 The constant fight between good and evil.
I love stories about good and evil despite the fact that the ending can be easily predicted. What I can't predict are the details in between. The novel starts with a mean child Monty and his bullying over Juan and other kids at school, and then we are soon taken 25 years into the future. Monty is the bad guy, Juan the good one. There is something missing though, and that is because of the way he was raised, Juan doesn't believe in God. But Easter is just around the corner and Juan gets asked by his brother-in-law to be the Easter Bunny at their kids’ party. Here the fun part begins or better said the rich imagination of the author is translated into words. Juan may have to wear that Bunny costume more than a day and his life seems to be ruined. The good things will start happening though only when he finally accepts God into his life. Sort of ‘everything happens for a reason’. Well, the book is not entirely positive as we have on the other side the bad Monty, the worst man possible. Not only he disrespects his father, but he is planning to take his place as the CEO of the company through some dirty work, not being afraid to hurt him to death. Luckily, his schemes end one day. Overall, I was lacking emotions, especially around Juan's relationships, felt like the pace of the story was too fast, and some things, especially related to Monty, were a bit exaggerated. But I did enjoy the story, the twists, and the final message. I encourage you to see for yourself. Quotes from this book: “People sometimes need to think there is something greater than them. It makes no sense, but if it makes people feel good, then that's fine.” “Who are you, really?” Then Juan looked closely into the man’s eyes and said, “Are you…?” “I AM,” the man replied before Juan could say another word. Juan’s grin was now a full-fledged smile. “You show up at the most unexpected times.” “I’m always here, Juan, everywhere. Just look into their eyes.” My rating: 3/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon
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 Ironic, humorous and ingenious read.
Two Finns meet by chance in an old barn, both intending to commit suicide, each in his own way. Their initial plan fails to materialize. This situation though makes them talk for the following days about their lives and their reasons to end it. They also realize little pleasures they had never noticed. Still, they decide to put an ad in a newspaper for all those who think alike. Surprisingly many people had answered their ad so they had to adjust their plans. They end up organizing a seminar after which some of them decide to commit group suicide, by crashing with a bus into a ravine. Despite what we may think from the title and from the first pages of this book, this is not only about suicidal plans but actually, a hymn to life - which resists despite everything, wants only to find its own way outside conformism. Life is hard but when we meet people that feel the same we may reconsider certain thoughts, decisions. This book is also an invitation to friendship, to sharing, but not the superficial one, the one that really manages to enrich, to give a new perspective, new hopes, desire to live. Type of reader: Fans of contemporary fiction with a touch of sarcasm. My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  An interesting read with a promising ending.
Could you travel inside your soul? What if you get trapped in there? Was this a real journey or was it all in Ben's head? After a painful divorce and a cruel desire to leave his ex-wife without any money, Ben went to sleep and due to a strange happening, he woke up in another place. He wasn't in his bedroom anymore but as strange as it may seem he woke up inside his soul. He is told that it's not easy to get out. At first, he doesn't believe a thing but he has no other choice than to continue experiencing what lays in front of him. He even enjoys some gambling at a casino that exists there as it was one of his greatest desire in the real life. The journey contains lots of labyrinths, long corridors, lots of boxes and other more or less interesting stuff, all having their role. The book’s narrative is from three points of views: Ben, Raines, and Leo. Ben is not a character you would love. Arrogant, full of himself, money-oriented kind of person and not at all a pleasant family member. Still, during this process, he has learned a lot and chances are that the change for the better will only continue. His wife, Raines, started a new life after the divorce, moving to another place with her son Leo. It wasn't easy and what I felt crucial in her part of the story was when she learned to forgive her father, hence made forgiveness a part of her mindset. Later on, she will manage to forgive Ben too. From Leo’s part of the story, we see the life of a teenager that faces typical issues including bullying, drugs and the easiness of being able to get a gun and even think of using it. Luckily for all, everything turns out to a happy ending. Each one of them learned its own lessons and their life would be much better in the future. It is an interesting concept with the inside-of-soul traveling with a nice character description. Type of reader: Readers of inspirational contemporary fiction with a touch of paranormal. My favorite quotes from this book: “I am in heaven. My soul is on fire. Nothing could be better than this very moment of time. Swirls of emotion start to rise up through my stomach and into my chest. It kinda feels like opening a million Christmas presents all at once.” “And I realize that life is a cycle of love and forgiveness. In small ways and big. Every day, the sun sets only to rise again. And every day, the ocean tides come in and then out, bringing the ocean waves closer and pushing it backwards, time and again. It’s reconciliation that mends a soul. It keeps us together.” “I have faced the truth. I have endured these last two weeks of my cruel fate with only one thought in mind, I don’t know how much longer I have left to live. And my biggest regret is not that I wish I hadn’t been a smoker, it’s that I should’ve walked into my soul a lot sooner than I did. If only I had known, what I know now.” My rating: 4/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Full title: Who Are You? What Are You Doing Here? Where Are You Going: Discover Your Life Purpose, Fuel Your Inner Fire, and Light Up Your Life
A Must Read! I perceived this book as motivational, informative and useful. Motivation comes from the author’s life experience privately or professional. Informative regarding the numerology system that she uses. Useful as this book can help the reader to find out the answer to the main question that one asks in life. This is a book you wish to have and not only check if your life purpose is in harmony with the way you live it but also as a guide to see if what should be eventually changed. I did all the calculations and read carefully what the numbers were saying. I find it easy to understand, and I was amazed by the accuracy of the details that described me. I shall certainly pick up this book every once in a while to make sure I stay on the path. If you are at a crossroads or just curious finding out more about yourself this is a must-have book. I encourage you to pick up this book and let the author’s words guide you through the process of self-discovery, with powerful thoughts, messages, and advice. Type of reader: This book could interest anyone trying to find his life purpose and how to achieve it with the help of the author’s system based on Chaldean numerology. My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  A novel about life, friendship, family, love, and abusive relationships.
