In the Shadow of Gold by Michael Kenneth Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The United States 1865, towards the end of the Civil War that ravaged the United States, there is much that happened that is recorded in history. One such event is the loss of the Confederate Treasure that was travelling with the Confederate president and then was lost. In this story, the man guarding the treasure states that a man named Yancey Arvindale (later known by Arvin), stole the treasure and hid it away. This book, set against the backdrop of this tumultuous time, gives us an intriguing account of what might have happened to the lost treasure.
A fascinating tale, I did not know anything about the lost Confederacy treasure and spent a few minutes researching and reading up on the topic prompted by this book. Always a good thing when a book can get you to learn about new things, even if the book is fiction. A good story and a great way to spend some downtime.


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Black Rifle by Alex Davidson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Gun situation in the United Sates can be described as bleak and harrowing. Especially if you consider the absurd amount of guns in the USA (there are more guns than people according to a 2018 study), and so the role of finding one specific gun is exponentially greater. In this book, the fictional tale of an ATF agent who is tasked with finding the gun used in a recent mass shooting. One of the victims is high profile and so, the pressure is even higher on finding both the weapon and the perpetrator. Will she be able to find the gun? Or will the secrets held by the rich and powerful prove strong enough to take everything she loves?
Even though this is a fictional tale, the topic is current and divisive enough that anybody will be able to pick up this book and feel strongly about it. The lead character was well developed and dealt with the issues in a rational manner, until the threats started to hit closer to home. I enjoyed the story.


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Princess of Independence by Icarus Bobain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Princess Cristina Trivulzio Belgiojoso was a real member of the Italian nobility and in her later years, instrumental within the Italians revolution. A shy child, she was married off early to a prince and although the marriage did not last, they remained cordial. This book takes some fictional license in regard to her life, and tells her story through both her eyes, and those of her daughter. Her early life, her marriage, the subsequent separation, and exile to Paris, as well as her later work as a revolutionary are all under the microscope in this book.
A young girl who was shy and introverted, who grew up to be strong, outspoken and passionate in the cause for her country is the underlining story here. But there is much more contained in this book. It is certainly a well written book, and the author easily draws you into the story and creates a character that will have you entranced and bespelled.


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From Jerusalem to Kashmir: The Secret Life of Jesus in India by Jozef Banáš
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book, the author Jozef Banas takes a highly critical look at the foundations of Christianity. Dogmas that are pillars in the faith, such as Jesus’s identity, locations of important events that are chronicled within the old and new testament are all looked at in comparison to facts about the world at that time. What if what we truly thought of facts, were only misrepresentations that fit the current church’s narrative? Could Jesus have lived in India? Is his tomb not where we think it is? Such contradictions and facts have the power to truly shake the Christian faith at it foundations and so could change our understanding of it forever.
I really liked this book; I found the hypothesis and the supporting facts to be very compelling and informative as well as thought-provoking. While many will look at this book and dismiss it as purely hypothetical fiction, I believe the author may be on to something. I honestly believe that the church (Vatican) has a high interest in preserving the status quo, and it is commonly known that history is written by the victor. That being said, the narrative and information herein is well written, the author presents his facts in a clear and understandable way and follows up al his hypotheticals with facts and verifications.


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Past Present Rectangle: Tarot & Divination for the Spiritually Clumsy by Mike Costaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mike Costaney give us his unvarnished and unfiltered take on tarot, Qabalah and Magick. A personal take on some of the history of tarot, interpretations, and practice of it all. Does his book make perfect sense? Possibly, or maybe not to you. Is his history 100% accurate? Maybe, maybe not. His unfiltered view is a breath of fresh air in this world full of stuffy opinions and people who are telling you: You are doing this all wrong.
In all honesty, I picked this book up because it seemed pretty humorous based simply on the synopsis. And while there is a certain not of humor underlining and punctuating his musings and experiences, there is a certain freeing knowledge to be had here. Know the author does not judge you if you set his book down and come back to it 2 days or 2 years later, we are all on our own journey and will arrive in our own time. I’d recommend this book.


