My Book Reviews

Category: Literary Fiction

  • Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup

    Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup

    Latitudes of Longing

    Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup

    Release: May 5th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: One World
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    A sweeping, lyrical debut about the love and longing between humanity and the earth itself, by a major new literary talent from India

    A spellbinding work of literature, Latitudes of Longing follows the interconnected lives of characters searching for true intimacy. The novel sweeps across India, from an island, to a valley, a city, and a snow desert to tell a love story of epic proportions. We follow a scientist who studies trees and a fortune teller  who speaks to them. Also a geologist working to end futile wars over a glacier. We come across  octogenarian lovers. a mother struggling to free her revolutionary son. And  a yeti who seeks human companionship. There is also a turtle who transforms first into a boat and then a woman.  And finally there is the ghost of an evaporated ocean as restless as the continents. Binding them all together is a vision of life as vast as the universe itself.

    A young writer awarded one of the most prestigious prizes in India for this novel, Shubhangi Swarup is a storyteller of extraordinary talent and insight. Richly imaginative and wryly perceptive, Latitudes of Longing offers a soaring view of humanity. Our beauty and ugliness, our capacity to harm and love each other, and our mysterious and sacred relationship with nature.

    About the Author:

    Shubhangi Swarup is a writer and educator. Latitudes of Longing, her debut novel, was a bestseller soon after its release in India. Besides, it won the Tata Literature Live Award for debut fiction. Also it was on the shortlist for the JCB Prize for Indian Literature, and on the longlist for the International Dublin Literary Award 2020 and the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature.

    She got  the Charles Pick Fellowship award for creative writing at the University of East Anglia, and has also won awards for gender sensitivity in feature writing. She lives in Mumbai..

    Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads

    Latitudes of Longing Review:

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    You know how there are books that you hear rave reviews about and are dying to read it? But when you get to read it, invariably, there is some disappointment. “Latitudes of Longing” seems  to be one of those books.

    Don’t get me wrong; I enjoyed the first half of this book a lot when it revolved around Girija Prasad and Chanda Devi. The story also progressed well as Devi grew up and Girija Prasad contemplates his life. The story yet continues nicely with Mary, Plato, and Thapa. However, post that part, I felt the story was all over the place. While I appreciate what the author was trying to portray, I thought she was trying to cover a lot. As they say, sometimes less is more. There are very few instances where I lose track of what is happening in the story, especially towards the end, but that is what I thought of the book.

    Nevertheless, I do feel that this is an impressive debut. The author has a beautiful style of writing, where the characters contemplate their existence and actions as the story progresses. She has a beautiful writing style, which borders on lyrical with her exquisite methods of using symbolism and metaphors. The characters are also charming, and I loved some of them, like Mary and Girija Prasad. There were also difficult moments to read, like the miscarriage and how it affected the couple’s lives. Had the story stayed consistent with a good plot, I think this would have been a fantastic book to read.

    Overall, I would recommend “Latitudes of Longing” if you are solely looking for a beautifully written story that makes you ponder, irrespective of the plot. However, this book turned out to be an average read for me.

  • The Essence of Nathan Biddle by J. William Lewis

    The Essence of Nathan Biddle by J. William Lewis

    The Essence of Nathan Biddle

    The Essence of Nathan Biddle by J. William Lewis

    Release: June 1st 2021 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo

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    The Essence of Nathan Biddle is a timeless coming of age tale . Novelist David Armstrong observed, “is like discovering The Catcher in the Rye all over again.” Active Kit Biddle is a rising prep school senior who finds himself tangled in a web of spiritual and intellectual absurdities. Kit’s angst is compounded by a unique psychological burden he is forced to carry. His intelligent but unstable Uncle Nat has committed an unspeakable act . According to the Uncle’s deranged account, they were direct orders from God.

    The tragedy haunting his family follows Kit like a dark and ominous cloud.  He struggles  with his existence and the meaning of his life. When the brilliant Anna dismisses him, Kit quickly spirals into despair and self destruction. But  his stupid decision to steal a maintenance truck and speeding down the highway ends in a horrific accident.   Kit is on months of both physical and emotional convalescence. Now he reexamines his perceptions of his life.

