UFOs: The Ultimate Abduction by Raymond E. Fowler

UFOs: The Ultimate Abduction by Raymond E. Fowler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ultimate Abduction…

The existence of extra-terrestrial life is a subject of real scientific enquiry. Telescopes scan the cosmos for evidence, and radio listening devices search the galaxy for interstellar communications. Well known probability equations like the Drake Equation suggest the existence of extra-terrestrial life is possible and may be even probable.

UFOs: The Ultimate Abduction by Raymond E. Fowler addresses an issue within Ufology, as to whether UFOS are physical or psychic in nature. Ufology is the pseudo-scientific study of reports, visual records, physical evidence, and other phenomena related to unidentified flying objects. UFOs have been subject to various investigations over the years by governments, independent groups, and scientists. However, ufology, as a field, is rejected by modern academia and is considered a pseudoscience.

Having said that, the book is well-written and researched. The case studies makes for interesting reading and will appeal to those who have an interest in UFO Abductions, Out-of-the-body experiences, Near Death Experiences etc.

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The Necessity of Finance by Dr. Anthony M. Criniti IV

The Necessity of Finance: An Overview of the Science of Management of Wealth for an Individual, a Group, or an Organization by Anthony M. Criniti IV
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Offering a broad overview of wealth management...

The Necessity of Finance by Dr. Anthony M. Criniti IV is about managing your personal finances and wealth situation, thus every one of us needs to be aware of it and be able to manage it well to prevent unnecessary outflow or leakages. In our lifetime, the many actions or decisions that we take are bound to have an impact on our wealth. Our income sources, the properties or vehicles we purchase, the education expenses we spend for our children are just a very few examples.

Wealth management can be referred to as an advanced discipline relating to advice in terms of investment which incorporates specialist monetary services and financial planning. The main objectives are providing families dealing with services in retail banking, legal resources, investment management, and taxation advice goals to sustain and grow long-term wealth. Monetary planning can help individuals who are accumulating wealth or have already done so.

If you are looking to gain a better understanding of finance and wealth-management, this book would come highly recommended.

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Memory is Our Home: Loss and Remembering: Three Generations in Poland and Russia 1917-1960s

Memory is Our Home: Loss and Remembering: Three Generations in Poland and Russia 1917-1960s by Suzanna Eibuszyc
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A powerful historical memoir...

Memory is Our Home by Suzanna Eibuszyc is a stunning literary achievement. It’s a book that re-creates an overlooked part of history of the thousands of Polish Jews who survived the Holocaust by escaping to the Soviet Union. The book's epic sweep and grasp of detail are exemplary, while some scenes could make even a stone weep. The book reconstructs that horrific period of time in human history not as something abstract, but as felt knowledge thanks to the author’s mother, Roma Talesiewicz Eibuszyc.

To paraphrase the author, she bases her book on her mother Roma Talasiewicz-Eibuszyc’s diary, her writings about Warsaw, Poland during the years following World War I and the six long years of World War II, and how she was able to survive in Soviet Russia and Uzbekistan. Interwoven with her journals are stories she told to her throughout her life, as well as her own recollections as her family made a new life in the shadows of the Holocaust in Communist Poland after the war and into the late 1960s. By retelling this story, she sheds light on how the Holocaust trauma is transmitted to the next generation, the price her family paid when they said good-bye to the old world, and the challenges they faced in America.

This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me engaged from the beginning. The author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling and there are plenty of emotional highs and lows in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing and emotional journey. The author weaves a well-crafted and all-encompassing human dramatization that serves as a memorial to all those who suffered, died and survived during this tragic period of human history.

Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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CITADEL OF MIRRORS

Citadel of Mirrors : A Supernatural Science Fiction Thriller by Stephen Perkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted techno-suspense thriller...

CITADEL OF MIRRORS by bestselling author Stephen Perkins is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this supernatural science fiction thriller that will guarantee the attention of the reader from beginning to end.

