Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 352 pages
Published: August 2018

When Hulu announced Washington Black was being released as a series, I picked up my long-overdue copy and quickly immersed myself in the ~350-page novel, eager to see the story come to life on the silver screen. (Sterling K. Brown, hello!)  Written by Esi Edugyan this beautifully-told coming-of-age novel captivated me. The TV adaptation took too many liberties and ultimately fell short of my expectations. This review will focus solely on the historical novel. 

The story begins with the titular character, an 11-year old enslaved field hand, on a Barbados sugar plantation whose life is upended when he is stripped away from all he knows and "given" to the slave master's eccentric brother, Titch, to assist with his scientific endeavors. Titch introduces Washington to the world of science and exploration, and the two develop a bond rooted in humanity. However, when a white man is killed, Washington is unjustly blamed, forcing he and Titch to abscond for his safety. This sets off a whimsical adventure that takes Washington from Barbados to the Arctic to Canada to London and to Morocco where he encounters experiences beyond his wildest imagination. The book explores themes of freedom, identity, belonging and abandonment. 

Edugyan excels at character development, particularly with Washington, who evolves from a frightened young boy into a resourceful young man. The author creates beautiful imagery as Washington embarks on this physical and emotional journey across the globe, all the while struggling to define his identity in a world that constantly seeks to limit him. My only criticism of the plot is the ongoing tension between Washington and Titch. Given the context of slavery, abandonment, and lost family, I found it questionable that Washington's continual quest for Titch would have ensued the span of the entire novel. 

Recommendation: I really enjoyed this story and the adventurous, uplifting spirit with which the author presents it. This is a must-read for anyone interested in history fiction, exploration, science, or simply a wonderfully created tale. It's sure to have you thinking past the final page. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

Second Tide's the Charm by Chandra Blumberg

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 336 pages
Published: August 2024

I first heard about Second Tide's the Charm by Chandra Blumberg via the Modern Mrs. Darcy virtual book club's annual Summer Reading Guide publication in 2024. A couple of months later, I picked up a copy of the romcom at my local Barnes & Noble bookstore, but I didn't get around to reading it until about a year later. I read this as a sort of buddy read with my long distance reading friend who resides in New York. I consumed my copy while making annotations on the page as she did the same with The Love Simulation by Etta Easton, then we swapped books. (More to come on The Love Simulation later!) Thanks to the bookstagram community for the fun activity! 

My chosen novel follows the fictional lives of Hope Evans and Adrian Hollis-Parker who were both colleagues in the field of shark research and committed romantic partners until life got in the way causing them to call it quits. An opportunity in the summer allows Hope to relocate from Michigan to Florida to get her professional life back on track. When Adrian realizes that Hope will be working with him, tension ensues and the reader is given a front row seat to former lovers turned friends navigating the waters in hopes of finding themselves again. 

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic, and the representation of Black professionals in a S.T.E.M. field was refreshing. I also enjoyed the references to nearby Chicago (one of my favorite cities) when the novel opes and Hope is living up north. Overall, this is your traditional romance-comedy mash-up. It's light, somewhat predictable, and injected with humor. However, there are some heavy topics that are addressed in a relevant and sensitive manner, which I fully appreciated. The plot is captivating and intertwines themes of resilience and self-discovery. The author does a great job of crafting a narrative that explores the complexities of interpersonal relationships, but also writing in such a way that draws the reader into the emotional plot while creating a smooth chain of events. My only criticism of this novel is that some scenes seemed to drag on just a bit too long, often lasting several pages and even an entire chapter. I would have appreciated a little faster paced novel. 

Recommendation: Second Tide's the Charm is a beautifully-written exploration of romantic persistence, proving that love has transformative power. Readers of contemporary fiction are sure to love Blumberg's work. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 384 pages
Published: July 2024

Another summer reading pick by Barnes & Noble, The Wedding People by Alison Espach did not disappoint. Written in third person, the novel takes us on a weeklong journey where Phoebe Stone has booked a suite at the extravagant Cornwall Inn for one-night with plans to die of suicide after living through the Covid pandemic and dealing with the grief of the end of her marriage. Unbeknownst to her, Lila, who can be a bit of a bridezilla, has booked the rest of this beautiful hotel for the perfect wedding she's been planning throughout Covid and to fulfill her dying father's wish. When Lila meets Phoebe and learns of her plans, she is intent on stopping her from ruining her perfectly planned soiree. 

