Review: How to Prepare for Old Age (without taking the fun out of life) by Bernard S. Otis

Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Book Description

In this touching, often humorous and very personal account, Bernie shares his 86 years of life, love, less and laughter as an inspirational guide to what it means to age without growing old. His advice on love after 60, how to talk  with family members about illness what you should be prepared for when confronting tragedy and loss, what it means to be a caregiver to a loved one and many other of life’s challenges are a must for family members young and old. 

Mr. Otis’s book is a treasure trove of personal and professional life experiences that will help you prepare for old age and take control of the nature of aging. Be prepared to laugh out loud and quietly shed a tear as Bernie takes you through the voyage of life.

Review

No matter how much we think it’s a long way away, life is short. Time slows for no one and while you think you’ll know what to do when your golden years arise, chances are many wish they would’ve done more to prepare or knew what to do in certain circumstances. How to Prepare For Old Age, not only helps you by giving you insightful information in the planning process also helps you understand through the eyes of someone who learned and living.

How many times have you had a parent or grandparent give you advice and you don’t listen. Well, the author amazing enough is in his mid-eighties, which really gives the book a comforting appeal. Sharing experience the book is laced with humor, antedotes, helpful tips and insightful advice that will help you along as those around you age or yourself. Love, loss, living life, a message that permeates through the book feeling the wisdom of someone whose positivity and encouragement of living the best life possible is encouraging and inspirational.

What I really appreciate is that he brought up something that many don’t talk about with respect from the other perspective. Often we forget our loves ones as they age, live far away or put them away in facilities. That understanding of how they feel or not forgetting them is really important because as hard as things might seem, taking care of our aging ones is important for their own happiness. They took care of us and when the times comes, we should take care of them. 

The book broken down by senior moments, allows the reader the chance to embrace some great advice and guidance that spans all areas of life, encouragement and moments to sit back and just listen and learn. Not only does he help you understand how to deal with certain situations but mostly due to his own experience, we understand how to effectively help emotionally as well. The book also included a useful checklist that will come in handy as well as an informative glossary of terms that will be useful for yourself or if you are currently taking care of someone. Ideally the book will be good for all to get a grasp for the future but mostly I think its greatly would benefit those fifty years and above because that demographic would experience much of what was dealt with in the book. 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: Chasing Happy by Ann Lee Miller

Book available at Barnes and Noble | Amazon

About the Book

After an epic fail in the hetero world, Ash Jackson heads cross country to Arizona to figure out his bisexuality and make peace with himself and God.

Nashville Star Samma Templeton’s music career bankrolls her future husband’s political campaigns. But she throws up before every concert and feels relegated to an item on the senator’s calendar.

When Ash moves into Samma’s apartment building their childhood friendship resurrects, and Samma must choose between promoting a political agenda that will benefit millions or following her heart. Ash must face his inner demons for the girl who was his past and feels like his future.

Review

Going into this book, I didn’t read the summary. I delve into the storyline and was surprised but appreciate more not knowing what it was about. The book dealt with a subject that I don’t know that much about but with an open mind, really found different perspectives through the characters that produced some thought provoking moments. This book definitely mature minded, dealt with some challenging issues that presented a unique perspective and brought awareness to some social issues that are very relevant today.

Whether your life is rooted in faith or not, Miller’s novel embraces many themes that readers can find common ground in despite the role religion plays in the lives of the characters. There were several aspects of the book that I felt people will connect with. The story not only centers around a young man trying to figure his life out but a young woman breaking from the confines of living for other people to live for herself. 

What I found really interesting about Miller’s book was the character Ash. Here is someone whose father left the family after his own revelation but fearing the unknown beat himself up over dealing with his identity crisis of who he was. Since this happened during an impressionable time of his life, it had a lasting impression on his life that he had trouble dealing with. Not sure of who he was, he battled perceptual right and wrong derived from his faith and was we see his evolvement as a character through his internal conflicts and his search for who he really is. Seeing his tests through his life and getting an understanding of his perspective through his character really brings some social awareness to the situation and opens the dialogue for conversations for many who might be experiencing the same conflict in their lives. 

This novel may not be for everyone and some may find it challenging to their own personal beliefs but it definitely opens the dialogue for conversation on a subject that many people experience more common than not. There are some aspects of the book that touched upon some delicate issues but I found them presented in a respected way focusing on the person the character represented with an issue rather than letting the issue define the person. There were a couple of moments that I fluttered because I felt they highlighted a couple of stereotypes but I think it should be taken in the context of the point of view of that particular character. I will admit, I was conflicted at moments because of my own personal beliefs but I respect the author for her valiant effort with bringing to life a character such as Ash that can be of comfort for those such as himself. The book balanced faith, relationships, family and friendship within a book that I found engaging and enjoyable to read. 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: The Moment of Letting Go by J.A. Redmerski

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Forever (August 11, 2015)

Summary

Sienna Murphy never does anything without a plan. And so far her plans have been working. Right after college, she got a prestigious job and gained the stability she'd always craved-until work takes her to the sun-drenched shores of Oahu and places her in the path of sexy surfer Luke Everett. For the first time, she lets her heart take control. Drawn to his carefree charm, she makes a spontaneous and very un-Sienna-like decision to drop everything and stay in Hawaii for two more weeks.

Luke lives fast and wild. When he meets Sienna, he's convinced that some no-strings-attached fun is just what she needs. As their nights quickly turn from playful to passionate, Luke can't deny the deep connection he feels. But there's a reason Luke doesn't do long-term. He can't promise Sienna forever, when the enormity of his past has shown him just how fragile the future can be . . .

Review

Not to sound cliché but the moment of letting go of this book was such a bummer. If you are a fan of J.A. Redmerski, than you know that The Moment of Letting Go was like returning to her roots. Not that I want to label an author to one type of genre but it made me fall in love with everything that makes her awesome from the books of the Edge of Never and the Edge of Always. She had me completely wrapped around this one where that HEA was definitely worth waiting for.

Told from dual perspectives, we are introduced to Sienna Murphy and Luke Everett. I will say what I loved about them as in her writings that familiar human connection that resonates with the reader. You would never think these two characters which when you read the book are polar opposites could have such a fit like a glove chemistry but you are able to experience their journey and fall in love with them. 

The story introduces us to Sienna Murphy. She is the type of person who has attained where she is in life by working hard. She is currently at a crossroads in life questioning everything she wants and feels. Currently a high profile event planner, we get to live vicariously through her while she is on assignment in Hawaii. You’d think being in one of the most beautiful places in the world would be great, right? Wrong. Sometimes life throws you a test and I guess this was hers because dealing with this particular sister of the bridezilla nearly took everything out of her and pushed her to her breaking point. Overwhelmed and frustrated, like with all moments that are meant to be, the right person came at the right moment. Meet Luke Everett and little did she know life would never be the same.

So, just a chance encounter, they both meet. Knowing that she would only be there for a couple of days, they never expected anything to lead anywhere other than to have a little fun. You know when you meet someone, you can’t explain it but you feel like you really KNOW them even though you don’t. There is something that you feel that draws you to them and your rationale and caution goes straight out the window? Well, a couple of days turn into a couple of weeks. After needing a much deserved vacation, and throwing all rationale out the window, she decides to let her heart lead and spend the best two weeks of her life finding out where it goes. With no expectations and uncertainty, their destined encounter lead to a journey that grabs life by the collar and shakes it to show us what in life is worth fighting for. 

Unlike the beautiful, fall in love story, this one was different. It had a whole different flare to it. I didn’t get that instant magnetic attraction to the characters or the story. There was a depth behind the characters that drew a different response.  A much slower pace mirrored by the plot of the book, which enabled the reader a takeaway that was much deeper than the typical, expected story.  This plot definitely had some though provoking moments that make you sit back really let it sink in. Their story for some might seem slow to progress but be patient because everything comes full circle and it is worth it for everything that comes. Overall, this is a good read that will make you appreciate everything that is awesome about J.A. Redmerski. Awesome story to be told with characters that demand your attention, a love story that just makes your heart smile and as usual keep the kleenex nearby because it will come in handy. 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: Hostile Takeover by Shane Kuhn

Series: A John Lago Thriller
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (July 14, 2015)

Summary

Professional assassin John Lago faces off against his deadliest adversary yet—his wife—in Hostile Takeover, the exciting sequel to Shane Kuhn’s bestselling debut The Intern’s Handbook, which the New York Post called “a sexy, darkly comic thriller.”

At the end of The Intern’s Handbook, John tracks down his nemesis Alice but instead of putting a bullet in her head, he puts a ring on her finger and marries her. Together, they execute a hostile takeover of Human Resources, Inc., the “placement agency” that trains young assassins to infiltrate corporations disguised as interns and knock off high profile targets. As HR’s former top operatives, they are successful until conflicting management styles cause an ugly breakup that locks John out of the bedroom and the boardroom.

But when Alice takes on a new HR target, John is forced to return to the office battlefield in a role he swore he would never play again: the intern. What starts out as a deadly showdown turns into the two of them fighting side by side to save HR, Inc.—and their marriage. 

Review

If you read Shane Kuhn’s initial book, The Intern’s Handbook, than the name John Lago needs no introduction. If you haven’t, I strongly encourage you to read that book before Hostile Takeover. It isn’t necessary but because it will lay the foundation for any unanswered questions about what happened and give you background information handy going into Hostile Takeover.

