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.
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.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman mourning her husband’s loss and desperate to get help for their daughter turns to a psychologist. She begins to develop a close bond with him in the process as new secrets are uncovered in author Jessica Leed’s “Silent Promises.”
The Synopsis
In a journey of healing and rediscovery, Maddie, Caleb, and Lila navigate the complexities of love, loss, and healing, learning that sometimes, the people who understand our pain best are the ones we least expect.
In the wake of her husband Dylan’s tragic death, Maddie struggles to connect with their daughter Lila, who has fallen silent since losing her father. Desperate for help, Maddie turns to Caleb, a new psychologist at Dylan’s former workplace.
As Caleb works to break through Lila’s emotional barriers, rumors threaten to derail their progress, pushing Lila further into rebellion. Grappling with her grief and uncertainties, Maddie finds herself drawn to Caleb.
But when Lila’s behavior reaches a crisis point, Maddie and Caleb are forced to confront their fears and secrets. As they unravel Dylan’s hidden connections and the truth behind Caleb’s presence in their lives, they discover a shared loss that binds them closer than they ever imagined.
The Review
A truly powerful and moving read, the author did an incredible job of layering the narrative with powerful themes and compelling character arcs. The way the author captured the steady yet sudden journey that a loved one’s decline in health and subsequent loss maintains in life was so heartbreaking yet relatable for anyone who has ever lost someone close to them. The way the story allows both the mother and daughter to look back on their time with the husband and father and intermix it with the grief and journey through grief that they both endure in their terms was heartfelt and compelling to engage with as a reader.
The story’s surprising character developments and emotional pull were at the heart of this novel. In the grand scheme of things, Caleb’s connection to Maddie and Lila is a shock, and the emotional weight of Dylan’s loss impacts that connection significantly. The dips into romance that the story takes in exploring Maddie’s relationship with Dylan and the complex relationship between Lila and Maddie as they navigate post-loss life as mother and daughter will resonate with many readers.
The Verdict
A heartbreaking yet relatable and engaging story of loss, love, and moving forward, author Jessica Leed’s “Silent Promises” is a must-read romance meets genre fiction drama. The author does a marvelous job of tapping into the emotional turmoil that comes with any loss, and the twists and turns in the story and these characters’ arcs will leave a lasting impression the reader will not soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Jessica Leed hails from Victoria, Australia, and has lived in the United States since 2021. An elementary teacher, former dancer, and fitness professional, she now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two beloved cats. Jessica finds joy in books, coffee, long walks, the beauty of autumn, and cooking hearty breakfasts.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman who has endured hardship and struggle through poverty, war and more must find a way of saving her son in author Tong Ge’s “The House Filler”, the first book in the China China Trilogy.
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The Synopsis
A family saga set in China during the most tumultuous time of the twentieth century including the Japanese invasion, the civil war, and the Communist takeover.
The House Filler is told through the experiences of Golden Phoenix, a woman who faces war, poverty, and political oppression as she fights for survival, freedom and happiness. After the untimely death of her husband, Golden Phoenix is determined to keep her family together. However, poverty forces her to make the heart-wrenching decision to give her teenage twins to the Red Army. During the upheaval of the Japanese invasion of her hometown, she is separated from her two young girls, and her remaining son leaves to fight with the Nationalist army. Golden Phoenix, along with her adopted son, remains to endure the horror and hardship of war. When the civil war ends with the Communists in power in 1949, one of her twins, who had joined the Communist Party, is wrongly accused of being a traitor and is sentenced to death. Golden Phoenix and her family must find a way to save her son’ s life.
The House Filler is a moving and powerful portrayal of one family’ s struggle to survive in the face of an historical upheaval and political oppression.
The Review
What a dynamic and compelling novel. The author immediately found the perfect balance between historical fiction storytelling and character-driven narrative. The stark cultural contrast will immediately stand out to readers, exploring everything from women’s rights and place in society to family dynamics, beauty standards, and much more. The political drama and upheaval of that era also helped elevate the protagonist’s personal stakes in this novel.
The emotional depth of the protagonist’s journey and the rich themes of the narrative stood out in this novel. The exploration of loyalty, love, and family all played a heavy hand in the book, and the realism and attention to detail made the story feel more engaging and highlighted the human condition in the face of overwhelming tragedy or hardships suffered during these historical times.
