STORY-LINE: Gargi Kapoor is a beautiful young woman whose life took a 360-degree turn.  Once the toast of the town, famous model, wealthy and sought after, her life now consists of trying to prove her brother, Dev, innocent. Dev convicted in a Ponzi scheme declared his […] The post Time To Say Goodbye By Parker Cole appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

STORY-LINE:

Gargi Kapoor is a beautiful young woman whose life took a 360-degree turn.  Once the toast of the town, famous model, wealthy and sought after, her life now consists of trying to prove her brother, Dev, innocent. Dev convicted in a Ponzi scheme declared his innocence from the beginning. Now, he’s very sick, and Gargi researches the disease, as well as, searching for evidence to free Dev.

Leon Reckley, a physical therapist, is assigned to rehabilitate Dev.  The rub for Leon is that Dev’s criminal activity financially ruined his mother.  Leon’s determined to restore Dev to health so he can return to prison and serve out his sentence.  He has nothing but contempt for the brother and sister. 

Neither Gargi nor Leon expect to feel the attraction which slowly begins to blaze between them.  Will Leon overcome his bitterness?  Will Gargi realize he might be the one for her?  Or after his therapy obligation is completed will it be time to say goodbye. My romance book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Parker Cole created a fantastic story in Time To Say Goodbye;  filled with deep emotions ranging from contempt, prejudice, loyalty, and of course, clean, sweet romance.  Multi-cultural and brimming with kindred loyalty, this story is riveting.  Cole grabbed me and did not let go as she introduced the three main players.  Each is fiercely loyal to their family;  one contemptuous, one devoted, one facing death and re-imprisonment.  I could feel the emotions streaming off the pages as Leon and Gargi faced off;  as well as, Dev’s depression and lack of hope.  Parker Cole skillfully portrayed the emotional battles each face.

Family dynamics play a large part in this tale;  the reader is taken on a journey of loyalty and allegiance as our two main protagonists face the issues of interracial relationships and guilt or innocence.   Cole peppered this novel with Indian family dynamics, culture, food, and arranged marriages, which I found informative and entertaining.

MY OPINION:

With well-developed characters, twists and turns, steady pacing and intriguing seamless plot lines, I could not put my E-reader down. The secondary characters added depth to the storyline;  giving the basis for Leon’s “trailer trash” obsession and the Kapoor’s attitude to arranged marriages and the place of women in the family unit.  I found the pacing perfect.  With writing which is easy to read, scenes which transitioned smoothly, and characters which are believable, you will find an expertly executed story.  As well as, descriptive writing so vivid I could almost smell the Indian food and see the colorful clothing. I loved the time I spent with all the characters.  Although faith plays a part in this novel,  it is not overpowering.  Instead, it is part of their makeup, morals, and an intricate part of their lives.  I would not hesitate to buy this novel for myself or a friend.

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE RECOMMENDATION:  STARS 4.5

ALSO, PLEASE NOTE:

I purchased this copy and chose to assess this edition with honest romance book reviews voluntarily. Lastly, reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion.  Consequently, all reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR PARKER COLE:

BOOKBUB PAGE

RETURN DAILY FOR MORE ROMANCE BOOK REVIEWS AND OTHER GENRES.

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  The Spotlight Tales # 1                 STORY-LINE: Mo is growing up, and the pressure from everyone is growing as well.  Meet a young Pakistani boy who must make decisions, while his conscience, parents, and friends all apply more pressure on his young mind. Come along and follow […] The post Mo By S. Pearce appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

The Spotlight Tales # 1

STORY-LINE:

Mo is growing up, and the pressure from everyone is growing as well.  Meet a young Pakistani boy who must make decisions, while his conscience, parents, and friends all apply more pressure on his young mind. Come along and follow him as he tries to transition from child to youth.  My book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Mo is the story of an American born Pakistani boy when is feeling growing pains and facing decisions which affect the rest of his life.  Pearce skillfully paced this story, and his plotting is excellent.  Any age group from teen to adult will enjoy this tale, especially the younger generation who are facing the same issues. Immature in his thinking, he’s pulled in many directions.  He encounters prejudice, ridicule, and a family who wants the best for him without remembering he should have a voice in his future.

Although set in Britain, this tale could have occurred anywhere.  Teens face enormous pressure to join the group and be the same as everyone else or face the stigma of isolation and ridicule.  The Mothman is an excellent character who intrigues Mo.  Renaming him Moth, he receives sage advice from this old man as well as an education in moths, nature, and how their behavior resembles human behavior.  I found his dialogue wise, gentle, and soothing as he tries to steer him in the right direction.

S. Pearce faced head-on the issues of prejudice, terrorism, and bullying.  Every teen should read this story;  I am sure they will relate to the problems Mo faces.

MY OPINION:

I found this tale thought-provoking, deep, and intriguing as Mo journeys from childhood to the next step in his development.  Who does not remember the conflicts of those years between child and parent, friends who are no longer friends, and the challenges of joining in or being labeled different?

