Review: Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton

Summary

While Toni Braxton may appear to be living a charmed life, hers is in fact a tumultuous story: a tale of personal triumph after a public unraveling. In her heartfelt memoir, the six-time Grammy Award-winning singer and star of WE tv's hit reality series Braxton Family Values is unapologetically honest in revealing the intimate details of her journey.

Toni and the entire Braxton clan have become America's favorite musical family, but what fans may not know is the intense guilt Toni once felt when she accepted a recording deal that excluded her sisters. That decision would haunt Toni for years to come, tainting the enormous fame she experienced as a popular female vocalist at the top of the charts. Despite her early accomplishments, Toni's world crumbled when she was forced to file for bankruptcy twice and was left all alone to pick up the pieces.

Always the consummate professional, Toni rebuilt her life but then found herself in the midst of more heartache. The mother of an autistic child, Toni had long feared that her son's condition might be karmic retribution for some of the life choices that left her filled with remorse. Later, when heart ailments began plaguing her at the age of forty-one and she was diagnosed with lupus, Toni knew she had to move beyond the self-recrimination and take charge of her own healing—physically and spiritually.

Unbreak My Heart is more than the story of Toni's difficult past and glittering success: it is a story of hope, of healing, and, ultimately, of redemption.

Review

I tend to shy away from celebrity memoirs because I find them so out of touch on a whole. To my pleasant surprise, I was extremely moved and impressed with Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart. This was a very candid, honest outline framing the life of one of music industry's most beautiful singers. Unlike many other celebrities, there's a magnetic intimacy with musicians that people cling to that stimulate a bond as if we feel know them personally. On the surface we perceive a certain lifestyle but behind the scenes, life is completely different.

My only knowledge of Toni over the years is of being a fan of her music. I didn't know anything more of her personal life until I read the book which I found very interesting. The book broadly captures her strict upbringing as a young girl through the highs and lows of her personal & professional career. What I found extremely moving about the book was her openness with the details of her experiences which allows you into her life and connect with her. There is something about a person who has a story that has been broken to the core that finds hope through their despair that is always worth listening to. So, if you are a fan of Toni Braxton, I'd definitely grab a copy.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: Girl Online by Zoe Sugg

Summary

Under the alias Girl Online, Penny blogs her hidden feelings about friendship, boys, high school drama, her quirky family, and the panic attacks that have begun to take over her life. When things go from bad to worse at school, her parents accept an opportunity to whisk the family away for Christmas at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. There, Penny meets Noah, a gorgeous, guitar-strumming American. Suddenly she is falling in love—and capturing every moment she spends with “Brooklyn Boy” on her blog.

But Noah has a secret, too, one that threatens to ruin Penny’s cover—and her closest friendship—forever.

Award-winning and influential YouTube vlogger Zoe Sugg delivers a heartfelt coming-of-age novel that perfectly captures the highs and lows of first love, friendship, and growing up in the digital age.

Review

Psst. Girls, guess what? You are the not the only one who feels like a walking disaster, especially in front of the boy you like. All girls feel insecure at one point or another and try to compensate for it; some girls just pull it off better than others. Unfortunately Penny is not one of those girls that can pull it off. To her, she is the queen of calamity.

Penny lives in Brighton, which is in England, and at her school, it would seem she is not only a walking disaster but the sidekick in her own life. She is best friends with the queen B, Megan, and is in love with the most popular guy in school, Ollie; or as Elliot, her true best friend, calls them, Mega-b***h and The Walking Selfie. And to make matters worse, Penny has these terrible panic attacks when she is in stressful situations. Thus adding to the calamity that was her life.

But Penny has a few things to be happy about; her wonderful family, her best friend Elliot, her photography, and especially her blog. Donning the name Girl Online, Penny creates a place for herself where she can “keep it real.” Here Penny tells the world about her best friend Megan and how Penny feels maybe she’s outgrown her and asks her followers for advice on what to do. But she also talks about the good things going on in her life and tries to end on a positive note. Mostly, she tries to stay true to herself and to her fans.

Back in the real world, Penny has to try to act like she has it all together; easier said than done. For on the night of the school play, Romeo and Juliet, the urban version, Penny falls face first on the stage while trying to take a picture of the curtain call. Not only does she fall face first, but her butt lands in the air while showing off her old underwear. And to make matters worse, besides the entire audience and cast seeing her knickers, Megan posts the video on Facebook. Some best friend huh?

