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Book Review: Blindsided: Essays From The Only Black Woman In The Room

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I came across the audio version of this book as a recommendation while reading another anthology of essays. It was a short read to listen to, and narrated by the author ( which I love). The title really grabbed me, so I gave it a listen.

How does a black woman maintain her sense of self, when most of her friends are white? In public spaces and private, Dawn Downey is under attack by an onslaught of microaggressions. She struggles to find balance between personal relationships and personal integrity. In the process, she unconsciously takes on characteristics of the privileged. But after a photo of a racist toy shows up in her social media feed, she discovers her black power.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review- Really Enjoyable! Four Stars

 

Like I said this was a nice surprise find as an audio book. I really enjoy listening to the essays and experiences of others. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was certain that I would get some first hand accounts of the author’s experience in the USA as a woman of colour. That I certainly got, but in an unexpected way, I found that it was witty in places, humorous, and I could feel the author’s (sarcastic) sense of humour shining through as she narrated her own work.

There are probably anywhere near ten or just over this essays here, and each one is set in a different context, location, and experience of her realising that, well yes–she is the ‘only black woman in the room’ and sometimes this was a problem ( not on her behalf) mainly from what I got other people. Not every encounter the author recalls is a clear ‘OMG how could anyone say or do that’ moment, some of her experiences are with people who simply did not know how to react to her, from they way I interpreted things. The issue with this was that not only did the author have to deal with this, the other person/people had to learn and adapt. Which in this day and age one might find strange. I mean, c’mon why in the twenty-first century does anyone need to adapt to another human being of a different skin tone?  A lot of these people were ‘friends’ of the author, or associates at places where she carried out her hobbies such as yoga class. My favourite stand out essays are these below, these are not the names of them but how I referred to them in my notes via the topic they cover:

 

Natural Hair- This was the first essay I listened to, I enjoyed the humour in her experience as a teen/ young lady learning to manage her hair with the help of a friend, and a white step-mother. I also really enjoyed listening to her finding ‘proudness’ in herself. The author mentions ‘freedom and confidence’ in the essay, it was really enjoyable a great start to the collection.

The Restaurant- this was an essay which highlighted the author’s experience of subtle racism or bigotry behaviour at a restaurant with her husband ( who we later learn in a non-black man, if I remember correctly he is white). I found the essay in some places heartbreaking as the author shows her experience of simply asking to have her apple pie to go, and her receiving the burnt and uneatable part of the pie, along with some other subtle behaviour that would raise an eyebrow from the staff. Clearly it was not a mistake by the restaurant, as this part of the pie was totally uneatable. However the author played on her humour and sarcasm again with the ‘mmm, maybe it was a mistake’, ‘ ah you know, maybe this or that happened’ and in a way made ‘excuses’ for the restaurant. It reminded me of when people  are gas lighted about their experiences, or made to feel that ‘oh it’s not that bad,’  with the excuses she made. Clearly, this was all tongue-in-cheek , I could tell it was to play up how often  society encourage ‘making excuses’ and ‘ overlooking’ certain things if someone points out their experience. Well, at least that’s how I interpreted it! A really good listen this one was, as I was not expecting the direction it went in.

Jazzy- this essay focused on her experience of seeing a Facebook post that she interpreted one way, then there was a re-post of it by her friend ( who originally posted it),  then the author interpreted it another way. Again it was lovely to listen to and experience the author’s own thought processes as she processed internally what she had seen posted by a ‘friend,’ that clearly didn’t consider her friends of colour.

Overall it was a really nice introduction to the author’s work, personality, and experience in life. It reminded me of listening to something that Alice Walker might write:  personal accounts on society, being a woman, race etc. this expectation was what drew me to the book, it didn’t disappoint. I do recommend it to those who enjoy these kind of works or anyone who is a fan of ‘Alice Walker style essays.’

Book Review: Conversations With God Book 1 ( Non-Fiction)

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Well, what can I say the title of the book is not one I would naturally gravitate to, as I simply am not religious at all but highly spiritual. Judging by the title I would have assumed this was a very religious book, on the contrary I learned so much and fell right in love with it!

