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Showing posts with label Books for Adults. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

The Boy Between: A Mother and Son's Journey from a World Gone Grey ~ A Book Review

The Boy Between is a title that leaves you wondering what will happen between the pages. I think that's what got me wanting to read this book. Being the mom of two "boys" I was curious to see what this author had to say about all that time "Between"!

As it turns out this book had me right from the start. One of my favorite "women's lit" authors co-wrote this with her son. Amanda Prowse is better known for her lovely stories of women who find their strength through the ways they are tested. She has written many (over 25) books and is probably one of the most prolific writers in the UK. But I must say, she is loved around the world for her great stories.

The Boy Between, is not FICTION, it is real and downright heartbreaking and thought provoking. Josiah (Josh) Hartley and Amanda Prowse are mom and son, co-authors of this book. Chapter by chapter you read about what is happening in Josh's life from the perspective of Mom (and dad) and then from Josh's perspective.

THIS IS NOT AN EASY STORY TO READ! But it is one that I wish every parent or caregiver SHOULD and Would READ!

If you have ever had someone in the family or close friend suffer from Depression, this book is an eye opener for you! We all think we know what depression is and unless you have suffered from this debilitating mental state, you cannot begin to know! Josh writes honestly and very openly about his life and how this mental condition makes life not just difficult, but almost impossible to deal with.

Through many trials and tribulations during his life, his parents are forever hopeful that the fog of depression will lift and give Josh some peace and solace to face another day. They are his support network even when they didn't realize that that was what Josh needed. What Josh was living through, they were living through it as well. This story has two very different sides to it and seeing both of them helps us to understand better! It is the life of Josh and the life of his parents as well. They are not two separate and distinct lives, they are forever intertwined and wrapped around each other.

If there is one thing that everyone should take away from reading this book, it's the notion that DEPRESSION is the elephant in many people's lives and that ignoring it will not make it disappear. It needs to be talked about and understood in each and every circumstance. The biggest problem being that every circumstance will be different and one solution will not necessarily fit all!

The world today is a very hard place for our young people to grow up in. They are bombarded with ideals of perfection from social media and opinions from the world at large. The pressure for these young minds to deal with is sometimes more than they can bear. That is when their spirit and/or their minds can become broken. Awareness must be the key!

As parents and caregivers, we need to understand that each child is different with many varied strengths and weaknesses. That it is alright for them not to follow the majority and that forging their own path in life is not a sign that they are "less", rather they are different. If there was ever a time when we should be celebrating everyone's individuality it is NOW! Before there are more statistics of young people not being able to cope with today's world and it's expectations of our young people.

This book in my opinion is one that should be read by everyone and right now it is available for free with a KindleUnlimited membership or with an Audible trial.

Put this book on your MUST READ list, you won't be sorry!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

By Hook or By Crook – Book Review

*Created with Pixabay & Fotojet

I love books and am a big fan of mysteries. I also love to crochet. So finding a mystery book that is a crochet mystery was a delight. And discovering that the author, Betty Hechtman, has written a whole series of these cozy mysteries starring a crochet group was even more fun.

Today's review is on By Hook or By Crook by Betty Hechtman.

Story Characters

The characters in this story are known as the Tarzana Hookers ~ that's hookers as in crochet!

They are a group of ladies (and even one man) who crochet and meet regularly in a small book store in Tarzana, California (thus the name). The crochet group's main focus is to crochet for charities. The group is headed by Molly Pink (main character), a widow with two grown sons who works as the event planner at this book store. Somehow, Molly keeps finding herself involved in mysteries she becomes determined to solve. And, of course, various members of the crochet group get involved.

Synopsis of By Hook or By Crook

Available on Amazon

“Nobody noticed the bag at first”

The story begins as the group is packing up their table at a charity fund-raiser they had been involved in for a local state park. After the leftover crochet blankets, scarves and teddy bears from the sale had been put away, they noticed a plain brown grocery bag sitting on the end of the table. With nobody claiming the bag, naturally they had to look inside.

