Sweet Dreams: Twisted Reflections

I’m trying to figure out how to express my thoughts regarding author Jessica K. Webb’s book Sweet Dreams: Twisted Reflections. While a short read, I needed clarification initially at the beginning of the story, but as I read, I understood some of the plot. Unfortunately, I was confused again towards the end. So, this is what I took from this novel. Webb invites readers into the mind of this male character, who believes he’s a doctor and, for some strange reason, keeps having lucid dreams. 

The character dreams of being in this home and eventually meets this seven-year-old boy. Much to the gentleman’s dismay, he starts a conversation with the child in which he envies the child’s innocence, which leads to the gentleman questioning things he’s done in his adult life. While in the home, the gentleman unfortunately causes harm to the child’s parents, resulting in the authorities being called and the gentleman having to receive medical attention. 

The synopsis of Sweet Dreams: Twisted Reflections is a tantalizing glimpse into a world of mystery and psychological exploration. It piqued my interest, which is why I wanted to read it. Sadly, it wasn’t what I expected. I thought I would be reading different short stories in which each character had a dilemma and worked towards solving it. What I read instead was confusing and had me questioning fantasy versus reality. 

I appreciate Webb wanting to receive an honest review. While this book wasn’t for me, it could be for readers interested in short thrillers and suspenseful reads that dive into the human psyche and explore all the unusual thoughts we sometimes don’t speak about. Sweet Dreams: Twisted Reflections is available everywhere books are sold. 

Logistics: A Christmas Story Review

As kids, we believed in certain imaginative things: the tooth fairy, monsters under our beds, and even Santa Claus. And as we get older, the truth behind these tales gets revealed. Some of us even pass these ideologies to our children. The childlike glee one feels opening presents in the morning from under the Christmas tree or the tug of cover over your head as you anxiously await the verdict from your parent assuring you that there are no monsters under your bed.

These memories can have a lasting impact, but what if what you believed in was true? What if the nights you stayed up waiting to see that red Santa suit and white beard joyfully put presents under the tree could happen? This is what Holly Hillman experienced. 

Holly was placed in child services at age two and a half. She grew up not believing in any fantasy-related joy, like Santa Claus. Being rigid and career-driven, Holly didn’t have time for fun or love. She ended her longtime relationship with Will Myers after taking a job as the CEO of Marshall Whiteman Logistics. Holly’s job was her world, and nothing or no one would interfere. That is until the results of a work-related DNA test came in.

Working to close a deal with Ling Chow Group, where Holly’s corporation would oversee this group, part of the requirement was that members of both teams take a DNA test. Holly agreed reluctantly. What transpires after is a whirlwind of information and discovery that not only has Holly learning who her birth parents are, but the significance of that childlike delight one feels, especially during the holidays.  

Readers will enjoy this fantasy folktale filled with love, imagination, and a beautiful father-and-daughter relationship that’ll have you with a permanent smile and is sure to warm your heart in Chris Coppel’s Logistics: A Christmas Story. Lively characters, a charming storyline, and an unforgettable message of love, family, and purpose complete this cheerful, light-hearted novel.

Vivid scenes and laughter-filled moments add to this promising story as the audience goes on a compelling ride where you can’t help but get enthralled. This heart-warming, joyous story will have your heart full. 

Chris Coppel’s Logistics: A Christmas Story is available everywhere books are sold.

Bardo Review

How does an innocent game of basketball cause Luther Banks to spend twenty years in prison for murder? After playing ball with a group of guys he didn’t know, Luther agreed to accompany the gentlemen to the store. Unbeknownst to him, these guys planned to take more than snacks. Now Luther stands over the clerk’s dead body as the police officers handcuff him. Behind bars, Luther grapples with the notion that he’s been wrongfully convicted. Thankfully, with the help of the Innocence Project, he is exonerated. 

Now, at forty, Luther must learn how to reacclimate himself back into an exciting and scary world. And he’s doing that when his life takes another devastating blow as he’s accused of murder once again. A body is found on Dutch Bogart’s land, and deputies believe Luther is involved. Luther is staying at the residence with a group of others, and all parties involved feel Luther should leave for a while until things calm down and deputies find the actual culprit. Luther reluctantly agrees and sets his sights on New York, thanks to Jed (a friend of Luther’s). He meets up with Jed’s friend Finn, and both men embark on a memorable journey filled with laughs, heartache, honesty, love, friendship, and family in author Emily Gallo’s book Bardo. 

I loved that this book showed readers that you are not your past. You can start life anew and create new memories, goals, friendships, etc. The dynamic and intricate relationship between Finn and Luther was beautifully complex, as it was honest. They are opposites in every sense of the word, but Finn opened Luther’s eyes to a world outside of what he once knew all those years ago, and Luther helped Finn to become more comfortable with being vulnerable. Bardo is about navigating life and the lessons, memories, and people you meet that help shape how you see the world and the various experiences you encounter past, present, and future. 

Bardo started slow but picked up quickly as the chapters continued. There were a couple misspelled words, but nothing to deter the reader from enjoying and finishing the book. Colorful characters, picturesque scenes, and an engaging plot help make this novel a captivating, witty, and detailed read! Readers into fictional novels filled with self-discovery, friendships, loss, love, and family would enjoy reading Bardo! Emily Gallo’s Bardo was released earlier this year and is available everywhere books are sold.