Review: Forget the past

Forget the past by Claude Nougat is a fictional novel, which portrays "Sicilian" history through Bellomo family. Author’s writing is exceptional, which makes every transition in story seems more than real. The story is gripping and incredibly detailed, there are few historical references character references, which makes story even more appealing.

Supposedly, the last descendent of Bellomo family, is a seventeen year "Anthony Bellomo" or more commonly known as Tony. Anthony is a Computer Genius, a born hacker for whom programming is as easy as breathing. He becomes a top notch games programmer and is a part of one of the hottest teams in the video games industry. But on one fine day Anthony's whole world collapses, he's facing burnout! He starts asking himself what he is doing, with life, with genius-ness bestowed upon him and when he couldn't decide the answer he quits his job and decides to visit Sicily and explore his family roots, as it was his father’s wish before he died.

Once in Sicily, first place Anthony visits is Bellomo palace, Ortigia. But as it happens it was turned into a museum, and there wasn't even a single portrait of any Bellomo ancestor. Too disappointed and hungry, Anthony tries to figure out way to his hotel, and that's when he sees, Circolo di Conversazione : Circle of Conversation. Natural curiosity and born instincts make Anthony to check it out. But once inside he sees things that he shouldn't have. There were peoples, lot's of them.. waiting.. and preparing for the Judgement Day, and when he tries to get out of there, he couldn’t he was locked in… and thus the story starts!

"Forget the past" has a very unique plot, which keep its readers hooked and wanting for more. There are comprehensive and complete subplots each with a key character, which describe their life before coming to "Circolo di Conversazione". Though this book is really attentive to various characters, but it fails to get its readers to connect with protagonist of the story Anthony, a bit more information about him would have helped a lot to get bonded with him.

So on concluding notes i would say it's a great read, and I am really glad that it has a sequel to it, as it is the first book from "The Fear of the Past Trilogy". And I am really looking forward to reading remaining two books, but for the time being this book scores 4 of 5.

Review: Fire Angels

Have you ever wondered about World War I, or how was the life of peoples, almost hundred years before now? If yes, then Joseph Richardson's "Fire Angels" is the book for you. In his debut novel Joseph, who himself is a former Army veteran of the Korean War did spectacular job of portraying the time period of 1920's and WWI. The book has lot of substantial issues to disclose to its readers.

Fire Angels is a Historical fiction which will take its readers on a journey, back in time in 1917. It is a story from a small rural town 'walako' in Florida. The story begins just before America’s declaration to fight against Germany in WWI. Story evolves around main character David Cooper and his wife Sara. How David had to leave Sara and his new born baby, to fight for his nation. How Sara struggles through her life while waiting for her husband David to come home, back from war.

Readers will see devastation of war, like friends dying; through the eyes of David cooper. Some of this story is conveyed with letters conversed. Book also gives special emphasis on changes in society, how war changes people and their thinking. How war increase prejudice and hatred within peoples. This book is every bit engaging and fascinating as any highly acclaimed piece of literature. Book further explores how black peoples suffered social injustice, and how some peoples who claim to be patriot or some sort of war heroes, with intention of their personal gain. Now David not only has his own prejudice to fight but he also must battle political corruption in his town.

"Fire Angels" is a gripping story; it will absorb you into the era long lost and will show you true meaning of War. The writing style of Joseph Richardson will occupy his readers mind into the story right from first page. Book is well paced and will definitely keep you hooked for hours. The title "Fire Angels" is justifiable and its reason is revealed at almost end of the book. There were some formatting issues with eBook copy, but were easily ignorable and they could have been isolated issues.

This book not just has a great plot but the execution of the plot is also great which made it one of the best books I ever read. There is great bit of detailing of the old days, for example I learned to start a war aircraft, isn't that cool? This book is a deserving candidate for 5 out of 5 stars.

