In Search of Rohan Chang by Lincoln Lee

In Search of Rohan Chang by Lincoln Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Search of Rohan Chang by Lincoln Lee is a well-written and engaging book. The opening pages ooze with the essence of New York City, and the energy it contains. You get a true sense of the city right away. The writing is crisp and eloquent with an undertone of melancholy as the main character is brought into the story. Rohan Chang is a somewhat troubled young Asian American trying to make his way, even though he is literally following around the girl of his dreams. Filled with visions of and the pursuit of the American dream, an interesting amalgamation of Christianity and self-actualization, this is a great book, and certainly worth delving into. Recommended.

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Why Brave Women Win by Jill Bausch

Why Brave Women Win: Creating Your Path to Confidence and Power in the Workplace by Jill Bausch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why Brave Women Win: Creating Your Path to Confidence and Power in the Workplace by Jill Bausch is such an inspiring book for women. Jill worked as a senior executive for a large hotel conglomerate, experiencing what many would think of as the ultimate in life, travel, staying in exotic locals, and much more. However, as her career advanced, she felt more and more empty. This feeling prompted her to make a drastic change. In order to find fulfillment, she needed to move on. The book details her story and provides the tenor and tone you might need to make a change in your life as well and choose a different path from the one you are on as a woman. There is a multitude of examples in the book, real-life scenarios that can learn from too. Definitely, a helpful and inspiring read and is recommended.

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Soulful Return

SOULFUL RETURN by Fidelis O. Mkparu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu is a well-written and indeed soulful book as you follow the life and decisions of Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku a successful doctor in Boston. However, his marriage is crumbling. Ultimately he has to leave his wife behind as he returns home to Nigeria, as his sister is fearing for her life. What he finds there is a world vastly different from the one he left, along with many challenges and concerns. This book has a smooth pace, and the setting is interesting and well-rendered. In the midst of the turmoil, you get a true sense of the surroundings and the characters. Great read and recommended.

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The Narrator by K.L. Slater

The Narrator by K.L. Slater is another great book by this author. I have passed on some of her most recent books, but this one piqued my interest so much. I love books about authors, writing, and the writing life. This book takes off quickly with the disappearance of a famous writer. The narrator of her audio books becomes involved in the search, and the story begins with plenty of twists and turns. There are plenty of complicated relationships here to dissect, the past and present, and the book held my interest. You don't know who to believe. A great read and highly recommend. Five Stars. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy.

Beware the Woman by Megan Abbott

Beware the Woman by Megan Abbott- Megan Abbott is a great writer, I've read several of her books and they're typically great with a fast pace and strong plots. This book fell short for me. I do like the writing style, it felt taut and highly descriptive. Kind of an edge to it. The two main characters, Jed and Jacy fell madly in love in a quick fashion. Truly a suspension of disbelief for the reader. But,

although I liked the writing style, the way Jacy described Jed, their love for each other, how they met, etc., the story itself was such a slow burn and unrealistic on so many levels. I finished reading this wondering if I had missed something along the way. A bunch of men controlling a woman, meh, kind of overdone. Of course she had to escape, but Jacy had so little common sense, it was laughable. A miss for me. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy.

The Quarry Girls: A Thriller by Jess Lourey

The Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Quarry Girls: A Thriller is a great book and one that I raced through. The small town setting and how the author set the stage in the 1970s was spot on. I grew up during that time in the Midwest and was reminded of so many things, Zayres, tv dinners, Anacin, etc. It was certainly a different time. The author does a great job of combining a somewhat bucolic atmosphere with what lies beneath the surface. I found the tunnels fascinating to ponder, while the missing girls' scenario played out in the small town. It was somewhat obvious who was responsible, but nonetheless, this book is fascinating and no more grim or disgusting than many others out there. The contrast between innocence and reality is stark here and makes the book engrossing and eminently readable. Highly recommend.

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Change Short & Simple: Your Guide to Personal Transformation by Christopher James Masiello

Change Short & Simple: Your Guide to Personal Transformation by Christopher James Masiello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Change Short & Simple: Your Guide to Personal Transformation by Christopher James Masiello is a great book that will help you address the challenges we all face in the world today. Usually, we have little control over what happens all around us, but we can control our responses. With this book, you can learn how to be more adaptable when unexpected change comes your way. An insightful book and one that is written in an easy-to-read style, the information contained within is useful and relevant. With questions in each chapter to reinforce lessons learned, this book is a valuable resource. Highly recommend.

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Jamie's Secret by Patrice Fentiman

Jamie's Secret by Patrice Fentiman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jamie's Secret by Patrice Fentiman is a beautifully illustrated book with a lovely message. Children will enjoy trying to figure out what Jamie's secret is. The story is whimsical and heartwarming and definitely resonates on many levels. A creative book with a touch of magic that is sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. The artwork is simply gorgeous and adds so much to the story too. Highly recommend this book to everyone.

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The Mysteries Inside My Head by Lawrence J. Epstein

The Mysteries Inside My Head by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Mysteries Inside My Head by Lawrence J. Epstein is another great book by this prolific author. The setting is the 1960s in Sag Harbor, NY. An unlikely duo of Matthew Daniel Cresson and Robert Burnside, a famous author, meet and work together to solve a murder in the community. Matthew has the ability to see things others can't, even though he's a little slow for his age. So when a homeless man is murdered quite close to Matthew's father's bookstore, he can't help but pick up on the clues. This is an engaging read, geared toward the YA audience, but works for adults as well. You will love the setting of Long Island and the descriptive, clear writing. A must-read and recommended.

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How to Survive Ghosts, Gators, Whores, and Traitors: A Delia Sanchez Mystery by Diana K. C. Gill

How to Survive Ghosts, Gators, Whores and Traitors: A Delia Sanchez Mystery by Diana K. C. Gill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How to Survive Ghosts, Gators, Whores, and Traitors: A Delia Sanchez Mystery by Diana K. C. Gill is another great book in this series featuring Delia Sanchez. The actual meaning of whores in this book is quite unique as the author sets the stage for a fun read. Delia is such a likable character, yet seems to always find herself in all kinds of trouble. When a murder hits close to home at the hotel she manages, once again Delia is on the case. As a former beat cop with the LAPD, she is prepared for the task. Will her relationship with Gabe survive though? You'll have to read this charming book to find out. Recommended.

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Clara Thorn, the Witch That Was Found (Clara Thorn, #1) by Don Jones

Clara Thorn, the Witch That Was Found by Don Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Clara Thorn, the Witch That was Found by Don Jones is a well-written YA book with a lot going on. Clara is the main character and does well in school. However she never quite fits in. Soon she encounters a new world, one she could never have imagined. The writing in this book is so descriptive and entrancing that you really feel you are there in the story. Even the most ordinary things become magical. There is little that is mundane here though. The setting is captivating and intriguing. All of the characters are well described, especially Clara who is a gutsy protagonist. A fun book for the YA audience and is highly recommended.

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Contrarium (Book 2) by Arthur Bozikas

Contrarium by Arthur Bozikas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Contrarium (The Book Glasses Series 2) by Arthur Bozikas is another entertaining book in this series. The concept of magical glasses with special powers is so unique and truly sets this book apart. Sam is such a great protagonist and relatable. This time the glasses have a curse, which makes the plot even more compelling. Such a great book, fast pace, with lots of detail, and even some history, you will immediately become immersed in the story. A worthwhile and fun read, especially appealing to the YA audience, but to others as well.

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