Literary Fiction Archives - Rajiv's Reviews

Raising the Dead by Jayne Lisbeth

Rajiv — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Raising the Dead by Jayne Lisbeth

Release:: August 15, 2023

Format: Ebook
Publisher: Austin Macauley, London, UK
Source: Pumpup your Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

Emeline, a new bride,moves from her beloved home in the California Delta with her husband to his mother’s home city, Charles Town, in Virginia. After the deaths of her beloved parents. she befriends a mysterious elderly woman, Felicity. Through Felicity Emeline learns to love reading, cooking. She also becomes confident enough to reach out to others and form new friendships. Felicity teaches Emeline the craft of chair caning, which becomes a lucrative enterprise.

This further assists Emeline in her search for independence and maturity. When Emeline is most dependent on Felicity her friend mysteriously disappears. With the assistance of her new-found friends Emeline searches and discovers for her lost friend. Her husband and her friends assist Emeline in her search for Felicity. Emeline’s mentor and “other mother,” Emeline discovers a frightening spiritual reality which uplifts her in unimaginable ways. Through friendship she learns the value of love and the enduring spirit of those who have touched her life, even if they are no longer among the living.

Raising the Dead is a mystery to be unearthed by the reader in these poetic pages. Loveable and quirky characters, both living and dead, entrance and entertain. Reviewers of Raising the Dead “can’t put this book down” until they discover how and where Emeline finds her dear friend. Emeline’s friendships, the development of her relationship with her husband and her search for Felicity help this young bride to move into her future. Emeline is a beloved heroine worthy of the most sophisticated and avid readers.

About the Author:

Jayne Lisbeth’s birth was in NYC. She continued her life’s journey from Long Island, to New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, California and Tampa. Her first book, a memoir, Writing In Wet Cement got published internationally by London based publisher, Austin Macauley. She was also the publisher of Jayne’s second book, Raising the Dead, a work of historical fiction, mystery, friendship and the supernatural, in 2023. Ms. Lisbeth publishes monthly “Food for Thought” blogs on her website, Jaynelisbeth.com.

Her “Food for Thought” blogs are based on her reflections of life, friendship, love, and topical subjects of interest. Ms. Lisbeth’s non-fiction, poetry, and short stories have been published from Vermont to California to Tampa, Florida where she has received awards at the local level. Ms. Lisbeth’s short stories have been published in the LEC Phoenix Anthologies, 2015-2023. Jayne’s interests include writing, reading, exploring, traveling, calligraphy, gravestone rubbing, entertaining and cooking.

Website | Amazon Website | Publisher’s Website | Facebook | Instagram

Raising the Dead Review:

Raising the Dead by Jayne Lisbeth is a profoundly heartwarming and reflective tale about self-discovery, adjusting to life’s changes, and finding strength in unexpected relationships. Despite its title, which may suggest a supernatural or thriller element, the novel is an emotionally rich exploration of personal growth.

The story centers on Emeline, a strong yet vulnerable character mourning the loss of her mother, Cleo while navigating a new chapter in her life. The author portrays Em’s journey of adapting to a new environment beautifully, and her connection with Felicity, who serves as a mentor, adds depth to her character. Their relationship and Em’s evolving bond with Margaret highlight themes of acceptance and change, showing how people can learn from and support each other despite their differences.

Moreover, I particularly enjoyed the side characters, like Adrian and Sadie, whose individual storylines were charming and brought extra layers to the narrative. Adrian, in particular, was a standout character—adorable and full of heart. Randy, on the other hand, was a bit of a mystery. While his character arc didn’t feel as fully developed, particularly regarding emotional growth, he still added an intriguing dynamic to the story. I felt the author didn’t progress the characters as well as the others.

The backstory of Julia and Dani was another element I appreciated, offering further richness to the narrative. While the author attempts a twist toward the end, it’s not the kind of thrilling revelation one might expect. The pacing does slow at times, but it ultimately allows readers to bond with the characters. On a side note, I adored the book references placed in if you are looking for Classics recommendations.

Overall, Raising the Dead is an enjoyable, character-driven novel emphasizing emotional resilience and human connection’s power.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Raising the Dead by Jayne Lisbeth Blog Tour hosted by Pumpup your Book Tours.

