“Las Madres”–Review

Good evening, bloggers! Here’s one of my latest fiction reads.

Las Madres is a novel that alternates from 1970s Puerto Rico to present-day Bronx, New York. The main characters refer to themselves as “las madres,” along with their daughters, las nenas, who have been a family to one another based on friendship. In 1975, in Puerto Rico, 15-year-old Luz was the tallest girl in her dance academy, as well as the only Black girl in a group of light-skinned dancers in her school. Luz had the potential and the advantage to make it as a dancer in her future. But her future forever changed when she and her parents were in a car accident that killed her parents and left her with a brain injury, erasing her memory of the car crash, and leaving her with episodes she can’t control.

In 2017 in the Bronx, Luz’s adult daughter, Marysol, looks after her. For years, Marysol has wanted to understand her mother’s life, but her mother’s brain injury has made it impossible. Luz barely has any recollection of her own life. When Marysol’s friend, Graciela, suggests they and las madres fly to Puerto Rico as an opportunity for Luz to regain some of her memory, they jump at the chance. Although they were aware of the news of a deadly hurricane approaching Puerto Rico, las madres and las nenas still make the trip. During their stay, two back-to-back hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, destroying everything in its path, leaving communities in devastation. While las madres and las nenas are barely surviving, they start learning more about one another and learn of a big secret that may change everything forever.

What a great story. I learned that this book is based on Hurricane Maria, which left communities in Puerto Rico devasted. Thousands of people died, homes were destroyed, electricity was out, and resources were scarce. The author described the aftermath of the hurricane really well. I can’t even imagine what residents had gone through. What actually caught my interest in this book was the cover, which I came across on Instagram, so I borrowed a copy. It’s also my first novel by Esmeralda Santiago. I’ll definitely read more of her work. Feel free to post your comments. Happy reading!

About the author: Esmeralda Santiago is the author of the historical novel Conquistadora, and the memoirs When I Was Puerto Rican and Almost a Woman. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, she lives with her husband, documentary filmmaker Frank Cantor, in Westchester County, New York. For more info, click here.

“No One Ever Asked”–Review

Three families. Two school districts. A dozen miles between them, but worlds apart.

When South Fork High, an impoverished Missouri school, loses its accreditation, the affluent community of Crystal Ridge is informed that they’ll be accepting South Fork students into their school. This news, however, has many parents worried because of South Fork’s history of violence.

While the merging of these two school districts continues to create tension, the lives of three different women come together: Camille Gray, the PTA chairwoman and champion fundraiser, who faces a new struggle that may just tear her family apart; Jen Covington, a career nurse and new mom who struggles with her new role, all the while questioning whether or not she’s cut out for it all; and Anaya Jones, the first woman in her family to graduate from college and a new teacher at Crystal Ridge’s top elementary school, unprepared for the biggest challenge she never expected.

As the constant racial tension and discrimination rises within the Crystal Ridge community, the three women have to ask themselves at what cost they’re willing to protect their loved ones.

This story is based on real-world events, discussing the way people look at one another, how easily many are quick to judge, and the tragedies that can occur when many are blind when it comes to the truth. This story definitely left me guessing and I highly recommend it. Also, I enjoyed reading Anaya’s story and how well-written the book is. Feel free to post your comments. Happy reading!

No One Ever Asked will be available on April 3, 2018.

About the author: Katie Ganshert is the award-winning author of Life After, several additional acclaimed novels, and multiple short stories. She lives in Iowa with her family. For more info, click here. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living”–Review

Good afternoon, fellow bloggers!  Here’s a review of one of my most recent reads for my online book club.  Enjoy.

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we hope.

Olivia Rawlings is a pastry chef extraordinare for an exclusive Boston dinner club.  One evening, however, her flambéed dessert catches fire, including the rest of the building.  Feeling humilated, Olivia decides she needs to get away, so she packs a few things, including her dog, Salty, and drives out to Guthrie, Vermont—home of Bag Balm, the country’s longest-running contra dance, and her best friend, Hannah.  Although her stay is supposed to be temporary, Olivia is offered a job as a pastry chef for Margaret Hurley, the uptight owner of the Sugar Maple Inn.  Assuming her days at the club are numbered—including the fact that she’s broke and can’t pay her rent—Olivia takes the job.

With a new job, including free room and board, Livvy creates her famous desserts for the Guthrie residents.  It isn’t long, however, before she learns of the reason for being hired: to help Margaret reclaim the inn’s blue ribbon status at the annual county fair apple pie contest. No matter, Livvy is a team player.

During her stay, she begins to grow accustomed to the country life.  Will it be worth staying?  Or will she eventually go back to Boston?  Then Livvy meets Martin McCraken, the Guthrie native who has returned from Seattle to help out his sick father.  As she gets to know Martin more, Livvy realizes she’s not as alone and confused in the world as she’d assumed.  Then an unexpected arrival occurs in Guthrie, leaving Livvy to decide whether to stay or go, and what it means to truly be home.

