Mandy Reviews: Leftovers by Arthur Wooten

ISBN #: 978-0985052928

Page Count: 205

Copyright: April 2012

Publisher: Galaxias Productions

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

Vivian Lawson's fantasy of being the perfect 1950s suburban housewife is shattered when a uncontrollable event changes her life forever.

Destitute and left to fend for herself in a man's world, she searches her New England town unable to find a job. With nowhere to turn, Vivian takes the advice of her wisecracking best friend, Babs, and reluctantly becomes a Tupperware lady.

Vivian struggles with low self-esteem as well as stage fright but with the support of Bab's lovesick brother, Stew, and the creator of Tupperware's Home Party Plan system, Brownie Wise, she may just find the strength to conquer her inner demons and take control of her life.

A story of empowerment, Leftovers is a delectable romantic dramedy with an inspirational journey that reveals to us what can be achieved by using one's guts, determination and a little bit of a self-deprecating humor.

Mandy's Review:

I'll be honest ... When Mr. Wooten requested a review from me of this book, I was a little hesitant because of the cover. Admittedly, I am one of those who likes to be drawn in by the cover and then I'll read what it's about. If not for the quality of work that I am familiar with from Mr. Wooten, I don't know that I would've agreed to read this book.

I am glad that I did.

Vivian fell in love with a guy in high school. He was the ultimate girl's dream. Miraculously, Paul fell in love with her, too ... or so she thought. A marriage based on lies doesn't tend to last very long. Vivian and Paul's marriage lasted longer than it should have, but Vivian is still devastated when it ends.

For several months, Vivian is in daze: not paying bills, barely eating, smoking constantly, not answering the door, not answering the phone and staying inside her house. During her marriage, Paul took care of all the bills. Vivian hasn't a clue on how to even write a check. And, even though Vivian comes from a wealthy family, she doesn't have any inheritance left to support herself with. Asking her mother for money is no longer an option.

Penniless with no job and no home, Vivian packs a suitcase with some clothes and begins looking for work. Everywhere she goes does not need help, so she goes to sell her car for some money to survive on. She gets a little bit, but not nearly enough.

As she's sitting on the railing of the bridge over the river, contemplating suicide, her best friend and best friend's brother drives past. Taking her in, Babs and Stew introduce Vivian to the Tupperware industry. Hesitant at first, Vivian decides to give it a go since she has nothing else to lose.

What happens from there transforms Vivian into a self-confident, self-sustaining woman. She learns that there is life after divorce and, if one is willing to work hard enough, it can be a good life.

A story of survival, Leftovers is a book that I would recommend to all readers.

Mandy Reviews: Reluctant Queen by Geraldine Evans

ASIN #: B0054SDUPA

File Size: 606 KB

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

Mary, the beautiful, younger sister of English king, Henry VIII, reluctantly agrees to marry the aged and sickly Louis XII of France for reasons of state. But before agreeing, she extracts Henry's promise that she may please herself for her second marriage. Mary is deeply in love with the low-born Charles Brandon, her brother's boon companion, and is determined to wed Brandon should King Louis die.

Unhappy at the French court, blonde Mary makes friends with the charming, but debauched, Francis, her aged husband's heir and son-in-law. But Mary is dismayed when her friendly overtures are taken as encouragement for something more than friendship. Too late, Mary finds that, even at twenty, Francis is a practised seducer. He pursues her relentlessly. And with the death of her husband and Francis's elevation to the French throne and absolute power, her situation becomes desperate. Unprotected, Mary is a captive prey to Francis's lust for her.

Will she ever be free to go to her lost love? Because since Louis's death, Mary has become increasingly anxious about the rumours she hears concerning her brother's plans for her future. Did Henry intend to push her into another loveless marriage to suit himself and the State?

King Henry sends Charles Brandon to the French court on a diplomatic mission. Desperate, Mary persuades him to go through a secret marriage with her. Then they confess to Wolsey and ask him to intercede with King Henry.

Fearfully, they await King Henry's reaction, aware that no one, not even his much-loved younger sister, defies him with impunity.

Mandy's Review:

Fictional books set in a historical period are some of my favorites, especially when you're not sure if what you're reading is factual or fictional. It allows your imagination to get lost in the story effortlessly.

