"11-11-11" by John Rachel

                                   

Noah is just turning 23, and growing up in Pulnick, Missouri. A town that was becoming more run down, drug infested, and crime ridden by the day. Noah just wants to leave.

Rumor has it the end of the world is coming. On November 11, 2011, or “11-11-11,” the world as we know it is about to end. So say the billboards and speech givers. Noah doesn’t exactly believe in all this either. He’s busy trying to find out exactly what his sister is doing, and who she’s involved with since running off from home.

Noah had friends, but like his job at the local Walmart, disappeared after he was hit by a truck on his motorcycle. Noah plans to leave, but things seem to keep slowing him down.

In the months leading up to that date, Noah’s life is a strange mix of boring parties, misadventures, and random people coming and going in his life. Nobody you’d really want to know too much about. A new job and a new set of odd friends enters his life. He continues to see billboards about “11-11-11.”

Do we know what “11-11-11” is about? We are kept guessing as to the message here. Eventually we find out what 11-11-11 is going to mean to Noah. The day his whole life changes.

The story line was interesting, but while the activities were well detailed, the people were not. Kind of dragged on in a few places in bizarre ways. I did finish the book, and found it over all an entertaining, albeit a little odd tale.


Thank you John Rachel.

Buy "11-11-11" by John Rachel now on Amazon!

"As She Fades" by Abbi Glines

                                                                                             

"Everything was different now. I was lost. Alone. I didn't know how to find myself. I needed Crawford. Knox worrying about me liking the wrong guy was ridiculous. I loved Crawford and I had my entire life. A pretty smile and incredible eyes weren't going to change that. I wasn't shallow."...


Vale and Crawford met as children. From friendship to a plan of life long commitment. The whole world was before them. Until the night of graduation, when an accident leaves Crawford comatose.

Vale sits day after day, waiting and hoping for Crawford to wake up. She’s sure when he does they’ll just pick up where they left off, and live happily ever after.

Even though she makes a new friend, Slate, she keeps him at a distance. There is no one but Crawford in her heart. She has the support of her close family, but it’s not enough. College will have to wait. Life will be on hold until Crawford wakes up.

After a little convincing Vale sees she needs to go on with her life. Crawford would want her to wouldn’t he? Her feelings are a mass of confusion as Slate drifts in and out of her life. As she starts her new life away from home, in range of Slate. Will the girl she once was become a different woman? "As She Fades" from a teenager into an adult things change, as they do for all of us.

What happens in the aftermath of that accident? A plot twist I never saw coming. So unexpected, so clever!

This young adult novel was heartbreaking, and at the same time Vale is learning that life isn’t always what you plan it to be. I really liked Vale, and her family and friends. Great characters and a fitting end.

Thank you Abbi Glines, Netgalley, and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

Buy "As She Fades" on sale April 3rd on Amazon: click here!

"In Her Skin" by Kim Savage

"We push the door open and prowl the hall, stealthy, and you are funny, making exaggerated hush signs and tiptoeing. You're corny, and its cute, and you treat me like a dumb younger sister, and I sense that you're leading me into trouble but I am so okay with it, because trouble with you is fun, old fashioned, clean fun, stealing poems and spotting ghosts, and I am charmed."....


This young adult story features a 15 year old girl, Jo Chastain. As a homeless teenager, an opportunity presents itself to assume the identity of a missing girl, Vivienne Weir. A wealthy family, the Lovecrafts, were there when 9 year old Vivi disappeared, while her parents dined with the Lovecrafts. Jo finally has the life she wants, or so she thinks.

When the story takes a dark turn, Jo may find herself in danger of knowing the truth. Secrets discovered may not be good for Jo. She will have to decide if staying is the best option, or life back on the streets of Boston might be safer.

What happened to the real Vivienne? Does the Lovecraft family have the truth about that night? A truth they wouldn’t want uncovered? Is Vivi dead? Has Jo got herself in over her head? Can she convince Temple, Vivi’s childhood friend, that she’s really Vivi? Or will Temple’s doubting uncover Jo’s pretend life. A visitor from Jo’s past may also affect her ability to remain “Vivi.”