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The Most Important Lessons in Economics and Finance: A Comprehensive Collection of Time-Tested Principles of Wealth Management by Anthony M. Criniti IV
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Best for beginners, although some information would be good for midlevel’s to review, this book gives you the reader all the lessons that are the most important in economics and finance (As the title implies). Distilled into manageable bouts of information, the author relies upon his extensive background and expertise to write this informative book. Giving basic description of common and uncommon terms, the principles of various wealth management, as well as historical and more modern takes on finance and economics.
While there was a dearth of information in the book, I found it to be a bit dry and old fashioned. There were no true modern financial pioneers looked at, rather, the lessons were all centered around the highlights of Capitalism and not much else. I also would have liked to see more influential women in economics quoted, such as Anna Schwartz or even Carmen Reinhart. This book was certainly not the greatest, however, it was not the worst financial book I’ve read either.


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The Shade Under the Mango Tree by Evy Journey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Luna forgets her journal in a coffee shop which is in turn picked up by Lucien, a stranger to her. His curiosity gets the better of him and he begins to read her journal, causing him to become obsessed with the owner and finding her. When he finally does, he is able to convince Luina to go on a trip to see the world Luna so desperately wants to see. Taking this trip, opens Luna up to so many new experiences, cultures and dangers that have the potential to change her completely. In the background to the travels, Luna and Lucien grow closer and become romantically entwined.
I thought this story was more a self-reflection and personal growth story amidst the background of our beautiful world, but there is certainly a healthy dose of romance that builds between the characters. If romance isn’t your thing, then maybe skip this one. Overall, the writing was well done and I enjoyed the descriptions of the places in Cambodia.


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Ching Ling Foo: America's First Chinese Superstar by Samuel D. Porteous
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After the Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law in 1882, the American people slowly started to get exposed to the mythos of Chinese culture and rapidly began to lust for anything to do with them (even while telling them they did not belong and could never become a permanent part of this country). From food to labor and magic, we were spellbound. And in this time, Ching Ling Foo rose to stardom, he was a great illusionist and knew instinctually how to market himself effectively. Faced with numerous setbacks and a devilishly clever rival, Ching ruled his fame for 20 years and showed America, what it meant to be Chinese.
This biography was extremely well written, at times educational and others entertaining, the story of Ling’s success unfolds from the beginning to the end and the author does an extremely well job in hooking us from the beginning. I was so excited to hear about someone from Asian descent before the times of Bruce Lee and was certainly not disappointed.


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SAMMI and the President by W.D. County
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sammi the android is pitted against Russia and its new superweapon: another Android. This Russian android, however, comes in the form of the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump and is controlled exclusively by Putin. In order to prevent the biggest mess-ups, Sammi becomes a Secret Service Agent close to the president and thwarts many plots. Furious over this, Putin send an assassin to take out Sammi and get the Presidential android back on track.
An updated and expanded version of he first book, this one is still entertaining in the best of ways. It imagines a world where the incredulous things that were coming from Trump actually make sense if viewed through the lens that he was an android controlled by Russia. This book was certainly far out there, but it makes for an interesting read and you will enjoy all the little interesting tidbits in here.


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An Alien Rescue by Calla Zae
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emma and her sisters get kidnapped by Aliens on the beach on New Years Eve. When they get rescued shortly after by another group of Aliens, Emma is immediately attracted to the leader and helps him as they try to escape from their hunters.
A insta-love romance novella, this one was very short and in many ways felt incomplete. The character development was rushed as well as the worldbuilding. I love other books by this author, so I know she can produce some amazing books. I am looking forward to see if the other books will be better.
I received an ARC and voluntarily decided to review the book.