The bag contained some curious items ~ an unfinished note that spoke of remorse, ending in Please....., a single-page diary entry written 20 years ago, and a piece of filet crochet with a group of complicated pictures that don't, at first, make any sense. The pictures on the panel of filet crochet include a building, a house, a couple of cats, what looks like a guy with a bow and arrow, and a vase of flowers. What could it mean and who crocheted this piece?

As time goes on, Molly discovers that the aqua thread used in part of the filet crochet piece is a specialty thread and she tracks it down to the local yarn store which carries it. The shop owner keeps good records, so Molly is able to learn who bought this particular thread. When she goes to return the bag, she discovers that the crocheter it belonged to has been murdered.

Since the note in the bag began - "I did something a long time ago that I now regret and would like to make right.....” Molly decides she has to discover what that is and help make it right. She thinks the pictures in the crochet piece could be clues to solve this mystery and, with the help of fellow crocheters in her group, she sets out to learn what it is all about. Her discoveries take her to Catalina Island where things get very strange. Her life is also complicated by her parents suddenly deciding to visit and taking over her house, her two dogs, only one of which is hers, the bookstore demanding her attention, especially because a TV program is being scheduled to film an episode there, distractions caused by the lives of her crochet group members, and just life in general.

Defining a Cozy Mystery

Loosely defined, a Cozy Mystery is a gentle subset of the genre of crime writing. It's a comfort read that leaves you satisfied, rather than scared to sleep alone with the lights out....

These mysteries are enjoyable, most often starring a female amateur detective, and with the crime and detection taking place in a small community. They are a comfortable and quick read.

Author Betty Hechtman

Betty Hechtman

Betty Hechtman has (to date) written 14 books in her 'crochet mystery' series. Betty loves mysteries, which began with reading Nancy Drew. She has also been doing handicrafts since she was a child. She states it was like a dream come true to be able to mix mystery and yarn craft in her books.

Summary

By Hook or By Crook meets the requirements of a cozy mystery and the series of 'crochet mysteries' this book belongs to is particularly interesting to not only lovers of mysteries, but also anyone who enjoys crochet.

Although the series appears to be a continuing one with the same characters, I don't believe they need to be read in any particular order. I began with this book, which is #3 in the series, and had no trouble figuring out who everyone was and what roles they played in the story. I now look forward to reading the rest of the series and learning more about Molly and the other members of the Tarzana Hookers. They sound like a group I'd love to belong to.

*By Hook or By Crook Book Review Written by Wednesday Elf

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Friday, February 18, 2022

The Enemy and Miss Innes (Tales from the Highlands Book 2) Book Review

woman and man meeting on bridge- The Enemy and Miss Innes book cover

Almost a year ago, I reviewed the first book in the Tales from the Highlands series by Martha Keyes. I truly loved The Widow and the Highlander book and I hated it when it ended. I was saddened even more when I realized that the second book in the series had yet to be released. Even though I did not want to, I was forced to move on, at least for a little while.

As soon as The Enemy and Miss Innes, the second book in the Tales from the Highlands series, was released, I added it to my Kindle Paperwhite. Unfortunately, the release wasn't the best timing for me, but the book waited there patiently. I started reading it a week ago and was, once again, pulled back into the drama of the Highlands of Scotland in the 1700's. Back to the days of kingdoms, lairds (lords), and a ruling hierarchy with limitless power.

I was not disappointed! This was a book well worth the wait. The Enemy and Miss Innes is another fabulous book by Martha Keyes. While it continues the series started with The Widow and the Highlander, it could be an easy stand alone book for historical fiction fans. Just because I have enjoyed this series so much, I would recommend starting with the first book in the series.