Tuesday, April 1 – Virtual Book Tour Kick Off at PUYB Virtual Book Club
Wednesday, April 2 – Book Feature Highlight at The Faerie Review
Thursday, April 3 – Interview at Literarily Speaking
Friday, April 4 – Guest Blogging at StoreyBook Reviews
Monday, April 7 – PUYB Trailer of the Week
Tuesday, April 8 – Page 69 Test at Book Bloggin’ Princess
Wednesday, April 9 – Book Feature Highlight at Books+Coffee=Happiness
Thursday, April 10 – Book Review at Rajiv’s Reviews

The post Raising the Dead by Jayne Lisbeth appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

Crown of Blooms by R.C. Dickens

Rajiv — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 11:54:38 +0000

Crown of Blooms by R.C. Dickens

Release: November 1, 2023
Format: Paperback, eBook
Publisher: Juniper Press
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: GoodReads , Amazon , B&N

Kayden Moses has worked for 15 years to be a good pastor’s son. He’s volunteered at every Vacation Bible School, never missed a youth group meeting, and tries to follow the example of his spiritually gifted twin sister, Delilah. However, all his diligent efforts are disrupted when he meets the biggest stumbling block of his life: Alex. He’s the new boy in youth group, bubbly and opinionated and dizzyingly nice to look at. Suddenly, Kayden finds himself caught in a spiral of confusion and asking questions he’s never asked before. Who is Kayden Moses? Because he’s certainly not a good pastor’s son anymore.

About R.C.Dickens

Hi! I’m Juniper. I’m an author/ ghostwriter and Webby Award winning creator currently based in Hickory NC. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Creative Writing and Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Cross-Media Expressions, as well as a double minor in Creative Writing and Philosophy. My experience includes:

Copywriting
SEO
Proofreading and editing
Ghostwriting
Short and long form fiction
Screenwriting
Narrative Design
Stage play
Creative Development

I am a terminally sincere starving artist currently looking to not be starving. When I’m not writing, I enjoy anime, horror movies, dancing, and musical theater.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

Crown of Blooms Review:

“Crown of Blooms” by R.C. Dickens offers an emotionally charged journey through Kayden’s life, beautifully capturing his struggles in a way that resonates deeply. Kayden’s story grabbed my heart from the start, and his complex emotions and internal conflicts made him a compelling character to root for. The author did a fantastic job portraying the protagonist’s emotions, and I was rooting for Kayden throughout the tale.

One of the novel’s most endearing aspects is the genuine and heartfelt dynamic between Kayden and Alex. Their connection, from the tender moments in Alex’s sketchbook to the joyous bowling trip, is so authentic that it becomes the beating heart of the story. In contrast, the portrayal of Kayden’s abusive father is chilling, creating a palpable tension that keeps us on edge, fearing what might happen next.

Another significant aspect of the book is how Dickens portrays the social pressures Kayden faces, particularly the struggle to be true to himself in a society that demands conformity. This struggle, especially in the context of a religious environment, adds depth to Kayden’s journey and will be relatable to many readers. One such highlight is when Kayden has to give a presentation, and you can feel the anxiety he goes through.

Some of the side characters were also memorable. Delilah also proved to be an intriguing, complex character. However, I was left wanting more from Annabelle, who felt like wasted potential in comparison. Annabelle’s role could have been expanded to add further layers to the story.

Moreover, the book ends on a gripping cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to see what’s next for Kayden. Overall, “Crown of Blooms” is an emotional and powerful read. I’m looking forward to the next installment to see how Kayden’s story unfolds.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of CROWN OF BLOOMS, US Only.

Ends October 22nd, midnight EST.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Crown of Blooms by R.C. Dickens Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:

Daily Waffle-Playlist-10-7-2024
Fire and Ice Reads-Interview/IG Post-10-8-2024
Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Playlist /IG Post-10-9-2024
Edith’s Little Free Library-IG Post/TikTok Post-10-10-2024
Sudeshna Loves Reading -Playlist-10-11-2024

Week Two:

Never Hollowed By The Stare-Playlist /IG Post-10-14-2024
Two Chicks on Books-Playlist /IG Post-10-14-2024
Lady Hawkeye-Playlist /IG Post-10-15-2024
@callistoscalling-IG Post -10-15-2024
Rajiv’s reviews-Review/IG Post-10-16-2024
The Momma Spot-Review -10-16-2024
@alexandriavwilliams_-IG Review/TikTok Post-10-17-2024
TX Girl Reads-Review/IG Post-10-17-2024
Brandi Danielle Davis -IG Review/TikTok Post-10-18-2024
A Blue Box Full of Books -IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post-10-18-2024
Daily Waffle-Playlist-10-7-2024
Fire and Ice Reads-Interview/IG Post-10-8-2024
Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Playlist /IG Post-10-9-2024
Edith’s Little Free Library-IG Post/TikTok Post-10-10-2024
Sudeshna Loves Reading -Playlist-10-11-2024
Never Hollowed By The Stare-Playlist /IG Post-10-14-2024
Two Chicks on Books-Playlist /IG Post-10-14-2024
Lady Hawkeye-Playlist /IG Post-10-15-2024
@callistoscalling-IG Post -10-15-2024
Rajiv’s reviews-Review/IG Post-10-16-2024
The Momma Spot-Review -10-16-2024
@alexandriavwilliams_-IG Review/TikTok Post-10-17-2024
TX Girl Reads-Review/IG Post-10-17-2024
Brandi Danielle Davis -IG Review/TikTok Post-10-18-2024
A Blue Box Full of Books -IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post-10-18-2024

