To Unshakable Bliss: A Techie’s Adventure by Serene Rishi

To Unshakable Bliss: A Techie’s Adventure by Serene Rishi - Artisan Book Reviews

Buy on Amazon

To Unshakable Bliss: A Techie’s Adventure by Serene Rishi

Who am I? What is the meaning or purpose of my life? These were the questions that sparked one woman’s extraordinary odyssey to enduring peace. In her gripping debut novel “To Unshakable Bliss,” author Serene Rishi invites you to question the nature of your own identity.

Rishi introduces us to Qayum, a former star in the tech world rebuilding her career as an author of children’s tales. Despite the worldly success, there is a persistent restlessness within Qayum. She struggles to reconcile external validation from work and wealth with inner purpose. The more thrills she chases, the quicker euphoria evaporates.

On a road trip along California’s Pacific Coast, watching ethereal sunsets dissolve into darkness, she comprehends life’s transiency. She realizes the volatility of happiness while on life’s Ferris wheel of random ups and downs. Just then, the plot thickens. Befriending an old classmate in Denmark, Qayum remembers her carefree spiritual childhood self. Her friend’s unwavering faith in an eternal soul inspires Qayum to conduct her own investigations.

She unravels the world’s illusory nature through varied perspectives – from neuroscience, psychology, and Stoic philosophies to the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. Back on that homeward-bound flight, scientific theories on consciousness are explored, exposing parallel themes from millennia-old scriptures. Profound implications set in – mystical visions across eras and cultures point to a fundamental reality underlying existence itself.

What our ambitious protagonist, and perhaps you too, have sought in relentless pursuits already dwells within. Qayum realizes this ever-present kingdom, once unveiled, holds fulfillment beyond imagination’s scope. The harder question is: how does one remain engaged in life’s theater while rooted in awakened truth?

Join Qayum’s liberating adventures across breathtaking terrains and ancient spiritual tributaries. From Zanzibar’s spice markets to Copenhagen’s quaint cafes to California’s majestic redwoods, uncover fresh joy and wisdom. Alongside vivid global backdrops, treasured contemplations from spiritual and scientific visionaries through history are instilled.

Artisan Book Reviews:

A beautiful tribute to the role of our consciousness, our ego, and our ability to create our own happiness, Serene Rishi has written a masterful guide entitled To Unshakable Bliss: A Techie’s Adventure. 

Written in four parts to help guide the main character, Qayum, through the quest to find meaning in her life, readers will discover the necessary tools for themselves to reach this enlightenment as well.  Qayum discovers not only what is holding her back from true happiness, but she also develops strategies to help herself overcome events or outcomes that seem negative.  Grappling with her own ego, Qayum also finds people that are there to help and support her as well as tools that meet her needs.  While no quest is easy, what Qayum discovers about herself, about the world, and about her own true desires make the journey completely worthwhile.

Pulled from ancient traditions, from renowned philosophers and thought leaders, To Unshakable Bliss: A Techie’s Adventure is a toolkit for anyone looking to find more fulfillment, more happiness, and even a greater sense of themselves.  I loved the mantras built into the storyline as well as the traditional readings and the ancient scriptures that assisted Qayum, but even more, I loved the actual real-world application of what Qayum was experiencing as a real person in the world.  Sometimes ancient teachings are hard to apply to one’s day-to-day life and through Qayum I found so much clarity and understanding.  I loved the tangible examples –especially as a woman myself going through similar adversities—and I thought that the different situations Qayum experiences will be applicable to anyone reading this book.  While the concepts are complex and difficult, Serene Rishi brings them down to a layperson’s understanding easily.  I found clarity especially in the way she intertwined multiple ideas together and had Qayum navigate applying them to her own life.

Written for anyone who’s searching for any kind of greater meaning in the world or in their own lives, To Unshakable Bliss: A Techie’s Adventure by Serene Rishi is perfect. It offers an unparalleled path to embodiment and to a deeper connection with the world, to us, and to others.  Readers of any type will not only walk away with a deeper understanding but also with a profound sense of peace after reading.  I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Book reviewed by Mary Rosenthal for Artisan Book Reviews.

Buy To Unshakable Bliss: A Techie’s Adventure by Serene Rishi

Reading recommendations, book suggestions, best selling author, best seller 2024

If you are an author and would like your book reviewed and/or promoted, please feel free to fill out Artisan Book Reviews book submission form for approval and to receive more .    Read Artisan Book Reviews author testimonials and success stories here.