I think this was a great story.  It tells the reader that not only does life not turn out the way we planned, it could be even better than we’d expected.  Also, if you’re a foodie, this could be the book for you.  Honestly, my reading the parts where desserts were being prepared made me crave pie.  The only thing I’ve baked is a cake, which was years ago.  The corners of the cake were cracked, but I was happy for my progress.  Perhaps I’ll learn to bake a pie, one day.

As always, feel free to comment.  Happy reading!

About the author: Louise Miller is a pastry chef and writer who lives and works in Boston, MA. She received a scholarship to attend GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator program, a yearlong workshop for novelists. She is an art school dropout, an amateur flower gardener, an old-time banjo player, an obsessive moviegoer, and a champion of old dogs. The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living is her debut novel.

Festival of Books

Hello bloggers!  I’m just doing a Throwback Thursday post from the Festival of Books, which happened this past weekend.  I love to attend every year.  I attended Day 1.  Although it’s usually hot during the festival, this time, it rained.  Nevertheless, dozens of people showed up and everyone was happy.  And because it wasn’t cold, I was happy.

During my first stop, I received these two, signed books.  Take Your Power Back just might be helpful for my novel-in-progress, so I’m glad I stopped by.  Editing is a bonus, as well.  We writers could use books like this.

While wandering, I heard an interview over some blaring speakers, so I had to see what the excitement was about.  That’s when I remembered The Property Brothers were speaking.  I’ve never seen their show, but I’ve heard good reviews.  (Sorry I couldn’t get a clear picture.  My camera isn’t that great.)

Of course, one of the reasons I wanted to attend was to meet author Jennifer Brody, who was happy to sign my Launch Team Advance Copy.  We had a nice chat and she told me how excited she was that the word was spreading about her debut novel, The 13th Continuum.

It was a pleasure to meet Jennifer Brody. (right)

I look forward to next year’s book fest.

THE FESTIVAL

Hello bloggers!  This event is one of my favorite times of the year.  If you live in L.A., or will be in L.A. in April, be sure to check out the Festival of Books.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is the largest book festival in the country. The festival will be held April 9 -10, 2016 at USC and feature celebrities, famous authors, music, film, comic books, cooking demos and more.

Source: THE FESTIVAL

“Son of a Preacherman”–Review

It is Summer in the Greenwood District in 1920s Tulsa, Oklahoma. Small businesses in African American neighborhoods are doing quite well.  Segregation policies aren’t strong enough to run out the developments of the Greenwood district.

Benjamina “Benny” Freeman and her family are a part of the developing businesses in Tulsa.  While they own a wealthy ranch, Benny helps her mother run a dress shop in Greenwood.

Billy Ray Matthias, the son of the new pastor in Tulsa, eventually meets Benny and is convinced Benny is the woman God planned for him.  While Billy Ray carries on his work at the local pharmacy with his brother, he wants to maintain a friendship with Benny—and hopefully more.  However, Benny is emotionally unavailable.  No matter her past or current struggles, Billy Ray continues to hold a place in his heart for her.

Meanwhile, the eruption of racial tensions in Tulsa is getting stronger.  In the end, when Billy Ray and Benny are caught in the dangers of the chaos in their hometown, Billy Ray vows to keep her safe.  But will she let him?  And will she have enough faith to trust and to allow him into her heart?

I must say this is a great book I’ve read for this year.  Son of a Preacherman is based on the infamous Tulsa Race Riot in the 1920s.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters.  The dialogue is excellent, which provided plenty of tension to keep me turning the pages.  It all got to the point.  There were many scenes I didn’t expect, yet I liked it all.  This is actually my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.  As always, feel free to leave any comments.

Happy reading!

FTC Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Moody Publishers.

About the author: Marlene Banks resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She has an associate degree in theology from Rhema Bible Institute in Keysville, VA.  Her previous work was in the medical fields and the business world; however, she considers it her goal to bridge the gap between faith-based and secular literature.  To learn more about the author, click here.

Infographic: Reading Can be Good for Your Health

Infographic: Reading Can be Good for Your Health.

It’s The Little Things That Matter

Hello bloggers.  As we’re coming closer to the upcoming new year, I’ve been creating a mental list of everything that I’ve done, what I haven’t done, as well as everything that I’d like to get done.  Throughout this current year, to be honest, I’ve gone through quite a few downfalls.  But who hasn’t, right?  In fact, there are others who are worse off.  That’s something I’ve often told myself.

I started to think about it all throughout my volunteering for the Adult Literacy Program.  When I’d first relocated to a more convenient location—which was during the summer—I grew nervous of the fact that I’d have to start over with a new student.  Since I’ve always been an introvert, I was afraid of having to make my first phone call to set up a quick, introductory meeting.  Nevertheless, I made the effort.  During our meeting, in person, my new student and I really got along.  We both talked about our backgrounds for a few minutes.  She told me that she’s been in the States for ten years and what she wants to accomplish while she’s in the program.  So far, everything worked out and we both were looking forward to our first session.

