Higher Is Calling: How to Overcome Challenges and Achieve Your Dreams by Maxwell Adekoje
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This year has been challenging for even the most resilient of us. Between the pandemic, draughts, war and strife and economic downturns all over the world, the hits have kept on coming. The author of this book tells us his own life story and how he overcame all the hardships in his own life. Showing us how to survive a war-torn country through courage, perseverance and a little luck, we are given an uplifting message that tells us that no matter how hard we think it is, there is always a way to lift ourselves up and into a better life.
An inspirational tale, Mr. Adekoje write a great book. Very well written and great choice of words that make it relatable and engaging. Many people should be able to grasp some inspiration from this story and I think the Author deserves kudos for all he has lived through and overcome.


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Kissing My Husband: An Instalove Possessive Age Gap Romance Novel by Novel Cat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Set in Nanzhao City, this story starts off with the wedding day of Ms. Gu to Mr. Lu. One little problem arises, Ms. Gu has run away, and her mother is left to figure out how to salvage face. See spies her younger daughter, Valen and immediately orders the wedding dress to be altered and for Valen to take her sisters place. Scales Lu, the Husband-to-be, is annoyed at the younger girl, but sees no issue with it, as he still gets the Gu wife he wanted. Scales is cold and indifferent towards Valen who acts like a little naïve girl of 12 or 13 instead of the 18 she proclaims to be. Many scenes were cringeworthy.
Billed as an insta-love romance, instead I found it to be cringeworthy on account of maybe the translation? It seems to me that this book was translated poorly, as many of the sentences make no sense and there is poor continuity in the tenses. It was very hard to get into the story as a result and I did not enjoy it.


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Be the Light: "I Want to be the Light for Others, so They Can Be the Light for Others, and So On" by Jessica L Maricle Reiki Master
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this book, the author chronicles her journey of healing and acceptance. In July 2018, she had a bad car accident that resulted in many injuries, PTSD, depression, anxieties and pain. The author tells us her story, as there are countless others who as she puts it: “look normal, talk normal, walk normal and smile, but are dying inside”. From the accident, the initial days of recovery and then the realization that there will be no “easy” fix, we are given all the issues the author dealt with and how she stumbled through some areas and was better at dealing with others. Relief comes when she starts to hear about Reiki and researches it.
The whole book reads as if you are having a conversation with a friend and she is telling you about her experiences, it is very emotional at times, and I was able to connect with the author. My mother practices Reiki and is a Master so I am familiar. This is not a book detailing everything about the practice of Reiki, more it is a path of one woman who comes to Reiki and finds relief within it.


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It's Your Wealth-Keep It: The Definitive Guide to Growing, Protecting, Enjoying, and Passing On Your Wealth by John L. Smallwood CFP®
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Most books about your money, revolve around one or maybe two principles. Some tell you to only invest in the stock market, others talk about savings, but rarely do you get a book that gives you the information you need to build a well secure plan for your money. This author, Mr. Smallwood gives us 7 basic principles that we need to consider and include in all of our financial planning. From maximizing tax deductions, increasing savings and retirement accounts to life insurance coverage and even wills (something that can be easily overlooked).
This was a very detailed and comprehensive book. It didn’t just tell you to do something, the author broke it down and explained how to do these steps and gave examples on how it can be adjusted as nothing is one size fits all. I found it very informative, easy to follow along, and well written.


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The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent by Mike Sarraille
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a Business owner, or even just a Recruiter, you need to know how to attract, train and most importantly retain the top talent for your field. In an increasingly competitive world, the right talent c an be hard to come by. The three authors take a look at one of the most successful operations in attracting, training and retaining top talent: The US Special Forces. For them, quality over Quantity has always held true and by looking at their recruitment practices, we can glean a lot of beneficial information for our own companies.
I thought this was an excellent book. I have served as a recruiter in small and large businesses and I agree that attracting the right talent for each position is very hard to do. The tips given on how to even approach this from the beginning were very enlightening and helpful. I am sure that I will be able to implement them in my next role.


