The Pilgrim's Stone: One Woman's Unpredictable and Authentic Journey by Heather Gauthier

First, I want to thank Heather Gauthier, BScN, RN, MBA for providing me with this book so I may provide this review.

Heather Gauthier the author The Pilgrim’s Stone One Woman’s Unpredictable and Authentic Journey is truly an inspirational read. It will make you look at your life differently and be thankful for what you have. She is a first time novelist who’s writing seems like she has been writing forever-it is that good. I am so glad this nurse decided to write her own private personal story and journey and share it with the world. It needs to be told.

My heart went out to Heather when I read all about the struggles she went through with her breast cancer. She was very descriptive when she discussed her disease-down to the medication she took. Not to mention what a toll this took on her emotionally and physically.

This book is not solely based on her cancer though. It is about what she did to embrace life after to thank god for her living life! It is journey her healing emotionally, spiritually, mentally she was about to take walking 780 km around the world for 6 weeks, no cell phones, no maps, no internet. No way for anyone to get a hold of her. She traveled all over the world meeting fascinating people. Some days she walks 10 hour days. All written in a journal/diary format with titles, dates, times and pictures. Descriptions of events and what she saw and did for each day as well. She is very talented with describing things in detail.

One poem she has in the book that I really like The Journey by Mary Oliver. It represents the journey she has been on and is going on.

One part of the book touched deeply and I teared up when Heather felt God’s embrace in her heart. This journey now became more special to her it became more than she ever thought it would become. Never did she think it would be a religious experience but it did. 

Graffiti Creek by Matt Coleman

First, I want to thank Matt Coleman and Pandamoon Publishing for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Graffiti Creek by Matt Coleman was a short fast paced read that started off right from the beginning. Immediately I was drawn to the two lesbian main characters (whom wouldn’t admit to being in a relationship). But what really intrigued me why Cary was pulled over and being taken for a “ride” for something she had no clue what she did. She wasn’t even arrested. My heart went out to this character whom was scared out of her mind at what was going to happen to her. I didn’t blame her one bit! Matt did a great job keeping his readers in suspense of what was going to happen to this girl!

If you like books that have cops, mystery, suspense, mistaken identity, some curse words then you may want to give Graffiti Creek by Matt Coleman a try.

Unraveling of Brendan Meeks by Brian Cohn

First, I want to thank Brian Cohn and Pandamoon Publishing for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

If you ever wondered what it was like to be trapped in a mind of a schizophrenic patient then The Unraveling of Brendan Meeks by Brian Cohn is just the book for you. This story is unlike any other physiological thriller you will come across. Brian’s choice of wording in this were very creative, descriptive, and unique to the characters situation. Some references I found even comical. 

With Brendan’s character you couldn’t help feel compassion for the guy. His character was given a terrible mental disorder called schizophrenia. Daily he is at war battling the voices in his head, thinking people were invading his thoughts, if he owned a phone and used it people would brainwash him. He was living in his own little hell. His Mom saw this and turned her back on him only caring what society would think if they knew about her son. Needless to say she was not my favorite character. The one person that stood by his side through everything and was his rock was now Dead! 

Unraveling of Brendan Meeks is an incredibly thrilling story with a lot of twists and turns. Once I started reading this book I didn’t want to put it down until I was finished.

It was just the physiological read I had been craving to read!

The To-Hell-And-Back-Club by Jill Hannah Anderson

First, I want to thank Pandamoon Publishing’s Christina Gabriel Fulton for providing me with Jill Hannah Anderson’s book so I can bring you this review. 

The To-Hell-And-Back-Club by Jill Hannah Anderson is a book that will stay with me in my heart and in my mind way after I have finished reading it. I am not one to re-read books but this is one that I would consider reading over and over again. I would definitely say that this is by far the best book I have read in 2018 so far. Plus, I have already told the publishing company I would read anything this author writes as she is one of the best writers I have read in a long time. 