The Enemy and Miss Innes Synopsis
Tales from the Highlands Series - Scotland 1762

The Enemy and Miss Innes
(Tales from the Highlands Book 2)Check PriceMalcolm MacKinnon is once again ordered to do something he does not want to do by Angus MacKinnon, the laird of Benleith. Since his mother and younger siblings are also dependent on Angus, he has no choice. It is a well known fact that Angus is ruthless, even murderous, when he wants something. He does not hesitate to threaten Malcolms' family when faced with the least resistance. Now, Angus seeks revenge on the Innes sisters. Since the eldest has a protector in her husband, he sets his sights on the younger sister, Elizabeth. Her willingness to speak her mind and publicly degrade Angus has made her his latest target.

Angus wants Malcolm to get Elizabeth to fall in love with him (Malcolm) so he has a way to get at her to exact his revenge. This "idea" doesn't appeal to Malcolm but he knows he has to at least give the appearance of trying to carry out Angus's plan.

Elizabeth Innes has been by her sister's side throughout her recent widowhood and subsequent difficulties. She is her outspoken defender and doesn't hesitant to take on anyone face to face, including Angus MacKinnon and his "second in command", Malcolm MacKinnon.

In an effort to keep Elizabeth focused on work and out of trouble, her sister, Christina, asks her to remodel Glengour Inn, which was recently damaged by fire. This is a task Christina readily accepts. When she arrives at the inn to discover the innkeeper has hired Malcolm MacKinnon, she is determined to keep an eye on him. She believes he has a different agenda separate from working on repairs to the inn.

Neither Christina nor Malcolm are happy with the current situation, but they are both determined to carry out their projects at the inn and tolerate each other. They do not expect to end up on the same side and caring for what happens to one another.

I am thrilled to see more books have been added to this series and I am so excited to read the remaining books!

The Widow and the Highlander (Tales from the Highlands Book 1)Check Price The Enemy and Miss Innes (Tales from the Highlands Book 2)Check Price The Innkeeper and the Fugitive (Tales from the Highlands Book 3)Check Price The Gentleman and the Maid (Tales from the Highlands Book 4)Check Price

You may also be interested in reading my previous review of The Widow and the Highlander.

The Widow and the Highlander Book Review
The Widow and the Highlander - excellent book. When Christina's husband dies, she is sole heir. His family is not willing to let her have the estate and are determined to regain control of the estate one way or another.

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The Enemy and Miss Innes (Tales from the Highlands Book 2) Book Review by:

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow - A Book Review

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, by Teri M. Brown, is a wonderful novel that will keep the reader interested and involved with the characters. All the characters in this novel have strong opinions and follow their dreams and yearnings, often causing some danger, grief and sadness in their lives. But great joy when all is revealed.

Does this pique your interest? It should. Teri M. Brown has written a book that truly is a page turner. As with many novels some of the places and happenings sound like they could have happened in real life. The author makes it clear that this is a work of fiction.

This story surrounds some very strong willed, strong bodied, and strong minded women. Ivanna and the love of her life, Lyaksandro! Their daughter, Yevtsye and her daughter Ionna are all part of the focus of this novel.

The country of their birth, the Ukraine has been under Soviet occupation for many years. Always the government is promising that things will get better. Lyaksandro Hadeon Rosomakha is a university employee and husband of Ivanna. He, by wanting better for his family, has started a downward turn in the family's fortunes. By becoming an informant (after witnessing the stranglehold the government had on free thinkers) he unwittingly puts his family in danger. Early in the story he is whisked out of the country under cover of night, after having done the work of passing information to interested parties. It was one of two choices he had. Leave or die, lest the government of the day would get him and "dispose" of this troublemaker in one way or another.

His wife of the last dozen years, whom he loved with all that he was, is informed that her husband has been killed when he tried to undermine the current government of the day.

His daughter and wife were left behind even though he tried to get them out while he was being hurriedly removed from the country. Had he known that they would not be coming with him, I'm not sure what would have happened.

Life is hard and takes many twists and turns. Suffice it to say that not a day goes by that Ivanna doesn't miss her husband and his daughter, Yevtsye, misses her father too. There is no time to waste energy on what could have been, too much energy was needed just to survive!