During our first session, my student introduced me to her husband and asked if he could join our session.  “Of course,” I’d told her politely.  He, too, has been in the States for about seven years and wanted to get some practice with reading and writing in English.  At the end of our first session, my student asked if I’d be available to include her husband in future lessons.  I politely accepted.

To this day—I believe it’s been over four months, now—I’ve been providing lessons and we all have had the opportunity to get to know each other a lot more.  They’ve told me that they’re really appreciative of my help.  My student had mentioned that—because of the shortage of tutors—she was on the waiting list for three months before I had come along.  I can’t imagine how difficult that is.

During our last meeting, my students welcomed me into their home for lunch and we all had a nice chat.  What really put a smile on my face was their telling me that they’re lucky to have me and that it’s hard to meet someone like me.  I practically blushed when I said, “I’m happy that I can help.”

As I think about all the clichéd New Year’s resolutions that I never took seriously, I realized that I did make a change for this coming new year.  I helped others.  They’ve put their trust in me and that’s what helped them to gain more confidence.  I’ve built a trusting relationship with them and that makes me confident.  It’s a fact that we all go through our own downfalls. Helping others, however, really can make a difference. It’s the little things that you do for others that makes them appreciative of you.

I look forward to what’s next.

“In The Land of Blue Burqas”–A Brief Review

“I lived in Afghanistan for five years.  I learned the rules–I had to.”

This is a memoir of Kate McCord (this name is actually a pseudonym for safety purposes) who had decided to drop everything in her life in America to move to Afghanistan to start a non-governmental organization, making it her mission to help Afghan women.  Throughout her five years of residing in the country, McCord taught herself the local language.  She also learned of the religious beliefs and practices from the Holy Quran.

It was very often that McCord was bombarded with questions from other Afghan residents about her religious beliefs.  For example, one resident asked her, “Are you a Muslim?” and “Do you submit to the laws of the Prophet Mohammed as recorded in the Holy Quran and Hadith and as taught by the mullahs?”  McCord, however, would give sincere honesty, telling others that she was not a Muslim, that she was a “follower of the Honorable Jesus Messiah.”  Although many residents had insisted that she become a Muslim, she still stuck by her beliefs.  After all, it was her mission to help others and tell them how Christianity made her the person that she is today.

Throughout the author’s journey, she talks about the dangers of wars and other violence in the country, including poverty.  She also speaks of their religious beliefs and how it has effected many Afghan women.  Despite it all, McCord educates the men, women, and children in Christianity and the hope that it may provide them as long as people give thanks for what they have, instead of focusing on the negative.  Although it wasn’t always easy, she’d educate as much as she could–some Afghans were positive in her stories, whereas others were not.

I’m neither spiritual, nor am I religious.  However, I did enjoy reading this book.  I admire the author’s work because it takes a lot for one to just decide to pack up and move to a dangerous country in order to help others who were truly in need.  She sacrificed a high-powered career, including being away from family and friends in America, to help others.  In fact, she’d lived by the rules every day–wearing the clothes that the women wore, including the headscarves; she’d pay visits to different homes and socialize over tea and treats; she rode public transportation and was always carefully of her surroundings.  She’d made many, new friends in the country and earned the respect of many others.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  This review is based on my own opinions and experiences.

Review of “The Greening”

“What if a book could answer all your deepest questions…if you were willing to risk everything?”

In “The Greening,” by Margaret Coles, the main character, Joanna, is a Fleet Street journalist who happens to stumble upon the journal of a mysterious woman, named Anna Leigh.  The journal entries are mainly a confessional of her own encounters with Julian of Norwich.  Julian of Norwich was a woman from the mid-fourteenth century who devoted her life to prayer for the community.  Anna’s entries mention that Julian recorded all the messages she’d received from visions of the crucifixion.

Joanna is immediately astonished by Julian’s and Anna’s quests to find the answers that will lead to peace and happiness.  As she is drawn to the journal entries, Joanna wonders if one would have to endure pain and suffering in order to achieve happiness and peace, as she, too, struggles to find her own happiness.  She believes that the only way to know would be to find Anna.  However, Anna isn’t anywhere to be found.

Meanwhile, Joanna struggles with a choice she has to make while she is caught up in getting a story that involves an exposed government scandal where someone she loves may be involved.

To be honest, I am neither spiritual, nor am I religious.  However, I did enjoy reading this book.  The story had quite a few sad moments and I had to keep reading in order to find out if the main character would be able to make peace with her own conflicts during her quest for happiness.  Indeed, I would recommend this book.

FTC Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post.  I received the book from Hay House for review purposes.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience.