The Wars Between Us by J.A. Boulet

September 30, 2021 By 6 Comments


The Wars Between Us by J.A. Boulet
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Historical Romance
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

An inner struggle of self destruction, a poignant love story and the terrifying Battle of the Atlantic.

Meet Zachary Olason. You’ll either love him or hate him.

Spanning the years from the Great Depression to WW2, this endearing summer release will capture your heart as Zack, a bad boy struggling on the brink of alcoholism, loses himself and spirals into nights of debauchery, riots and drunkenness. His twin brother, Adam, thinks lowly of him as his entire family struggles to help him.

But Zack is determined to make a mess of his life.

Until he meets a beautiful petite woman, half Cree and part British, who helps him to grow into a better version of himself.
Then just as he thinks life is getting better, he sinks to the bottom of hell. Will he survive from his own self-destruction?
The only way he sees out is to join the Canadian Navy.

The Battle of the Atlantic will either teach him or break him.

THE WARS BETWEEN US

With action packed adrenaline and steamy love scenes, The Wars Between Us will keep you gripped to your seat on a ride of addiction, unwavering love and the fight to stay alive during WWII.

This book is part of the Olason family saga, but it can definitely be read on its own. I loved catching up with this family and I especially loved reading about the relationship between Zach and his twin Adam. I am not huge on war stories, so I hesitated a little about reading this one, but I enjoyed the other books in the series, so I thought I would give it a chance. The wars in the title does deal with WWII and the Canadian Navy (fascinating, by the way), but also refers to the brothers who are very different. Although they love each other, there are definitely times when they don’t like each other very much, and I loved seeing their relationship grow and change.

Zach also wars with himself and the choices he makes. There were times I wanted to pick him up, slap him, and tell him to stop feeling so sorry for himself. But then there were other times when I wanted to comfort him and tell him that everything was going to be alright. When an author can make the reader feel that strongly about a character, that’s a good thing.

Ms. Boulet has, once again, crafted a tale that not only let me learn something, but also allowed me to become a part of this family vicariously. I have to admit, this is my favorite book of the series. I do hope she is planning on taking us into the next generation of the family. I’ll be on the lookout!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , ,

Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis

September 8, 2021 By 4 Comments


Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Lemonade Sixth-grader Sophie Washington and friends learn lessons about entrepreneurship and team work when they sign up for a city-wide, Lemonade Day event. Sophie wants to buy her mother something special for her birthday, but she’s short on cash. Her bestie, Chloe, comes up with the perfect solution. Build their own lemonade stand to raise money at Lemonade Day! The girls add friends Carly and Nathan, and Sophie’s little brother, Cole, to their team, and decide to donate some of their earnings to a local animal shelter to help save stray animals. Things are going great, until the family dog destroys their supplies. They get worse when Sophie tries to impress another boy in their class and upsets Nathan. Can they save their business in time for the event?

What a wonderful new addition to the Sophie Washington series. It’s great fun revisiting the characters from previous books and getting to see them in new adventures. This book featured lessons on learning to get along with each other as well as learning about working together for charity and to earn money for themselves.  This reader was also very interested in learning about Lemonade Day – I had not heard of it before and love the idea!

The book is written in such a way that kids of all ages would enjoy it. The characters come alive and there is enough action and tension from problems that occur to keep everyone’s interest!  It also shows kids how important it is to be careful about what you say and how to choose friends wisely.

Thanks for another great episode, Ms. Ellis!

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , ,

One Jaded Rose by James Byron Books

September 1, 2021 By 4 Comments


One Jaded Rose by James Byron Books
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Genre: Contemporary
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

One Jaded Rose is a light-hearted caper, the first in the series written by James Byron Books. Rose needed a plus-one, but not for the usual wedding or party. She was going to a funeral and needed a quiet, unassuming type, but when Nic Thorn arrived, he was anything but a wallflower. Rose and her BFF, Sandy, have time on their hands, and soon find that Nic will fill the void. He coerces them into his madcap investigations of scams, frauds and misunderstandings. This modern-day adventure leads them from one lively caper to another, involving portrait provenance, invoice inaccuracy, and a recycler’s relapse, on their travels from Brisbane to Adelaide and across the South Australian border.