Stowaway by Darcy Flynn - Book Review

Stowaway by Darcy Flynn

Synopsis:

Her identity is hidden … He’s determined to uncover it

Charleston, South Carolina shipping heiress, MIRANDA MERRICK, discovers one of her family’s cargo ships, the Elle Merrick, has suffered multiple attacks by a saboteur. The devious actions have put the company at risk for bankruptcy. Miranda refuses to sit idly and wait for years of hard work to be destroyed. She boards the Elle in hopes of gaining help from her uncle, the ship’s captain, only to discover a stranger at the helm.

In an effort to discover the culprit and save her family’s company, Miranda stows away on the ship – keeping her identity a secret while conducting her own investigation. Making matters more complicated, she finds herself attracted to the new captain, who could very well be the enemy. After all, until she can uncover the truth, everyone is suspect.

Captain NOAH SHEPPARD is hoping to merge his small, cargo shipping line, Clayton Company, with the multinational conglomerate, Merrick Shipping. Upon discovering one of Merrick’s ships has been deliberately and systematically sabotaged by a crew member, he agrees to captain the targeted vessel in hopes of discovering the identity of the saboteur. Once caught and brought to justice, both companies will then be able to close the deal and complete the merger.

Two days into the voyage, Noah discovers a stowaway, and assumes she’s either the saboteur or in league with him. But what Noah didn’t bargain for is having to deal with the mysterious, gorgeous, redhead, who wreaks havoc – not only to his patience, but to his heart.

Review:

Stowaway by Darcy Flynn is an adventurous, fun and romantic tale set on the high seas. Miranda Merrick is a Charleston, South Carolina shipping heiress that discovers that one of her family’s ships has been under multiple attacks by a saboteur. Her family is facing bankruptcy and her father wants her to marry for financial gain. But, Miranda has another plan, and decides to board the same ship that has come under attack, the Elle Merrick, and get help from her uncle to conduct her own investigation. However, she falls asleep and the ship takes off for Australia. When she awakes, she finds herself as a stowaway aboard the ship. There is a young handsome new captain and a new crew. Miranda hides her identity and takes a job as a cook and a maid, while trying to discover who the saboteur is. Captain Noah Sheppard has agreed to captain the ship to discover who the saboteur is. He also wants to merge his shipping company with the Merrick Company. Miranda and the captain both suspect one another despite their growing attraction for one another. What ensues is a swashbuckling journey filled with danger, suspense and romance.

Stowaway by Darcy Flynn is a modern day swashbuckling romance filled with uncertainty and mystery on the high seas. Darcy Flynn is an excellent storyteller which reveals itself in this fun contemporary story set on a cargo ship headed for Australia, and that has been attacked and sabotaged many times. The author’s writing proficiency shines through as the story unfolds. The characters are amazing, real and relatable with flaws and strengths. They are well developed, as is, the exciting unforgettable plot. Miranda has a spunky clever personality and the romance between her and Captain Noah Sheppard is stirring and electrifying. Darcy Flynn knows how to keep readers in suspense, guessing who the identity of the saboteur could be. Her descriptive writing creates an edgy atmosphere of intrigue and mystery. She sets the tone well with her use of language and draws readers in from the very first chapter. As the ship crosses the ocean, and danger, romance and suspense ensue, readers will revel in it. This dangerous, exciting, fun and sweet love journey is a must read for all readers of this genre. Get yourself a copy and go on an unforgettable exciting journey with the crew of the Elle Merrick. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends Stowaway by Darcy Flynn.

Purchase Stowaway by Darcy Flynn @Amazon here

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay - Book Review

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay

Synopsis:

2018 Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) President’s Award in Humor and Chic Lit! In this entertaining first novel set in rural Pennsylvania, a young woman from San Francisco searches for her birth parents while beginning her first job as a home-health speech pathologist. She soon learns how hard one job can be as she navigates the backwoods of Tungston, (“Tungs”) trying to comply with the needs of her quirky patients, all the while being stalked by a violent fugitive, and finding herself unexpectedly falling for the charms of a small-town, including one hot fireman. Through no fault of her own, she exposes a criminal who has been safely hidden in the thick forest, and now as he tries to stop her from exposing him, her patients’ lives, as well as her own are in jeopardy.

Review:

After the death of her parents, Marleigh Benning, a young woman with a degree in speech pathology, discovers that she was adopted. She decides to search for her birth parents and takes an internship as a home health speech therapist. But, she soon realizes that her job isn’t going to be easy, as she traverses through the backcountry of Tungston, Pennsylvania. As she tries to meet the needs and deal with her quirky unusual patients, she is definitely out of her element in this rural town, being from San Francisco, California, she is miles away from home and in a completely different societal setting. However, she begins to not only fall for the town of Tungston, but also for a hot fireman. She also finds herself and her patients in danger, as she is being stalked by a hardened and vicious escapee that she has unintentionally exposed.

