Book Title: Released

Author: Megan Duncan

Publisher: Create Space

ISBN: 9781461017721

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

“The human heart dares not stay away too long from that which hurt it most. There is a return journey to anguish that few of us are released from making.” ~Lillian Smith

Imagine our world taken over by strange, evil creatures with no warning and no knowledge of where they came from. Many humans die fights for their lives and the lives of their family and friends. The survivors are boarded up in their homes waiting and wondering what to do next. Among these survives are three teenagers: Abby and her brother Carter, family friend Max. Unfortunately, their family members are deceased. Looking for hope they turn to the radio and find a transmission that offers a safe haven to anyone that can make it there. The three, the nerd, the jock and the tomboy, set out to New Mexico in the hope they find other survivors and a safe place to live. On their journey they face many more “demons” some pure evil and others clothed in human clothing.

Although I am far from being a teenager by many years, I did find this book entertaining to say the least. The characters let their age show in many parts of this story, but I found it gave it a more realistic and believable feel. Their typical teenage mannerisms brought back memories of how my own kids acted. Even their hormones are shown as raging, even in the face of danger and destruction. The journey they are on becomes not only physically trying but also physiologically trying as well.

As with other reviewer of this book, I found it hurt to put down until I was done. I was surprised with the ending, which leaves things open for another book. There is suspense, horror and raw emotion: what more can you get from a good book.

Book Title: Something Secret This Way Comes

Author: Sierra Dean

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

ASIN: B004QQ3MGI

Reviewed by Michele Tater For The Couch Tater Review

Camouflage is a game we all like to play, but our secrets are as surely revealed by what we want to seem to be as by what we want to conceal. ~ Russell Lynes

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the great City of New York, there are monsters that do more than go bump in the night. When one of these monsters take their “fun” to far, the Vampire Tribunal calls upon one person to take care of the problem. The person is not really a human person at all, she happens to be half vampire and half werewolf. Secret McQueen makes the strongest, of before mentioned, monsters quake in their shoes with fear; even just saying her name sends them shaking. The most recent trouble is the return of a very old vampire who had a run in with Secret before and he still has the broken tooth to prove it. Can she stop him in time to stop his taking over the largest of all cities with his rogue vampires? This while Secret is becoming more connected to her wolfy side. Why do women try to do so much at the same time! Can Secret handle it?

Now I know there are many vampire/werewolf books out there, but I found this one stands out on its own. Secret is a fantastic main character that shows how being different is not necessary a bad thing. She also has a strong support group that are there for her if needed. Yes there is love too, not too mushy or anything, just plain old boy meets girl and girl meet another boy...you will just have to read it for the details. The book is fast paced, packed with action and filled with mysteries that will leave the reader wanting to know more. Thank goodness the author planned to write this as a series and the other books are just a quick down load away.

Book Title: Fatal Rejection

Author: Bob Moats

Publisher: Magic 1 Productions

Reviewed by Michele Tater For The Couch Tater Review

A rejection is nothing more than a necessary step in the pursuit of success. ~Bo Bennett

Derek Harcourt is an author of a book that tells of the horrible crimes committed by a killer known as the NY Slasher. Liking the notoriety of the first book, Derek decides to write another one as he walks in the footsteps of the Slasher. As he moves from state to state he writes chapters that are sent to his editor Sarah Keller to edit and where his journey will end. As Derek travels from the East coast to the West coast, it seems that there are killings being committed with a eerie similarity to the murders that the NY Slasher was known for. The disappearance of this murderer many years ago may have just been a break for him and now he is back.

This book made me say “What?” “Really?” “No Way!” quite a few times. It puts the reader in the middle of a cat and mouse game where you are not sure who the cat and mouse are. With an unusual and unpredictable plot the reader must keep reading. I would dare to call it a first rate thriller from an author that has found another way to pleasantly shock me. Especially with the mentioning of Buffalo, New York, which I have lived in at one time, very cool. Looking for a good mystery to pass the time, this one will not disappoint. The reader is rewarded with the greatest of endings.

Book Title: Seven Days to Say 'I Love You'

Author: Ashley Hames

Manuscript Copy

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

A dying man needs to die, as a sleepy man needs to sleep, and there comes a time when it is wrong, as well as useless, to resist.
~Stewart Alsop

After his father is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ashley is faced with the task of preparing his father to die and his family to grieve. Only days are given for his father to live. Although a close family, the words 'I love you' are not often said but are mostly inferred. Ashley makes it his goal to say those very words to his father before he pasts on. Most people have no problem in professing their love for one another, be it true or not, but Ashley finds it a true labor of love to utter them and mean them.

This a narrative of how Ashley and his family experience this heart wrenching stage of life. It is written in a raw, brutal and honest voice in describing the processes of saying goodbye to a treasured loved one. The author has opened his heart and his soul in writing this book and allows us to experience the pain and anguish felt from the lost of a parent.

I can not imagine loosing a close family member, especially my Dad. At the writing of this review, my Dad is scheduled to have open heart surgery which makes the fear of loosing him real. After reading this book, I have made it a point to tell my Dad and my Mom, that I love them. I find it a great gesture and a gift even to be able to say those words to them while they are still with me.

Words of caution: you will not be able to put this book down and it will change your outlook on life for the better. I actually was given this in a manuscript form, which I will cherish forever and always.

Book Title: She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle

Author: Lavinia Thompson

Publisher: Self-Published

ASIN: B005qtx282

“Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone that you love and think loves you in return.” ~ Dianne Feinstein

It has been written that in order for someone to become a survivor of domestic abuse, one must open their wounds and let them bleed. This author as done just that by writing her feelings of pain and anguish in poetry form. She was a victim of abuse both physically and sexually which started when she was a young girl, by someone she knew. Lavinia must bleed from these wounds many times before she could heal completely. She has dissected all the memories and fear she had experienced during this awful time. Finally, when Lavinia becomes empty of this emotions, she finds her strength and courage to live beyond her past. She is reformed in her heart and her thinking of how she views the world around her. Happy ending? Just have to read til the end...

A comforting read for people that have experienced abuse and also for people who may want to understand what someone has gone through. Author wants her voice to be heard, and also to give other survivors the peace of mind that they are not alone and there is still hope for them to have a beautiful life to live.