OMG…. I loved this book. There were several times when reading it I had to interrupt DH in his own reading so I could read parts of it aloud! There were references a time or two I didn’t quite understand, not being Australian, but I got the gist of it even then. And there are a LOT of funny moments and a lot of cultural references that some readers may not get. But, even with that, it did not take away from my enjoyment (though as much as I love music, I had trouble understanding how Rose was so very clueless in that regard. She did redeem herself in my eyes, though, with her love of British humor!

The characters are great fun… I could so see this as a TV show… kind of a wacky Mission Impossible or Leverage. I loved the repartee between Rose and Nic and can’t wait to see them together in future adventures. I do hope the chemistry between them continues to grow but not TOO fast! Love the slow burn.

The missions were fun as well, but I think a little more time could have been spent on those….part of my love of adventure shows is actually seeing how things are set up. And, I would love for Rose and Sandy to have some more active roles in future books.

All in all, this is definitely a series I’m going to follow. Great job!

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

She’s the One Who Doesn’t Say Much by S. R. Cronin

August 30, 2021 By 3 Comments


She’s the One Who Doesn’t Say Much by S. R. Cronin
Publisher: Self
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

Olivine, the fourth of seven sisters, has been hiding a secret as she travels to K’ba to meet her artist friends. Others assume she has fallen in love with another artist, and it’s not a match Mother would consider suitable. But it’s much worse that. For on the way to K’ba is the dirt poor nichna of Scrud, a place scorned by all other Ilarians. And in Scrud is the one man who understands her.

However, Bohdan is also is a realist, and a man who recognizes the dangers posed by an impending Mongol invasion. When he learns of Olivine’s unusual visual powers, he convinces her to pick up her bow and arrow and start practicing.

She does, though she’s more concerned with producing enough art to raise the funds to run away from home and live in K’ba, where she can paint all day and see Bohdan as often as she wants. If only her sister Ryalgar hadn’t learned of what she can do and decided Olivine and her fellow long-eyes held one of the keys to defending the realm.

Then, as if life wasn’t complicated enough, Olivine learns the artist community she yearns to be part of has developed a different take on the invasion. They feel certain the only way to survive is to capitulate completely to the Mongols demands. Artists who feel otherwise are no longer welcome.

Where does her future lie? The supposed invasion is coming soon and Olivine doesn’t have much time to decide.

The newest book in the Seven Sisters series is probably my favorite to date. And l loved the other books I’ve read!

This sister, Olivine, is an artist and doesn’t share a lot about her life with her parents and sisters. Her parents assume she wants to stay in K’ba because she has found someone special that she’s afraid they wouldn’t approve of – a starving artist. Her mom, especially, wants all her girls to make good marriages (she really hopes for a royal marriage for them all!). Olivine just wants to be free to create her art. And, it doesn’t hurt that on the way back and forth to K’ba she passes Scrud (the armpit on the face of the earth according to most of the Illarians) and has met someone who really gets her.

Each book in the series gets better and better, and the reader gets a more complete picture of this land, the people, and their interactions. I especially loved how Olivine and Bohdan slowly fall in love as they get to know each other and how they are both willing to put the other’s needs ahead of their own.

It was fascinating to find out more about the far-sight that this sister has and how it was used in the preparations for defending their country as well as how she used it in her artistic life.

I’m really looking forward to meeting in more detail the rest of the sisters and how they fit into the plans. Each book ramps up my interest in finding out how all these plans are going to come together. I can hardly wait.

I really recommend this entire series!

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

The Hallowmas Train by Gloria Pearson-Vasey

August 3, 2021 By 7 Comments


The Hallowmas Train by Gloria Pearson-Vasey
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rated: 4 stares
Reviewed by Rose

BOOK 1: Prosper Station

With Hallowmas approaching, time travellers Azur Moonstorey and companions exit the local library to board the midnight train bound for 19th-century Prosper Station. Their mission: to rescue Azur’s sister from the eerie dimension Vapourlea.

BOOK 2: Black Springs Abbey

After her harrowing rescue from Vapourlea, Hilma Moonstorey is still beset by anxiety and insecurities. Encouraged to take a position at Black Springs Abbey by young police constable Garth Mayfield, she soon discovers that the dilapidated abbey houses not only elderly nuns but ghosts and dark secrets.

