Synopsis: After the birth of her daughter, Emma, the usually resilient Majella finds herself feeling isolated and exhausted. Then, at her childhood home in Queens, Majella discovers the diary of her maternal ancestor Ginny. She is shocked to read a story of murder in her family history.
With the famine upon her, Ginny Doyle fled from Ireland to America, but not all of her family made it. What happened during those harrowing years, and why does Ginny call herself a killer? Is Majella genetically fated to be a bad mother, despite the fierce tenderness she feels for her baby?
Determined to uncover the truth of her heritage and her own identity, Majella sets out to explore Ginny’s past and discovers surprising truths about her family and, ultimately, herself.
My Thoughts: I read the praise about Jeanine Cummins’ book The Crooked Branch. Several authors stated how this book had “rich and intricately drawn characters. A book you’re going to love.” “An entertaining and moving novel!” And while these authors felt one way, I felt another.
Cummins’ The Crooked Branch is a solid story, but it’s lackluster. The synopsis piqued my interest, which is why I decided to read it, but I didn’t become fully engaged in this story until halfway through. If the author could have explained earlier why the murder happened, that would have helped with the engagement. I didn’t care for the side friendship Majella had with another mom. I felt that this was fluff. Put in the story to fill a gap and take up space.
I fought my way through finishing this novel. But, honestly, I’m struggling to find the words to write this review because, as I stated, the book is boring. There was no action, and the story was monotonous. Even though I laughed during some parts of the story and even felt sorry for some of the characters, I still struggled with finishing this novel. The Crooked Branch is available everywhere books are sold.
Synopsis courtesy of the Author: Lake’s brother Devlin was murdered right in front of him simply because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Or was he? Why, then, does Lake think Devlin knew he would die before they ever set foot in the gas station that night? As he obsesses over his brother’s death, Lake begins to uncover a hidden world full of forbidden magic and growing danger. Now he’s stuck, caught between the world that his brother was meant for and his own. Lake is beginning to realize that no one and nowhere is safe.
Nova Rathers may not be especially powerful in the Mage world, but she makes up for it with a magical bag of snacks and a body constructed by the Gods to slay. Desperate to be more than her lineage, she finds herself teamed up with a group of misfits and, in her mind, the weakest creature of all – a gida – a powerless human. Together, they start to unravel the lies that built their world and continue to hold it hostage. Nova’s last year at Breyburn Academe was never easy, but she had no idea that it could ever get this bad.
Lake, Nova, and their newfound friends are about to find the truth behind what has been hunting them. But knowing is only half the battle. Even if they survive, will the rest of the world remain standing?
My thoughts: After reading The Sigil, I immediately thought of the Harry Potter series or something like the movie The Craft. Authors Shakeil Kanish and Larissa Mandeville invite readers into the action with the first chapter. As the story continues, you become a part of this rollercoaster ride as the main characters work to uncover the truth of who killed Lake’s brother Devlin, and what’s going to happen to Breyburn Academe, and in doing so, reveal a dangerous secret affecting everyone involved.
I wasn’t expecting the ending, which was a plus and minus because I appreciate a cliffhanger, but I was confused a bit by this book’s conclusion. I also had to refer to clues within the text to figure out what some of the words meant, like mage, sigil, and gida. However, I liked the nonstop action and the powerful primary and secondary characters. Each had its voice, and it was nice seeing the representation of the LGBTQ+ community with one of the main characters.
The authors did a nice job of providing the reader with enough dialogue among the characters and attention to detail regarding scenes and character description. Overall, this was a pleasant read, and I’m sure part two of this book won’t disappoint. Part one of The Sigil will be out on March 4, 2021.
A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to read and review Best Selling author Jessica Lauryn’s novel, A Passionate Play. It’s a whodunit mystery filled with twists and turns and romance. What you have before you is a look into Jessica Lauryn’s work as an author, so without further ado, I give you Jessica Lauryn.
“I always loved books as a child, and when I was six, watching soap operas with my mother, I fell in love with romance. I kept the idea of one day writing for the soaps in the back of my mind for years. But along the way, I discovered romance novels and realized that writing a full-length novel was something I had to try for myself. When I graduated from college and was looking for my first job, I spent a lot of time asking myself what I’d do with my life if I could do anything at all. Writing kept coming into my mind, and I perused several non-fiction books regarding how to get started with a career in writing. I remember reading in one of the books that writers spend their entire lives in basements doing nothing but writing. I believe the comment was intended to discourage people, but I remember thinking that being left alone to use your imagination and write for hours on end sounded more fun than anything I could imagine!”
MLR: What advice would you have for someone interested in becoming an author?
JL:Write what you know and what you love! I would also take that statement a bit further and say that you need to fall in love with your hero with regard to writing romance. Write, write, and write some more! Be yourself, own your voice; let your imagination take you wherever it will!
And this is what Lauryn has continued to do writing both The Pinnacles of Power Series and her work in progress, The Rabourn Theater Series. “
“I am the #1 bestselling author of two Romantic Suspense Series, The Pinnacles of Power Series and The Rabourn Theater Series, a work in progress. In The Pinnacles of Power Series, amidst diamond heists and deadly secrets, five determined young men struggle against all the odds to get what—and who—they want. In The Rabourn Theater Series, as the Rabourn and Nathanson families battle for control of the world they love, five unlikely couples come together and discover a different sort of passion.
For years, Dangerous Proposal [The Pinnacles of Power Series # 2] was my favorite story for various reasons, not the least of which is that I fashioned the hero, Alec, to be like the sort of man I dreamed of meeting myself. Years later, having found my real-life hero, a man who reminds me of Alec in so many ways, I decided to expand my horizons. An Amorous Dance [The Rabourn Theater Series # 2] took me by surprise. In this second-chance romance, theater owner Hannah Rabourn battles for control of the world she loves against her greatest rival and former lover, Evan Masters. Evan wishes to have revenge for an injustice done to him long ago, and he plots to take control of Rabourn Theater by way of persuasion…and seduction. I worked with a slightly older heroine and hero than I typically have, and I was amazed by the way these two characters and their story took off as they battled in the boardroom and the bedroom! Their feistiness and determination blow my mind. As I was reading An Amorous Dance for the hundredth time during the final edit, I found myself still laughing out loud at the nervy things Evan says to Hannah throughout the story. I’m currently with my editor on book 4 in the series, An Intoxicating Interlude, and writing book 5, An Enchanting Song.”
Lauryn is determined more than ever and has worked tirelessly to see her dream come to fruition.“No matter what life throws my way, I always keep going. This year hasn’t been easy for any of us. But I try always to look at things positively and stay focused on my goals, of which I have many.” It hasn’t always been easy for her, however. She talked about some of her struggles and how she dealt with them.
“When my publisher cut their Mainstream line, it caused a major disruption for me as I was right in the middle of producing the Rabourn Theater Series. I attempted to find a new home, but few publishers are keen on publishing the final few books of a series that another publisher already has rights to. So I decided to self-publish the final three stories. There was a bit of a learning curve involved, but I found I liked having more control over the publication process, especially creative aspects like formatting and cover design. In the end, I became such a fan of what I was doing that I asked my publisher if they would reverse the rights to my previous titles. They agreed, and I’ve been working steadily to rerelease them all. Dangerous Magic [The Pinnacles of Power # 5] and An Amorous Dance [The Rabourn Theater Series #2] will release later this year!
When asked what advice she’s received either professionally or personally that’s been beneficial to her life, Lauryn stated, “Let me say that the single piece of advice that made me a strong writer was, show vs. tell. A fan of older publications, I have a natural tendency to narrate everything, and I fight this every time I write a new story. This is “telling,” essentially, whereas “showing” engages the five senses through dialogue, description, and action taking place in the here and now. It makes our stories move faster, and it brings them to life in a rich, colorful way. One of the most effective ways I’ve found for getting this accomplished is to write the story as I would instinctively (for me, this means just getting my thoughts out, and doing so by “telling”) and then adding the “showing” later on, as I edit. I do the best I can with a rough draft, but I work a lot faster by just getting my ideas down on paper. I do what works for me. But my stories definitely came to life (and I was published for the first time!) when I mastered the art of “showing.”
MLR: What or who inspires your writing style and the type of books you publish?
JL: One of my favorite things to do when I’m writing is to reform a former villain, a man or woman who’s lost their way for a time, having committed any wrong from white-collar crime to murder. I’m greatly inspired by characters and people who fit that bill, because, let’s face it, we all make mistakes, and it is incredibly uplifting to see another person bring themselves back from their lowest point—it reminds us that we all possess the same ability. It demonstrates just how powerful the phenomenon of love is, as love is always at play somehow when a villain turns his life around. And let’s face it guys when you take a former villain and place him in the role of hero you get to satisfy your dream of kissing him and even meeting them between the sheets!
Suspense inspires me (nothing too graphic or violent for my taste, I’m not one of those romantic suspense authors!), but I definitely want to see my characters in danger, perhaps several times leading up to the climax, or beyond it. Characters are often highly motivated to act on their desires when they fear their lives are in danger, and passion is what my readers and I want to see the most! That said, I’m also inspired by the amazing stories some of my closest author friends tell, and real-life scenarios and quite often, whatever crazy ideas find some other way inside the well of my imagination.
When she’s not creating best-selling books, you can find Lauryn with her husband in their newly purchased home or painting a room, or in her garden, which she joyfully admits that she loves flowers. As for what people can take away from this interview, Lauryn states, “I hope, no matter what your favorite genre is, you’ll always take the time to read for pleasure because we all deserve that no matter how busy we think we are!Books are such a wonderful part of life.”
Morgan Lee Reviews would like to thank Jessica Lauryn for this opportunity and wish her much success with her endeavors. Links to Lauryn’s social media will be available below, and as promised, here is a sneak peek of Lauryn’s newly released novel, Dangerous Ally! Enjoy!
Dangerous Ally Excerpt:
Feeling the warmth of tears in her eyes, Lilah rose from the table. She never became so emotional over nothing. What in God’s name was wrong with her?
Lucas’s strong hand came against her shoulder. She didn’t pull away. In fact, she had the strangest urge to just lean into him, like somehow, he would take away all her doubts.
“Lena’s happy in her life with her children, and with Alec Westwood. I’d never begrudge her that. All I ever wanted was her happiness.”
The way he said the words, she almost believed them. He seemed to care, or at least, maybe was trying to be a better person.
“You’re trembling.” He reached in before she could stop him. His finger brushed her quivering lip. Her instinct was to smack his hand. But the tingling sensation racing from mouth to spine kept her in place. Lucas’s touch was so soft. It made her crazy. She was consumed by the strongest desire for his lips to be where his finger was now.
He took her wine glass and held it out to her. “Here,” he said. “This’ll calm your nerves.”
Senses returning with a bang, Lilah held up two hands in protest. “Are you trying to get me drunk?” she snapped, not entirely sure whether it was him she was angrier at or herself.
“Am I that obvious?” Lucas laughed as if the whole thing was funny and set the glass back down.
She enjoyed being in the company of a monster—there was nothing lighthearted about it!
“I’m guessing you’ve probably been down this road too many times, hmm?” Lucas replaced his hand on her shoulder.
“What road would that be, exactly?”
His eyes looked into hers. “I’m sure I’m not the first man who’s tried to get you into a relaxed state, Lilah.”
“Actually—” Lilah hesitated, not wanting to get so personal yet feeling she could probably tell him anything and he’d somehow understand. “It’s been a long time, longer than you’d imagine. After I finished college, I had every intention of becoming a journalist, meaning I’d be out most of the time chasing a story despite whatever danger came with it. It’s all I’ve ever wanted, for as long as I can remember.”
Lucas nodded, coming closer. “You must have been very persistent. It takes a good deal of perseverance and sacrifice to become a success at such a young age.”
Lilah sure knew that. While her friends had been enjoying their last semester of college, she’d been frantically gathering writing samples, sending them out to every newspaper who would give her the time of day. But had her father noticed? Even when she became one of the youngest reporters at the New York Times, he’d barely raised a brow.
Deep down, she knew this was why she’d accepted Raphael’s offer, even in spite of the danger that came with it. A story about Raphael Ramone’s family laundry wasn’t going to impress Blake Benson. But exposing Lucas’s diamond smuggling operation would be a print-worthy unearthing that would win her father’s admiration as well as her first Pulitzer.
She lowered her gaze. “I haven’t given up anything so wonderful.”
Lucas lifted her chin. “But if it came to that, do you think you’d be willing to make that sacrifice, give up something you want—maybe something you want more than anything—to attain some ultimate level of self-victory?”
A chill came over her at his words. Lilah stepped back, unsure of what had just happened but wanting desperately to pretend it hadn’t.
Lucas cleared his throat. “Let’s get some air, shall we?”
Something she needed desperately. She followed him to the balcony, welcoming the cool night breeze as it caressed her hot skin.
“It’s beautiful here,” she said, hoping very much to steer the conversation in a new direction.
“It is.” Lucas came beside her, bracing the rail with one hand. He slipped an arm around her back.
His body was warm, like a furnace, and he felt strong, as if he spent his days loading lumber instead of dabbling away at a computer.
Lilah shivered, goose bumps forming along her arms. It felt so nice being close to Lucas, too nice. Maybe she’d just stay there with him a few minutes longer. They weren’t exactly hurting anyone by being in each other’s company.
Lucas leaned into her, speaking in a tone she could only describe as husky. “Those men you never met,” he said, “that was their loss.”
Lilah blinked, keeping her eyes on the night sky. “Please. A man’s the last thing I need in my life.”
“Are you sure about that?” Lucas asked, his warm breath coming against her ear. “Or is it possible you’ve been hiding behind your work for so long, you don’t even know how things could be?” His palm brushed her bare shoulder as he turned her to face him. “No one knows what it’s like to be hidden from the world more than I do, Lilah. You can trust me on this. I think we’re more alike than you realize. And it’s possible we’re both missing out on something incredible.”
She didn’t push his hand away as it cupped her cheek, or his arm as it encompassed her waist. No, she let him do what he wanted. She wanted him to touch her.
A Passionate Play, written by Jessica Lauryn is a story we’ve all read before. Guy cheats on his girlfriend, who then gets upset after finding out. The guy is usually remorseful, and either the guy and girl get back together, or they break up for good. This was the basis of Lauryn’s novel, but what made this story more than just your typical read was the numerous twists and turns centering around her main characters Nickolas Lancaster and Alicia Coleman.
Coleman is a theatrical actress, and Lancaster is her agent, who is also her boyfriend. As Coleman readies herself for a significant performance, she is attacked in an alley. She’s struck over her head with a gun causing her to lose her memory. Unable to remember anything, she wakes up in the house of her boyfriend only she doesn’t know that he’s her boyfriend. As things unfold, she struggles to remember who she is, why she’s being held captive in this unfamiliar place, and, more importantly, what happened to her, and why.
A Passionate Play wasn’t a one – dimensional story and I appreciated that. This book had layers. It had intriguing dialogue, captivating characters who had their own voices, and a fair backstory. As a reader, I am delighted when I find that an author has not only provided solid characters and a well thought out story but has also allowed the reader to envision the various scenes throughout the story as if they were there themselves. I was able to do that, which I liked.
While there were all these components that I liked about the story, I had some minor issues. There were errors such as missing words, some words I felt the author could have omitted, and I felt like the back and forth between Nick and Alicia could have been sped up a bit and we would have gotten to the resolution a bit quicker. The back and forth between them lingered a bit too long for me.
A Passionate Play is the first book in The Rabourn Theater Series, and if you are looking for something filled with romance, heartbreak, action, and a whodunit plot twist, then Jessica Lauryn’s got you covered. Lauryn’s novel is available wherever books are sold.
Author Evan Romero’s Hornwolf isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s gory and raunchy. However, behind all of that lies a familiar narrative. One where a man’s quest to try and be excepted by the opposite sex despite his outer appearance, leads him down a path of destruction, leaving a trail of blood and bodies along the way.
Cletus Nyles is dubbed a grotesque human being despite being well endowed. His efforts in getting women to sleep with him are unsuccessful. Fed up with the rejections, he vows to get even, but how? Nyles is at home when he notices a change happening with his body. Somehow he has developed fur all over, and his penis has grown immensely described in the story as “big as a baby’s arm.” Although he is shocked at first, the surprise of it all quickly wears off when he has his first victims in sight.
Nyles leaves bodies, blood, and terror in his wake during the night. During the day, however, he’s back to himself. This new-found sexual freedom excites him, and he always craves it. The only person willing to feed his appetite is Angela. She has become Bonnie to Nyles’ Clyde and will stop at nothing to protect him. Unwilling to let the death toll continue, Chief Cynthia Carver, will stop at nothing to put an end to this Hornwolf even if it means risking her own life.
Hornwolf is an easy and fast read. Romero leaves it all on the page delving into some of the most gut-wrenching and shocking scenes I’ve ever read. There were times where I was angry, appalled, and dare I say it, a bit turned on. *Covers eyes in embarrassment.* But, as I like to say, an author has done their job if as a reader, you can feel something while reading what they’ve written.
Romero’s short stories have appeared in the anthologies Rejected for Content 5: Sanitarium, Rejected for Content 6: Workplace Relations, and Triggered. He also writes (semi-regularly) for PopHorror.com and Exploitation Retrospect. Hornwolf is available on Amazon and wherever else books are sold.
“If one door closes, I’m onto the next one. How will you succeed if you don’t try?” – Skylar Nightingale, Young Adult romance author
Skylar Nightingale’s Young Adult romance Mine Forever released May 23rd of this year, explores the ups and downs of teenage love and self-acceptance. Morgan Lee Reviews went one on one with Skylar Nightingale as she shares the inspiration behind Mine Forever, advice she has for other authors, as well as what she’s working on next.
Morgan Lee Reviews: Who is Skylar Nightingale, and what inspired your passion of wanting to become an author?
Skylar Nightingale: I am a determined romance author who likes to help and encourage others. My imagination is constantly going. I’m often thinking of new ideas. So instead of keeping them inside, I set them free—writing them down on paper or typing them out.
MLR: What was the inspiration behind your newly released YA romance novel Mine Forever, and what can readers expect?
SN: I love reading Young Adult Novels and watching Young Adult Movies. I also have two teenagers at home. It almost came naturally to write a story about young love, and friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Readers can expect high romance, teenage angst, friendship, and self-acceptance.
MLR: Explain your writing process?
SN: Initially, it becomes an idea. Then, it grows, and as I begin to write the words flow. I don’t have an outline process. I write whatever comes to my mind and heart.
MLR: What advice would you have for other authors?
SN: Keep perfecting your craft. Keep learning and growing. Attend seminars if you are able to, and if possible, join a critique group in your area.
MLR: Is there anything else you’re working on that you’d like to mention?
SN: I’m thinking about writing a part two for Mine Forever. While I’m doing that, I’m working on a New Adult Novel—a forbidden romance.
Skylar Nightingale declares she’s persistence. When asked what she wants people to take away from this interview, she states, “I want people to get to know me as an author.” It’s apparent that she’s headed in the right direction, and I can’t wait to see what more she has in store.
Mine Forever is available on Amazon and wherever else books are sold. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow Skylar on social media.
Desperate For Change:31 Devotionals For College Men Changing Bad Habits Into Winning Decisions is a 31 – day ministerial tool for college men focused on ways they can improve their lives while in college and beyond. Powerful scriptures, personal insights, and thoughtful mini exercises are woven throughout this prayerful guide book. It is clear that the author Maurice D. Smith’s purpose for this book is for college men to find their voices, purpose, and most importantly to develop and understand the position that God has within their lives.
31 days of honesty, 31 days of prayer, 31 days of soul searching, understanding, and encouragement for college men to follow. Although written for college men, Smith’s book speaks to all men and can even resonate with women. I found myself motivated and inspired by several chapters and scriptures while reading this book. Protect Your Seeds, Ignore the Crowd, Always be a Student, and God Told You and Only You were just some of the chapters I connected with as I was reading. What’s more, is, quotes from the author such as “Man can never replace the true power of God” and “I pray for those who talk about me and treat me wrongfully. Father, I ask that You bless and bring them to know You that they may be saved and that You may be glorified. Help me to hear Your voice in the midst of the crowd so that I don’t miss Your next step for my life. Continue to keep me on the path of righteousness, joy, peace, prosperity and good health in Jesus’ name, Amen” were just two of the powerful quotes provided in this book.
What also piqued my interest was the cover. To me the cover symbolized being born again, being brought up out of a bad situation or experience and rising to a new level because you’ve realized your purpose and you’ve chosen to fulfill it while also helping someone else to find and succeed in theirs in the process. This book signified encouragement, acknowledgment, understanding, and assistance to a population that often times does not have a physical presence to guide them, mentor them, show them ways of how and what it means to be a man the correct way, the Godly way, and so I can appreciate when I read books like this because it means that someone has taken the time to give back and provide our young men with that.