For the remainder of the story, we learn more about Phoebe, Lila, and a diverse cast of characters. The plot has some deep elements that are a bit heavy, but the author takes great care with them. Her writing allows space for the read to contemplate the ramifications of one's actions (or inaction). Everything comes together well in the end, but not perfectly, and that makes the book all the more endearing. Life is not perfect either. 

But there are a lot of perfect quotes in this book that I highlighted in the Kindle version I borrowed from my local library. Here are just a few - 

“I just mean, a story can be beautiful not because of the way it ends. But because of the way it’s written.”

And Matt could do that—turn off the TV, quit a marriage—right in the middle of the climactic scene.

She was always too embarrassed to admit that she ever wanted anything, as if there was something humiliating about being a person with desires.

This is exactly what Phoebe has always hated and loved about life—how unpredictable it is, how things can change in an instant.

How are you supposed to go from being the center of someone’s world to being irrelevant? To sobbing in your best friend’s arms unthinkingly to being afraid to call them after your father dies? Phoebe doesn’t know. She, too, was caught unprepared by that kind of loss.

But Phoebe is starting to understand that on some nights, Lila is probably the loneliest girl in the world, just like Phoebe. And maybe they are all lonely. Maybe this is just what it means to be a person. To constantly reckon with being a single being in one body. Maybe everybody sits up at night and creates arguments in their head for why they are the loneliest person in the world.

At the time, the darkness felt like life. It is all about moving on. Saying goodbye to whoever you thought you were, whoever you thought you would be.

“Your husband is not going to take care of you the way you think,” Phoebe says. “Nobody can take care of you the way you need to take care of yourself. It’s your job to take care of yourself like that.”

It is not an easy thing to do, walk away from what you’ve built and save yourself.

She is so good at predicting what will happen in books, so bad at predicting what will happen in life. That is why she has always preferred books—because to be alive is much harder.

Recommendation: I really enjoyed this book. This is a story of healing, and there were many touches of humor, but I would definitely categorize it as literary fiction. I think this is one that could be read at any time. 

Trigger warnings include suicide, death in the family, marital affair, and infertility. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 236 pages
Published: January 2012

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith made its way to my radar after watching the 90-minute movie adaptation, Love at First Sight, on a whim on Netflix a few weeks prior. As I was embarking on a 6+ hour flight to start life with my husband (i.e., honeymoon), I thought this would be the perfect light and short read to enjoy. Both the book and the movie feature the same predictable meet-cute scenario, although there were some liberties (as per usual) taken with the film. I found them both equally entertaining, emotional, enjoyable, and a nice way to begin my last quarter of 2023 reading. 

So, basically what happens is Hadley is on her way from the U.S. to England to participate in her father's wedding to a woman whom she's never met. Whether as a result of bad luck or subconsciously not wanting to watch her dad really put the nail in the coffin of his marriage to her mother, she misses her original flight and meets Oliver. Their seats are near each other on the flight she makes and they spend the bulk of it getting to know one another. However, once the plane lands, hectic schedules and potential delays separate the two, and the only thing that can bring them back is a little romantic fate. 

You can probably guess exactly how the story unravels. It's one we've all read or seen in one form or another. I just really enjoyed the escape from reality to read something totally fun during one of the most happiest times in my life. It's a young adult novel, and as a middle-aged reader, I have no regrets. 

Recommendation: I'd give this book (and the movie too!) a go if you're looking from some lighthearted entertainment as we enter the cozy, holiday season. At less than 250 pages, it can easily be completed in a day. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 336 pages
Published: January 2023

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen is the perfect meet-cute to read at the beginning of the Lunar New Year, and that's exactly when I picked up this book from Book of the Month. The story features protagonist Olivia "Liv" Huang Christenson, a multi-racial young entrepreneur who is on the cusp of taking over her grandmother and aunt's face-to-face, professional matchmaking business when by happenstance she meets Bennett O'Brien, also a multi-racial young entrepreneur who is trying to launch a dating app that mimics  Liv's family busy and is threatening to destroy her family's decades-long legacy. Thinking there won't be room for both businesses in the matchmaking space, the two entrepreneur's strike a deal — that each can find love for the other on their matchmaking platform, and whomever loses will give up their business. 

Romcoms like Lunar Love are perfect because you know how they're going to end. The fun in the romance is the journey from the initial meeting to the end. This book, like many in the genre, was a light read and did not disappoint. I enjoyed not only the developing relationship between Liv and Bennett but also learning about their families, culture and the very realistic baggage they carried. 