Trust me on this one-before you start this book you will need a box of tissues. This book will pull on your heart strings and bring out so many emotions like no other book you have ever read before. I was speechless, in shock and hurt incredibly for what Peyton had to witness with the horrific tragedy that happened!! My heart broke for Peyton and everyone involved. Jill Hannah was so in tuned with Peyton’s emotions and her grieving and her dealing with everything. She brought her readers into the story and made you felt like you were right there. So much so that I cried like a baby at the hospital scene! 

The To-Hell-And-Back-Club focused on tough topics such as death, grieving, drinking, drugs, marital issues, learning to live after a terrible tragedy, divorce, past secrets, abortion, infidelity, etc.

Many of the characters in this book were genuine, real and had a heart of gold. They all wanted to be there for Peyton in her healing. With the exception of Jerry. I was not a fan of his. 

This is one book that had so many great elements to be made into a prime-time TV show and do really well

Harry Life, Loss, and Love by Katie Nicholl

When I learned Katie Nicholl wrote the book Harry Life, Loss, and Love it was put on my must read book list. I don’t usually read Autobiography’s. However, growing up I was a huge fan of all things dealing with the royal family. Not to mention I am very smitten with the fellow Ginger. This book exceeded my expectations.

Katie Nicholl was the perfect choice to write this book for Harry. Knowing him since 2003 she has seen it all. She had also written two other books for the royal family.

In this book you will hear stories about Harry and his past girlfriends, his charity work that he does in memory of his mother, his birth, his military career, his wild ways, and of course Megan. However, you also hear about Charles and Camilla, Dodie and his children, etc.

The parts that really pulled on my heart strings were the stories of Harry and his love for his Mom. There were times when I teared up reading it. I was a huge Princess Diana fan and was devastated when she died. Kate speaks of the emotions and the impact that the loss of Princess Diana left on him. Reading about it I just wanted to go into the book and give him a hug. He had a very special bond with his Mom.

There are beautiful colored pictures in the book from when he was younger to today. Alongside those pictures you will see some of Prince Charles (in a kilt-that made me laugh), Prince William, Catherine, Harry’s past girlfriends, Meghan Markle, Tilly their Nanny and who could forget the beautiful Princess Diana. Plus, the cover photo is a beautiful portrait of the happy couple Harry and Meghan.

One story that was told that caught my breath was when Princess Diana’s physic friend predicted the accident that took her life. I was in total shock when I read this.

This is an amazing book for anyone that is a fan of the royal family or Harry in general. (less)

Brody Judge Heartbreakers & Heroes Book 5 by Ciana Stone

First, I want to thank Ciana Stone for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Brody Judge Heartbreakers & Heroes Book 5 is Ciana’s BEST book in the series by far!!! I am a huge fan of Ciana’s and love all of her books and amazing cover’s I must add. However, this book went above and beyond anything she has brought to this series. So much so that I hope she continues down this writing path in her following books. This one with all the multiple personalities this one character had Ciana had you sitting on the edge of your seat to see what would happen next with her. Not to mention there were some shocking revelations too!! My head was spinning in a good way when I was done reading the book. 

As with the other books in the series it is best to read them in order. Trust me with this book if you don’t read them in order you will be lost! Especially with the revelations. Characters from the past books come back for a visit in this book. 

I am a Ginger so I love how Ciana wrote in a character that was a Ginger too. Mentioning that we had fair skin. Funny…someone used to call me red as a nickname when I was younger. 

Ciana did such an incredible job brainstorming up ideas for the unique characters and plot line in this book. How will she top this one in the next book? 

