Category: reviews

Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities by Mark Morton Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Mark Morton releases the third edition of his beloved book of culinary terms and their history in the book “Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities.”

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The Synopsis

“A whimsical, side-splitting, erudite, and sometimes cheeky book.” – The Globe and Mail

From everyday foods to exotic dishes, from the herbs and spices of medieval England to the cooking implements of the modern kitchen, Cupboard Love is a sumptuous feast that explores the fascinating stories behind familiar and not-so-familiar gastronomic terms.

Who knew that the word “pomegranate” is related to the word “grenade”? That “baguette” is a cousin of “bacteria”? That “soufflé” comes from the same root as “flatulence”? Who knew that “vermicelli” is Italian for “little worms,” that “avocado” comes from an Aztec word meaning “testicle,” or that “catillation” denotes the unseemly licking of plates?

Originally published in 1996 and revised and expanded in 2004, and now available again for the first time in two decades in this new edition, Cupboard Love was one of three books nominated for a 1996 Julia Child Cookbook Award in the Food Reference/Technical Category (Calphalon Award), and was included in The Globe and Mail’s list of “required reading” notable books for 1997.

Addictively readable, it takes us on a journey across cultures and history to arrive at the explanations behind some of our favorite culinary words and phrases, answering along the way those questions we’ve always had about food but were afraid to ask the cook.

The Review

This was such a fun and fascinating reference book. The author did an incredible job of exuding passion and a wealth of knowledge on the page, showcasing a wide range of terminology and the depth of research that the author poured into the book. The range of topics related to food was great to see as well, as the author not only touched upon certain types of cuisine but different events related to food as well, such as the term “groaning”, which refers to a period in the English countryside when a woman was going through the birthing process, and those in attendance would be given groaning boards to eat food from.

When it comes to reference books, one factor that always stands out to me as a reader is how much I’m left wanting to return to the book for guidance or knowledge. The author’s engaging and unique writing style keeps me invested in this book as a reference for culinary history and the world at large. The relevance for readers of European and American descent is also felt, with a profound amount of knowledge in this type of culinary terminology featured in the book.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and memorable, author Mark Morton’s “Cupboard Love” is a must-read reference book. The book elevates culinary history to all-new levels, making this feel like more than just a dictionary or trivia book, but a genuine appreciation for the world of food and the evolution of how people view cooking and food preparation as a whole. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I grew up with a bunch of brothers and sisters on a small farm in the south-east corner of Saskatchewan, a bleak, flat, sublime landscape that continues to define my identity and sensibilities. I was never interested in farming —and my parents knew I would likely lose a limb trying to do it—so I went to university. And then I went some more. And then some more. Eventually, I completed a PhD in sixteenth-century literature from the University of Toronto. ​I taught for a while in the south of France, and then for twelve years at the University of Winnipeg, in Manitoba. I really enjoyed teaching. 

While I was in Winnipeg, I also started doing writing and broadcasting for CBC radio, first for a regional show and then for a national show called Definitely Not the Opera. My “gig” was talking about the intersections of language and culture. Eventually, I broadcast more than a hundred columns. Also while in Winnipeg, I co-founded the Winnipeg International Writers Festival, and wrote four nonfiction books, and more than fifty columns for Gastronomica: A Journal of Food and Culture published by the University of California Press. 

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Best of all, while in Winnipeg I met my wife (I mean she wasn’t my wife yet, but she became that😊). She—Melanie Cameron—is also a writer, having published two award-winning books. 

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We moved to Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, where I started working at the Centre for Teaching Excellence at the University of Waterloo. Melanie and I then adopted two older children—Brandon and Laika—and then, a few years later, two more—Rukhsana and Matthew. Not surprisingly, our writing screeched to a halt while we devoted ourselves to raising our children (and our four dogs—dogs have always been integral to our family!). All of our kids are now are in their twenties and are doing well. 

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After our kids grew up, I started writing again, but I shifted to fiction. That’s when I wrote The Headmasters, which was published by Shadowpaw Press. I’ve also completed another novel and have started writing a third one. 

