The Night by Matthew Murphy | A Book Review

I have been behind in my reviews so I thought of finding a way to be able to catch up, even just a few posts. I came up with an idea that it would be a lot easier for me to come up with reviews if I start with the stories that I can easily recall from the top of my head. So, I wouldn't be writing the reviews as to the order of how I received the books or what I read first but rather which one I can remember very clearly and easily. So, this story is one.

I was actually almost tempted to give up on this book - The Night. The start was so slow and so sleep-inducing that I'd wanted to just write it off. Good thing, I didn't because halfway through, the book started to get really interesting. New characters were introduced which gave life to the story. Exactly what I have been waiting for. Something to get me out of my near stupor. I was glad, I did not just stop when I was so tempted to. 

This story is about Chicago. The old Chicago. The dangerous neighborhood and where the whites and the black people don't mix. The blacks are still treated as lesser people. And like in most cases, in times of trouble and difficulties, some courageous soul rose up and stood up against the cruelties and injustices. In this story, there are actually two and then the whole neighborhood of blacks made a united front to stand against the person who took advantage of them for the longest time.

The main character here, Clive Baxter, a soldier who just came from war, comes home hopeful for a new start. But instead, found that there are worst things happening aside from the war. Worst of all, it's right in his home. 

I was disappointed with Clive's character on the first few pages. He started as a very strong character, full of hope and ready to live the rest of his life far from the war zone but he ended up with the wrong crowd and doing things against his convictions. He knew that what he's getting into is wrong but he still did them. I know his conscience bothered him and I am just relieved that he managed to get out and tried to change things. That is the Clive Baxter that was introduced in the beginning of the story and I wanted the same person to be able to come out of the chaos, if not stronger, even if the odds were so much against him. I think that's the true measure of a strength of a man. A real man.

So, even if I was partially disappointed of how the first few chapters of this story went, the ending had saved it. It was a real struggle for me getting to the end. I had to keep telling myself to keep going. I had to. I had to finish the book because even if it seemed that it might not go anywhere, I still have to get to the end to be sure I give it a fair review. With that said, I give this book 3/5 German World War II coats. The ending was the saving grace and if not for it, I would have totally given this a one or two rating. Add the fact that I can easily recall the two most interesting characters in this story. Being able to do that is a big plus for me. It means that the story or the characters in the story made an impression on me. The story gave me an experience that could not be easily forgotten or have drawn real emotions out of me which is what every reader is looking for in every story.

I didn't know him any more than any son knew his father. You look up to him. You never realize his faults until he's gone.

I know they say being in a war makes a man a believer and all that, but I saw first-hand what religion can bring. All those bodies of dead Jews piled in them holes in the ground. What if they don't believe? What if their religion didn't exist? I don't know. I guess, another reason to kill them would've been found.

You leave the army, then realize you never can. The war follows you. The war reminds you that it managed to control your soul. It continues to cling, gripping you.

-Matthew Murphy, The Night - 

Thanks again, Matthew Murphy, for the review copy. 

3 Hour Dad: Reading is Believing by Adam T. Hourlution | A Book Review

This is an author's request. He contacted me via this blog and asked to review this book. 

At first, I wasn't sure what to make of the title of this book. Three-hour dad. What does that even mean? Does that mean being a dad for just three hours. That does not sound good to me.

As it turned out, Three-hour Dad means the author, being the dad referred to in the title, only found out he was going to be a dad three hours before his wife gave birth. Yes, they didn't realize that his wife was in labor until they've gotten to the hospital because they suspected his wife had appendicitis. Amazing, right? Or you'll wonder, how is that possible?

It was explained in the book how the unexpected pregnancy happened. How his wife never noticed any of the symptoms or never had any of the symptoms of a woman who's pregnant. It seemed like an anomaly or more like a miracle. 

This book came to be because the author wanted to document that very special and unique experience, including the overflowing and unexpected kindness they got from friends, co-workers and other people. As the couple didn't know that they were expecting, they were not prepared also. There were no baby clothes shopping, or a crib to be assembled. None of that ever happened. When the author called in his office to inform that his wife was in labor, his office mates and boss were just as surprised. The office mates rallied together and chipped in and bought baby supplies and clothes for the coming baby. Friends also were very excited for the couple that they too bought baby things to give to the couple and to welcome the new baby properly. The couple was so overwhelmed by this flow of kindness. They never expected that their friends would be so generous and help them get everything ready for the baby instantly. It gave them courage to be ready to be instant parents.

And with this very touching experience, the author decided that he too could pass on the same kindness to others. He decided that a random kindness or any small act of kindness goes a long way, just as it greatly helped his new family. So, with this in mind, he set out to do just that. Time and time again, he would go out into the streets and approach an unsuspecting stranger and give him a gift card to use for groceries or any other needs. You can watch a video of the same act here. Proceeds from the sale of this book also goes to helping more people. So, go and buy your copy now. It would go a long way.