The Resurrection of Griffin Ballard by Rebecca Branch

First, I want to thank Rebecca Branch for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Resurrection of Griffin Ballard by Rebecca Branch was like reading two amazing books rolled into one. This story had a little bit of everything for everyone. Plus, Rebecca even wrote herself into the storyline as herself (Molly) as one of the characters in the book. That was a unique twist that I have never seen done before by any author I have ever read before. She shared her website, platforms where you can purchase the books, and how many books she had written. Also, shared a little about her modeling days and her experimentation with the same sex. If you read between the lines you get to learn a lot about this amazing woman. However, when I first met the character I didn’t like her because I thought Griffin was cheating on Bethany with the “Dragon Lady.”

As stated earlier this book it feels like you are reading two books in one. The first part of the book pulls on your heart strings when you learn about the death’s of Griffin’s wife and Bethany’s parent’s death. How they are both mourning their loss in their own way. Griffin more so than Bethany. Griffin and Bethany meet at a park while walking he is walking his dog. There is an age gap between them that is an issue for him. However, he is extremely attracted to her physically. She finds him very intellectually stimulating unlike most guys her age of 26. Since they had so much in common. It is a unique friendship they have and how it very slowly it evolves. I really liked these two together as a couple and thought they were good for each other as well.

Then comes part 2 of the book! You would NEVER guess from the cover of the book that this was coming. Griffin and Bethany go to Amsterdam for his work function and this book turns into the hottest book I have ever read! I have read erotica before but DAM!! Bethany pulled out all the stops to get Griffins attention!! One night she turned into a redhead and took him and his coworker’s by surprise! That night was so hot that the hotel called to tell them to quiet down! They did positions that made her scream! The detail of the sex scenes were incredible! The next night she was in a black wig looking all domination. For a guy who had been celibate for 20 years he had a real awakening with Bethany!! Rebecca Branch can sure write amazing erotica!! I wish I was a fly on the wall in that hotel room!!

With this book there are stories within the main story about Griffin and Bethany. The author can definitely continue series featuring other members of Bethany’s family for example tell Jake’s story.

1 like

My Name is River by Wendy Dunham

First, I want to thank Wendy Dunham for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 

My Name Is River by Wendy Dunham is an incredibly sweet book based on the bond of that a grandmother and granddaughter has, two best friends from different sides of the tracks, and strong faith in God. Throw in some pull on your heart strings moments-which you will need a box of Kleenex for- you have yourself an amazing book in my eyes!! 

Kudo’s to Wendy’s graphic artist whom designed the front cover it is beautifully done. The girl on the cover looks like a spitting image of the tomboy River! The background is breathtaking and the cursive title is perfectly done. The book cover caught my eye first, then the unique title (I love the name River for a girl) and then I had to read he back of it. From there I just had to read it. I am so glad I did. I even picked up the second book in the series. The cover is just as beautiful with hands holding a butterfly. 

Gram had to be one of my favorite characters in the book. Some of the sayings she said reminded me of my late Gram. That put a smile on my face big time when I read about her. One thing I loved about her was once they moved and she started going to Physical Therapy she starting living life again. It was great seeing her come out of her shell! She is a spunky lady!! Sometimes way too much for someone her age!! 

I read a lot of Christian Romance and Inspirational books from various authors whom focus on faith and God in their stories. However, I have never read one on a middle school level. This aspect of the book was so needed and was so refreshing at the end of the book. Wendy puts part of scripture in the book that relates to the story going on.

Wendy taught me a lot in this book and one of those things were about Billy Rivers BFF. He was born with a Brachial Plexus Injury. Billy was born Breached. His shoulder got stuck coming out of his mom and the nerve got stretched out way too far and they got damaged. So, his arm is just lays there…it cant feel anything or do anything. I just found that interesting. I wasn’t the only one. So did River. 

You could tell Wendy wrote this book from the heart. That she cared a lot about the characters and the situations that she put them in. That faith in God is important to her as well as children with disabilities of some form. It means more to a reader when you can read between the lines and sense these things. I hope she keeps writing what she loves and is passionate about. She has a gift. 