The book description gives only a sneak but tantalizing preview: ‘Sophia Goldwater will become America's first woman president. There's only one problem: Sophia isn't exactly human... But neither is the man maneuvering to get her into the White House. Jamal Hamilton - a brilliant young inventor - triumphs in bringing the dead back to life. And a powerful cabal of men will do anything to acquire the technology… Can a maker destroy his beloved creation to save America and the world from an abominable conspiracy?.’

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 has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well-written techno-suspense thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of sci-fi will want it.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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The Az'kari War by Tom Craydon

The Az'kari War by Tom Craydon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An epic tale of dark fantasy...

The Az'kari War by Tom Craydon is a well-written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author spins an intriguing and compelling fantasy that will easily captivate the reader from the first page to the last. For me it was one of those ‘special’ books. You know one of those books that you read and really begin to care about the characters and what happens to them during the course of the story.

I liked 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 story 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 a well written dark fantasy with perfect pacing.

If you are looking for a well-written and exceptional fantasy book with amazing characters and a gripping plot then The Az'kari War will not leave you disappointed. It’s a dark fantasy that maintains a taut, compelling hold from start to finish. Recommended to all fans of dark fantasy and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Navigating Divorce with a Peaceful Heart: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Inner Peace in the Midst of Chaos

Navigating Divorce with a Peaceful Heart: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Inner Peace in the Midst of Chaos by Stephanie Meriaux
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A superbly written and helpful book...

Divorce is one of the toughest decisions one in every three American couples will have to make. The decision to end a marriage can be a complicated ordeal, especially when there are children involved. Sometimes parents try very hard to resolve their issues and process feelings through options such as therapy before pulling the plug on matrimony.

Navigating Divorce with a Peaceful Heart by Stephanie Meriaux is a practical guide to cultivating inner peace in the midst of chaos. The author ‘masterfully interweaves mindfulness practices, practical tools, powerful perspective shifts, and neuroscience’ to help the reader.

This book will help you to clarify your thinking, process your feelings, and make better decisions. The overall tone was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a gentle and generous way. Her words will help to better equip you to interpret and handle life in a whole new way, which in turn will bring peace, love and joy into your life. If you are looking for inspiration and encouragement in the face of serious relationship issues, this would come highly recommended from me.

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The Dauntless Chronicles

The Dauntless Chronicles by Willow Wren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted space fantasy adventure...

The Dauntless Chronicles by Willow Wren and Anthony Olmo is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this space fantasy adventure that will guarantee the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed action-packed sci-fi, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it! A well-deserved five stars from me.


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Mind in Rehabilitation by Dr. Eyal Heled

Mind in Rehabilitation by Eyal Heled
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A glimpse into the experiences of people with disabilities...

Mental and emotional preparation, knowledge of the condition, and the correct course of treatment are all essential and work symbiotically to assist recovery. Mind in Rehabilitation by Dr. Eyal Heled offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of people with disabilities by providing case histories to describe the impact it has on their lives, and what they encounter on the road to rehabilitation.

The authors background and knowledge speaks for itself: ‘As a person struggling with severe visual impairment and who, in a sense, has made it his profession, I wanted to share with the world the mindset on both sides of the barricade: On the one hand, individuals dealing with disability or chronic illnesses and on the other, the feelings and thoughts of their therapists--combining their individual voices. It was also important for me to introduce the reader to the process of rehabilitation in general and its psychological aspect in particular, by describing in depth what persons with disabilities go through in their trajectory of adaptation.’

Mind in Rehabilitation is an insightful read by Dr. Eyal Heled and I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from him in the future. I would highly recommend this perceptive and intuitive read. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Back to Atlantis by Bar Sagi

Back to Atlantis by Bar Sagi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The adventure continues…

Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking and some are adventurous. I love them all.

