Hush Little Baby

There are very few books that tug at my heart string while preventing me from turning the page. This debut novel, Hush Little Baby, by Suzanne Redfearn pulled me in from the opening pages. Domestic violence is a sensitive matter that should not be exaggerated, yet taken seriously. Fortunately, I am not a victim of domestic violence but am familiar with how it affects victims and brings shame to families. But this prior knowledge in no way prepared me for the story of Jillian Kane.

You never know what goes on behind closed doors. To outsiders, Jillian had a picture perfect life: happily married, successful career and two children. In reality, Jillian hid bruises inflicted by her abusive husband for the past nine years. Of course she desperately wanted to flee. But she feared for her life and the safety of her young children.

"If I stay, he will kill me. If I leave, he'll destroy Addie and Drew."

Hush Little Baby is what I call a reluctant read. The story is good but I was afraid of what I would read on the next page. Would the main character survive? Will she successfully escape the abuse? Will her children be okay? I just had so many questions that I was reluctant to read the answers to. I believe the author realized readers may have this same reaction and paced the events in the book well. I look forward to reading more of Suzanne Redfearn's writing. It was a bold move to tackle domestic violence in a debut book, and Suzanne pulled it off. Bookhearts, add Hush Little Baby to your reading lists or recommend to your book clubs.

DISCLAIMER: This book was received from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: Hush Little Baby
Author: Suzanne Redfearn
Published: October 2013
Pages: 308
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

 

The First Phone Call from Heaven

"You have to start over. That's what they say. But life is not a board game, and losing a loved one is never really 'starting over.' More like 'continuing without.'" ~ pg. 19

As children we are taught we might go to heaven. But this fiction book shows heaven might come to us. A few residents of Coldwater, Michigan, are receiving calls every Friday from dead people. Presumably dead people that have gone on to heaven. Most of the callers have been deceased for years. Some believe it is a miracle; others are not so convinced.

The small town of Coldwater has been turned upside down with increased visitors, news media and traffic. Are the recipients of the calls from heaven "chosen" people? The idea seems ludicrous but the story itself drew me in. I was eager to keep reading and see if more characters received calls from heaven and to see how the story ended. Surely there must be an explanation and a damn good ending to the mystery, whether it was a miracle or a hoax.

Mitch Albom's new novel is like a story you've never read before. There are tidbits about Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone that tie into the fictional story. Whatever your belief, readers will like The First Phone Call from Heaven.

"The end is not the end." ~ pg. 86

The First Phone Call from Heaven released today. Add it to your wish lists or order today. It is worth it! Then ask yourself, would you mind getting a phone call from heaven?

DISCLAIMER: This book was received from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: The First Phone Call from Heaven
Author: Mitch Albom
Published: November 2013
Pages: 209
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

 

Series Sunday: L. Marie Adeline

(S.E.C.R.E.T. Series)

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Read an installment of a series.
• Share your review/recommendation below.
• Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is about L. Marie Adeline, author of the S.E.C.R.E.T.  erotic trilogy. Before your eyes roll, this trilogy is not your run-of-the-mill cookie-cutter erotica. The central theme is empowerment, self awareness and independence. Sex is just one aspect of the books. The main character takes baby steps toward ecstasy. In usual erotic plots a couple begins a sexual relationship first then falls in love. According to L. Marie Adeline, "love's an accidental outcome of great sex; it's not the goal."

Visit L. Marie Adeline's official website for more info, writing advice, interviews, excerpts and extras. Click here to read my review of S.E.C.R.E.T. and stay tuned to my review of S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared.

 

First Lines Friday

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Grab your current read(s).
• Share the first line(s).
• Include the title and author.

"That last time. That red sky...
How does a book thief end up kneeling and howling and flanking by a man-made heap of ridiculous, greasy, cooked-up rubble?"

 
~ The Book Thief by Markus Zusak ~ In Movie Theaters TODAY

 

Rude Bitches Make Me Tired

"It's just that when you witness such acute douchery up close and personal, it shakes you to the core." ~ pg. 65

In true Celia Rivenbark fashion, this is not your regular etiquette book. The author makes it clear in the Foreword that this book does not cover traditional etiquette tips like using the right fork or saying please and thank you. Instead it covers office manners, how to deal with rude drivers and courtesy flushes. It is more like a keep-it-real-without-being-fucking-rude book. The questions in each chapter were gathered from informal interviews with friends, colleagues and strangers.