Review: So There

Did you ever fall in love..? Can you still recall that first time you ever voiced your feelings..? Or the feel when you are in relationship which is much more than friendship..? That fluttering of heart, uncertainty, anticipation, curiosity, and Fun is at the core of William O. Wing's fanciful romantic comedy novel, "...So There". This book is author’s biography; book is filled with authors rich memories coupled with his imagination which make this one of the best and most interesting story.

As the main protagonist as well as the story's narrator "William O." is just Eleven years old kid, he uses lot's of "kidspeak" and to understand it you will have to read "Kid's Dictionary", which is written at the beginning of the book. The best example would be, "Best … Better … Much Better … Far Better … Bestest." and you can use it like this, “When it came to smooching, Sonja was best, but Kathy was better, Brighty was much better, Bebe was far better, however, Carmen was the bestest smoocher in the universe"

"In everyone’s life there shall be a moment or two when time stands still and we see our lives move in slow motion for just a fraction of a second, and this telling moment may be good or bad … but it will be one that we shall never forget", and this is exactly what happened with William O, when he first met "Carmen Maria". Carmen is a new girl on the block, and when William sees her for the first time, he falls his head over hills for her. They soon become friends then family friends and before they know it they are boyfriend and girlfriend. Book covers various aspects of daily life of protagonists like their visits to Quacker Park, wills dinner at Carmen’s house, all the while they get to know each other. There's Dance, Will’s sleepover and then there’s Football match.

This story is about two 11 year olds, facing various adventures of their lifetime at the same time, they are going through soon-to-be-teens syndrome, which makes them attract towards each other. Some dialogues might sound too much forward for a eleven years kid, but if you ignore that, then this book is filled with lots of Fun rides. This book falls under the category of, "it's the journey, not the destination" books, which means it’s not like mystery novel where you solve the case and done it’s about how the life was lived. Through this book author gives message to Living lives to the fullest, which is what life is all about. Being happy, healthy and head over heels in love with the person that you plan to spend the rest of your life with … It’s called true love. And what can be better than this.

On concluding notes, I would like to share that, I really enjoyed reading this book. Reading this book was a fun filled experience. With definite character set and fluid writing style this book scores 4 out of 5.

Review: Launch Out Into The Deep

"Launch Out Into The Deep" by Acacia Slaton Beumer, not only has a beautiful cover-art but also a deep insightful message for everyone. The Book is divided into 28 chapters which spans across 180 pages. Easy going language of the author makes this book a smooth read. Each chapter has at least one Poem (Each one is as good as the other) here's few verse lines from "Introduction" of the Book "Launch Out Into the Deep"

Fear not my child, for I am near.
I will wipe away every tear.

may not come when you want Him to,
but He’s the Lord Almighty, He knows what to do.

Look towards the horizon and you will see,
your path through the storm to your destiny.

Each Chapter in this book represents a Personal experience of author, with "The Supreme Power". Now this might sound pretty heavy but actually it's not, on the contrary almost each encounter/event is very practical and could happen with anyone. Each chapter teaches its readers a moral, which will help them to strengthen their will power, overcome depression, and will bring their life more close to spiritual enlightenment.

Acacia once said, "As we walk through this journey of life, we are going to have regrets and make countless errors. The issue is not the number of times we’ve made mistakes, or the number of times we’ve failed, but the lessons learned." So to learn few of these lessons without having to make a mistake you can read this book.

Although this book is heavily emphasized on Christian beliefs it will help anyone looking for answers. Let's look at a situation, in today’s world, where everyone specially teenagers are exposed to certain temptations, be it Alcohol, drugs, sex, greed anything.. this book will guide them to protect their virtue.

Few beautiful lines from the book which will emphasis this point:

Temptations come and temptations go;
if I resist the bait I will stand tall and grow.
If I fall prey to temptations then shame greets me;
an unwanted guest here to humiliate me.

Even the most prolific writer of all time Professor Issac Asimov once said, “The Saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom."