Totally humiliated, Penny wishes she could just get away from it all and much to her surprise, her parents have a solution to this problem. Penny’s parents are both wedding designers and end up getting a job in New York, at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, doing a wedding over the Christmas holiday. At first Penny doesn’t want to go. One, she doesn’t want to spend Christmas apart from her brother Tom or Elliot, and two, she is terrified of flying. But with all the drama going on at school, suddenly Christmas in New York doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Plus, her parents say Elliot can come. So that makes things better.

Once in New York, past the flight that wasn’t so bad, Penny feels like she is transported to a whole new world. The buildings seem taller, the people more fashionable, the places shifting from the past to present to future, everything about New York seemed like a wonderland and they hadn’t even gotten to the hotel yet.

Now imagine the most fairy tale place on earth and then imagine it ten times greater. That is how one would describe the Waldorf Astoria hotel. And just like every fairy tale, there is a prince.

While exploring the hotel, Penny hears this melodious voice alone on a stage. She stops and takes a picture and the voice questions her presence and wants to know who she is. She tells the voice she is one of the photographers for the wedding and she discovers the voice belongs to a “rock-tastic god.” She is one smitten kitten.

The “rock-tastic god” is Noah, tall, chiseled cheekbones and deep dimples with dark hair and he shows Penny the non-touristic side of New York; more specifically, Brooklyn and smitten becomes an understatement. With Noah, Penny doesn’t feel weird and awkward and she feels she can say anything and be herself around him. And Noah is charming and sweet and seems like he totally gets her. But alas, all good things must come to an end.

Thus Penny must return to England, miles away from the potential love of her life. Not to mention, deal with a best friend who she could stand to do without and another best friend that isn’t really talking to her. And to make matters worse, she discovers a secret about Noah that shakes the foundation of everything she believed to be true about him and their love affair; affair being the operative word. Now her followers are abandoning her, calling her out to be a liar and people she doesn’t even know are saying the most hateful things about her. Worst yet, besides Elliot still not talking to her and suspecting him of betrayal, Noah is making her out to be the scoundrel when it is she who feels hurt and lied to.  Even more so, she is forced to hide from the online world, especially her blog. The one place she feels, correction, felt safe to be herself. But now, she isn’t so sure.

Will Penny ever patch things up with Elliot or is their friendship over and done? Can she ever get over the lies Noah told and the like, maybe even love she felt? Most importantly, can Penny face her fears and return not only to the real world but the online and stand brave, and just be herself?

It is tough being a girl, or being a teenager, or even a human being on this earth. But pardon me for saying so, there is no hell on earth like being a teenager in high school. Girl Online teaches us that we all have our crosses to bear and that no one has it as together as they say or appear. Girl Online also teaches us to love who we are and not care what others think of us and that there is someone out there who will love you as you are. Another lesson from this novel is that it shows us that we can’t let our fear control us; that we must overcome all obstacles, inside and out, and live our lives our own way. Most importantly, Girl Online shows us that we can’t believe everything we read online, or even what people say. That we must figure out truth from lies, that we cannot let the lies hold us back and always lead with the truth.

Reviewed by Camia Rhodes

Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Atria/Keywords Press (November 25, 2014)

Review: Streets of Mayhem by John Mefford

Summary

On a cool October afternoon, the majestic blue sky above Dallas is polluted with swells of gray smoke, carrying shattered memories of fifteen people, mostly children, who've just been killed by an explosion on a bus. A white supremacist group claims responsibility, opening old wounds, turning neighbor against neighbor--fracturing the community.
 
A Southeast Dallas native, Booker T. Adams couldn't be more invested in the city…in the people he'd served for the last seven years as a beat cop for the Dallas Police Department.  Without warning, it becomes personal for Booker on so many levels. And as panic grips the city, he must decide how much he's willing to sacrifice to end the chaos.
 
With his career called into question and his family in the crosshairs of one terrorist act after another, Booker invests every fiber of his being to protect a broken community, and to stop the brutal, senseless slayings.
 
If he fails, terrorism will reign in the city of Dallas. 

Review

When I first started reading Booker:  Streets of Mayhem, two words came to my mind, Alex Cross. I didn’t think I’d come across a character that I would like as much in that genre but there is something about Booker Adams that reminds me so much of him in similar characteristics but equally as fantastic. You will find yourself immediately drawn into his character and completely absorbed in an awesome plot that keeps you tuned into the end.

Booker Adams, who is currently a police officer, finds himself in a situation that no cop wants to be in. When a situation arises that confronts his own personal ethics versus aligning with the blue wall of silence, he gets suspended from the force. In the process, things become too personal when a series bombing occurs and fuels his quest to find the suspect regardless of whether or not he still has his badge. The story told from the duel point of view of Booker and the suspect which enables the reader to absorb into an exciting plot that unravels that will keep you guessing until the end. 

Streets of Mayhem, is the first book of the Private Investigator Thriller Series of Crime and Suspense Series. The main character from the series, Booker Adams, is definitely one that if you enjoy reading this genre will desire to keep reading the series. I thought the book was refreshing from the perspective that you weren’t overwhelmed with nonstop things going on that sometimes take you away from enjoying a suspense novel. The plot was constructed and put together in a way that enables the reader to experience the action as if it were happening but also the sub plots of the book allow you to get to the character and their lives. Besides Booker, there are a handful of characters that supported the novel which hopefully will be revisited in future books. I feel this was a good introduction to the series and look forward to what is to come for Booker Adams in the future.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: You Oughta See Me Naked by Ed Bartlett

Summary

Here is an inside look at life on the slippery slope, by a man long past his “expire date,” savoring the perks few live long enough to enjoy: watching other people work, being outspoken without fear of physical reprisal (except for feeble jousts among the geezers), saying “no” to doctors ... delving into subjects like traveling the world, where we go when we die, the joys of dementia, what's it like being a ghost, the hazards of grave's edge romance.

Review

Anyone who has been given the chance to live to 80 or as the author says past “his expiration date” you are bound to have an insight worth listening to. Ed Bartlett in his You Oughta See Me Naked, takes readers into a life full of the good and the bad, showing how imperfect our expectations are and when you get to a certain age how you earn the right to just live life and make your own rules. As you chuckle your way through his journey, his experience I’m sure many will be able to relate to and bring some assurance that getting old isn’t so bad. His life is full of experiences that many will share and find comfort in appreciating the treasure that is or lies ahead in your golden years. Prepare to laugh and embrace life for what it’s meant to be. 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: The Lady Meets Her Match by Gina Conkle

Book Summary

LOCATING HER IS ONLY HALF THE BATTLE

Cyrus Ryland didn't become England's wealthiest bachelor by being a pushover, but the mysterious beauty he discovers sneaking around at his grand ball enflames his curiosity. When the clock chimes midnight and she's nowhere to be found, Cyrus vows to scour all of London to uncover who she is. Little does he know that not only does Claire Mayhew not want to be found, but she wants nothing to do with him at all...

Review

In her second installment of the Midnight Meetings series, Gina Conkle captivates us with her new historical romance, The Lady Meets Her Match, giving us a refreshing, bold interpretation of traditional elements of Cinderella with a modern flare. 

What makes this story so fabulous is not only the plot but its characters. Let’s begin with its awesome female heroine, Claire, who defies the status quo in a time where women were defined behind a man. She is unlike any other that we have encountered from this period of time. Clearly independent, her sass and bravado is well applauded to see such a character whom embodies the chops to do things on her own and want better for herself other than the norm of the goal to just be someone’s wife. Unlike her other “sisters” she is content with her status not looking for a man and being without love.

Having experienced some heart break of her own, she sort of closes the door on love after an experience changed how she felt about men and their intentions. Determined to set the goal to go in business for herself she is faced with one obstacle, Cyrus Ryland. According to his rules, you cannot be an unmarried woman business owner. You have to have a husband, brother or father on the lease. Well, rules are meant to be broken and she comes up with a plan to get past this rule at a masked ball at his house. Everything was going according to plan until guess who she runs into? Yes! Now, no sense in trying to run so all she can do is own up to the moment but little does she know how much her mystery presence piques his curiosity. Just before the revealing at midnight, she bolts unknowingly leaving one of her shoes behind. Determined to find her, only having her shoe and her first name, what will happen when or if he he finds her? Thus begins their story…

Now, let’s move on to Cyrus. Well, doesn’t he sound like everyone woman’s dream. He’s attractive, intelligent, wealthy and has everything going for him. He is the type of man who would fight for your protection. He’s had a challenging upbringing but really made a life for himself and his family. His hard work has definitely sowed some great rewards especially earning him the most sought out bachelor in England. He wasn’t looking for love himself but something ignited a spark in him when his path crossed Claire Mayhew. Their initial encounter defying the rules of society and their unconventional banter contradicted the type of women that have sought his attention. Claire, woman who wasn’t interested in him or his money brought out something in him that saw her differently. With all the women lining up to be the next Mrs. Ryland, his heart was never opened to any of them until possibly now. They say love comes in unexpected places, was it destiny for them?