Then when Pearce added the elements of gaming, the mysterious Runner, and the terrorist organization, I found he is ripe for the plucking as the group slowly begins indoctrination. I found this story well-written with well-developed characters and scenes which transition smoothly.  Left open-ended, I found myself pondering Mo’s response.

I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend.

RECOMMENDATION:  STARS 4

ALSO, PLEASE NOTE:

Also, I borrowed this edition from Kindle Unlimited as well as receiving a copy from the author. I chose to review with honest book reviews voluntarily.  Lastly, reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion.  Consequently, all reviews online and on my blog, are my opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR S. PEARCE

GOODREADS PAGE

RETURN DAILY FOR MORE ROMANCE BOOK REVIEWS AND OTHER GENRES.

The post Mo By S. Pearce appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and Stuff.

      A Western Adventure From The Author of “Miracle at Caller’s Spring Ranch” (The Caller’s Spring Ranch Western Series 3)         STORY-LINE HORSE CREEK TRADING POST: Horse Creek Trading Post is a story of faith, overcoming adversity, courage, and following after the Lord’s plan for life.  Quakers Mike and Aileen Reese […] The post Horse Creek Trading Post By Jim Burnett appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

A Western Adventure From The Author of “Miracle at Caller’s Spring Ranch”

(The Caller’s Spring Ranch Western Series 3)

STORY-LINE HORSE CREEK TRADING POST:

Horse Creek Trading Post is a story of faith, overcoming adversity, courage, and following after the Lord’s plan for life.  Quakers Mike and Aileen Reese leave Wales for America. They settle in Tennessee and found a dynasty which will follow the Lord throughout their lives.  For He has a plan for each member of this devout clan;  they forge and settle from Tennessee to Wyoming with His guidance. 

Life’s filled with ups and downs, good and bad.  However, through their devotion to the Lord, they prosper.  They bring Christ to hundreds, feed the hungry, and bring peace to many.  This is a not to be missed book. My inspirational Christian book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:

My words are inadequate to express what an excellent story Jim Burnett created, and I lack the skill to do it justice. I ask the author to forgive me for my ineptness.  That said, I will do my best to inspire you to run and get this inspiring saga of one Quaker dynasty and their love for the Lord our God.   As well as, how they kept his covenant, lived a Christian life, and became missionaries for the Lord‘s word.  Even though Burnett created an excellent narrative filled with faith, I never felt he was preaching or pushing.

The story came alive for me, and I hungered for the next page.  I couldn’t wait to see what God would do next.  I wondered how He would show His power and how the Reese’s and Browns would respond.  Settling the early West was not for sissies, only strong men and women survived.  People of unwavering faith, principle, determination, stamina, and attitudes of never giving up, is skillfully portrayed in Horse Creek Trading Post.

MY OPINION:

I found the characters well-developed and full-bodied with an abundance of faith, morals, and principles.  I found myself saying “I can see God doing that or purposing this.”  As I followed the members of this family, I found myself saying “what a mighty God we serve.”  The plotting and the storyline are excellent with awe-inspiring tales of how God used this family.  Jim Burnett also crafted his characters with human frailties and flaws.  He held me captive from crossing the Atlantic, the mighty Percherons, Indians, savage outlaws, the redemption of Roy Smith, Knuckles race, Gus’ fame, and so much more.

I felt I was watching from the sidelines as each scene played out.  As I read Burnett‘s style of writing and authentic Western language, I found myself involved with each character.  His scenes transitioned smoothly, and his writing flowed well.  I closed my E-reader with a sigh of satisfaction.

I am sorry if I appear lavish with my praise, but this narrative desires high praise.  I recommend this story to anyone who loves a well-written Christian novel, and I would not hesitate to buy it for myself or a friend.

HORSE CREEK TRADING POST RECOMMENDATION:  STARS 5+

I rarely give five stars reviews.  However, without question, this novel deserves 5+ stars.  Horse Creek Trading Post reflects the mission of my blog. Therefore I posted it on my blog as having cornerstone content.

ALSO PLEASE NOTE:

In addition, I borrowed this edition from Kindle Unlimited and received a copy from the author.  I chose to review the novel with honest book reviews voluntarily.  Furthermore, reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion.  Consequently, all opinions online and on my blog, are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR JIM BURNETT:

GOODREADS PAGE

RETURN DAILY FOR MORE ROMANCE BOOK REVIEWS AND OTHER GENRES.

The post Horse Creek Trading Post By Jim Burnett appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and Stuff.