Critically, the book is well written and stick to the point of being a road for upliftment of human soul, but somewhere along the lines author forgot to consider non-Christian readers, which makes all preaching of "The Savior" little hard to get used to. But that doesn't mean this book isn't for non-Christian readers, because no matter what you believe or if you believe, everyone makes a mistake and this book will help them to learn from those mistakes

"only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." - John Powell

So to conclude, this is a great book & as a reader I learned lot of good things from it. A sure contender for 4 Out of 5 stars.

Review: Armando’s daughter

Armando’s daughter by R.J.Blute is a fictional novel depicting time period of late Sixties. Author himself was a teenager in late sixties and so is his protagonist, Armando’s daughter, Cassandra and now this might be my pure speculative instinct speaking but this must be the reason why this novel came into being. Writing style of R.J.Blute is good but can improve a lot with small tweaks.

One way to describe the main character, Cassandra is to tell you, she is Funny & have trait of acting stupidly or rashly and not just that she is way too much sarcastic, so no matter what reader think about this book but he/she is going to learn few great comeback lines of all time. The name Armando got that weight which without telling let readers know he's Don and would be something like good old Godfather, and that's exactly who he is a Sicilian Mafia. His contribution in the novel is not likely to arouse any controversy because he surely is an interesting character. Similarly Grandmother of Cassandra, Nonna, she is brainsick or to be more polite she is affected with insanity. There were times when I couldn't put finger on who is suppose to be brutal Grandma or Armando.

Cassandra’s mom's boyfriend is making indecent advances towards Cassandra so to get rid of him she sought professional help of her father Armando. Now the question is How would Armando punish him? Or would he? What would Cassandra do on her own? etc.. Fairly detailed, this book is 320 pages of entertainment, except for dialogs; they were way too much accented for my liking few lines here and there is one thing & on every page is exactly opposite. With a sigh, i told myself "Calmati" (calm down) and completed this book within a week.

Here’s a good example of dialogs, where Armando is talking with Eddie

 “Relax Eddie, will ya. I’m wit my muddah and daughter, fer Christsakes. Just get me a table, my legs are botherin me. And fer Christsakes, do not stick us by da shitters!”

This book is what you call average, nothing too flashy (except funny & gritty) nothing too feeble (except some highly accented dialogs). This book excels on point of having a good Plot to build a strong story but lacks on point of actually building it. So with that this book is 3 out of 5 stars.

Review: Exit

Book Title: Exit: How to Leave Debt Forever

Author: Nicholas Maze

Review:

In "Exit" author Nicholas L. Maze shows its readers the amazing amount of power that money possesses. Starting with the basic concepts such as, Money & Credit author lay down a foundation; on which reader’s new life to be a Debt free person will begin. It has been said that approximately 80% of the Americans (excluding minors) are in debt. 80% of this country is struggling with financial problems. To take those first few correct steps towards financial savvy life, this literature is important.

No matter what your current financial condition is, if you follow the guidelines given in this book you will find yourself benefiting from this book. Now there are people who will dress up as another sex, steal from friends, betray family, and perform sexual acts for money. That lust and desire to obtain great wealth alters our conscious But, having a love for money and desiring to be successful are two different things.

This literature is a format for becoming successful financially. Being successful is not about chasing money. It is about living comfortably and prospering, and to do that author has shown a very practical and easy to follow guidelines.

Author also brings out the topic of how many people fail to realize that, there is financial gain in debt. How some peoples who have their hands deep in the financial soil bid on increase in debt, because there is so much money that can be made from debt. as the book progresses author bring out, how small changes in your expenditure style can help you secure financial stability. And once you are financially stable, how you can cycle the money to watch your wealth grow. Later author shows how to spread wealth for this author gives classic fishing scenario: "If you give a person a fish, they'll eat for a day. If you teach that person how to fish, they'll eat for a lifetime."