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Blowback '07 by Brian Meehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time-travel with a twist! A musical instrument sends other mysteriously into the past when its played. This book is the beginning of a trilogy, where warring twins Arky and Iris fight over most everything. Their latest fight is about a mysterious musical instrument left to them by their mother. When Iris plays it, Matt a friend of Arky gets sent back into time, 1907 to be exact. While Matt tries to survive in a unfamiliar time, the twins find secrets that they hope to unravel in time to bring Matt back. Will they be able to ever bring him back? Will they be able to work together?
Great young adult adventure novel. Plenty of mystery throughout the book and the characters go through quite a development and maturing over the course of the book which is good as they were not so likeable in the beginning. I will certainly recommend this to my young nephews and nieces.


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Acts of Dreams: Part 3 of The Inquisition Trilogy by Martin Elsant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book three in the series, Acts of Dreams is about a group of Jews who attempt to settle in England around the early 1600’s. By Church decree, Jews were not allowed to live there, although many did so quietly and discreetly. Blinded by their positions of power in the society, William and Maria Ames never thought to conceal their religious background and when they dismissed their lawyer Mr. Barham, they are suddenly thrust into the forefront of a court case followed by all of England.
A well written follow up to the last book, I again enjoyed the storytelling from this author. The history is well-researched and written so that it is a smooth and entertaining read that does not deviate from historical accuracy too much. I found it was also interesting to read, as I had no idea of the ban on Jews living in the UK until I read this book. The villains are properly villainous and although the protagonists make stupid decisions, they are redeemed in the end.


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The Old House By The Woods by Soma Kar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the vein of the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys mystery series, this book is a mystery story geared for younger teens and even middle-schoolers. Ria Robertson is a retired officer turned private detective. She loves the challenge of solving puzzles and following the clues that will lead her to the solutions of a crime. As she is investigating the haunted house in Mistgrove, she unexpectedly comes face to face with a killer who is determined to continue his crimes.
This might not sound like a story for younger kids, but I read this book with my daughter and it wasn’t grisly or scary. I know my 8-year-old certainly enjoyed reading this book. She really liked the addition of the colored illustrations, and I think those esp. helped keep her attentions throughout the story. There were a few spooky moments, (haunted house), and yes some tension that is present in most mysteries, but this is certainly a book that younger readers can enjoy.


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Stuck In The Middle Seat: The Five Phases To Becoming A Midcareer Entrepreneur by Stephen E. Gerard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is typical for any professional to get stuck in a rut every now and then., Usually it is around the middle of your career, when you have accomplished somethings, but now are unsure where next to set your sights. The author of this book has been there before and has used his own personal experience to put together tis book that will give you guidance in the form of 5 steps. These 5 steps will allow you to find your unique Idea and plan out your launch and growth of the idea. The emotional phase might not sound important at first, but it is very important that you are emotionally ready to handle setbacks and triumphs whenever you breakout into a new career (or when you make a major change in your existing one).
This book is certainly a good one, the beginning phases had much advice I had already previously seen elsewhere, however The sections that dealt with the emotional phases and how to overcome your emotions, or even how to use them in a productive way were very interesting to me. I would recommend it for that section alone.


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The Lying, the Witch, and the Werewolf by Demitria Lunetta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A continuation in Paige's saga, she is still being pursued by the VSK, she is morose over her ex-boyfriend Liam, and she is now being asked to infiltrate a sex cult to look for a clients sister. Some uncomfortable truths come out, and Paige has to find out who she really is.
I liked it. It wasn't my favorite book in the series, and it seemed especially short with the cliffhanger and there is basically no plot progression on the steamy tension with Nico, nor the VSK. Other than that, Paige still gets into all kinds of harrowing situations she needs to get herself out of and is still an enjoyable character to read about.
I received an ARC and voluntarily decided to leave a review.