    In this exquisite struggle for identity, calamity leads to fresh thoughts and new ideas. It focuses Kit’s mind and forces him to confront the issues that plague him. Readers will empathize and celebrate, as the darkness lifts and Kit comes to terms with the necessity of engagement with life’s pain, pleasure  and absurdity.

    ​An intelligent, clever, and captivating tale, The Essence of Nathan Biddle soars in the spaces that exist between despair and hope, darkness and light, love and loss. Beautifully written, profoundly moving, and resplendent with characters destined to remain with you long after the last page is turned, The Essence of Nathan Biddle is unforgettable.

    About the Author:

    Alabama native J. William Lewis is a former lawyer who lives in Shoal Creek, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Born in Chickasaw, Alabama, Lewis grew up in Mobile. He graduated from Spring Hill College (A.B., magna cum laude, English and Philosophy) where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu and recipient of the Merihl Award. While in college, Lewis served as editor-in-chief of the literary magazine The Motley. Lewis received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and served on the Editorial Board of the Virginia Law Review.

    After a clerkship for the Honorable Walter P. Gewin on the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Lewis practiced law in Birmingham for over three and a half decades.
    Presently, Lewis serves as executive officer of his family’s investment company, Seaman Capital, LLC, and related companies.
    He has been married to Lorraine Seaman Lewis for more than half a century.
    The Essence of Nathan Biddle is his debut novel..

    Website | Goodreads

    The Essence of Nathan Biddle Review:

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    “The Essence of Nathan Biddle” is an interesting coming-of-age story about Kit as he questions the meaning of life.

    I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I understand what the author is trying to convey. While reading the story, I imagined myself in Kit’s position as he experiences strange situations and contemplates his role in life. I feel that this is something that many of us go through eventually at one point or another, and it was interesting to see how a young person like Kit meandered with his feelings.

    Moreover, Kit is interesting as the lead, and I liked reading his story. The author touches on a lot of his emotions as Kit interacts with various people. From his interactions with the coach to his sessions with Dr. Gross, we see Kit mature and expand his mind. The author also makes some scenes interesting, like when Kit goes with his mother and has a colorful encounter in the asylum. It was also interesting to see how he coped with the trauma that happened in his family, like his father’s death.

    However, I had trouble with how the author paced the story. At times, I felt as though there was no direction as to where the story was heading. We just read about the various situations that Kit finds himself in and how he reacts to them. For instance, I found the scenes around Zac Purcell and the funeral unnecessary, as well as the part where he is in the women’s restroom.

    Overall, “The Essence of Nathan Biddle” certainly has its moments, but I felt it somehow missed its mark with its execution.

  • Impersonation by Heidi Pitlor

    Impersonation by Heidi Pitlor

    Impersonation

    Impersonation by Heidi Pitlor

    Release: August 18th 2020 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Algonquin Books
    Source: Algonquin Books
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble , Books-A-Million ,Bookshop, IndieBound

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    Allie Lang is a professional ghostwriter and a perpetually broke single mother to a young boy. Years of navigating her own and America’s cultural definitions of motherhood have left her a lapsed idealist. Lana Breban is a powerhouse lawyer, economist, and advocate for women’s rights with designs on elected office. She also has a son. Lana and her staff have decided she needs help softening her public image and that a memoir about her life as a mother will help.

    When Allie lands the job as Lana’s ghostwriter, it seems as if things will finally go Allie’s way. At last, she thinks, there will be enough money not just to pay her bills but to actually buy a house. After years of working as a ghostwriter for other celebrities, Allie believes she knows the drill: she has learned how to inhabit the lives of others and tell their stories better than they can.

    But this time, everything becomes more complicated. Allie’s childcare arrangements unravel; she falls behind on her rent; her subject, Lana, is better at critiquing than actually providing material; and Allie’s boyfriend decides to go on a road trip toward self-discovery. But as a writer for hire, Allie has gotten too used to being accommodating. At what point will she speak up for all that she deserves?  

    A satirical, incisive snapshot of how so many of us now live, Impersonation tells a timely, insightful, and bitingly funny story of ambition, motherhood, and class.

    About the Author:

    Heidi Pitlor is the author of the novels The Birthdays and The Daylight Marriage. She has been the series editor of The Best American Short Stories since 2007 and the editorial director of Plympton, a literary studio. Her writing has been published in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Huffington Post, Ploughshares, and the anthologies It Occurs to Me That I Am America: New Stories and Art and Labor Day: True Birth Stories by Today’s Best Women Writers. She lives outside Boston..

