Life After ~ Review

Life After
By Katie Ganshert

Autumn Manning is stuck in the memories she lost when she was the lone survivor of a deadly attack. She is stuck in her guilt over surviving and over the state in which her life now is.  Her nights are haunted by the lives that were ended and by those who were left behind. But an unexpected encounter is about to bring Autumn into the reality of one of the families that has been left bereft.

Paul Elliott is hoping for a new normal once the one-year anniversary of the tragedy that took his wife has passed. But his hopes are all too soon shattered when his preteen daughter, Reese starts acting up. And then there is the hidden pain that haunts him.

When Autumn and the Elliott family are unexpectedly brought together will healing begin or will even more damage be done to the lives of all involved? Autumn needs to discover the reason she alone was spared and to remember what she has lost. Paul just wants to shove away the pain and get past it all. And Reese needs something that she's been desperately missing in her life - her mother.

This book is moving as the various characters deal with the life they all find themselves living after the tragedy that shook Chicago. While reading one has to ask one's self,"What would I do in such a circumstance?' This also an intriguing look at the power of guilt, whether or not it is justified.

Katie Ganshert's books are not cookie-cutter offerings - each is unique in and of itself. The characters are a complex layering of emotions and insights that have the ability to bring out the reader's empathy. This book would be an excellent choice for a book club selection.

I was provided a review copy of this book by Blogging for Books with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

It could have been me.

Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost.

A year later, Autumn Manning can’t remember the day of the bombing and she is tormented by grief—by guilt. Twelve months of the question constantly echoing. Why? Why? Why? Searching for answers, she haunts the lives of the victims, unable to rest.

Paul Elliott lost his wife in the train bombing and wants to let the dead rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to cause more pain for his loved ones. He wants normalcy for his twelve-year-old daughter and young son, to see them move beyond the heartbreak. But when the Elliotts and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she’ll bring more wreckage in her wake.

In Life After, Katie Ganshert’s most complex and unforgettable novel yet, the stirring prose and authentic characters pose questions of truth, goodness, and ultimate purpose in this emotionally resonant tale.

About the Author:
KATIE GANSHERT is the author of several novels and works of short fiction, including the Christy Award-winning A Broken Kind of Beautiful and Carol Award-winner, The Art of Losing Yourself. Katie lives in eastern Iowa with her family.

West Oversea ~ Review

West Oversea
By Lars Walker

A Norse saga of mystery, adventure and faith...

Father Aillil is priest to those who live and serve under the authority of Erling Skjalgsson. When he hears rumors of an Irish thrall who fits the description of his sister Maeve, Father Aillil seeks Erling's aid in searching out this woman who has been taken to Greenland.

When Erling's long-lost, presumed-dead, elder brother returns to Norway he gives over his leadership to Karri rather than fight for his rule. This frees Erling to make the journey across the sea that Aillil desires.

But nothing is ever as easy as it sounds and the party that travels with Erling and Aillil faces dangers that are both unknown and expected. But the greatest danger may be the one Aillil carries with him - one that threatens his faith by tempting him with the gods of old that still vie for the hearts and souls of the people who call the far northern countries home.

This book will expose the reader to the Norse history and mythology that shaped a region. There are definite elements of fantasy throughout.

There is a map at the beginning of the book so that the reader can visualize this journey and there is a list of characters which I for one definitely referenced while reading. This isn't light reading but it is entertaining and somewhat educational. This book is geared towards older teen and adult readers though younger teens who have advanced reading comprehension are sure to enjoy it.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through BookFun with the expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.  

About the Book:
In the year 1001, King Olaf Trygvesson is dead, but his sister’s husband, Erling Skjalgsson, carries on his dream of a Christian Norway that preserves its traditional freedoms. Rather than do a dishonorable deed, Erling relinquishes his power and lands. He and his household board ships and sail west to find a new life with Leif Eriksson in Greenland. This voyage, though, will be longer and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It will take them to an unexplored country few Europeans have seen. Demonic forces will pursue them, but the greatest danger of all may be in a dark secret carried by Father Aillil, Erling’s Irish priest.

Unseen Road to Love ~ Review

Unseen Road to Love
By Chelsea Curran

When you stray 

too far from the path,

fate can have a way 

of intervening...