The post Crown of Blooms by R.C. Dickens appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

Dragonfly Escaping by Raya Khedker

Rajiv — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 10:16:35 +0000

Dragonfly Escaping by Raya Khedker

Release: March 11, 2022
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Bowker Identifier Services
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

DRAGONFLY ESCAPING is a tale of love, loss, heartbreak and healing which sweeps across two continents and three cultures. In it, Noor is a Hindu-Muslim half caste teen in India of 1980 who dreams of escaping the abuse and segregation that has robbed her innocence.

In 1982, Sergio Santander is a Peruvian diplomat in his mid-thirties who has his own demons to outrun, when he proposes to Noor.

Safe behind their facades, the couple has two infants before Sergio returns to Peru for a home posting. Here, their precarious balance is shattered by Sergio’s AIDS diagnosis.

Noor is barely coping with the reality avalanching on her young shoulders, when her in-laws tell her to leave her children behind and return to India “where she belongs.”

Furious, and more panicked by loss than ever in her life, Noor decides to fight back. But as alone as she is, can she win?

About the Author:

Raya Khedker was only three years old when she received her first writing inspiration, watching her father tie a thread to a dragonfly’s tail in the garden of their Calcutta home, then handing her the ensemble to fly like a live kite. Too young to discern the cruelty of this practice, Raya flew those dragonflies, mesmerized by the beauty and iridescence of their gossamer wings shining like precious jewels under the Indian sun, delighted by how those magical dragonflies were always within her control.

Decades later, those trapped dragonflies would become the heart of Raya’s debut novel, Dragonfly Escaping. Her biggest dream is to inspire women to recognize their untapped power, give it their all, and fulfill any goal they want.

Armed with a B.A. in Spanish Honors and an M.A. in Teaching, Raya has worked as an interpreter, a translator, teacher, private tutor, jail guard, and a seasonal farm laborer on different continents. At present, when she isn’t writing, she interprets and translates for federal and state courts in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dragonfly Escaping Review:

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“Dragonfly Escaping” is an emotional and powerful tale about a woman who tries to build a better life for herself and pursue happiness, no matter what challenges she faces, and I could not put it down!

The story’s strong point is how the author describes the character’s emotions. As you read the book, you get strongly invested in the characters and feel how Noor feels towards them. Noor goes through a lot in this story, from molestation and abuse in India to insults and challenges in Lima. My heart went to Noor as she tried to do the right thing. There are characters like Uncle Robu and Nila, who I despised, and the author wrote the characters so well!

Another aspect I loved about the story is the relationship between Noor and Sergio. The two are far from perfect, but the author wrote their scenes realistically and fluidly. As Noor describes, there are times when the two hate each other, but later, Noor finds something about Sergio that would make her change her mind about him. I haven’t read such a complex couple in a long time, and the author’s writing was mesmerizing. Additionally, Noor’s flashbacks with Didima made the story extra special, as no matter what faults Didima had, she always protected Noor till the end.

Perhaps the only minor downside to the story was Jaime and Chirag’s characters. I was curious to know what happened to Chirag in the latter half of the story and Noor’s interaction with Jaime, but we don’t see much of them.

Nevertheless, I found “Dragonfly Escaping: Noor’s Story” to be an excellent read! The story also ends in a way that makes you look forward to the next book to discover what happens to these characters, and I can’t wait!

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dragonfly Escaping by Raya Khedker Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

The post Dragonfly Escaping by Raya Khedker appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story

Rajiv — Sun, 15 May 2022 13:54:22 +0000

The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story

Release: June 14, 2022
Format: Paperback
Publisher: CamCat Books
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

HE CAME BACK, DETERMINED TO KEEP HIS PROMISE.

Daniel and his younger brother grew up in an abusive home. Daniel escaped. Now an established stunt rider, he intends to go back to rescue his brother. But then one jump goes horribly wrong . . .