Even with all the wonderfulness that this book provides, there is one thing I want to address, which I feel is significant for any male/female who chooses to read this book, and that is, if you are not completely spiritually sound and are wanting to develop and or continue your relationship with God then reading this book at this point and time wouldn’t be advised because you won’t be able to take away all the beautiful gems and sound advice that Smith has loaded this book with. The messages won’t resonante, the prayers won’t connect, the exercises won’t get completed because mentally you’re not there, your mind, your soul isn’t ready to receive this gift quite yet, and that’s okay.
We are all at different stages of our lives and some things or messages we aren’t necessarily ready to receive just yet. And honestly, that’s the beauty of us as human beings because we are constantly learning and growing. We are working toward and being molded into who God wants us to be. We are all his children and we each use our gifts differently in a way that pleases Him just as Maurice D. Smith has done with this body of work.
Maurice D. Smith is a 22-year-old visionary, motivator, writer, music artist and entrepreneur born and raised in Maryland, whose desire is to help people come into the fullness of who God created them to be. He is the Co-Founder of 2VISIONED, a multifaceted ministry, clothing line and music group created to birth hope and bring true change into the lives of many. His book is available on Amazon and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at thevisionedone.
Where do I even begin regarding Michelle Obama’s Becoming? There’s so much that I want to say, and my hope is that I can articulate it all. Last year, Michelle Obama gave the world an inside look into her world from being a Chicago native to her time at Princeton and Harvard, Sidley&Austin, meeting and marrying Barack, and her time spent as the First Lady of the United States when Barack Obama became the 44th president.
Honestly, when Mrs. Obama wrote and released her memoir and made her rounds to specific cities sharing her story, I didn’t purchase the book. It wasn’t on my radar and I am not one to follow trends. If I’m being honest, I felt as if people purchased the book because she’s “Michelle Obama” former first lady, and having the opportunity to come into her world and see/read what she had to say was all people wanted. At the same time, however, I was a bit curious as to how this would all unfold. How deep was she willing to go in letting people get to know her? What did she hope to gain from sharing her story? More importantly, what would I gain from reading Becoming?
These were my questions and they were answered. On Christmas day, I opened a neatly wrapped gift and began my journey to discovering who Mrs. Obama was, why her story mattered and soon learned what I would gain from reading her book. I took my time with this one. Not sure why though because it doesn’t take me long to read books at all. I have to say that after reading her story Mrs. Obama is just like you and me. She’s a down-to-earth businesswoman who cares about her city, people around the world, the different trials and tribulations that affect us and how she can help, and most important, she’s a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
Mrs. Obama shared her story because people like me can relate. I can relate to being a Chicago native (south side), I know what it’s like to have a close-knit family dynamic, I know what it’s like to be plagued with various trials and tribulations and still rise above, I know what it’s like to lose a loved one you care so deeply for, I know what it’s like to work toward continuously trying to find out who you are and your purpose within this world, to work toward making not only your family proud but yourself as well. When I read Mrs. Obama’s story there were so many connections I drew between her and I that I understood why she wrote Becoming.
I appreciated her vulnerability, honesty, her rawness, being in her truth. She was saying my name is Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama and here I am. She shared her difficulties, triumphs, heartache, and she took the reader inside her time at the White House. As I was reading, it was like I could hear Mrs. Obama herself speaking to me. It was as if we were two friends sitting down having a general conversation. Nothing seemed off limits, and as a reader, I can appreciate that because often times people who choose to write memoirs and call themselves putting everything on the table sadly do not. So, as a reader, you’re left with this gaping hole and pondering the question of why write this book if your intention wasn’t to be completely honest with the reader, the person who has spent their money to buy your work?
I’m not sure if other people experienced what I am about to say or even if they will admit they did, but I found myself using a dictionary on my phone to look up several words as I was reading because I didn’t understand what they meant. I am not ashamed to admit that. In fact, I laughed a bit as I was doing it because it taught me that it’s okay to not know everything, and if you don’t know the context of a word, look it up. This also made me remember the conversations I’d had with my mom and a former friend of mine. My mom always told me to never change who I am for anyone. My ex-friend, on the other hand, told me that I needed to “dumb myself down” because people may not understand what I mean. Needless to say, I guess that’s why they’re my ex-friend.
