Review: Night Music by Deanna Lynn Sletten

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It’s so refreshing reading another book by Deanna Lynn Sletten. She has a way about her writing that is beautiful, especially the development of relationships into a romance that are in her books. You are not rushed. It isn’t predictable or cliche. I love the way she tells a story, especially with the theme of Night Music, she handled the subject objectively and captured the spirit of all sides.

I don’t recall reading a novel that involved the Vietnam War. As controversial as the commentary that has been expressed pro and con, I really applaud Deanna for creating a balance setting around the soldiers and the civilian. That aspect of the book was very thought provoking especially considering the political climate currently. Her characters really embodied their respective stances through the strength of their convictions which was very enlightening.

So, the novel was set late 60s and early 70s. We are introduced to Joe and his fellow soldiers on the front lines. Two things kept him calm, the sound of night music and the letters he received from Charlotte, a girl who joined a group who wanted to correspond with soldiers. Since the death of her brother, she was hoping that writing would help her understand what happened to her brother. She found herself corresponding with Joe, whom they developed a friendship until time drifted them away. He never forgot her and when tragedy struck, he decided on a second chance at life and what better place to go, Grand Falls.

A couple years later, never expecting to see Charlotte, he is stunned when their paths cross. She is everything he’d hope she’d be which leaves a lasting impression that pulls at his heart. One problem, she has a boyfriend who isn’t too thrilled about what seems to be some sort of magnetic pull between them. Once she learns who Joe really is, I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether it was just a coincidence or were they meant to be.

Overall, I thought another well thought out beautifully written novel that just sweeps you up into their journey. Great characters with engaging storylines. They each brought something special that collectively came together cohesively. You will feel many things with this book as for some it will stir up some thoughts for those who lived during this time and there are a moments that will definitely grab your empathy getting into the head of what people like Joe and Tony had to go through. I enjoyed the book and hope you add it to your TBR!

Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

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Before reading this book, I was familiar with Princess Diana. I was aware of the public’s perception of her and how beloved that she was. I was also aware of the tragic way her life ended. However, as much as I was familiar with her, I believe I was still unaware of who she really was. I was a toddler in 1997 was Diana passed.

Before this book, I had a very general perceptive of her. Everyone loved her, so she had to be this truly impactful and amazing person. But I didn’t know why. Everything I knew came from the media and other people in my life. I hadn’t really did my research. After the recent royal wedding, I decided to finally dig a little deeper into the life of Diana.

Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words is an in-depth and personal look into the life of the beloved Princess of Wales. It’s deeply emotional and addicting. It’s intriguing, and it allows for readers to get a glimpse into the surprisingly heart breaking life that Diana had. The book also features transcripts of interviews that the author had with Diana; so it truly is in her own words.

She seems human and caring. She is not portrayed as a perfect individual. She most certainly had her faults, and was deeply troubled. Diana dealt with mental illnesses and eating disorders.

Andrew Morton also does not shy away from the drama surrounding Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ marriage. He explores it all the cheating, the lies, and the unhappiness.

As much as this book is about her personal life, it’s about her work. The author spends a considerable amount of time exploring Diana’s dedication to helping others, especially bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS. It is clear that those causes were important to her, and I’m glad that they were included in the book.

Review: We Begin Our Ascent by Joe Mungo Reed

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Debut novelist Joe Mungo Reed offers us a gripping narrative in his noteworthy first book, out this June from Simon and Schuster. Solomon is a resolute man and a promising professional cyclist who guides us through the industrious mid-race life during the Tour de France. “I am a peloton man”, he says. An Everyman. A man of routine, of limits gradually yet constantly pushed.   His wife Liz, a geneticist with equal conviction, has just given birth to their first son. Determined not to alter their ambitious lifestyles, Solomon and Liz struggle almost beneath their own radar to keep their balance amid the draws of new parenthood, two unforgiving careers and an even more ruthless sports director, Raphael. They are forced to depend more and more on outside support in the form of Liz’s vexatious mother and a series of covert doping regimens supplied by backdoor doctors at Raphael’s urging.

“I cannot tolerate a rider who does not do his best to prevent negative consequences….It would be a shame to see you fall away for a lack of preparation.”

The risks  pile up as Liz gets more involved with Raphael and his ultimatums. With the team’s sponsorship and world ranking on the line, Solomon is pushed ever closer to the very edge of what has long ceased to be his comfort zone. Like the bikes which so often pass through his scenes, Joe Mungo Reed’s prose is powerful without being weighty. You’ll find yourself swept up, steading against the tension and racing through until the end, eager to see what troubles await at the top when one reaches for the high-hanging fruit. Everything has its price, but how much are Sol and Liz willing to pay?