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Impersonation Review:

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    “Impersonation” is a creative contemporary novel about a woman who tackles issues with her personal life, in addition to her professional world of ghostwriting.

    To begin with, I enjoyed Allie’s character and the various emotions she went through. On one side, she has regrets about the different life choices she made. On the other hand, she has to ghostwrite a story for someone who doesn’t give her much information. The author adds in many details about Allie’s life and the people she interacts with, and it made me connect with her. There are also supporting characters like her mother, Kurt, Jimmy, and Cass, who impact her choices. I particularly enjoyed the scenes between Jimmy and Allie and the unique friendship they had.

    Moreover, the author provides details about the ghostwriting industry, which I found fascinating. I had limited knowledge about the process and found it interesting. The author also touches on other topics like feminism and motherhood, mainly when Allie works with Lana. The dynamic that the two shares are attractive because you see similarities in both of them, even if they have difficulty agreeing. On a side note, I also liked the scenes where they meet Ellen.

    However, while I liked the story, I felt that there were quite a few unnecessary details that lagged the plot. The author meanders from the story quite a bit, especially with other characters, for instance, Norton and Gloria. While the story started strong and ended in an exciting climax, I felt it strayed in the middle.

    But, apart from that, I found this story to be unique and different from other novels. Overall, “Impersonation” is pleasant contemporary women’s fiction.

    Blog Tour Schedule

    Impersonation

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Impersonation by Heidi Pitlor Blog Tour hosted by Algonquin Books. 

     

     

  • With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt

    With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt

    With or Without You

    With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt

    Release: August 4th, 2020
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Algonquin Books
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    New York Times bestselling author Caroline Leavitt writes novels that expertly explore the struggles and conflicts that people face in their search for happiness.

    For the characters in With or Without You, it seems at first that such happiness can come only at someone else’s expense. Stella is a nurse who has long suppressed her own needs and desires to nurture the dreams of her partner, Simon. He is the bass player for a rock band that has started to lose its edge. But when Stella gets unexpectedly ill and falls into a coma just as Simon is preparing to fly with his band to Los Angeles for a gig that could revive his career, Simon must learn the meaning of sacrifice. Stella’s best friend, Libby, a doctor who treats Stella, must also make a difficult choice as the coma wears on.

    When Stella, at last, awakes from her two-month sleep, she emerges into a striking new reality. Meanwhile, Simon and Libby have formed an intense bond. And there, she discovers that she has acquired a startling artistic talent of her own. That is the ability to draw portraits of people in which she captures their innermost feelings and desires. Stella’s whole identity, but also her role in her relationships, has been scrambled. And she has the chance to form a new life, one she hadn’t even realized she wanted. 

    A story of love, loyalty, loss, and resilience, With or Without You is a page-turner that asks the question, What do we owe the other people in our lives, and when does the cost become too great?

    About the Author:

    Caroline Leavitt is the New York Times bestselling author of Cruel Beautiful World (out in paperback August 8th! 2017) s This Tomorrow and Pictures of You (Algonquin Bohich. Pictures of You was on the Best Books of the Year lists from the San Francisco Chronicle, The Providence Journal, Bookmarks, and Kirkus Reviews. It was also a Costco Pennie’s Pick. Is This Tomorrow was long-listed for the Main Readers Prize, a WNBA Reading group Choice, A San Francisco Chronicle Lit Pick/Editor’s Choice, a Jewish Book Club Pic and the winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award.

    The winner of a New York Foundation of the Arts Grant, a second prize winner in Goldenberg Fiction Prize, A Sundance Screenwriting Lab Finalist, a Nickelodeon Screenwriting Fellowship Finalist, and a National Magazine Award Nominee, Leavitt is a senior writing instructor at UCLA and Stanford online and a freelance manuscript consultant. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Psychology Today, Salon, More, and more.
    She has been featured on The Today Show and profiled in the New York Times.”

    You can reach her through www.carolineleavitt.com. Please also visit her blog at http://carolineleavittville.blogspot.com.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

    With or Without You Review:

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    “With or Without You” moved me and made me appreciate life, and I found it a wonderful and moving experience.