Recommendation: I found this book to be a fun yet realistic story that touched on some deeper themes like cultural isolation, fitting in, and imposter syndrome. It was one of my first reads of the new year and perfect for leading up to Valentine's Day effectively using the Lunar New Year as a solid plot device. It could easily be devoured in an uninterrupted weekend. Highly recommend! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Duration: 08:15:00
Published: March 2022

I borrowed a copy of the audiobook version of The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith, narrated by one of my favorite actors - Mae Whitman - to listen to on a work road trip. As a military brat, taking road trips has always been a part of my life, and for work today, I often drive across this vast land we call Texas. Listening to a good book is the most fun way of multi-tasking, in my opinion. This fictional but realistic story is one of healing and redemption. It focuses on an indie rock star, the titular character, whose mother recently and unexpectedly passed away which results in her having a bit of an emotional breakdown in a very public way. To either deal with or avoid how this event has affected her career, she goes on a weeklong cruise trip with her father and some family friends as somewhat of a surrogate for her mother who had planned the trip before her death. 

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator does a great job of keeping the reader-listener engaged. The story is compelling, and the writing touches on a variety of emotions in a careful and respectful way. There were many points in this book where I laughed out loud, teared up and felt a soft tugging at my heart. I really enjoyed the challenging relationship between Greta and her father. He made me mad at times, but it was real, so real. Not all parent-child relationships are perfect and loving. There are disappointments and expectations unfulfilled. Overall, this was a nice and earnest book that I could personally relate to and I read at just the right time. 

Recommendation: This read was a predictable but lovely journey and teaches the reader that you can find love and forgiveness in the most unlikely places — even on a boat … er … a ship! I would highly recommend this book for someone looking to read a well-rounded fictional story. There are some heavy topics like death and grief, but there’s also lighthearted humor, friendship, forgiveness and a little romance that’s handled in a practical way. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

We are the Light by Matthew Quick

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 256 pages
Published: November 2021

I held high hopes for my latest Book of the Month selection. Written by the same author who wrote the critically-acclaimed book turned movie, Silver Linings Playbook, We are the Light touches on some of the same themes of Matthew Quick’s earlier popular book. In the quaint community of Majestic, Pennsylvania reeling and trying to heal after a mass shooting at a local theater, we find Lucas, the main character deep in grief after an unimaginable tragedy and the abrupt and involuntary end of his relationship with his Jungian analyst, Karl. The book is told in epistolary format as Lucas writes unanswered letters to Karl. In the midst of these letters, the reader learns that Eli, the brother of the mass shooter, has taken up residence by pitching a tent in Lucas' backyard. This circumstance creates an opportunity for Lucas to help Eli in the aftermath of this tragedy. 

The book is relatively short, but there is a level of complexity and a large cast of detailed characters that make it a slower read. The heavy themes of grief,  tragedy, abusive relationships, anger, spirituality and gun-control are a lot to process. Additionally, because of the format in which the story is told, there isn't much room for dialogue and the narrator (Lucas) comes off as a bit of a rambler. I am not sure if that's the challenging writing style or if it is done on purpose so that the reader can sense the same despair as the main character. Finally, the aspect of Jungian therapy didn't resonate with me. I don't know if this is because I don't know a lot about it or it's too complex of a therapy method to cram into a ~250-page novel. 

Overall, I found this book to be promising, but I think I read it at the wrong time. I was looking for something lighter to begin closing out the year, even bypassing a book about suicide, to read this one because I thought there would be a little more light at the end of the tunnel. While the ending did create a bit of a lift, it wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked. After listening to Quick's interview on the Virtual Book Tour podcast, I can appreciate that he tried to provide some light for the reader. 

Recommendation: I've said it before, books find us a different times. Sometimes it's the right time, but I think this book wasn't something I was ready to read during the holiday season. If I was a re-reader, I might pick it up again. However, I will chalk this up to a BOTM loss for me. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

Rating: 5+ of 5 stars 

Pages: 304 pages
Published: August 2022

Listen. I have read some good books this year. It’s absolutely impossible to pick a favorite book, but Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen is very near the top! This is a story about a young lady, Zoey, whose mother died when she was very young and she was raised by a reluctant father and evil stepmother. The moment she finishes school, she leaves for college near Mallow Island, South Carolina, a town where her mother willed a condo to her. The condo is situated in a small, intimate community called Dellawisp named for the beautiful yet busy birds. The other residents, a bohemian, young transient woman, a professional chef, and two odd sisters who happen to also be at odds with one another. The community is managed by an older man named Frasier. Shortly upon Zoey’s arrival, one of the residents dies and that leads to a chain reaction of connections within the Dellawisp community. 