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay is an intriguing engaging story that follows the life of one young woman who finds herself in a part of the country that she is totally unfamiliar with. There are dirt roads, peculiar small town stores and residents that are completely different than what she is used to from living in the west. Marleigh is dependable and reliable, intelligent and very likable. She is attracted to the fireman and feeling very passionate. She is out of place but determined to be a part of the community and make her life work in this foreign place she now calls home. This is a hilarious story with emotional moments that will touch every reader’s heart.

Speaking in Tungs is a heartwarming story filled with twists and turns and bold unusual, yet realistic characters. This story has a very different premise with a speech therapist going to live, work and fall in love in a pastoral setting in Pennsylvania. It is a multi-genre piece. It’s a romance, a mystery, a laugh out loud humorous chick lit read and a lightly suspenseful novel. The characters in this fabulous book are quirky, colorful and well developed. They humored me and had me thinking that I would love to know them in person. I found myself being drawn towards them and really caring about them. I love it when a book has me really desiring to know the people and be a part of their lives and live where they live.

Karla Jay has an exciting unique voice and a way with words that draws the reader in from the very first chapter. Even the title of this book gives readers insight into her distinctive creative play on words. She grew up in the area that is the setting of the book and mixes facts with fiction well. Her descriptive writing is filled vivid scenes of the landscapes and woods and had me craving to visit that part of the country and to behold the beauty of the land with its lush green countryside that she often describes in her story.

Speaking in Tungs had me completely hooked from the very beginning to the final last satisfying page. It is one of the best novels that I have read in a long time. This was Karla Jay’s debut novel and she has written more since then. I will definitely be picking up and reading the sequel to this book entitled “Speaking of the Devil.” Chick Lit Café highly recommends Speaking in Tungs to all readers.

Purchase book @Amazon here.

Saint Harry by Maura Beth Brennan

Saint Harry – A Short Story by Maura Beth Brennan

Angie’s widowed Aunt Ida decides to embark on a career talking to the spirits, and use her powers to help her family and friends. Angie worries that something crazy might happen. And it does.

Review:

Angie has moved back home with her mother after a break up with her boyfriend. One day they find out from their Aunt Ida that Uncle Harry, Aunt Ida’s husband, has passed away. Aunt Ida is beside herself with grief and begins declaring what a Saint her Harry was. Aunt Ida always put Uncle Harry down and made his life hell. While Uncle Harry was the favorite uncle in the family, Aunt Ida, in turn, was a sour puss, and the least favorite in the family. Uncle Harry was a magnificent Uncle, He was sweet and generous, the opposite of Aunt Ida. Aunt Ida begins calling Harry, “Saint Harry.” She starts speaking well of him now that he’s dead. She declares that he was such a good and kind man and just a Saint. She even takes to praying to him and asking him to show her a sign.

One day Aunt Ida announces that she is going to visit Miss Maeve the local medium and spiritualist. This troubles Angie very much and she wants to talk Aunt Ida out of going. But instead, she accompanies her to the Miss Maeve’s house. After her visit with Miss Maeve, she says that she talked to Uncle Harry and that she has powers too. The medium then turns to Angie and tells her that good things are coming to her. What will happen next? Will good things come to Angie?

Saint Harry is a witty, laugh out loud, short story by Maura Beth Brennan. It is full of humorous antics and anecdotes. The storyline and plot are fully developed and well thought out. From the very first page, I was hooked and it kept me hooked throughout the entire story. Maura Beth Brennan has a knack for writing short stories that are full and fun and very entertaining. She packs a lot of cleverness and ingenuity into one quick read. I fully enjoy her stories and this one, Saint Harry, did not let me down.

Maura Beth Brennan has a way with words that makes them flow right off the page. The plots are always fulfilling with excellent endings. Saint Harry is right up there with some of the best chick lit reads. The characters are well developed and multifaceted. Once again, Maura Beth Brennan, packs a lot of personality and temperament into her characters, in one short story. I love the funny people that are in her tales. They make me laugh and laugh and laugh.

Saint Harry is one of those stories that leaves you smiling and uplifted. It is charming and enchanting.  The descriptions of the setting, the people and the objects are vivid and complete, so as to make the reader feel as if they are there watching on as the story unfolds. There are little twists here and there making it unpredictable. It is satisfying and complete with a great happy ending. One must read Saint Harry by Maura Beth Brennan.