He recovers to find himself in Iowa, unscathed, yet his life has drastically changed. His best friend won’t answer his calls. Even his girlfriend is hiding something. Increasingly terrified, he clings to the one thing he knows: He must pick up his brother in San Francisco. In five days.

From the isolating fields of Iowa to the crowded streets of San Francisco, Daniel must fight his way through a fog of disjointed memories and supernatural encounters to face the truth and pay a debt he didn’t know he owed.

About the Author:

Colleen M. Story has worked in the creative writing industry for over 20 years. Her last novel, Loreena’s Gift, was a Foreword Reviews’ INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, among others. She also writes nonfiction books for writers, including Writer Get Noticed!, a gold-medal winner in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards, and Overwhelmed Writer Rescue, Book by Book Publicity’s Best Writing/Publishing Book of 2018.

As a full-time freelance health writer, Colleen has authored thousands of articles for publications like Healthline and Women’s Health, worked with high-profile clients in the healthcare industry, and ghostwritten wellness books. She frequently serves as a workshop leader and motivational speaker, where she helps attendees remove mental and emotional blocks and tap into their unique creative powers.

A lifelong musician, Colleen plays the French horn in her local symphony and pit orchestras. When not writing, she’s walking, reading, and exploring the beautiful Northwest. To learn more, see her website ( ), motivational blog (), and mystical blog (), and connect with her on Twitter (@colleen_m_story).

Website | Twitter | Blog | Youtube | Goodreads

The Beached Ones Review:

“The Beached Ones” is a dramatic tale about a man’s journey as he tries to find out what happened to him, and I loved the way the author executed it.

I enjoyed reading this book because it was unpredictable, emotional, exciting, and a strong lead character. Daniel shines in the role, and I supported him right from the beginning. There is a sense of mystery as Daniel wakes up in the sand near the coastline from the start. I always enjoy a book where the character goes on a profound journey of sorts, and the author executed it perfectly here.

As the story progresses, you meet additional characters like Jolene, Isabella, Brent, Gus, and tony. The author writes the character beautifully where their actions intrigue you. I loved daniels relationship with Tony and how the author flashbacks to their memories. Similarly, the author also writes the romance between Jolene and Daniel nicely, where you see how protective he gets over her.

Moreover, the author surprised me with the twists and took the story on a path I did not expect. Some memorable moments in the tale are when Isabella feels daniels presence, the scenes with Trisha and when Brent scares Daniel with the gun. The author leads the story to an exciting climax that dwells on pure fantasy, and I could not stop reading. This book is undoubtedly one that I won’t forget anytime soon, and I thought the author executed it beautifully.

I look forward to reading more of her books in the future. Overall, “The Beached Ones” is a beautiful fantasy mystery fiction worth checking out.

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Book Tour Schedule

She Just Loves Books-May 10th
Love My Books 2020-May 11th
Rozier Reads and Wine-May 12th
David L Morgan-May 13th
Sho Biz Reads-May 14th
Rajivs Reviews-May 15th
Nurse Bookie-May 17th
Novels and Latte Book Club -May 18th
CMT Loves Wine and Books-May 18th
The Page Ladies-May 19th
Reading With Mere-May 20th
Bookish Heidi-May 23rd
Amys Book Nook-May 24th
Geaux Get Lit-May 24th
Subakka Bookstuff-May 26th
Books and Coffee MX-June 1st

The post The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney

Rajiv — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 14:59:39 +0000

The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney

Release: February 22, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Moonshine Cove Publishing
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD

The summer of 1956, a brood of cicadas descends upon Providence Georgia, a natural event with supernatural repercussions, unhinging the life of Analeise Newell, an eleven-year-old piano prodigy. Amidst this emergence, dark obsessions are stirred, uncanny gifts provoked, and secrets unearthed.

During a visit to Mistletoe, a plantation owned by the wealthy Mayfield family, Analeise encounters Cordelia Mayfield and her daughter Marlissa, both of whom possess an otherworldly beauty. A whisper, a sense of déjà vu, and an act of violence perpetrated during this visit by Mrs. Mayfield all converge to kindle Analeise’s fascination with the Mayfields.

Analeise’s burgeoning obsession with the Mayfield family overshadows her own seemingly, ordinary life, culminating in dangerous games and manipulation, setting off a chain of cataclysmic events with life-altering consequences—all of it unfolding to the maddening whir of a cicada song.

About the Author:

Robert Gwaltney, a writer of southern fiction, is a graduate of Florida State University. He resides in Atlanta Georgia with his partner, where he is an active member of the Atlanta literary community. By day, he serves as Vice President of Easter Seals North Georgia, Inc., Children Services, a non-profit supporting children with disabilities and other special needs. Robert’s work has appeared in such publications as The Signal Mountain Review and The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature. Robert also serves as Prose Editor for The Blue Mountain Review.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

The Cicada Tree Review:

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It’s been a while since I read a gripping gothic tale, and while “The Cicada Tree” is not your traditional gothic tale, it is simply mesmerizing.