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https://www.markmorton.ca/

Rune of Destiny (Outside the Thalsparr Series Book 3) by Bjorn Leesson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A battle being waged across time and space, as well as in the lands of the living and the dead, will determine the fate of both the light and the dark in author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Destiny”, the third book in the Outside the Thalsparr series.

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The Synopsis

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

Rune of Destiny Summary:

The final chapter of the main story of the Dokkrsdottir’s destiny that finds the continuation of the living world in the hands of Myrgjol, her descendants, and the choices they all must make.

With battles of the “greatest warrrior” transpiring on both sides of the veil, it is a series of desperate and grueling battles to the very end before she can enjoy her reward with the knowledge that the living world will continue in the loving embrace of the Light and not in ruin by the Dark.

The Review

The scale and engaging setting stood out in this story. The author did an incredible job of bringing both the physical and spiritual worlds to life on the page, showcasing the imagery in the author’s writing as they shifted between the jumps in periods and showcased Dokkrsdottir’s life on the other side of the veil. The balance of threats that the protagonists faced was excellent as well, as the human threats perfectly paralleled the different forces of darkness that pursued them, especially the Thule Society and their hunt for gateways around the world.

While the series has become known for some great action, this novel added more depth to the spiritual nature of the narrative os well. The world knows the protagonist in this story as a proud and strong warrior. Still, the novel takes the time to reveal those vulnerable moments that the protagonist experiences, from being reunited with lost loved ones to making peace with being separated from others she loves in her family, and much more. The mythos and culture of Viking history were well represented here. The protagonist’s connection to her family, loved ones, and people allowed the reader to connect to the story on a much grander scale.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Destiny” is a must-read supernatural thriller meets historical fiction novel. The twists and turns in the story, the cosmic journey the characters find themselves on, and the heartfelt connection readers will share with the protagonist will keep them enthralled as they await the next entry in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bjorn Leesson has always been fascinated with many topics to include history, the supernatural, and writing. These interests combined led to the Outside the Thalsparr series, with the first book in the series, “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir.” Bjorn was not formally trained as a writer and has worked in the industrial manufacturing field his entire life. Writing his stories and hoping others enjoy them is a passion and not a career.

ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity by Rowland Grover Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Rowland Grover shares a collection of essays and short stories that speak to topics of culture, faith, and identity in the book “ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity.”

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The Synopsis

When Rowland Grover asked his preschool teacher if he could ฉี่ (chi), she looked at him like he wasn’t speaking English. After holding it for too long, he peed his pants and realized he was different from everyone around him.

As a half-Thai/half-white kid raised Mormon in Idaho, shame, guilt, and confusion were normal for Rowland. He didn’t understand why he took off his shoes at his house, but his friends could keep theirs on and drag dog poop all over the floor. When Rowland lived in Thailand, Thai people said he looked farang, but white people called him Mexican. This made him wonder who he was and where he belonged.

ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person is an captivating and hilarious collection of essays and short stories that explores culture, faith, and identity. The stories range from “stinky lunches” to a talking lizard questioning Rowland’s religion. Others are more serious such as when a stranger called the cops because Rowland looked threatening riding an old beach cruiser bike. Tackled with humor and heart, Rowland dives into the depths to find himself and wonders if he’ll come up for air.

The Review

This was an incredibly insightful and engaging story that is so reflective of the American experience in this day and age. Far too often, people in the United States forget just how much of a cultural melting pot the nation has become, especially when cruel actions and judgments dominate the news cycle most of the time. The honesty and relatability in the author’s writing style allowed the personal experiences and lessons the author learned throughout their life to resonate deeply as the reader delved further into this book.