Two books for the price of one! And two really good books at that. I love these characters – I love the worldbuilding. I have to admit, I like the first book a little bit better than the last book, but they were both enchanting in their own way.

Book one sets up the world of the sensointuitives and the Hallowmas Train that helps the time travellers go back and forth between the present and the 19th century. I loved the way the characters worked and grew together. The author did a tremendous job on describing the setting, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me on my toes.

Book two takes place five years later and deals with Hilma and the way she helps solve a mystery at Black Springs Abbey. We get to see the characters from book two and find out what’s going on in their lives as well, which is a plus.

I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for more of this author’s writings and I hope she sets more stories in Providence Crossing and Prosper Station. 4 stars.


Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , ,

Eat Your Heart Out by Shirley Goldberg

July 13, 2021 By 5 Comments


Eat Your Heart Out by Shirley Goldberg
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Time for the BFF advice squad. Alex—hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire is Dana’s staunchest ally. So what’s with the smooching after hours? And why won’t this grown man make up his mind?

Actor turned teacher Alex Bethany craves a family of his own. Newly hotified, he’s now got the confidence to try online dating. Meanwhile he’s sending Dana mixed messages in the kissing department. After a surprising event rocks his world, Alex panics, certain he’s blown his chances with his special person. Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex’s story will have you rooting for them all the way to dessert.

What a fun, relatable story!  I love these characters – and can honestly say I’ve known people like all of them, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And, I think that’s what makes this book so appealing. The characters are all real. They aren’t perfect. They are just like our friends.

As a … ahem… woman of a certain age, I can definitely relate to Dana and her struggles – with dating, with food, with balancing life and work, with having friends. I want to be a part of her gal pal squad!

I also love the friends to lover trope. It has to be one of my very favorites!

This is part of a series, but it is easily standalone. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Goldberg has in store for the rest of these friends!  4 stars.


Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , ,

The Strong Within Us by J. A. Boulet

June 14, 2021 By 3 Comments


The Strong Within Us by J. A. Boulet
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

A struggle. A war. The past. Would you recover?

Nathan Olason picks up the pieces of his life in 1893 and becomes a devoted father and grandfather. Except something from his past is holding him back.

When his grandson, Mike, announces that he is joining the Great War, Nath fears the worst. Armed and deadly, his grandson hones his marksmanship skills to a perfection not seen in any other soldier. But once Mike arrives at Vimy Ridge, France, with the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, the biggest fight of his life has only begun.

Feeling helpless to stop this dangerous chain of events, Nath flees to a place that he thought was his salvation but turns into something else; an old weathered cottage that holds the key to his future.

Follow in the footsteps of heroes.

Be vulnerable.
Would you recover?

This is the second book in the The Olason Chronicles series, but it can definitely be read on its own (because I did so–however, I’ve bought the first book and preordered the third book in the series so I can find out what happened before and what happens next with this family!).

The author does a wonderful job at explaining a time of history I am not familiar with.  It’s really a time in history many folks don’t write or talk about, and I’m pleased the author chose to write such a well-researched and clearly described story. There were times when I forgot I was reading and lost myself in the action.  I ended up reading way too late in the night!

I also really enjoyed the characters as well. They are not perfect, but they are real. And I love family sagas…following the different generations of family history and what they go through, and how their family ties help keep them strong.  I can’t wait to read more about them. The author did a fantastic job making me care about them and what happens to them.  That’s the mark of a strong author and well-written book.

Congratulations, Ms. Boulet!  I’m looking forward to book three.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

She’s the One Who Gets in Fights by S. R. Cronin

May 24, 2021 By 4 Comments


She’s the One Who Gets in Fights by S. R. Cronin
Publisher: Cinnabar Press
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

It’s the 1200’s, and the small realm of Ilari has had peace and prosperity for generations. That doesn’t mean every citizen is happy, however. Sulphur, the third of seven sisters, is glad the older two have been slow to wed. It’s given her the freedom to train as a fighter, in hopes of fulfilling her lifelong dream of joining Ilari’s army. Then, within a matter of days, both sisters announce plans and now Sulphur is expected to find a man to marry.