Yevtsye becomes a university worker and meets and marries a like minded man named Danya. Together they worked hard and were able to give their daughter (Ionna) enough that she was thriving. But both Danya and Yevtsye were very unhappy with the political climate in their country and wished for a better life.

Life is never straight forward and there are many twists and turns in this novel. I don't want to give away too much more of the story, it really is a book that you should pick up yourself and read. You will be taken on a rollercoaster ride that is quite amazing. Emotionally you will be able to connect with the characters, which for me made the story that much more captivating.

What is the most interesting thing about this book is the fact that it has it's basis in a true story. So while fictional, it has elements that are true. You will be amazed and taken on a journey through three families lives!

Teri M. Brown has done an amazing job writing this book as her debut novel and I'm sure looking forward to more of her writing. It is truly an wonderful, harrowing, uplifting, and fulfilling story.

**I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for a review on ReviewThisReviews.com.

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Thursday, February 10, 2022

How to Speak Dog Book Review

Dixie

Last April we adopted a wonderful 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier named Dixie. We are really enjoying Dixie and when our grandkids came to visit, they fell in love with her. She is very sweet, but sometimes I wonder what she is trying to tell me. For Christmas this year my daughter gave me a book called How to Speak Dog. This little book is full of ways to give you ideas of what your dog is trying to relate to you by their actions and body language.

In the book you meet, Dr. Gary, a veterinarian and dog expert. Dr. Gary gives you all kinds of training tips and vet and care advice. The book is also full of fun facts, quizzes, hands-on-activities, resources to get more information and dog photos.

I love the way the dog on the front cover looks just like our dog, Dixie. The book is listed for children ages 8-12 and in fact has won the Children's Book Award from the Animal Behavior Society. I feel that the book is actually great for dog lovers of all ages. I know I have learned a lot from the book.

On the rest of this post, I will have my dog Dixie show you through her pictures some of the different areas of the book. This is only a sampling of the wonderful material in the book.

Body Talk

Dixie- Belly Up

Dixie loves to roll over and lay belly up when I talk to her. She loves to get her belly rubbed. In the book, Dr. Gary says the real meaning of this dog position is submission and trust. She is saying that you are in charge and she's okay with that. In this section Dr. Gary gives a tip that massage feels as good to animals as it does to humans and if they are nervous a good way to calm them down is a back rub.

The chapter on "Body Talk" also contains several other topics such as paw on your knee, full body shake, wiggles away from you and one paw raised. Each section tells what that usually means and gives you some tips. Each topic is two page long.

Read my Face

Expressive Ears

The section on " Read my Face" has topics like the begging stare, ears erect, and teeth barred, pricked ears, licking your face and yawning.

In the photo above you see Dixie's expressive ears. Whenever she is interested in something her ears go up. In the photo above she had been laying on the bed when something outside the window caught her attention. Dr. Gary said that dogs will prick up their ears to hear better. One of the tips on the page says, " Dogs can hear noises that are up to four times farther away than those humans can hear". No wonder Dixie jumps to attention or barks when we don't hear anything.

Telling Tails

There is another chapter in the book just on tails. It contains things like a showy tail, stiff high tail, crooked tail, scared wag, straight tail, tucked tail, and happy wag. Dixie's tail is constantly going. If we say her name, her tail wags even if she had been sleeping. I can really see the "Happy Wag" on her. Dr. Gary says " A wagging tail is a truth-ometer. Dogs can't control when or how wagging happens. The tail is like an electric line connected directly to the brain that transmits how a dog is feeling."

Wagging tail at squirrels.

This is just a sampling of the delightful material in this book. If you love dogs, I know you will enjoy the book. In closing I'll leave you with a few more photos of Dixie.

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Friday, February 4, 2022

Her Unsuitable Match (Supposed Scandal Series) Reviewed

When determining if someone is an unsuitable match, we must first consider the criteria. Society may look at financial status or social status of an individual, while the person desiring a match may be seeking something totally different.

I suspect we have all known couples we felt were ill-matched but seem completely happy with one another. There are a variety of reasons why we wouldn't think they would be a good fit. The heart rarely looks at social status, education level, finances, or even physical looks based on the current day opinions or popularity.