So, if you are like me all about Team Lago, than you know after reading the first book how intense and exciting it was and the hope of the sequel to match it. Hostile Takeover had a different flare to it but brought back our favorite sarcastic, funny assassin, if such can be put in the same sentence. Going into this book, I had extremely high expectations. I will say that you don’t get that roller coaster ride of the preceding but you do get a different awesomeness that hones in more to him that gives you a whole new appreciation for John cheering him on all the way.

So, if you read the first book, than you know when you start reading Hostile Takeover, it picks up right where they left off.  I don’t want to give too much away for those of you who haven’t read it but his lifestyle catches up with him because the book begins with John being interrogated at Quantico by an FBI agent named Fletch. The scenes in the book between these two are definitely one of my favorite plots in the book because like the first book, Kuhn really brings these scenes to life for the reader. He really does a great job putting you in the center of the action. These two just feed off each other for some of the most hysterical moments of the book. The interrogation, chronicles his experience recalling the events that led up to the present including marrying Alice and the takeover of HR which leads to an amazing ending that was completely not expected. Who would’ve predicted, that he would’ve had anything to do with HR again, let alone teaming up with Alice. The whole takeover of HR brought some moments that drew upon his film experience because it had those action packed elements that we grew fond of from the preceding.  

Now, we all know what transpired between Alice and John in the first book, so it was interesting reading their story in book two. Instead of offing Alice, he decided to marry her. I don’t know about you but I can’t figure if John and Alice are a match made in the psycho ward or what but these two negatives definitely come out to a positive this time around. The best way to describe these two are Mr. and Mrs. Smith because their love/hate relationship definitely makes one scratch their head but their dysfunctional relationship definitely brought many memorable, hysterical moments to this book. Between his sarcastic humor and her fierce sassiness, not only to we get to know them better as characters but you just can’t stop reading because there was just something about them this time around that made you not want to let go of them.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The writing as usual to expect from Kuhn, was funny, straightforward and brilliant. Compared to the first book which was fast paced and constantly moving, this has a different pace that tapped into something beyond what we have read before. You just become some absorbed into the drama that putting the book down is not an option. Kuhn has you hanging onto to every scene as a reader parallel to John’s emotional and physical experience. This time around, since the focus was more on the relationships between John and the other characters, it brought readers closer to John which gave you a better understanding of who he was. You forget what he does but see who he really is beyond the facade that makes you root for him. A great plot, awesome scenes with a mixed bag of characters will leave you wanting more. Not sure what lies ahead of this series if there will be more but I will be patiently waiting. 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: The One An Amazing Love Story Start With You by Amanda and Ryan Leak and Jodi Lipper

Summary

If you’re looking for average, go ahead and put down this book. No hard feelings.

Most people will admit that they are looking for an amazing love story. We’ve all seen those couples, the ones holding hands or whispering to each other as they stare into one another’s eyes as if they share an awesome secret. We watch them and wonder, what’s up with those two?  
We never anticipated becoming one of “those couples.” When we met, we just worked on listening to God and preparing ourselves for the story he planned for us. What we learned and want to share is that no matter what your relationship status may be, this amazing story begins with you. 

In this book we share more than the events happening around “The Surprise Wedding.” We share our triumphs and our mistakes, both before and after that day. You’ll learn healthy habits you can start practicing today, ones that will help you lay the groundwork for an incredible marriage later. God has something amazing in mind for you, but he can’t get you there without your help.

We absolutely believe in The One. And we believe that you’re it. 

Review

Ok, my fellow single friends out there. How many Cosmo quizzes, online dating sites, speed dating events or blind dates that you’ve been on and all it leaves you constantly meeting Mr. or Mrs. Wrong? Well, been there, done that until I came across the gem, The One by Amanda and Ryan Leak. It’s not the rules, thank goodness or some theoretical how to guide. It was something much better. Two people, who actually practiced what they preached but more importantly drove home the message loud and clear, not to be so literal but “The One, An Amazing Love Story Starts With You.” As they always say, how do you expect someone to love you if you don’t love yourself first!

I preface this because the couple who wrote this book both are spiritually grounded where their faith plays a major part of their life. Even if you don’t believe in faith, believe in the road they took to find love and the advice throughout their own path gotten there to see the message the book presents. The books chronicles their experience (by the away was unreal being married and engaged on the same day) and shares their perspective on being single through finding a relationship, dating, understanding each other and overcoming the obstacles and triumphs that make or break relationships. 

Told by dual perspectives, Ryan and Amanda Leak, not only share their love with the world, but the honest, candid obstacles & triumphs to get where they are give readers a clear picture of real love, no fake Hollywood movie love but that kind you’ll give up your life jacket on the Titanic for. What makes this book different than others that share their experience is that you get a male/female perspective that allows you to be an observer and understand things that you may not have noticed before but give you that aha moment or potentially what you incorporate in your own potential relationship. 