The Verdict
A truly memorable and thoughtful read, author Tong Ge’s “The House Filler” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns in the story, the heartbreaking realities of this era, and the sobering yet powerful finale will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Tong Ge was born and raised in China and moved to Canada in 1988. She began writing the China China trilogy in 2004 with the first book: The House Filler. Although she was challenged by learning to write in English and by her long- term disability, she persevered and since 2012 has published poetry and prose in English and Chinese in publications such as Prism, Ricepaper, Flow, Canadian Stories, and The Polyglot. Tong Ge lives in Calgary, Alberta.
I received a free copy o this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A family must overcome societal challenges and make new changes in their lives in author David B. Seaburn’s “Until It Was Gone”.
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The Synopsis
When, at the end of their fortieth anniversary dinner, Laney announces she’s leaving Franklin, he’s stunned and asks if she ever loved him, to which she answers, “Yes, until it was gone.”
Laney leaves for the Oklahoma panhandle in search of Roz, their estranged daughter, who left home at sixteen, and the nineteen-year-old granddaughter, Maggie, Laney has never met.
Shortly after she leaves, Franklin contracts COVID which morphs into long COVID. His episodes of fogginess and disorientation awaken memories of abuse at the hands of his father. His sister comes to take care of him, but she needs to return home soon for the sentencing of a mass murderer who killed her husband.
If that weren’t enough, Maggie becomes pregnant and, due to medical complications, needs an abortion, but she lives in a state where it’s outlawed. What will she do? Where will she go? Will the family find the resilience to come together for everyone’s sake?
Until It Was Gone tells of a family trying to make life work while being pummeled by the exigencies of contemporary society. It celebrates the thin strands of hope that hold us together and move us forward.
The Review
Immediately the author found that perfect balance of realism and hope within this narrative. The realistic emotions and troubles that this cast of characters faces throughout the story, from the complexities of marriage and relationships to more profound themes surrounding abortion and abuse, allow the author to explore how these topics impact a person and a family in our modern world. The setting of the COVID pandemic and studying the health concerns so many people were affected by during this period brought a relatability to the story many readers could attest to.
The character dynamics and how everyone connects made this story feel so compelling. What stood out was how all these characters felt so relatable and vibrant on the page, and despite their various flaws or struggles, they kept the reader engaged throughout the book. The journey for Laney to find her independence and reunite with her daughter and granddaughter was inspiring. At the same time, the shock of loss Franklin felt, the health struggles, and the recovered memories all brought a closer look at the hardships and benefits of self-reflection and growth, as well as the importance of family and powerful bonds in our lives.
The Verdict
Moving, compelling, and engaging, author David B. Seaburn’s “Until It Was Gone” is a must-read drama meets genre fiction novel. The evenly paced and emotional journey of these characters, the realism of the evolving story, and the equally realistic ending speak to the intricacies of life and the vastly different lives we each live within our own families. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab your copy on December 12th, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
David B. Seaburn’s most recent novel is Give Me Shelter (italics) (2022). His tenth novel, Until It Was Gone (italics), will be released by Black Rose Writing in December 2024.
Prior to that he was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center for almost twenty years (1986-2005). During his tenure there, he taught in a Family Medicine Residency Program, practiced Medical Family Therapy and was the Director of a Family Therapy Training Program.
In addition to this, David is an ordained Presbyterian minister, having graduated from seminary (Boston University) in 1975. He served a church full-time from 1975-1981 before entering the mental health field permanently.
His educational background includes two master’s degrees and a PhD.
From 2013 to 2020, David Seaburn wrote a blog for Psychology Today magazine called, “Going Out Not Knowing.” In this blog he talks about the uncertainty and wonder at the heart of life (and at the heart of writing, as well).
Common to all of David’s work is a commitment to the well-being of others, which often means active involvement in efforts to undestand and change their life stories.
David is married and has two married daughters, three adorable granddaughters and two wonderful grandsons.
Inspiration is a fascinating phenomenon. It strikes at unexpected moments, often when I least expect it, (sometimes even in the shower) and transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
1. The Power of Stories
Every story holds a universe within it. From classic literature to contemporary novels, the power of storytelling has always captivated me. I remember being enchanted by the stories written by Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew I read as a child in New Delhi, India. These stories sparked my imagination and planted the seeds for my own writing journey. Whether it’s a book, a movie, or a personal anecdote, stories inspire me to create narratives that resonate with others.
2. Cooking
This might be an odd one, but hear me out. Cooking a dish or a meal has serious similarities to writing. You need to have a plan. If you don’t, you need to figure one out, either through experience (like burned curries) or through a template or a recipe. You’ve got to prep your ingredients. Sometimes making other side dishes, sauces, or seasonings. Then you have to put it in the oven and cook it just right. That same creative space that allows you to cook also bakes your creative ideas. Yum. “What’s for dinner?” “How about a little drama with a side of cliffhanger sauce?”