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VISIBILITY: Success Stories from Elite Leaders Making an Impact from the Stage by Dannella Burnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A group of 26 well known and world renown entrepreneurs come together in this book to give their own words to success. From Daniella Burnett, Brigette Callahan, Dorothy Husen, to Louie Sharp, Jase Souder and Victor Vento. All of these and more have their own chapter where they give advice on speaking out, standing up, how to become a gifted leader, fixing mistakes in your management and even how to say yes!
These individual chapters taken together are a great way to boost your personal wellbeing and mindset as well as how to help you in your career. This book will help you to step out and stand up for yourself, boosting your self-confidence. I found most chapters to be relatable and easy to understand, or at least easy to identify opportunities within my own life. This is certainly a book that can help people, so if you like to read inspiring posts, or blogs, this will be up your alley as each chapter is dedicated to a different coach.


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Bringing Ragnarok by Andrew M. Tanner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In an alternate reality, Humanity has been living on a separate path, based upon three momentous events that turned out differently than in our reality. Those 3 events are: 1944 Germany, the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, then 2041 in post America a regional war over the control of hundreds of nuclear missiles and in 2147 in the Inner Solar System a plan by insurgents to launch a strike against the Governing Authority. The way that these three events intersect and the importance of how they played out is highlighted through the eyes of six friends who ended up tangled within Loki’s webs of plots. Will they be able to stop Loki?
The story in this book is a brand-new way of viewing Norse mythology, blended with Sci Fi and fiction in a intriguing way. The characters were not always my favorites, however, there was a solid World building and setup for the next books in the series. I was entertained and though the story is big (think many separate plots running simultaneously), it was still manageable. Certainly not a light read.


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Again: Surviving Cancer Twice with Love and Lists by Christine Shields Corrigan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A breast cancer diagnosis is a harrowing one for any woman, and Christine Shields Corrigan is no exception to that rule. Confronted by her own mortality at only 49 years old, she has to navigate a daunting world of checkups, chemotherapy, mothering her children and staying the upbeat wife that she has always been. But in attempting to cover up her diagnosis by pretending everything in her life is perfectly fine even when it is imploding behind the scenes, Christine has to learn how to lean on others and that it is okay as well as human to ask (and accept) help of others.
This book was visceral and emotional, and it brought the realities of life after a cancer diagnosis out of the shadows. My own family has been riddles with breast cancer, so this was a extremely poignant story for me. I wept and laughed with the author as she recounted her trials and triumphs and wish more people would read this so they can get a glimpse of what life is truly like.


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Children of Pleiades, Rise of the Henge by Lloyd Pilling Tosoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A human drama story that explores the supernatural themes of our folklore such as pixies, fairies, angels, and other creatures. Rise of the Henge is the first in a series in which a man committed a heinous murder and flees with his only son to a faraway land. This land will later be known as Salisbury, southern England and 4 generations later, his offspring is still haunted by his crimes. A struggle between good and evil, the story unfolds between the ages and the meeting of two lineages, one human and one celestial will become ever so fateful.
I really wanted to like the story, although it seemed a little rambling to me. The worldbuilding was well done and the characters were ok. I think that maybe with some more focus the story could have been better? It simply did not resonate with me and I found myself longing to read other books even though I love to read books about ancient England and the mythologies there.


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Suzy Spitfire and the Snake Eyes of Venus by Joe Canzano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Outlaw Suzy Spitfire is a renegade that lives and works by her own set of rules and morals. She does what she wants and when she wants it. So, when she travels to Venus in the hopes of finding a prolific serial killer, she is prepared for almost anything. The gang war and revolution barely disturb her other than frustration about the delay of her search. It’s when a young girls life hangs in the balance that things suddenly become personal for Suzy and she has to decide between her revenge and the girl’s life.
High strung action and heart dropping stunts, Suzy is a reckless and confident character. If you like that in the female character, then this book certainly is for you, I know I enjoyed it immensely. It was a clear departure of the whimpering damsel in distress females of other Sci-Fi books. Great plot and world building by the author.


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