The story centered a little much on what Temple was to her as a friend. Temple’s antics kind of felt a little to unoriginal, or we’ve seen that behavior in one too many story lines. Rich teenager, sneaking out, theft, etc.

Full of suspense otherwise, and a clever broken girl. Jo needs a new life. She may have picked the wrong one. Overall a good read. Great ending!

Thank you Kim Savage, Netgalley, and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

On sale April 17th at Amazon: click here!

"Birthday Girl" by Matthew Iden

"Sister was descending the stairs backward so she could drag a large bundle, something long, wrapped in a blanket, and heavy enough that she was having trouble lifting it.".....


Elliot Nash is homeless. His former life just a memory. His daughter was murdered 8 years ago. Her death ended his entire life, his marriage, and his job as a criminal psychologist.

Amy asks for Elliot’s help in finding her daughter. Kidnapped a year ago, she can’t accept her child is probably dead. She thinks that Elliot, with their shared grief, and his educational background, can help her find her daughter, Lacey.

As it turns out, there are at least seven children who have disappeared around the time of their birthdays. This may be the clue that will help Elliot and Amy uncover what happened to these girls. Can Elliot find his own redemption with the answers to this mystery?

Are any of the children still alive? Is it too late? The streets of Washington D.C. are dangerous and treacherous for those who may be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Throughout, I just wanted Elliot to find some kind of peace, find a piece of his life again. I hoped for Amy to get her daughter back. It wasn’t a story you could put down, and not keep wondering what happens next.

I’ve previously read this authors books, including all of his detective “Marty Singer,” series. I enjoy Matthew Iden’s work, and this book, “Birthday Girl,” was also an excellent thriller and mystery suspense tale.


Thank you Matthew Iden, Netgalley, and Thomas & Mercer Publishers.

Buy "Birthday Girl" on Amazon March 20th: click here!

"Let Me Lie" by Clare Mackintosh

                                                                                         

"Suicide? Think again. Not suicide. Murder. Someone stole the life I had. Someone murdered my mother. And if they murdered Mum, it followed that dad didn't kill himself either. Both my parents were murdered."....

Anna has had a terrible year. The bright spot in it is her new baby girl. Her parents committed suicide during the past year. Now on the anniversary of her mothers death, a strange card is delivered to Anna. Her nightmare begins again.

What really happened to her parents? There are secrets to be uncovered that will alter Anna’s life forever. Anna enlists the aid of a semi retired police officer, Murray. Murray has his own personal tribulations at the moment, but wants to desperately help Anna find the truth.

Will Anna find the truth about their suicides from the cliffs of Beachy Head? How will the past affect Anna’s present? Was Anna’s fiancé involved, does the neighbor know more than he’s telling? Maybe there are things Anna herself does not clearly remember.

This thriller was a page turner. Unexpected twists. Characters that compel you to the end. Unexpected ending!

Thank you Clare Mackintosh, Netgalley, and
Berkley Publishing Group.

Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh now on Amazon: click here!

Lion On Fire by Ted Galdi

"Something just doesn't feel right about it. Kip got into this mess by selling drugs, by veering into the underworld. And now I, the good brother who never broke a rule in his life, am supposed to veer into the underworld myself to get him out of this mess."....

Brian is living the way he should be. Smart, reliable and moving up in life. A life with a plan. Until his younger brother, Kip, does something so stupid Brian almost has no choice but to step in. The money he owes a drug dealer will probably cost him his life. If Brian can’t figure out a way to help him get the money, more than Kips life will be at stake.

Brian is a limo driver. Trusted to do a little extra side work for the boss. Driving high rollers to an underground casino. When he gets with a friend and decides the quick fix is to rob the casino, everything quickly becomes a tangled mess.