Conversations with God Book 1 began a series that has been changing millions of lives for more than ten years. Finally, the bestselling series is now a movie, starring Henry Czerny (The Pink Panther and Clear and Present Danger) and Ingrid Boulting (The Last Tycoon). Produced and directed by Stephen Simon (producer of Somewhere in Time and What Dreams May Come) and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Fox Home Entertainment, the theatrical release is set for October 27, 2006. The movie is the true account of Walsch (played by Cierny), who went from an unemployed homeless man to an “accidental spiritual messenger” and author of the bestselling book

My Review- 5 mind-blowing stars!

This book is totally not what I expected, I found out about it as I was listening to a YouTuber who I follow. The way she described the book and took a passage from it related to what she was talking about, made me sit up and take note. I listened to the audio-version and followed along with the paperback. The first thing to say is this is not a book on religion, God, the Bible in the context that you may may imagine it to be this book covers:

  • The myths of man-made beliefs about God and religion.
  • Why it’s better to not confirm to mainstream religions.
  • Discovering why you are here, who you are, and how the natural laws of the universe and things like Law of Attraction really work.

I must say, this book opened my eyes mainly via the way that it is written. The author penned it in what he calls a series of meditative ‘conversations with God’. He wrote ‘an angry letter’ to ‘God’ complaining about life, then started to literally hear the responses to his questions. This is commonly called ‘automatic writing’ if you have ever heard of it, you write in a meditative  state. The book follows the author as he poses some serious questions about life, the meaning of it, life after death, and the universe to the ‘God’ or voice he hears.

We as readers read the conversation as it happens, and it is is just wonderful. What I really liked about this book is that there was a male and female narrator so we are not led to believe that whatever or whoever you consider to be ‘God’ or a creator is male alone. In fact this book and the responses the author heard and recorded makes it pretty clear that there is no real ‘God’ in the way we are led to believe, just energy.

Generally speaking this is a very eye-opening book that those with an open mind, spiritually inclined, and non- religious would appreciate. If you believe in the universe and the wonders of it, believe that we are all energy and connected you may want to check out this book, and see exactly what answers the author got, during his conversations with ‘God’ and I use the term ‘God’ very loosely, you can also say conversations with an energy in the universe.

There are four books in the series and I went straight on to book two. This first book focuses mainly on self-realisation, understanding the myths around the universe, ‘God’ in the sense of a man in the sky who is a jealous and vengeful God, who punishes is really not what we should be buying into, and this may offend those who are deeply religious. If that’s you stay away from this book. It’s such a refreshing, uplifting, and spiritual non-faith based  read for the those with a curious mind, it could even be life changing if it lands in the right hands. I recommend it.

Book Review: ‘Autumn in Connecticut’ by E.S McMillan ( Romance) 4.5 Heart-Felt Stars #100BooksChallenge

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Book #7 for my #100BooksChallenge, I’ve had this title on my Kindle since last summer, really glad I read it. I just love these bite sized novellas that you can read in a few hours, if that. I’ve never read anything by this author, when I finished I felt that this was a really good introduction to her style of romance writing.

About The Book:

Autumn
I thought I had more time. I thought I was going to be different from my mother and her mother before her. I did everything right and still, all I have is six months left.
After receiving the news that my short life was almost over, I made the decision to stop what I was doing and open up my notebook to the page of things that I wanted to do and see before I closed my eyes forever.

Jax
I stepped up! I signed my name on the dotted line and bravely served my country. I did and saw things that no man ever should. When my time was up and it was time to go home, it hit me. I was not the same bright-eyed and bushy-tailed boy who left home. All I wanted to be some peace and quiet. I found it at Arrington Farms & Orchards with Old Gus and his apple trees.
When these two broken souls cross paths will they be able to let go of the anger that consumes them and let in the love they both thought they would never have?

4 Half Stars High Res Stock Images | Shutterstock

4.5 heart-felt and touching stars

I enjoyed the novella. It was such a heart-felt, touching, and very unexpected story. The latter I mean in terms of the actual story-line and journey Jax and Autumn go on. It was a smooth read, very easy to get into, and the characters stood out well. It was easy to place myself in the shoes of each character. Without giving too many spoilers Autumn has the world at her feet, she’s a young lady in her twenties living with her best friend. She finds out some life changing news, and decides to live her best life! She takes a trip away from her home town, based on the news she receives. (It’s not great by the way). There she meets Jax, and a whole new direction follows for them both.