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The Ryder Code by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third installment in an action-packed series. Jack Ryder, a Detective in 1943 New York is approached by a Nun by name of Sister Grace. She has been organizing a network to help Jewish orphans and protect them from the horrors of the Nazi Reich. Sister Grace wants Jack to help her solve the murder of the benefactor’s daughter and how it all connects back to the Jewish Orphans. Jack, determined to help others, struggles with his own demons and therefor throws himself into his work. He fights against time as the Nazi’s are onto Sister Grace and her operations and want to eliminate her.
A fast-paced historical thriller, this book is in the same vein as the first two. Meaning it is very well written and researched and the characters seem to jump off the pages. I enjoyed reading this book and would certainly grab the next book in the series.


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Bootstrapped Millionaire: Defying The Odds Of Business Hardcover by Tim T. Mercer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tim Mercer gives us his success story. From an unlikely childhood into wealth and prosperity, Mr. Mercer built his wealth through out of the box thinking and an independent streak that pushed him to go even further, and not accept the status quo. In this book, he tells us his story and with it lays the groundwork for up and coming entrepreneurs who are looking for guidance from those who have come before.
Well written and inspirational for those looking to start a new business, or even those who are established but hitting some rough patches in the road. I was able to connect with Mr. Mercers’ story, I too served in the military and it helped pay my way through college and I now own a small business myself. I think that the story is important, almost as important as the guidance on how to build something and the mindset needed. People do better when they have a goal they are striving for.


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Perilous Last-Minute Christmas Shopping by Annie De Muynck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On Christmas Eve in London, a young lady by the name of Chrissie is headed out to get some last-minute gifts she has forgotten. She is assaulted and abducted by a Santa and then subsequently held prisoner by a man calling himself Joe. Joe is a sick man; he keeps his family hostage as well and Chrissie must use all of her wits to escape Joe. After her escape she gives birth to a girl (Daughter to Joes son) and she strives to live her life in peace away from the horrors she witnessed before she could escape. Joe and his family never truly leave her, and the book takes us on a few leaps through the years.
What could have been a great thrilling book, was spoiled by poor editing and formatting. The writing was also a tad awkward and very stilted and formal. I found the book hard to get into which I thought was sad. I quite like thrillers and I was interested in this one. Hopefully the author can get a good editor take a look. It would be better after a revision.


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The Alamogordo Connection by Don Johnston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The year is 2045, In New Mexico a meteorite strikes not too far from the Alamogordo area and life as we know it will be changed drastically. Many different people are brought together, Dustin, Derein and Carly to name a few and they along with numerous scientists begin the process of attempting to identify what happened, where it came from and what steps to take next. Carly and Derein become obsessed with ESP as a solution to decode a message and t out to track down Derein’s twin lost in the jungles of Panama. Will they find him and decode this message that was sent to earth? And will it even matter in the grand scheme things?
An entertaining and zany SciFi novel with interesting plot and set of characters. Some were plain odd and others very ambitious, however the flow of the story felt forced at times. I had to push through several areas of descriptions and dialogues that went on for pages which did not help the story. Overall a good read, although I may not reread it.


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Teaser: A Corey Logan Thriller by Burt Weissbourd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teaser, the second book in the thriller Corey Logan series, is in no way a disappointment for those familiar with the first book. It is as well written as the first and the characters are compelling, gritty, raw and at times horrific. The topic, child runaways, abductions, pedophilia, drugs and more will be hard for some people to read about, but the book is a good dive into this world that exists with ours day by day, side by side.
Corey and her partner in crime Abe are out on the streets of Seattle, looking into child and teen runaways. What they find with the help of their friend Billy is so much more sinister, kidnappings and even grooming is happening among the halls of Olympic academy and the fight is once again on to save these kids, earn their trust and ultimately help them back to a regular life.