The rich cultural examination presented in the author’s book was the prominent driving force behind these essays and short stories. The everyday experiences the author brought to life, from a childhood of misidentification, differing customs, and a lingering sense of otherness that children often inadvertently foster, to shared faith and much more, showcased both the differences and shared life that families of differing cultures can form, while also bringing an awareness of what makes us all different at the same time.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and with a sense of heart and humor, author Rowland Grover’s “ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity” is a must-read memoir meets nonfiction essay collection. The witty style of writing the author employs and the depth of introspective honesty that the author’s experiences bring to life on the page will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Since he was young, Rowland has loved to create stories. Whether that was using stuffed animals to portray the horror of war and class division or writing and drawing maps in a notebook for a fantasy story that was not a rip-off of any other popular series. Rowland’s debut book, ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person, utilizes his love of story-telling to reflect on and analyze his life, race and ethnicity, culture, faith, family, and more.

Rowland Grover was born and raised in Idaho, which, believe it or not, is a real place in the United States. Starting in his late teens, he lived on and off in Thailand, China, and Taiwan for several years. Rowland graduated with a B.A. in International Studies because he had no life plan. Then, he enrolled at Chulalongkorn University to study Southeast Asia Area Studies, but he had to drop out because, quote, “no money.”

He currently lives in Taiwan with his wife, two children, and two cats. Besides unromantic walks on the beach, he enjoys playing video games and studying languages.

https://rowlandgroverauthor.weebly.com/

Bernard’s Song by Darius Cache Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young rapper’s world unravels after the events of a deadly shooting in author Darius Cache’s “Bernard’s Song.”

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The Synopsis

Scorned, revenge is no longer a dish best served cold for Bernard Woods leaving blood on the streets of Northside Atlanta.

Darius Cache is a voice for people of color who are teenagers, people of color who are young adults, and parents of these groups. This novel is a true to life tale centering conversations around mental health and repairing family structure related to conflict resolution, conquering substance abuse, and anger management. Bernard’s Song is an account of his actual life that can be described as biographical urban fiction. Bernard wants to be rich but doesn’t have any real goals. Bernard’s love interest is equally addicted to the fast life and takes a job working as a strip club bottle girl. Bernard and his cousin talk with thick Atlanta accents. The reader might understand what goes through the mind of Bernard—he raps with a crew called DVS. Bernard is a fraudster and thief, a robber and crack dealer who kills Teddie. Doraville becomes the site of a major shootout and Bernard is critically wounded. In his final thoughts, he walks back memories. Parallel themes of love, loyalty, and resilience mimic the life of everyday people.

Nardo is the protagonist in Bernard’s Song. Nardo is a wannabe rapper/trapper who is the main character. Nardo is a 23-year-old, black male with close-cropped black hair, athletic build and medium height. Nardo is shady. Teddie is the antagonist in Bernard’s Song. Teddie is a drug trafficker who supplies the main character. Teddie is a white male, 25 years old with blonde hair. Teddie runs a wholesale marijuana distribution operation. Alicia is the love interest in Bernard’s Song. Alicia is an aspiring chef who smokes weed and likes to drink. Alicia is a 24-year-old black female, long dark hair, athletic build with large breasts and wide hips. Alicia is scandalous. Marco, the main character’s cousin, is the confidant/ally in Bernard’s Song. Marco is the father of one child, a son. Marco is a 23-year-old black male with close-cropped black hair and similar body attributes as the main character although slightly more muscular. Marco is cunning.

The main character faces copious amounts of adversity. He endures all things until the end; most of his problems are his own doing. The main character could be a victim or a hero depending on the reader’s perspective. Inevitably, every person must face their own battles individually. Bernard’s Song does a good job of unmasking the main character and relating similarities between our common existence.

The Review

This was a powerful, honest, and visceral read. The author did a marvelous job of infusing the setting, culture, and tone of life in Atlanta in a refreshingly compelling way. The strong language and relatability many readers will have with this cast of characters help reinforce Atlanta itself as a character of sorts, capturing the gritty heart of what life in the city is like for many people while also utilizing powerful imagery in the author’s writing style to make these iconic landmarks and streets come to life on the page. 

The driving force of this narrative was the complex character development and the strong themes the story featured. The author’s exploration of the protagonist’s struggles and morality in the face of adversity and hardship was insightful, as it highlighted the clash of culture, mental health, and identity all at once. The tension and violence often endured in this Atlanta community were visceral in nature, keeping the reader in suspense as the narrative raced towards its explosive conclusion. 