Jolie, the main characters, had had a hard past but things don't seem to change much in the present. At an early age, she was left without her mother without any information about the father, the closest family being her aunt May, her cousin Debbie and uncle Mike who was doing time. The traumatic events from her childhood left not only very visible scars on her face but deep emotional ones too. Jolie’s low self-esteem made her be back into a relationship with the abusive, controlling, short-tempered Dave. It was because of love that she accepted him back or at least she thought that. Her decision seemed to be based more on pity, concern, and worry for his life. The story ended a bit too fast so I was left out with some questions. Was she missing out on real love? Is Peter the right one? Will Debbie survive? Who is actually Bernie? To have an answer to all these questions I think the author has a sequel prepared for us. Type of reader: Fans of romance chick-lit genre with a touch of abusive relationships and past traumas and a touch of humor. My rating: 3/5 (Goodreads), 4/5 (Amazon) Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  It is now official. 'How to be You!' is the third book I've read by the author and I can say with certainty that he is now among my favorites. While the first two books I’ve read were novels (‘Angelika’ and ‘Eustacia’s Secret’), this one was different. ‘A winner’s guide’ it says in the title. Be prepared to experience something totally different. Through dialogue and comments, the author is talking to you, the reader, in a smart, witty, interesting eye-breaker kind of way. You aren't even realizing when the author's message is implanting slowly into your mind. Why? Not only he did his researches but he really used the same way of thinking that empowered him. Believe me, he knows what he is talking about. And what is the end result? You become YOU. Maybe not over night but if you were listening carefully the change will take place and your life will be where you want it to be.
Though it is a short reading I confess I read it slowly as I was enjoying it too much. I want to underline that in my opinion this guide should be read by many. The world would be a much better place and the individuals happier and content. Consistency is the key. I invite you to discover on your own what do I mean by that. Type of reader: Readers interested in personal growth, and self-empowering, but practically I think everyone could read it from the age of 16+. My favorite quotes from this book: “You take care of yourself first so you're strong, positive, satisfied, and happy, and then you are not only in a better position to take care of those who depend on you, but you also present to them an image of strength and genuineness that will allow them to feel like they want to grow up to be strong, confident, and happy adults, just like you.” “You are a dynamically perfect, deserving, and empowered child of a bountiful, benevolent, and provident Universe, and as long as you can keep your own ego from reacting to those in whose interest it is to deny you that God-given status, you can use the powerful connection between your subconscious mind and the Universal Subconscious to actualize any desire you may have that is both respectful of others and consistent with Universal Harmony.” My rating: 5/5 Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Not at all my regular cup-of-tea but I’m glad I decided to dig into these waters too, sort of speak. This novel was a HELL of a ride, literally. Most of the time on Earth but also from Earth to Hell and back. While the only humans in the story were only a bunch of recruits to be part of a Cult of a demon, I surprised myself being on the demon’s side while reading. Well, I admit, Samm seemed to be the nicest demon, something like the least evil. What I liked the most about this book and the reason for the high rating is the humor. Dark humor, sarcasm and lots of witty stuff into a light horror story made it more entertaining than I thought. I caught myself grinning more than half the time. Demons, zombies, the CEO of Hell, hell-hound dogs, magic, good demons, bad demons, an angel from Heaven are all in there. Sometimes even playing poker together. Adenisa and Barney are the main humans in the whole story and they seemed to be loyal to Samm because somehow they believed in their mission. We can also witness that a human, Adenisa in this case, can be trained and develop capabilities of using different spelling techniques and magic. And what was the main purpose? The takeover of the leadership of a bar on Earth after the death of the last owner, another demon. Why? Because it was a strategic spot for the Hell? Because other gangs of demons would have misused its location? Because of the hilarious sense of humor of the author? I let you discover on your own. Real original writing.