    The author narrates the story in a poignant manner where you immediately fall for the characters. Looking back at the storyline, I realize that the plot is simple and straightforward, and not much happens. Yet, the way the author conveyed the characters’ emotions made me root for all of them.

    All the three characters, be it, Stella, Simon, or Libby, are neither good nor bad and have shades of grey. They are all people like you and me who are constantly evolving. At times, they are moving, loveable, hypocrites, and people I could connect with. I loved Stella’s newfound passion for celebrating life with running and art as she embraces her second chance. I also rooted for Simon and could relate to him. It is never easy giving up your dreams and growing you to survive. Although he makes a few bad choices, my heart still went out to him. Similarly, I liked Libby as well and the struggles she faces while listening to her heart.

    The author also did an excellent job at highlighting the character’s past and what they experienced that affected their decisions. It is also clear to see the amount of research she did in how coma patients recover and how their behavior towards life changes. I found Stella’s emotions fascinating in the second half. She, too, does things that make her a hypocrite, but a part of you still accepts her reasons for her actions.

    Overall, “With or Without You” is a beautiful, emotional, dramatic story emphasizing how our lives keep changing and how we adapt to the new situation.

    Book Tour Schedule

    With or Without You

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

     

     

  • The Buzz Boys by Edward Izzi

    The Buzz Boys by Edward Izzi

    The Buzz Boys

    The Buzz Boys by Edward Izzi

    Release: March 25th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Cassino Publishing, Inc.
    Source: RABT Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    Chicago Attorney Robert Mazzara has just been informed of the suicide death of his childhood friend, Marco Pezza. The two of them grew up together in a small suburb in Chicago during the turbulent sixties and seventies when the issues of household violence were seldom ever addressed. Along with their best friends, Petey Rodriguez, Billy Kozar, and Johnny Orozco, they all experienced the coming-of-age events that all young boys go through during grade school and high school, with one exception: They were all survivors of severe physical and sexual child abuse.

    As they all grow up into young adults, the demons of their past, along with their abusive fathers, play a significant part in each and every one of their young lives. But, they all grow up coping with their horrific childhoods, their violent fathers, and the long-term impact it has taken throughout their adulthood. Mazzara reflects on all of the tragic encounters and events that occurred during the last fifty years, culminating with his best friend’s suicide. He realizes that he is now…the only one left. Once upon a time, a long time ago, Robby and Marco, along with Petey, Billy, and Johnny…were once called ‘The Buzz Boys’

    About the Author:

    Mild mannered accountant turns thriller fiction author!

    A native of Detroit, Edward Izzi was once a talented writer in high school, until he took a successful career as a CPA. Also, later experiencing his own personal demons, it was suggested that he take up writing again or end up on the ‘six o’clock news.

    He has now written and published short stories, poetry, and several thriller fiction novels. These include “Of Bread and Wine”, “A Rose from The Executioner”, “Demons of Divine Wrath”, “Quando Dormo”, “El Camino Drive”, “When A Rook Takes The Queen” and the new coming of age thriller “The Buzz Boys.” Living a quiet life in Chicago, he writes his crime thrillers every night while fighting off his nocturnal demons…

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

    The Buzz Boys Review:

    Be ready to have the tissues nearby because “The Buzz Boys” will have you emotionally in tears.

    This book was beautiful and heartbreaking. How many challenges does one go through in their life before they get pushed to the breaking point? My heart went out to Robby throughout the tale. He goes through so much in the story, and it was interesting to see how he faced his inner demons. This book is a whirlwind of emotions, and the second half of the book will make you teary-eyed.

    Moreover, the author also touches on topics like child abuse, which was not prevalent in the 60s, and how they take a toll on the characters growing up. It shows that no matter how old you get, the scars never really go away, and if you don’t take care, it will come back to haunt you. Each of the Buzz Boys faces abuse by their fathers in one way or another growing up, and we later see how it affects them. Some of the memorable moments in the story were when Robby uses the Suzie Qs and attends Robby’s wedding.

    One of the author’s strengths is in the bonds he creates between the characters. After reading this book, you feel like you are one of the Buzz Boys and connected with the characters. Another reason why I loved this story was the romance between Robby and Annie. The author wonderfully wrote their romance, and I loved the childhood connection with the Superman references.