Waiting for Murder: A Emyln Goode Mystery by Susan Lynn Solomon

First, I want to thank Susan Lynn Soloman for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Susan Lynn Soloman taught me something in Waiting is Murder: An Emyln Goode Mystery. She and I live in the WNY area. However, I never knew that this was the most haunted corner of the United States. Sure as she mentioned the Buffalo Central Train Terminal which I’m familiar with. But I had no clue that there is an Iron Island Museum, once a funeral home, has a man wandering the hall searching for his ashes, never claimed by his family. That is just freaky to me!! Now I have been to Old Fort Niagara before on trips for school back in the day. However, I had no clue a soldier roams the castle hoping to recover his severed head that was dropped into the well by another soldier. WOW the stories she shares just in the prologue about WNY blew my mind. So incredibly interesting and the fact that are all true stories are amazing. Some of the stories are things you would see on TV. Not things you would think actually happen. Scary to think they actually happened in my hometown.  

This is the second book I am reading from Susan. One thing I love about her books is that she writes about places she knows and loves-her hometown of WNY. One reason I love reading her books is that I know exactly the places she is talking about in the book. So, it brings a smile to my face that I can picture exactly where the character is. With every other book you have to imagine it…but In chapter 2 I know the I-I90 all too well and not fond of the Skyway, familiar with the grain silos (as my grandfather used to work there when he was alive), a fan of Three Dog Night, etc. There is another Hamburg?! She mentions Tops the grocery store and Shea’s Theatre places I know fondly.

I loved how she incorporated her writers group into the book and added cinnamon buns into the mix. Was shocked they were not Paula’s Donuts.

She pulled on my heart strings when she mentioned Crystal Beach. She describes the amusement park so perfectly that closed down years ago when I was a pre-teen. However, I still have fond memories of the place. No, I would not ever ride on the Comet!

Always loved the name Emyln as it was the main characters name in the book.

“Yeah. Catch ya on the flip side.” A radio disc jockey once used this term referring to the next day- I totally remembered that and used to say that all the time in the 90’s.

The Chaplin: Sacrifice of Love by Lynn Hammond

First, I want to thank Lynn Hammond for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

The Chaplain: Sacrifice of Love by Lynn Hammond blew the lid off the water in this first book of the series!! She is an author to keep your eye out for! This story had you shocked and dumbfounded the first paragraph in. I could not stop reading the words on the page as my heart was going out to Sophia!!

However, I must warn the readers that this book contains some very difficult subjects that may be difficult for some to read. For example, rape, PTSD, anxiety attacks, abortion, self-mutilation, child out rape, etc.

You could tell Lynn was passionate about the characters and the subject matter she was writing about. Linkin’s character had a heart of gold and so much compassion to him. He was one of my favorite characters in the book. Even though it was his line of work he went above and beyond his call of duty.

Sophia’s friendship with Linkin was one of my favorite I feel of any that I had ever read in a book. How they were brought together by tragedy and yet over time became the best of friends. He was someone Sophie could rely on when things got rough. That bond that became stronger over time. It made them appreciate each other morSophia’s friendship with Linkin was one of my favorite I feel of any that I had ever read in a book. How they were brought together by tragedy and yet over time became the best of friends. He was someone Sophie could rely on when things got rough. That bond that became stronger over time. It made them appreciate each other more. It was truly something magical they had.

Many times in this book I became emotional. You will need your tissues. You will want to reach out to the characters and give them hugs. Many times I became angry with some of the characters for their actions.

This is a book that I could see as a Life. It was truly something magical they had.

Risky Lies by Lynn Hammond

First, I want to thank Lynn Hammond for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 

For a first-time author Lynn Hammond really picked a great book to come out with! I loved Risky Lies part of the Loving Lies Series! Yes, I want to continue the series!! The story-line was fresh-new-never thought of before and made it such a fun read! 

Ben was NOT my favorite person in this book for what he put Jamison through!! Nick was not my favorite person either after what he to Mandy! 