Logan Atwood has a life that most would be envious of - a great job, a nice apartment but they only see the surface. Logan is estranged from his family and he's let the beliefs that he was raised with slid away. But in an, It's a Wonderful Life kind of experience he's about to see what he's missed by making one decision instead of another.

Going 5 years back in time to the decision that resulted in his life beginning its downward moral slide, Logan has a chance to relive his life. His friends and family see him as he was before the temptations of the city and his career pulled him away from them. And more importantly, Logan meets Addie Garrison a woman unlike any he's recently dated.

But like any "what if I'd done this instead" scenario Logan's must end when he awakens from his coma. Will the experiences he had while teetering on the edge of life or death make a lasting impression or will he simply return to the life he's been living?

Logan is getting a second chance at life and love.  And finding the woman who filled his dreams will also take him on a journey that will bring him back to the values that shaped his youth. But to complete his journey he will need to reconnect with those he hurt including his best friend.

We may not be able to go back and relive our lives but sometimes we are given a second chance at the life we didn't choose. The Unseen Road to Love is just such a story.  This is a story that focuses on faith and family and how both shape and support one.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, Cedar Fort, with no expectations of a positive review.


About the Book:
From the outside, Logan Atwood’s life looks perfect: a successful career, a lavish lifestyle. But after a brutal car accident leaves him in a coma, Logan suddenly finds himself five years in the past. Only then does he realize that his perfect world may have cost him the woman of his dreams and the faith he once loved. Is it too late for Logan’s second chance?

FYI: This book has obvious references to Mormon / LDS beliefs which will not detract from the reading experience if one is not familiar with these beliefs,

Alabaster ~ Review

Alabaster
By Chris Aslan

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 

𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 

𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒍𝒆

Alabaster is a moving story that features Mariam and Marta at its heart. Two sisters who are in circumstances beyond their control. They find themselves living in shame amongst those who have known them their whole lives. And with each loss in their lives, they are further shunned.

Mariam and Marta seemingly are caught in a world, a life, which they have no control of.  The men of their village govern as how they see best and association can ruin one for life. But there is so much more to this story.

Alabaster is allegorical in how it presents the story of Christ in a unique and meaningful way. Mariam and Marta take on the roles of Mary and Martha. I have to be honest when this book started I wasn't very happy with how it was going. But once the book progressed so that one could decern the Biblical similarities the story improved and it offered hope rather than the despair that seemed to be the path that was being followed. There is a teacher who helps those most in need, yet the government and religious leaders resent and oppose him as his followers grow in number. And throughout the story is an alabaster jar which is an important and pivotal part of this story. What is their greatest treasure is also their greatest burden.

This book is deceptive for its size. This story seems much longer than its 200 pages.  I would highly recommend this book for those who are looking for hope after despair.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Mariam is stuck in an abusive marriage, living with her in-laws in a conservative, toxically religious village. A few years back, her father was given a jar of priceless perfume by a dying leper and it seemed as if their fortunes would improve, but then Mariam's father contracted leprosy and was exiled from the village. Mariam and her siblings, Eleazar and Marta, experience the shame and ostracism this brings. The precious jar that was meant to bring them freedom has only brought destruction. But rumors abound concerning a new doctor; perhaps hope is on the horizon...

Alabaster brings a first-century Middle Eastern village and its culture to life for modern-day readers.

Mama Says, Money Doesn't Grow on Trees ~ Spotlight

Dr. Iris Mack's financial literacy book 

“Mama Says Money Doesn't Grow on Trees!'' 

is focused on teaching students that math can be fun 

and key to understanding money and interest.

Book Details:

Book Title: Mama says, ''Money Doesn't Grow on Trees!''

Author: Iris Marie Mack, PhD, EMBA

​Category: Middle-Grade Non-fiction, 48 pages

Genre: Financial and Math Literacy

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release date: January 14, 2011

Content Rating: G

Tour dates: April 17 - 28, 2017





Book Description:

Globe Newswire reports that Dr. Iris Mack's mathematics edutainment book is "turning heads across the country in a response similar to the widely promoted 'Hooked on Phonics,' that improved children's reading skills." Her unique approach to math became one of Xlibris/Random House Publisher's top children's picture book royalty earners.

