Review: From Dirt to Gold: A Journey Through Darkness to Light by Tristesse Genevieve

Publication date: 10/30/2012
Pages: 66

In From Dirt to Gold, poet Tristesse Genevieve recounts her journey from the depths of a weighty depression, to finding a love that ultimately brings her out of her own personal hell, saving her sanity in the process.

Genevieve infuses her poems with so much sorrow that it at times physically weighs the reader down. It’s unclear whether or not this is intentional, but the effect is just the same. In “Quietly Loud”, her line, “I slipped on a thought/And broke my concentration” rings true for all of us, and the wording is admirable—thoughts, especially the darker sort, are incredibly slick creatures. Her poem, “Take Me Down” is one of her best, rhythmically speaking, with the line “Take me down to suicide”. It is a clear cry for help, and her words drum up a beat of hopelessness. She also has vivid moments of lyricism throughout her poetry. In “Kiss the Shadows”, she says to her lover, “I can’t reach the moonlight on your face”. It is a striking line, and one that details both their intimacy, and something more cosmic, more literary. In “Love and Lies” she goes for a more modern approach, saying, “My heart is not a toy/To be handled by a little boy”. Her anger is clear and sharp, and it’s a refreshing change from the gloom

The poet allows herself to mull over her problems at times, which seems a little self-satisfying. There is frequent talk of “demons”, and while this is an apt description for mental illness or depression, it should be used lightly. Her constant focus on gloom, and her “tell all” way of writing works and doesn’t work. It’s refreshing for a poet to show all of her cards to the reader, but up to a point. Reigning in the candid commentary might suit some of her poetry better, enabling her to find other ways—and words—to describe her pain.

Her most lengthy poem, “Lovers Lost At Sea”, which she describes as a short story in verse form, laments, “They will glow bright through/Our rib cages, almost as a lantern”. This is absolutely gorgeous imagery, and something I hope this poet will work towards more. The idea is fantastic and otherworldly, which suits her dark-tinted poetry incredibly well.

This was a satisfactory debut collection from a poet with a mass of feeling and verve. 

Reviewed by MB Sellers

Review: The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Branard

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication date: 6/3/2014
Pages: 320

Book Summary

A moving and eloquent novel about love, grief, renewal—and the powerful language of flowers.

Ruby Jewell knows flowers. In her twenty years as a florist she has stood behind the counter at the Flower Shoppe with her faithful dog, Clementine, resting at her feet. A customer can walk in, and with just a glance or a few words, Ruby can throw together the perfect arrangement for any occasion. 

Whether intended to rekindle a romance, mark a celebration, offer sympathy, or heal a broken heart, her expressive floral designs mark the moments and milestones in the lives of her neighbors. It’s as though she knows just what they want to say, just what they need.
 
Yet Ruby’s own heart’s desires have gone ignored since the death of her beloved sister. It will take an invitation from a man who’s flown to the moon, the arrival of a unique little boy, and concern from a charming veterinarian to reawaken her wounded spirit. Any life can be derailed, but the healing power of community can put it right again.

Review

When I first started reading this book, I will admit I had my doubts. In the back of my mind, all I could think about was how interesting could a book surrounded by a floral shop owner be? I was so wrong. Just like the beautiful flowers she talked about in the book, Lynne Branard’s novel just came into full bloom. To me, there wasn't this immediate magnetic attraction that glued me to the pages, it was something much more subtle but better. It was the perfect pace that evolved layer by layer offering the reader the type of story that felt like how the warmth of chicken soup makes you feel really good.

The premise of the novel surrounds the flower shop owner, Ruby Jewell. While pursuing a degree in law, tragedy struck with the news of the death of her sister Daisy. Leaving her withdrawn and depleted of life, out of the blue one day it was the sight of a small plant that brought her to life and “saved her”. Not being able to explain this epiphany moment, it was from there she found her true calling which was in the love and beauty of bringing to life “the arrangement of flowers.”

The book was more than just dealing with the arrangements of flowers. There is something special about Ruby and what she does with them. Not only because of the beautiful imagery that she creates for the reader but how each arrangement represents & means so much to each person she creates for. This creates for the reader tender, touching moments that warm your heart. Since her job deals with people wanting her services during those intimate moments, just like a beauty shop, we get a glimpse into what would be said if those four walls could talk.