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and compelling, author Darius Cache’s “Bernard’s Song” is a must-read urban fiction and genre fiction novel. The twists and turns in the story, along with the realism the author infused into this tense and heartbreaking narrative, tell a compelling and essential tale as one man struggles to make the right choices in his life when the world around him is crumbling, keeping the reader invested in the story until the very end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Darius Cache (pronounced kash) published his first book, Bernard’s Song, which mirrored his life and tumultuous circumstances. His company, Darius Cache Company LLC and Noah’s Fund for Mental Health Research & Education, Inc., a nonprofit organization, represent his entrepreneur mindset. He has committed 100% of Amazon book sale earnings to Noah’s Fund.

Darius Cache is the father of one son, Nahledge. He often participates in school programs and donated his children’s book, The Adventures of Veggies with Jam. His focus is brand identity and financial literacy encouraging teenagers and young adults who are people of color and their parents to pay close attention to credit scores, saving habits, and wise investments.

https://www.dariuscache.com/

Caged (Divided Series Book Two) by CC Robinson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman imprisoned and alone must find a means of escaping her confinement and warning her allies before its too late in author CC Robinson’s “Caged,” the second book in the Divided series. 

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The Synopsis

The second book in the gripping, award-winning Divided series is here!

The walls are closing in on Rose.
But when powerful enemies move her from house arrest to a literal prison, Rose finds herself alone. Caged. And without help.

Isolated from her friends and allies, yet stumbling on the truth of her captors’ schemes, Rose must free herself. If she doesn’t make it out in time, evil oppressors will take over her city.

Can Rose escape her cage before her foes win and destroy what took the Underground generations to build?

Find out in the second book in the award-winning YA dystopian Divided series that reviewers say reminds them of such classic YA dystopian as Divergent and The Giver.

This book is best read AFTER reading Divided: Book One in the Divided Series.

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The Review

In a time when most of the world feels like it is teetering on the edge of a dystopian event, this book perfectly captures both the struggles of living under a tyrannical government and the hope that can stem from finding community and solace in the company of friends and allies. The visceral, gritty tone that the author captured in this novel will sit with readers long after the book ends, and yet the glimmers of hope that arise in those small moments between the characters will resonate with readers as a welcome reprieve for characters that feel relatable and earnest in their desire to free their family, friends, and city.

The balance of action-driven narrative and emotional character growth was well-developed in this story. The fear, rage, and mistrust that comes with living in a society where anyone can turn on you in a moment’s notice, while also finding those moments of hope and joy amongst those you love and trust, was a fine line the author perfectly articulated in this story. The protagonist especially brought this to life, showcasing a fierce loyalty and strength of character as she relentlessly pursued her path, as well as the steady growth of her friends and allies like Marcos, Jason, and Harriet, felt well-earned and encouraging in the face of such overwhelming odds. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining, author CC Robinson’s “Caged” is a must-read addition to the Divided series and a fantastic dystopian YA thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the glimmers of hope that resonate with readers, and the emotional undertones will stay with readers and leave them eager for the next chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

CC Robinson is the award-winning debut author of the Divided series, a dystopian series set in a racially divided world. CC has more than two decades’ experience working in cross-cultural settings as both a medical doctor bringing healthcare to post-civil war nations around the globe and as an Associate Pastor at a multi-ethnic congregation led by an African-American man in Cincinnati, the setting for Divided. She wrote Divided out of concern for our nation’s divisiveness and racial hatred.

Divided portrays a racially divided world in which four teens meet in an underground rebel organization and must work together despite cultural differences to prevent the dictator’s nation-annihilating territory grab.