How do I even begin to describe this book? When you start reading this story, you think it will just be a historical drama. But the author beautifully adds suspense, drama, and thrills and turns this into a spell-binding gothic tale. Add to that, and we also have mystical elements like nymphs and fairies to add to the magic.

The characters are dynamic, and I enjoyed ANaleise and Etta Mae in the lead. The author adds layers, like Analeise’s bond with her mother, her hatred towards her father, and her obsession with the Mayfields. For me, the story took off wonderfully when we met Cordelia, Marlissa, Virginia, and the others. Analeise’s emotions are raw, and I was surprised how I enjoyed her and how she sometimes scared me with her impulsive nature and wanted some people to die. Some notable moments are when she pushes Etta Mae or goes through the first day of school of being the “Bug Girl.”

The author also adds a sense of foreboding and suspense, mainly when she hears her mother’s dream fire song or witnesses the fire incident. Some shocking moments will make your jaw drop and contrast with beautiful moments that make you feel like reading a rich tale. I truly enjoyed the author’s style of writing. I had no idea where the story would go because this book was unlike anything I had ever read.

Overall, “The Cicada Tree” has a little of everything and is one of the best books I read this year.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Rozier Reads and Wine-Jan. 23rd
Nurse Bookie-Jan. 24th
Books and Coffee MX-Jan. 27th
Dani Reads-Jan. 28th
Bookish Heidi-Jan. 30th
Shooks Books-Feb. 2nd
Sarahs Bookstack-Feb. 2nd
Bookishly Becky-Feb. 4th
Biblio Reviews-Feb. 7th
Rajivs Reviews-Feb. 8th
Reecas Pieces Books-Feb.12th
Subakka Bookstuff-Feb. 16th
We Break For Books-Feb. 18th
Novels and Latte Book Club -Feb. 19th

The post The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih

Rajiv — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 17:31:30 +0000

Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih

Release: February 16, 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Source: Algonquin Books
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, Indiebound, Bookshop.org

What Does It Mean to Be a Gay Man Today?

It’s just weeks after the historic Supreme Court marriage equality ruling, and all Sebastian Mote wants is to settle down. He is an high school art history teacher, newly single and desperately lonely. And he envies his queer students their freedom to live openly the youth he lost to fear and shame.

So when he runs into his childhood friend Oscar Burnham at a wedding in Washington, D.C., he can’t help but see it as a second chance. Now thirty-five, the men haven’t seen each other in a decade. But Oscar has no interest in their shared history. Instead, he’s angry by what he sees as the death of gay culture. Bars overrun with bachelorette parties; friends getting married, having babies.

Oscar and Sebastian struggle to find their place in a rapidly changing world. However, each is drawn into a cross-generational friendship that treads the line between envy and obsession. Sebastian with one of his students and Oscar with an older icon of the AIDS era. And as they collide again and again, both men must come reckon not just with one another, but with themselves.

Rich with sharply drawn characters and contemporary detail, provocative, and emotionally profound, Let’s Get Back to the Party is sure to appeal to readers of Garth Greenwell, Alan Hollinghurst, Claire Messud, and Rebecca Makkai.

About the Author:

Zak Salih earned his BA in English and Journalism from James Madison University, and his MA in English from the University of Virginia. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous magazines. He lives in Washington, D.C.

His writing has appeared in Crazyhorse, the Chattahoochee Review, the Millions, the Rumpus, and other publications. This is his first novel.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Let’s Get Back to the Party Review:

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“Let’s Get Back to the Party” is a raw, contemporary tale with solid characters that make you think about life and fitting in, and I found it profound.

What struck me about the story is how the author realistically captured the tone and theme of the LGBTQ community in the present world and how you can still feel alone even with all the progress that’s happened. This book is raw and emotional and will make you connect with the characters and how they struggle with progressing in life and relationships.

Both the leads also shine in the tale. I thought the author portrayed Oscar and Sebastian accurately, and the author immersed me in their lives. I could empathize with Oscar’s nervousness and found his scenes with Patrick and the explosion memorable. Similarly, Sebastian’s scenes revolving around school life and reconnecting with Oscar were notable. One of the best moments in the story revolved around their reaction to Sean and made the story stand out.