You could feel the characters desperation, and the brothers desire to fix this as quick as they can. Can they get the money in time to save Kip’s life? Will Brian make it out of this in one piece? Brian will have to make a big choice to save his family. Did I mention dad is a state trooper? Getting this by him, without raising suspicions, isn’t going to be easy. He knows Brian is acting off. If dad interferes they could all end up dead.

This was a quick read. Well rounded characters. Immediately draws you in. Plenty of heart stopping moments, the kind that you can’t stop reading until you find out who makes it and who doesn’t, or if Brian can pull this off and save Kip. Brian is good at a lot of things, but he never planned to be a criminal.

Thank you, Ted Galdi.

Free today on Amazon! click here!

"Player's Game" by Desirae Clark

                                                                                             

"A part of me couldn't believe that three months already passed. I lived here for three months, and it only hit me now. The second part also acknowledged that Parker didn't stop trying to play me-whether his game was to annoy me, flirt with me, or befriend me. Each time, he failed. If anything his attempts became more frequent, yet I brushed them all off."......

Samantha Valentine and Parker Brady were once best friends. Life intervened and she moved away with her family. Now she’s returned, only to find Parker is not the same boy she left behind.

While Samantha was gone, Parker felt betrayed and alone. He took that out on as many girls as he could. Is his life about to change now that Sam is back? Can he get over his resentment at being left behind?

Is there a “happily ever after” for these two? They were childhood friends, but now they’re 18 and everything has changed. Or has it? A little predictable, but nothing too dramatic. Great ending with no cliff hanger.

This is first in the series of the “Valentine Sisters.” Sam has twin 14 year old sisters, so as they grow up, I can see a lot of possible story lines involving all three. This young adult story was a nice weekend read.

Thank you Desirae Clark, Netgalley, and BLVNP Incorporated

Buy "Player's Game" now on Amazon: click here!

"Minetta Lane" (Slavery and Beyond Book 3)

                                                                                             

"I learned a lot about myself with the thing with Nellie, Grandma, and I was ready to act. Uncle Marcus taught me what it takes to get what you want. He said part of winning is physical, but lots of it is strategy and what's in your head. What's been in my head has been bad for a long time, but not anymore. If I'm supposed to be protecting people and if this is what my dream is all about, I'll do my part-not afraid no more.".....

Bodee Rivers has gone to stay with his grandmother. The year is 1904. It brings him to the toughest neighborhood in the city. He isn’t used to this kind of life. Can he adapt? Will he change? His grandmother, Juba, is respected there. He has a lot to learn from her. He’s protected to some degree from the criminal element because of Juba, but first he will need a job.

Juba has a special gift and it appears it’s been passed onto Bodee. His dream, if he can understand it, may save or costs lives. The time will come when Bodee will need to make a choice.

He meets someone that he’d like to keep in his life. There are gangs, street thugs, and people to watch out for. Then there are people that you’ll least expect to be allies. I loved the mix of characters and how each played into Bodee’s story.

There is an understory of a young boy left to fend for himself. Eventually you see how he becomes a part of Bodee’s dream. This historical fiction did in fact contain some actual places, people, and events. The characters were well written. I found them to be interesting, and the story rather unique. I try to step outside my normal reading preferences occasionally. I’m never disappointed. Reading is the key to understanding ourselves and others in this world.

Thank you A. Robert Allen

Buy "Minetta Lane" now on Amazon: click here!

"The Whisperer" by A. Ireland King

Buy "The Whisperer" now on Amazon: click here

“I’m a whisperer,’ he says. “I speak to the living: in their thoughts, in their hearts, and in their dreams. “It’s like a whisper to them, so quiet it’s easily missed.”

This story is told in six parts. You could read each part separately, or all together as I did. Either way you will get the most from this new novel by reading all the parts. I loved it. I loved the way it was told. I thought I was reading one story, but then another emerged. Brilliant and cleverly woven. I wrote my review in an unusual way, in parts, the way the book was written. What follows were my thoughts and ideas as I read the book.