CC lives in Cincinnati, OH with her husband, three Gen Z grown and flown kids, one cat named Newt who thinks he’s a dog and a real lap dog named Sadie. When CC’s not writing or working at her church, you can find her in the garden, elbow deep in dirt. Follow her on socials (@ccrobinsonauthor) or sign up for her monthly email newsletter on her website.

https://www.ccrobinsonauthor.com/

Revenge is Not Enough (A David Harris & Emma Jackson Mystery Book Two) by Angela Van Breemen Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young girl from beyond the grave seeks the help of an investigative team to find the truth behind her disappearance in author Angela Van Breemen’s “Revenge is Not Enough”, the second book in the David Harris & Emma Jackson Mystery series. 

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The Synopsis

Revenge can’t undo what was done.

When young psychic Emma Jackson experiences a terrifying vision of a teenage girl being raped, she is shaken to the core. As her husband, David Harris, tries to comfort her, his worry increases when her shattered voice whispers, “Her name was Maggie.” David questions the wisdom of his team of investigators using the paranormal to solve cold cases.

Emma and David, and Bryan, a retired police office and his wife, Laura, have been working together with New Elgan Police Service to solve cold cases.

They learn that Maggie was a young woman who went missing twenty years ago and has moved on to the afterlife.

During a powerful séance, she takes over Emma’s body and demands the investigative team take on her case to find her children.

Except, at sixteen years of age at the time of her disappearance she had no children.

When the team uncovers a sinister baby ring where young women are kidnapped and forced to breed made-to-order children for the elite, they are shocked to learn their nemesis, the Dark Hands of Anubis is behind the human trafficking.

Emma insists on continuing the case, but isn’t Emma’s sanity and peace of mind worth more than solving a cold case from the beyond?

Revenge may not be enough … when the cost is way too high.

The Review

Right from the start, this novel was incredibly compelling and rich with world-building that readers will instantly become pleasantly lost in. The realism of the investigative aspect of cold cases was perfectly balanced by the paranormal/supernatural elements of Emma’s psychic abilities and the spirits that come forth to seek justice. The visceral nature of the crimes themselves and the haunting coldness of the criminals will chill readers to the bone as they dive deeper and deeper into this novel’s lore. 

The character dynamics and the essential themes were the heart of this novel. The love and care that David and Emma share for one another as they traverse this new business and delve into the dangerous world of cold cases, angered spirits, and shady and warped organizations for the wealthy elite, was heartwarming and inspired, and brought balance to the more mysterious and action-driven parts of the story. The way the book focused on the horrific realities of human trafficking and its connection to so many missing persons’ cases, and how the wealthy often benefit at the expense of those without the same privileges, made this a dark yet important narrative to explore without compromising the overall mythos of this series.

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The Verdict

Memorable, haunting, and engaging, author Angela Van Breemen’s “Revenge is Not Enough” is a must-read mystery thriller this fall. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional complexity that cold case investigations often stir, and the heart of the two protagonists and their connection with one another, as well as their dedication to their cases, make this one book to look out for this fall. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy on November 4th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Angela van Breemen is delighted to have completed her first novel, Past Life’s Revenge, a crime thriller with a twist of spiritualism. She is an avid writer of poetry, belongs to the Wordsmiths Writers’ Groupbased out of New Tecumseth, Ontario and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and the South Simcoe Arts Council. Angela is a Soprano Soloist.

A firm believer in giving back to the community, she often sings for different charitable organizations. Music and poetry have been an integral part of her life, and in early 2024 she launched her debut album, In The Breeze. Celtic in nature, it includes three original pieces of music, based on her poetry.

Angela volunteers for Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, a group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and safe release of orphaned and injured Ontario wildlife.

About Angela

The Ruby Cradle (Gemstones Book Two) by James L. Hill Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A woman must learn her family’s lineage and history in the fight against ancient dragons as war threatens to bring them back into the world in author Jame L. Hill’s “The Ruby Cradle,” the second book in the Gemstones series. 

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The Synopsis

It is the turn of the nineteenth century. The industrial age has begun. Steam powered ships has taken over the oceans. Factories are going up across Europe and America. There is a resurgence of activity in the castles in the mountains and when the Crimean War breaks out Zabella is sent to her grandmother, Rehema to learn about the dragons.