Overall, I thought was a great perspective that was shared that could benefit many single people or those in relationships now potentially leading up to marriage. Its practical advice and inspiration drawn from their story will inspire those that to want to have a great relationship built on a strong foundation that will stand the tests of time. Whether you are single or in a relationship leading down the aisle, their story will be an engaging read that will hopefully add some inspiration to your own love life.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: Immaculate by Katelyn Detweiler

Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers (May 26, 2015) Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Summary 

Mina is top of her class, girlfriend to the most ambitious guy in school, able to reason and study her way through anything. But when she finds herself pregnant—despite having never had sex—her orderly world collapses. Almost nobody believes Mina’s claims of virginity. Her father assumes that her boyfriend is responsible; her boyfriend thinks she must have cheated on him. As news of Mina’s story spreads, there are those who brand her a liar. There are those who brand her a heretic. And there are those who believe that miracles are possible—and that Mina’s unborn child could be the greatest miracle of all. 

Review 

What is wrong with the world that we can no longer believe in miracles? Why must we know the answers to everything or understand the purpose for everything? Why can’t we just sit back and gaze in wonder and in awe? How have we forgotten that life is one giant miracle made up of miracles? Are we really that cynical?

Well I have to admit, I’m just as cynical and desensitized as anyone else. I believe life is miraculous, yet at the same time, I somehow believe miracles do not occur. At least not divine miracles, such as a teenager getting pregnant and she hasn’t even had sex yet. But that is exactly what happened to Mina Dietrich. 

Mina was your typical over-achiever. She made straight A’s, dated the king of perfection, Nate, and was a responsible and reliable worker at a diner. She also loves spending time with friend and family, as well as said boyfriend. She is all around, perfection in human form. So it should only be fitting that she carry the world’s next savior. At least some being in the universe thought so. 

Thus on a Friday night, the official beginning of summer, in walks this old lady, Iris, and she tells Mina she has been chosen. However, Mina can’t handle Iris’ words and makes her escape before she can hear what Iris has chosen her for. But she doesn’t care. She just wants to get away. 

Now summer is in full swing, but Mina, not so much. For starters, she’s tired all the time, has headaches, her breasts hurt, nausea and vomiting; not to mention her back is killing her. Sound familiar doesn’t it? Not to Mina it doesn’t. And it isn’t until she confides in her two best friends, Hannah and Izzy, that the word pregnant gets thrown around. Yet it isn’t until she actually takes some pregnancy tests, that its confirmed, Mina is pregnant. 

The first question on her friends’ minds is when did she have sex with her boyfriend, Nate? But the question on Mina’s mind is how. She has never had sex with Nate, or with anyone for that matter. And yet here she is, with child. Then she remembers Iris. Thus she tells Hannah and Izzy of the old woman who came into the diner and told Mina she has been chosen. 

They listen in shock and both are skeptical, however, Hannah is hopeful that there is some sort of explanation and wants a second opinion before drawing a full conclusion. Izzy, not so much. She does think Mina is telling the truth, and thus terminates their friendship because she cannot handful Mina and this outrageous lie. But this isn’t the worse of it. She still has to tell her family as well as her boyfriend. At least Hannah is still here, unsure, but still here. 

As to be expected, Nate dump her and her father isn’t speaking to her. Her mother and sister are on her side. And Hannah hasn’t forsaken her. But there is also Jesse, the new busboy at the diner.  Apparently Iris tells him to look after Mina, and Mina couldn’t  be more grateful. But she isn’t out of the woods yet. 

Someone has revealed her secret and not only does the whole school, but there is also a website called, “The Virgin Mina.” Now word of her situation, her miracle, is spreading throughout the whole town as well as the entire world. And the response is not kind. 

Overall, majority are calling Mina a liar and that she should just fess up to having sex out of wedlock. Why some are even saying that Jesse is the father, what with how close the two seem to be. Others are a little more melodramatic, condemning Mina’s soul to hell and asking her to repent before it’s too late. Even worse, they are harassing her and her family, calling at all hours with these hateful messages and demanding that she give the baby up for adoption once it’s born and stop spreading her black magic and deviltry. On the other side of this are followers, people who believe she is this generation’s Madonna and will bless them. However, Mina is not sure she can deal with the hate and the pressure. Why is she the one to carry this miracle and will she be able to deliver this baby safely into this chaotic world?

Immaculate shows us the ugly truth about today’s society. That we are so hard boiled there is no soft center, no room for believing in miracles. This novel shows us that we have lost our ability to see wonder in our world. Yet Immaculate also teaches us that when faced with adversity, we are stronger than we know. And that if we just keep the faith, in ourselves, we can power through anything. 

Reviewed by Camia Rhodes