                    STORY-LINE: Ambrosine Dubreauil’s inherited her grandmother’s shop Who Do Voodoo, as well as her magic and potion talent.   Her life is calm and manless after breaking up with the latest jerk.  Enter our hero, Remy LaCroix, who is looking for a potion to ward off […] The post Redheads Have More Fun By Sharon Kleve appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

STORY-LINE:

Ambrosine Dubreauil’s inherited her grandmother’s shop Who Do Voodoo, as well as her magic and potion talent.   Her life is calm and manless after breaking up with the latest jerk.  Enter our hero, Remy LaCroix, who is looking for a potion to ward off poachers who are hunting his alligators.  The attraction is instant for both.  Will love spark between Remy and Ambrosine in hot New Orléans?  My romance book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:

Sharon Kleve crafted a light, easy read which kept me entertained from the first pages.  Redheads Have More Fun is funny and sweet.   Although the romantic feelings are intense, Kleve did not resort to sex to sell her story as her talent carried the tale.  I could see Remy in my mind’s eye as he blew into the shop and immediately used his Creole charm, slow drawl, and deep hot eyes on Ambrosine.  He has all the Lousiana Creole charm in spades.  I love those Louisiana Creole accents.  I could almost hear his voice, and it made chills raise on my arms;  and then add in the smoldering looks, wow.  I saw Ambrosine as a woman in need of a stable relationship in her life.  As well as a man who understands her vocation.  Is Remy the man?  You’ll have to read this tale to find out.

The premise and plotting are well-developed, as well as including a mysterious robbery, alligator poaching, and of course Ambrosine’s potions and talent for helping others.  I loved the secondary characters; each added to the plotting, the storyline, and provided laughter.  The villain is not revealed until the last possible moment as Kleve wove this sweet romance.

MY OPINION:

I found Redheads Have More Fun a relaxing afternoon read.  As always, Kleve‘s talent for descriptive prose shines.  Have no fear, although the emotions and innuendos are present, the story is clean.  The plotting threads transition smoothly, and Kleve‘s writing flows well.  I would not hesitate to buy this fun, sweet, clean, story for myself or gift to a friend.

REDHEADS HAVE MORE FUN RECOMMENDATION:  STARS 4

ALSO PLEASE NOTE:

Also, I received a copy from the author and chose to review with honest romance book reviews voluntarily.  Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion.  Consequently, all reviews and on my blog, are my opinions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR SHARON KLEVE:

WEBSITE

RETURN DAILY FOR MORE ROMANCE BOOK REVIEWS AND OTHER GENRES.

The post Redheads Have More Fun By Sharon Kleve appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and Stuff.

    Hello Everyone: I will make this short and informative.  I hope all of you reviewed my post on the use of the plastic vinegar jug.  These are a lifesaver during a hurricane or storm.  All the many uses for the “humble but noble” vinegar jug are available on the following link: Link: Uses […] The post Hurricane Headed Towards Eastern US; Are You Ready? appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

Hello Everyone:

I will make this short and informative.  I hope all of you reviewed my post on the use of the plastic vinegar jug.  These are a lifesaver during a hurricane or storm.  All the many uses for the “humble but noble” vinegar jug are available on the following link:

Link: Uses For Your Empty Plastic Vinegar Jug

Be safe;  my prayers are go out for each one of you during this terrible time.  Worry never solves anything, however placing our cares in the Savior’s hand will bring peace.  I am not worried about the hurricane as I know God is in control.  I hope you also have this peace which comes from knowing our Savior.

The post Hurricane Headed Towards Eastern US; Are You Ready? appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and Stuff.

  BOOK 2                 STORY-LINE: Gilda, Phoenix, and Surinder decide to visit Coconut Islands without telling Gilda’s parents.  Things do not go as planned during their visit.  Read this fantastic adventure to find out what happened with Gilda the giraffe, Phoenix the dog, and Surinder, the snake. My book reviews follow. […] The post Gilda and the Coconut Islands By Daphne J. Miller appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

BOOK 2

STORY-LINE:

Gilda, Phoenix, and Surinder decide to visit Coconut Islands without telling Gilda’s parents.  Things do not go as planned during their visit.  Read this fantastic adventure to find out what happened with Gilda the giraffe, Phoenix the dog, and Surinder, the snake. My book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

In the second book in this series, the three friends find out why you never go anywhere without informing your parents. Even though they were having a great time and seeing things they had never seen before, when disaster strikes, a valuable lesson’s learned by all including Gilda’s parents.

Daphne J. Miller‘s tale of adventure is a teaching lesson for children as well as an entertaining read with wonderful characters.  Suitable for ages five to nine, even younger children will enjoy this tale.  With a well-written story, Miller teaches children to never leave parents out of decisions and always let them know where you are going. As well as, showing parents how vital taking time for children and family is to a child.

MY OPINION:

I feel any child, below nine or so, would enjoy either reading this story themselves or having it read to them.  The well-done illustrations will intrigue the child, and the fact the characters are animals will hold their interest. I would not hesitate to buy this book for a child.

GILDA AND THE COCONUT ISLANDS RECOMMENDATION:  STARS 4

ALSO, PLEASE NOTE

I received a copy of this book from the author and borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR DAPHNE J. MILLER:

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

RETURN DAILY FOR MORE ROMANCE BOOK REVIEWS AND OTHER GENRES.

The post Gilda and the Coconut Islands By Daphne J. Miller appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and Stuff.