an entrepreneur, property developer, and financial commentator, comes from an eclectic background, and at the same time, she is very active in her family life.

Baldock calls upon her personal background frequently in the book to offer concrete examples of how she solved the work-family balance problem.

The book begins with a significant amount of social commentary on women's history; then the author shifts toward giving advice on how to reach financial goals as a woman.

One of the strengths of the book is that the author lays out her plans in a step-by-step fashion, making it easy for the reader to follow along.

Additionally, Baldock knows that every woman has different interests, so she lays out different options for attaining wealth, such as property investing and starting a business from scratch.

Baldock includes information outside the specific financial aspects of wealth, such as how to have the proper mindset and how to gain support from your family.

The book also includes references to helpful resources the author has provided on her website.

Overall, "The Mother Lode Manifesto" is a great personal finance book, with lots of history and social commentary, for any woman looking to achieve wealth in a way that meets the demands of her life.

Additional Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mother-Lode-Manifesto-Margie-Baldock-ebook/dp/B00HLSPEMI
Resources from author: http://www.motherlodemanifesto.com/freeworksheets.html
Book's website: http://www.motherlodemanifesto.com/freeworksheets.html

Keeping Minds: A Seductively Sexy Story About the Human Brain by Vinal Lang


 Review
"Keeping Minds: A Seductively Sexy Story About the Human Brain," by Vinal Lang, is a story about two people discovering their past and present together.

The confident, dreamy Bern is a young, successful artist with a memory problem that prohibits him from remembering much beyond two years ago.

He sees a reserved, bookish neurologist, Anna, in hopes of finding a way to manage his memory loss.
When the Anna invites Bern to a cocktail party, the two begin a journey, filled with drugs, sex, and secrets, that ultimately reveals mind-jarring secrets.

Lang's writing is incredibly engaging throughout the book, with just the right amount of dialogue and narration.

The characters are realistic yet interesting, and the author has clearly done his research on the characters' endeavors (e.g. Anna's neuroscience projects).

The greatest strength of the book is its pacing -- there is the perfect balance of slow and fast-paced parts.

The eclectic book makes it perfect for any adults who like suspense books with realistic characters and racy moments.

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The Jetstream of Success by Julian Pencilliah

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Review
Julian Pencilliah's "The Jetstream of Success" is an inspiring read about finding success in one's life.
It was written with the intent of helping the reader to realize his or her dreams.

One of the methods that the book recommends for achieving success is by having the reader assess his or her thoughts, so that damaging thoughts can be eliminated.

The author, a global venture capitalist, writes that he was inspired by others, and he seeks to inspire the reader in the same manner.

The book is very comprehensive, covering a wide range of methods, such as reining in intentions and avoiding self-defeating attitudes, for achieving success.

The enthusiasm of Julian Pencilliah is apparent in the writing, filled with inspirational words, which is almost a stream of thoughts.

One of the highlights of the book is that Julian Pencilliah includes personal anecdotes, such as when he was invited to a private game reserve with Sir Richard Branson, to reinforce his points.

The book would be a great read for anyone looking to reevaluate their life and achieve success. Julian Pencilliah truly has a gift for inspiring.

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Meditation for Beginners (Secret Meditating Techniques to Unlock Your Hidden Potential) by Abigail Mason

Review
"Meditation for Beginners (Secret Meditating Techniques to Unlock Your Hidden Potential)", by Abigail Mason, is a comprehensive how-to book on meditation.

One of the strengths of the 61-page book is that it introduces the reader to the practice of meditation slowly, rather than just diving straight into the nitty-gritty.

The reader learns about what happens to the mind during meditation, why one should meditate, and other pertinent information.

When Mason offers instructions on how to meditate, she uses clear, easy-to-follow writing, which makes it easy to put her words into practice.

Mason covers the range of different types of meditation, from transcendental meditation to Christian meditation.

The greatest strength of the work, however, is that the author offers advice on how to implement meditation practically.

The author knows that many readers lead busy lives, and she includes directions on how to incorporate quick meditations into a hectic schedule.

Overall, this book is great for anyone looking to meditate, or anyone who has some meditation experience but would like to learn about new ways to meditate.

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Buy the book: www.amazon.com/Meditation-Beginners-Meditating-Techniques-Potential-ebook/dp/B00C312AIO

Love Yourself: The Secret Key to Transforming Your Life by Embrosewyn Tazkuvel

 

Review
"Love Yourself: The Secret Key to Transforming Your Life," by Embrosewyn Tazkuvel and narrated by John Eastman, is an insightful meditation on the transformative power of self-love.

In his 39-minute audiobook, Tazkuvel encourages readers to begin with loving themselves, rather than first seeking love from another person.  

Tazkuvel believes that loving yourself is the foundational energy of life, which is not selfish or vain, but is the energy that cultivates better relationships with others, reaches the most primal part of our being, and connects us deeply with the divine. Tazkuvel says that love is "ambrosia for the soul."

The first step to experiencing the magic power of love is to sincerely affirm self-love everyday by saying, "I love you," in the mirror.  In workshops the author has led, the majority struggle with this seemingly simple task.

The book concludes with 88 compelling reasons why you should love yourself.  A few examples include: loving yourself enough to have a vision for the future, to have a passion, to have moral courage, to repent, to gain knowledge, to laugh, and to love and be loved.

The book is well written, and the audio-narration provides readers with a relaxing time for introspection and a new challenge to love oneself.

“Love Yourself: The Secret Key to Transforming Your Life” is a superb companion on one’s journey of self-love that will empower readers to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.

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