The story is short and sweet and even a little predictable, but the true gem is the beautiful writing with a touch of magical realism. This is my first read by Allen, but her writing is so moving that I am sure I will seek out another work of hers - of which there are several. Other Birds is one of those novels that found me a just the right time and touched all the right places in my mind and heart. 

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book. It will make you think, laugh, and tear up a little. It’s the perfect book to cozy up to on a fall evening. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 401 pages
Published: July 2022

The last and only book I’ve read by Gabrielle Zevin, before Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, was The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. That book was before A Page Before Bedtime, but I do recall it being lovely and giving me all the feels. So, I had high hopes when I snagged this copy as part of my Book of the Month Club subscription. Little did I know it would be one of the most popular books of the summer. After reading it, I can definitely say it is worth the hype. 

The complex story is about the complicated relationship between two childhood friends (Sam and Sadie) and a third, secondary character, whom they met in college during an entrepreneurial venture in the video gaming industry. Over the course of the many years the books covers, we learn more about the layers of the personal and professional relationships as well as the backstory of each major character that contributed to their current personality make-up in present day. In this story, Zevin tackles some heavy subjects (trigger warnings: grooming, abuse of power, death, etc.) 

I listened to a couple of podcasts where Zevin was interviewed about this book, and I believe her when she tells the reader that this is a story about love, a story about relationships, but not necessarily one about romance. I agree that you truly can have a loving relationship with people who you are in a platonic relationship. 

Recommendation: It’s so hard to sum up this book. It’s about so many things. I am not a gamer, but I don’t think this is necessarily a book about gaming. It’s a book about people and interpersonal relationships and gaming is the vehicle that helps propel the story forward. The plot evokes many emotions and points to ponder long after the last page is read. I highly recommend this book when you have time to truly appreciate the excellent work of contemporary literature it is. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 342 pages
Published: May 2022

I don’t even recall where I first heard of Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley, but like many books this one found me at just the right time. The story is centered around, you guessed it, Iona Iverson who commutes to work on the train from Hampton Court to Waterloo Station everyday. She’s made up nicknames for the repeat commuters based on their physical traits. Then, one day, a man she’s deemed the “Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader” chokes on a grape, and this man, Iona, and several other people connect and create an eclectic group of relationships with one another. 

There is nothing surprising about this book. Honestly, a lot of it is predictable, but I think that’s the beauty of this novel. From the moment you pick it up, you know where it’s going, the message is conveying, and the vehicle it’s using to get there, but much like a train ride, it’s a fun, predictable journey nonetheless less. I’m a sucker for a train ride, and I very much enjoyed meeting Iona and the people around her in this heartfelt story that left me with a smile on my face. 

Recommendation: If you’re feeling down and just need some good and kindness in your life, this book is an excellent choice. Thank you to the Fort Worth Digital Library for this loan. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

The Love of my Life by Rosie Walsh

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 384 pages
Published: March 2022

Full transparency … I chose The Love of my Life by Rosie Walsh because I liked the cover art and the title. Being in a very romantic stage of my life with a wonderful person made the title resonate with me. So, yes, I shallowly chose a book because of its cover. Judge me. I don’t care. 

This Book of the Month selection is about a woman with a heavy past that catches up to her in present day. The main character, Leo is living a happy, “normal” life with his wife of 10 years, Emma, and young daughter, Ruby. Emma is a well-known marine biologist. Leo is an obituary writer. When Emma suffers an illness, Leo tasks himself with crafting her advance obituary, which requires him to begin to dig into Emma’s past. As he researches more, he learns his wife is not who he thought she was. Her name is not even Emma. Emma doesn’t exist on paper at all. The suspense-filled mystery leads Leo to the truth and Emma to face the dark truth about her past. 

Book of the Month categorizes this novel as psychological and romance; however, after completion, I would call it a mystery. I found the the title is a little misleading, but the story is intriguing. It kept me reading to the complete conclusion. As a reader, you experience some of the feelings that Leo is experiencing as he learns the truth about his beloved wife. The alternating perspectives add to the suspense and speed up the pace to an otherwise slow novel.  