Don’t let the sporty subject matter scare you away from this one. With Solomon’s succinct and endearing narration against a cast of very real characters, you’ll feel that a secret door into the world of racing  has unlatched and you’ve simply been swallowed up, slipped in among the cyclists. I was surprised by how fascinating it all was and the ease with which I found myself hanging onto Solomon’s every perception. Joe Mungo Reed has done an exceptional job at providing something for everyone, marrying the unknown with the familiar through his explorations of relationships, ambition, and consequence. I smiled. I cried. I took stock.  This is fiction done well. Joe Mungo Reed has tackled his first novel with skill and you can bet I’ll be waiting on the second.

Review: Save the Date by Morgan Matson

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This was an enjoyable read. It unexpectedly tugged at my heartstrings a little. The premise of the story is that Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married at their family home. Which means that all five siblings will be together again. Unfortunately, there are several mishaps, and the wedding starts off to a very rough start.

Like mentioned previously, I enjoyed the book. It was a fun read, and I found myself laughing out loud or even wincing at the situations that the character’s faced or the disaster of the situation. I couldn’t help but wonder how this all would play on screen. It would be glorious because this book features several unfortunate events that happen to the Grant family that are unbelievable but also hilarious.

A major theme within this book was family. Charlie was a particular interesting character. She is the younger sister of the family. All of her siblings have moved out of the house, and she is the only one left. She has this strong desire to drop everything because of her siblings. I’ve never encountered a character like her. Her family is everything to her and she tends to disregard or ignore anything or everyone that she feels would threatened her bond with them. Throughout the book, she’s constantly holding on to this idea of a perfect family. You see her struggle with that. And at the end, you see her come to turns with reality. And that was an interesting journey to see happen.

There is some sort of romance within this book. But it isn’t prominent. When you’re introduced to it, you immediately can guess the true nature of the situation and how it is going to turn out. Which I enjoyed. Because this book is the strongest when it is focused on family. Because there are many lessons to be taught and I wouldn’t want that to be overshadowed by a lack luster or unnecessary romance.

Final Analysis

Save the Date is a smart, funny, and emotional read. You can help but be draw to the unfortunate events that take place in the span of three days.

Review: The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd

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I love period books that just sweep you off your feet. The Weaver’s Daughter introduced me to Sarah Ladd and I must say that after reading this book, I will definitely add her to my favorite author list. Her beautiful novel effortlessly weaved a story of love, familial loyalty, loss and the empowerment to seek out the truth bringing adversaries to allegiance risking everything to protect the present and future. 

I think the book summary brilliant summaries the heart of the book. Here is what it is about: 

"Kate's loyalties bind her to the past. Henry's loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder --including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father's pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather's goals to modernize his family's wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family's livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry's side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village's future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls - even if it means risking their hearts in the process."

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this. For a period novel, she does an amazing job creating a beautiful story that transcends time and just as a reader, you just become some absorbed in this book, placing you in that time. The pace of the book and the way the novel carried itself through the plot was like a gentle breeze. Sarah gives us wonderful characters to dive into and I don’t feel there was a moment that I have any criticism towards the way the book. The layers of the plot peeled itself back as is developed. The story came together the way it was supposed to be. I’m definitely looking forward to what’s to come. I’m recommending adding this one to your TBR list! 

Review: Nightmare’s Eve by Stephen H. Provost

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Held on the edge of that moment between evening light and dusk, Stephen H. Provost’s NIGHTMARE’S EVE is a collections of horror short stories and chilling poems. From a deal in the dark to a gift to bring words to life, this collection will make you want to sleep with a night-light.

Provost’s writing is self-described in the beginning to be like a collection of Twilight Zone episodes, but there’s something more twisted and fantastical awaiting in these pages. With a mix of Stephen King-like story-telling and M. Night Shyamalan twists, Provost brings our deepest nightmares to life. I dare you to read this book in the dark and go to sleep after.

The characters Provost creates make you feel all sorts of emotions while reading. You’ll hate some of them, feel sympathetic for some, but most of them are just like us, and that’s what scares me the most. This collection has so many humanistic qualities, and those are paired well with the unknown and supernatural. 

Along with chilling tales of monsters and strange occurrences are the poems that can only remind me of Edgar Allan Poe. His poetry in this is riveting and dark, mixed with some “certitude” and great language.

Provost’s collection deserves praise with every single story included, which get better and better as you get deeper and deeper into the madness that only can come from Stephen H. Provost’s NIGHTMARE’S EVE.