Maura Beth Brennan is the author of the outstanding, mysterious, 5 star novel, “The Edge of Memory,” and the short stories “The Ex Chronicles,” and “Saint Harry.” We are looking forward to more books by this exceptional writer, Maura Beth Brennan.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends the sweet short story, Saint Harry by Maura Beth Brennan

Purchase Saint Harry by Maura Beth Brennan Now @Amazon

Connect with Maura Beth Brennan
Website
Twitter
Facebook

Can’t Stand the Heat by Peggy Jaeger

Can’t Stand the Heat (Will Cook for Love #3) by Peggy Jaeger

Synopsis:

With three successful TV series under her belt, including her cousin Kandy’s, executive producer Stacy Peters is ready to helm her own show. But to make that happen, she has to do her network boss one favor first—spend two months on a ranch in Montana wrangling the notoriously difficult director of Beef Battles. Apparently, he eats producers for breakfast. Yet all Stacy can think when she meets the lean, rugged man is how hungry he makes her . . .

Dominic Stamp—Nikko to his very few friends—has had enough interference from TV newbies. And when Stacy climbs out of the car in Montana, he’s not convinced she’s even old enough to drive, much less produce his show. But he can’t deny that the long-legged blonde with the stubborn will and the dazzling smile whets his appetite. And as Stacy proves her talent with the crew and the budget alike, Nikko vows to prove to her that love is on the menu for both of them . . .

Look for exclusive recipes in each book!

Review:

Peggy Jaeger’s book Can’t Stand the Heat is the third book in her “Will Cook for Love” series. The witty writing style is what captured my attention right away. It is a remarkable story filled with emotion and warmth.

Executive producer, Stacy Peters is ready to helm her own TV reality cooking series. But she must first prove herself by spending two months on a ranch in Montana with director Dominic Stamp. His friends call him Nikko.

While Stacy is charismatic and likeable, Nikko is arrogant, stubborn and difficult. At first it is hard to understand why these two are attracted to each other, but as the story progresses it becomes very clear and readers will find themselves rooting for this couple and enjoying their love story.

On the set and off, the couple bump heads and the tension is thick. Stacey knows her way around the set and is extremely likable. While Nikko is the opposite, he is demanding and pushy. As we come to understand more about Nikko and his past, we learn to love him as well and can see why Stacy falls so hard for him. I loved the way author Peggy Jaeger wrote the dialog between Stacy and Nikko. It is witty, natural and humorous. Nikko has a teenage daughter that is snarky and somewhat unruly. She is a great secondary character that is well developed and has an essential position in the storyline. She brings with her a lot of emotion and sentiment. The interaction between her and her father Nikko will cause readers to feel things that are familiar and touching.

The setting, being in Montana on a ranch, made this story very interesting and enjoyable. The descriptions of the surroundings, the people and the food made this story wonderful.

The characters are all well developed and fleshed out. They are interesting and very realistic. They have strengths and flaws that are relatable.

Peggy Jaeger has written an especially essential message within the pages of this story. The characters joys, sadness’s and difficulties really moved me.

Can’t Stand the Heat is an engaging, compelling and moving love story with a lot going on. It is unique and different. I found the idea of having the storyline revolve around a television reality series to be fresh and unique. We get to learn about the makings of such shows and get a keen insight into that particular industry.

This is the third book in Peggy Jaeger’s series “Will Cook for Love” but it is also an exciting standalone book. I’m looking forward to reading the first two instalments of the series. And I highly recommend this one, Can’t Stand the Heat.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Cafe

Purchase Can’t Stand the Heat by Peggy Jaeger @Amazon Today

Minnie’s Antique & Curiosity Shoppe by Lucinda Stein

Minnie’s Antique & Curiosity Shoppe by Lucinda Stein

Synopsis:

When you least expect it, life can turn upside down! With a suitcase in each hand, Liza Murphy stares at the display window that touts Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe. After growing up in the back of a secondhand store—where her graduation reception was advertised to the public, Liza swore she’d never return. But twenty-three-year-old Liza has lost all sense of direction after her divorce. Her mother, Minnie, a product of the hippie era, now resides in an antique store, her eccentricity known to all in the small Midwestern town. To Liza’s chagrin, she’s once again living in a store. When a toddler is abandoned among the antiques, Liza takes in the child she calls Sweetie, hoping the young woman who left her will return. Liza soon finds her priorities change. She falls in love with the child and refuses to report Sweetie to the authorities. When the young woman who abandoned the child returns a year later, Liza is forced to make a decision—give up Sweetie or go on the run.

Review:

Heartwarming, engaging and compelling!

Liza Murphy is excited to leave home and leave her eccentric dominating mother. Her mother owns and lives in her antique shop called Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe. Liza moves to the city with determination to make it and never to return to the small town where she grew up. There she meets a man and falls in love and marries. But her marriage to cheating Taylor, doesn’t last long and Liza finds herself broke and busted. She is forced to move right back to where she started…Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe. There Liza must face up to her past, learn to forgive and plan a new future.

But then a surprise comes knocking at her doorstep in the form of an abandoned toddler. Lisa takes it upon herself to become a mother to the child, for a while. After sometime, Liza falls in love with the child and on purpose fails to report the missing child to the authorities. After about a year, a young woman returns to claim her child. Liza, unwilling to give the child up, must make a decision whether to break the law and run for it, or turn the child over to the young woman. But it isn’t such an easy choice because she feels she must do what’s best for the child too. Liza feels she has a second chance with this young child. What will she do?

Lucinda Stein has written a beautiful story of one woman’s struggles in life, only to find that there is hope in having a good life no matter how unexpected. It’s a story of second chances and salvation.

Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe by Lucinda Stein is a heartwarming story filled with many of life’s trials but also life’s celebrations. The storyline is definitely unique and different in such a good way. I couldn’t put it down and turned the pages quickly to find out what would happen next. There are many surprises that are unexpected, which keeps the reader’s interest peaked.

The eccentric characters have unique personalities and are extremely well developed. They are all well fleshed out and detailed. Readers will love the characters as there is much persona put into them. They are very relatable. Although, the plot is somewhat unexpected and different, it is very relatable and enjoyable. It is engaging, captivating and absorbing.

Lucinda Stein is a magnificent, superb writer with words that flow off the page. Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe is a creative story and beautifully written. It is a real page turner and a book that I recommend to all women readers. It is very enjoyable, moving and touching. Readers will be cheering for Liza as she struggles to keep the toddler she calls “Sweetie.” You must pick up a copy of this book to find out what transpires and to find out if Liza gets to keep the child in the end. The ending is very good and satisfying, you won’t be let down.

Chick Lit Cafe gives Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe a big 5 stars!

Purchase Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe @Amazon Today

The Ex Chronicles – A Short Story by Maura Beth Brennan

The Ex Chronicles – A Short Story by Maura Beth Brennan

Angie thinks she has found the love of her life. All goes well until she starts getting phone calls from a sultry woman and realizes her man is cheating. She decides to take matters into her own hands and confront the two lovers. After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Review:

Angie likes to daydream about movie stars and films. She is a movie buff and is constantly comparing her life to those in the limelight. One day as she is having car trouble, she meets a handsome hunk named Bryce. They hit it off and begin dating. They even move in together.

Everything is wonderful, and she thinks he is the love of her life and that it will last forever. Or so she thinks. But then the unthinkable begins to happen. She begins to receive phone calls from a sultry voiced woman and fears that Bryce may be cheating on her.

What ensues is a hilarious, yet sad, turn of events. Is Bryce cheating on her? And if so, will she catch him in the act? Will her mother say, “I told you so?”

In  the short story, The Ex Chronicles by Maura Beth Brennan is a short story filled with humor and crazy antics. It is a lighthearted romantic comedy. Angie is a fun and humorous character that is always thinking about romantic movies and comparing herself to movie starlets. She dreams of meeting and loving men like Jude Law, Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum. When she meets the extremely handsome and muscular Bryce, she is over her head with excitement and falls hard for him. Her mother is always giving her advice and tells her that she shouldn’t be giving it away so easily. Angie thinks her mother is old fashioned, until she realizes that she may be right.

I loved The Ex Chronicles- A Short Story by Maura Beth Brennan. It is the story of a typical short love affair gone wrong. It is very relatable and Angie is a character that many women will see themselves in. I certainly did. This book is so funny and amusing. It is decidedly entertaining and easy to read. I was initially attracted to the book cover. It’s flirty, enticing and artistic. And, the book did not disappoint, as it is flirty, enticing and creative too.

Maura Beth Brennan has done an extraordinary job of putting a lot of action and hilarity into one short story. The characters are fabulous and well established. They are certainly relatable and likable. I was impressed by how she was able to create multifaceted characters with such few words. The plot is engaging and absorbing. Readers will love the quick scenario and the satisfying fun ending. The Ex Chronicles is a perfect short chick lit style read. I read it through quickly and loved every word and the entire storyline. If you love short romance stories and chick lit reads, you will love The Ex Chronicles. It is fulfilling, gratifying and hilarious.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends The Ex Chronicles, a short fun romantic story.

Purchase The Short Story The Ex Chronicles by Maura Beth Brennan @Amazon Today

Unrequited Guilt by Kim Praser

Unrequited Guilt by Kim Praser

Seventeen-year-old Amber Malley’s suicide sparks the depression that has been buried within teacher Kristen Hunter. The single mother of two struggles to cope with the loss of this student while coming to terms with her failed marriage that she denies to acknowledge.