3. The World Around Me
Nature, with its boundless beauty and unpredictability, is a constant muse. A walk in the park, the sound of the ocean, or the changing seasons can ignite a spark of creativity. Similarly, urban landscapes, with their vibrant energy and diverse cultures, offer endless inspiration.
4. Art and Music
Art and music are powerful sources of inspiration. A painting can evoke a multitude of emotions, while a song can transport me to a different time and place. They provide a sensory experience that often translates into my writing. The works of great artists and musicians remind me of the limitless possibilities of creative expression. The old cliché that a picture is worth a thousand words is amplified tenfold. Imagine the wraparound stories of some of the greatest paintings and sculptures. Imagining these can be a great exercise. On the flip side? Drawing, painting, and sculpting again access a creative part of the brain that also can contain our writing thoughts. If you think of your mind like a muscle, it’s good to flex this area in other disciplines, as well, because they’re all ultimately connected
5. Teaching and Mentorship
Teaching creative writing has been incredibly inspiring. Whether at The Writers Grotto in San Francisco, Stanford University, or at Book Passage, interacting with students and seeing their growth and passion for writing has been a profound source of motivation. Mentorship programs, like The Write Team Mentorship, have also reinforced my belief in the power of guidance and community in fostering creativity.
6. My Cultural Heritage
My cultural heritage is a cornerstone of my inspiration. The rich traditions, languages, and history of India provide a deep well of material for my writing. My novels, such as ‘The Awakening of Meena Rawat’ and ‘Mercy and Grace,’ often draw from my cultural roots, blending them with contemporary themes to create stories that are both unique and universal.
Inspiration is everywhere if we choose to see it. It’s in the stories we hear, the experiences we live, and the people we meet. For me, it’s a continuous journey of discovery, one that I cherish deeply as I navigate the world of writing.
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Book Summary
Lena Sharma is a successful San Francisco restaurateur. An immigrant, she’s cultivated an image of conservatism and tradition in her close-knit Indian community. But when Lena’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble, her ties to her daughter, Maya, and son, Sameer—raised in thoroughly modern California—slip further away.
Maya, divorced once, becomes engaged to a man twelve years her junior: Veer Kapoor, the son of Lena’s longtime friend. Immediately, Maya feels her mother’s disgrace and the judgment of an insular society she was born into but never chose, while Lena’s cherished friendship frays. Meanwhile, Maya’s younger brother, Sameer, struggles with an addiction that reaches a devastating and very public turning point, upending his already tenuous future.
As the mother, daughter, and son are compromised by tragedy, secrets, and misconceptions, they each must determine what it will take to rebuild their bonds and salvage what’s left of their family.
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing Print length: 335 pages
Born and raised in New Delhi, Anoop is the author of four novels, The Rummy Club which won the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award, The Awakening of Meena Rawat, an excerpt of which was nominated for the 2019 Pushcart Prize, No Ordinary Thursday, and Mercy and Grace.
Her essays and short stories have appeared in Green Hills Literary Lantern, Rigorous Journal, Lumiere Review, DoubleBack Review, and the Ornament anthology, among others.
Anoop calls herself a “recovering litigator”—she worked in state and federal courts for many years before she replaced legal briefs with fictional tales. She holds an MFA from St. Mary’s College of California and was the recipient of the 2021 Advisory Board Award and the 2023 Alumni Scholarship. She lives in Pleasanton, California, with her husband, and is the mother of two admirable young adults.