Is it Sulphur’s good fortune her homeland is gripped by fear of a pending Mongol invasion? And the army is going door to door encouraging recruits? Sulphur thinks it is. But once she’s forced to kill in a small skirmish, she’s ready to rethink her career decision. Too bad it’s too late. The invasion is coming, and Ilari needs every good soldier it has. Once Sulphur learns Ilari’s army has made the strategic decision to not defend certain parts of the realm, including the one where her family lives, she has to re-evaluate her loyalty. Is it with the military she’s always admired? Or is it with her sisters, who are hatching a plan to defend their homeland with magic?

Everywhere she turns, someone is counting on her to fight for what’s right. But what is?

This book is the third story in a series of seven sisters, but it can definitely be read on its own. Each of the sisters have a different talent, and Sulphur is a fighter. In fact, she has been her entire life. She felt it was her place to protect and defend her sisters.

The world building is remarkable. There are a lot of different words and concepts to keep straight, but the author makes it easy to keep up with everyone.

And the character. I absolutely loved her. She was definitely not a stick character, but a fully fleshed out character with faults and doubts and issues. All of these made her real and enjoyable to read about.

I’m definitely looking forward to reading the stories about the rest of the sisters and discover if they will be successful in their plan to help their country.


Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski

May 12, 2021 By 9 Comments


The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

Consulting detectives Evangeline LeClair and Freddie Simpson face their most challenging case yet when a priceless Egyptian artifact is stolen from a Chicago museum. To make matters worse, the museum’s richest patron is robbed of a diamond necklace shortly afterward. Suspicion immediately falls on a wealthy widow and her scheming son. Trapped in their clutches is the widow’s hapless daughter, about to be forced into a marriage of convenience against her will.

The investigation is complicated by two mysterious strangers who have also taken an interest in the missing Egyptian relic. Solving both thefts will lead Freddie and Evangeline down some strange avenues of inquiry involving secret societies, international criminal masterminds, gentlemen jewel thieves, unexpected ocean voyages, and underworld kingpins. The two sleuths must either solve their case or join the ranks of fatalities numbered among THE BLACK WIDOW’S PREY.

I absolutely adore Victorian mysteries, and this one did not disappoint. All right – it’s set in America (Chicago to be exact) but it’s the same time period, so not being set in England is not a deal breaker. If anything, it adds to the enjoyment because it gives me a chance to learn a bit about the history of Chicago I was not familiar with.

If there is any complaint coming, it’s all on me, because I did not find this series earlier. I loved the characters and cannot wait to go back and read the other two books in the series.

It is definitely character driven, and if you are familiar with my reviews, you know this goes a long way! The author definitely knows her history, but does not hit the reader over the head with it. Yes, you will learn about this time period in Chicago, but you will absorb it almost by osmosis as you get to know the characters and enjoy their relationship, not to mention the way they work together to solve the issues in the book.

Although it’s not necessary to have read the earlier books in the series in order to understand what’s going on, the reader would probably get a richer enjoyment from knowing the background of the characters and how they got together.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist by Mike Tranter PhD

March 25, 2021 By 3 Comments


A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist by Mike Tranter PhD
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist answers some of the most asked questions about the brain, making the science fun and accessible to everyone. Inside, you will journey through some of the most interesting and strange things that our brain does every single day. Have you always wanted to know just what a memory actually is, or why we dream? What is our consciousness? Why do some people seem to ‘click’ with others? And can our brain really multi-task?

I am the first to admit that I do not have a scientific bent of mind! And, normally, I shy away from anything that smacks of science.  But when I saw this book and read the blurb, I was definitely intrigued. And I am so glad I asked to review it!

Dr. Tranter explains things in a way even the most non-science-oriented ones  (like me) can understand. Not only are the explanations easy to understand, he has some comments that made me literally laugh out loud and interrupt my husband’s reading to share with him.

In addition to the “asking questions” section of the book, Dr. Tranter discusses what he refers to as the “X-files of neuroscience”, and I found this section even more intriguing than the question/answer segment.

One of the best parts about the book is you can easily pick it up and put it down. The chapters are relatively short, and it’s easy to pick and choose what you want to read.  There’s no need to read the book straight through. I loved that about the book.

Towards the end of the book, Dr. Tranter also gives other resources in case you want to read more.  I’m looking forward to checking some of them out!

Thank you, Dr. Tranter, for an look at one of the most interesting organs in our body!  And kudos for making it where even someone like me can understand it and enjoy it!


Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »