They Called Him Marvin by Roger Stark

They Called Him Marvin: A History of Love, War and Family by Roger Stark

"They were the fathers we never knew, the uncles we never met, the friends who never returned, the heroes we can never repay. They gave us our world. And those simple sounds of freedom we hear today are their voices speaking to us across the years." Bill Clinton.

Such a man was 1st Lt Dean Harold Sherman, B-29 Airplane Commander.

“They Called Him Marvin” is a history. A history of war and of family. A history of the collision of the raging politics of a global war, young love, patriotism, sacred family commitments, duty and the horrors and tragedies, the catastrophe that war is.

A reviewer explains: "I am a fan of historical fiction and this story did not disappoint. It was sweet, tragic, personal, and moving. Gradually and almost imperceptibly, the story of two wartime sweethearts begins circling the drain of a tragedy you know is coming. The book begins with the ending, but by the time you get there you have convinced yourself that it can't possibly be the case. I enjoyed every moment, even the ones that left me in tears.

The letters between Connie and Dean provided a fascinating glimpse into wartime life. Reading the experiences of people both at home and abroad was very engaging. I found myself eagerly awaiting the next letter, right along with the young couple!

Lastly, the book left me with an overwhelming acknowledgement of the universal trauma and tragedy of war. The Sherman’s are not the only family we meet in the book and the weaving together of several different narratives added a depth to the story that's hard to put into words.

I definitely encourage anyone to read this book, especially if historical novels are not something you typically read. This is a story about people and you won't want it to end.

They Called Him Marvin by Roger Stark is a merger between American and Japanese events during WWII, and the very human reality of one American pilot and his love letters to his wife.  The candor in their loving correspondence, and the stark reality of war, clash against each other within the pages of this book.  Like the major and minor notes being pulled from an orchestra by a master conductor, history is brought to life and the full impact of war is felt.

Packed with historical content, and portrayed with a vibrant pen, They Called Him Marvin by Roger Stark comes very highly recommended!!.

Grab your copy of "They Called Him Marvin: A History of Love, War and Family by Roger Stark today!

The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood - Book & Review

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy by Kayley Wood 
Series: Club Series 
Genres: Emotional, Humorous, Romantic Comedy 
Format: Kindle 
Buy on Amazon 
Goodreads 
 

Synopsis:

Mia never felt the need to speak up for herself… not with three protective sisters (who always know what is best for her), an assertive boyfriend (Doug never minds speaking for her), and then there is her bestie, Kat, who has no problem stealing the attention for herself.

With a nervous bladder (which strikes at the worst possible times) and a fear of public speaking, Mia is comfortable with the way things are.

That is, until Mia comes home to find her things packed by the door and is told the news that her boyfriend and best friend fell in love.

Now homeless and anything but comfortable, Mia’s three sisters come to the rescue (as usual) by helping her land the perfect apartment, but a colossal mishap lands gorgeous, bad boy Logan on her doorstep with a key and a lease of his own.

In exchange for a free month’s stay, Logan agrees to help Mia find the voice and confidence she now desperately craves.

The plan? Mia will finally stand up for herself and give her exes what they deserve.

It’s not revenge. It’s Karma.

Mia’s one rule: No matter how charming, funny and sexy Logan Miller is, she cannot fall in love with him.

Logan’s one rule: No matter how adorable, sweet and sexy she is, Mia is off limits.

Are some rules made to be broken, or will Logan turn out to be what everyone warned her he was: someone who would only break her heart in the end?

An updated, professionally edited version. Although all books in the Club Series can be read as a standalone, it’s way more fun to read in order!

Purchase: The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood today!

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood

Book review:

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood is a must read, 5 star romantic comedy with delightful characters, an exciting, funny and heartfelt narrative and convincing, addicting plot.

Mia watches her entire life crumble before her very eyes as her so-called “best friend” and her supposed trustworthy “boyfriend” sit her down on her favorite red couch (that she purchased) to break the heartbreaking (for her) news that they were in love and kicking her out of her own apartment. Shocked and numb to this appalling and shameful act of betrayal, Mia has nothing to say but her mind races with a million thoughts. One being how she had paid for the majority of everything in her apartment and now she is getting nothing, but practically kicked out onto the street. What wonderful friends she has. Good thing Mia also has her sisters who come to her rescue like she knew they would, in their own ways of course but each very resourceful.  They even found the perfect new apartment for her that would set her on a good start to a new life on her own minus the toxic people she was leaving behind and to keep in her past.

Logan has been couch surfing for the past few months after having a fall out with a rich and popular power couple that had already made sure his good name was tarnished. This seemed to be preventing Logan from obtaining a new job which led to his stay at his best buds pad that he shared with his very reluctant girlfriend. He needed a place of his own and a perfect apartment happened to be opening up as soon as the old tenant died, which was at any moment now, Logan was told by his friend. Leases are signed and moves are made. Mia finds Logan at her door with a pleasant misunderstanding. With an agreement of exchanging confidence boosting coaching sessions for free rent, Mia decides to keep things platonic between her and Logan, despite his gorgeous looks and dashing personality. But that doesn’t quite work out for Mia when sparks fly with Logan!

The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood is hilariously funny and unique! A fun plot that keeps you guessing at every turn of the page! This book had me laughing out loud, along with experiencing many heartfelt emotions throughout this grand slam of a story! Kayley Wood has really delivered a fun-loving novel with charming characters and a delightful plotline to boot! She has a creative expressive voice and delightful writing style, drawing the reader in, engaging them with her outstanding narrative and plot. The Karma Book Club is a story which shows that even when life seems impossible and hopeless there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. Life has a funny way of working itself out and this is a perfect portrayal of such. What a great read! Chick Lit Cafédefinitely recommends The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood to all readers who enjoy original romantic comedies filled with down-to-earth emotion, relatable characters and packed with clever “LOL” humor.

~Reviewed by Beatrix Bloom for Chick Lit Café~

Purchase The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood today!

What readers are saying about The Karma Book Club

“I must say I am totally wowed by this author. I spent as much time laughing as I did crying at parts of this story.” – Amazon review

“Phenomenal. I laughed a lot with this one. Well done Kayley.” – Amazon review

“I don’t believe in Karma so I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this book, but I did! So funny!” – Amazon review

“Logan stole my heart. Mia needed Logan for her to be the person she should be.” – Goodreads review

“I knew I liked Logan Miller! I was excited to read this one after The Virgin Club and I wasn’t disappointed. It was the right balance between fun and emotion and romance. – Goodreads review

Really love this series. Can’t wait until the next book is out. – Goodreads review
Check Out The Entire LOL Romantic Comedy “The Club Series” by Kayley Wood

Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack & Kelly by Theresa A. Laws

Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack & Kelly by Theresa A. Laws

Synopsis:

Jack wasn’t perfect but he could admit it. Kelly wasn’t perfect nor could she hide it. A beautiful love story of a confident Christian politician and his love for a reluctant beautiful woman with special needs. Jack Riley, is an up and coming politician embarking on a new campaign to win a congressional seat in the state of Mississippi. Full of compassion for people, he’s fulfilling his ailing father’s wishes to take up the cause of social injustice. He’s also waiting on something or rather someone else he didn’t know he needed to fulfill his journey. Pressure from his mother and her tactics in matchmaking cause him to stop seeking all together and give the matter over to God. Kelly Sanders has had many obstacles to overcome due to special needs, but she and her family never give up. Seeking to overcome rejection through prayer and an ever determined spirit she reaches many of her life goals. But, something she never expects proves that God does indeed have a sense of humor as these two lives intersect. Jack and Kelly are both seeking to love and to be loved. Is she the one for whom he waits? Can their different paths merge into one? What do they learn about God and each other? Can family and friends derail heart decisions? What lessons are we taught as we journey through life with them? Be prepared. Be very prepared.

Review:

Despite her youth, Kelly was a brilliant and scholarly intellectual, being the only one in her family to earn her BA degree. Her mama, Emma, always knew her youngest daughter was smart and had a uniqueness apart from her older two girls, but she was also very protective over Kelly. And this was because even though Kelly was so intelligent, there was something else that made her “special”, due to complications at birth. Her condition caused bouts of social awkwardness fueled by severe anxiety, memory loss and unpredictable behavior, which trying to control with meds always just put her in a lethargic and sedated state. Emma figured she would always be the one to care for her youngest daughter, even after her older two were married off. Kelly would be the one to remain single because of her mental health and its circumstances.  That was up until her graduation, when to her mother and older sister’s surprise, a charming and charismatic man: Jack Riley, shows interest in young Kelly. But what are his intentions? What would a popular, almost celebrity-like, aspiring politician want to do with naive and inexperienced Kelly? Emma and her other daughters were unsure, but they did know one thing, they were not going to allow her to be taken advantage of. But maybe, just maybe, Jack was different as well, with a calling even unbeknownst to himself.

A completely enthralling and heartfelt story of how true, unconditional love still exists when we least expect it, and can come from the most unlikely of sources. Theresa A. Laws paints a lovely picture of a cute and quirky romance that will keep you guessing at every turn of the page. Funny and lighthearted, Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack and Kelly had me smiling till the very end. It was refreshing to see such a strong, and vigorous, steadfast faith in God within Laws’ progressive characters. Her descriptive and colorful narrative really makes the reader feel connected and engaged with each personality they encounter, along with very relatable issues and storyline.

If you’re looking for an outstanding illustration of the power of prayer and how God works in mysterious ways, Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack and Kelly by Theresa A. Laws is a perfect portrayal of such beautiful wonder. I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and delightful book and also was able to really appreciate the lessons to be learned from it. All very important things to be packed into one story, and Laws nails it. It is a definite recommend to anyone that desires to read something so expressive and lively.

Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack and Kelly by Theresa A. Laws is a must read, and should certainly be added to your to-be-read book list!

Book reviewed by Beatrix Bloom for Chick Lit Café

Purchase Diary of a Divine Relationship: Jack and Kelly by Theresa A. Laws today

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

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford

Synopsis:

Wrong place, right time? A starbeing was supposed to travel light-years across the universe to help humanity by working in Washington, D.C.–but she accidentally lands in a small Kansas town in the body of Missy. Join her on this whimsical journey as she discovers the beauty of life and love on Earth.

Author Ann Crawford’s trademark optimism brings us a witty and wise book filled with memorable characters and insights into what makes us all so very human.

Review:

Fresh off the Starship is a wonderful and fun chick lit style book with a spin on science fiction.

Missy, a young woman is not human, but instead she is a glorious being from a distant galaxy light years away. From Andromeda, she is headed to earth-to be precise-to aid humans and the people of earth in whatever way she can. However, her ship takes a turn and she winds up in Kansas instead. As she is waking up, she can hear the voices of the humans talking to her. But, the voices sound so strange to her and not like the English she had learned in her studies. She is in Kansas now and they definitely speak with an accent. Instead of reaching humans on a grander degree, Missy is now stuck in Kansas living life like a human. She is determined to complete her assignment even though she is in small-town Kansas. Readers follow Missy on her adventure to help humanity discover the beauty of nature and the world around us.

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford is a light, warm-hearted book that readers will revel in and certainly appreciate. It is highly entertaining and full of wit and charm. It is intelligent and fun at the same time. It is written with a clear concise voice with a message that we humans need to hear. I was fully engaged from the very first chapter, as this book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

This honestly is a beautiful story from an extremely gifted writer. With fluently penned prose and a captivating romantic storyline and plot, Ann Crawford gives readers a one of a kind tale. We have a strong, rather bewildered heroine to be inspired by and a cast full of colorful characters. They are well developed and fleshed out with strengths and weaknesses we all can relate to. I loved Missy-she is a genuine character who had me thinking, making this a very thought-provoking book. Readers are reminded that life is beautiful and much more brilliant than we perceive.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fresh off the Starship and savored every word. Ann Crawford aptly has a flair for writing descriptive words that put the reader right on the scene, watching on as the story unfolds. I could visualize the entire setting and Missy’s unique take on things. This is a book that I would highly recommend to lovers of chick lit, science fiction, adventure and even fantasy lovers. The compelling ending is wonderful and completely satisfying.

Praise for Fresh off the Starship, a page turner and one of the best books I have read in a long time. Pick up your copy and be delighted and inspired.

Reviewed by Artisan Book Reviews

Purchase Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford @Amazon Here

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus - Book Review

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus

Synopsis

Amelia’s past issues and personal time limits propel her into a relationship that alters her normal life at Westbrook University. Connor, her new potential boyfriend, triggers jealousy, rehashes old relationships, sparks new ones, and ignites a rage in others that will devastate her ordinary life. As she desperately tries to hold on to her pre-Connor life, she struggles to balance the new-found attention while trying to follow her heart. Something she realizes is complicated… very complicated – because her heart has no idea where it’s going.

Connor may be the change Lia is looking for, but he is certainly not the ending Hawk wants for his Queen. Hawk’s invested too much time in planning his future to let some random guy walk away with his happily ever after. He will do anything to protect her virtue, even if it means protecting her from herself because Amelia belongs to him.

He’s chosen her…

He’s watched her…

He’s studied her…

He knows everything there is to learn about her…

And when the time is right she will reign his heart.

Review:

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus is an intriguing young adult book filled with twists and turns. The main character of the book is Amelia. Amelia has not had much success in the way of relationships.

But she has a prospective new boyfriend, Connor, who has been after her to be his girlfriend. She is somewhat reluctant and has always had a habit of shutting herself down when it comes to the men in her life when things get confining. The problem with Amelia accepting Connor as her boyfriend is complicated. It brings up issues of jealousy, past relationships, it brings on new ones, and sparks anger in others that could ruin her everyday life.

As a college student at Westbrook University and the possibility of a new boyfriend, Amelia has a lot going for her. But things are not that simple for this young women. And if she knew that a guy named Hawk, has beenstalking her, she would really be over the top devastated. Hawk wants Amelia to be his queen. He knows everything about her and has been studying her intently. Amelia’s best friend, Robins, is the ultimate friend and the guy that the girls all want to be with. Amelia is popular and seems to have it all. But, to what extent will Hawk go to in order to make Amelia his queen?

Knights After My Heart is one wild ride. It is a romantic mystery filled with fascinating characters and interesting plot twists. I couldn’t put it down and devoured it to the very last page, which was a cliffhanger, causing me to want to quickly get the next book in the series in my hands. With the appealing descriptions and activity of college life, all readers will love to reminisce and dream about college life. This is such an entertaining, beguiling, and riveting sexy story. Perfectly crafted with powerful believable characters.

The wonderful descriptive writing put me right on the scene watching on as the story unfolded. I could see and feel the emotions and relate to what the characters were going through.

The romance in this book is also unique and there is an unexpected twist in the form of a love triangle of sorts. This book is full of mystery with suspicious behavior making it an enthralling suspenseful novel to revel in and be startled by. I became unnerved on many occasions and was stricken speechless.

The characters are fabulous and well developed with strengths, flaws and attitudes. They are relatable and likable except for the questionable and somewhat creepy guy, Hawk. The story is told in two POV’s, Amelia’s and Hawk’s. It works well with in the storyline and flows seamlessly. I was fully impressed by the way Sonja Jesus wrote the dialogue between the characters. She has a unique original voice that resounds on every page. I am definitely going to read more from author Sonya Jesus. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus

Purchase Knights After My Heart @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.

Into the Lyons Den by Donni De-Ville

Synopsis:

Story set in England, based on some exaggerated true life events and emotional experiences of the author.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Instead of a flowery romance, Viv, the main character, encounters far more than she could ever have bargained for, or deserved. The reader will go through all the gamut of emotions with the 3D characters, and enjoy the strong story-line all the way through the book. The ending is un-anticipated and you would have to be made of stone not to be deeply moved.

Viv, still heartbroken about Lawrence, a man whom she fell deeply for previously, is still getting over a nasty divorce from the man she married to get over the memory. She becomes a member of a dating agency, when her pent up emotions rise, as she becomes attracted to the owner of the agency. Viv then falls for two very different men. One who fills a woman’s every desire, but in choosing him, life would become as dangerous as walking a tightrope. The other man depicts total stability and a wholesome ruggedness, but without the erotic excitement. Vic’s separate world’s eventually square up with shocking consequences.

With a sinister thread causing havoc in the lives of most of the characters, crime, murder and mystery runs throughout the action-filled story.  Clues are given and each chapter’s ending has a cliff hanger, making it difficult to stop reading.

Men can also relate to this sensual, sexual romance in ways which can help them learn more about the intricacies of the female mind.  The characters individually take the reader on an emotional journey, which probably the reader has never experienced before, invoking feelings and thoughts they will think deeply about.

Should some of these scenarios play-out into the real world, (as have occurred with the author) the climatic twist would be similar to the ending of this story.

An unusual and unique, exciting story the reader who loves thrillers will want to share with others and a story never to be forgotten.

by Donni De-Ville @Amazon  https://donnideville.com 

Review:

Into the Lyons Den by Donni De-Ville is an exciting, racy novel filled with raw emotion and a thrilling, unexpected storyline. The story is about Viv, a beautiful woman who is remembering her first love and the intense passion she felt with him. She had made the decision to part with Lawrence due to her own fears and inability to trust. Unable to shake him from her thoughts and mind, she decides to take action and look for a new man that she can love and spend her life with. She stumbles across a dating agency entitled “The Dandy Lyons Marriage Agency.” She reluctantly makes the decision to visit the agency and sign up. What Viv doesn’t know is that her life is about to be turned into a rollercoaster of turmoil and upheaval.

This is a story based on the true life events of author, Donni De-Ville. It is compelling, thrilling and engaging. There is a lot going on in this story including, kidnapping, murder and many crazy scenarios. I couldn’t put this book down. From the very first chapter I was completely drawn into the life of Viv and all the things that she goes through. She encounters many different types of men and interesting people along the way. First, we meet the Lyons, the owners of the upper-class dating agency. While at a party with them, a murder occurs. Viv and her new friend begin to help clear the main suspect and she ends up getting more than she ever bargained for.

Throughout her journey, Viv, meets many unlikely characters including a transgender, an exuberant detective, a baron and many other, seemingly, questionable people. All the while a serial killer is lurking in the shadows. This is all a big change for Viv who works in an ordinary office in London. Her life has been turned upside down and she is on a thrilling, dangerous adventure.

This book is about crime, sex, lust, murder, romance and mystery. It is filled with twists and turns and at the end of each chapter readers are left hanging and hungering for more. It is the story of one woman’s desire to find a lasting true love and all the crazy things she goes through with the people she meets along the way.

Into the Lyons Den is fast-paced and action filled. Readers will be taken on an unbelievable ride of murder, madness and crime. There are tender emotional moments and some laughs along the way.

The characters and settings are beautifully described causing this reader to feel like I was right there watching on. It is written intelligently and extremely well. The author, Donni De-Ville, has a unique, crisp voice with a writing style that is very professional and appealing.

She has brilliantly woven a one-of-a-kind story with a solid plot and a conclusion that, I didn’t see coming, but is completely satisfying and exciting.

This book is a definite must read. Not only because it is based on a true life story, but because it is completely different from anything I have ever read. It is filled with intrigue and has the most interesting storyline, plot, characters and conclusion. It really touched me to my core, bringing up feelings and thoughts that are new to me. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Into the Lyons Den to all readers that are looking for a story to escape into that is realistic, engaging and shocking at the same time. Expect the unexpected. Unforgettable!

Purchase Into The Lyons Den by Donni De-Ville @Amazon

100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba

100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba

100 Dates & a Wedding relates the dating tribulations of a young French divorcee named Valerie Duval. It narrates Valerie’s dating experiences in London and shares the lessons she learnt from them. Her disillusionments, her joys, and her own ambiguities are shared without concession questioning how to deal with a break up after a long relationship? How to believe in love again after being defeated? Doesn’t everyone kiss a few frogs before reaching their happy ending? But the questions every woman wonder: How many dates does it get to find the “One”? 100? How many shags? Valerie won’t tell. How many mistakes made? Certainly plenty. Should you play the Game?

Valerie never understood the rules. So how do you meet the right one then? After a few slaps on the face. The road to love is not easy, but when you find it, you realize that somehow you enjoyed the ride, but more so adored reaching the destination. We must all go through this, c’est la vie! 100 Dates & a Wedding will make your heart laugh out loud; it is filled with raw emotions and evinces an incredible honesty in terms of storytelling. 100 Dates and a Wedding is moving and charming, is the perfect novel for a female of any age to engross herself into and delve into self-discovery through Valerie’s inspiring journey.

Review:

100 Dates and a Wedding is a fictional story based on author, Steph Tumba’s, real life events. In it we meet Valerie Duvall, a young French woman that has lived in London for three years now. She was married for seven years and is now divorced. Her two best friends, Camellia, sensitive and loyal, and Bianca, outgoing and sexy, help Valerie signup and create a profile on the dating site “match.com”. Valerie is reluctant at first but decides to give it a try and creates her profile in hopes to meet someone she can have a real relationship with.

As she looks at the profiles of the men online, she starts to relax and have fun. With so many men to choose from, she doesn’t know where to start. So she decides to send messages to all of the ones that caught her attention. Right away there is action on her profile. She receives a hundred emails and a 300 winks from the eager men that are hoping to find a date. With her friend’s approval, Valerie begins to date. Will she find the love of her life – her soulmate?

What follows is a humorous adventure in the world of online dating and matchmaking. It is the story of one woman’s life, her marriage and divorce, her career, her life in London and her experiences in online dating and finding the love of her life.

100 Dates and a Wedding starts out with a humorous bang right from the beginning, as Valerie is having her divorce and birthday party on the same day. The things that go on at the party are laugh-out-loud-funny.

Then she starts dating and has many trials and tribulations with her dates. She goes from one date to the next excited and confused. She actually seems to find some keepers but then as time goes on and she gets to know them for one reason or another things don’t work out. Will she ever find the one who she will fall in love with and get married? You must read the book to find out.

I couldn’t put 100 Dates and a Wedding down and read it almost straight through. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I began laughing right away. It is engaging, fun and exciting. There are real moments when my emotions got caught up in the story, as it made me angry and sad at times too. But it’s mostly funny and definitely interesting, as the reader gets a peek into the author’s life. It is written very well with a bit of a French flair to it.

Author Steph Tumba did a magnificent job of describing the setting, which is in London, as I felt like I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters. They have interesting and quirky personalities. They are well developed and fleshed out and became real to me.

I know readers will enjoy 100 Dates and a Wedding, the story is original, creative, well written and composed. Because it is based on a true story of the author’s own experiences, it is very realistic and down-to-earth, yet very funny, amusing and especially entertaining. I loved the satisfying ending.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends 100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba to all romantic comedy lovers.

Purchase 100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba @Amazon Now

Wrapped in the Stars by Elena Mikalsen

Wrapped in the Stars by Elena Mikalsen

Synopsis:

Struggling with guilt over her sister’s death and the stress of her medical residency, Maya Radelis runs away to Scotland. A robin seems to lead her to an antique shop, where she finds a century-old engagement ring. But what is the ring’s history? She follows the slim paper trail, wondering if it is only coincidence that her dreams reveal the story of a Swiss woman physician who wore the ring during World War I. In Paris she meets fellow New Yorker David Fischer, a lawyer with family in Switzerland as well as America. He helps Maya follow the memories stored in the ring as they lead her around Europe. The attraction between David and Maya grows, and when they discover a connection between the ring and David’s family, they learn, bit by bit, more about the ring’s earlier owner. Will Maya’s own life have the same tragedy of lost love?

Review:

Wrapped in the Stars by Elena Mikalsen is a beautiful tale of love, anguish, and destiny, written with a touch of magic realism. It’s modern day time and Maya Radelis travels to Edinburgh, Scotland after a tragedy at her hospital where she is doing her residency. She is ridden with guilt and blame and is trying to escape her emotions. A robin emerges which leads Maya to an antique shop where she discovers a beautiful vintage moonstone ring. She is immediately drawn towards the ring and compelled to buy it.

She then begins to have mental flashbacks and memories, of a time in history, and that are not her own. She is entranced by the ring and finds herself traveling throughout Europe in search of the meaning behind the woman who previously owned the ring. While in Paris, she meets David, a New Yorker as well, and has an immediate attraction. David wants to help her with her search. From there, Elena and David travel to Switzerland where they discover they have more in common than they expected. They uncover a parallel connecting the ring to David’s family and begin to learn more about its original owner.

From there we begin to meet Rebecca, the ring’s original owner. It is back in time during World War l, 1911. Rebecca is a young Swiss woman that wants to become a doctor. She is determined, although her parents don’t support her decision to go to medical school. They insist that she find a husband and marry. During her time at medical school, she meets a poor Russian student and falls deeply in love. Out of his love for her, he gives Rebecca the ring. Does the ring have a connection between the two women? Is the ring magical?

Wrapped in the Stars is a passionate, engaging story that weaves two timelines together to form a beautiful tapestry of love and fate. It is full of history and intrigue. It is written with a unique voice and proficiency. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. The way that Elena Mikalsen so aptly combines the present with the past is beyond reasoning. She merges the two young women’s lives together in unanticipated and distinct ways. I was floored by the amount of historical research that was put into this story. We learn about the history of women in the field of medicine, the Russian Revolution, European social history and more. I learned a lot while reading this splendid novel.

The scenery is picturesque, defined and striking, as we are lead from New York to Paris to Switzerland and more.  I felt like I was there experiencing the same things as Maya and Rebecca. At the core of the book is an exquisite love story. A love that surpasses all boundaries and hindrances. It’s a mysterious magical tale that takes readers on a journey to beautiful places, and through time and history and back to the present day. I was hooked from the very beginning and remained engaged throughout the entire book. It is intelligent, yet easy to read. There are surprises and many things that I didn’t see coming which made it so interesting and entertaining. One would never know that Wrapped in the Stars is a debut novel. It surpassed my expectations and I highly recommend it to all avid readers.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Cafe

Purchase Wrapped in the Stars by Elena Mikalsen @Amazon

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