Well, let’s just say that we have two people not looking for love but their journey makes one awesome story to read. Since I loved this book and don’t want to give too much away, I gave you enough to hopefully pique your curiosity. From the first chapter, I promise that you will be fascinated by their story and be hooked to the end of the book. You will definitely be thrown some curve balls that kept the story interesting but ultimately wraps up quite nicely. This book being my first historical romance, I really appreciated the beauty in the way the story was written especially with some of the scenes that could’ve gone to the trashy side but didn’t. She brought the “romance” to historical romance which was greatly appreciated. I will definitely be reading her future work. If you are a fan of her books or love historical romance, put this one on your list to read! 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Series: Midnight Meetings (Book 2)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 7, 2015)

Review: I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Summary

Cody and Meg were inseparable...Until they weren’t.
 
When her best friend, Meg, drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington. About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, and some secrets of his own. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open—until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.

Review 

Meg was her whole world. Without her, Cody did not think she could exist. Then one day Meg kills herself. Now what is Cody to do? How will Cody survive without her sun? 

This is how our story begins. Cody is living her average life, in her average small town, when she receives and email from her best friend, Meg, saying she has killed herself. Suddenly, Cody’s life is anything but average. Now it is a dark, gloomy pit of despair. Well, more despair than she was already in. 

After all the memorials, vituals, and prayer services, Cody thinks she can finally lay Meg to rest, mentally, until Meg’s parents ask her to go collects Meg’s things from her apartment. Simple enough. Cody can get and get out, giving Meg’s parents some closure as well as herself. Or so she thinks.

As Cody is gathering Meg’s stuff, she reminisces over the adventures they’ve had. And over the ones they would have had if Cody had moved out here with Meg. Maybe Cody could have stopped this. Or helped in some way. Or at least she just could have been there; been a factor in Meg’s life, not a memory of the past.

As Cody is packing up the last of Meg’s things, curiosity gets the best of her and she opens Meg’s laptop. Cody starts going through her emails to see if there was something there she could have missed. Something in their conversations, before and after things got weird between them, that could have forewarned Cody of this. Then Cody notices these emails between Meg and this boy.  At first things are casual and flirty and Cody can see Meg really liked this boy. Then it becomes distant between the two. Until finally Meg writes, “You won’t have to worry about me anymore.” And now Cody is seeing red. This boy is the reason Meg is gone and her world with it. 

And now Cody is out with a V for Vengeance. Thus her search leads her to Ben, or the Tragic Guitar Hero, as Meg had labeled him. But Cody knows he’s the one that broke Meg’s heart and all Cody wants to do is break him. And break him she does. But it’s that look of guilt on his face that doesn’t give her quite the satisfaction. 

A few more run ins with Ben has Cody second guessing if he is the one who truly caused Meg’s death. That and the fact there are months of emails missing from Meg’s computer. Back home again, it occurs to Cody to ask Harry, Meg’s computer savvy roommate to retrieve the missing files from her laptop.

And retrieve them he does. There are tons of emails to the suicide support group, the kind of support group that encourages you to commit suicide, not help you fight against it, called The Final Solution. And even more surprising is this guy with the username All_BS. He’s the one who not only fully encourages Meg to take control of her life (ironic I know), but also tells her how to get the poison, where and how to off herself, and how to time release the emails to loved ones left behind. Thus giving Cody the final piece to the puzzle on why Meg killed herself.

But this is not enough for Cody. She needs to get this guy to fess up to what he did and take the blame for taking her friend. So Cody pretends to be a person ready to commit suicide, in order to lure him out. And not only does she lure him, she gets him. And with Harry’s help, she not only learns his true identity but also finds out where he lives. Now there is just the question of getting to where he is. And she can think of only one person to call: Ben. 

Yes, the same Ben who flirted and dated and slept with Meg; the same Ben who also charms his way into Cody’s heart. However this same Ben is the only person she can trust with this information about Meg, the person that ties them both together and the only person she’d want to accompany her.

Yet on this road of discovery, Cody gets more questions than answers and the truth becomes less clear. Or rather, the truth she thinks she knows begins to fade and is replaced with the actual truth that’s been staring her in the face. Maybe Cody didn’t know her best friend as well as she thought. Maybe Ben, All_BS, and even herself were never to blame. And maybe she isn’t a sunless planet after all, but a person grieving for the loss of a friend. 

I Was Here is a novel unlike any other. It not only addresses the issue of suicide from a religious and non-religious standpoint, but it also addresses the issue of suicide from the suicidal, to those left behind by the act. I would also say this is a thought provoking novel, in that it asks the big questions.  Such as “Who am I”, not only to ourselves but to others; as well as “Can I do this?” or “How strong am I really?”, not just in terms of depression or suicide, but in terms of life too. But most importantly, I Was Here gives meaning and value to each individual life. Helping us to understand that we all matter and that the ones you leave behind are not better off without the deceased.

Reviewed by Camia Rhodes

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers (January 27, 2015)