June 17th @ The Muffin Join us as we celebrate the launch of Anoop Judge’s book No Ordinary Thursday. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book. https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
June 19th @ Writer Advice Novelist Anoop Judge stops by with a guest post about Ways To Begin a Story. https://www.writeradvice.com
June 21st @ A Wonderful World of Words Let’s have some fun with a book giveaway and a guest post from Anoop Judge tracing her journey through four novels. https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
June 24th @ My Beauty My Books Author Anoop Judge visits with advice to her twenty year old self and a chance to win a copy of her novel No Ordinary Thursday. mybeautymybooks.com
June 28th @ What Is this Book About Stop by for a spotlight on a new book for a new month: No Ordinary Thursday by Anoop Judge. http://www.whatisthatbookabout.com
June 30th @ Choices Anoop Judges gives readers a peek at her writing life with today’s guest post. http://madelinesharples.com
July 2nd @ Boys’ Mom Reads Karen shares her review of No Ordinary Thursday, a novel of love, friendship and family. karensiddall.wordpress.com
July 3rd @ The Faerie Review Want to enjoy the July 4th holiday with a great book? The Faerie Review is spotlighting No Ordinary Thursday by Anoop Judge. https://www.thefaeriereview.com/
July 5th @ StoreyBook Reviews Anoop Judge shares her thoughts on Crafting Dialogue: How Can You Best Give Voice to Your Characters? https://www.storeybookreviews.com
July 17th @ Chapter Break Ready to head for the hammock (or your favorite reading spot) with an engrossing summer read? Learn more about No Ordinary Thursday and author Anoop Judge. https://chapterbreak.net/
July 20th @ Seaside Book Nook Jilleen shares her thoughts on No Ordinary Thursday and a guest post on first memories from the author Anoop Judge. http://www.seasidebooknook.com/
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
One family must band together to take care of a young child suffering from Rett Syndrome in author Eitan Lev’s “One in Ten Thousand”.
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The Synopsis
Embark on a journey of resilience and hope with ‘One in Ten Thousand,’ the inspiring true story of a family’s fight to defy fate and find a cure for their daughter’s and granddaughter’s devastating genetic condition.
When Ori was born, no one could have imagined that among the billions of nucleic acids in her genetic code, a mutation lurked—a mutation so destructive that it would severely hinder every aspect of her daily life and the body that sustains her. It was only six months later that Ori’s parents began to notice that their blue-eyed daughter, with her dark, flowing mane of hair and constant smile, was different from other children. Ori had Rett Syndrome.
Based on a true story, ‘One in Ten Thousand’ recounts the journey of a toddler suffering from a rare genetic condition, and the story of her family members, who decide not to simply accept Ori’s condition as an inevitability, but to tirelessly seek a cure for her in every possible way.
The Review
This was such a powerful and emotional read. The balance the author found between the exploration of Rett Syndrome as a whole and the emotional journey this family goes on was highly engaging for a reader. The way the author drew readers in with this fictitious narrative while reflecting on his own experiences with his granddaughter throughout the novel was a genuinely creative and heartfelt direction to take readers in.
The education and realism of the novel and the inspiration of this family draw the reader in. The heartbreaking reality of drawback after drawback when combatting a rare disease while also finding the strength and courage to keep pushing forward and not giving up despite the odds really will resonate with so many readers, especially those who must live with various illnesses daily. The powerful imagery throughout this novel and the tense atmosphere that these situations often create bring that honesty and reality to the story that readers can readily identify with.
The Verdict
Resilient, memorable, and engaging author Eitan Lev’s “One in Ten Thousand” is a must-read book. The unique subgenera of fiction regarding disabilities and family drama meets family health played well within this narrative, and the awareness that this book drives to this rare ailment will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Eitan Lev, born in 1958, is a high-tech entrepreneur and the author of several thrillers.
In 2021, following the diagnosis of his granddaughter with Rett Syndrome, he founded a company dedicated to developing a gene therapy-based cure for her and others afflicted by this condition.
His book, ‘One in Ten Thousand,’ is a work of fiction written two years after the diagnosis and draws heavily on his personal experiences.
‘One in Ten Thousand’ was written with the hope of raising awareness about this challenging syndrome and other similar conditions, and to instill hope for potential healing in the hearts of those whose loved ones suffer from rare and incurable genetic disorders.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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A man must work with his law school friends to help defend him and his younger siblings as Child Welfare threatens to remove the children from his care in author James Rosenberg’s “Guarding Innocence”, the fourth book in the Verdicts & Vindication series.
The Synopsis
Passionate Family Drama. Intense Courtroom Dynamics
Cam Crewell can barely keep his head above water in his first year of law school. His struggles intensify when his younger brother and sister are suddenly left with no place to live. Without other options, they move in with Cam and his five eclectic roommates into their overcrowded and barely code-compliant house.
Although the new home offers a sense of belonging and support, their world is thrown into turmoil when Child Welfare discovers the kids are living without a true legal guardian. Cam must figure out how to defend their lifestyle and protect his family against an overzealous attempt to relocate his brother and sister.
Cam’s law school friends represent and defend him in an intense courtroom battle that will determine the fate of his family. In this heart pounding legal battle, Cam must convince the court that he can provide the most stable living environment for his siblings.
Combining an exploration of family dynamics like found in Defending Jacob, with a breakdown of legal and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals responsible for protecting children similar to The Children Act, Guarding Innocence is a captivating and fast-paced thriller.