Gone Reading

 From the website of Gone Reading...

Dear Fellow Book Lovers:

If you’re like me, you just can’t imagine living in a world without reading. Unfortunately, for almost a billion people today, that’s exactly where they find themselves. There are countless villages, towns and vast regions of this planet where the power of reading has yet to shine its light.
Gone Reading International, LLC was founded to bring the magic effect of reading to places where it doesn’t exist.  We believe that when people have open access to great reading materials, life always changes for the better.  When libraries and reading materials are made available, entire villages, communities and their citizens achieve unprecedented levels of self-sufficiency.
That’s why Gone Reading International has pledged 100% of company profits to fund new reading libraries and other literacy projects in the developing world.  By purchasing our gifts for readers, you’re changing the world while treating yourself and the bibliophiles in your life to a great gift.
We’re working with great non-profits such as READ Global and Ethiopia Reads, amazing organizations with proven models, long track records, and dedicated teams on the ground.  Such groups partner with local villages and communities in the most underdeveloped parts of the world to effect real change.  Our goal is to provide significant financial assistance to such organizations, allowing them to achieve greater scale and impact.

Purchase Our Gifts for Readers

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Happy Reading!

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Founder & CEO
Gone Reading International, LLC

 Click below with even more information...

Our Cause

Book Title: The Leaf Catcher

Author: Dax M. Tucker

Publisher: Create Space

ISBN: 9781463561406

“One of the greatest lessons the fall of the leaf teaches is this: do your work well and then be ready to depart when God shall call.”

~Tryson Edwards

Corliss is not a money wealthy man but he is wealthy in wisdom. Although he labors tending the gardens of the King for meager wages, he never complains about the work he does. How can this be? His son Maddox asks this question often. Is this how his life will end up too? Maddox really hopes not. Sensing his son's disappointment, Corliss begins to show the beauty of a simple life. He speaks of his family which includes Claire his wife and his daughter Hope, and how much joy and contentment he has in just living. Unfortunately his wife is a beauty and has caught the eye of Gavin the Prince. He is consumed with desire to have Claire as his own. How for will he go to accomplish this? Is Corliss's family really as strong as he may think they are? Will his son eventually understand his teaches before it is too late?

Many may try to compare this author's poetic work with some of the greatest from the past, I have chose not to. I think this poet deserves to be recognized as a great on his own merit. I found this book to be a fairy tale for adults: good verses evil with a little magic mixed in. Written in a gentle tempo and tone, it felt like I had my own Zen master of words trying to bestow words of wisdom inside an enthralling story. It is truly a treasure chest with gems of life lessons to be discovers through out. One of which, is to have a mind enriched in wisdom than have a life enriched in material wealth. I would like to thank the author for the gift of himself that he has given to the world for, “the most precious gift that can be given is what we possess in the our own person.” I look forward to more gifts and treasures from this author, it will be worth the wait.

Book Title: Flight in February

Author: Philip Kraske

Publisher: EyeStorms Books

ISBN: 9780986520303

“Sometimes even the flight of an angel hits turbulence.”

~Terri Guillements

Set in a town near Stillwater, Minnesota, sits an underground maximum security prison thought to be one place where no one can escape from. Until someone tries. It just happens to Marcus Strenk, a seeming good prisoner, who does what he is told and paints with an eye of an aged artist. Did he really commit suicide or do he pull the ultimate prison break? Or did he burn in the furnace used to burn the waste from the humans who are considered by society as a waste as well. Is he a seasoned drug smuggler who just happen to finally get caught or a wronged man who was part of something bigger than he was? This is for Deputy Marshal Henry Scott to sort through and figure out what exactly is going on. Even though he is given obstacles that he must go around and sometimes through, he is determined to get to bottom of everything.

This the first book I have read from Philip Kraske, but I can say without hesitation, I hope it will not be the last. The novel is so well written you can feel the cold from the winter wind and the cold shoulders that Mr. Scott has to deal with. I think the author is a genius in developing a plot, that many will believe to be a plausible explanation, of how our agencies are run behind our backs. Likeable protagonists, yes I mean more than one. There are several main characters the reader will find themselves rooting for until the very end. By no means is this a how-to-escape-from-prison book or how to survive in Minnesota winter. But it is definitely a novel worthily of reading during the hottest of summers or the coldest of winters. An enthralling, well-crafted novel with an exciting and suspenseful plot. I highly recommend this book; I can not say it clearer than that. I look forward to read more books from this talented writer in the near future.

Book Title: Gordon's Way: Entertaining Strangers

Author: Stephen J. Granger

Publisher: CreateSpace

ISBN: 9781448644964

Great perils have this beauty, that they bring to light the fraternity of strangers. ~ Victor Hugo

Gordon Boswood, a methodical man, that hold tight to his strictly regimented plans; almost like a kind of mantra he lives by. If it didn't fit in this plan, it did not belong in his life. Not included in his plans of all plans is the time for church masses or anything to do with religion for that matter. That, of course, changes when a mysterious ring appears on the beach near his and his wife's newly purchased house. Even has Gordon places it on his finger he becomes a altered man with no hope of ever going back to the way things were before. He begins a journey to find the true purpose of the ring and on his trip, several strangers help him on the way.

Although this book does contain religious overtones, it is by no meanings a religiously themed book. It is another classic story of good versus evil, where the good doesn't know he is good until he believes it himself. And evil is down right evil and wants to be all powerful. The beginning is slow at first, but if the reader continues to read they will be rewarded with an exciting fast paced battles. A great main character with a likable personality and an humbling attitude. Other supporting character are most intriguing and somewhat unbelievable, in a good way. Would be entertaining to all age groups and religious back grounds. It is just book one in the series too. I bet is just keeps getting better.

Azure Dying

Author: C. W. Gordon
Publisher: Strategic Book Group
ISBN: 9781609766931

As far as thinking about death and murder and various ways of killing people and how people die... I probably have the most twisted mind in Slayer. ~Tom Araya

Amy, a junior in High School in Austin, Texas, is rushing home from school to hopefully get a call from her boyfriend before her mom answers the phone. Being grounded prevents her from having her cell phone, which make talking to him so much easier, but rules are rules. As she reached he street, she notices a big black H2 Hummer parked by the curb. Amy decides to take a closer look since it not a vehicle seen on her street often. As she gets to the back hatch of the truck, she sees a small note which reads "think of you mother" and then all goes black for Amy.