BACK TO ATLANTIS by Bar Sagi is book 2 in the Dreamworld Series. It’s an excellent fantasy story that will grab readers and hurl them far beyond the boundaries of our limited world. This YA fantasy story has intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader from the first page to the last. Although the book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I would highly recommend book 1 in the series YASMIN’S BEGINNING.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Yasmin returns to the kingdom of Atlantis, determined to use her newfound powers to rescue its people from a terrible fate… But when David, her true love, turns out to be engaged to another girl, and the persistent voices in her head refuse to let her be, she begins to feel as though maybe she is not cut out to be Atlantis’ savior. And what’s worse, her powers are failing her too… Yasmin vows never to use her magic again, believing that Atlantis can save itself through alliance and cooperation, with no need for her worthless contribution… As villages burn around her and the rebel forces grow stronger by the day, Yasmin is drawn deeper and deeper into the conflict. Secrets and hidden betrayal slowly come to light, and Yasmin is forced to question everything she though she knew… When the time comes, will she be strong enough to face the challenge? Who can she trust? …’

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 story 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 a well written fantasy tale with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of the sci-fi fantasy genre will want it! Although written for a younger audience, I can’t see any reason why anybody of any age wouldn’t enjoy this. I did!

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

There is something very magical about reading fantasy fiction. It speaks to the very thread of my imagination, jolting it to life and transporting it on an exhilarating journey. This book did exactly that. Fans of the sci-fi fantasy genre will not be disappointed.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

Again, regrettably I have to mention that the intended recipient of this review sadly passed away at the young age of 15. A talent that will be sadly missed, but because of her wonderful books – never forgotten. I offer here again my sincere condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

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No Bull: Vegan & Fitness for Beginners

No Bull: Vegan & Fitness for Beginners by Rose Donato
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Making a case for veganism...

Making the transition to a vegan diet for the first time can be both daunting yet exciting at the same time. The beginner vegan often has many questions or reservations about this lifestyle that they are seeking to get answers for. No Bull: Vegan & Fitness for Beginners by Rose Donato offers helpful tips and advice for those who are new to the vegan diet, focusing on how to smoothly start a vegan diet and how to ensure that the transition to becoming vegan is as easy and stress-free as possible.

However, before you make any kind of lifestyle change, it’s always a good idea to do plenty of research in advance. By doing so, you will know exactly what to expect. You need to gather information on what vegans do and don't eat, what benefits there are to going vegan, and what the obstacles and challenges vegans face. In other words, while the idea of becoming vegan might seem noble, the reality suggests a complete U-turn in what you are normally accustomed to, and that may be cause for concern. Therefore, seeking advice from your family physician is of upmost importance.

Having said that, there isn’t much argument from a scientific point of view (if you read actual scientific peer reviewed papers and not website blogs) as regards going vegan. By exploring the wide variety of options on the vegan menu, suggests we could get all of the minerals and nutrients that we need for optimal health. The major problem here is that we live in a fast food and convenient society. We ultimately have been programed to accept that our fast food industry gods can provide us with our dietary needs when in reality they can only supply us with a quick fix and very tasty meal with little or no nutritional value. It fills a short-term need disregarding the long-term health of the individual.

No Bull: Vegan & Fitness for Beginners by Rose Donato is an excellent starter guide. The book ‘makes a case for veganism truthfully and bluntly with no sugar coating. Within these pages, you will find everything you need to know when you begin your vegan journey, including how to transition and remain on course.’ Highly recommended.

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The Story Of Levi The Blue Heeler

The Story Of Levi The Blue Heeler by John Puckett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A delightful story for the younger reader teaching valuable life lessons along the way...

More often than not children relate themselves with the characters of a good story. In such circumstances, reading fiction can help them to get inspiration from the characters. These stories often portray real life implications through anecdotes, and as such makes it easier for them to understand the complex aspects of life. Moreover, reading these stories at regular intervals can actually help them to develop a positive outlook towards life, which eventually proves beneficial for good character development.

The Story Of Levi The Blue Heeler by John Puckett and Angela Puckett is a delightful and charming picture book for the younger reader. The authors write in a wonderfully humorous and imaginative style that will guarantee the attention of young minds. If you ever wanted to bond even more with your children or grandchildren, this would be a very entertaining story to share with them. Special mention also to Debbie Hefke for the excellent illustrations.