If there is one word that sums up our recent economic woes, it is interest. There’s interest on credit card balances, student loans, car loans, home mortgages, corporate borrowings and most prominently, on state and national debt. But there is surprisingly little interest in this interest. We all pay it. But not many of us really understand how it works. Dr. Iris Mack has filled the gap – and for young consumers.

Her financial literacy book Mama Says, "Money Doesn't Grow on Trees!'' is focused on teaching students that math can be fun and key to understanding money and interest. In today’s world of subprime mortgage crises, bankruptcies, massive credit card debt and predatory lending, Dr. Mack's book is more relevant than ever. In Mama Says, "Money Doesn't Grow on Trees!" a group of smart, animated characters explain how money and interest work, as young consumers are introduced to mathematics and financial literacy. Professor Ø, Ms. Madonna Sorenson and Dr. Mackamatix lead students Al G Bro, Frakshun, Nada, Queen% and Material Girl Ma$ through a fun-filled math class all about how money and interest work in their everyday lives.

Learn more: MathQED TV

Praise for this book:
“I think the work you do showing how math can be beautiful and practical is great, keep it up!” says Javier Tordable, Senior Software Engineer at the Google Corporation.

“Making math fun and relevant is a real public service. Old fashioned, boring textbooks aren't the thing that will capture the imagination and engage our children in the fun and yes, joy, in math and problem solving. Iris Mack has created a group of characters and scenarios that will draw young people into the fold of knowledge.” says Karen Pritzker– Producer of The My Hero Project and Editor of The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity website.

Buy the Book: Amazon 

Meet the Author:

​Iris Marie Mack, PhD, EMBA, earned a doctorate in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University. She was also awarded a Sloan Fellowship Executive MBA from the London Business School. Dr. Mack worked at various energy and financial institutions, acted as a faculty member at MIT, and worked at NASA and AT&T Bell Labs – where she obtained a patent for research on optical fibers.

Dr. Mack currently lectures on Energy Trading and Risk Management for the Fitch Learning Certificate in Quantitative Finance Program on Wall Street and at Tulane University. Because of Dr. Mack's extensive knowledge of the derivatives, energy trading, and investment banking world, she has been invited to write opinion columns for the UK edition of the International Business Times.

Dr. Mack has also been named one of Glamour Magazine’s Top 10 Working Women, and she is no novice writer. This publishing will be her third financially-focused and published book – including her energy trading book published with Wiley Finance and a financial literacy book for teens and adults. With this breadth of experience and sheer intellectual prowess, Dr. Mack is more than able to help readers reach the financial stability they deserve.

In addition, Dr. Mack founded The Global Energy Post and MathQED - a homework help site for K-12 and college students. Previously known as Phat Math, this service has even been named one of the Top 50 Social Sites for Educators and Academics, 25 Savvy Social Media Sites for Grad Students and 25 Useful Networking Sites for Grad Students. Such accolades illustrate Dr. Mack’s ability to clearly inform the masses.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

BOOK SPOTLIGHT TOUR SCHEDULE:

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You'll Think of Me ~ Review

You'll Think of Me
By Robin Lee Hatcher

Brooklyn Myers left Thunder Creek, Idaho, behind forever when she was 17 years old. But soon after leaving everything from her life behind, her husband of a few months abandons her when he learns they are soon to have a baby.  Chad's abandonment is nothing Brooklyn shouldn't have expected - after all her mother left her and her father has wanted nothing to do with her her entire life. But Chad's abandonment was especially harsh as he was leaving not only her but their baby behind.

Eleven years have passed since Chad Hallston and Brooklyn Myers have eloped, leaving Thunder Creek and the Hallston property behind. The Hallston property is just what Derek Johnson hopes to soon add to his own land - expanding his organic farming business. After all, Chad promised him the opportunity to buy the land as soon as he had saved up the down payment. Derek is close to his goal when he receives word that his best friend has died, leaving his family home and property to his abandoned wife and the daughter he never met. In an instant Derek's plans for the future are frustrated and once again Brooklyn has come between him and something he valued. But he has been given a final request from Chad - to be the father to Alycia that he refused to be.

Moving back to her childhood hometown is the last thing Brooklyn wants, but this may be her only chance to give her daughter Alycia any type of life that is better than the paycheck-to-paycheck existence that she has had. And Brooklyn is no longer the frightened, abused girl she was when she left home. She's got a plan to make a life that is beyond what she ever dreamed was possible.

