America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights by Jerry Mikorenda

 

     July 16, 1854 was an eventful day for Elizabeth Jennings. Traveling anywhere and in anyway was dangerous in New York City. Elizabeth Jennings got on a horse car and the conductor was less than happy. He told her to wait for the next car because "her" people would be on it. She refused. The conductor then attacked Elizabeth. She and her attorney, Chester A. Arthur sued the company and won.  She wasn't the only one to achieve greatness, her father and her attorney also made great strides for the African-American people. Get the book and learn more.

     This book is factual, surprising and an accurate  snapshot of the past. It's well written and the characters shared in an honest and forthright way. This should be required reading for high school students today.  I found this book eye opening and a shock. You must read this book.

    I found one issues. The books title is misleading. It should be Civil Rights in 19th century New York City.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it was very informative.

Shake The Lake Volume #1 by Zach Block

     After a break up, Cal convinces one of his buddies to pay for a trip to an Arizona lake town. They can stay on the lake and work for his uncle.  It will make Cal seem more grown up and maybe he'd find a new girlfriend. His friends agree to go but they have no idea what they'll encounter when they arrive in Lake Victoria. We all have to grow up sometime. Can Cal and his friends become the young men their parents are looking for?

   This graphic novel is well written. The characters are great too. This book is perfect for those who aren't really thrilled with books. It will keep you interested to the very end.  It's a wonderful book for the graphic novel. The colorful drawings just add to the story.  I suggest this book for teens and young adults mostly.  Get all of the volumes of this novel.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because it needs a bit of cleaning up. It's a bit rough.
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Always on My Mind by Andrea Downing

     
 It's 1972, the time of hippies, Vietnam and free love. One of those hippies found herself in Wyoming without a ride to California. A farmer there, Cooper by name, took her in. She cooked and cleaned for him. Occasionally she helped outside too.  This hippie, Cassie, knew she was falling in love with Cooper. She had no idea Cooper would continue to be in her life for many years. Though she leaves the farm, Cooper never leaves her mind. Life goes on.

     This is a different kind of love story. Well written, this story brings you in immediately. The characters are well defined. The type of characters you may find in your own life. Ms. Downing tells the story in such a way you are in a quandary over whether or not to put the book aside. Each page reveals a little more. It's just enough to begin that quandary. I can tell you, you will be rooting for Cassie. This book is perfect for everyone. Even those who may not be into romance, get this book. It's that great! It's a perfect gift for anyone. 

     I found no issues in this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's written so well.

Stood Up by Eden Rayna

 

      Astrid and Sebastian have one thing in common. Their Mothers are matchmakers. They set Astrid and Sebastian up on too many blind dates. They reluctantly do the blind date, but so far it hasn't found either Astrid or Sebastian their soulmate. The latest blind date stood Astrid up. Now what?

     Very well written with plenty of humor to see you through to the end. The characters are well defined and such fun to follow through the book. If you or someone you know have a matchmaking Mom, you need to read this. I highly recommend this one. Ms. Rayna is my newest auto-buy-author. 

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I laughed throughout this book!

Disloyal: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump by Michael Cohen

 

     When he made a wish and it came true, Michael Cohen had no idea what he was in for. Working for Donald Trump isn't easy. It's not a nine to five work day. Michael Cohen learned he'd have to give up his life to serve Trump. Cohen had a title, but the title didn't begin to cover what his job entailed. When he saw what was happening it was too late for Cohen to back away or leave. He was caught in Trump's web as surely as he breathed. 

     Though we know Michael Cohen lied when he spoke before Congress the first time, I believe in this book he's being honest. Prestige and money reeled  Cohen into Trump's world. It's well written and the details are something to make you gasp. I believe you will find this book as interesting as I did. Cohen and his germaphobe boss Trump kept very busy. This book is consistent with others I've read. These details match up with other books. You need to read this , it clearly shows why Americans should be afraid of Trump getting a second term. Read this today!

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it opened the secret world and lair that Trump lives in.

Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff

    Stephanie simply wanted to make sure her friend, Melania, was treated with respect. What she found was as cold and calculating as death. Melania has no illusions where her husband is concerned. She's well aware of his misdeeds.  Stephanie was surprised and shocked over the way Melania changed after they moved into the White House. Stephanie would find her friendship with Melania was never what she thought it was.