This book focused on Mary, Henry VIII's youngest sister, and her life from her first marriage to her death. It also included Henry's infatuation with Anne Boleyn, which I thought was an interesting addition.

From Mary's younger days until years after her second marriage, she is an impetuous and selfish person. I cannot stand women who manipulate men with tears and a twist of words. That's exactly how Mary was. Then, only after she got what she wanted, did she realize how her actions may affect others. Her selfishness did not endear me to her at all.

Her marriage to Louis XII was brief due to his advanced age. During her marriage, Louis' womanizing son-in-law was determined to woo Mary and have his way with her. Fortunately, Mary never gave in, even after Louis' death when Francis offered to make her Queen again. Instead, she coerced Charles to secretly marry her. After their marriage night was over, reality set in on the newlywed couple and fear for Charles' life was the main concern.

Over time, Charles' life was secured and life proceeded on as usual. Debt and Charles' ambition to ascend at the English courts quickly put a strain on their marriage. Charles spent the majority of his time at Henry's side trying to curry favor while Mary remained at their country home. Over time, Charles' love for Mary seems to wane while Mary stays steadfastly in love with Charles.

Aside from Mary's selfishness, I enjoyed reading the progression of her life. It was historically entertaining and informative. I would recommend this novel to all of you who are fans of historical or period fiction.

Kathy Reviews: Cadence Beach by Linda Juliano

ASIN #: B00769JS7E

File Size: 312 KB

Copyright: February 5, 2012

Publisher: Linda Juliano

Book Summary:

(Taken from Smashwords)

Soon after Josie Gianni moves to Cadence Beach, Oregon, she's immediately thrust into a strange and chilling interplay with a demented stalker who believes the soul of the wife he murdered has returned through Josie.

Fueled by jealousy and fear of betrayal, the stalker's intentions grow increasingly dangerous when Josie forms a relationship with Gordon Forrester, the aloof, attractive owner of the local bookstore.

Will Josie fall victim to the madman's destructive behavior as he attempts to reclaim his wife's soul, or will she escape from the grip of his delusional driven reality?

Kathy's Review:

This is a quick read - I got through it on a lazy Sunday - that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as long as you don't think too hard about the plot or ask too many questions. You'll see some of my questions in parenthesis as the review goes on. Allan Roth murders his wife in cold blood after catching her in the act of cheating on him. It's apparent that Allan has a few screws loose after he buries his dead wife in the backyard (how did no one see him? Aren't people going to notice she's missing and immediately suspect him? The author tries to explain this away by saying that he told her to ditch her friends, but clearly if she was cheating on him, she had contact with people other than her husband.) and tries to find her re-incarnated soul in another woman.

Enter Josie - when Allan sees her, he knows the soul of his deceased wife, Suzanne, has taken up residence inside of her. (I thought that re-incarnated souls we reborn into babies, but what do I know.) Josie moves to Cadence Beach, Oregon, after needing a fresh start. Allan just picks up and follows her there (Doesn't he have a job? No one asking questions after his wife disappears and he skips town?)

After these initial questions, I was able to enjoy the story. The characters are done well, and the action continues to build as Allan's sinister plans develop. I think this is about one edit away from being really good. Some minor holes in the plot that need to be filled in, and some grammatical "oops" need attention. I would also like to see a little more of Allan's behavior before he killed his wife so the reader can understand just how demented he really is. But without hesitation, I'd recommend this book!

Charlene Reviews: A Story of the West by Susan Spence

ISBN #: 978-1440147999

Page Count: 328

Copyright: June 8, 2009

Publisher: iUniverse.com

Overview:

(Taken from back cover)

Matt Daly and his father first came to Montana Territory driving a herd of Texas longhorns in the 1880s. They, like many others, were determined to make a living on the lawless frontier. Life was hard, but fulfilling, as there was money to be made selling beef to the exploding population back east.

When the train came through, it made life easier and it also brought more people. Lavina Lavold rode out with her family seeking adventure, which she found when she met Matt and fell in love.