In the book, "Her Unsuitable Match", I questioned whether the title referred to the individual her family had selected for Pippa, or if it was based on the individual Pippa selected. Either way, both sides thought someone was an unsuitable match for the Earl's daughter.

However, what was most interesting about this book was that Pippa didn't seek someone based on any of the previously mentioned criteria. She wanted someone who would allow her to be free, which meant she needed a husband who didn't make any demands on her, her time, or her money. Interesting dilemma for a Regency era (1795-1820) setting.

"Her Unsuitable Match" Book Synopsis

Lady Philippa Gillensford is 23 years old, past the expected age for marriage. Wishing for his daughter to have some choices in life, Pippa's father had stipulated in his will that she would be given her own dowry if she was unmarried at 23, as an inheritance so she could live independently. That is exactly what she wanted, but her mother and her oldest brother who was now the Earl, had a totally different opinion and they were determined to have their way regardless of the cost.

Her Unsuitable Match
(Supposed Scandal)Check PricePippa's mother wanted her to marry someone equal or of greater social station. Her brother had someone specific selected and had already granted Lord Walter permission to marry his sister. Pippa was repealed by the very presence of Walter who sought to marry her even if he had to ruin her reputation to do so.

Lord Walter Ruthersby (the suitor), the dowager Countess of Montecliff (her mother), and Richard, the Earl of Montecliff (her brother), colluded to force Pippa into this alliance and marriage. All of society seemed determined to see Lord W & Lady P wed, especially once there was gossip and a touch of scandal associated with the couple. But Pippa knew she was innocent and she had no desire to marry anyone, especially Ruthersby.

Pippa did have one very strong alliance of her own. Her younger brother, Adam and his wife, Elaine wanted her to be happy. They were blessed with a marriage based on love and they would have preferred that for her, but Pippa didn't have any love interest. She did, however, desire independence and they supported her choice.

When the earl refused to give Pippa her inheritance, she sought legal counsel. Even though she was willing to pursue her rightful inheritance in court, she knew that might not be successful. However, marrying someone else would end that ridiculous torment. Recalling a man who had stepped in to defend her, she decided to make an offer to a soldier. A gentleman she hoped would join in a contract that would be mutually beneficial without the normal marital confines.

Myles Cobbett had returned from war with severe battle scars, both physically and mentally. He found a reclusive lifestyle with a daily routine, along with his small pension, provided a tolerable life. He didn't really have hope for more. When he was presented with an unusual marriage contract, he felt needed again and compelled to assist the damsel in distress. He believed he could provide the shelter from social norms that she needed and she offered to provide dowries for his younger sisters to hopefully ensure better marriages for them.

The marriage arrangement seemed like the perfect solution for both Pippa and Myles, but the aforementioned alliances against Pippa were not sated and they were relentless. After all, marriages could be set aside by annulments and jealous gossips still wagged their tongues with reckless abandon.

Conclusion

It is impossible to not like Myles Cobbett and to feel sympathy for Pippa. In spite of her social standing, they are the underdogs we all want to see succeed.

While not your typical romantic novel, this book does pull at the emotions of the reader. We would all love to see these two people happy.

I read the book in two evenings. It was rather hard to put down. I wanted to see what was going to happen, who would succeed in their pursuits and what inevitable changes would have to be made.

I do highly recommend this book for the hopeless romantic and those who enjoy rooting for the underdog.

Her Unsuitable Match (Supposed Scandal)Check Price Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage (Supposed Scandal)Check Price

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Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The Orphans of Mersea House- A Book Review

I have a confession to make! I love reading and have spent a lot of time looking for books that will thrill me, make me think, take me to places I have never seen before and more! This confession comes with no regrets!

For the past two years I have been totally taken up with reading novels about the Second World War. Some were based on true stories and others are works of fiction based on historical accounts of what happened during that dark and distressing time in our history!