Type of reader: Fans of light horror with a sassy humor that are looking for a delightful read. Some quotes from this book that could give you a slight insight: “The Cult measured a hundred and fifty strong. These were the geeks, the nerds, the losers. They had been picked on throughout high school, beaten up and tormented by bullies, by family members who wondered why they couldn’t be more like their brothers or sisters. Beaten down at school, at work, at home. At life. Until they felt as if they had no other choices. And then Tamerlin offered them one. “Join me,” he’d say. “Become part of the Cult. Sure, you have to worship a demon; but he’s no worse than the asshole jocks who tormented us and the benefits are better.” One by one, they joined. And now they were hungry. They’d been tormented their entire lives; it was time to give a little payback.” “He hit the shield at full ramming speed and exploded in a shower of blood and flesh. A Cult member saw this and threw up. But then three demons also threw up, so the cultist didn’t feel so bad.” My rating: 5/5 Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Love can be found when you least expect it.
This is a different kind of lesbian romance novel, where erotica elements are more present than the emotions related to a love between two people. This is the story of Virginia and Sage, both with some traumatic past and lots of personal issues. Virginia, a well-known actress, decided to take a break from the spotlight and drugs related issues, and move to a cabin in a remote place in Wisconsin in order to recover and find herself. Sage, a successful writer, was living a solitaire life in the same place, trying to recover from a hard past. They were brought together by Sage’s dog, named Denzel and Bartleby. While the dog only made the introduction, series of events, quite unusual and tragic I must say, made them realize that they rescued themselves from life-threatening events and offered them a possibility for a brighter future. A fun, heartwarming read, dark at times, steamy in big proportion. Does it bring a happily ever after? Will their sexual relationship go beyond intensive sexual moments, and love for the same cute little dog? Will they manage to move further from the dark point in life? Will they make peace with their past? These are all questions that I invite you to discover the answer on your own. Type of reader: Readers of contemporary lesbian erotica. Quotes from the book: “This was what Denzel was doing the other day. He wasn’t watching anything in particular, just looking into the deep beauty of the world around him. How much time do we spend looking at our phones? Looking at our walls? Closing ourselves in, away from this great big wonderful wide world that we were born into?” “He’s like a rescue dog, but so much more than that. I think he brought us together for a reason.” “I had this revelation,” Virginia swallowed. “About me. About everyone, I guess.” Callie nodded. “We’re all just characters trying to play our scenes right,” Virginia licked her dry lips. “But the thing about life is that you can change the script without anyone throwing a shit fit.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon Author’s website  Concise, pleasant and straight to the point. In a very polite and intelligent way, the author has chosen to share with us the most important events in his life so far, good and bad. The people and happenings that transformed his life. As I met for the first time a different definition of the ‘afterlife’ I am quoting the author so you can understand his view on this: “...we should be positive and forget about the ‘bad’, especially after learning our life lessons. That is what normal people say. That is in fact ‘life after life’. All things change, so does life itself.”
Hence, I recommend to everyone, I included, to take our time, look back, reflect and reevaluate certain life situations. Enjoy our life in the moment or while it continues changing! Type of reader: While this is a beautiful story about Boyko’s inner transformations I believe everyone could be moved and inspired by it. My favorite quotes from this book: “...I presume people are generally good. That is why we are called human beings and not anything else that you might well think of. “Love is simply perfect. We should love and be loved. Alternatively, the world and life in general would have been so sad and miserable altogether.” “How wonderful it would be if people spoke only good things about one another?!” My rating: 5/5 Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Chaun Hutchins was like any regular 32-year-old. He had a wife, a full-time job, a comfortable home, and a baby on the way, but yet he was not at all satisfied in their marriage. During a fight on the way from a party, he finally got the courage to speak up to his wife, but the moment after a tragic accident left him a widower. Some would think that this is where his life will go down the road. But no, as the child survived he needs to be strong for the baby. Will he have the power to overcome the pain, the guilt and find the strength to move on? Will he get a second chance at life and love? The questions will be answered only when together with his parents and his new friend, Denise, will manage to solve the mystery of the paranormal events that are threatening their peace and putting some of them in danger. A really interesting read, a story that gives you hope only after the main character manages to find answers over the dark troubles from the past in order to have a bright and peaceful future. Aaron D. Brinker adds a touch of romance to the whole paranormal part, everything with a writing style that it is really pleasant to read.
Type of reader: Fans of mystery, thriller, suspense with a touch of ghosts and paranormal elements. I found this being an intriguing story, definitely, a must read. My favorite quotes from this book: “You had no way of knowing what was going to happen, let alone what minor differences would have caused things to change. No matter what we face in life, trials have to be taken as they come. We can never change the past, but only better ourselves for the future.” “You see, the night you died, you felt what I had been feeling our entire marriage.” My rating: 4/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon |
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Message to you:In order to be a good writer, one has to read a lot. And I do and I love it....and I chose to share my readings with you. Feel free to share with me any of the books you have read or wrote, if I find them interesting I will add them to my list. I'll post my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and all my social accounts. |
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