This bite sized novella intertwined many aspects where the characters in the present day, are linked via the past. It almost felt like a ‘fated’ romance for her and ‘second chance romance’ for him. Overall it was nice reading, and very refreshing to read a story where bad news is delivered but it sets the characters on their true path, before fate really does take over. An interesting romance in many ways due to this unique spin. Life is not a bed of roses. I really liked it! My only wish list is, I would have loved to know more about Autumn’s mother and her relationship with her dad– the family dynamic here, why she fled away. 4.5 stars from me, I would read more from the author. I recommend this novella if you like contemporary romance, interracial romance, romance with a difference give E.S McMillan a try. Free on Kindle Unlimited too at the time of this review.

Book Review: ‘ Oh What a Night’, By Nika P (AA Romance Novella) 4 Unique Stars! #100BooksChallenge

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What a really unique story, and in some ways thought provoking. Book #6 of my #100BooksChallenge. I stumbled across the book via another review posted on Facebook. The review sold it to me. I really enjoyed the ‘difference’ in this love story. It’s also free to read on Kindle Unlimited.

About The Book:

Ari has had it with relationships. One loser after another in her quest to get over the “great one”. What Ari doesn’t realize is when you’re not looking is usually when the right one shows up….
Lennox is tired of women with high standards and no substance. He wants someone real but he has responsibilities that keep him from venturing too far…
What happens when an unlikely match is placed in a circumstance that they need to depend on each other for survival? What happens when one night leads to so much more?

Four Stars Pin - West Coast Uniforms and Accessories

4 unique and thought provoking stars!

I’m not even going to lie, I got into this author’s writing style so quick! From page one the main character Ari really kicks off. I read very quickly and I woke up one morning at 10.a.m. rather than 6.a.m., because I was reading this look. I found the character’s very interesting, I found the story-line very interesting, then there was a really unexpected turn. This made the story even more so interesting, and very unique. I was so happy to experience this and to see how things would play out. This novella is a quick read, but really does hold a ‘moral of the story’ vibe to it, if you allow yourself to be opened up to it. Ari and an unexpected male cross paths, he’s struggling with a sense of who he is, and is in an interracial relationship. Ari is pretty heart broken with a story of her own.

At the same time, this is where I would have LOVED the author to deep dive into this. Both Ari and the main male character she becomes involved with (via the plot twist), experience a deep shift in their personality, thought process, and who they are as people. This was clear to see from their chapter POV’s, the author did a wonderful job at showing this. I felt as a reader I could feel the change in Ari and her main man as individual people. However I felt that it was skimmed over just slightly, especially the male! I would have loved to be shown his ‘change of heart, maturity, and new outlook’ he had following when his path crossed with Ari’s. For example the inner struggles he may have faced, as his change of view was deep! So deep it was like he was a brand new man, no longer who he was. I would have loved that. That said, I still enjoyed this and loved the message, characters, and how the author so uniquely penned this story. It really was rather touching to read. As a first time reader I would for sure read more of her romance. 4 unique and touching stars from me! I’m glad I read it. It’s so unique and has a strong message I could never not read anoher book!

Book Review: ‘ His True Protectors’ ( Menage Romance/Mystery) 4 ‘Spicy’ stars! + $10.00 Giveaway. #100BooksChallenege

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His True Protectors
True Detective Series Book 2
by Lynn Chantale
Genre: Mystery Ménage Romance
 
 
 
Revenge is his game, and Black Hemlock is willing to do anything to settle the score.
For years, Black Hemlock has been biding his time, sulking that bragging rights to a long ago cyber heist was snatched from him. Throw in betrayal and a broken heart, and he has the perfect motive for murder.
Once more True Detective Agency is called in to assist in finding the perpetrator, this time using Carson as bait. Fearless and capable, Carson has no problem going head-to-head with a killer with a penchant for poison.
As the trio delves into the lives and deaths of the victims, a buried secret could destroy them all.
 
**Contains Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence and strong language. Also contains strong BDSM themes**
 
 
 
His True Love
True Detective Series Book 1
 
 
In a small town, in a popular bar, beautiful women disappear. This could just be a coincidence, but private investigators, Carson, Matt and Nathalie don’t believe in them. So they go undercover.
However, when one of the missing women turns up dead, the trio is disturbed to learn the woman bore a striking resemblance to Nathalie; they increase their efforts. When Nathalie disappears from the same bar, Carson and Matt will do anything to find her.
 