Recommendation: This was not the best book I read so far this year, but it certainly isn’t the worst either. I never thought I would put it down. I always intended to finish reading the story. So, the burning question: Should you judge a book by its cover? I don’t know. It wasn’t as good as the cover and title led me to believe, but it sure does look nice on my book shelf. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 307 pages
Published: October 2020

In a Holidaze by co-authors and friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings who use the pen name Christina Lauren is somewhat of a Goundhog Day romantic comedy in book form. In this Christmas-themed novel [that I received in January of 2021 (thanks, Covid) but held off reading until December 2021], the protagonist, Maelyn Jones, is spending her last Christmas at her family friends' cabin in Utah. Maelyn is having a rough go in her personal and professional life, and she hopes to relive some of the magic she's experienced with her family and friends who have become family. But everything falls apart when she learns that the friends who own the cabin are going to sell it. Throwing her into despair, Maelyn wishes for happiness which sets her into somewhat of a time loop where she continually wakes up on the same day. 

This is a fun, lighthearted book. Most readers and movie-watchers can probably anticipate where the plot will end up. But this is the kind of movie you need this time of year. Something fun, something lighthearted, and being published in 2020, something hopeful which we all could use a little hope nowadays. The story is touching and funny, and if I'm being honest, it is cheesy in some parts. But overall, it's a good read. 

Recommendation: I enjoyed reading this book leading up to the Christmas holiday, and I think you will too. The average reader could probably devour it in just a few days. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 304 pages
Published: March 2021

So, I do not like science fiction or dystopian fiction. I think I might have mentioned that a time or two on this blog. But alas, my book club chose Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, and I powered through it. At the time I'm writing this review, I realized that it was the only book I actually completed in June. It is not a terribly long book, but it took me a long time to get through it. I would begin reading and find any excuse to stop. This was my first read by Ishiguro. 

I think the story had lots of potential to focus on themes of love and forgiveness, but it got kind of weird and then fell flat at the end for me. Having said that, the author does have a beautiful writing style. I think I would be open to reading another selection; however, this one just didn't do it for me. The synopsis and the content of the book is very vague leaving a lot up to the reader's imagination. This could probably be enjoyable for some, but I like a little more concrete plot. For example, the reader is never even told where the story takes place. 

‘Yes. Until recently, I didn’t think that humans could choose loneliness. That there were sometimes forces more powerful than the wish to avoid loneliness.’

‘The heart you speak of,’ I said. ‘It might indeed be the hardest part of Josie to learn. It might be like a house with many rooms. Even so, a devoted AF, given time, could walk through each of those rooms, studying them carefully in turn, until they became like her own home.’

‘Perhaps all humans are lonely. At least potentially.’

There was something very special, but it wasn’t inside Josie. It was inside those who loved her.

Basically, the book is about an artificial intelligence companion that is purchase for a sickly preteen? (again, not sure about the age because ... vagueness) and follows their relationship as well as the people in her circle. There are some deep elements to ponder while reading like how we treat people and things once they are of no use to us, how people believe in the powers of a higher being, socioeconomic status and how that can affect close relationships. I don't know if any of this is what the author was going for, but it did make for an engaging book club discussion. So, there's that. 

Recommendation: If you're more of a free spirit reader, this book may work for you. Most of the books I read are based in logic and things that could possible happen, so this book was not a favorite of mine. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

This Close to Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith

Rating: 5+ of 5 stars

Pages: 320 pages
Published: February 2021

I'll say it again: Welcome to 2021! Now, this is how to start the year reading. This Close to Okay is my first read by author Leesa Cross-Smith, and I think I am in love. In this deeply-moving novel, she shares a story about two strangers who meet at a pivotal time in both their lives. Both Tallie and Emmett are struggling with some demons and attempting to deal with them mentally and physically. A chance meeting leads to them spending a three-day weekend together and learning about each other and more about themselves. 

This is one of those books that you have to enjoy the journey. At only 320 pages, the book may seem short, but there's so much to unpack, it is best to consume it slowly and let it sit with you a while. I found Cross-Smith's writing to be thoughtful, thorough and descriptive. Some passages were so vivid I could truly picture the scenes and the characters as she proffered them. To me, this is a wonderful talent. And I must say she wrote in such a descriptive way, not to sell movie rights (although I'd love to see it on screen), but rather to truly ignite a reader's imagination. 

