You got that P.h.D.? by Bobby Marhamat

You got that P.h.D.? by Bobby Marhamat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You got that P.h.D.? by Bobby Marhamat lays out a plan that will take your business to the next level. With an ample amount of business success behind him, Marhamat knows what he is talking about in this excellent book. He takes the reader through the stages of creating a business plan that actually works. The overall theme of the P.h.D is that you need passion and enthusiasm, hustle with plenty of urgency, and drive which equates to tons of energy. With these three things, you are on your way to success. The author breaks out the book into the following sections: 1-Readiness, 2-Culture,3-Employees, 4-Sales, and 5- Strategy and Adaptability. There are several chapters contained within each section that illustrate perfectly what it takes to scale your business. The point that resonated most with me was that businesses need to hire people who are anxious to learn and who have energy and enthusiasm. However even more important is that the employer creates a culture of appreciation for their employees, including them in the decision making process, giving them some authority, thereby relieving the owner of being overly involved in the day to day operations. Investing in people and technology is critically important to scaling a business, where people can intuitively do their jobs while being creative, and technology can alleviate some of the more mundane tasks inherent in any business. You will return to this book many times to glean more from the wisdom in its pages. Highly recommend.

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I Am Juden: Undercover in the SS by Stephen Uzzell

I Am Juden: Undercover in the SS by Stephen Uzzell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I Am Juden: Undercover in the SS by Stephen Uzzell is a superb undertaking by the author, one that distills history into a fictionalized format that pulls the reader in and doesn't let go. A book written taking its inspiration from a real life hero, that of Haim Michael Klar to a fiction character by the name of Jozef Siegler who embodies the spirit of the stalwart and fearless Klar. Jozef assumes the persona of an SS officer, rescuing Jews from concentration camps and horrific conditions. This embodiment is tortuous and emotional but the journey that is relayed in this novel is formidable and relentless, truly depicting the horrors of war, and what one race went through. The human spirit does actually triumph at times, thanks to people like Siegler. The author has obviously done his research well, parlaying his knowledge onto the pages of this at once sad yet redemptive tale. Well done and highly recommended for an immersive historical fiction read.

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Spirit of Gettysburg: Soulmates Across Time by Elizabeth Calvert

Spirit Of Gettysburg: Soulmates Across Time by S. Elizabeth Calvert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Spirit of Gettysburg: Soulmates Across Time by S. Elizabeth Calvert is a great mix of genres that include time travel, romance, and history. The main character Maureen is a psychic who caters to the ladies that lunch in Washington, D.C. Her true calling and focus of her life however, is the love of her life, Confederate soldier Major Clayton Fontaine Douglas. Of course he lives and dies in another century, and this is where the story takes off and is so unique. As Maureen moves on from D.C. to Gettysburg, PA, she must try to free the ghost of Major Douglas so that they can be together again. This seems like an altogether impossible task, but Maureen must try to travel back in time to change the course of history. A fascinating take on historical events wrapped up in a overflowing love story, this book is certainly unique. A great entry into alternative history, this book is highly recommend for something a whole lot of different from your typical historical novel.

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Song of Mornius (The Talenkai Chronicles #1) by Diane E. Steinbach

Song of Mornius by Diane E. Steinbach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Song of Mornius (The Talenkai Chronicles #1) by Diane E. Steinbach is a riveting first entry into this series. If you are looking for the perfect fantasy style story, this book is spot on. With a heady opening scene, the main character Gaelin is covered in blood, and the story gets off to a strong start. As he travels with his staff called Mornius, Gaelin must confront evil at every turn and trust his own wit and cunning. There are elves, gems, and all kinds of interesting characters that give this story depth and interest. Magical creatures and mystical places make this a unique book that is lovingly written by the author. It is up to Gaelin to save the world as he knows it. Along with a great plot line and magic, Steinbach has also kindly provided a map in the beginning of the book to help readers gain some knowledge about the geography of Thalus, setting the stage nicely. A strong recommendation for a magical book.

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Man of the Year by Caroline Louise Walker

Man of the Year by Caroline Louise Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really liked this book, more of a character study than a thriller. Robert is a egotistic character who lies, just like everyone else in his family. However, his introspection added a sense of depth and resonance to the book. When a friend of his son comes to live with Robert and his second wife Elizabeth, things go downhill rapidly. A solid narrative when told through Robert’s eyes, but some chapters didn’t make sense as written; truly secondary characters pitching in to the story, but didn’t add much. A little wordy in spots as well, but with plenty of twists and tormented characters, this is a solid story. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy.

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One Little Secret by Cate Holahan

One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is a great book that I read in one day. The plot is as follows; a group of three couples go on vacation together, renting a house on the beach. One of them turns up dead on the beach. This is a great whodunit, with a cast of characters that are both real and vulnerable. One of the main themes in the story is domestic violence, and that was depicted well as an underlying part of the story. While the main story line may seem a bit played, with wildly successful people vacationing on the beach, there is a sinister side to this story, that trades on the notion that generally all is not as it appears in most people's lives. People keep secrets and sometimes those secrets are fatal. Fantastic book that kept me reading as the chapters shifted from one character to another, and one time frame to another. Highly recommend. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Tourmaline by Ginger Tran

Tourmaline by Ginger Tran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tourmaline by Ginger Tran is a beautiful collection of poems that reveal Ginger as a new force to be reckoned with in the world of poetry. From the opening poem:

natural progression

there is always the nothingness
that first comes, first serves.
then the everythingness that blossoms
like microscopic fireworks
if you lean in real closely
to the very tips of things –
like bushes and trees, and the entire
tunneling of known space and time.

We see that Ginger has a real connection to her subject and a way with words that transcends the ordinary. Poetry always reveals much about the psyche of the poet, and this collection is no exception. Ginger has been working on this collection for two years; that patience and care shows in the emotional and revealing work presented here. As her publishing debut, this is a fine putting together of poetry that will stand the test of time. Read this book over and over again to fully engage with, provoke thought, and understand this promising new poet. Highly recommend.



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Magnolia's Violet (Painting Sage) by Rachael K. Hannah

Magnolia's Violet by Rachael K. Hannah
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Magnolia'v Violet (Painting Sage) by Rachael K. Hannah is the perfect coming of age story that follows the lives of three young women, Sage, Kat, and Farrah. They couldn't be more different but the author captures their unique voices quite well as they struggle to enter adulthood in a meaningful way. The sometimes overwhelming city of New York is accurately portrayed through substantive and clever scenes, and reveals the mettle and gumption of each young character. Reflected in this book are also the complications that arise from mental illness and family dysfunction. Sage is an especially well defined character as her bipolar diagnosis neither defines her or slows her down. Family dramas, mental health, career choices, and finding your way in life are the focus here, as Hannah skillfully creates a memorable coming of age story that is both timely and noteworthy. Highly recommend.

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