*Contains explicit descriptions of sex, strong language, and descriptions of violence.*
 
 
 
 
Lynn Chantale resides in Southwest Florida and she is determined to enjoy all that life has to offer. She has a mad affinity for milk chocolate, preferably Dove chocolate truffles or the caramel-filled squares (Godiva is acceptable), and plays the bass guitar when the Muse begs for a bit of distraction.
She’s a multi-published author in ebooks and has recently stepped into the self-publishing world. So far both experiences have been rewarding.
 
 
 
#PMInc will provide a 15% discount for anyone that is referred by or mentions
Silver Dagger Book Tours!!
 
 
 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 
$10 Amazon giftcard,
eBook copy of His True Love
-1 winner each
 
 

4 Spicy Stars!

Thank you to Sliver Dagger Book Tours for my review copy, all opinions are my own. My gosh, I read the first book when this book was on tour last year my review is here. It was a very interesting and engaging read. Book two for me give me the same ‘wow’ experience as I read. This is one spicy writer! I love the way she adds some spice and erotica to her stories. It’s so different to anything I’ve read, and at the same time this was the main great reading experience for me. Not only are we following three detectives, they are detectives that are involved mentally, physically, emotionally, and sexually. They handle some dangerous cases and need to close them. So if you like your ‘who dun it’ or detective stories with a touch of romance, with a difference and don’t mind same-sex action give this a try. Without giving too many spoilers the story starts out in where I’d say is a BDSM or ‘swingers’ club. But the detectives are undercover and are there working on a case. The location, setting, story-line for me held me attention it’s just so out of this word ! I recommend this series to open minded readers, seeking diverse characters, but a thrill ride of a traditional detective story. 4 spicy stars for book two from me.

Book Review: ‘A Quirky Guide to Positive Thinking’ by Tonglea White ( Memoir) 5 Touching Stars. #100BooksChallenge

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#100BooksChallenge #4. This is a super quick read that I noticed on Facebook. I am a fan of memoirs and literary fiction work. It’s free to read on Kindle Unlimited and it called me to read it. I found this to be touching, but wanted more!

About The Book

Self love came to me late but I wanted to drop some gems off to let you know how I made it. Maybe this will help you and get you on the road to healing. I know you’re going to laugh, cry and look at me in a different light, whether it’s positive or negative, I’m here for it. Enjoy!

5 touching stars

This was about less than an hour’s read, but every one of the pages really did show how the author has conquered all adversity, that life handed to her.
I found this short read to be highly inspirational, hearing the author’s story left me with a feeling of, ‘no matter what you’ll pull through.’ Which is the message contained within these pages. My only wish list is, I would have loved to know more! About the author’s story as I read it with great interest. There’s also some nuggets of wisdom, and the author does tell her story with humour in places. Which was nice to see that she can smile, following all the pain. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read the memoir genre, and has an appreciation for hearing stories of strength, rawness, reality, no matter who concise they are. I hope that this author considers a full autobiography, I would be interested to read it. 5 touching stars.

Book Review: ‘Devil in a Blue Dress’ by Walter Mosley ( Noir Thriller/Mystery) 5 WOW stars #100BooksChallenge

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Book #3 of my #100BooksChallenge to read for 2021. After reading this author’s work for the first time, I am gutted that I never dived in earlier! I’ve heard of him, and know how popular his work is, but it wasn’t until a YouTube clip of him popped up as a suggestion that I dived in. I was overwhelmed with choice over where to start with his books, a blog post recommended starting with his ‘Easy Rawlins’ detective series so I did. Being a massive fan of the era this novel is set in, I fell in love hard! Book one has turned me into a fan! I bought the next book. This was a wonderful experience to read, not just a great book.

About The Book:

The first novel by “master of mystery” (The New York Times) Walter Mosley, featuring Easy Rawlins, the most iconic African American detective in all of fiction. Named one of the “best 100 mystery novels of all time” by the Mystery Writers of America, this special thirtieth anniversary edition features an all new introduction from the author.

The year is 1948, the town is Los Angeles.