Recommendation: This book was wonderful. You want to learn how it all ends, but the prose is too beautiful to rush. I savored this book like a rich piece of cheesecake. Its purchase pushed me into BFF status with BOTM, and it was a good buy. I highly recommend it - so much so that I plan to re-visit it, something I rarely do with books but often with cheesecake! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

All the Things We Never Knew by Liara Tamani

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 384 pages
Published: June 2020

All the Things We Never Knew is Liara Tamani's second novel and my last read of 2020. The pandemic year did not offer me a lot of extra time to read. I was blessed to maintain my job, and my workload was different but full. Additionally, my free time at home was sometimes overtaken by the mental fatigue of everything that was going on in the world. So, I ended the year reading this young adult fiction novel as my 34th selection. Furthermore, my first read of the year was also young adult fiction. And I make no apologies for it. 

This relatively short novel is very cute. It is categorized as young adult fiction but has substance. It is about two teenagers who are basketball stars on their respective teams and fall in love at first sight. The begin a fast-building relationship but, as in most love stories, some secrets get in the way - causing conflict between the two. If I had to summarize this book in one sentence, I'd say it's Love & Basketball in book form. Additionally, the book is set in my residential state of Texas, so that connection made it an interesting read.  

Tamani is a gifted writer. I've had her first novel, also set in Texas, Calling My Name on my audiobook TBR for some time now. My hope is to get to that soon. If this one is any indication, I do not think I will be disappointed. 

Recommendation: All the Things We Never Knew (not to be confused with Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng) is a good book for tweens and up. It was a light-hearted read with a powerful lesson. I've passed the book along to my 14-year old niece for her reading pleasure. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pages: 369 pages
Published: March 2020

Last year I read One Day in December by Josie Silver and enjoyed it. I was excited to see this as a Book of the Month Club (BOTM) suggestion. Because I am trying to be realistic, I only purchase one book per month from BOTM. For this month, I chose to purchase another book and I borrowed The Two Lives of Lydia Bird from the Fort Worth Digital Library. I am glad I did. 

The protagonist, Lydia, had been with her long-time boyfriend, Freddie since high school. Now in their 30s, the two were engaged to be married when he was tragically killed on Lydia's birthday in a car accident. On top of that, his best friend Jonah, who Lydia doesn't particularly care for, survived. This story is about Lydia's path to healing. In her grief, she finds a way to connect with her lost love through somewhat of a fantastical realm. These encounters help her learn more about herself and what her identity will be post-Freddie. In her real life, she goes through the stages of grief with the help of her sister, Elle, and her mom. This book is truly a story of personal growth. 

In its totality I enjoyed this story. The first two-thirds of the book were very sad and read quite slow for me as I walked through the darkness with Lydia as she mourned her fiancé. The last part of the book picks up as she starts to discover herself and come out of her grief. And the ending was perfect. I think the book hit home with a lot of passages and how someone deals with losing someone who was close to them. 

Recommendation: I enjoyed this book. I don't know if I enjoyed it more than One Day in December. It was a different story that evoked different emotions, but I can say that I enjoyed them both. I recommend picking up a copy for yourself.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More

Boy on the Beach by R.D. Maddux

Genre: Mystery / Thriller

Publisher: Ezekiel 12 Publications

Date of Publication: March 11, 2017

Pages: 304

Synopsis | My Review | Buy Now | About the Author | Giveaway | More Blogs

Andrew Foster, a real estate developer in San Diego, is a man suddenly haunted by his past. Memories, like specters from his former life of sex, drugs and rock and roll have come crashing into his current world of business in this sunny coastal city. The ominous, repeated appearance of a black SUV at the beach where he meets his sister each week, has triggered fears that it’s payback time for a bad choice he made years ago.

To add to his frustrations, his hopes of a big breakthrough in the San Diego real estate market haven’t come to pass. He’s starting to wonder if his visions of success will ever come true when an investor offers to finance his dream project. Soon things start to fall into place for Andrew in business, life, and even love. He starts dating the beautiful and business-savvy Nicole but even with her at his side he can’t seem to shake the ghosts of his past. As the relationship with Nicole deepens, Andrew opens up to her about the many loves and adventures that have taken him from the crazy days of living in Big Sur and Joshua Tree to business success in San Diego. Her wise insights help him face the character flaws that have caused him to fail in his past relationships. 