Ruby Jewell is the type of person that represents a nostalgia that is missing today. You know the days when you went to a neighborhood store where you didn't even have to ask for a thing? The owner just knew your every need, including your likes and dislikes, your family and special occasions. She was one of the central figures in the community that everyone loved and went to when they needed her services. As much attention to detail she gave to make everyone else’s happiness, like so many she was the type of person that neglected herself. Her pain and loss, so internalized but through a couple of people that enter her life, we see her lead down a path of becoming whole and acceptance of the things you cannot change.

In her shop there is Nora and Will. Nora doesn't just work for her but is also her friend. She has gone through some things and has her own issues but definitely is the balance that keeps Ruby going. I really enjoyed the relationship between these two characters. Their friendship has the right kind of balance. You know that friend that know when you need one but also give you the space when you need it.

Then there is Will. He is the type of kid you just want to reach down and give a big, long hug too. For such a young life, he has gone through so much. This is one of my favorite storylines in the book. Through his relationship with Ruby, we learn the meaning of how people come into your life for a reason.

Without giving too much away, I wanted to introduce you to central figures in the book. There are other people who come into their lives that really create a story worth reading but I will leave that up to you. Every character and what they brought to the book just fit together like a puzzle. The only part that I felt cheated was in the end things happened so quickly. I wish there could’ve been more of an explanation on what led up to things happening. Despite this, I felt redemption in the epilogue because I thought it wrapped the book up beautifully. I recommend this book for the beauty of the story it tells and guarantee that it will leave an imprint that is not only uplifting but reflective.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: Fiance by Fate: An Anyone but You Novel by Jennifer Shirk

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Publication date: 4/14/2014
Pages: 242

Summary

Their fake relationship is a twist of fate.

Sabrina Cassidy believes in fate. So when her fiancé breaks off their engagement, she’s convinced they’ll get back together eventually. But fate was not on her side when it brought Jack Brenner into her life—and work. Frustrating, gorgeous, and cocky, Jack has an offer that Sabrina can't refuse. Not if it means getting the life she’s always imagined.

Despite being one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, Jack has a reputation that’s working against him. He has to convince his father—and his company’s board—that he’s ready to settle down if he wants a promotion. But convincing Sabrina to be his fake girlfriend turns out to be the easiest part. What he didn’t count on was their intense attraction and how easily their lie would escalate. Sabrina’s still hung up on her ex, and Jack will never settle down. But fate has other ideas…

Review

As a woman, I believe in fate and that my true love will be delivered to me by the universe. Only one problem though: I have planned who my future husband will be and fate and I are clearly not on the same page. Yet that’s the thing about fate; you can’t plan who you are going to marry. You just have to wait and see who the universe brings you and pray you aren’t so caught in the ideal man to miss out the real deal.

As I stated, I am a woman and like all women, we design who our future husband will be. We don’t sit idly by for the universe to deliver him at our feet. And our leading lady, Sabrina, is no different from any other woman. Sabrina is currently at her psychic, Madame Butterfly (who might actually be a dude), trying to get a read on the future of her and David. Technically, she and David are still engaged, he’s just taking some time off to re-evaluate their relationship. The engagement is still a go. Sabrina just wants some reassurance from the universe. But of course the psychic tells her what she wants to hear and Sabrina is overjoyed. However fate has other plans in mind.

Jack is your typical man who doesn’t want to get married and goes from to model to model. However, his father has gotten wind of this and has stated that if he doesn’t show himself more responsible, he as well as the board will have to consider someone else foe the National Sales Manager position. Suddenly that has Jack on alert, trying to figure out how to impress his father and the board while not completely getting married. Thus Jack hatches up the idea to have Sabrina pose as his pretend girlfriend, since his dad already likes her. This way, he can impress the board, his dad and he can help her make her “fiancé” jealous and get them back together faster. It’s a win-win for everyone. Yet fate doesn’t play by the rules and always joins a game uninvited.

So far so good. David is jealous but now so is Jack. He believes David isn’t good enough for Sabrina. She caring, passionate and witty and if David could see an ounce of that, he wouldn’t need to rethink marrying Sabrina. Thus Jack is determined to open Sabrina’s eyes to who David truly is and put the final nail in the coffin that is or rather was David and Sabrina’s engagement. And to make matters worse, he is starting to develop feelings for her but does she feel the same?

It’s official. Sabrina has lost her mind if she is falling in love with a commitment-phobic playboy like Jack. Except, his kisses leave her breathless and weak in the knees, whereas she can’t even remember if she ever felt such passion with David. But the psychic told her David was the one, so she should still try to get back together him. Yet not only is Jack charming but there is a side to him Sabrina has never seen before. He is kind and loving when he wants to be and he has such a big heart for his family. And if he gives her one more of those looks again, the look that says “I want you,” Sabrina may just have to give up on David and be with Jack. But what about fate; weren’t she and David supposed to live happily ever after?