Rehema mentally transcends the girl to the First Split (1000 A.D.), the wars her mother, Apollonia, fought to destroy the dragons as they had spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It began as they built castles and started controlling men with gold. The dragons led the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese empires over the centuries. The dragons turn Molytans into Ogres as their generals that lead huge armies and protect them when their powers wane at night.

New dragons come to power in Europe and now threaten the balance of power in the world. The world of dragons is one of total destruction. They take over an area and cause wars until the world is in ruins. The dragons can’t be killed but can be drained of power causing them to turn into ruby-like stones. Only a dragon can consume another dragon, increasing its power.

Apollonia becomes a sorceress and can retain her power for years out of water with the help of her sisters. She raises a champion in France to battle the dragons’ growing threat of England’s Vargrerot and Russia’s Deyhezas. After destroying a Castle in the Alps and capturing its dragon in the Ruby Cradle, Napoli, the Dragon Killer, confronts the English at the Battle of Hastings. Apollonia returns to the sea and spawns two more mermaids. Afterwards she returns to the world of men to continue the hundred year war and is burned at the stake as Joan of Arc.

Zabella knows she must prepare men to fight and destroy the dragons before the world is at war once more. She knows dragons can be killed.

The Review

This wildly expansive and compelling world was so perfectly expanded upon from the author’s first book in the series. The author did an incredible job of world-building, crafting a book that felt both fantastical and steeped in history at the same time. The grand mythology of the dragons and their long history of influencing and bringing out the worst in humanity was fascinating to read, and the visceral nature of their bloodlust was haunting to discover.

Yet the true heart of the story was in the character development and world-building, as well as the strong themes that the novel touched upon. The way the story shifted focus between the present-day story of the Crimean War and the growing global conflicts that the now escaped dragons are taking advantage of, to the past where Apollonia must stop the constant dragon conflicts tearing apart everything from the Roman Empire and so much more was powerful to see come to life on teh page. The way the author touched on mankind’s perpetual war with itself and the death it brings was well utilized in this narrative.

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author James L. Hill’s “The Ruby Cradle” is a must-read historical fiction meets fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, the rich history and character developments across the centuries, and the thoughtful and natural incorporation of powerful themes made this story feel elevated and engaging all at once. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a multi-genre author, currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series, The Emerald Lady is in publication. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, are due soon. The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is finished. Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, Killer With Black Blood, and Killer With Ice Eyes have all received great reviews. The last two novels were runners-up in the Killer Nashville’s contests of 2022. Then there’s the psychological dystopian science fiction thriller, Pegasus: A Journey To New Eden for your reading pleasure.

https://jlhill-books.com/index.html

All the Broken Angels by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two cousins are torn apart by the Vietnam War and the tragedies that follow in authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman’s “All the Broken Angels.”

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The Synopsis

Two cousins. Two paths. One unforgettable era. This award-winning historical fiction novel follows the transformative journey of Cate and Albie. Cousins and best friends, they are raised in 1960s New Jersey under the watchful eyes of their family and strict Catholic school nuns. Their bond seems unbreakable. Then the Vietnam War erupts, tearing them apart.

  • Albie, driven by faith and patriotism, enlists in the military and is stationed at a base along the South China Sea nicknamed Paradise.
  • Cate protests the war, challenges her upbringing, and seeks purpose by immersing herself in the bohemian counterculture of New York’s Greenwich Village while enduring life in a low-rent tenement in the gritty Hell’s Kitchen district.

Tragedy strikes, and her world unravels. With the support of her family and an eclectic group of friends—artists, activists, and veterans—Cate embarks on a journey of resilience and personal transformation. Travel back to a pivotal era when men marched off to war and women burned their bras. This compelling novel explores the:

  • Emotional toll of the Vietnam War
  • Rise of feminism and LGBTQ+ movements
  • Conflict between faith, patriotism, rebellion, and personal freedom
  • Strength in kinship, friends, found family, and community

All the Broken Angels is a profound exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a generation that resonates far beyond the final page.