However, I did face quite a few challenges with the book. I am not a fan of books with very few chapters, and each chapter spans 40+ pages. Secondly, while I enjoy a story with an open-ended climax that leaves you the rest of your imagination, I felt this was an instance where it did not work. In my opinion, the story finished abruptly and had me yearning for more.

Nevertheless, “Let’s Get Back to the Party” is an impressive debut by the author that stands out because of its realistic depiction of the community and what it is like for a middle-aged person to fit into the world.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih Blog Tour hosted by Algonquin Books.

The post Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

A Better Heart by Chuck Augello

Rajiv — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:26:40 +0000

A Better Heart by Chuck Augello

Release: November 25th 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

For aspiring indie filmmaker Kevin Stacey, it’s another day on the set of his first film. But then his estranged father, a failed Hollywood actor, arrives unexpectedly with a bundle of cash, a gun, and a stolen capuchin monkey. He’s propelled toward the journey that will change his life.

The monkey, Henry, has been liberated from a research lab by animal rights activists. Kevin is Inspired by his friend Veronica to reevaluate his relationship with other species. So he learns about the pain and suffering inflicted on lab animals as he forges a bond with the capuchin. Now, father and son embark on a road trip with Henry. Kevin is caught between the egocentric father who abandoned him and the temperamental monkey whose fate is in his hands.

Both the FBI and his mother’s ghost are watching. Will Kevin risk his career and his father’s freedom to bring the stolen monkey to safety? Meanwhile, Veronica’s encounter with an eccentric Catholic priest triggers her own journey toward change.

A Better Heart is a heartbreaking yet comic family drama. It examines the human-animal bond and the bonds between fathers and sons. And also challenges readers to explore their beliefs about the treatment of non-human species.

About the Author:

Chuck Augello is the author of the novel The Revolving Heart, a Best Books of 2020 selection by Kirkus Reviews, and the story collection The Inexplicable Grey Space We Call Love. His work has appeared in One Story, Literary Hub, Juked, Fiction Writers Review, Smokelong Quarterly, The Coachella Review, and other fine journals.

He publishes The Daily Vonnegut, a website exploring the life and art of Kurt Vonnegut. He lives in New Jersey with his wife Sheri, his dog Bella, his cats Gracie and Smokey, and a menagerie of unnamed birds and squirrels that inhabit the backyard.

Website | Amazon | Goodreads

A Better Heart Review:

“A Better Heart” is one of the unique books I have read lately because of its charming characters and entertaining yet thought-provoking plot.

Let me start by saying that I loved the subject matter. It is not every day that you read a book focusing on a father and son as they go on a road trip with a monkey. The author brings forward a unique plot that captured my attention when Edward and Henry came into the picture. From there, I was glued to the story as Edward and Kevin go on a bizarre road trip, and you don’t know what will happen to them.

I enjoyed how the author wrote the dynamics between Edward and Kevin. It was interesting to see how Kevin’s life goes for a toss as he adapts to the changes in his life. Some moments that stood out for me were when Kevin walks in on Edward and Gloria or jumps into a minivan with Rita. Edward is also full of life, and I loved his stories about Hollywood and various movie scenes where he played a part.

Moreover, I also enjoyed the details the author provided, like directing a movie or the harmful effects of animal testing. Although some scenes are pretty graphic to read, the author makes the story light-hearted and enjoyable. Even Henry is adorable with the antics, and the author also adds a touch of suspense where we wonder if the Feds would catch them or not. On a side note, I also liked Veronica and thought she was entertaining, particularly in the scenes with Father Blank.

Overall, “A Better Heart” is a lovely fiction piece with drama, humor, suspense, and great chemistry between the characters.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the A Better Heart by Chuck Augello Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Books and Coffee MX-Jan. 31st
Rajivs Reviews-Feb. 2nd
Carol Doscher-Feb. 5th
Books Love And Understanding-Feb. 7th

The post A Better Heart by Chuck Augello appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

Marika’s Best Laid Plan by Judy V. Stanigar

Rajiv — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:48:47 +0000

Marika’s Best Laid Plan by Judy V. Stanigar

Release: October 15, 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: All Things That Matter Press
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, TBD, Bookshop.org

Marika is a social worker trying to heal her drug addict clients, but she can’t seem to mend her damaged self. She avoids love because love sits too close to death. Her choices have left her carefully ordered life a lonely, disconnected one.

Everything is about to change.

Big-hearted, quirky, emotionally walled-off Marika embarks on a plan that ultimately forces her to confront the very thing she’s spent her life avoiding: love.

Marika’s Best Laid Plan is a story about the power of connection and hope, the things without which life is unbearable.