Not only does Kristen work through her depression, Kristen’s father, Paul, deals with the rejection he received from his mother as a child, along with the deaths of his best friend and wife. Amber’s mother, Mary Alice, ignores the truth behind her daughter’s death; instead, she decides to sue Kristen who encourages the composition of Amber’s suicide note. Within weeks of Amber’s death, another student, Brian, commits suicide by walking into a train as a result of rejecting his father’s new marriage.

How will Kristen handle the guilt she feels contributes to these situations? To what degree does she hold herself responsible?

Review:

Kristen Hunter is a single mother of two and a high school teacher. Kristen is in denial when it comes to her failed marriage. When one of her students, seventeen year old Amber Malley, commits suicide, it sends Kristen spiraling into depression. Her failed marriage and the horror of her student’s suicide is too much for her to handle.

Kristen must also deal with her own father’s depression and issues due to his own childhood and the deaths of his best friend and his wife.

To top it all off, young Amber Malley’s mother, Mary Alice, refuses to believe the truth behind her daughter’s suicide, and decides to put the blame on Kristen. Mary Alice decides to sue Kristen for Amber’s death because she believes that Kristen encouraged the composition of Amber’s suicide note.

Then if things aren’t bad enough, another student commits suicide. Kristen is overwhelmed with depression and now she is ridden with guilt. Is Kristen somehow responsible for the suicides and deaths of the two young students? That is the question that bombards her mind continually. Will Kristen be able to overcome the depression and come to terms with the guilt that she feels? Will her life continue to spin out of control? Or will she be victorious in the end?

Unrequited Guilt is a phenomenal story of one woman’s unexpected twists and turns in life that result in tragedy and a life filled with depression, guilt and mental torment. How far should Kristen go in holding herself responsible for the deaths of these children? The guilt she feels is unfounded, but she struggles terribly with that and the other issues in her life.

Author, Kim Praser has composed a poignant, compelling and engaging novel that I was unable to put down. I was drawn in right from the beginning and fully occupied throughout. Unrequited Guilt is a real tearjerker filled with raw emotion, hope and inspiration. The storyline is highly imaginative, unique and creative. It is realistic and relatable. Kim Praser encourages the reader to allow themselves to have deep feelings and compassion as she paints the human condition like a portrait. This is a beautiful story that readers will not soon forget. I was touched deeply.

The characters are very well developed and woven into the storyline with meaning and carefulness. Much thought was put into the characters. They grow and evolve beautifully throughout the story. The plot and storyline is like a beautiful tapestry that captivates the reader and won’t let go. Unrequited Guilt is a novel well worth reading and one that readers will relate to on one level or another. The ending does not disappoint. I loved the satisfying finish. This is one that I could and would read again.

Praise for Kim Praser’s Unrequited Guilt a 5 Star Novel.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Cafe

Purchase Unrequited Guilt by Kim Praser @Amazon Today

Best Foot Forward by Bea Stevens

Best Foot Forward (The Liberty Lawrence Series Book 1) by Bea Stevens

Synopsis:

Liberty ‘Libby’ Lawrence adores designer labels – even though she can’t afford many. And she especially loves shoes. Her favorites are Christian Louboutin’s – though not those fake ones Bianca Morrison-Wright gets from the market (the red paint rubs off the soles and everything!)
She’s working as a manager (albeit junior manager) at a London hotel, when the boss announces that there has been a theft from his office. Libby couldn’t help noticing some strange marks on his carpet when she was called in for a reprimand recently (not that it was her fault, or anything) which lead her to surmise who the thief is.
Detective Sergeant James Harper, the hunky policemen who is assigned the case, seems interested in her theory – until she names her number one suspect. Libby is devastated, not only because he doesn’t believe her but – more importantly – that this guy knows NOTHING about shoes!
As Libby struggles to convince the sergeant that her hunch is right, her boss that she’s ready for promotion and herself that she’s not really falling for the gorgeous copper, she realizes that maybe she’s wrong about the theft, she’s not suited to the hotel industry and that the handsome hunk is married!

Review:

Liberty Lawrence is in love with designer labels, fabulous clothes and shoes especially. She can’t really afford them, as her income as a junior manager at a London hotel, won’t permit. But that doesn’t stop her from loving and wearing the rich looking assembles. One day her boss announces that someone broke into his office and stole from him. Libby had noticed some strange looking marks on his office floor and suspects a certain someone as being the thief. When she tells the hunky and handsome detective James Harper her theory, he seems to be interested until she tells him who she suspects. Liberty is distressed because he doesn’t believe her and more importantly because he doesn’t know anything about designer shoes, which Libby is obsessed with.