    Overall, “The Buzz Boys” is a beautiful story and one which I will remember for a long time.

     

    The Buzz Boys

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the The Buzz Boys by Edward Izzi Blog Tour hosted by RABT Book Tours. 

    Book Blitz – June 23rd
    1. RABT Book Tours
    2. Tea Time and Books
    3. Book Junkiez
    4. Liliyana Shadowlyn
    5. The Avid Reader
    6. Novel News Network
    7. Jazzy’s Book Reviews
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    9. Nesie’s Place
    10. Chapters Through Life
    11. Nana’s Book Reviews
    12. On a Reading Bender
    13. Momma Says to Read or Not to Read
    14. Sylv.net
    15. Sapphyria’s Book Blog
    16. Book Reviews by Virginia Lee
    17. The Faerie Review
    18. Our Town Book Reviews
    19. Kelly ATX
    20. SusanMF16
    21. Readers Alley
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  • Legends of the North Cascades by Jonathan Evison

    Legends of the North Cascades by Jonathan Evison

    Legends of the North Cascades

    Legends of the North Cascades by Jonathan Evison

    Release: June 8th, 2021 
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Algonquin Books
    Source: Algonquin Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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    “Beautifully rendered and cinematic . . . A story of survival and the love and devotion between parent and child.” —Jill McCorkle, author of Hieroglyphics

    Dave Cartwright has had enough. After three tours in Iraq, he has come home to Vigilante Falls in Washington State. And only to find that he feels incapable of connecting to the people and the place that once defined him. Most days, his love for his seven-year-old daughter, Bella, is the only thing keeping him going. When tragedy strikes, Dave makes a dramatic decision. He will take Bella to live in a cave in the wilderness of the North Cascades.

    So begins a compelling adventure, a story of a father and daughter attempting to cope with a breathtaking but harsh environment. Once they are settled in the cave, Bella retreats into a different world. It is that of a mother and son who had lived in that same space, but thousands of years before, at the end of the last Ice Age. As the two dramas begin to merge, a timeless odyssey unfolds. Thus both as a meditation on the perils of isolation and exploring humans’ indelible struggle to survive.

    Perfect for readers of Peter Heller’s novels or Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone, Legends of the North Cascades is Jonathan Evison’s return to sweeping, multicharacter narratives like his New York Times bestseller West of Here and is an immensely satisfying read. 

    About the Author:

    Jonathan Evison is the New York Times Bestselling author of All About Lulu, West of Here, The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving. This is Your Life, Harriet Chance!, and Lawn Boy.

    In his teens, Evison was the founding member and frontman of the Seattle punk band March of Crimes, which included future members of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.

    Born in San Jose, California, he now lives on an island in Western Washington.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook |Goodreads

    Legends of the North Cascades Review:

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    “Legends of the North Cascades” was a beautiful, gripping survival story that also touches on human emotions and how we react when we

    To begin with, the author wrote the characters wonderfully, where they are complex and make you feel many emotions. For instance, I was not fond of the way Dave put Bella’s life in danger at times because he did not know how to deal with his emotions. Yet, I could understand his reasons behind the same and felt terrible for him at times. Similarly, I loved Bella! She was my favorite character in the story. Although she is young, she is the most mature and handles situations perfectly.
    On the one hand, she wants to stand by her father and be with him all the time. She is open to learning everything new about her new life. Yet, part of her misses growing up with the community and doing usual kid stuff.

    Similarly, I loved how the author wrote the parallel story between S’tka, U’ku’let, and N’ka. Even though the events take place in different timelines, it was interesting to see the similarities between Dave and S’tka’s struggles. I enjoyed S’tka’s storyline, especially in the second half when N’ka gets older and the two don’t share the same thoughts regarding engaging with a clan.

    Moreover, I also enjoyed how the author realistically wrote the challenges of living in the mountains in a cave. The author beautifully contrasts how breathtaking nature could be at times and how harsh it could turn out as well.

    Overall, I loved reading “Legends of the North Cascades” and would love to check out some of the author’s other novels.

    Book Tour Schedule

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Legends of the North Cascades by Jonathan Evison Blog Tour hosted by Algonquin Book Tours. 

     

  • The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

    The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

    The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba

    The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

    Release: May 4th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Berkley
    Source: Publisher
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N.