This book was not written to be a meal ticket. This book was written to help those that are in a financial struggle. In author’s words, "It is the knowledge that one is able to pour into someone that brings the true success. Knowledge has no value. Knowledge is priceless." So at the end of the day if one is looking for a book that can guide him/her on the path of Financial freedom and how to generate wealth not just for yourself but generations to come then this is a must read.

Review: A Satan Carol

Book Title: A Satan Carol
Author: Alan S. Kessler


Penned by Alan S. Kessler “A Satan Carol” is a fictional horror novel, with very unique writing style this book shows its readers a plan/plot which spans centuries, this plan evolve around many protagonist each with their own story, but as the book progresses their individual story seems just a part of the big puzzle, a puzzle when solved will complete quest of The Satan himself.

“Of all creation’s bounty realized, God’s greatest gift, the gift by Him most prized, is the freedom He bestowed upon the will.” - Dante, The Paradiso.
These lines bring out the reason why god chose to give us Free will, but is it really why? Or is it because, Free will is the reason God can absent Himself from our lives without feeling guilty. Is free will a gift to humanity, or is it a gift God gave Himself? Freedom is useful if its compost for growing something new, and the Satan is using this freedom to create a new world where he will be known as The Savior.

Over the course of the book The Satan (a.k.a Mr. Green), using his charming personality manipulate the
characters, always acting from behind the curtains and pulling the strings so as to get what he wants, A Golden Soul.

The book deals with daily life of characters. How some of them chose the wrong path, a path against morals, path of wrong over right, they forgot the ethics just for the sake of some material benefit be it money, recognition or sex. But there were some people who despite all the lures, temptations sticked to the lessons of morality.

Book explains some people might delude themselves thinking their life gone all wrong because of the mischiefs by Satan but they forget one always has choice. The book contains some Animal mutilation, cannibalism because of which reader’s discretion is advised.

The book “A Satan Carol” has lot to offer but only to those who are ready, thus justifying it’s surtitle of being “A Spiritual Horror Story for Secular Readers”. As a reader I enjoyed the story and learned lots of things, one thing above all which I would like to share with all of you, “Family matters & Money does not always equates to Happiness”. This book is a deserving candidate for 4 out of 5 starts.

Review: They Still Call Me Sister

Book Title: They Still Call Me Sister
Author: Deborah Plummer Bussey

"They Still Call Me Sister" by Deborah Plummer Bussey is a Fictional novel, in which Main character Kathy Carpenter is trying to prove a murder which is being allegedly called as Suicide. Author, Deborah Bussey's writing is exceptionally lucid, which makes "They Still Call Me Sister" a great read.

The Story kicks off with Main character moving out of her house leaving her friends, family, and her life behind to joins Convent. In other words, "She leaves all things behind to follow Christ”. The whole book is like a big puzzle and various chapters are its pieces, as reader unravels more and more pieces the picture becomes clearer and clearer. The Story highlights, Kathys life when she was in Convent, how even after living in Convent for almost 14 years she was unable to connect with her life as Nun. Increasing chaos between what to do and what should be done, she finally ask, her release form vows. Later Kathy continues to work as a professional Psychiatrist. A girl named Chanelle who is beautiful, smart, simple and well paid but depressed comes to Kathy. Chanelle and Kathy know each other from Kathys days as nun, and they share a mutual bond like a mother and daughter. One day Chanelle is found dead. Kathy knows better than to call it a suicide and thus Tina (Kathys sister) and Kathy, starts search of the killer. What they found in their research of Mystery death is the bad face of the Social life, few poor choices and whole life down the drain.

The story starts in the year 1977 and suddenly second chapter talks about year 2005, so it was a bit confusing for me as to what is happening. But as I read along within few minutes it all started to make sense. Easy readability of story is one thing that many authors lack as they use lot of unnecessarily weighted words just to sound know-it-all but that's not the case with Deborah, her writing is as natural as two friends conversation, simple and sweet.

The book shows diversifying aspects which includes Psychology, Mystery, Death, Homicide, Suicide, Drugs, Convent, Sleuths Sisters, these aspects guides us to do something better with our life and not to waste it like some of the character in the book did.