Glen Young, a journalist for an Austin paper, receives a envelope with no return address. Fan mail? Hate mail? Nothing new to a writer with a reputation of getting under people's skin to get a story. Little does he know that what the envelop contains will begin the worst of all nightmares.

As I was reading this book I could literally feel my skin crawl, however it was not possible to stop reading it. It was like taking a tour through a haunted house, you know its going to be scarey, but you can't help but to go through it. This book is scarey good. The villain is as twisted and perverse as one can be. The reader gets a horrific view of the inside of a killer's and how he ticks. With all the facets of the worst childhood one person can have, the murder is a product of such events.

Also the reader is give a glimpse into the police and the detectives as they work to solve this mystery so they can get this psychopath as soon as they can. One particular ex-cop joins in the chase, someone who is down on his luck, but chooses to do the right thing. I found myself cheering these brave souls throughout the book, hoping that they would be able to reach the madman before it was too late.

The End is Near

Author: Harry Ramble

Publisher: Ebb Press, LLC

ISBN: 9780981650227

Hope is a necessity for normal life and the major weapon against the suicide impulse. ~ Karl A. Menninger

Nathan Huffnagle, a man in his forties, is just a plain unhappy person. He has never married, has no kids, and has the most boring of jobs. Nathan becomes sick and tired of this so-called life he has made for himself. After his mother dies he returns home to take care of business. Not just the depressing business of settling his mom's affairs, but finishing his, literally. Nathan has decided to end it all, because of the crappy hand life has dealt him, but after a time in the neighborhood tavern, he decides to take someone with him on his little death trip. Really what is driving his man to go to such a final solution to his problems? Could something in his past that seems to haunt him all his life be the reason? Is it really found in the journal he wants to leave behind for all to read?

Instead of this book being a “who done it” I would call it a “how come” novel. How come this man has made the decisions he has made?

Written in the first person this book, I found, to be full of emotion and feeling. This is especially felt in describing the shocking and sickening details of the many events of bullying that the main character had to endure. The author uses directness and boldness to get across the seriousness of how being belittled through someones life can affect a person, as they become damaged adults. The bullied sometimes become at odds with the ghosts of their past, as Nathan did in this story. Mr. Ramble is ingenious in allowing the reader get inside Nathan's head—to feel his pain and sadness; he took a complex situation and made it simpler to understand by expounding the details. I can not say enough on how truly great and eye opening this book was for me—highly recommended!

Element Keepers--Whispers of the Wind

Author: E. P. Marcellin

Publisher: Tate Publishing

ISBN: 9781616636586

A wisp of gossamer, about the size and substance of a spider's web.
~Monica Baldwin

In D'Shee, a fishing town in a world like our own, Rhet and Peteal make their living by cleaning the catches of the day on the docks. Everyday the same as the last, but it suits them both fine. As a strange ship sails into the dock, baring a flag with a web of a spider and, carrying mysterious women of remarkable beauty, the world as Rhet and Peteal know it changes forever. The women are searching for the prophesied man told about in their holy book and hope to find him in D'Shee. Much to Rhet's dismay, he maybe the man that they are looking for.

The author takes the reader to a world of magic and wonder. Each region visited has their own individual look and style. Truly, there is a web being spun as this tale is told. The reader becomes entrapped in wanting to follow the characters as they travel and try to find where their fate may take them. Places and locals are beautifully described in just enough detail to give a great view of things, without being overly wordily. The way the book ended had me wanting more to read; I was shocked that it stopped how it did, actually made my jaw drop! What a way to have the reader look forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend it to everyone, young and old.

Shadow of a Distant Morning

Author: William Topek

Kindle Edition

ASIN: B004CFB7NS

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

Every man at the bottom of his heart believes that he is a born detective.~John Buchan

Set in 1934, during the midst of a Ten Year Plan of Economic Depression, this book takes the reader on a journey back in time. A time where detective work was done with a dial telephone and people you know that were in the know. Devlin Caine is this type of detective. He has survived so far by doing the best job he can for his clients. All is pretty normal until Mr. Caine is visited by Thomas Lundquist, a secretary for Ronald Graham who is the wealthiest industrialist in the city. Devin is offered a job to look in the business dealings of a possible business partner that Mr. Graham is considering. He takes the job not knowing that the regular investigator of Mr. Graham is on a permanent vacation, sort of speak.

The plot of this read will keep all readers in suspect till the very end. It is written in an old fashion style that is appropriate for the year is it taking place in. Devlin Caine is humorous, witty and likeable, which gives the character substance and believability. It has an unexpected story line that keeps the reader on their toes as the plot thickens. Recommended for the avid old time detective murder mystery readers and others who are just looking for an author with talent and a good idea for a new book series.

Against Her Fading Hour

Author: Isaac Sweeney

Kindle Edition

ASIN: B004IPPKZS

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

Learning is any change in a system that produces a more or less permanent change in its capacity for adapting to its environment.
~ Herbert Simon

Inside this book are three short stories about three different woman who are experiencing a possible life changing moment. One woman has to learn to find her place in the world after the death of her husband instead of her trying to find it in other men. Another has to live with a husband who thinks he can fix things just by saying that everything will be okay and giving her a big hug. Still another woman must learn to understand her husband's obsession in building a shed after the death of his father.

Even though it is written by a gentleman, the voice of the book seems to has a feminine vibe to it. Given its sensitivity to the emotions and feels, women readers will be able relate to the characters and their situations. I think is would be a great book club read with its possible discussions of each person interpretation of the stories.

13 Horror Stories

Author: John McDonnell

Kindle Edition

ASIN: b004JF4MDI

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

Horror is beyond the reach of psychology.~ Theodor Adorno

The stories in this fun read are short but are not, of course, sweet for they are horror stories after all. Although most of the tales are not what you would call overly “horrorly” horror stories, they do have a scarey element to them. Each having a different story line with a surprise at the end. Some leave the reader wondering what the “monster” looks like, where some others show the monster as an human.

The book reminded me of episodes that could be shown on either The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits. Both being great entertaining television and which were not over the top with the blood and gore aspects of some horror. These tales could easily be told around the camp fire or during a power outage to pass the time. Great book to have on hand for Halloween parties as well.