Part 1- Deaths Door
A murdered girl, a suicide. What do they have in common? A guardian angel perhaps? A ghost walking the earth with her escort, “The Whisperer,” Michael. What has Meredith's suicide done to her mother? What about Stan, the train conductor, she involved in her suicide? Maybe she too can be a whisperer in her next life.

Part 2: The Suicide Notes
We find how Stan is doing. Is his life moving forward? Is Meredith finding her place and strengthening her power to affect the living world? Fixing some wrongs? She’s watching over several people now. Whispering what she can to help them along in their life, help them to be happier.

Part 3: The Shadow Falls
Meredith is still honing her skills at being a "Whisperer." Trying to help family and friends. In this part we get a little deeper into everyone’s back story. We learn why Meredith’s mother was so hard on her. What happened to Titch? (read the short story entitled “Titch” by the same author) Is Meredith sorry she killed herself? People and connections are starting to be made. Now it has me wondering how everyone is connected to Meredith. Are they mostly strangers, or is there a closer tie? Onto the next section.

Part 4: Box of Secrets
Meredith continues her education in "Whispering." She makes a few mistakes, and meets a new friend. Her mother’s grief is coming along. I am beginning to suspect that people are more tied together then I first thought. Not everyone is as innocent as they appear.

Part 5: Seeds of Change

Meredith watches as secrets yet to be shared are discovered. People change, or try to. A funeral, and a long ago secret. The ties that bind these people together are being slowly unraveled to Meredith and us, the reader. She’s beginning to get a feel for what she is capable of in death, and what she can do for the living. Everything is changing for all those that Meredith watches over.

Part 6: The Whisperer
Wow! As everything comes together, I found this final part the most exciting. I didn’t realize in the beginning where the story was going. Surprise! I would have never guessed the final part. I had some suspicions in the last part that some weren’t as they appeared to be. Meredith’s life wasn’t what it should have been. Maybe in death she can find the things she’d been looking for.

I found the entire story line unique and fascinating. What if? What if this is what happens to us when we leave our life? What if this is the next place? The back story of the peoples lives that Meredith watched over, played an important part overall, but I’m still intrigued with the thought of “The Whisperer.”

Thank you A. Ireland King

"The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah

                                                                                             

"Tenderfoot, Alaska isn't about who you were when you headed this way. It's about who you become. You are out here in the wild, girls. That isn't some fable or fairy tale. It's real. Hard. Winter will be here soon, and believe me, it's not like any winter you've ever experienced."......

Ernt is a former POW. Home from Vietnam, struggling to find his place in society again. Fighting the nightmares that make up his existence. Ernt has the love of his wife Cora and daughter Leni. Cora is willing to do whatever it takes to help keep Ernt stable, including his idea to leave the world behind and move to Alaska. Leni is thirteen and been in school after school, always the new girl and never fitting in. She never gives up on the hope her parents will find a way for them to all be happy again. That one day she will get her dad back.

Ernt moves them to an obsolete area, acreage and a run down cabin left to him by a soldier he served with. Without electricity, indoor plumbing, or any amenities, their lifestyle is about to make a drastic change.

Can Cora and Leni survive this hardship? Living off the land may be the answer that Ernt thinks will solve his problems, but what will it do to his family?

From the very beginning this book drew me in. A reminder of the past, and a time when our soldiers came home and we looked the other way, or worse disrespected them.

What they aren’t prepared for is the reality of the wild Alaskan lifestyle. The hours of darkness, and the cold and snow. Lack of resources, lack of outside contact. It can weaken an already weakened mind. Can Cora and Leni help Ernt, and help themselves? This is a place where one would experience the true meaning of being alone. You can either find yourself or lose yourself completely.

I loved the descriptive story. I felt like I was there. Kristin Hannah has a way of pulling you into her books. A few surprises, unexpected outcomes, and an ending I hoped for.

Thank you Kristin Hannah, Netgalley, and St. Martins Press

Buy "The Great Alone" on Amazon Feb. 6th: click here