About the Author:

Judy Stanigar is a psychotherapist and an emerging author. Her novel, Marika’s Best Laid Plan is due to be published by All Things That Matter Press in 2021.

Besides Judy sees herself as a voyager. She was born and raised in Israel and moved to the U.S in her teens. After graduating from Columbia University with a Master’s in Clinical Social Work, she worked as a psychotherapist in a variety of settings. She has lived in many cities across the U.S. but considers herself a non-reformed New Yorker.

Judy writes with a therapist’s keen observation of human nature, and enjoys writing about people’s frailties, which make them lovable and relatable. She infuses her characters with humor and poignancy in equal measure.

Judy has also lived in Jamaica where she taught at the University. She now resides in San Diego with her husband. Her spare time is spent writing, painting, walking the local beaches and trails, and cooking Israeli food with a Jamaican twist. She’s also trying to keep the flowers in her garden from dying.

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Marika’s Best Laid Plan Review:

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“Marika’s Best Laid Plan” is a beautiful tale of moving on and self-reflection, and I enjoyed reading it because of the main character, Marika.

The first aspect that struck me about the story is how smoothly the author wrote it. She narrates the story with characters that you can immediately connect with because you feel you know them.

Secondly, I adored the main character, Marika. I loved her positive attitude as she embarks on the Cecil project and plans to get him back in her life. Even though things do not turn out the way she hopes, she never feels dejected. As the story progresses, you also realize how Marika undergoes self-reflection, especially in the way she behaves towards Nathan and Daphne at times.

Moreover, I thought the author brought up the topic of drug addiction and trauma realistically. While it is not the theme of the story, it was interesting to see it depicted. On a side note, I liked how the author described New York City in the 80s. The author contrasts both the good and the bad. Also, The author includes quite a few memorable quotes, like “Expect rain, and you will never be disappointed when it pours,” or “the less you love, the less you lose.”

The author also adds quite a few twists that keep the story exciting. There are also some dramatic moments, like she Marika gets into the ambulance or when Marika meets Derrick. Frankly, I loved Derrick’s role in the story, even if he only appeared for a particular time. The author writes the story so engagingly that even their regular daily activity together felt special.

Overall, “Marika’s Best Laid Plan” is a lovely piece of fiction worth checking out.

Book Tour Schedule:

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Marika’s Best Laid Plan by Judy V. Stanigar Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Bourbon and Books-Jan. 2nd
Adrianna Reads-Jan. 3rd
Dani Reads-Jan. 3rd
Basic Book Momma-Jan. 4th
Love My Books 2020-Jan. 5th
Rozier Reads and Wine-Jan. 9th
David L Morgan-Jan. 11th
Books Love And Understanding-Jan. 17th
Rajivs Reviews-Jan. 27th
Robyn Reads1-Jan. 30th
Well Read Traveler-Feb. 11th
We Break For Books-Feb. 11th
Novels and Latte Book Club -Feb. 24th
Subakka Bookstuff-Feb. 26th
Books and Coffee MX-Feb. 26th

The post Marika’s Best Laid Plan by Judy V. Stanigar appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

Honor by Thrity Umrigar

Rajiv — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 04:30:56 +0000

Honor by Thrity Umrigar

Release: January 4, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Source: Alonquin Books
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, ibooks

In this riveting and immersive novel, bestselling author Thrity Umrigar tells the story of two couples and the sometimes dangerous and heartbreaking challenges of love across a cultural divide.

Indian American journalist Smita has returned to India to cover a story, but reluctantly. Long ago she and her family left the country with no intention of ever coming back. And she follows the case of Meena, a Hindu woman attacked by members of her own village and her own family for marrying a Muslim man. Smita comes face to face with a society where tradition carries more weight than one’s own heart.

This is a story that threatens to unearth the painful secrets of Smita’s own past. While Meena’s fate hangs in the balance, Smita tries in every way she can to right the scales. She also finds herself increasingly drawn to Mohan, an Indian man she meets while on assignment. But the dual love stories of Honor are as different as the cultures of Meena and Smita themselves. Smita realizes she has the freedom to enter into a casual affair, knowing she can decide later how much it means to her.

This is a tender and evocative novel about love, hope, familial devotion, betrayal, and sacrifice. Thrity Umrigar shows us two courageous women trying to navigate how to be true to their homelands and themselves at the same time.

About the Author:

A journalist for seventeen years, Thrity Umrigar has written for the Washington Post, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and other national newspapers. And she contributes regularly to the Boston Globe’s book pages.