I would recommend book to all the enjoy a little scariest in there reading. Also would be an interesting book to discuss during a book club perhaps near the Halloween season.

The Secret of a Spicy Jalapeno

Author: Charlie Courtland

Publisher: Createspace

ISBN: 9781460977156

Reviewed by Michele Tater for the Couch Tater Review

Let us beware of saying that death is the opposite of life. The living being is only a species of the dead, and a very rare species. ~Friedrich Nietzsche

From the beginning pages of this book I was stunned. It starts with a concept so unreal that it gives the reader a shock to the system, in a good way. It proved that there are still story lines out there that have not been used yet. That being said, it is story set in a small town called Providence located in the Pacific Northwest. The sheriff in this seemingly quiet and safe town has seen a upturn in the a criminal element so he decides to do something about it in an environmental and social way. With the aide of his close friend Joe Parker, they decide to grow Jalapeno peppers in an organic way. This organic way of farming becomes the solution to the problem of truly evil people who happen to do wrong in Providence. Business starts to boom with no one in town the wiser of how can their peppers are hottest and the best tasting. Along comes Vera, a streetwise woman, with a shady and sad past. She is but in protective custody at the farm where Joe is in charge of the secret ingredient. Things change from then on with the operates of the business.

I don't want to let the body out of the bag or anything, so I will not say more about the plot. In my opinion it is a great read that has a horror story overtones and a unlike start of a love story as well. Characters are small town bred with simply ideals to life's big city problems. Must read for gardeners everywhere; caution, the secret ingredient mentioned in the book could get you in trouble to say it mildly.

Cosmo's Reason

Author: Julie Losoya-Harthi

Publisher: PublishAmerica Baltimore

ISBN: 9781456006006

Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book

“To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness.” ~Robert Brault

Witch meets good looking vampire and they live happily ever after. Not is this book they don't, which is a great thing for the reader. Reason Regan has had her share of relationships that ended in a sad, heartbreaking ways. She feels unlucky in love and that no one will love her being a plus sized witch. That all changes when Cosmo, a vampire, steps into the picture to be her protector against the evils that may do Reason harm. Their strong attraction is one that started a long time ago as their past lives have met. Oh and meanwhile there are rogue vampires wandering the small Ohio city of Findlay causing havoc. Just when the reader thinks that everything has gone to some sort of normalcy, more drama comes their way with more mysteries for them to solve. This book, in my opinion is a more “adult” version of a vampire love story. There are heated sex scenes that could make even a seasoned, sexual, experienced person blush. Characters are personable and engaging, which keeps the reader reading to find out what will happen to them next. Being a plus-sized, a one time divorced, animal loving gal, my favorite character is Reason. As the story goes on, she blossoms into a gutsy, fearless and ballsy broad, in the best of ways. What woman wouldn't want that kind of confidence! Cosmo, is the definition of a tall, dark and handsome man with the personality of a well-bred gentleman.

Since this a debut book from this author, there are some novice oversights, that take time to develop. I don't feel, however, that these errors are so outrageous that it interferes in the reader enjoying this book. I feel that the author has formed a great foundation for her continuation of this story-line into a fantastic series. She is currently working on book number two, which I am look forward to reading too.

Reading Calendar

https://www.google.com/calendar/render?hl=en&tab=cc Here is a tentative reading schedule...

Sands Fo Time

Book Title: Sands of Time

Author: Bruce A. Sarte

Publisher: Bucks County Publishing

ISBN: 9780982981634

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone. ~George Eliot

After the death of his wife and two kids, Sam Shepard's cure for his depression is Mr. Daniels, as in Jack Daniels, the golden liquor of choice. He gets through his days in a drunken blur until he starts to experience scary and eerie happens. Having to face the fact the he is either hearing and seeing things because of the drinking or there is something going on that he needs to look into further. The book gives an heartbreaking account of a man walk down the path of destruction after tragic has struck. Although he has people around him that want to help him, he turns them down and choose to drown his sorrows in drink. With the slight of chance, that circumstances may change, Sam is given something that he never let go completely; a glimmer of hope.

Written in an unique style which may cause the reader to think that the book is full of mistakes in the placements of paragraphs. I found that maybe the author did this to break up the sentences in just a way to give them emphasizes and a slight psychological pause. Geared for both the male and female population, however for adults only, because of a certain description of a personal in nature event. Without any clues of what may happen next in the book, the reader is complied to read the book to the end. Well worth the putting the housework and/or the garage cleaning on hold to finish this read.

Handmade Memories

Author: Guy LeCharles Gonzalez

Publisher: Free Verse Media

Kindle Edition

Reviewed By Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

Written in an intellectual flow of poems and essays about the life of a truly gifted author, I found this book a remarkable piece of literature for the ages. He leads the reader on a guide tour of parts of his childhood and his adulthood through his words. The sights, smells and feeling come out of each poem like a direct IV from the authors soul. Often optioned and insightful in his thoughts; they will cause the reader to think of their own interpretations of things and their choices. The heroes and the people that have had an impact on his life are also described in savvy thoughtful way. Included in the ending of book, is quick bio of the author's life which helps the reader connect the dots even more.

Highly recommended read, which could be enjoyed by young and old who is curious about the life of a talent intellect poet and writer. Reading club could have the chance of deciphering the meanings and feelings of the author and the what reader experienced as reading it.

Nighmares and Daydreams

Author: Barbara Watkins

Publisher: Mythica Publishing Limited

ISBN: 9781907108044

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

A haunting written collection of short stories and poems grace the pages of this book. The stories are not shockingly scarey in nature, but still can give the reader the feeling of chills and goosebumps. There are also tales of daydreams that can be serious and humorous in nature. The poems also describe the mystic environment of dreams, either being experienced in sleep or in an awaken state. I think everyone in their life time has had experiences with a nightmare or two, but few would think to write it down, and to ultimately write a book about them. This author has done just that and has added some beautifully written poems that express them in a different light altogether.