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    At the end of the nineteenth century, three revolutionary women fight for freedom in Cuba. And this is the true story of a legendary Cuban woman who changed the course of history.

    A feud rages in Gilded Age New York City between newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. When Grace Harrington landed a job at Hearst’s newspaper in 1896, she finds herself in a cutthroat world.  Here one scoop can make or break your career. But it is a story emerging from Cuba that changes her life.

    Eighteen-year-old Evangelina Cisneros is in a notorious Havana women’s jail for no fault of hers. There, She dreams of a Cuba free from Spanish oppression. Now Hearst learns of her plight and splashes her image on the front page of his paper. He proclaims her, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba. And she becomes a rallying cry for American intervention in the battle for Cuban independence.

    Marina Perez is a courier secretly working for the Cuban revolutionaries in Havana. With her help, Grace and Hearst’s staff attempt to free Evangelina. During this period, the ruling regime pushes Cuban civilians into concentration camps. And the explosion of the USS Maine propels the United States and Spain toward war. At this stage, the three women must risk everything in their fight for freedom.

    About the Author:

    Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.

    Her books are, Next Year in Havana When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, and The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba.

    Originally from Florida, Chanel Cleeton grew up on stories of her family’s exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution.

    She had a  passion for politics and history during her years of study in England. She earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond. Also, she got a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

    Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Review:

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    The central aspect of “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” was the characters. I loved all three characters. Grace is strong and willful and a strong protagonist. On the other hand, Evangelina is probably the most complex character. There are times when you want her to do more rather than just playing a caricature. However, you understand her situation and know that she has no choice in the matter. But, my favorite character was Marina. She endures many challenges, some of which are life-threatening. The love and loss she faces of separation from Mateo and Isabella was heartbreaking. In some ways, she is the true heroine of the tale, but my heart went out to her when she did not get the same treatment as Evangelina. It was also interesting to see how the three characters got entangled in each other’s lives.

    Moreover, the author does an admirable job with the romance. While it was not required, I enjoyed the romantic pairings between Grace and Rafael. While I was skeptical that it would stray from the plot, the author blended it nicely into the story.

    The author did a beautiful job in depicting the events of Spanish American War. As I had limited knowledge of the Spanish Oppression in Cuba, I was fascinated with the events that transpired in the story. Post-reading the book, I spent time researching the subject and appreciated the author for exploring the timelines to make it accurate.

    The only minor complaint I have is the pacing. At times, the story was over detailed in some scenes and rushed towards the climax, with multiple things happening.

    But, overall, “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” is a beautiful historical fiction novel where the author brought the characters and the events to life.

  • Bird’s Eye View by Tk Ray

    Bird’s Eye View by Tk Ray

    Bird's Eye View

    Bird’s Eye View by Tk Ray

    Release: July 14th, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Tk Ray 
    Source: Pump up your Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    A Bird’s Eye View is a twisted tale of deception with acts of love but under a cloud of a troubled teen’s painsn. Amongst the whispers of chilling prayers, there are no more traces of laughter and love. This once tight-knit family faces a rollercoaster of emotions and a call to healing. This blindsided attack leaves the family devastated and takes this family on a journey none of them could prepare for.

    “Write what hurts and watch it heal.” That is the mantra that has empowered the imagination and willpower to tell her story for the upcoming Author, TK Ray. Using colorful language and descriptive tone, Tk provides a safe space to unpack a beautiful and twisted tale based on a true story of real family dynamics.

    About the Author:

    TK Ray was born in San Diego, California, to a fifteen-year-old mother and fourteen-year-old father in the late eighties. Born to two young teens, TK found herself tainted by the statistics of becoming a teen mother herself. However, she found solace in the world of literature. And her own private journals became her voice when shyness took over. She began to understand the world more intuitively. And she birthed that intuition into an imagination that has fueled much of her writing. Much of her writing is personal. However, as the years have gone by, they have included poetry, music, obituaries, blog posts, and now literature.

    TK is a certified Holistic Health Practitioner and practicing Massage Therapist in southern California. She uses her knowledge in holistic health with her knowledge of her bachelor’s degree in health science to better serve her community in wellness and education. Her wellness blog embodies all of who she is. And she has expanded on her writing style to help others follow their passion, peace, and purpose. Tk’s writing style is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat as she paints a portrait of pain drawn out by the light in her own fighting spirit.