Lynn had some very relatable and comical moments in this book! I laughed at the scene about the Port-A-Johns! I totally understood where the author was coming from. How Jamison and Mandy were comparing books and which one was better! 

I really liked John’s character and how his unique story-line intertwined with Jamison’s. Loved the bond they were forming. 

Lynn educated her readers about Monkeys during a scene at the zoo. I enjoyed this section as I am a fan of Monkeys just as Jamison is. If Jamison doesn’t want a monkey John could buy me one! 

The Anti-Cinderella by Tawdra Kandle

First, I want to thank Tawdra Kandle for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. Anyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE fan of the Royals and anything to do with Pop Culture. So, when I saw the cover of Tawdra’s The Anti Cinderella book and read the synopsis oh I had to read it. Not to mention she had to release the book right before the big royal wedding!!! Pure genius on her part!! I love how in the Dedication she talks about her grandmother telling her stories about two princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. That’s where her love of all things royal came to be. I grew up watching Princess Diana and had a love for her family. To this day I love all things to do with the royal family. I have been a fan of Tawdra’s writing for a while now and have enjoyed many of her past books. However, this book to me this book blew all of them out of the water. This one grabbed my attention, I loved the characters, the names of the grandparents cracked me up the book made me smile, laugh, at points made me cry, made me wish I could have a love story like this one, and excited to find out that this was going to be a series-that I must continue reading. This is my 100th book I have read this year. Out of all the romances that I have read. I don’t think there Is another love story that has touched me more than this one. I am saying that cus they met when they were young. Their families knew eachother. Well…I cant tell you the rest. You need to read it for yourself. But it is a beautiful story. If you ever wanted to know what it was like dating a celebrity or Royal then you must read this book!! Not that I have had the honor of dating one (only in my dreams have I dated Prince Harry) but man she does a great job at making you feel like you are right there in the mix of the media. I am so glad that this book is part of a series! I didn’t want this book to end. I also think that Tawdra needs to keep this writing style in her .

First, I want to thank Susan Lynn Soloman for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Susan Lynn Soloman taught me something in Waiting is Murder: An Emyln Goode Mystery. She and I live in the WNY area. However, I never knew that this was the most haunted corner of the United States. Sure as she mentioned the Buffalo Central Train Terminal which I’m familiar with. But I had no clue that there is an Iron Island Museum, once a funeral home, has a man wandering the hall searching for his ashes, never claimed by his family. That is just freaky to me!! Now I have been to Old Fort Niagara before on trips for school back in the day. However, I had no clue a soldier roams the castle hoping to recover his severed head that was dropped into the well by another soldier. WOW the stories she shares just in the prologue about WNY blew my mind. So incredibly interesting and the fact that are all true stories are amazing. Some of the stories are things you would see on TV. Not things you would think actually happen. Scary to think they actually happened in my hometown.

This is the second book I am reading from Susan. One thing I love about her books is that she writes about places she knows and loves-her hometown of WNY. One reason I love reading her books is that I know exactly the places she is talking about in the book. So, it brings a smile to my face that I can picture exactly where the character is. With every other book you have to imagine it…but In chapter 2 I know the I-I90 all too well and not fond of the Skyway, familiar with the grain silos (as my grandfather used to work there when he was alive), a fan of Three Dog Night, etc. There is another Hamburg?! She mentions Tops the grocery store and Shea’s Theatre places I know fondly.

I loved how she incorporated her writers group into the book and added cinnamon buns into the mix. Was shocked they were not Paula’s Donuts.

She pulled on my heart strings when she mentioned Crystal Beach. She describes the amusement park so perfectly that closed down years ago when I was a pre-teen. However, I still have fond memories of the place. No, I would not ever ride on the Comet!

Always loved the name Emyln as it was the main characters name in the book.

“Yeah. Catch ya on the flip side.” A radio disc jockey once used this term referring to the next day- I totally remembered that and used to say that all the time in the 90’s. 

2 likes