Written in a unsuspecting voice, that gives the reader little hint as to how the story line will eventually go. A book that can be read in a short time, but do you read it during the day or night? Only the reader can decide. Great for a beach side or pool side read. It could also be a good pick for a book club, with a possibility of sharing with the members' nightmares and/or dreams of their own during these meetings. Included too, in this book is a bonus of the first two chapters of the authors next book, which seems promising to say the least.

The Beautiful One Has Come

Book Title: The Beautiful One Has Come

Author: Suzanne Kamata

Publisher: Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing

ISBN: 978193363143809

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

This exquisitely written book consists of twelve short stories, each focusing on how a woman handles living in another country or how to live in their own. Most of these stories take place in Japan, where the women have to learn to adjust into a culture that is considerably different then what they are used to or how their ideas differ from society. This book gives the reader a brief look into the world of the Japanese and how they live and love. With characters of different of various ages and stages of life, it gives a wide range of glimpse into an assortment of situations. Some are adjusting live in general and some are to motherhood. Each must look inward to resolve the areas of their life that have become problematic to them.

Especially with the awful events that have happen in Japan lately, this book gives the reader a look of this proud and everlasting country. It is a place filled with tradition and history. I think this book can be enjoyed by most age groups; young adult and adults. It is an easy reading book, which would be good on raining days, book clubs and anytime reading. I look forward to more books from this author, who I feel can only excel on what she has already written.

NIGHT SHADOWS

Author: Stephen L. Brayton

Publisher: Echelon Press

ASIN: B004O0VD1M

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

In Des Moines, Iowa, there lurks a sense of pure evil in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life. After a rash of unexplained deaths with gory and gruesome results, FBI agent Lori Campisi has been summonsed to assist with the case; a agent that works on the most weird ones. The detective she must work with is Harry Reznik, a no nonsense by the book cop. This unlikely working duo has to learn to work together and be open minded to the strange and bizarre statement from eyewitnesses to these off the wall murder scenes. Could it be a gang of skilled killers terrorizing this city or the even more unlikely explanation of shadows with red eyed devouring people as they dwell in the darkness.

This book is quite horrifying and scary in the best of ways. It reminds me of the great author Clive Baker, with the fear and carnage factor. The reader is engrossed in the battle of good versus evil with the piling of bodies in the mean time. Written with great detail that the reader can almost hear the snaps and smell the blood as the shadows do their devilish work. A sit up all night, with the lights on, of course, read till its, done tome. With its great chapter flow it leaves nowhere for the reader to leave a bookmark. It leaves the shadows of any room even more spookier than ever and a healthy fear of old scary looking books. An author to keep a sharp eye out for his next book or books for that matter.

The A-Men

Author: John Trevillian

Publisher: Matador, Troubador Publishing Ltd.

ISBN: 9781848763432

Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book

“To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive.” Robert Louis Stevenson

In the future of our world, all hell has broken loose. The company that ran things and keep everything working harmoniously has left the planet. Although many Earth dwellers were able to leave before the change over to the survive of the fittest mentality, many were unable to. What is left on the planet are renegades of gangs, fight each other for superiority and tracts of the best parts of the cities that are available. To bring some control to this mess, a group of trained military like mavericks, are dropped down from their ship to in the chaos. Most being criminals or persons that just don't fit anywhere else. They do not realize the magnitude of the situation they are now a part of, many pay the price with their lives. The survivors band together and form their own “gang” with other members joining them if they can swear the oath. The members names are borrowed from a book of tales, which gives all who read it some hope in a world with very little hope.

The best way to describe this book, in my opinion anyway, is a “guy” flick written by author with a vision like no one else. It has all the great elements of an action pack block buster movie; chaos, mayhem, explosions, death and destruction. There are turf wars and some colorful characters that can only exist in the end of world times. It has glimpses of scenes that have the Road Warrior movie feel it them, but most are taken right from the imagination of the author. But is does include a sensitive overtone especially when the book “forevermore” is mentioned; it is like a religious icon. Even with its guy geared content, I would recommend to girls too; hey what girl doesn't like a good guy flick anyway. Although, a thick book, it is easy to get engrossed in it and you are done before you know it. The reader will look forward to read the next book, “The A-Men Return”, which is already written and available.

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Reunion

Book Title: Reunion

Author: Jeff Bennington

Publisher: nexGate Press

ISBN: 9780615443683

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

“Your karma is that you lived and you must honor and to remember and to live a life worthy of your having survived.” Ducan Williams

Although it is a work of fiction, this book examines the fatality of the human psyche and how people handle experiences differently, even if it was the same event. Crescent Falls, Idaho seems to be like any small town in the Unites States, except, like in some towns, it experiences the unthinkable. A teenage boy, who has a deeply disturbed past and an even worst present life, allows his anger get the best of him and he goes on a killing spree on his own classmates and teachers. He afterwards shoots himself in the head and is declared dead. So begins the process of healing by the victims who survived and the families and friends of the victims who did not. This book gives the reader possible outcomes to some of the students who try to get on with their lives and make sense of what has had to them. It also looks into the mental of state of the shooter that may help to explain his reasoning behind his actions. But the author doesn't stop there, he adds a supernatural spin into the mix when the survivors decide to plan a class reunion after 20 years.

Since this the first book I have read by Jeff Bennington, I was unsure what kind of writing style he possesses. I was afraid that this book would be another book about school shootings and would be a bit boring. The author has made sure that this was not the case. Even though he does address the awful truth of shootings in schools, he give it a new life by added a spiritual aspect of the outcome of one. From beginning to end this book keeps the reader riveted. It has dark, eerie and scarey themes, along with humorous overtones and glimpses of the human spirit. Also check out the list of the ten worst school shootings in the Unites States located in the beginning of book, its quite an eye opener.

Help Japan

Any companies, bookstores and individuals interested in a book drive for Japan? IF so, please comment here http://bit.ly/hvG8AT 

Thanks To Brick O'Neil, this is his great idea...

kiDNApped

Book Title: kiDNApped

Author: Rick Chesler

Publisher: Chalet Publishers

ISBN: 9781936395132

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

“If you can write DNA, you're no longer limited to 'what is' but to what you could make.” ~Drew Endy

Set in the beautifully scenic back drop of the Isles of Hawaii, a kidnapping has taken place so long ago that the man will soon be declared die and lost at sea. His daughter a brilliant successful professor of microbiology is not ready to give up on finding her father just get. Along side of her is her Lance a not so successful computer programmer, who is being enticed with a free trip, room and board. This brother and sister team are joined by Dave, a scuba drive and marine biologist and a FBI agent named Tara. With clues left for them by the missing Dr. William Archer, they are hoping to close in on the captures and rescue their captive.