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Single Vampire - Mated Alpha by Tabatha Austin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wesley, an ancient vampire, tired of his Sire’s rules and laws seeks a way to get away from Kaleb’s influence and with the assistance of some witches, takes over a recently deceased Werewolf Alpha’s body. What he did not account for was the ties that come with that boy, in this case two omegas that are bound to the alpha, Tyler and Ryan. They are shocked as they had thought they were finally free of an abusive alpha, only to suddenly have him back, even if someone new was inhabiting the body. And Kaleb will not let Wesley go so easily.
The potential is certainly here, however, the writing was a little stilted and some parts were hard to follow along as the plot seemed to jump around in spots. I’m glad to see a book that doesn’t just fetishize these types of characters, I just wished the writing/editing would have been better.
I received an ARC and have voluntarily decided to leave a review.

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The Circle and The Cross: Book One of The Wanderers Series by Caiseal Mór
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Many stories have been written about this time period, the conflicts between the missionaries and their efforts to bring the Irish pagans to heel and under the influence of mother church. This story has some of the elements of other book, rich worldbuilding, impressive and passionate Irish heathens and the zealous Christian missionaries. However, the main difference I saw in this book (the first in the series), was that the author made each character relatable. We hear from the missionary Bishop Palladius, who is sent to the Emerald Isle, as well as the Irish druids, local Chieftains and even one of his very own, who resist his efforts. All is not what it seems, with darkness (Demons) looming over the Irish lands and can anyone ever truly be the winner in such a scenario? Highly imaginative and dramatic, a superb book to read to occupy you during the winter holidays.

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Acts of Hope: Part 2 of The Inquisition Trilogy by Martin Elsant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book itself may be historical fiction, however, the author based it upon true events in that era. Utilizing accounts from Dona Garcia’s records as well as Father Antonio Vieira’s accounts amongst others, the author was able to build a vivid world in which we can experience the aftermath of the Inquisition upon the Jewish, Muslim and Catholic refugees seeking a better life even while being pursued by men of faith. Spanning from England, Portugal and finally to the new world, this grand fiction story will bring you back in time for true human grit, courage and suffering.
I really liked this book, the underlying theme is clear: No one, regardless of their station in life, is fully good or fully evil. There are nuances to us all and we can do great evil in the name of the greater good. The writing is engaging and gripping and the plight of the people in the story are compelling to keep you engrossed within the book until the very end.


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When She Touches: A Discovery of Destiny and a Gift Like No Other by Sheryl Frazer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Genevieve is an empath by touch. She doesn’t fully understand her gift and finds her own way through life mainly through trial and error. Forced to feel the powerful emotions those around her, she wallows through depression, feels joy and struggles with jealousy and malice. Genevieve resolves to use her gift for good and starts helping comatose patients and missing people, trying to give comfort to the families and help find clues if possible. Slowly she starts to realize she is not simply experiencing emotions but can also “talk” to a person’s soul. Life shattering revelations in her own family threaten to derail her own life.
Second in the series, I liked Genevieve, and her progression throughout the novel. Her relationships are complex and her struggles with her gift are believable. I enjoyed reading this book, it was very much in a “feel good” vibe, with the main character powering through her own ills and helping person after person.


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Inherent Greed: Why The Fox Is In The Chicken Coop by Carney Vaughan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a mother overlooks the evils that are laying within her own child, it can become a deadly inevitable result for those who cross the child later in life. Set in Australia, Cameron and his mother live alone. Doted upon by his mother until her untimely fiery death, Cameron never learns to control his urges. These take him wherever he wants and lets him do whatever he does, even if it ends in someone else getting hurt. Taking these egomaniacal urges into politics, Cameron soon learns that he needs to resort to even more drastic measures in order to get what he wants.
Many of the characters get their own voices, and as such, this is a slightly more difficult book to read, on top of a hard topic. This is certainly a book that will make you think, it will have you ponder the nature vs. nurture arguments as well as the consequences of bad decisions. It was a well written book though, and kept me guessing on the ultimate conclusion.