Justifying how to raise your kids is almost impossible when you’re on the witness stand.
The Review
This was a gripping and tense legal thriller. The author did a remarkable job of diving head first into a detailed, law-driven narrative, allowing the reader to find themselves lost in the family dynamics of this brother and his younger siblings, with the camaraderie of the law school friends coming together to fight for their friend and his family, and the harsh realities of the law and family dynamics. The expertise and knowledge the author pours into the narrative make the story feel alive and vibrant on the page.
To me, the heart of the narrative was in the character growth and emotional impact of the narrative overall. Not all aspects of the law come with such an emotionally invested story, and the fight to keep a family together despite unusual living situations is something many families have had to fight and live through. The dynamics between Cam and his siblings and the closer they got in the face of these tragic circumstances made this story feel so important and heartfelt in the overall development of this narrative.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, passionate, and engaging, author James Rosenberg’s “Guarding Innocence” is a must-read legal thriller meets family and sibling fiction narrative. The twists and turns in the case along the way, and the attention to detail regarding the law in this book made the emotional moments between the siblings feel all that much more heartfelt. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
James Rosenberg is a 3rd generation trial attorney with plenty of stories to tell. Inspired not only by the courtroom stories his father and grandfather used to tell him when he was a child, but also by the wild adventures he’s encountered through his own experience as a lawyer. James is fascinated by the intricate, interpersonal dynamics of every trial he’s endured. Whether it’s the raw emotion on display in court, the tension in the air that builds until someone wins, or the impact that a case’s decision has on the parties involved, James is always paying attention and keeping tabs on what’s happening.
In his debut novel, Legal Reserves, James flexes his creative muscle outside of the courtroom to share his stories, with a fictional twist, through the eyes of archetypes he knows well. He continues weaving stories of the tribulations of litigation with larger issues of friendship and ambition in his latest novels, The Jersey and Unclean Hands.
A native of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, James has been a trial attorney in Pittsburgh for almost 30 years. He started writing legal thrillers as a stress reducer and finds this creative outlet to be a fun and meaningful diversion from his day job.
When he’s not trying cases, he’s either dreaming up his next book idea, spending time with his wife and three kids, or both.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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A simple traffic accident begins a rage-filled confrontation between two families set against the backdrop of toxic culture in American society in the book “Take the Lively Air” by Mick Bennett.
The Synopsis
In Take the Lively Air, a minor traffic collision escalates into a confrontation between two families haunted by their pasts and apprehensive of their futures. Rage and regret butt heads against the background of America’s toxic cultural climate. But saner voices discover that human frailties are best viewed through the microscope of compassion, and our common humanity must be acknowledged to make way for our futures.
The Review
This was a thoughtful and beautifully crafted novel. The way the past and present clash with one another and come to a chaotic halt in the course of this one accident really allows the tension and atmosphere to climb and settle over the reader. The wonderful use of imagery in the author’s narrative allowed the vibrant settings along the New Jersey beach to come to life on the page, and bring that relatability that the narrative has.
The heart of this story has to be in the character growth this story holds. The story perfectly examines the complex family dynamics that can be found in a modern home, while also showcasing how the past and the ghosts of that past can impact our present and how we treat one another as well. The steps the protagonist takes to make amends and see life not through the rage and anger that society is holding onto, but the compassion and understanding that we all crave made this a memorable read.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, enlightening, and heartfelt, author Mick Bennett’s “Take the Lively Air” is a must-read literary fiction read. The twists and turns in the narrative and the emotional connection that readers will make with these characters make this quite a compelling narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mick Bennett is from Belmar, New Jersey. Bennett attended Gettysburg College, and after graduation in 1975, found a job at a high school 15 miles from Gettysburg where he taught for 33 years. Bennett is the author of four books: Missing You in Belmar, Summer Mirrors, Boardwalk Man, and Beat the Blues.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A small family struggles in early 20th century Canada as they fight to make a life for themselves amidst turmoil and tragedy in author Karin Melberg Schwier’s “Small Reckonings”, the latest from ShadowPaw Press.
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The Synopsis
In the early 20th century, as homesteaders in Saskatchewan are scratching out hard new lives on the Canadian prairie, William, an adventurer from New Zealand, brings his new bride, Louise, to the freshly broken earth of his farm near Watrous.