Easy Rawlins, a black war veteran, has just been fired from his job at a defense factory plant. Drinking in his friend’s bar, he’s wondering how he’ll manage to make ends meet, when a white man in a linen suit approaches him and offers him good money if Easy will simply locate Miss Daphne Money, a missing blonde beauty known to frequent black jazz clubs.

Easy has no idea that by taking this job, his life is about to change forever.

“More than simply a detective novel…[Mosley is] a talented author with something vital to say about the distance between the black and white worlds, and with a dramatic way to say it” (The New York Times).

5 wow stars!

The author’s writing style is so slick it’s unreal, Easy Rawlins is a great character to follow and so authentic too. I had no trouble believing him, or being drawn into his story, as he got himself unexpectedly ‘caught up’ in all the madness over this ‘Devil in a Blue Dress.’ I loved the fact that the author writes his character with ebonic style language ( where relevant), to keep them very real too. I found that the story moved quickly, and there was a lot of mystery over who done what, when, and why. This really kept me interested and I read it quickly. The characters for me were all really engaging, like-able, even if some of them are ‘bad guys.’ I appreciated that this author touches on many of the hardships and reality for black and brown people , and the relationships and POV’s of both black and white people during this era. It added to the richness of the story. Not in a sense that it’s sad, it just made it (for me personally) very raw, realistic, and engaging writing.

Overall, I found this novel to be well written, fun, fast moving, with a great character line up and plot. Just from reading this one book, it’s made me want to read the rest in the series, and other work by the author. I recommend this book to anyone who likes hard-boiled, private investigator genre books. However, has an appreciation for the setting, era, and rawness of Easy Rawlings and his friends. 5 wow stars I really loved it.

Book Review: ‘Billionaire Baddie’ by Cyn Alexander 5 plus stars!

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For the last week I’ve been in bed, unwell. This book has been with me. I’ve never read anything by this author. There was a little bit of ‘hood’, a little bit of romance, a lot of suspense, a thrilling story, a self-made female billionaire I loved to death, and a hero millionaire I adored. As I read, I felt like the author is a natural born story-teller. It was a five plus stars read for me!

About The Book:

Indigo Ace had a rough life growing up. Her mother is a prostitute and her father is a pimp who despises her. Solace Mack is the only pimp in Atlanta, but when Indigo’s mother dies and Solace kicks his only daughter out on the streets, Indigo is forced to boss up. She follows in her father’s footsteps and becomes a female pimp, infringing on her father’s territory. Soon, she becomes the richest female in the south and Solace does everything he can to destroy the billion dollar empire his daughter built. It isn’t long before a war ensues between the father and the daughter and many lives are lost.

In the midst of it all, Indigo meets Bentlee Paxton, who is hood royalty. His name rings bells all over the country, and he’s ready to go to war in order to protect Indigo. While the two figure out what their future together holds, they’re forced to dodge bullets and fight off enemies.

Will they live to see their future? Better yet, will Indigo’s billion dollar empire fall at the hands of her father?

5 Plus Stars… For A New To Me Author!

I don’t typically read this genre, but the story-line sounded very intriguing. I am really glad I had the chance to read it. I’m not one to give away a plot or spoilers but here’s what I loved.

The characters I found them very well rounded and believable Indigo is a strong woman, who is just twenty-one by the time she is an actual billionaire. This is where I really do give props to the author, sometimes it’s hard to relate to young adult characters, but I never had that problem at all being an older reader, I really like Indigo and the way she drives the story forward it kept me so interested. Her story is one of a female who is given an opportunity, once her mother passes, she grabs it with both hands. Determined to move on from her ‘hood’ upbringing. I was very engaged in where she was on her way to all throughout this story.

The other characters are equally as interesting, the hero who Indigo ends up with Bentlee he also too is such a wonderful male lead. He is believable to read, non-typical, and really appealed to me as a character. The romance between these two I enjoyed experiencing the development, it was not instant there’s plenty of push and pull, but ultimately they fall for each other.

I found that the author’s story-telling really kept me turning pages, one moment the story would feel very much like and urban read, with lots happening, then there’s a location change. The characters and story head to the Maldives! I loved the location change, as the story also changes, the romance comes in. Then once back in Atlanta, the suspense, action, and story changes again. I found it well paced and exciting to read with the story-telling.

