A Body Of Her Own by Ella Kanner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An insightful and inspiring book...

For those unfamiliar with Jewish culture, ‘The mikvah is a ritual bath designed for the Jewish rite of purification – to achieve ritual purity.’ Israeli author Ella Kanner PhD is a feminist activist in Israel’s religious sector. Her work also includes education, training individuals and groups, running a dance studio, and promoting the values of equality, female expression, coexistence and peace.

To paraphrase the Foreword: The author began writing this book with a doctorate in mind. She was instinctively drawn to the connection between monologues and feminist interpretation. Initially, she thought of combining interviews with being a participating observer, interweaving them with the writings of prominent thinkers, and deal with what would emerge from the texts about the body, sexuality, power relations, religion, rituals and so on. But the more monologues she heard from the mikvah, the more firmly she decided to submit them in their untouched purity, and allow their voices to be heard, free and unbounded by the confines of interpretation.

Pseudonyms are used for the contributors to tell their stories more freely, and what results makes for some very insightful and interesting reading. This is a book that all women will appreciate and cherish. It’s also a book that will shed light on an aspect of female life that will allow men to appreciate more what it means to be a woman. Highly recommended reading.



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Love Notes for Modest Young Men: A Short Story Collection by Ryan Latini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-written and interesting collection of short stories...

This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. Each story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly spellbinding journey!

I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.


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Precious Silver Chopsticks: A True Story of a Korean Noble Family by Mae Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mae’s remarkable life story will inspire all who read it!

Mae’s generation suffered the Japanese Occupation, World War II and the Korean War. Her triumphant story culminates with her marriage to Hewitt, a US Marine colonel, a family and career of her own. This memoir is the living record of a generation, crisscrossed by the personal history of a family and the most intimate fibers of Mae’s being. It is an exemplary human response to dire straits.

Precious Silver Chopsticks: A True Story of a Korean Noble Family is a powerful and inspirational story about a woman’s triumph over incredible adversary. It was a brilliant read that will leave you feeling like a better person for having read it. It’s an impressive work by author Mae Adams and I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from her in the future. I would highly recommend this extraordinary and inspiring autobiography. A well-deserved five stars from me.


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Give Me This Day by Miri Furstenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

‘Sacrifice and selflessness are qualities that are inseparable from true love.’

GIVE ME THIS DAY by Miri Furstenberg is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted love story of love, based on true events, that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this well-written story will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Her desire for love had been completely extinguished…until she met him. But would their enormous age difference lead them to break up? A chance encounter on the island of Cyprus turns Miri’s life upside down. A day of sightseeing in a small rental car is all it takes to reignite her lust for life and love, taking her by surprise. But nothing is ever simple; Yanni, the man with whom she’s falling in love, is twenty-five years younger. Their long weekend of laughter, tears, love and confessions, has more twists and turns that the mountain road where Miri first runs her fingers through Yanni’s dark curls. Trying to suppress the bittersweet realization that the age difference might make their relationship almost impossible, they focus on each glorious moment. Miri Furstenberg’s open and honest account of the affair takes the reader on a journey through Cyprus; the villages, mountains and beaches of the sun-drenched island where the legend of Aphrodite was born. But can she bring herself to sacrifice this new-found love and board the plane home?’

This was a captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of interesting moments that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

There’s no doubt that GIVE ME THIS DAY by Miri Furstenberg is an exceptionally well written book. The love scenes are accomplished in the delivery of exciting and titillating prose. From mild illusions through detailed, sexy scenes, the concept is wonderfully delivered in truly amazing writing. It’s one of those stories that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Miri Furstenberg in the future. I would highly recommend this book and would add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it.

A well-deserved five stars from me.

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If We Could See Forever by Gadi Bossin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted Romance of love and longing...

IF WE COULD SEE FOREVER by Gadi Bossin is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted romantic story of love and longing, based on true events, that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this well-written story will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘When Geddy Mason falls in love with 17-year-old Annie Yousefian, an exotic undergrad from Iran, he considers abandoning his dream to move to Israel. But when he graduates, he leaves Annie brokenhearted in Indiana…2006, Israel. Canadian-born Geddy Mason has served in the army, married, raised his family in Israel. Yet 35 years of memories and guilt continue to haunt him, and he still wonders about Annie… Then he discovers Annie will be the featured speaker at a conference in Ottawa. He decides he must go to her, risk all his memories, try to make amends… Will Annie turn him away? Or will she welcome him, putting an end to decades of estrangement?’

This was a captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of intriguing moments that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

There’s no doubt that IF WE COULD SEE FOREVER by Gadi Bossin is an exceptionally well written book. It’s one of those stories that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Gadi Bossin in the future. I would highly recommend this book and would add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it.

A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Summer of '77: Beaches, bars and boogie nights in Ibiza

Summer of '77: Beaches, bars and boogie nights in Ibiza by Robert Fear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Plenty of sunshine, sex and sangria!

Books are not just words, paper, and nice-looking covers. They are powerful representations of ideas and philosophies that are just waiting to be heard. Some books are revolutionary, some are reserved; while some are just waiting for the right reader to absorb their words and connect on a more personal level. Books offer expertise, perspective, encouragement and inspiration; they can change your life if you let them! So, pull up a chair, pick up SUMMER OF ‘77: BEACHES, BARS AND BOOGIE NIGHTS IN IBIZA, and allow yourself to live through the eyes of its author, Robert Fear.

Honesty is the key factor for writing a successful memoir. SUMMER OF ‘77 by Robert Fear is a candid and honest look into the authors life as he explores holidaying as a youngster in 70s Spain. As you’d expect from a young man in his twenties living away from home, there’s plenty of sunshine, sex and sangria within its pages! Not for the faint-hearted, but an interesting read, even so.