We all have our ideas about what our life is going to be like but as I have been saying throughout this review, fate has other plans. You cannot plan life or chose who you’ll end up with. You can only enjoy the ride while you wait to reach the destination. My only advice, try not to be closed off to the possibilities fate has in store for you. If you take only one thing from Fiancé by Fate, please, take that. 

Reviewed by Camia Rhodes

Review: The Divine Apprentice by Allen J. Johnston

Publisher: Johnston
Publication date: 11/27/2013
Pages: 346

Summary

Kade looks up at his executioner with no fear or hate, watching... waiting. At six months old, he could hardly do much more as his grandfather agonizes over the task of taking the life of his only grandson. Born with the rare ability to control the Divine, Kade has the potential to become one of the most powerful Chosen to ever exist. Taken from his parents, at the age of ten, by his grandfather, a Master Chosen, Kade is taught to harness the power of the Divine for good. After a decade of training, Kade learns the harsh reality of the dangerous world he is about to be thrust into, as his Master is brutally murdered right before his eyes. Kade soon realizes he is next. With the help of a dragon, a species thought to have been a myth, and a feisty Essence Guardian, Kade must discover who - or what - is trying to eradicate his kind, before the Chosen are brought to extinction.

Review

Don't you just love those books that leave you wanting more? I know I do and The Divine Apprentice by Allen J Johnston certainly left me wanting more. This book was entirely unique from any other book I have ever read. The concept of having these Divine Powers was an idea that I had never read about before but enjoyed thoroughly. A busy few weeks kept me from finishing the book in the time I wanted to, but I was always thinking about it, wondering what would come next. I am happy to say I finally had time to finish and could not be happier with it.

Johnston's style of writing was captivating to say the least.  While reading it is clear that each word is chosen with great care. The way in which Johnston writes truly captivates a reader, as if the plot wasn't enough to keep the reader’s attention.

The characters were simply wonderful. Kade, the main character who controls the Divine, has a personality that makes you want to be his friend. He is fierce and powerful, but at the same time sweet and caring. This is really demonstrated when Kade happens upon a friend, the Essence Guardian.  Another character that can hardly be overlooked is Kade's dragon. Also a fierce and fearless character, Kade's dragon is his protector and friend. I loved seeing the two interact and the dynamic between them. My only question throughout the book, might be something that I missed, but why was the dragon always running when he could fly?

I really just loved this book. The uniqueness of the plot and the stylistic writing by the author drew me in and I am captivating. I am so excited to read the next in the series, which I already have waiting next to my bed.

Reviewed by Rachel Keane

Review: Nice Big American Baby by Judy Budnitz

Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication date: 2/14/2006
Pages: 304

Nice Big American Baby by Judy Budnitz is a conglomeration of the weird, the politically tongue-in-cheek, and evidence that the short story is more alive today than it’s ever been. Budnitz’s stories are so incredibly different—so inspired—that it’s a little disorienting. You’ll need to come up to breathe between these tales, or else you may just drown in their lyricism and remarkable grasp of plot and imagination.

In “After”, Budnitz writes of a couple that adopts a seemingly perfect child who is plagued by a mysterious face that visits him at night. The child is aloof towards his parents, and we are shown the deep, maternal pain of the mother, longing for her son to need her, physically and emotionally. “To her surprise, she found the bottom sheet damp. Never before had her son wet the bed. She dipped her fingers in the wet spot, feeling fascinated, amazed, intensely maternal. My son, she thought proudly, wets the bed.” Regardless of being a parent or not, Budnitz forces her reader to feel—full on—the force of love, and the powerful ache of a mother who isn’t needed.

In “Flush”, Lisa, our protagonist, takes turns with her sister, Michelle, in flying home to visit their parents. In the story, it’s Lisa’s turn. She soon discovers that her mother, having a history of breast cancer in her family, is skilled at avoiding her doctor’s appointments. She ultimately ends up taking the breast exam for her mother, and eventually finds out that her sister has also been doing the same. At its core, the story is about the deep bond of womanhood between female relatives, and the absolute terror of a disease so intimate as breast cancer. It’s about being an individual as well as a collective force of person.

“Saving Face”—one of the most impressive stories in the collection, centers on an alternate universe with a dystopian feel to it. Instead of Big Brother, there is a female Prime Minister, whose face is displayed everywhere, and due to this, has complete control over society. Giita’s (our protagonist) best friend and would-be lover, takes a job as the new portraitist for the Prime Minister, ultimately painting Giita’s face as the new “version”, which forces her into hiding, once a rebellion begins to stir. It is a chilling tale—one that is long and expansive, and touches upon several important themes. What is the line between love and obsession? How fully can one possess another?