  This book spares no one. Mrs. Wolkoff is a superb writer. She takes you through it all.She doesn't hold back when describing the events leading up to the very end. I found this book to be honest and emotional. You will learn more than you thought possible about the trumps. It's definitely one to read.

I found no issues.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it gave me information I never thought I'd have.

Divorce to Discovery by Jill Wilson

Jill is a model wife and mother. She is busy from sunrise to sunset. From the outside, it looks as though Jill's family is perfect. Friends,neighbors and relatives were shocked when her marriage ended. No one was more shocked than Jill. She realizes she must move forward and find out who she was now. One question, did she have the wherewithal to handle it?

   Oh my goodness! You are going to enjoy this book. The writing is impeccable. The characters are three dimensional and easy to relate too. The pace is steady and page-turning. Your heart will go out to Jill as she works her way through this. Ms. Wilson is a fantastic storyteller. She keeps the reader involved through the entire book. Ms. Wilson uses humor to get through some of the book and it's a nice break from the intensity. You must get this book for your book club or your own library.

     I found no issues.

    I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's truly a sensational read.

  

Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash

     Wes Rockville hasn't lived up to his family's expectations. He seems to mess up wherever he works. His Dad and Grandfather are high ranking in the police department. They'd hoped We would be as well. Wes is transferred for the last time. The program is DUMBO. This is his chance to show his family he can do the job. Will it work?

      This book is teeming with fun. It is definitely one you want in your TBR pile. It's well written and the characters are believable. Every child has questions about witches, and this one answers most of them. It's for adults though. You are gonna laugh and enjoy this book. The author is a master storyteller.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it is thoroughly entertaining.
 

Brook and Brax: Undercover Ninjas by Antonio Lumley

      Brook and Brax are the victims of bullies. Everyday! They try to run and hide but the bullies always find them. One day they run into a dojo.  Turns out it was the best thing ever. They talk the Sensei into teaching them. He agrees but has some very strict rules they must follow.

     This book is fantastic! It's a wonderful way of dealing with bullies. Well written and terrific characters, this book should be in your family library. My favorite part is the good grades required to keep going. 

     I found no issues.

      I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's fantastic.

The Devil and Dayna Dalton (Bulwark Anthology #9) by Brit Lunden

 

     Dayna tried all her life to prove she wasn't like her mother. She wasn't wild and undependable. She was a good reporter and a responsible person. Her one "fault" was her love for Clay. He was married and never led her on. In this town, strange things happened. Dayna was going to find out why.

     If you are looking for an original book, this is it. Ms. Lunden's writing is great! She made sure to keep the reader off balance while defining the characters with style. You'll be glad you got this book. I love that the odd things happen to a select few. It's not something everyone experiences. She doesn't give a reason for why this happens. You never know quite when it will happen.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because the pacing needed to be a bit faster.

The Road She Left Behind by Christine Nolfi

     Darcy thought she had moved on from her past. She worked hard to keep the secret.  She knows she will never go home. Then a phone call changes everything. Darcy will be forced to face the past to save her nephew. She wonders if facing the secret will destroy what's left of her family.

     Oh my! Well written and  steady paced, this book will make you look at family secrets differently. The characters have the most terrific personalities. From page one, Ms. Nolfi pulls you into the story. Her storytelling is definitely world class. You've got to make Ms. Nolfi and auto-buy author!

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because Ms. Nolfi makes you feel all the feels.

 

Promises to Theresa by Marianne Komek

 

     Theresa has two goals right now. One, get into an Ivy League school. Two, be the most outstanding editor of her high school paper.  She never expects the huge twist that hits her. Suddenly everything changes.  The question now is can she get through it?

     The characters are well defined. The writing is good. I love the way everyone became so supportive when they discover Theresa's problem. You'll need a tissue for this one. The subject matter is delicate but Ms. Komek handles it with finesse. 

     I found one issue. The opening was very dry. It didn't seem as if the writer was interested.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because Ms. Komek picks up the pace and ends on a strong note.