Overall, for me someone who is not a typical reader of the genre I really enjoyed this story, and I am very much looking forward to part two as it ends on a cliff- hanger. Again, typically I prefer a story to have a conclusion rather than leave me hanging, so here I really have to say the author has done an excellent job at grabbing readers. I will pre-order part two for it’s release next month. Overall five plus stars from my reading experience. Billionaire Baddie for me is a well written, engaging, enjoyable story with a little bit of everything from romance, suspense, and of course street life in Atlanta, featuring great like-able characters. I recommend it if you fancy something different to read, and enjoy reading or following strong female leads, with high stakes, expectations, a fearless attitude, and millionaire men who are very like-able! It’s a free read on Kindle Unlimited at the time of reviewing.

Book Review: Time Passes Differently Here, By Vivian Zems ( Poetry) 5 Beautiful Stars

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Viv Z

With seventy pages, a poem per page, there’s probably I’d say around close to seventy poems here. They were just beautiful to absorb and contemplate. I found fourteen of my favs, I really had to narrow it down. I came across this author’s work on Facebook after she shared it, and thought why not dip in!? Very glad that I did. I do enjoy poetry and these were very touching reads. To the point that I wished I could actually write poetry myself… I can’t!
About the book:

This poetry collection is observational and inspirational, challenging the reader to contemplate life, death, passion, and adversity. Race is not left out, as history is revisited with violence, and conciliation embraced.
Time does not follow its usual trajectory in 2020; it passes and moves with a breathtaking difference here.

blendedfamilies - my review

Five Beautiful Stars!

Time Passes Differently Here features a collection of super bite-sized poetry, the book can be read in one sitting. I found each one very well developed, which is a weird thing to say as we’re talking about poetry, not characters as in fiction. What I mean by ‘well developed’  is I felt as though each line, word, and poem came from the heart. I also really enjoyed the author’s style of poetry.  It was almost like if I really deeply took in what she was saying, I could see the metaphors and word play she has used. This is the development part I really loved, how she used her words and the meaning that came across as I read them.  I could then interpret the poems, and relate them to my own thoughts, feelings, and even see where she’s coming from. Not so much with what she’s said, but how she’s said it. It felt to me as I read almost like this author has sat down in some kind of reflective state to really write her words. I would guess possibly in a bench somewhere, a few of the poems make reference to benches! I felt like the author is a  people watcher, observer of life, and current affairs.

There were for me fourteen poems that I related to, as they reminded me of things I could relate to.

Poem’s Right- I love this one, as a crime fiction writer I loved the word play and the use of ‘rights’ we have related to a poem. It was cute.

Where’s the Time– I read it and thought, ‘that’s so me, where does the bloody time go?’

A World in Disarray– At times I felt like the author was referring to current affairs in politics, civil rights, and all that’s happened in 2020. I liked this poem a lot. Not because it’s political but because it’s so fitting for 2020 as a year.

Blood Speaks Louder– Very fitting with 2020, and powerful I liked it a lot.

Moot Question- Again I could relate, the first thing that came to my mind was #TeamNoFuckingSleep that’s me with all I’m juggling. I liked it.

Dad’s House- A very sad poem, a glimpse into the author’s own life possibly. I enjoyed it.

R.I.P George Floyd- I don’t need to explain this, if you follow my blog you know why I dig this poem.

The Sycamore Tree– I just loved this one, as it was  a beautiful account of seeing life from the POV of a tree LOL. Also, it made me think of the book I love ‘ Sycamore Row’ by John Grisham a very gritty, crime thriller, and controversial too. However the poem is nothing like John’s book or plot it was  just the use of this kind of tree, which is a main feature in John’s book too.

The Walk- Beautiful!

Nostalgia- It made me chuckle a bit, thinking about life pre-mask wearing and Covid-19.

Laugh Again- Beautiful.

If I Could- I read this and instantly thought of my son, and I wondered when the author wrote this whom she was referring to!

Observations at Lunch Time– Another one which made me feel that the author spends time on park benches! And why not? I love it there too. It made me think, ‘I need to get out more with my note pad too.’

What is Peace– Stunning, and I agreed with every word.