In “Sales”, our protagonist lives with her brother and his wife. Her brother is in the business of catching and entrapping door-to-door salesmen. “You can see their priorities at a glance: Some have filthy ties and spotlessly shined shoes; others let the dust build up on their toes and keep their ties and pocket squares clean. Sometimes you can see an eye, sometimes two.” It is one of the strangest tales in the collection, with a mix of female angst, caught up in the universal desire for beauty and understanding. It also encompasses the pangs of a young girl who craves romantic love, and is denied such things.

My favorite story, which happens to be the last, is “Motherland”. The tale centers around an island of women, “We live on an island of mothers.” The story cycles between a chorus of the young daughters, and a more specific protagonist, named Joe. It is such a beautiful blend of longing and nostalgia; it delves in deeply to what the female human condition is, and can be made into by pain and longing. There is equal parts love and hatred for “man”, and the story is written like a lullaby that seems both familiar and strange.

All fourteen of these stories bring to the table a plethora of themes, of ideas, that cut to the heart of the matter. They are haunting, oftentimes disturbing, and play off the deep universal desires of humanity. They are about being human, despite their surrealist settings. Such innovative and bold writing is incredibly exciting to come across for the avid, literary reader .

Reviewed by MB Sellers

Review: The Curse Of Nefertiti by Charline Ratcliff

Book Publisher
Publisher: Strategic Book Group, LLC
Publication date: 3/8/2009
Pages: 384

Summary

Over three thousand years ago, all of Egypt lies in ruins. The country that had dazzled the world is now completely annihilated, and the Nile runs red with the blood of her people. Nefertiti's spirit walks the land and looks at the utter devastation she has unwittingly allowed to transpire. In desperation she cries out to the Gods, and they take pity on her. They send her forward into the future, so she may return later to correct her mistakes. This is the story of Nefertiti, of the life she has lived here as Kayla, unaware of her true identity until finally reunited with the man who is the living reincarnation of her murdered husband, Akhenaten. She is faced with a difficult choice. Return to Egypt and save her country and its people or stay here with the man who holds her heart. And if she returns to Egypt, will she remember her life as Kayla, so she may be returned to it before her life becomes forfeit in the past? Charline Ratcliff's tale is woven with likeable and believable characters, powerful visceral imagery, and a tapestry of combining old with new to create a masterful novel. Her debut novel is a stunning achievement that deftly envelops the reader.

Review

I really enjoyed this book. The Curse of Nefertiti incorporated all the elements of a good romance as well as the components of a fictional story. The main character, Kayla, embarks on a journey that she doesn't quite understand, let alone know is occurring. Psychological elements are always appealing in a novel, and Ratcliff included some in the journey Kayla must take.  Before the age of 13, Kayla cannot remember anything. I love the use of 'amnesia' in novels to enhance the journey a character must take. In this case, Kayla does not know what or why she is doing anything, but an internal drive, as well as internal voices, are compelling her to do things. 

Probably categorized as a paranormal romance, The Curse of Nefertiti also uses historical elements to enhance the story. The romance that occurs throughout the novel was extremely predictable. You know what was going to happen, but kind of enjoyed it anyway. Romance with strong passion is hard to hate. Kayla is also a character that is hard to hate. As the reader, you can relate to her on so many levels. She is a typical women in her early years. Working long hours with not much time for fun or a love life. Those of us who are also working similar hours relate. She has family troubles and romantic issues just like the rest of us, except we are not queens. 

I usually complain about stories being too short, or wanting more. But in this case I wish there was less. I felt like the story was great at the start, got extremely boring in the middle, and the plot picked back up at the end. The middle was filled with too much love and romance. Kayla and Paulo's relationship was understood to be something more from the beginning and i felt that it took up the majority of this 384 page book. The romance building was unnecessary and I found that it really took away from the amazing story line that actually was the focus of the plot.

Something unique about this story is that it is told in first person, from Kayla’s point of view. This really enhances the overall story by allowing us to not only be in her head, but experience the confusion and ‘voices’ inside her head. If this story was written in any other view, it would not have been as effective. 

The Curse of Nefertiti was overall, a good book. It was interesting in the plot I you could get past the excessive amount of romance and was quite interesting. I believe it would be a great book for those who love paranormal romance, reincarnation or books infused with Egyptian history. Written for mature audiences.  

Reviewed by Rachel Keane