While Libby tries to convince the detective of her theory, she is also trying to convince her boss that she deserves a promotion. She is also trying to convince herself that she isn’t attracted to detective-policeman James Harper. She eventually begins to question herself by telling herself that maybe she shouldn’t be working in the hotel business, and maybe she is wrong about her theory regarding the theft and maybe detective James Harper is married. With so many doubts looming, Libby must put her Best Foot Forward.

Best Foot Forward is a laugh out loud romantic comedy. I couldn’t put it down, as it held my attention throughout the entire book. Libby is fun and a bit clumsy too. It is hilarious to read about her antics and her light hearted personality. She loves shoes above all, but is caught off guard with the handsome detective James Harper. She becomes intensely attracted to him. She is a great character that is relatable and intriguing. There is plenty of physical comedy in this story that will keep readers laughing.

The storyline and plot is engaging, interesting and uplifting. There is a lot of emotion, including sadness. For women that love fashion, this is right up their alley. Libby, although clumsy, approaches life and situations in an expensive style with her designer heels. I loved the descriptions of the shoes and clothes and other things, like the settings.

In Best Foot Forward, the characters are very fun and appealing, especially her co-workers. They are well developed and thought out and suited to the storyline. Libby, herself, is a great character and very relatable. Readers will love her funny antics and her spirit. They will also be sad for her at times, Best Foot Forward is a wonderful chick lit read. It has all the important components of a special women’s fiction book. I couldn’t put it down. It is one of the best chick lit novels I have read in a long time.

Bea Stevens has a way with words. I loved the dialog between the characters. She writes in a simplistic, yet smart manner. Readers will be delighted with Best Foot Forward. It is one amusing, entertaining and captivating chick lit read. I loved it and I am sure all women readers of chick lit and beyond will find it very appealing and satisfying. The ending was wonderful, and I am looking forward to the next installment in the Liberty Lawrence series. I want to find out what exciting job Libby finds herself in next and what antics she gets herself into.

Bea Stevens is a great writer and should be noted as so. Pick up a copy of Best Foot Forward by Bea Stevens, you will love it as I did.

Proudly Reviewed by Chick Lit Cafe

Purchase Best Foot Forward by Bea Stevens @Amazon Today – You Will Love It!

Connect with Bea Stevens
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Keeping Sam by Joanne Phillips

Keeping Sam by Joanne Phillips

When Kate wakes up from a year-long coma, the first person she asks for is her son. Recovering from a head injury and getting back on her feet takes all of Kate’s energy, but toddler Sam has left a hole in her heart – a hole that isn’t healed by the knowledge that Sam is being cared for by Kate’s mother. Estranged from her parents since she was eighteen, Kate soon discovers they took Sam home to Cornwall months ago, convinced Kate would never wake up … By the time Kate is well enough to reclaim her son she is frantic with worry. Why hasn’t her mother brought Sam to see her? Why haven’t they replied to any of her letters? And why will no one talk to her about the circumstances around her injuries?

Review:
Kate is a young mother who gets attacked and ends up in a coma for almost a year. Her parents obtained custody of Kate’s toddler son when they thought that she wasn’t going to ever wake up.

But she did wake up, only to find that she had lost her son to her parents. As she recovers from her head injury and learns to walk again, Kate is only interested in getting her son back. But Kate’s mom, of whom she is estranged from, wants to keep Sam, Kate’s son. Kate is pain-stricken with worry and works hard to fully recover from her head trauma. In the meantime Kate’s mother hasn’t even brought Sam to see his mother. Kate is furious and anxious. She gets caught up in the red tape of the legal system and fights hard to get her son back. And why will no one talk to her about what happened to her and who attacked her?

Keeping Sam is a roller coaster filled with emotion and passion as one mother fights to get her son back from her parents and the legal system. It is an exceptional contemporary read and very interesting. It’s a complex realistic drama about modern day families. It touches on relationships and dysfunctional families. Kate is anxious and frustrated, as any mother would be if they were in her situation. Her relationship with her mother is strained and her mother doesn’t want to give up Sam, Kate’s son.

I found Keeping Sam by Joanne Phillips to be an engaging relatable story that many readers will like. I was caught up in the drama of the family dynamics and Kate’s struggle. I found myself filled with emotions such as, anger, sorrow and hope. The tension between Kate and her parents are revealed in a clever skillful way.

Joanne Phillips has introduced some more lighthearted moments in this story in the form of Kate’s landlady, Marie, and the love of her life Tony. All the characters have their place in this book and are well developed. Kate, and her mother Barbara, are both interesting and multidimensional characters, with strengths and weaknesses that we all have. The rest of the characters are nice additions to the story and help to give it life and interest. . I found the dialog between Kate and her mother, Barbara, to be especially interesting and well composed.