War can make victims of everyone who lived during the distress of the times, but it can also make victims of those who did not make it to the front or fight in the battles personally. It can take years to heal the scars.

So, now I have to tell you about The Orphans of Mersea House! Written by Marty Wingate. When all the battles are over and peace has found it's place again, there are still the ravages of war to deal with. Yes even years later, people are still healing from the trauma of the past!

People who fought and those who stayed behind to do other "war" work, have scars that need healing.

It's 1957 in England Southwold to be precise. The two main characters Margery and Olive had been childhood friends forever. During the war, Margery left Southwold for London to help with the war effort there, while Olive stayed behind and did her part as well.

After her uncle's death, Margery comes back to Southwold to claim her inheritance and reclaim her life. Olive who has looked after relatives is destitute when the last of her relations dies. But as luck would have it, Margery comes to her aid by asking her to act as manager of the home she has inherited after alterations are made to turn it into a boarding house.

Everything is working out well until the first two boarders arrive. Then a few more arrive and life takes a few twists and turns.

I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, so I'm going to leave the story here and tell you that you really should get the book to find out what happens. Trust me, there is LOTS that will happen and the characters in the book are so well described that I know everyone will be able to pick out friends and relatives of their own that will fit into this story.

What you will learn is that family and secrets go hand in hand everywhere, but that a loving heart can bring all the good things and the bad things together to make a beautiful patchwork that is family!

I finished this book and wished that there were more pages to read so I know you will enjoy it as well.

I was given this book by #NetGalley to read for an honest review when I was done. This book will only be published on August 9th, 2022, so I do suggest that you mark your calendars for the release date. This is one book that I'm sure you will enjoy.

If you are looking for books in this genre, I can personally recommend several that had me turning pages as quickly as I could:

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel (5 stars)

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (4.5 stars)

Love at War by Viola Russell (5 stars)

The Three Sisters by Heather Morris (4.5 stars)

There are many more on my Goodreads pages if you are interested let me know and I'll send you a link to my page.

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Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Quicksilver by Dean Koontz

A Book Review

Synopsis

Shortly after dawn, on a lonely highway outside the tiny town of Peptoe, Arizona, three men on their way to work discover an abandoned infant nestled in a white bassinet. Except for the blue blanket which wrapped the baby, the only other item with him is a note with the name “Quinn Quicksilver”, and his date of birth. The men turn the 3-day-old baby over to the police who place him in a Catholic orphanage in Phoenix.

For whatever reason, the baby is never placed and grows up – mainly happily – in the orphanage. As he nears his 18th birthday, typically the time orphans must leave the home, the kind Sisters locate a job for him as a writer/researcher at a locally published magazine.

Though unexceptional, Quinn was happy with his life until the day of strange magnetism which compelled him to drive out into the middle of nowhere. Then it helped him find a valuable coin. Shortly thereafter, this strange magnetism helped save his life when two government agents began to pursue him for an unknown reason.

During a shoot-out at a desolate former dude ranch, Quinn finally meets his destined traveling companions – the beautiful Bridgett and her grandfather Sparky.

The trio discover they are all compelled by the same strange magnetism. As they travel together through the Arizona Sonoran Desert, they are drawn toward something sinister and an enemy they must defeat. Although we are looking at just two 19-year-olds and a grandfather, they discover resources within themselves they did not know they possessed.

Summary

Quick Silver by Dean Koontz

Once again, Dean Koontz takes us on a combination Sci-Fi and Mystery adventure that keeps up the suspense until the very end.

Quicksilver, just published in 2022, is the newest novel by award-winning author Dean Koontz.

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Quicksilver book review written by Wednesday Elf

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Monday, January 31, 2022

Book Review - The Wise Ass (The Claire Trilogy Book 1) by Tom McCaffrey

Oh my. I have no idea how to begin this book review. This book is part mobster murder suspense and part paranormal comedy. The cast of characters is a very unlikely bunch who somehow blend together in what turns out to be the absolutely best story. They are the perfect example of that sometimes our best family is the one we choose. This is not my usual genre, although, I'm not at all sure what genre this is if I'm being honest. But I am very glad that I read about how Jimmy found his way into a career as a New York mob lawyer followed by his escape with his wife into the witness protection program. But is his escape successful? Or will Valachi find him and "tie up" those loose ends? Mr. Valachi is used to getting what he wants and ordering a hit is part of his routine business transactions.

