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Category: Literature & Fiction

Giveaway: The Singles by Meredith Goldstein

[ 58 ] May 2, 2012

Just in time for the wedding season, I have 3 copies of The Singles by Meredith Goldstein to give away! 

Check out my review on SheKnows.com

About the book

In Meredith Goldstein’s anticipated debut novel – The Singles (currently in script development with actress Jami Gertz’s production company Lime Orchard Productions) – five single people experience their uniquely entertaining trials of heartbreak, loneliness and relationship disasters amongst a joyous occasion: Hannah is the dejected bridesmaid pining over her ex; Vicki is an addict of V.C. Andrews’ novels; Rob lives a lonely life in Austin…with a dog; Phil is the type of mama’s boy women don’t like; and Joe – the brides estranged uncle – thinks a chance meeting with a one-night-stand could change his life for the better.

With the looming nuptials as their backdrop, these singles’ stories are cleverly weaved together as the couple says their “I-Dos”. Extremely funny, kinda romantic and so unpredictable, The Singles, will take readers into the wedding festivities where the guests take center stage.
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Review: The Bedlam Detective by Stephen Gallagher

[ 2 ] May 2, 2012

Reviewed by Caleb Shadis

The Bedlam Detective has a very Victorian age London feel, even though it takes place in 1912. The suffragette movement is getting it’s legs and automobiles are beginning to replace horses, and moving pictures are the craze. This is were we meet up with Sebastian Becker, previously of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, currently employed to investigate for the Lord Chancellor’s Visitor in Lunacy. The Visitor in Lunacy decides whether or not the rich are sane enough to continue running their own affairs.

We catch up with Becker on a train to meet his next assignment. He arrives just in time to join a search for two missing girls. With the notes his predecessor left, he fears the worst. Turns out his fears are justified.

When I was reading The Bedlam Detective, references were made to Becker’s past in such a way that I assumed the book was in the middle of a series. It is not. Looking at Stephen Gallagher’s writing history, he has a rather eclectic taste in writing. I enjoyed the book and Gallagher’s writing experience shone through. However, his mystery while decent, wasn’t spectacular. He made a few blunders that stuck out to me as far as the plot was concerned but it was still a fun read and the story was very engaging.

Overall, if you are reading this just for the mystery, you might be disappointed; if you want a good story about the time period, it’s worth the read. My favorite part was the retelling of the trip through the Amazon and the anticipation of finally learning what happened.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Caleb is a software engineer and amateur woodworker living in southern Minnesota. He has more hobbies than he has time or money for, and enjoys his quiet time reading.

A review copy was provided free of any obligation by Crown. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: The Face Thief by Eli Gottlieb

[ 3 ] May 1, 2012

Reviewed by Jennifer Jensen

With a title as eye-catching as The Face Thief, Eli Gottlieb’s new novel sounded enticing and memorable. The opening chapter drew me in as Margot, the villain of the novel, tumbles down some stairs and ends up injured–obviously pushed by someone. But as the story progressed, I couldn’t wait to be finished with this one.

The chapters go back and forth between the present and the past, where we are witnesses to the events that led up to Margot’s fall. Margot pays for private lessons from Lawrence Billings to perfect her ability to con people, and in the process screws with Billings’ personal life. She is already very successful at what she does, and has conned a married man, John Potash, out of his family’s life savings.

It’s rather difficult to talk about a plot for The Face Thief, because there doesn’t really seem to be one. Gottlieb instead focuses more on the characters, but with so much back and forth between them all I had a hard time forming any emotional attachments to any of them. Neither Billings nor Potash are sympathetic characters; they each contribute in subtle ways to their own downfalls, Billings for giving in to Margot’s flirtations, and Potash for falling for something that was too good to be true. Also thrown into the mix is a police officer that does not enhance this novel in any way. Billings’ wife, a very minor character, is perhaps the most sympathetic of the lot, but after more of Billings’ back story was revealed, I found myself losing respect even for her.

In reading The Face Thief, I have realized that I am the type of reader that prefers a strong plot balanced out by equally well written characters. Novels that focus entirely on characters with a very weak plot–or no plot, in this case–are far less interesting to read.

Rating: ★½☆☆☆ 

Jennifer graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She occasionally dabbles with her own fiction writing, particularly with the Young Adult and Paranormal genres. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and daughter.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by William Morrow. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: The Train of Small Mercies by David Rowell

[ 4 ] April 30, 2012

Reviewed by Colleen Turner

The Train of Small Mercies by David Rowell tells the story of what happened on June 8th, 1968 as Senator Robert Kennedy’s funeral train made its procession from New York to Washington, D.C., not from the perspective of the Kennedy family but from that of six ordinary people along the train’s route. Each person, while in no way connected, has a shared purpose of not only moving the train along its path but of highlighting the good and bad of America at this volatile time.