The Review

What a thought-provoking and compelling read. The authors wrote in a way that felt very transportive, allowing the reader to feel transported back in time to an era of war, the fight for peace, and the evolution of a society as a whole. The authors found a perfect balance between character development and historical context, allowing the era to come to life on the page without sacrificing the originality and heart behind each character’s evolution throughout the narrative. 

Balance was the key to this book. The authors were able to present each side of this conflict, from the soldiers and veterans impacted physically and mentally from the war, to the protestors and activists who seek to end the war and fight against injustice, while touching upon some important themes. The culture and family dynamics that were explored through these characters were especially unique, as readers were able to not only get a glimpse into how this conflict impacted a family torn apart by differing values, but also connected by a shared belief and a love for one another. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and heartfelt, authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman’s “All the Broken Angels” is a must-read historical fiction meets drama narrative. The complex themes of social justice, equality, gay pride, veteran rights, and so much more were so subtly yet passionately written about, and the relatability of the character and the depth of detail about the era will resonate with so many readers that they will return to this book again and again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Pat Black-Gould, PhD, is an award-winning author, speaker, and clinical psychologist whose work bridges storytelling and the human psyche. Previously, Pat worked as a director, producer, and playwright in New York and New England.

https://www.patblackgould.com/

Steve Hardiman has worked as an IT and communications consultant, and talk-radio host and producer. His writing includes ghost-written nonfiction articles selected as cover stories in multiple industrial trade publications and scripts for over seventy instructional videos.

Recently retired, he and his wife Angela are raising their grandson. In his spare time, he writes, travels, and is an avid photographer. All the Broken Angels is his first work of published fiction.

One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two: Finding Meaning When Life Doesn’t Add Up by Nathaniel Malabonga Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Nathaniel Malabonga shares some insights and fundamental truths about life and the fairness that often eludes us all in the book “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two.”

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The Synopsis

Life is filled with things that shouldn’t occur but happen anyway, and none of it adds up.

Picture this. A CEO runs a company to the ground yet gets a golden exit package worth millions of dollars. Meanwhile, an ordinary hard-working person struggles to pay the bills and is one illness away from becoming homeless, even if they work 2 or 3 jobs at a time. How does any of that make sense?

It’s one of the most demotivating situations one can go through. It builds up a general resentment towards life that’s hard to shake off because it’s born out of the idea that we deserve better. If this describes your life in broad strokes, then it’s time to return to something more basic.

You are more than just a unit of production. This book is a journey back to yourself, to a fundamental truth that most people have ignored for too long and with tragic results. And unlike the intangible soul or the mind, this is a truth that you can touch and feel but is no less profound. It’s a realization that can lead you to rebuild yourself and give you the one thing you may need the most: hope.

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The author had a way with words that spoke to the heart and felt thought-provoking at the same time. The book itself felt conversational in its delivery, with the author able to relate specific themes and topics to personal experiences, pop culture references, and everyday life in an easy and relatable manner.

The themes the author wrote about were timeless and compelling. Two chapters in particular spoke to me. One chapter spoke of holding onto the little things that give people a sense of respite, allowing them to find some form of escapism and understanding others who experience a loss of that escape from their lives. Then there was another chapter that spoke of family versus friendship, and the reality that proves that people can choose their friends, but they cannot choose their family, for better or for worse. These musings and artful approaches to life’s experiences were compelling to get lost in.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, authentic, and engaging, author Nathaniel Malabonga’s “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two” is a must-read nonfiction self-help book. The authenticity and heartfelt nature of the book’s message, along with the relatability readers will have with the author and their journey, make this a compelling book to revisit time and time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nathaniel Malabonga grew up in Marikina City, Philippines. He is an avid gamer who plays tabletop roleplaying games and computer games. He also enjoys anime and manga. For a time, he was into airsoft and dabbled in various martial arts like arnis and BJJ. Eventually, he developed an interest in esoteric energy and healing systems like pranic healing and acupuncture.

A bookworm at heart, the first full-length book he read was the Bible and then Gone With The Wind before discovering Isaac Asimov’s The Foundation series, which ignited his interest in the sci-fi and fantasy genre.