Conflicts were common as there were rustlers who wanted the Daly cattle and other ranchers who wanted the land they had claimed as their own. It didn't matter that the vast prairie still belonged to the federal government.

Charlene's Review:

A Story of the West is a historical Western/fiction that weaves the tale of Matt Daly and the loves of his life; the Montana Territory, cattle herding, and his wife, Lavina. Set in the late 1800s, this story depicts the harsh living and rugged terrain that cowboys thrived in. It also captures the raw beauty of living off the land. Matt and his father, Big John, face the hardship of protecting their land and cattle from encroaching ranchers. In the west, it was every man for himself. After a particularly heinous land battle, Matt finds himself on the wrong end of the law, and fights his biggest battle yet; finding his way back home.

Ms. Spence has a passion for the West that is palpable in this story. The characters and backdrop are meticulously shaped, and bring the book to life. From the first chapter, Matt has his eye on Lavina, and their love story fills the entire book. There is no shortage of action or suspense, as we watch daily life unfold for this frontier family. The hardships endured only caused to endear me further to these characters. I was captivated by the end, and especially appreciated the tender ending to a life-long love.

Ms. Spence has a gift for storytelling that I hope to enjoy again.

Kathy Reviews: Eye of the Redeemer by Richard Levine

ISBN #: 978-1466482036

Page Count: 462

Copyright: January 25, 2012

Publisher: CreateSpace

Book Description:

(Taken from Amazon)

Newly divorced and with two grown kids off to pursue their Naval careers, all Dr. Raymond Silver wanted to do was move on with his life as peacefully as he could. But unanswered questions, guilt, and an unfulfilled desire to carry on a family tradition to serve his country gnaw away at him. When he sets out on a personal quest to atone for his past and validate his existence, he never imagined that he would be the catalyst for three others longing to do the same. As his life becomes intertwined with a young marine biologist, a nurse and an elderly veteran, this 45 year old "average Joe" chiropractor battles with bureaucrats at the local veterans hospital, becomes the love interest of two beautiful women, and finds himself on a 60 year old naval relic sailing for the Philippines, an accidental key player in a CIA operation to stop a terror group from unleashing a nuclear holocaust.

Kathy's Review:

The novel follows Ray Silver, a chiropractor living in the Seattle, Washington area, and focuses on several aspects of his life: his job at the VMC - he is not well-received at this position and is shunned by most of the staff, with the exception of Stella, a nurse, and Abner the custodian. The second storyline is about Ray's relationship with Leigh Anne, a younger woman he first encounters in Hawaii. Finally, the story focuses on his work restoring the 776, an old war ship, similar to the one his father served on during WWII, and uncovering a plot by some former FBI agents involving another war ship.

At first, these three storylines seemed disconnected, and I kept wondering, WHAT is this story about? Where is it going? I liked the character of Ray so I was willing to go along for the ride to find out.

The moral of the story can be summed up in the words of Ray himself: "A friend of mine once told me that when it comes down to it a man has to be able to look at himself in the mirror, and therefore it was in his eyes that he was his own redeemer."

Several characters are looking for redemption in this story, perhaps all of them are in some way or another. Ray, who was rejected for military service though he comes from a long line of those who served, is determined to aid his country in any way he can. Leigh Anne has some dark skeletons in her closet from her time in Hawaii. Stella was blacklisted at her past job for confronting a doctor about stealing meds. Ray's father was never given proper recognition for his heroism in the war. The list goes on.

About 2/3 into the story, it's clear that Ray is going to get into the middle of the FBI agent war ship thing and his life will be in danger. "I got a bad feeling about this," said the Han Solo voice in my head.

The author tries to capture some regional dialect, such as the Hawaiian slang (or whatever it is) that Leigh Anne occasionally throws into her speech. She'll call someone "bruh" -- which seems odd for a grown woman anyway, Hawaiian-born or not. Also, Abner's dialogue reminds me of how Mark Twain would portray his slave characters. It was borderline offensive. Yes, Abner is African American, and has a twang in his speech, but I think it detracted from the story, and the character himself, to have his speech be so exaggerated.

I was satisfied with the way the book wrapped up, and finally it all came together. I think Mr. Levine deftly handled the character development, and had an interesting way of telling this story.