    Website | Facebook  | Goodreads

    Bird’s Eye View Review:

    “Bird’s Eye View” is one of those stories that starts slow but builds momentum along the way. The second half of the book is very gripping, and I could not put it down.

    The author described the characters wonderfully, where you feel like you are a part of the family as they face the horrible challenges and accusations. Mirabel, Tiffany, and Farell shine in their roles, and I rooted them throughout the tale. At the same time, I wouldn’t say I liked Carli to the core and was shocked at whatever she did. The second half of the book stuck to my hands as I could not put it down. I had to find out what happened to the family and how they would survive the trauma.

    Tiffany was my favorite character, and I thought the author portrayed her wonderfully. I also liked the way the author shifted perspectives between the characters. It was also creative of the author to end the chapter with letters that Mirabel writes, where we empathize with her feelings and the love she has for her family.

    However, the only criticism I have towards the story is that it started a bit awkwardly with Cara’s storyline, which did not add much value. Also, I would have liked closure on Carli’s character, as I despised her, and would have liked closure on the storyline. On a side note, there were also a few editing errors that I noticed.

    But apart from that, “Bird’s Eye View” was a fascinating story, which I feel could easily happen to someone in reality.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Bird's Eye View

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Bird’s Eye View by Tk Ray Blog Tour hosted by Pump up your Book Tours. 

     

     

  • Legend Of The Lost Ass by Karen Winters Schwartz

    Legend Of The Lost Ass by Karen Winters Schwartz

    Legend Of The Lost Ass

    Legend Of The Lost Ass by Karen Winters Schwartz

    Release: July 21st, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Kobo

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    Let us take it through Guatemala.

    To begin with, a random text from a stranger inspires agoraphobic Colin to leave New York. His first stop in Brownsville, Texas, where he meets the sender, half-Mayan Luci Bolon, her ancient but feisty great-uncle Ernesto, and Miss Mango, a bright-orange Kubota tractor. Ernesto’s dream is to drive Miss Mango to Belize and give it to the family he left behind nearly seventy years ago. Colin agrees to join Luci on the long journey through Central America.

    In 1949, seventeen-year-old Belizean Ernesto fell painfully in love with Michaela, an American redhead nearly twice his age. Their brief but intense affair changes everything Ernesto has ever known. When she leaves, Ernesto is devastated. Determined to find her, he “borrows” a donkey from his uncle and starts off for Texas. He meets a flamboyant fellow traveler, and the three of them—two young men and the donkey they name Bee—make their way to America. The past and present unfold through two journeys that traverse beautiful landscapes. Painful histories are soothed by new friendships and payments of old debts.

    About the Author:

    Karen Winters Schwartz wrote her first perfect story at age seven. But, her second-grade teacher publicly and falsely accused her of plagiarism. She did not write again for forty years.

    Her widely praised novels include WHERE ARE THE COCOA PUFFS?, 2010; REIS’S PIECES, 2012; and THE CHOCOLATE DEBACLE, 2014 (Goodman Beck Publishing). Her new novel, LEGEND OF THE LOST ASS, was released by Red Adept Publishing on July 21, 2020.

    Educated at The Ohio State University, Karen and her husband moved to the Central New York Finger Lakes region, where they raised two daughters and shared a career in optometry. Besides, She now splits her time between Arizona, a small village in Belize, And she travels the earth in search of the many creatures with whom she has the honor of sharing this world. Besides. this is her second year as a Rising Star judge for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Legend Of The Lost Ass Review:

    “Legend of the Lost Ass” is a charming tale about friendship and family, filled with adventure and love, and I enjoyed reading it.

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    Many moments made the story memorable for me. Some moments made me laugh out loud, like when Colin and Luci try the salsa. Similarly, some moments made me emotional, like Ernesto’s relationship with Michaela. Also, some moments fascinated me, like when Luci learns about the ancient sacrifices her family performed.

    Moreover, I loved the way the author wrote the friendship and bond between the main characters. Colin and Luci share a sweet bond in the present timeline as they go on their mission to Belize. Similarly, Parchue and Ernesto share a beautiful friendship, and I loved how far they went to help out each other. The author beautifully portrays that the best way to deal with challenges is to confront them, and our experiences in life are in the journey and the people we meet, not the destination.