As the authors state in the book description: ‘This is a story of faith, kindness, and family. Families are assembled and sometimes family members can come from a different background than your own. Levi helps to illustrate this in a humorous and humble way that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.’

It seems to me that this book was created with a lot of love and joy and it’s clear that the authors really enjoy creating such wonderful stories that also contain valuable life lessons. I read this book with my grandkids and they loved it. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have obviously worked so hard to refine. We’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next. A well-deserved five stars from us!

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Financially Free: 11 Conversations to Have with Yourself about Life, Money, and Worth

Financially Free: 11 Conversations to Have with Yourself about Life, Money, and Worth by Ande Frazier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Highly recommended financial wellness book...

Money is the force that drives economies, puts food on the table and keeps us warm at night; money gives each and every one of us the chance to do something amazing and worthwhile with our lives. However, money can also be the cause of ruined or damaged relationships, the cause of anger, stress, and worry. Money works however well we want it to work, and however well we need it to work. That is, of course, if we make the right decisions.

The overall tone of the book was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a practical and generous way. The author’s words will help to better equip you to interpret and handle your financial life in a whole new way, which in turn will bring peace, love and joy into your life. If you are looking for inspiration and encouragement in the face of serious financial issues, this would come highly recommended from me.

As the author wisely states: ‘When it comes to your finances, there are no right or wrong ways to feel. The first step here is to acknowledge all the emotions tied to money and financial activity. The step following that one is to acknowledge how an expenditure fulfills, or does not fulfill, one’s desires.’

Financially Free: 11 Conversations To Have With Yourself About Life, Money, And Worth by Ande Frazier is a well-written book that provides very helpful information for individuals to learn how money can be working for them or work against them. Most of us do not understand how money works. This book changes all that. Highly recommended.

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Fatal Decision: A Sam Harker Thriller by T.K. Wolf

Fatal Decision: A Sam Harker Thriller by T.K. Wolf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing...

Fatal Decision: A Sam Harker Thriller by T.K. Wolf is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this high-octane thriller that will guarantee the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed action-packed thriller, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘A killer who lurks in the shadows striking out at those who created her… Sam Harker’s life as a highly-skilled assassin was forced on her by Delphi Intelligence, the multinational corporation who controlled her life for years. After escaping, Sam has played a deadly cat-and-mouse game against her former employers… To save the man she loves; a killer must tap into the darkest parts of her personality… However, when her past catches up with her and spills over into the new life she is trying to create, Sam must return to finish one last job for Delphi… Unsure who to trust or what to expect, Sam must do whatever it takes to keep Jake safe. Even if it means destroying herself in the process… From Mexico to New York City, she faces a seemingly impossible task while navigating the complex web of secrets and factions. With no guarantee of survival, Sam must use every ounce of her skill to tip the odds in her favor… A single decision can have deadly consequences.’

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 story 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 a well written suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing. Highly recommended.

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Project Relationship: The Entrepreneur’s Action Plan for Passionate, Sustainable Love

Project Relationship: The Entrepreneur’s Action Plan for Passionate, Sustainable Love by Joli Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An invaluable resource for female entrepreneurs...

There are some great models out there for making relationships work, and Project Relationship: The Entrepreneur’s Action Plan for Passionate, Sustainable Love by Joli Hamilton can easily be added to that list. Primarily aimed at women entrepreneurs, ‘this book will guide you toward using your best business acumen in your personal life—and watching it thrive.’

The overall tone was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a gentle and generous way. Her words will help to better equip you to interpret and handle life in a whole new way, which in turn will bring peace, love and joy into your life. If you are looking for inspiration and encouragement in the face of serious relationship issues, this would come highly recommended from me.

No matter what your situation is today, this book will put you on the right path to better things. This wonderful new book will show you how to properly tune into life and the simple rules you must follow to achieve this. The author must be commended for her time and effort for producing such an insightful book. Highly recommended.