But you might ask, why tell the world that he's helping people. Why not just do it and not publicize it? He took a video not because he wants to publish that he's giving people this and that, or he wants to become popular, or be the next  thing to be trending on social media. He posted a video because he wanted more people to be moved and join in the random act of kindness movement. He wants it to become a lifestyle - that everyone will show kindness to strangers, especially strangers, whether it'd be small or not. He wants to start a kindness revolution. He wants to make kindness very popular that it will no longer be a novelty. A time when kindness will be just as ordinary as saying hello or probably as easy as blinking an eye. Oh, I would love to see that happen in this lifetime.

With all that said, this book is worth your time. Reading through the author's personal miracle is just a wonderful feeling. That in spite of the problems and issues we are facing now and the world in general, there are still miracles that happen. There are still a lot of good things and good people. That there are still a lot of good hearts that could be moved and kindness that is absolutely deadly. Deadly because it will kill all selfish and self-centered thoughts. You will feel so grateful and thankful that you can't help but pass on the deed. You can't help but be kind also. You can't help but do the same kindness to someone and seeing the surprise and delight in that person's eyes is the greatest high one could ever experience. A thousand ways more potent than any drugs ever invented or any herbs ever discovered. Believe me, I have been a recipient of kindness a dozen or more times and true enough, the saying "Kill them with kindness," is absolutely true. I think I have died a dozen times and more and this is probably my 20th, 50th or 100th life.

I give this book, 4/5 sets of cute baby clothes. A child is a gift, just as any amount of kindness is a gift to anyone. To the giver, what you give may not be much but to the receiver, who's desperate, you might just have saved him or saved his day. So, go on and spread the kindness. Any little thing done out of pure generosity, thoughtfulness and willingness to help will go a long way. It might just be what that person needs. Hope, even just a tiny spark is still hope. And in a dreary, desolate and desperate world, hope can light it up, even the darkest of corners.

UCO - Unidentified Crying Object

- Adam T. Hourlution, 3 Hour Dad - 

Thank you again, Adam T. Hourlution, for the review copy. I salute you for starting this kindness revolution. You are not alone. I know many others also tried and are still trying to achieve this very lofty and noble goal. I hope you will continue to inspire more people to join this movement. I know I am one and I have always been thankful for all the kindness that came my way. I try to do random kindness as much as I can because I know how it feels to be in need and desperate. One little spark is all a person needs.

You can also visit the author's website here and Goodreads.

Super Me by Jessica Dazzo | ARC | A Book Review

I got this from the Contact Us form of this blog. The author's husband, Mike, reached out and asked if I wanted to review his wife's book. I agreed, so here it is. 

I would like to apologize to Jessica and Mike Dazzo for taking a long time to get this review posted. I appreciate your understanding.

I've read this about a few months ago, more like sometime in 2018. So, when I was writing this review, I was trying to remember what stood out for me in this story. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember. Yes, I came up blank. I can't even remember what the story was about and why it was called Super Me. So, the ending was I have to browse through the book again. Reading through my highlighted passages but still nothing seems to jump at me. Last resort was to reread the book from the start. I know, it's ridiculous but it's my bad because I didn't write a review right away and my mind have gone through a few holidays. It seemed like it had archived all the data and I can't seem to retrieve them. Or maybe, it's because the book did not really leave a strong impression or imprint on me. Well, rereading the book will definitely prove or disprove that assumption. Let's find out.

So, the story started with the main character- Faye, hearing things differently. Actually, the story started with Faye hearing the name Lucan. Yes, she thought it was weird but when it started to happen very often, she stared thinking that her own mind is betraying her. And here's the fun part, a cute boy with the name Lucan transferred to her school. Is that coincidence or what? The troubling part is the name is the reason that mostly gets her embarrassed. One time, they were in class and she was asked to read for a character in Romeo and Juliet and she read something in the book that goes, "my Lucan" which was not actually what was written in the book. She was so humiliated that she can't get out fast enough from the classroom. 

So, how did it feel rereading this book? It actually felt like the first time. I can remember that I exactly felt the same emotions reading some of the sad parts of this story and going teary-eyed again. I mostly remembered the emotions, although what the story was about and how it went only came to me when I was more than halfway through my second reading of the book. I am not sure why I have no retention of the story. I might have probably slept-read through it the first time. Even as I tried to read some reviews to refresh my memory, nothing really stood out and sparked my memory. So, to be honest, I did not regret rereading this book. It was all worth it because the story has a way of making you involved. It was a way of making you a part of Faye's struggles. They're real enough that you won't say that this is all too much teenage drama. I do admit, the supernatural part was a bit unexpected. Yes, I too think that Faye's mind was betraying her. That she might have a mental condition. Good thing, though that it was far from that. 

In spite of the fact that the book left me no impression or anything as a point of recollection for me, I actually enjoyed reading this one for the second time. And believe me, I don’t' like rereading books or watching a movie for a second or third time. Though I did that about a time or two. I can't exactly remember what movie that was that I re-watched but I did it because I want to remember how the story went. Yes, I only do redo's when my memory seems to be failing. But I will definitely say, I have a very sharp memory. I can remember faces and names of classmates from grade school and some other things. Having said that, I do believe that this story was written with enough dose of reality in it or as real as it gets. I know I caught myself a few times on the brink of crying. I just had to check myself because I was at the office when I was reading again this story. Don't worry, I really had nothing to do. I am waiting for another set of accounts to be worked on which were still coming. I have hit my target on the first set of accounts and had only three problematic ones to follow up on. 