The Wise Ass (The Claire Trilogy Book 1)

The prologue begins with Jimmy McCarthy as a young child growing up in the 1960s in an Irish family in New York near Yankee Stadium.

"... my attention shifted to Jerome Avenue and the overhead squealing of a southbound No. 4 train pulling into the Yankee Stadium Station. At the ding-dong-ping sound of it's opening doors, my eyes followed the disturbed descending flock of pigeons gliding down from the guano covered steel girders of the El to sample the last of a patch of flattened Crackerjack on Jerome ten feet away." - young Jimmy

Chapter One begins with Jimmy, an average guy "with a penchant for procrastination" who got himself through law school. He felt like an imposter, someone who didn't deserve to be there, having been "born with dirt under my fingernails". But not only did he get through law school, he landed a job with large law firm where he did well. He and his wife Gina, a Registered Nurse, had a stable and comfortable life as New Yorkers who worked hard and long hours. They loved their city and were living the life complete with seeing Baryshnikov at the Lincoln Center.

Things changed only by chance. Dan Pearsall happened to be in Night Court when Jimmy was working his legal magic. Dan was there because his son was in Night Court as a defendant and Dan convinced Jimmy to get his son off the hook as he had the firm's client Jimmy had just represented. And there it begins. Dan was not only a concerned parent but also the gateway to Jimmy being introduced to Mr. Valachi. Jimmy is quickly offered a job as a mob attorney, handling the "legal" work... reviewing contracts and such. So his choice is the very lucrative and less strenuous contract work or to continue as a grunt in a firm working insanely long hours at the beck and call of the partners, and with no recognition. You can guess which he chooses.

For awhile, he and Gina live a plush life in a wonderful new home with savings accounts bursting at the seams... so much so that they have multiple offshore bank accounts to hold the excess.

Then the Feds arrive. In the early morning hours multiple important members of Valachi's group are scooped up. Valachi included. Jimmy included; he and Gina woken from their sleep by armored men breaking his door down and bursting into their bedroom.

Things take a huge turn, Jimmy turns state's witness and then he and Gina enter the Witness Protection Program. Following the trial, they are given new names and are relocated to a very small rural town in Colorado.

In Colorado they meet the modern versions of Mr. Ed, Mork and Mindy, and Jennifer Love Hewitt's character in the Ghost Whisperer. Seriously, the book suddenly includes a talking mule named Claire, a couple of aliens, and a woman who talks to dead people in addition to a flawed FBI agent, a veteran who has gotten a handle on his PTSD, and a lesbian couple. In order to avoid spoilers, I will not describe the storyline after Jimmy and Gina "Moran" move to the country. And if you don't like to read spoilers, take care reading any reviews on Amazon and Goodreads as there are many, many spoilers. I get it. This story is so difficult to describe without spoilers.

My Personal Thoughts and Reactions

I will say that author Tom McCaffrey's writing style had me hook, line and sinker beginning in the prologue. I was transported to the streets of New York through the eyes of a child. Later, it somehow all seemed plausible that this talking mule and these people/aliens not only existed but were believable. They were relatable.

This is definitely NOT the type of book I usually read. I am surprised that I would recommend this genre at all. But as soon as I finished the last page, I knew I had to share it with you.

I tend toward psychological thrillers, stories with terrible people who do terrible things. I think reading a fictional story that has characters who are worse than humans (even if it is just barely) really is an escape for me. Rarely, I read romances. And more recently, I am enjoying historical fiction. But it was late one night, and while I have many to-be-read books in my Kindle Paperwhite (which I love!) I wanted something different. I was in a rut. Nothing sounded appealing. I had my browser open to one screen in Amazon and one screen in my public library digital loans. I browsed description after description. And thought time and again, "been there, read that". I was becoming annoyed that so many stories seemed cookie-cutter that night.