This book starts off like water that is calm just before a storm that is brewing blow in. It give the reader background information to get to know the characters that they will be following. Then with each ripple in the water, the plot become more in depth, even includes technical aspects that are truly remarkable if true. The reader finds hidden secrets and betrayals within this team of searchers, that cause the FBI agent especially, to keep a close eye on the rest of the party. Reading further along, it as though the winds are start blow and the wave start crashing against the surf and there is a need to hang on to something for dear live or be blown away. Then it is found that the waves are coming from one source and that source will lead to more answers and hopefully to one happy ending, or will it.

Model Agent

Book Title: Model Agent-Jaclyn Johnson, Code Name Snapshot Series
Author: Sean Sweeney
Kindle Edition
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

“My books are like water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) everybody drinks water.” ~Mark Twain

As a grave situation takes an even uglier turn, the president of the United States of America, is forced to send a fairly new CIA agent to investigate. This is no ordinary agent though, she looks at herself as a defender of those that are weaker and is dedicated 100% to her country. Her name is Jaclyn Johnson, who is also a model hence the code name of Snapshot and has an handicap that she doesn't let get in her way. This bullet fast, action filled book follows the model/agent on her quest to take a mad man into justice no matter what. She has many high-tech cool gadgets that can help her do just that.

Most of the book takes place in the Boston, Massachusetts area, home of the Red Sox (my favorite baseball team I must add). It describes many land marks and roadway to get around the area too. It even takes the reader to a baseball game.

I am not even close to kidding when I say that this a fast paced read. There are not many parts where things slow down and may cause the reader to become bored. From the first chapter, I actually thought holy crap, I did not see that coming, and I know I said something to that effect through most of the book. That being said, that is why I am being a little vague in not giving the potential reader too much information of the book. I will say that it is like a ride in an 2010 Porsche AG 918 Spyder on full throttle trying to make the opening pitcher of a world series game, where the Red Sox are playing and have only one game to win it all. Also it will make you think twice about what you decide to have to drink from now on.

The Classmate Murders

Book Title: The Classmate Murders

Author: Bob Moats

Publisher: Magic1 Production

ASIN: B002D48NBO

Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Coach Tater Review

Middle age is when your old classmates are so gray and wrinkled and bald they don't recognize you. ~Bennett Cerf

Jim Richards a sixty year old who lives with his parents and recently has lost his job as a security guard for a car dealership. He is an avid reader of reading and watching anything related to mystery; books, movies and television series. The book “The Classmate Murders” follows this older in body than mind, gentleman who leads a simple and somewhat boring life until he receives a disturbing e-mail from a high school classmate. She was actually an ex-girlfriend of his who was now afraid that someone wanted to take her life. Unfortunately, he receives that message too late and she is found dead with the message that there will be more murders to come. With his good friend Buck, Jim decides to use his learned investigation skills, no matter how limited, to try to solve the mystery before others are found dead. With team works so well together that the police seem to be one step behind them. Jim becomes an important part of the case, even with small matter he knows a little too much about the woman involved. He comes the conclusion that the women being threatened are cheerleaders from his high school. Who would want these women dead after forty years later and why.

I must admit I didn't think that a story about a senior citizen wanna-be private investigator was going to be so entertaining, but was I wrong. This book proves that even an old dog can have a sharp mind to look at details and figure out leads to solve a difficult case. With its humor, and friendly banter between characters and with some steamy sexy scenes, this book packs a lot between its covers. Adults of any age would find the characters likable, the plot integrating, and will find it a great mystery. I liken it to a cup of tea brewed, not too hot and not too cold, sweet with a little honey with no need for the cream.

Compose

Jump

Author: Jen Wylie
Publisher: Echelon Press
ISBN: 9781590807354

I don't know what it is to love the way they love-they would jump off a bridge for me. I can't do that. I can only say, I owe you. ~Bobby Darin

This story maybe short but it does not lack a great plot line. It starts with a woman being told to jump off a bridge by a knife wielding mad man. That is all I can say about the book so not spoil it for any potential reader. It has interesting probably hidden means, which are there for the reader to find and examine. Its a very quick read, but well worth the price, even if the story is one in a million.

This the first work I have read by Jen Wylie, and it does make me curious to read more of them. I found her style of writing refreshing, crisp and savory; like a awesome red wine.

What A Way To Start The Day

Author: Ella Grey

Publisher: Echelon Press

ISBN: 9781590807149

Because we build the worlds we wouldn't mind living in. They contain scary things, problems, but also a sense of rightness that makes them alive and makes us want to live there. ~Anne McCaffrey

Molly O'Brien is having a bad day. For starters she realizes she is late, and the kind of late that only girls can be late for. She had a fling with a vampire, grant you he was tall, dark and handsome, but still she should have known better. This vampire especially should have been hands-off, since he is a pureblood and if the son of the leader of the mafia-like vampire group that makes the human mafia look like kittens. Molly maybe a fire witch, and a pretty great thief, she was no match for the good looking Christopher LaMorte.

This novella is a short glimpse into a world that lives parallel to our own. It felt like a lover's tease that leaves you wanting even more This story is written in a direct to the point matter that doesn't get the reader lost in the fluff of details. Molly is likable even if she is a criminal and seems to have human characteristics that readers will relate to, such as the dread chore of paying bills. Readers will be breathlessly waiting for the next story to written and shared by the author Ella Grey, as soon as possible, please.

An Altar By The River

Book Title: An Altar By The River

Author: Christine Husom

Publisher: Second Wind Publishing

ISBN: 9781935171331

“An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.” ~Buddha

When Gregory Trippen make a pleading call to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department about his missing brother, its sets in motion a ball of evil. Gregory's brother Jeffery is on his way to the county to sacrifice himself at a place he calls Satan's Alter. Hidden underneath the seemingly close knitted police department are secrets and cover-ups that will soon come to light. One of their own may be leaking information that could jeopardizes their very lives.