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WOLF: A Suspense Thriller (Jessica James Mystery Series Book 1)

Wolf by Kelly Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted thrilling and suspenseful mystery...

WOLF: A Suspense Thriller (Jessica James Mystery Series Book 1) by award-winning and bestselling author Kelly Oliver is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this thrilling and suspenseful mystery that will guarantee the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed witty and engaging whodunit, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.

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 story 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 a well written suspenseful mystery with perfect pacing. Highly recommended.

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Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas Casebook by Robert New

Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas' Casebook by Robert New
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well written murder mystery short story collection...

Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas Casebook by Robert New is a fine collection of nine murder mystery short stories. It’s a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this thrilling and suspenseful mystery compilation that will guarantee the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed and engaging set of whodunits, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.

I enjoyed the stories, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists along the way 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 a particular story 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 a well written murder mystery short story collection with perfect pacing.

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

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Grimdark: Tales of Exile by Kyle Fox

Grimdark: Tales of Exile by Kyle Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A compelling and spellbinding novelette...

Grimdark: Tales of Exile by Kyle Fox is a compelling and spellbinding spinoff from the Exiles of Eden saga. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this sci-fi fantasy that guarantees the attention of the reader. 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.

Grimdark is a quick read. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. If you are looking for something different in the sci-fi fantasy genre, this would be an interesting read. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars.

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Incite Insight by Robert New

Incite Insight by Robert New
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well written speculative crime thriller with perfect pacing.
Incite Insight by Robert New is a well written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this speculative crime thriller that will guarantee the attention of the reader. One of the technical problems with writing anything other than contemporary mainstream fiction is giving the reader the background information they need to understand to follow the story - without stopping the story. Robert New accomplishes this with some fine writing.

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 story 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 a well written crime thriller with perfect pacing.

Incite Insight was a mesmerizing read that had me engaged 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 suspenseful and intriguing moments in this page-turner that will take the reader on a thrilling journey. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.


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The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley

The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted historical fiction...

The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this historical fiction that will guarantee the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the 11th century world marked by the emergence of a disruptive commercial revolution, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. The story is told from the perspective of the main central character Thomas Woodward and is a noteworthy tribute to the era. Highly recommended.


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"Mixed Massages (I)": Pattaya Voices And Vices

"Mixed Massages (I)": Pattaya Voices And Vices by Jonathan Finch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally, a tour guide from somebody who has been there and done that!

MIXED MASSAGES by Jonathan Finch is an interesting collection of stories, essays and articles about Pattaya, Thailand, and the Expat Life. As the book is dedicated to the ‘deceived and the unwary’ it automatically becomes a must-read for all those contemplating visiting or living in Thailand, particularly Pattaya where the author resides.

As the author states in his introduction: ‘read one of these short sketches and you’ll start to understand why Pattaya is inspirational. Read them all and you’ll realize that Fun City has so many tragi-comic characters it can put to shame all of William Shakespeare’s collected works! There’s a lot to smile about here but under the underbelly or pouch or stomach is a seething cesspit of social ills - from unmarried mothers to alcoholics to suicidal farangs to gender-changing changelings to debt-ridden conmen to motorbike-taxi maniacs to Muay Thai die-hards to bored-out-of-their-minds tourists to snooker-damned eternities to thieving whores to ladyboy beat-’em-uppers to resentful strippers to uneducated mamasans to compromised agogo owners to stumbling-just-don’t-get-it holiday-makers.’

The book description gives a sneak preview when it states that this ‘is the first in a collection of essays, articles and stories about Pattaya, the punters, the girls, the ladyboys, the events and the dangers. It is funny and serious. It paints a picture of Pattaya, Thailand, and expat life without romanticizing the notorious and famous seaside resort. Fun City with its appeal, its danger, its drunkenness, its endless partying, is here to entertain the reader but Finch's message is not a massage. The extreme city of Pattaya can become monstrous. Moderation, common sense and thought are needed if disasters are to be avoided.’ Indeed, wise words from somebody who has been there and done that as they say.