Lionel Chase begins his first day as a train porter in New York aboard the funeral train for Robert Kennedy, trying desperately to get through this day as his own problems coalesce with those of the nation. Jamie West, having recently returned home to Maryland from Vietnam after losing a leg, is struggling, along with his family, to adjust to the changes his experiences and injury brings. Edwin Rupp wants nothing more than to celebrate his new pool, what he hopes will bring a return to his more carefree days with his wife, but feels the senator’s train will cast a shadow as it moves through Delaware. Young Michael Colvert in New Jersey is trying to get back to normal and watch the train go by with his friends as he, and his mother, try to recover from the trauma of Michael’s dad kidnapping him after their divorce. In Pennsylvania Deloris King, feeling continually more dissatisfied with her life, decides to go against her husband’s wishes and take her young daughter to see the train go by, not knowing that her web of lies will have devastating consequences to her daughter. And Maeve McDerdon, in Washington, D.C. to interview for a nanny position for Robert Kennedy’s soon to be born child, finds this new prospect dashed and begins wondering if she should begin to explore her love of storytelling that she had long suppressed after her beloved father’s death.

What I liked most about The Train of Small Mercies was the way the author used these seemingly ordinary people to show not only how devastated the nation was about Senator Kennedy’s death but how turbulent the country was at that time. It deals with the aftermath and protests against the Vietnam War, issues with freedom and equality for all people, regardless of race, gender or class and the continued rollercoaster of trying to find solid ground in an ever changing environment. Some people seemed to long for the simpler times while others had a renewed sense that maybe it was possible to start over and make a better life for themselves. The funeral train seemed to bring all walks of life together in one collective day of mourning, even if for only a short time.

Barely touching the surface of these characters’ lives, I wish the author had written more about each character and given a more finished aspect to each storyline. Some of the stories felt barely explored and none ended with any sense of closure. This could be the author’s purpose, giving a quick glimpse into the American life and then letting the people move on unobserved, but I would have enjoyed finding out where these characters went when the train rolled past.

Rating: ★★★½☆ 

Colleen lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband, son, their dog Oliver and their fish Finn. When not working or taking care of her family she has her nose stuck in a book (and, let’s face it, often when she is working or taking care of her family as well). Nothing excites her more than discovering a new author to obsess over or a hidden jewel of a book to worship.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Putnam Adult. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Giveaway: Helen Keller in Love by Rosie Sultan

[ 44 ] April 30, 2012

Enter to win a copy of Helen Keller in Love by Rosie Sultan!

About the book

Sultan, fascinated by Helen Keller since she was eight years old, was inspired by a brief note found in the Helen Keller Archives at the American Foundation for the Blind in a file labeled “Peter Fagan.” The note, from Fagan’s grown daughter, read: “I remember my father…showing us a lovely photograph of you, and beneath it a penciled note in your handwriting…I would certainly appreciate it very much if you remember him and would care to send me whatever recollections you have of him.” Helen never wrote back.

Helen Keller in Love begins when Helen is in her thirties and Annie Sullivan falls too ill to keep up with their grueling schedule on the lecture circuit. Annie’s estranged husband, John Macy, sends a young, ambitious reporter named Peter Fagan to step in as Helen’s private secretary. Their interactions—signing into hands and lip-reading with hands and fingers—soon blossoms into the full-fledged romance for which Helen has long yearned.

Finally liberated from the physical and moral constraints she has been forced to live under, Helen and Peter find their affair met with stern disapproval from both Annie and Helen’s family. With Helen already struggling to maintain crowds at her events and cash in her accounts, her new relationship ratchets up tension between those she holds most dear, most keenly with Annie Sullivan, the guide who led her journey from darkness to light.

A captivating love story of triumph and imaginative sympathy, Helen Keller in Love takes us into the mind and heart of an American icon.
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Blog Tour & Kindle Fire Giveaway: Baroness by Susan May Warren

[ 2 ] April 29, 2012

Please welcome Susan May Warren, author of Baroness, who is touring the blogosphere with Litfuse Publicity Group!

Reviewed by Meg Massey

The second in Susan May Warren’s Daughters of Fortune series, Baroness picks up several years after where its predecessor, Heiress, left off. Esme’s daughter Lilly is spending time in Paris with her cousin Rosie, Jinx’s daughter, but not of her own free will. She’d much rather return to Montana, a place she feels that her mother has long forgotten. Rosie, in the meantime, is longing for fame on the silver screen. But when both jump into relationships with men they barely know, will their broken hearts prevent them from pursuing their dreams?

From the streets of Paris, to the lights of Broadway, and to the wild west, Susan May Warren’s Baroness takes readers on a journey they won’t soon forget. A wonderful follow-up to the story of Esme and Jinx in Heiress, this tale creates unique heroines in Rosie and Lilly. Lilly’s untamed nature is part of her charm, but is it destined to lead her to trouble? And Rosie wants to create a life of her own, apart from her mother and stepfather, but it leads her, and the man she loves, onto a dangerous path.