But moving back home means that Brooklyn must also face the father who convinced her that she was worthless. And facing the pain of the past is the only way she can truly move forward in her life. As Brooklyn creates a place for both her and Alycia, she finds a place where she might truly and finally belong. And Derek may learn that sometimes God's plans for us are not what our plans are. And sometimes learning to wait is the best thing in the world when there is someone special to think of at the other end.

This is a book that focuses on the absence of a father figure in the life of children (especially girls) - the absence can be physical or emotional.  A powerful message is wrapped up in these pages, one that will make the reader stop and think about those around them who are in a similar situation. This is a book that entertains while making the reader stop and think. I highly recommend this book.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Thomas Nelson through BookLook with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Her mother abandoned her, her father disowned her, and her husband left her. Can Brooklyn be convinced that it is possible to forgive the greatest of betrayals?

Brooklyn Myers escaped her broken home and her embittered, unloving father by eloping to Reno at the age of 17. But when she was pregnant with their first child, her husband abandoned her as well. Not welcome back home in Thunder Creek, Brooklyn stayed in Reno and raised her daughter Alycia on her own, doing her best to make sure Alycia never knew the heartache and rejection Brooklyn herself had known.

When her estranged husband Chad Hallston dies, he leaves the family home in Thunder Creek to his daughter. Believing it is the best way to give her daughter a stable home, Brooklyn does what she thought she would never do. She goes home to the orchard and wine country of Southwest Idaho. There, she encounters Chad’s best friend, Derek Johnson, a part time sheriff's deputy who also owns an organic produce farm next door. Derek was never a fan of former bad girl Brooklyn Myers, but he made a promise to his dying friend that he would be the father to Alycia that Chad had never been.

Although Derek and Brooklyn get off to a bumpy start, he and Alycia quickly form a bond. And soon, Derek realizes that he wants Brooklyn to trust him too . . . even knowing that her trust won’t come easily. And then he realizes he wants even more than her trust. He wants to win her love.

While Brooklyn may be tempted to give her heart to Derek, risking her daughter’s happiness is another story. Will Brooklyn hold onto her self-reliance for dear life, or will she come to understand that the greatest gift she can give her daughter is showing her how to love and trust others?

Beyond Justice ~ Review

Beyond Justice
By Cara Putman

Hayden McCarthy is all about doing her job and doing it well. She doesn't have time for a personal life at the moment as her focus has to be her job if she's to make partner at Elliott and Johnson and be the youngest to do so. When Hayden is given a case that could make or break her career she determines to bring this case before a judge and win justice for her client - the mother of a young man murdered while in US custody.

This case doesn't fit any particular mold making it a challenge. Add to that her client's obvious reluctance and fear and Hayden knows more is at stake than she first imagined. And time is short as the evidence trail will soon vanish if she doesn't act. But someone seems intent on ending her case and anyone connected to it is in danger.

But who is trying to end this case? Is it someone in the US government or someone with far-reaching power who is pulling strings he should never have had access to?

Thanks to her roommate Emily, Hayden has another distraction in her life - Emily seems intent on playing matchmaker between Hayden and her cousin Andrew Wesley.  And Emily seems purposefully oblivious to the fact that Andrew and Hayden aren't keen on her attempts. But when Hayden's case seemingly has links to Andrew's work this case and their non-relationship are about take an unexpected twist.

Looking for a legal thriller to read Beyond Justice is worth giving a try.  This was my first time reading any of Cara Putman's work and it was well worth the time spent perusing the pages.  Fans of Randy Singer and Robert Whitlow will enjoy Cara Putman's work and attention to details.  I personally look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook with no expectations of a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she's just been handed doesn't destroy her first.

Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It's why she became an attorney and why she's so driven in her career. When she's assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn't sure if it's the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.

Further complicating matters is Andrew, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a Congressman, and Hayden's currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?

The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation would indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?

"Cara Putman's expert legal mind shines in Beyond Justice as she weaves a gripping, suspenseful tale of intrigue that takes on one of the hardest issues of our time. Hayden McCarthy is one feisty heroine that doesn't let anything get between her and the truth." —Jordyn Redwood, author of the Bloodline Trilogy and Fractured Memory