Rounding out his social life is his once-a-week task of assisting his sister with her nanny job watching a young boy named Chandler. They build sand castles on the beach and enjoy the beauty of nature together. But the now ominous weekly appearance of a strange car at the beach has awakened Andrew’s fears. Is the boy in danger? Or worse, has an enemy from Andrew’s past come seeking revenge and now Chandler’s caught in the middle? 

A strange twist of events threatens to destroy Andrew’s dreams, but as he searches for answers, a sudden revelation offers hope of a future he never imagined.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 

Boy on the Beach by R.D. Maddux is a moderately-paced yet suspense-filled drama featuring Andrew Foster as the protagonist. Andrew is a 57-year old real estate developer who is down on his luck in his professional life and filled with regret regarding his personal one. The one spot of joy for him is his weekly visits with Chandler, the young child for whom his sister is the nanny. When Andrew notices a strange vehicle that seems to be following he and Chandler, he wonders if Chandler is in trouble or if it's his past that is catching up with him or both! The reader is taken on an engaging emotional rollercoaster that alternates between present day and 37 years in Andrew's past to a surprising conclusion! 

I found the book's synopsis enticing, and I looked forward to diving into this story. The title of the book is a bit of a misnomer as it leads the reader to believe the book's focus is the little boy - Chandler. The actual story is interesting and pushes the reader forward in a quest to learn what's really going on in Andrew's life. Therefore, I think it would be better served with a more appropriately-descriptive title. 

The story is set in California, and it helps frames the plot. However, the author offers up acronyms and shortcuts without explanation for the non-Californian's benefit. There was an overabundance of the main character's mental or self talk. While each chapter changed perspectives from one character to another, the majority of the chapters focused on Andrew's perspective, and he often appeared a little whiny in his self-reflection. While an interesting character, I didn't find Andrew to be very likable. I honestly feel like some of what he received was just. 

As an African American blogger, I often try to read and review from that perspective. One interesting tidbit in the book for me was the description of Nicole, Andrew's love interest. When they first meet, in his mental talk, Andrew focuses on her age (40-ish) and her physical appearance saying she was "working hard to keep the wrinkles at bay." It made me pause and smile because being a 40-ish woman, wrinkles are not something I have to contend with. 

In many of Andrew's flashbacks he shares his experiences during the period of free love in which people pretty much did whatever they wanted with respect to sexual intimacy and drug use. The author provides some pretty detailed accounts of what it feels like to have an acid trip, making me wonder if some of this was autobiographical. Not to sound like too much of a prude, but I will never understand what people get out of drugs. The whole thing sounded rather unpleasant to me. 

At about the halfway point of the book, it's hard to discern exactly because the book contained no page numbers, the author finally tied the past with the present to get us to the peak of the action and make an understanding of the previously two disparate stories. The second half of the book takes the reader to the rather nice and tidy conclusion.  

Recommendation: This book kept my attention. I liked the story, but I think there could be some improvements to the structure and writing to help make this great premise a tighter, more enjoyable novel. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful. 

Amazon | Autographed Copy

Add to Goodreads

R.D. Maddux has story telling in his blood. Since he was young he’s always loved a good tale. He’s been writing seriously since he was in high school and college. His novels range from Mystery and Intrigue to Sci-fi/fantasy. With Boy On The Beach he’s set the story in modern America, to be exact, on the West Coast of California. He’s a native of the golden state and has been a resident of San Diego since 1987. Before that he grew up in northern California and lived in the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area with sojourns in some of the beautiful parts of our state.

Living in California for over 60 years he couldn't help but watch the way things have changed in our culture and the impact this coast makes on the rest of America and the world. So even though Boy On The Beach is fiction, like most serious novels, it is not without a context and comment on issues we all face in our changing world. It takes place in real locations that are very familiar to him and its characters, which are fictional, no doubt have their counterparts in the real world. Boy On The Beach is a story of intrigue, suspense, revenge, love and redemption with flashbacks to the era when sex, drugs and rock and roll set our culture on it's inevitable journey to our present day. This idea has been rattling around in his heart and mind for a decade and it's finally coming to the page.

Connect with R.D.: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Win a print or ebook copy of Boy on the Beach by R.D. Maddux 
(print for United States only, open internationally for ebook and gift card) 
5 winners will also get a $15 or $10 Amazon gift card - 7 winners total

Enter today! Giveaway ends August 25, 2018

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit more blogs on this tour! 


Blog Tour Services Provided by:

Read More