This book surely is a nice read. You will not only be finishing a great book with this but might also learn a lesson for a life time. This book is deserving 4 out of 5 star candidate.

Review: The American Challenge

Book Title: The American Challenge 
Author: Robert C. Etheredge

In the book "The American Challenge" author Robert Etheredge takes you on a journey where you will see very foundation of One of the greatest nation in world, America. This book is brought into existence to help Americans learn more about their country and keep the American dream alive. This book is well written and chapterised to help readers if they want to fine tune only specific areas of their knowledge, for instance If one want to know great speeches in American History then all they have to do is turn to Chapter 8 which deals with speeches from Patrick Henry (1773) to Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Woodrow Wilson and many others.

Book starts with History of America wherein author showed a Historical Timeline which is really helpful to analyze major events in past 1000 years. This timeline itself spans almost one third of the book. There after author gives briefs about Presidents, from First President George Washington to the current Barack H. Obama. Later in the book there are maps of U.S. ranging from year 1600 to current national parks. Then there is Founding Documents brief, a whole chapter on How Government works, American Heroes. Then there is a chapter on Histories great speeches from many influential Americans, which is followed by various Poems and Songs. And lastly there is a Citizenship test which will help to access information gained form this book.

On concluding note Author writes, "Our country needs an informed and active citizenry as never before. And that means understanding our history, knowing how the government works, and being familiar with the documents that guide our country. This should be a goal of all Americans, whether native-born or naturalized. New citizens are the building blocks of America’s future, and everyone benefits when they become participating and informed members of our society. Native-born citizens have an equal responsibility to stay informed about their country—a recent poll of American citizens showed that more than one-third of them would fail the U.S. Citizenship Test given to immigrants." - Robert C. Etheredge, The American Challenge. MiraVista Press.

This book might have been written to help native as well as immigrant Americans to know their history of America and help one to pass Citizenship test but that doesn’t mean that's the scope of this book. This book is for anyone who want to know more about one of the Finest nation in the world, it's history, it's legacy. This book is for any Enthusiast who likes America for what it is and what it once was. This book surely is a Gem in my collection and a deserving 5 out of 5 star rating.

Review: Operation Overlord

Book Title: Operation Overlord
Author: Jack Patterson


Review:
Today we live in the shadows of a tree called "Freedom", but this very tree was planted on hundreds probably thousands of soldiers death bed. We take our freedom for granted and forget that there was time not so long in past when you had to fight with your life to earn this freedom. Operation overlord by Jack Patterson is a historical novel which spellbinds its readers to the era of World War II wherein life and death were just a step away, when villages and cities were burned to dust over night. This is a story of a young soldier (author himself) who enrolled in military to serve his nation in time of need. Story highlights life of a solder through his friendship his courage and his dedication for his nation.

"Operation Overlord" was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the operation that launched the invasion of German occupied western Europe during World War II by allied forces. Author is a veteran from World War II and in this book he is describing his first hand experience to describe war itself.

Pat was 18, young and inexperienced. He joined army to be a soldier and to defend his nation while leaving behind his education. Book describes Pats progress through basic training, his shipment overseas, and his experiences in Great Britain. Story continues with pats landing on Omaha Beach, where he was assigned to the Fifteenth Field Artillery Battalion, there his experience with his battalion. Later He fought through battles in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He saw Germany's soldiers surrender while his battalion was in Czechoslovakia. And as the war comes to an end his return to his home. But after almost 50 years to the war Pat returns to his once battlefield and pays his respects for lost loved ones.


In War one has to fight to protect the things that mattered like family, friends and nation. Reading Jack Patterson's account of his wartime experiences is truly phenomenal. At times this book made my eyes moist and others I was left with smiling face. Story is filled with Light humors between comrades and fascinating yet terrifying deeds of WWII. This book is a must read to anyone who want to know more about WWII. This story is worth every star out of 5 stars.