I read the description of The Wise Ass and quite frankly thought "that's probably stupid". At a cost of $0.00 with my Amazon Prime, and in my desperation for something to read for bedtime, I downloaded it. After all, if I hated it, all I would lose a bit of my time and gain more temporary irritation related to my reading rut.

I am so glad I chose it!

I enjoyed Tom McCaffrey's writing style and was transported from the streets of New York City to fields of Berthoud, Colorado. The writing style somehow made everything believable. Even Claire, the talking mule, became someone I'd like to meet. In some of the reviews I read there were mentions of this book representing the LGBT community (with the same-sex relationship of Bobbie and Helen) as well as the animal rights community (Claire was rescued from a trip to the slaughterhouse) and the vegetarian folks (again... Claire). I not only thought the story line was going to be stupid, but also thought the book would be full of heavy-handed social commentary. I was so wrong. This story and these characters were entertaining and engaging; each one unique and interesting. And there was no lecturing. Only flawed humans (and aliens and a mule) who were trying to find their way through life and find their place in a community.

I believe I have found a new favorite author and as soon as I have this review completed I'll download An Alien Appeal (The Claire Trilogy Book 2) and spend the remainder of my day snuggled up and getting lost in a good book.

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Saturday, January 15, 2022

The Krewe of Hunters Book Series Review

By Heather Graham

Series Synopsis

FBI agent Adam Harrison had been involved in mysterious searches and situations so often that the government had asked him to put together a group of special teams who became known as the Krewe of Hunters. Jackson Crow, the only member chosen straight from the ranks of the FBI behavioral Sciences Department, became the leader of the original team. The other members were carefully selected by Adam Harrison and Jackson Crow for their unique talents; some from other branches of law enforcement and some who had other skills needed for investigations (computer skills, audio & visual skills, etc.). Once the teams were formed, they all went through the rigorous FBI training at Quantico.

These teams are called upon to investigate and solve strange and unusual cases. What makes these teams special is more than their skills and FBI training; it is their paranormal abilities. Each team member is able to talk to the dead. You might call these 'ghost stories' and the 'ghosts' are as interesting as the crime-fighting characters. In fact, quite often a ghost is able to help in solving a crime.

The other interesting thing about this series of books is the various locations where the investigations take place. The author adds in a bit of past history each location is famous (or infamous) for. For instance, one story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts at Halloween time. The reader gets a history lesson about the area and the Salem witch trials that occurred there in the 1700s. Another story takes us to San Antonio and the Alamo.

The book I found most interesting to date (#11 - The Night is Alive) is the one that takes place in Savannah, Georgia, because I lived in that area for almost 20 years. The restaurant & bar where the main part of the story action takes place is fictional, but all the other places mentioned are real. It was a fun trip down memory lane to read this particular mystery.

The Krewe of Hunters Series

Book 1 in the Krewe Series

There are currently 37 books in the Krewe of Hunters series. Each book features primarily one crime to be solved and while quite often several team members are sent to investigate, the focus is on one member of the team each time. That way you get to know the background of that member. That member also seems to 'meet' just the right person to fall in love with. You also get to see the relationships and working dynamics between everyone.

The series begins with the formation of the first team and by book six a second team is formed. Six members seems to be optimal for their working relationships for each team. In Book One, when the first team is formed, their first crime is located in New Orleans where the name Krewe of Hunters becomes the teams' name. And in several books there seems to be another unique person found who will be perfect for a team.

Summary

So, we have a murder mystery, a ghost story, a history lesson, and a love story in each book.

I am approximately one-third of my way through the entire series and I find each book so fascinating I don't want it to end ~ and I can hardly wait to get to the next one.

At the end of several of the books, in addition to the history of the area, the author gives us a history of the foods indigenous to the area, along with a couple recipes. An interesting and varied series of books for sure.