"Mixed Massages (I)": Pattaya Voices And Vices is a fine collection of short stories. Its’ a wonderfully written and richly descriptive book with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author paint a series of engaging, witty and down-to-earth moments in a very vivid and convincing way.

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

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The Neighbor from Bergen Belsen by Yaakov Barzilai

The Neighbor from Bergen Belsen by Yaakov Barzilai
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Pointless changing position, since every bullet has an address written on it.”...

The Neighbor from Bergen Belsen by Yaakov Barzilai is a biography based on the authors life as Jewish Holocaust survivor. This wonderfully written and richly descriptive narrative is an all-encompassing human dramatization about ‘the unyielding love of a mother, who fought to protect her two young children from harm while helping every stranger who crossed her path, about belief in God, and the naïve perspective of a child in such a difficult and challenging time.’

The Neighbor from Bergen Belsen is beautifully written and exquisitely translated from the Hebrew by Philip Simpson. The author creates vivid word pictures that pulls the reader into the narrative. For such a sad story, it's extraordinarily moving and powerful.

One of many such examples for me is as follows: ‘‘Trains were dispatched with the regularity of volcanic eruptions. To each locomotive, at least two dozen livestock wagons were hitched, and in each wagon around a hundred head of cattle were crammed for their journey to the abattoir. I was one of them We were the first to be thrown into the mobile prison, which had three blank walls and a narrow barred window located near the top of the fourth, a necessary precaution to ensure delivery of a whole and healthy consignment. As we enjoyed the privilege of fist arrival, we naturally gravitated towards the one wall-panel boasting an aperture. My parents sank down on the floor of the wagon and I stood with my back to the perforated wall. My little sister, who had never travelled by train before, was beaming with excitement. Lack of space meant that she had to stand on my feet, her arms around me and her hands clutching my braces from behind. Loading of the wagon continued until the chorus of the buttons began. As more and more were pressed inside, the buttons of their clothing collided, producing a sound reminiscent of the clinking of glasses in a convivial toast, and it was only then that the loaders realized there wasn’t so much as a hair’s breadth of standing room remaining, and the heavy door was slammed shut and bolted from the outside with a massive iron bar.’

The imagery in the writing style is flawless and gives the reader a clear sense of actually being there in the moment with the author. Very rarely does a book arrive that grabs its readers by the scruff of their neck and puts them down in their armchair and commands not to leave your seat until you have devoured all the pages. This is one such book.

If anyone ever wanted to understand what effects a war has on the human spirit without going down the docudrama way, this book is a must buy. It is guaranteed to add another facet to the lives of everyone that reads it, touching them in a manner few other books could. You get a poignant, moving story that's somehow heartbreaking and triumphant all at the same time.

The Neighbor from Bergen Belsen has many examples of love, kindness and self-sacrifice but also deals with horrific abuse and suffering. The best storytellers could not devise a more compelling narrative. It’s one of those books that will leave a lump in the throat of the most hardened reader. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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TART BLOOD ORANGE by Paul Elliott

TART BLOOD ORANGE by Paul Wilson Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping crime novel...

TART BLOOD ORANGE by Paul Elliott is a well-written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted crime novel with intriguing twists and turns that will keep the reader engaged from the opening chapter. 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.

The author has created an intriguing story-line that demands the reader keep up with each twist and insertion of new information in order to comprehend fully what the main character, homicide detective Melanie Tomas is up against. Mel emerges as a powerful force in the book, as she makes capturing the criminal and saving prospective victims her mission. Her intelligence and compassion make her an attractive lead and a solid anchor for potentially future books in this series. Fortunately, Elliott successfully connects all of the dots and doesn't leave a single loose thread at the end.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Thrash by Jason Palmer

Thrash by Jason Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A first-class humorous dark comedy with perfect pacing...

Thrash by Jason Palmer is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted good vs evil superhero sci-fi fantasy with a generous sprinkling of dark humor and violence throughout. 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 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 has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class humorous dark comedy with perfect pacing. A well-deserved four stars from me. Recommended.

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