Review: Superman's Cape

Title : Superman’s Cape
Author: Brian Spangler

Review :
In Superman’s cape author Brian Spangler portrays life of Sara Connely and her children. How Sara’s moral, emotional and financial support Chris dies tragically in armed robbery, in front of his both children. Now Sara is trying her best to keep her world together, but watching their father die in front of their eyes leaves her oldest son Kyle with anger which he readily display on any one who comes in his way and youngest son Jonnie with survivor's guilt because of which he won’t talk to anyone. Sara is now left with no money and two young children to take care of, and add to this she is emotionally broken on the inside.

One day Kyle gets into an argument with his mother, and storms out of the trailer into the unknown lengths of forest, but later when his anger subsides he tries to find his way back home but he couldn’t and to make the matters even worse there is a storm building which would soon turn into a hurricane and would hit the cost. Amidst all this chaos a ray of hope to save Kyle appears in form of a new character, Jacob Hansen. Jacob is gifted as he has the ability to sense things before they happen.

Kyle is struggling for his life in unknown forest as killer winds of hurricane continue to blow. Jacob has a very special gift but will it be enough to save Kyle? Or he will get some help from someone least expected?

Superman’s cape is a book which touches various aspects of life. Brian Spangler did a great job with his words. His words create a virtual world with all the emotions and characters and give them life. I really enjoyed this tragic story of normal family in not so normal circumstances, and I think you as fellow reader will enjoy this too.

Thus with Solid foundation and great character building, Superman’s cape scores 4.5 stars out of 5. A must read.

Review: The Slut Always Rides Shotgun

Book Title: The Slut Always Rides Shotgun
Author: Dave Matthes

Review:
Here’s a book that will give you the edge you require in day to day life. it will change the way you think for sure. The book title might be misinterpreted and you might think this book is all about Cheesy romance but guess what that would be dead wrong. This book brought freshness to the whole genre. Frankly speaking I can't consume whole cheesy romance novel (never). As I picked up this book to read and read first few pages i knew this is something different . I don't think you guys will ever understand what i am trying to say here without reading this book.

Still let’s talk about the book, almost all if not all facts and were well written and presented. Book contains lot of talks about Day to day problems of Narrator, with emphasis on sex and Love. Author I guess is trying to show, the indifference between being in love with someone and simply loving them, because when it came down to the question of Love the answer with highest rating is Sex.

Here are few lines that I thought were very ingenious(kindaa),

"Angela's and my relationship as co-workers went something like that on a nightly basis; give or take a few verbal bites and nibbles. If I had it my way, I’d take her in the goddamn freezer every chance I got…but I wasn’t that cock-almighty to be able to maintain a boner dick-deep in below-zero temps. No fucking way. But who knows; I mean, I’ve never actually tried out fucking in a freezer. I might be able to pull it off..."

This book is kind of Journal/diary you keep if you are born with writers genes. Personally I’ll give 3.5 out of 5 just for sheer consistency of author's unique way to present the situation and witty statements in the book which made me complete the book in no time. But if you ask me, If i would ever consider it for second time read so the answer would be may be once or twice ;)

Review: The Other Covenant

Book Title: The Other Covenant vow of the seven: Book One
Author: Caroline Crosby

Review:

Caroline Crosby has a way with the words that lets you Visualize what you are reading, and here is a masterpiece by her "The Other Covenant vow of the seven: Book One"

Richard Bennett is the head of a secret occult organization called "The Covenant", members within this organization are people with Psychic abilities. Together Covenant help each other out to prosper and punish those who betray them, or pose a threat to them.

One night Richard Bennett meets Elizabeth Mitchell. Elizabeth had heard stories about Richard and considered him to be an evil person, but Richard makes a request to Elizabeth to protect his wife from black magic. This call for help from evil master is something she had not foreseen and was surprised. But she knows that she cannot refuse or more specifically she had vowed not to refuse as an Occult enforcer.