    I also enjoyed the author’s style of writing. She toggles the story between the present and the past, where we meet various characters (but still connected) who go on different journeys yet face similar challenges. Furthermore, I also loved the author’s exciting tidbits about Mayan history, like Xtabay, Xkeban, and Utz-Colel. I loved reading about ancient civilizations and was thrilled when the author included such stories with the plot. It was also witty that she gave Miss Mango a distinctive personality.

    Overall, I enjoyed “Legend of the Lost Ass” and went through various emotions reading the story.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Legend Of The Lost Ass

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Legend Of The Lost Ass by Karen Winters Schwartz Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours. 

  • Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge

    Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge

    Libertie

     Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge

    Release: March 30th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Algonquin Books
    Source: Algonquin Books
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N,  Kobo, IndieBound.

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    The critically acclaimed and Whiting Award-winning author of We Love You, Charlie Freeman, returns with Libertie, an unforgettable story about one young Black girl’s attempt to find a place where she can be fully and only herself.

    Coming of age as a freeborn Black girl in Brooklyn, Libertie Sampson is all too aware of her purposeful mother. She is a practicing physician, has a vision for their future together.  Libertie is to go to medical school and practice alongside her. But Libertie, drawn more to music than science, feels stifled by her mother’s choices.  And she is hungry for something else. Is there really only one way to have an autonomous life? And she is constantly reminded that, unlike her mother, who can pass, Libertie has skin that is too dark.

    A young man from Haiti proposes to Libertie and promises she will be his equal on the island. Hence, she accepts, only to discover that she is still subordinate to him and all men.  Libertie tries to parse what freedom actually means for a Black woman.  She struggles with where she might find it for herself and for generations to come.

    Inspired by the life of one of the first Black female doctors in the United States and rich with historical detail. Kaitlyn Greenidge’s new and immersive novel will resonate with readers eager to understand our present through a deep, moving, and lyrical dive into our complicated past.

    “This is one of the most thoughtful and wonderful books I’ve read all year. Kaitlyn Greenidge is a master storyteller.”
    —Jacqueline Woodson, author of Red at the Bone

    About the Author:

    Kaitlyn Greenidge received her MFA from Hunter College. Greenidge was the recipient of a Hertog Fellowship and the Bernard Cohen Short Story Prize. Also, she was a Bread Loaf scholar, a Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Workspace artist-in-residence, and a Johnson State College visiting emerging writer. Her work has appeared in the Believer, the Feminist Wire, At Length, and Fortnight Journal. She also published works in Green Mountains Review, Afrobeat Journal, the Tottenville Review, and American Short Fiction. Originally from Boston, she now lives in Brooklyn. Her debut novel, We Love You, Charlie Freeman, will be published by Algonquin Books in March 2016.

    Website | Twitter | Goodreads

     Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge Review:

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    The central aspect I enjoyed about the story was the characters and their relationships. Libertie is a beautiful character and a fantastic role model. She learns from her mistakes and becomes brave, even if it means coming out of her comfort zone. I loved reading through her various stages in life and thought the author poignantly wrote her. Moreover, I loved her friendship with Louisa and Experience. The three of them share an incredible bond, and I enjoyed their scenes.

    Similarly, I also felt the author portrayed Libertie’s relationship with Emmanuel realistically. They both have striking personalities, and it was interesting to see how they would get along. Also, even Libertie’s conflicting relationship with her mother was a highlight, and I thought the author wrote their progress creatively through their letter correspondence.

    Furthermore, the author also writes the tale personally where you feel like you are with the characters in the 1800s. The author covers so many topics, from racism to freedom, including mental health. I was glued to the pages right from the beginning when they save Mr. Ben and how Libertie learns more about her mother’s practice. Each chapter was like reading a different passage of Libertie’s life, which made it feel like I was reading a collection of her short stories. The story gets interesting when Libertie spends time with the Gradys. However, my favorite part of the tale was when she moves to Haiti with Emmanuel and faces hostility from the family members, particularly Ella.

    Overall, I thought “Libertie” was a beautiful historical fiction, and I would recommend it if you are in the book for a powerful read with a strong female protagonist!

     

    Book  Release Schedule

    Libertie

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge  Blog Tour hosted by Algonquin Books.