Overall, I’ve not actually read poetry that has resonated,  left me wanting more, and even thinking ‘could I do this, could I be that brave, how would I even start to write poetry?’  in a long , long, time.  It was a wonderful reading experience, and as a reader I would give this five beautiful stars out of five. There was no sadness, depression, hurt, or pain it was more like an uplifting reading experience. Like I said I felt like via the author’s metaphors, word play, and her delivery style not so much what she said but how she said it, with such bite-sized words to me made me realise that writing, writers, and true talent are not just for or about those of us that spin fiction. It’s the poets out there  too, who know how to use less than fifty words and pack a punch! I would read more. At the time of writing this Time Passes Differently Here is FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited, and also in paperback too!

Grab a copy here.  for USA 

And here for UK

 

 

Audiobook Review: Blind Tasting ( The Love List) #3 by Angela Ford 5 Really Enjoyable Stars!

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What a wonderful short story this was to listen too! I’ve not read this author’s work before, my first experience with her audiobook. I really enjoyed the way the author used imaginative ways to bring Chase and Rebecca together. The narrator did a great job bringing the author’s work alive. I  was looking for a ‘feel good read’ last night,  I started just after mid-night and finished listing to the rest the this morning, while cleaning the kitchen I smiled a lot! Let’s get into the review.

Blind TastingLove is the last thing on Becca’s mind. Until she discovers her match is Chase Tanner.

Dr. Rebecca Miller’s life is perfect until she finds her fiancé in bed with her best friend.
She takes the first offer out of New York. Becca discovers Vinegrove in the heart of wine country. Country charm is the best medicine for the doctor. But when her book club friends decide to spice it up and create the love list of eligible bachelors to date; Becca hesitates until she draws Chase’s name.

She’s denied her attraction to the firefighter/playboy since she arrived in Vinegrove. Chase discovers the love list with his name on it and believes he’s been fooled.
Will Becca be able to convince him she really does love him?

 

Kim’s Review 5 Really Enjoyable Stars

Short stories can some times be hit and miss, rushed, under developed, not really that engaging from the start etc. I never found any of this with Blind Tasting. As I listened to the audio version it felt like a complete love story to me. An enjoyable ‘second chance romance’ ,my favourite romance trope! Without giving spoilers we follow the story of Rebecca who has had her heart broken, she ends up in a new place for a new start. Here she forms friendships and does find love. What I really enjoyed about this short story is that I could identify with the main character, she is a ‘city girl’ from New York and I enjoyed the way the author eased her into ‘small town life.’ The transition into her new life seemed realistic. I could also understand why she left New York– no spoilers from  me.

I also really enjoyed the characters– Rebecca her self yes, and I liked that she was a career woman a doctor. Her girlfriends were interesting to meet too, and hear about their stories. The male line up was swoon worthy! I actually found myself liking Chase’s brother as soon as came into the story, and Chase too. They came across as real gentlemen, from a small town. The author developed well their mannerisms to reflect this. In fact the whole ‘close knit’ community of a small town I found well written, and enjoyable being a ‘city girl’ myself.

Plot- I don’t like to give too many spoilers for readers, but I enjoyed the author’s imaginative ways for Rebecca to find love, that involved her girlfriends. As I listened I thought to myself, ‘how cool would it be to do that with a group of girls, yeah they’re  all bound to find a nice guy.’ It was a good twist or situation to include in the story-line. I’m also not always a reader that loves typical ‘sweet and clean’ romance. Partly because things can always just fall into place, no challenges and sometimes can be a little hard to believe that love and life just ‘happens’ like that. With Bling Tasting I really warmed to the author’s story-telling in the plot as there were slight challenges to it.

The journey to love- the change of heart Rebecca had towards Chase was very believable. It was not rushed, unclear or underdeveloped, considering it’s a short story. I could see easily why she fell for him, after her heart break. The date they had got the ball rolling, it was such a romantic date! One that I would have loved myself, and I am petrified of horse riding LOL. But the author made me feel as if I’d like to experience what Rebecca did. It was very romantic. I also liked that there were some ‘challenge’ for Chase and Rebecca, everything didn’t just fall into place. There was a little challenge for their union, which in the end worked out.

Overall, for my first experience of this author’s work I enjoyed this feel good, sweet and clean romance. Love developed without sex heavily linked to it, a genuine bond formed. 5 really enjoyable stars from me. I would read more from the author, especially in audio book. I recommend Blind Tasting to all romance lovers who like quick reads, second chance romance and even cowboys!

At the time of writing this it’s just .99 cent on Amazon too! Grab a copy, or even the audio.