The same night when he met Elizabeth, Richard dies of heart attack, or so the medical reports showed. But it didn't took long for Elizabeth to know that this was Black magic. To bring justice to Richard's death and to protect his widow from Black magic, Elizabeth would have to hunt down those responsible. To help her in this task she finds allies from an occult hunting lodge, who hunt psychic criminal, and her cousin, a former Marine. Thus story revolves around Elizabeth's quest to find Richard's murderer. Will she be able to hunt down Richard's murderers? Will she be able to punish them? The story involves History of Covenant, Richard Bennett's life and Elizabeth's attempt to find the person behind Richards death all the while protecting Richards widow, Althea.

The story contains real life historical events, lives of peoples with Psychic abilities and Modern day humors punchlines. Caroline did a commendable job while describing characters and places. This book presents you with a plot that is unmistakably a great read, and well worthy of 4 out of 5 stars.

Review : The Sea Is Not Black

Book Title :The sea is not black
Author : J V Black

Review :
Writing of JV Love shows uniqueness that you see in any Very famous writer. His words bind you and your mind, He shows you various emotions that otherwise are hidden in depths of one's heart. You feel his every word and within you, you know that they mean something.

The Sea Is Not Black & other stories

Is a collection of four short stories

Sea is not black: it is a story about a man who's gone back on his vows, his morals, his Judgment and everything one holds dear to one's life just for money. But now the time has come... Every action have equal and opposite reaction... A gripping Short story which will left you with wet eyes and a new lesson about life and happiness

Alice's Sasquatch:  Alice is paleontology student, knee deep in debts and desperate for graduation, she will do anything. There is one catch though, she hates paleontology. While a dig in Montana Alice accidentaly come across something. Now she can get lots of money or Fame as a paleontologist.  But what would she decide Money or career in something that she hates.

Without Regret: It is a historical fiction story about Life and what matters in life, where single mistake on your part could get you killed. It is a story about Escape from pain & suffering and embracing the final judgment of human life.

Hold the Line: A historical fiction story, this story brings us close to the Days of WWII, and shows us the Cruelty of War. Families were separated, houses burned. What you will do to defend your nation if all you have is shovel against tanks and machine guns.

Once you are through with this book, you will have no denying of JV Loves writing qualities.

Review: From the Chyrsalis

Book Title: From The Chyrsalis

Author: Karen Black

Set in the mid nineties "From the Chyrsalis" by Karen E. Black is a story of Falling in love and other challenges associated with it. In real life Karen (the author) work as a reference librarian which I might say not just made this novel more appealing but also historically enriched. The Kingston Penitentiary Riot is at the core of this romance book.

Liza is fourteen, fascinated with butterflies is like a free spirit but contained, shy, and a normal teen none the less (while I don't recall any teen being normal), Liz is a what you might call a good girl, she fancies Dace. Dace Devereux is her cousin, but every bit opposite to what Liz is. He is what society calls a bad influence, and is on his way to prison for manslaughter. Though Dace is not "Mr. Perfect in every aspect" but he is good at heart, he loves Liza and he prefers to die rather than betraying a friend. Dace’s character got that depth, which makes you want to know more about him and as it happens author actually did provide us with lots of info on him.

Now you might be wondering if this book is about love between Liza and Dace, while dace is in prison how do they maintain their relationship... well did you guess it yet? If not, don't sweat it. Without giving out too much I can at least tell you that they write each other love letters. Their attraction which started as a crush over time becomes an obsession.

Book also features some beautiful stanzas like this one:

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.
*[Poe, Edgar Allen, “Annabel Lee”]

This book shows lot of ups and downs in both protagonists life. There are places when it's better if you have tissue paper near. The story is compelling and will certainly keep you hooked too. Book looks at the prospects like, what changes can you make in your life by hardworking and on the other hand despite all this hardworking how 'Fate' determines what your life's going to be.
So a story which starts as a teenage crush to a lesson for a life time. with 4 of 5 stars, this book is a must read.