I loved that this story allowed its new heroines, Lilly and Rosie, to shine, but it also provided an update on the lives of Esme, Oliver, Jinx and Bennett, which I very much enjoyed. And with just the right amount of romance and drama, you can’t go wrong. If you liked the first installment of the series, you’ll love where the second book takes you.

Rating: ★★★½☆ 

Also by Susan May Warren:

Heiress | My Foolish Heart | Licensed for Trouble | Double Trouble

Meg lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan. Library professional by day, freelance writer by night, Meg writes about life, entertainment and everything in between on her blog.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Summerside Press. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.
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Baroness Roaring 20s Kindle Fire Giveaway from @SusanMayWarren!
Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the family empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But following their dreams –from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers –will take all their courage.  And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?

Celebrate with Susan by entering her Roaring 20′s Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire
  • Signed copies of Baroness and Heiress by Susan May Warren

But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/7/12. The winner will be announced on 5/9/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Susan’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

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Review: The Three Colonels by Jack Caldwell

[ 3 ] April 27, 2012

Reviewed by Meg Massey

Colonels Buford, Fitzwilliam, and Brandon are three men in the midst of courtship or early marriage with three beloved Austen heroines. Romance is the rule of the day, until Napoleon escapes from exile in Elba, and draws all of Europe into chaos. Suddenly these three men find themselves heading back into battle, and Caroline, Anne and Marianne find themselves struggling with the possibility of losing those they love.

Jack Caldwell’s The Three Colonels is a refreshing continuation of Austen’s beloved Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility. Caldwell creates a storyline in which our favorite characters from both novels, like Elizabeth and Marianne, become friends and interact regularly. We also see a wonderful transformation in Caroline Bingley, and a change in her relationship with the Darcys and the Bennet sisters.

In addition to Caldwell’s believable characterizations, this novel features action-packed battle scenes at Waterloo and the growth of romances that we never would have thought possible. In short, The Three Colonels is the ideal read for Austen fans, and one of the most enjoyable Austen sequels I’ve read in a long time.

Warning: This novel does contain some sexual content.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Meg lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan. Library professional by day, freelance writer by night, Meg writes about life, entertainment and everything in between on her blog.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: More Than You Know by Penny Vincenzi

[ 2 ] April 26, 2012

Reviewed by Ann Liu

Historical fiction that takes off in the 1950′s, More Than You Know describes how different the lives and expectations of the wealthy and working class were and what happened when someone tried to break out of the mold. The privileged were expected to marry the privileged and the men had the financial control in the household while the women stayed home and took care of the kids.

Eliza Clark, the main character, is more of a feminist, choosing to pursue her dream career in fashion instead of getting married. She comes from a privileged family and all her mother wants is for her to marry the man who can give her everything money has to offer. Enter Matt Shaw, a working class citizen. The two are introduced by Eliza’s brother, and become involved in a relationship. When she becomes pregnant, she quits her job, marries Matt – despite her mother’s wishes – and becomes a stay at home mom.

The marriage becomes challenged as Eliza’s dissatisfaction with being a stay at home mom grows. She misses the fast paced career life, and has difficulty dealing with a demanding daughter. Her relationship with Matt becomes more and more strained over time, especially when they lose their second child at birth.

Matt’s very sexist beliefs about the role of a woman in the house, his views on money, and traditional views of a woman’s place in the marriage are dispersed throughout the story. He controls the money, and he refuses to allow Eliza to work even when she has great job offers. Eventually, Matt becomes successful through his business ventures and suddenly feels powerful, forgetting where he started from. This shift in dynamics makes it hard to relate to him at all. As Matt and Eliza eventually distance themselves from one another, Eliza is caught in a one-night affair and divorce proceedings begin.

And that is where the book suddenly becomes engaging! I could feel the emotions of both sides and their custody battle was a very traumatic process. I felt very disconnected from both Eliza and Matt, not believing in their marriage, only because the view of marriage nowadays is so different than what it seemed to be for them. I lost even more respect for them when the divorce started.

Penny Vincenzi does give insight as to why Eliza fell in love with Matt in the first place; the era where women took a back seat to men seems foreign yet real at the same time. The only person I really felt bad for was the little daughter who was caught up in the tumultuous battle. I learned quite a bit about how things were back in the old days and despite growing up in an era where women have equal rights, it is infuriating to think how limited roles were in generations past. More Than You Know definitely reminded me of how far women have advanced since the ’50s!

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Ann Liu loves to read women’s fiction, chick-lit, romance, and self help books. She lives in sunny Southern California, where she can enjoy her time reading outdoors.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Doubleday. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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