Thrity is the winner of the Cleveland Arts Prize, a Lambda Literary award and the Seth Rosenberg prize. She teaches creative writing and literature at Case Western Reserve University. The author of The Space Between Us, Bombay Time, and the memoir First Darling of the Morning. She was a winner of the Nieman Fellowship to Harvard University. She has a Ph.D. in English and lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Honor Review:

I loved this book so much! The first aspect that struck me was the beautiful and simplistic way the author narrated it. The author tells the story straightforward yet firmly that immediately connects to the characters and their situations. Right from the beginning, I liked Smitha and could connect with her. As she returns to Mumbai, you see how her roots impact her and wonder about her mysterious past. Similarly, Meena is also a strong character, and her story had me in tears. Meena is one of the best characters I have ever read and will etch in my mind for a long time.

As an Indian, I thought the author portrayed the country realistically. While there is so much beauty in the country, you also see the small-minded mentality of people, especially in rural areas where their thinking is backward and misogynistic. There are characters like Govind and Rupal, who you despise with a passion because of their smug mindset. The author touches on the imbalance between men and women, religion and fanaticism, and many things wrong in our current affairs. At the same time, she also shows how you can change your perception and move on, and stay strong amidst all this.

Moreover, there are some shocking twists that even I did not anticipate, which made the book so memorable. Some memorable moments in the tale are when Meena meets Abdul or when Meena and Radha talk about the colors. I loved how the author toggled the two storylines and merged them. On a side note, I also adored the relationship between Mohan and Smitha and felt it added nicely to the theme.

Overall, “Honor” is a beautiful piece of literary fiction that touched my heart, and I highly recommend it.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Honor by Thrity Umrigar Blog Tour hosted by Alonquin Books.

The post Honor by Thrity Umrigar appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.

Sudden Dawn by Folasade Fasoranti

Rajiv — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 15:21:32 +0000

Sudden Dawn by Folasade Fasoranti

Release:1 July 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: ‎ AFNIL
Source: Love Books Tours
Find it at: Amazon, Kindle

Omotola longs for a different future from the other girls in her community. She is beautiful and gifted, but impoverished. However she knows education can prevent her from a disastrous arranged marriage. Her father is cruel and violent. And he eagerly awaits the day when he can sell her to a man for a decent bride price.

When Omotola meets the handsome and aristocratic Akin, the young heir to an empire, the two unlikely companions fall in love. But as her school days come to an end , an arranged marriage seems likely. Now Omotola must find the strength to disobey her father and challenge the society expectations of 1940s Nigeria.

Despite their different worlds and the machinations of their fathers, Omotola and Akin strive to find a way to be together. Will defying the odds bring them true love? And can education provide a gateway for a new way of life one where Omotola’s ambition is appreciated and not punished?

About the Author:

Folasade Fasoranti grew up in Nigeria. There she witnessed the pitfalls of polygamous homes and the jealousy and strife created through one man marrying multiple wives. To escape such a fate, she earned a bachelor of arts in education from Adeyemi Federal University of Education. Eventually, she left Nigeria for a new life with her husband in Brussels, Belgium. She still resides there and is a member of the Brussels Writers’ Circle. When not parenting, she can be found hard at work writing novels and poetry.

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Sudden Dawn Review:

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“Sudden Dawn” is a book that I feel needs widespread recognition because the author portrayed the characters and the backdrop so beautifully. From the beginning, I was immersed in Omotola’s world as she and Kola tried to overcome their challenges.

The author also writes the relationship between the characters realistically. I loved the bond that Omotola shared with Kola, Rolake, and Akin. Similarly, even the supporting characters like Reverend Matthew touched my heart. I also liked how the author focused on a diverse cast in different tale parts. In the first half of the story, the author glued me to Omotola’s life, but I wanted to know more about Kola and Simon in the second half. Some moments that stood out for me with the characters were the incident with Tutu and the goat, Simon with Oju and Olu, and Akin and Kola. Even characters like Jacob added nicely to the plot.

Similarly, the author also brings 1940s Nigeria to life. I loved how authentic the backdrop felt, as though I was living the situations with the natives there. Some scenes are so heartbreaking to read, especially when you realize how they expect women to be submissive because of their outdated thinking. Unfortunately, there are still some rural areas around the world the act like this. Omotola was my favorite character, and my heart went out to her in certain scenes. For instance, when Paul tormented her or Ibukun and Dupe snatched the book from her and ridiculed her.

Overall, “Sudden Dawn” is a beautiful book that swept me away because of its theme and how the author executed the story.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Sudden Dawn by Folasade Fasoranti Blog Tour hosted by Love Books Tours.

The post Sudden Dawn by Folasade Fasoranti appeared first on Rajiv's Reviews.