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The Measure of Ella by Toni Bird Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In an alternate universe, life is always an adventure. Sometimes exciting, sometimes dangerous and fatal, but always an adventure. Our main character Ella Morgan is a Chef on a boat of miscreants. This was not the life she set out for, as her aspirations to become a highly ranked chef and restaurant owner fell to ruin before her very eyes. This story is set in the Caribbean, amidst the islands and beautiful landscapes there. The beautiful landscape cannot hide the more sinister reason for this trip and Ella is faced with some hard choices.
This book is a suspense novel, full of adventure, high seas action (obviously) and crime. The thrilling suspense unravels each chapter, until we are left with nail-biting action that propels us towards the end of the book at breakneck speed. A grand adventure for anyone looking for strong female characters, pirates and Islands. I highly recommend this book.


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Civility Rules! Creating a Purposeful Practice of Civility by Shelby Joy Scarbrough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Is there a direct correlation between the advancement of our technology and our increasing reducement of civil discourse? In this book, the author draws on anecdotes and personal experience to explore the ideas about Civility set forth in George Washington’s “Rules of Civility”. Even those “old” rules are desperately needed in today’s society if we want to keep our democratic republic thriving. One thing that is needed from all of us, is a conscious effort to practice civility in our daily lives and in each of our interactions, no matter how hard or confrontational.
I really liked this book. It was a great reminder, even for those of us who think we are civil, that sometimes civility can mean a little humility and a lot of consideration for others and their views. Especially now, when we interact through technology so much more than we do in person, a reminder to stay civil and respectful towards each other is sorely needed. Thank you to the author for a great book!


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Reaching Ten by Teresa Kokke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author Teresa Kokke was born amidst Air Raids, Food shortages and regular bombings in England during World War 2. Her father, a doctor was one of the few lucky enough to not be forced to enlist. This gave Teresa a (for the time) fairly stable upbringing. Life in those times were at best tumultuous and at worst tragic. And we see the direct influence this war had on the lives of ordinary people through the eyes of this young girl growing up. Her nanny Victoria is a major player in this book, and after Teresa has a tragic bicycle accident that causes serious harm at eight, Victoria ominously tells her she will never live to the age of ten.
A very interesting biography of a very interesting time that changed our world in far-reaching ways. I like reading about history through the lenses of people who actually lived in those times. This was an interesting book. Easy to read and easy to care for the characters presented within.


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You're Joking: Become an Expert Joke-Teller by Tom E. Moffatt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You’re Joking: Become Expert Joke-Teller is a great book for kids 8-year-old and older. This book gives you the mechanics of jokes, how best to deliver them, timing (very important) and body language. Even such things as rehearsing your jokes, so you can remember them and feel more comfortable telling them are covered here. You also get 100 original jokes, some one-liners, and a few longer to get you started on your jokester journey.
I have an 8-year-old who loves to tell jokes, but they are either not truly funny, or they are poorly delivered, so she was excited to try this book out. After a few days of reding the book, she has gotten more persistent with jokes, and she does use the new jokes in this book often. She seems a little more comfortable with delivering the jokes, so I would say this book did help her out.


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Urban Marriage 5: A Lesbian Marriage Stress Test by Tulipe Pascere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For those who have been following this series, the couple, Karin and Della are well known. Karins life, with her tumultuous ups and drastic lows has been rough, but Della and her friends are good for Karin. Together, Karin and Della deal with life as a Lesbian couple in Atlanta. In this book, Karin is outed to her family by mistake and the fall out from that discovery (by Karins young daughter no less) is not pretty. Muriel, Karins daughter is struggling herself with a relationship and she has a hard time coming to her mother after this all.
Well written as the other books in the series, Karin is a relatable person. She is real and is not perfect in how she confronts (or doesn’t) various scenarios. The book is not long, and the formatting is unorthodox, but it is a good stand it showcases a different way life than the “norm which is important I believe.


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