A literary genre that entails writing about previous events in your life, such as certain life lessons, fascinating stories, miraculous recoveries or rescues, or any other intriguing personal experiences, this book will appeal to those who have lived through that decade. I’ve no doubt that it will also appeal to the younger generation offering insights as to how people communicated without internet or mobile phones.

People write memoirs to fixate, analyze, share, or rethink past events. This book refers to important and significant moments in the authors life. Recommended.

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Chasing The Prophet by Orson B. Wolf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A unique and well-crafted sci-fi thriller...

Author Orson B. Wolf weaves a gripping action-packed sci-fi thriller with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a dramatic and suspenseful tale that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a well-written novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘As the fear of nuclear attack becomes more real than ever, the key to saving everyone's lives lies in the courageous relationship between a shy teenager and his loyal dog. Our planet is on the verge of World War III and a cloud of paralyzing fear is drifting in the air. While the leaders of the free world try to find a solution to the continuing crisis, the voice of The Prophet—a mysterious figure that has gathered momentum in the last few years—becomes increasingly louder. The lives of thousands have already been saved thanks to his appearances in the media during which he issues timely warnings against natural disasters and dangerous events. Within an already unstable security situation growing worse due to a deepening recession, an unemployed detective named Paul McBride is invited for a job interview. Paul suspects someone senior is behind this offer, perhaps even the prophet himself. The task given to Paul seems too easy: to follow a shy, introverted high school student named David who is always escorted by Max, his dog. Soon the investigator finds out the young man is hiding a dark secret of far reaching consequences. When David’s secret is discovered by evildoers, he finds himself with his back against the wall, forced to demonstrate incredible courage in order to save himself, his loved ones, and the entire human race. But… will that suffice?’

Now, if that’s not enough to get your curiosity juices flowing, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s a very impressive debut novel that has a distinctly cinematic feel to it.

The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It’s been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing.

This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey.

Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars.



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I Will Find You by John M. Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A powerful and gripping story...

I WILL Find You by John M. Taylor is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted historical fiction based on true events that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this well researched story will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘…a tale of mystery and intrigue which starts in wartime Fenland near Ely and then moves halfway across the globe to Australia. John Taylor's story is colorful, poignant and moving as it charts the journey of young Robbie Spalding and his path from a Dr. Barnardos Home in Cambridge to a new life on the other side of the world. Robbie becomes Nick Thorne and this account of his arrival into adulthood is more than a little tragic and filled with unexpected twists and turns…’

This was a captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of intriguing moments that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

There’s no doubt that I WILL Find You by John M. Taylor is an exceptionally well written book. However, it must be said that this story is not for the faint-hearted. The author’s script at times is razor-sharp and will cut deep into the emotions of its reader. The book does deal with some very serious issues, including illegal child migration and abuse.

This for me was a phenomenal read. It was one of those books that stayed with me for several days after I finished reading. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning and realistic. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.

It’s one of those stories that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

I’ll be looking forward to reading more from John M. Taylor in the future. I would highly recommend this book and would add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it.

A well-deserved five stars from me.


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Tantamount by CR Hruska
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderfully written story by a very talented author...

Tantamount by CR Hruska is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn settings and characters. The author weaves a well-crafted Historical Fantasy that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this medieval fantasy will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Tantamount is a historical fantasy set in Britain during the sixth century. The story follows one man’s journey through the struggles and effects of violence…

Tolan Fising is a farmer living a peaceful life with his wife, son, and daughter. He has spent his life trying to avoid violence, which took his father’s life when Tolan was a young boy. Tolan has done everything he can to protect his land and farm, while keeping his family safe. This all changes when a conflict between kings forces him to make a decision that will alter his family’s future.’

Now, if that’s not enough to get your curiosity juices flowing, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I was very impressed.

This was a captivating read that had me engrossed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of intriguing moments that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

It’s one of those stories that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction, so this for me was a phenomenal read. It’s one of those books that stayed with me for several days after I finished reading. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning and realistic. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.

I’ll be looking forward to reading more from CR Hruska in the future. I would recommend this book and would add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it. Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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My Journey around Mont Blanc by Dan Karmi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Numerical age is meaningless after reading this book!

Books are not just words, paper, and nice-looking covers. They are powerful representations of ideas and philosophies that are just waiting to be heard. Some books are revolutionary, some are reserved; while some are just waiting for the right reader to absorb their words and connect on a more personal level. Books offer expertise, perspective, encouragement and inspiration; they can change your life if you let them! So, pull up a chair, pick up MY JOURNEY AROUND MONT BLANC, and allow yourself to live through the eyes of its author, Dan Karmi.

This is a candid story about the author’s unexpected adventures, as well as his observations into the complexities of human nature and his unexpected discovery of the splendor and significance of our natural world. What should have been a simple, down-to-earth guide about one man’s trip to Mont Blanc, turns into a personal journal testing his endurance and overcoming his fears.

There’s a lot that could be said about a man approaching his 70th birthday who takes up the challenge of hiking Mont Blanc in the Alps…but there’s just far more to be learned by reading his book instead! A wonderfully unexpected read accompanied by beautiful photographs of the Alps. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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The Mission Series: Books 1-3 Boxset collection by Charlie Wolfe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Highly recommended...

Author Charlie Wolfe presents the action-packed The Mission series. This is a fast-paced collection that’s full of conspiracies and thriller actions featuring the Mossad special agent David Avivi. It will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author creates characters that are drawn with great credibility and conviction. These are fast-paced novels that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last. Having read this collection, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Fans of Terrorism, Political and Techno thrillers will love this series. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.


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