Sergeant Corinne Aleckson who has lived in this county she works for all her life begins to realize that there are things that are happening right under her nose that she would never imagine there. The horrific situations of Satan worship and its victims it creates comes before Corinne's unprepared eyes. Digging deeper she discovers a twenty year old murder that seems to be the source of every thing may be the key to solving the many mysteries surrounding the county.

Although this is the third book in Christine Husom's Winnebago County Mystery Thrillers; I have not read the others, I found that is was not a factor in reading this book. The reader is able to follow the story without having to know the background information that may have been given in earlier books.

I found it refreshingly unpredictable in it plot, which left me guessing with each passing chapter of what would happen next. The book gives an interesting glimpse into the lives of people who have survived the abuses of possible rituals done by Satan worshipers, some even developing a separate personality to keep them safe. The whole concept of the worship of Satan, I found eye-opening and makes me wonder if there are such things going on without anyone knowing, behind closed doors, in your neighborhood.

Great book the I would recommend to any reader, who enjoyed a good mystery that follows a likable character, who is easy to relate to and wish the best for. Warning: readers maybe so engrossed in this book that dinners may be burnt, laundry may not be washed and sleep may be lost.

Origins

Author: Sean Hayden
Publisher: Echelon Press Publishing
ISBN: 9781590806821

Being a normal teenage is hard enough, but being Ashlyn is even more complicated. She lost her mother giving birth to her, and she does not even know her father. Given that she knows no other relatives she lives with her aunt, which seems normal right? But not only has her aunt cared for Ashlyn but she also lets Ashlyn feed off her blood every other day. Instead of nails Ashlyn has claws and her pupils of her eyed are slit like a cat. With all these differences, her aunt felt it better for her to be isolated from the real world. Television and the Internet were her only sources of what the outside was like, although she would sneak out at night to walk. She is unable to go into the daylight since the sun hurts her eyes and she would get a nasty sunburn too.

Like most good things, this situation had to come to an unfortunate end. Ashlyn’s aunt has a car accident which leaves her little choice but to leave since there are not records of her even being alive. “Origins” is a tale of what happens to Ashlyn when she is face with a world that she knows less about than she had thought. She is given an opportunity she really can not refuse and one that will change her life forever, either in a good or bad way, she is not sure. Now grant you this story takes place where the world is full of vampires, and several types of them, and also wereanimals. These creatures are a “normal” sight throughout the city of Chicago where Ashlyn has lived. The author, Sean Hayden’s lets you into a place of fantasy set in the modern time era. His main character,  Ashlyn pulls at your heart strings as she figures out her place in this strange place.

Don’t let the fact that this is Sean Hayden’s first book steer you away from “Origins”; his writing comes across as a seasoned writer. It may seem to be more geared to be a young adult book being that Ashlyn is only seventeen years old, I find that even an older adult like me enjoyed it. I highly recommend this read to lovers of vampires and other supernatural figures. It has action, blood, gore and so much more, that you will be asking for even more. Thank goodness he already has a second book in the works.

the moon, the snow

Author: Nan Weizenbaum
ISBN: 978-1449961602
Publisher: CeateSpace
Publish Date: January 27, 2010

Although, in my opinion, the book started off as wordy and at times boring, in the end it was worth read. It was uniquely divided into subchapters using tree branches and chapters using pieces of fruit. The setting is in a Pacific Northwest town of Shanksford in the midst of the winter season. Since it is summer, one of the hottest, where I was reading this novel, it was given a refreshing feel as it was describing the snow falling and people dressing in layers. It also gave some hot and steamy accounts as well, which were not suited for the younger reader. There is also a bit of a history lesson about the town, which was carefully included and gave an insight of the region and how it was developed. Even though, I don't think this was necessary to the story line, it did add interest.

I was able to identify with the main character Aurora as I think many other women can. A lot of women of all ages and all walks of life, have given up everything of ourselves to devote all to the person they love and unfortunately when that person leaves we are lost. This abandonment can lead ourselves doing things that are completely out of character for us. Aurora started to give her body to every man she could. Most of the male characters were men of opportunity using Aurora for their appetites and not really caring for hers. One character that was not of the norm was Danny who seemed more down to earth, especially since he lived in a Teepee. He was the more sensitive friend that Aurora needed. Intermingled in the before mentioned players are other town folk that were sometimes mere mentions many of whom were experiencing life's up and downs. Most live without T.V. s, radios, telephones or even electricity. They have to adapt to the environment even if it is rely on the strength of others.

The finishing pages of this book are completely up expected and were never hinted at. It is a full circle of lives coming together as maybe the moon is a symbol of. I recommend this to only adult readers who are patient enough not to skip ahead to the end. I believe the author is trying to give insight to the fact that we are all interconnected and how we can effect each others lives.

No Mad

Author: Sam Moffie
Publisher: BookSurge
ISBN: 1439204616

The book is divided into 7 mini-books and subdivided with long lines. There are also bold typed words found through out, which I am not sure what the significance of them are. Also there are lyrics of 70s music that seem to fit what is happening in the book. The reading of the Prologue is a must to understand the direction of the book. Unfortunately, the main character's marriage will have be sacrificed in order for him to grow as a middle-aged man and become content with the life he has and can have.

I think "no mad" is a how-to book on how to make a bad situation better without going to extremes. It follows an author on his quest to develop interviews for a non-fiction book, this after a drastic change in his family life. This character is likable and has a great love for his children which is very commendable since I am a mother of three. It made would to be close with my kids even if they are grown. His personality and sense of humor makes a reader connection easy. As he travels to different landmarks and destinations, you are given a brief history lesson on each, added interest and familiarity. There is even a section regarding the ethics of bathroom reading and another on the joys of winters, even though I think the winters in Angola, New York are worst. One of my favorite parts were the bumper stickers he read while driving, too funny. Another is the explanation of how Dino of the Flintstones had started the whole sniff and marking for all dog kind.

I recommend this book to drinker of red wine, listeners of 70s music and lovers of dogs and family, plus anyone that needs a good laugh. Be prepared to read things that you never had before and probably wont again. It is for the adult audience since there are explicit sexual content and drug use. One last note: wherever you go, there you are---Jinx.