Me and my aunt wearing green for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day a couple of years ago.
Lastly, I wanted to give a big thank you to my auntie Aveda Banks-Parker. If it hadn’t been for her purchasing Mrs. Obama’s book for me last Christmas I wouldn’t have read an amazing story or wrote this review. Becoming will forever mean so much to me because it was the last gift I received from my aunt. She passed earlier this year. I will cherish this book and your memory forever. I love you. R.I.P.
The first line in Keith Steinbaum’s You Say Goodbye says “If there’s a Beatles’ song that makes you happy, then you have something in common with a serial killer.” I guess I have something in common with a serial killer because I like the song “Yesterday.”
You Say Goodbye is the second novel written by Keith Steinbaum. It invites the reader into the life of Sean Hightower, an ex-rock star with a one hit song, who after several attempts of trying to climb the charts again with no success, has decided to end his life after learning of the brutal death of his girlfriend.
Dubbed The Beatles Song Murderer due to his calling card of leaving the written words “Hello” and “Goodbye” behind after he kills his victims, Sean is heartbroken and distraught over the news to learn that his girlfriend is this sick and twisted individual’s latest victim. While he wants to find out who killed her, he’s on the brink of ending it all feeling as if being with his girlfriend would be a better choice. Unbeknownst to him is a fiesty, caring, curious little girl who despite her battle with cancer, is going to give Sean a reason to live.
Kayleigh is Sean’s next door neighbor. They cross paths thanks to Sean’s dog Hendrix. Although apprehensive at first, Sean welcomes the little girl into his life. Together they’ll embark on a journey filled with a love for music, personal self discovery, and an overall appreciation for having met one another.
What I appreciated about Steinbaum’s novel was the Beatles references and I liked the fact that his character Kayleigh was inspired by Alexandra Scott from the Alex’s Lemonade Foundation. I also appreciated the use of imagery, plot twists, and I found myself applauding because of how well-written the novel was overall.
You Say Goodbye is available on Amazon, Black Opal Books (www.blackopalbooks.com), Barnes and Nobel (www.barnesandnobel.com), i-Books, Kobo, and Scribd for purchase. I was provided this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say, Indecision by Evelyn Montgomery was not what I was expecting. I think it’s also important to mention that romance novels are not something I’m really interested in. I am more of a mystery/thriller type reader. With that being said, Fuller’s Indecision has taken a love story between two people and flipped it on its head.
This story has made me rethink my interest in romance novels. Indecision isn’t just about romance. It has action, suspense/mystery, and some steamy love scenes I can appreciate. Readers are introduced to Evelyn Monroe. A budding journalist on the quest of fulfilling her goal of working for the L.A. Times. Her friend, Gwen, is by her side rooting her on by any means necessary. Evelyn feels unstoppable and is unwilling to let anything prevent her from her lifelong dream, that is until Noah Stewart enters her life and makes her question everything she thought she knew and wanted.
A southern boy with a sweet and mesmerizing charm, Noah has sworn off love due to an unfortunate heartbreak, and like Evelyn, chooses to focus on his work as a construction worker. That all changes when he meets Evelyn one night while in a bar and sparks fly between the two. Soon begins a love affair so deep and real that neither Noah, Evelyn, or their family and friends know what to do.
Noah must now contemplate a vow he chose never to break because he’s falling in love with Evelyn. And Evelyn is falling in love with him. Noah is willing to risk it all for the woman he considers to be the love of his life, but is she? Thus, begins the constant battle they have with each other and themselves.
When I first read the title and saw the cover, I automatically thought this book would be a simple girl meets boy, he cheats, she leaves, and now she’s left dealing with the aftermath of her decisions. But Indecision was so much more. I appreciated the time the author took in developing each character, the use of imagery throughout the novel, and the constant suspense. This novel reads more like a real-life story rather than a work of fiction. And for those of you who haven’t read it, spoiler alert, there’s a cliffhanger.
If you’re not a fan of them, then this book isn’t for you. I personally love a good cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to see what happens next with part two! Will Noah and Evelyn’s relationship last?
Indecision is available on Amazon, and according to the author, part two will be available February of this year.
Morgan Lee Reviews 