Anyway, I give this book 4/5 pairs of well-worn and comfortable snow boots. The story has a way of making you comfortable with Faye. At the same time, you will feel all her struggles to the point that you will feel uncomfortable. You will think of Faye as your friend and hope for the best that she will eventually be able to deal with all her issues. I won't call them "teenage drama" because calling it drama would be downplaying the seriousness and gravity of her situation. She has a lot to deal with including raising her mom who I think has a lot of growing up to do and should pay more attention to Faye. Faye deserves a better mom. It felt like she's the female version of Atlas with a lot of things thrust on her very young and vulnerable shoulders. No kid should be parenting a parent. That's definitely messed up and felt like the world has fallen off its axis. Sad but it's a reality to some teens. 

And why can't the world just go on pause for a second so I could have a breather?

-Jessica Dazzo, Super Me-

Thank you again Mike and Jessica Dazzo for the ARC. Again, sorry for the very delayed review. 

Marrying Mr. Valentine by Laura Barnard | Release Blitz

Title: Marrying Mr. Valentine

Author: Laura Barnard

Publish Date: February 14, 2019

Marrying Mr Valentine is now available to read for FREE via Kindle Unlimited 

mybook.to/MarryingMV  

Find out if Nicole is willing to put her heart and career on the line for the delicious Mr Valentine.

Nadine Roberts smiles for everyone, but beneath it she hides a heartbreaking past that only a few know about. Throwing herself into her new career; wedding planner at The Duck & Goose, a property recently purchased by newlyweds Florence and Hugh, has helped distract her from her loneliness.

When a teary bride suddenly cancels her upcoming wedding Nadine looks to the two year waiting list. Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. It’ll have to be a quick turnaround, but what’s the worst that can happen, right?

This should be like every other wedding she plans, but the magnetism she feels towards Mr Valentine disrupts the orderly life she’s worked hard to carve out. 

Can she ignore her intense desires and be a professional? Or will she open up her heart to the one person that has the power to break it? And in doing so endanger not just her job, but her venue’s reputation?

Amazon Best Seller Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or "chick lit" as it's so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Di Caprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She's a real fan of the power nap, loves setting her friends up together and of course READING!

​She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

Millioniare B&B by Robin Daniels | Release Blitz

Millionaire B&B

Author: Robin Daniels

Releases: 

February 1, 2019

Available on:

     Amazon  

Sadie is a successful romance author. She can write a swoon-worthy man with the best of them but can’t seem to find one for herself. Miles is the cute and wealthy heir to Copeland Press, Sadie’s publishing house. It’s hard to find a woman in his social circle who appreciates a down-to-earth book nerd.

When a twist of fate has Miles and Sadie double booked in the same vacation rental, they decided to share the cabin. Even though Miles isn't Sadie's type, she can't deny the chemistry between them. Sadie's down for a flirty fling but Miles has other plans. He's got a huge crush, and just one week to convince Sadie they were meant for a happily ever after.

Content Advisory: 

This is adult fiction and as such is steamier than my YA books. This book would not fall into the “clean and wholesome” category but is very tame compared to traditional adult romance. It includes heated/descriptive kisses and inner dialogue, innuendo, references to sex, implied sexual relationships, one fade-to-black scene, mild language and some drinking. There are no F words and there is no written sex. MPAA guidelines would put it at PG-13.

Robin loves writing romantic comedy because she’s a sarcastic goofball who constantly cracks jokes. She believes in funny fluff and happy endings. Robin lives outside of Phoenix with her husband, five children and naughty labradoodle puppy. You can find her in her home office nursing a giant Diet Coke or online at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram | 

Amazon

“What’ll it be?” I looked at Miles after grabbing Ethan’s beer and a Diet Coke for myself.

“What do you have?”

I leaned over and hung on the refrigerator door, surveying its contents. “Corona Light, some cheap boxed wine, orange juice, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, milk, water.” Miles hadn’t answered, and when I turned back, I caught him dragging his gaze away from my butt. “French vanilla creamer…” I teased, boring my eyes into him. He knew he was busted, but he played it off smoothly.

Miles chuckled. “I was going to say Dr Pepper, but you may have just sold me on the Coffee-Mate.” I grinned at his witty comeback, and his face lit up. Then he winked, and my heart skipped a beat.

There are all kinds of winkers in this world: the squinty winker, the rapid winker, the slow-motion winker, the blinker, the can’t-get-my-eye-closed-all-the-way half-blinker, and my least favorite, the over winker. Like Goldilocks, I decided Miles’s wink was just right.

“I’d have pegged you for a beer man,” I replied, handing Miles a Dr Pepper.

“I’m actually more of a wine guy. But I’ve just learned that wine with hamburgers is gross, and I’m trying to impress you.” I pressed my lips together. Was he teasing me or flirting with me? Because it sounded like a little of both.