There is a little mystery and romance, but no sex or bad language, which I found refreshing. It’s a well written and narrated story

Overall, Keeping Sam by Joanne Phillips, is a poignant and likable story about one mother’s struggle to keep her child. The storyline is compelling and unique. Readers will be interested in this dysfunctional family. I believe many will relate to the modern day relationships and scenario. The ending was satisfying and conclusive.

This is the first book that I have read by Joanne Phillips and I am delightfully pleased. She is an excellent creative writer. I am going to pick up one her romance or cozy mysteries books that she is better known for. I am anxiously looking forward to reading more by her.

Chick Lit Cafe gives Keeping Sam 5 big stars.

Purchase Keeping Sam @Amazon Now

Hazel’s Home by Rosanna Rae - Book Review

Hazel’s Home by Rosanna Rae

Meeting Blake Hennessey in New York changes Hazel Munro’s life forever. He is the charismatic, sophisticated boss of the advertising company she works for. She is immediately smitten and is astonished when she realizes he feels the same way! His friend Zac thinks she is a blatant gold-digger, but when Blake proposes to her, there is a much bigger bone of contention – where the two of them will live. Hazel’s home is in Scotland and she has no intention of moving to Manhattan.

Sparks fly when Hazel realizes exactly what Blake’s “compromise” is on this issue and the future doesn’t look quite so rosy for either of them. A personal shock forces Hazel to deal with a life-changing situation, which alters her point of view. Meanwhile, however, Blake has developed a major problem of his own. He is heading alone down a long, dark tunnel. Can Hazel reach him in time to avert disaster and save him from himself?

Review:

Hazel Munro is summoned to New York for business. Afraid of flying, she boards a flight from her home country of Scotland, headed to the United States. She is unsure of why the owner of the Hennessey Company wants to have a personal meeting with her. She has worked for Hennessey advertising agency as a copywriter for five years. But when she does meet with him, he assures her that her work for the company thus far has been exemplary and he wants her to make a presentation to the cosmetic company that they are working to obtain as a client. What she doesn’t expect is to find Blake Hennessey to be a handsome, charismatic gentleman, and she feels an immediate attraction towards him. Hazel is astonished to find that Blake feels the same attraction for her. Sparks fly and after a several dates, they are both sure they are in love. They want to get married.

However, Blake’s best friend, Zac, objects at first, to their relationship. He thinks that Hazel is a gold digger and only in it for the benefit of financial gain.

There is also a bigger problem. Where the couple will actually live is the question. Hazel refuses to leave Scotland and Blake refuses to leave New York. Blake promises that they will work it out. But the solution he comes up with in the end, is not what Hazel was expecting. In the meantime Hazel has a life changing occurrence which changes her whole perspective on her life. Then Blake goes through a tragedy himself and ends up spiraling downward into despair. Will this couple work it out and be together forever despite their complications and difficulties?

Hazel’s Home by Rosanna Rae is an engaging, contemporary emotional read. It is a romantic fiction filled with drama and complex relationship issues. It is a fabulous story that touches on the many issues pertaining to couples and their ups and downs. There is plenty of love, romance and sex always looming in the air. It even touches on the issues of abuse and illness.

Hazel’s Home is realistic in many important ways. Readers will definitely relate to this engrossing love story. It is captivating, absorbing and unputdownable. I read it through in a couple of days, turning the pages quickly, anxiously wanting to find out if Hazel and Blake will end up together and where they will live. There are some surprises along the way which held my interest thoroughly.

Although it deals with the complexities of relationships, it has plenty of fun, humor and good entertaining moments. The romance is thrilling and exciting.

Rosanna Rae has composed a well written story. She introduces different couples with their relationship issues in various chapters. The characters are all well developed and all hold an important place in the plot. The main characters are especially well fleshed out with likable amusing personalities. Hazel is a complex character with strengths and weaknesses that readers will relate to in many ways.

I was very impressed with the descriptions of everything from the food to the clothes to the scenery. A true delight for the imaginary senses. Rosanna Rae illustrates it skillfully and admirably.

The storyline is unique and creative. I loved Hazel’s Home. It held my attention and kept me thoroughly engaged throughout the entire story. I especially loved the ending, it is was very satisfying and conclusive. I’m looking forward to reading more by Rosanna Rae, She is an exceptional writer with a lot of talent.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Hazel’s Home by Rosanna Rae

Purchase Hazel’s Home by Rosanna Rae @Amazon Today

Connect with Rosanna Rae
Website