Physical and emotional isolation take their toll on everyone struggling to survive in the harsh landscape, and when William and Louise’s second child, Violet, is born “feebleminded,” it plunges Louise—a woman burdened with a dark secret—back into a time of shame and regret, even as the child draws out goodness and loyalty from her neighbours, Hank and Emily.
Then tragedy upends the family, and William, while struggling to raise and protect his daughter and find his way to forgiveness, must come to terms with the fact that no one is infallible.
The Review
This was a profoundly moving and heartbreaking read. The grim and gritty realities of life in early 20th century Canada as families established land and home were well developed in this historical fiction read, bringing a realistic touch to the setting and atmosphere. The tension that builds within this particular family unit and the constant hits to their family dynamics were both tragic and engaging all at the same time.
The heart of this narrative rested in the compelling character growth and dynamics that the story established. The hardships and struggles that you see for William and Louise as Violet grows and struggles with her own problems were tragic to see and would impact any and all parents, and yet the hope and brightness that Violet brought to those around her was so moving, making the events that transpire towards the back half of the book that much more heartbreaking to behold.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, emotional, and insightful, author Karin Melberg Schwier’s “Small Reckonings” is a must-read historical fiction and family drama that you don’t want to miss. The twists and turns in the family’s history and drama will keep readers invested, and the emotional investment that readers make especially in Violet’s story as she experiences hardship, loss, and unexpected trauma made this one story that will hit close to home for many readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Karin is a full-time freelance writer, editor and illustrator. She writes for local and national magazines and newspapers, and a variety of non-profits, businesses and government agencies. Her photographs often accompany her work, and her illustrations appear in books, presentations and private collections.
While she has a longtime focus on disability issues, she is a sought-after and versatile writer and handles each job with respect, professionalism and a sense of humour. She can find the thread of a good story in subjects ranging from kitchen design, a seniors’ ski team, bariatric weight loss surgery, to energy efficient housing, outdoor home theatres, Saskatoon’s water quality, business profiles, and volunteer accomplishments.
One favourite interview had her digging into the childhood memories of a Hollywood actor who called her “a joy to talk to and an artist” at interviewing. But it is often what she draws from less celebrated people that she finds most interesting. Another favourite was with Ukrainian babas, one 90 and the other 96, sisters who still garden in their Saskatoon back yards. She approaches every assignment knowing there’s a worthwhile story to be told, and she understands the importance of the good communications loop in every project.
She is the current editor of and writer for Saskatoon HOME magazine, and also contributes pieces to Prairies North magazine.
Her writing has appeared as invited book chapters and in anthologies in Canada and the U.S. A non-fiction contribution appears in In The Company of Animals: Stories of Extraordinary Encounters (Nimbus Publishing). She has written eight books with a focus on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and edited several others. One best seller was translated into German, Italian, and Korean. She was pleased when not long ago actor Benjamin Bratt performed a story from one of her books as a dramatic reading at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Flourish: People with Disabilities Living Life with Passion, was launched in 2012, to critical acclaim. This book is no longer available on Amazon, but you can reach out to the author directly at karin.schwier@mac.com and purchase a copy there for $20 plus shipping.
Her debut novel, Small Reckonings, was published by Burton House Books in the spring 2020. It sold out of the first two printings by the fall, and a revised edition was released in March 2021.
The manuscript won the John V. Hicks Award for Fiction in 2019, and the novel won the Saskatoon Book Award category in the Saskatchewan Book Awards for 2021. Later that year, the book was recognized as one of three in the Glengarry Book Award Jury Short List, Recognition of Literary Excellence.
In 2021, the sequel manuscript to Small Reckonings was completed. Inheriting Violet won the John V. Hicks Award for Fiction, 2022. The first prize was presented at the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild annual conference in September.
At the SWG awards ceremony with one of the two judges of the 2022 Hicks Award for Fiction, novelist and playwright Kagiso Lesego Molope (the other was fiction writer Kevin Hardcastle) and second prize winner Kate O’Gorman and MC Lisa Bird-Wilson. Third place winner was Byrna Barclay.
In 2013, Karin was honoured to receive a Saskatoon YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Arts and Culture category. Karin is a member of the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. She lives with her husband, Richard, a professor emeritus at the University of Saskatchewan, and son Jim, who had a 25-year volunteer stint with the Saskatoon YMCA, and – courtesy Street Cat Rescue – elderly Ed and Gracie, who still can’t believe their good luck. Rick and Karin also have a daughter, Erin, son-in-law Michael and 16-year-old grandboy Alexander, and a son Ben, daughter-in-law Julia, granddaughters Pearl, 4, and Dahlia, 2.