Celia Rivenbark's books are always so entertaining. The title alone caught my interest. Before diving into the chapters, I asked myself which bad behavior bugs me most. Then scanned the chapter titles and knew this was going to be a funny informative read. How could you not be interested in reading chapters with these titles:

• Gym Etiquette: Or "Pardon Me, But Is This Your Ass Sweat?"
• Baby Steps: Is She Pregnant or Is That a Booze-Inflated Liver? Hint: Don't Ask!
• Road Sage: Accept the Things You Cannot Change, Like Idiot Drivers 

Rude Bitches Make Me Tired is a quick funny read. You will be entertained. You will laugh out loud. You may even use some of the etiquette tips. Dare I say that you may be a rude bitch. **gasp** I learned etiquette as a young girl but the subjects in this book are helpful to me as an adult. Because of this book, I already know how I'm going to address the next check-splitting situation. It is recommended you read Rude Bitches Make Me Tired. It is full of teachable-ass moments. Don't be rude; learn etiquette for the real world.

DISCLAIMER: This book was received from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: Rude Bitches Make Me Tired
Author: Celia Rivenbark
Published: October 2013
Pages: 167
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

 

Taste of Insanity

"I'm just a stem worried about my petals." ~ pg. 282

Three women are handpicked for the Rose Program to be treated for different mental illnesses. The program has ran for fifteen years with nurses, a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Each woman has a designated spot in the program that is necessary for all to heal. The petal is a delicate woman that has been broken by traumatizing events. The stem is a strong women but on the verge of breaking. The thorn is a woman that may be a danger to herself or others.

Egypt is a privileged and spoiled woman whose life unravels after her nanny dies. Realizing her perfect life is based on lies causes a mental breakdown. Andrea is a young girl with dreams of escaping her abusive home life after high school graduation. She retreats into silence protecting the secret of how her mother was killed. Lastly, Blakely is a graduate student that ends up being charged for a crime she doesn't remember committing. These three women (assigned different parts of the rose) attend group and individual therapy sessions to make them whole.

Author Morenike' did a good job of showing character development. Although I did not relate to any of the three women, others may empathize with their individual situations. Through dialogue and background story, readers see how the women grow and become more trusting of each other to form a rose.

What I liked most about Taste of Insanity is the positive message about therapy. In some cultures, therapy is looked down upon and shameful. While the women in this book were reluctant to join the program at first, they quickly accepted that professional help is needed; some problems cannot be handled alone. The Rosa Lee Institute for Women and Children not only helped the patients but the staff as well. Thank you, Morenike', for writing such a great portrayal of a mental illness rehab program.

Don't judge a book by its cover. The cover of Taste of Insanity may look like a paranormal, vampire book with lots of blood and guts. But the plot is nowhere near it! While I do not like the cover because it is misleading, I recommend Taste of Insanity to readers who enjoy a story about women's progress and hope. ICYMI: Check out a guest post from author Morenike' here.

DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the author for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: Taste of Insanity
Author: Morenike'
Published: March 2013
Pages: 295
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥♥♥

 

Series Sunday: Destiny's Embrace

(Destiny #1)

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Read an installment of a series.
• Share your review/recommendation below.
• Include the title, author and series name. 

"You've kicked me, thrown rocks at me, and all I want to do is slide you into my arms and kiss you until the mountains turn to dust." ~ pg. 97

My Series Sunday pick is Destiny's Embrace, the first book in the Destiny series by Beverly Jenkins. Mariah Cooper answers an advertisement for a housekeeper. She moves from Philadelphia to California to work on Destiny, the Yates' family ranch. Logan Yates may be handsome but he is the most arrogant man Mariah ever met. The stubborn Logan and headstrong Mariah butt heads so much, they may not realize their heart's desire.

I am so glad that author Beverly Jenkins and her editor broke away from older characters and created a new family. Not that I was sick of the old characters—by no means! Now I have a new family to care about.

What would a Beverly Jenkins book be without a bit of history? Destiny's Embrace brought to light the mythical Queen Calafia, the Gold Rush, and negro trail blazers in California. I really enjoyed learning a bit about the state of California's history and hope to learn more in the next two books of the Destiny series.

I am a loyal reader. When I begin a series, I usually stick with it until the end. When I read a couple good books from the same author, I usually read any new release of his/hers. And when the author is local? Oh, I am especially loyal! So Detroit's own Beverly Jenkins' is no exception. I heart her and the many series she writes. Her books are like a hot soul food Sunday dinner for my soul. If you are unfamiliar with Beverly Jenkins and want to learn more about her, visit www.beverlyjenkins.net

Title: Destiny's Embrace
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Published: January 2013
Pages: 211
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