Resonance

Author: A. J. Scudiere
Publisher: Griffyn Ink
ISBN: 0979931003

I found this book scientifically fascinating. It was divide up into 27 chapters, which takes the reader through what is called a polar shift. I found that the scientific jargon, that is found all through "Resonance, to be explained in such a way that most would understand what was happening. It also showed that mother earth is an unpredictable and uncontrollable force that we have to respect. I do not think the author wrote this to give a explanation of the Mayan 2012 doomsday theory. If anything it does give another hypothesis on how the dinosaur may have gone extinct.

Since that was no real main character, the reader is given several options to choose from to like, dislike and possibly to relate to. In the beginning each person in the book is doing research in different scientific fields, such as biology, geology and disease control. Sometimes this array of scientists was difficult to keep track of, I actually found it helpful to list them on a sheet of paper, just in case I forgot who was who. I found that I could associate with some personality tract of each character and I became engrossed in the events they all had to experience. Although the best minds were at work, the event was not fully understood or somehow stopped. After the polar shift has occurred there are even more questions and events to be analyzed. In my opinion, one of the most shocking of these questions was why were just a few people seem to be going into a coma like state and then wake up several hours later describing a visit to second earthlike place. Also later in the book two characters have to make a moral decision which to me was a difficult dilemma, but one that had to be done.

This book had made science fun and interesting. It is a quick read with likable characters. I would recommend it to adult and even to younger advanced readers, especially for science buffs and doomsday theory enthusiasts.

Water Landing

Author: Jonathan Slusher
Publisher: Cow Chip Press
Publisher's Address: Carney's Point, NJ
ISBN: 9780578029825

"Water Landing" consists of 19 chapters with their own titles, and the text is double lined through-out which makes it easy on the eyes and quicker to read; I read it in one day. The author has written this book like the one character is sitting down having a causal conversation with someone he just meet. The reader is not given unnecessary details, but is given enough information to understand what is going on.

The main character, Luke Kettle, is a 28 year ago man who seems, in my interpretation, to be going through a middle life crisis at a very young age. He feels his life will not get any better, especially since he has the worst luck with his love life. With one girlfriend out of his life, his friend who is a girl, but not yet his girlfriend has cancer. Since my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago I could relate to his helplessness against the disease and the eternal hopefulness that she would get better. I am lucky that my mom is doing fine now. I found it interesting that his parent were from Germany and of course spoken German. My mom's parents were from Austria and spoke German too, but I never learned, maybe I will in the furture.

Throughout the book there are descriptions of landmarks and/or parks in both the states of New Jersey and of California, which showed how these states are different and also how they are the same. Almost like how Luke has changed as he moved from one place to the next.

In my opinion this book is about a young man's journey in making amends with the future plans that will never happen, almost like morning for them. Even with the dwellings of the what ifs, Luke has to face facts that things are never going to be the same and neither is he. "Water Landing" is a look into the grieving process in a different perspective, which showed me that everyone really does have their own way of grieving.

I would recommend this book to young adult and adults who would like a book that is a quick read and not skimpy with the story line and the depth of characters.

One Deadly Sister

Author: Rod Hoisington
Publisher: Entera Books
ISBN: 9780615298528

The book "One Deadly Sister", I felt is a murder mystery at its best. The author takes you on a who-done-it ride which includes the introduces of several characters, which can be likable as well as unlikable. These people all have their own dirty laundry and guilty pleasures that play out with every turn of the page. It is also a look at how a innocent man can be so mix-up in the lives of others that he is arrested for a crime he did not commit, or did he.

Even though there are several characters in this story, they are skillfully developed and can be easy followed. The main character Ray seems to be the man with the worst luck ever. I felt bad that he has was being used as a pawn in everyone's game where he had no game in anything. Even the police department, along with the state attorney, just wanted to nail Ray's coffin and be done with it. Since I is have worked in several law firms in the past and have a Paralegal Degree , I was able to identify with Ray's sister Sandy. She came across as one tough cookie that would not take stuff from anyone, including the law enforcement individuals who were handling her brothers case. There were also characters I loved to hate, for example, Loraine who thought she could wiggle her way out of anything, and believe me she tries a lot.

I would recommend "One Deadly Sister" to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with many plot twists and of course some turns added for a good measure of suspense. Although I was trying to figure the who did it part, many things were not what they seemed. So you really have to read the book all the way through. No fair peeking to the end either, its well worth the wait. There is brief sexual content, mostly pg rated. It also has a great and realistic story line that will keep you guessing till the end.

Swallow

Author: Tonya Plank
Publisher: Dark Swan Press
ISBN: 9780615280998

"Gradually, I come to realize that people will readily swallow lies than truth, as if the taste of lies was homey, appetizing: a habit."
-Martha Gellhorn

The above mentioned quote could describe the reason for the affection that plagues Sophie Hegel, the main character in the book "Swallow", by Tonya Plank. Sophie is a small town girl who went to an ivy league law school, meets prince charming and moves to New York City. Everything in her life appears to be going smoothly, in her opinion, until her boyfriend Stephen pops the question of will you marry me. Since she is hiding her "Arizona" family from her "New York City" family, all will clash together with the upcoming wedding which causes her to panic.

Everything in Sophia's life becomes too hard to accept or believe without question, protest or anger, which she tend to stifle and not come to grips with. I think as we all get older, we start to inquire about our lives. We analyze our past and how it has impacted the decisions we have made. Sophie's past including her upbringing and her dysfunctional family: divorced parents, jealous sister, reared its ugly head, or should I say fist, and made it hard to ignore anymore. She tries to deny the existence of or the truth of who she really is. With the love and support of her friends; gay arty friend Thom, fashion suave friend Frances, lawyer friend Sami, Sophie realizes that in life some shallow people will cross your path and that they will try to manipulate how you look at yourself. We all should not allow people to lead us astray and corrupt us into seeing ourselves in a bad light.

With the all changing event of September 11th, Sophie is pushed to make decisions to save her from the fantasy life she thought she had. She begins to see things for what they are and what her goals really are. I think most of America took the time after 9/11 to revalue their lives as well.

All the characters are beautifully woven and integrated in the story which gives the reader the opportunity to relate to them. Each character has an impact, either good, bad or both, on how the main character is shaped or is being molded.

I recommend this book to adult women young and old who would like a good laugh, a good cry and a bunch of good feelings.