Love Wins: A Ukraine Charity Anthology

 

LOVE WINS—a Charity Anthology to support Ukrainian refugees

More than 15 contemporary romance authors have joined forces to create this unique collection of stories, covering an assortment of different sub-genres and tropes.

LOVE WINS is set to publish on April 21, 2022, with 100% of the proceeds going to World Vision’s Ukrainian Refugee Fund. This organization has people on the ground in the Ukraine and Romania, providing food, shelter, medical aid, and all necessary assistance for the needy, with the focus of making sure children are safe and provided for.

LOVE WINS is available for a limited time only. Make a difference for the people of Ukraine—buy your copy today!

Here's the link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WP6XHRF

THANK YOU so much for supporting those in need.

Authors include: Dania Voss, Maribelle McCrea, Marlene Cheng, K.M. Jenkins, Deborah King, Annie McEwen, Pamela Clayfield, Tiffany Carby, Aimee O’Brian, R.A. Clarke, N. N. Light, Judy Fisher, Robert Beech, E.J. Powell, Alex Grehy, Maris Parker

Silver Beach by Claire Cox

    California. A place of sun and sand and unfortunately bad memories for Mara. When she receives a call telling her that her mother is ready to be discharged from the hospital, Mara must decide if she is flying to California or not. The thoughts propel her into the past. Mara could not foresee what would happen once she is in California.

   The writing in this one is terrific. It seems to go in many directions. Reading this type of book takes your full attention. The family in this book is not the typical one you'd expect.  There are many parts to the family in this one. Though the story is heartbreaking, it gives you all the players thoughts and feelings. Many times the conflicted thoughts send them in directions they would normally avoid. This is a tough read but worth your time.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it has a ring of familiarity. 

Poisoned Heart (Lady Marmalade #1) by Jason Blacker

     Lordy and Lady Apleby run the Abernathy Castle.  Lordy Apleby lost his import business when World War I and II destroyed it.  Abernathy Castle is one of England's smaller castles. It still has a moat though it's rather disgusting. When the kitchen maid ends up dead it will take some work to find out who did it.

    I enjoyed this mystery. It's well written and the characters are well defined. It's like the old timey mysteries. This one didn't need all the high tech stuff to be good.  I love the idea of it being in a castle. I've always thought they were wonderful.  Mr. Blacker did a really good job with this one.

   I did find issues. It is a bit short. I would like to have had it longer. This book needed more in the middle. There is a big jump from she's fixing sandwiches to she's dead.  It needs more work up to the murder. Clues and the detectives were missing.

     I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because everything happens in the middle of the book.

Betty: A Memoir by Mary McSwain Steele

      Betty grew up in a small town and she raised her children in the same small town. She wanted to travel and see the world. Betty had to put that dream on hold for a few years though. After she got her nursing degree, a job offer came her way. With this job offer she'd be able to travel the world. Her children would be grown by this time. Betty loved the traveling. She had to get through some pretty bad things to get to the job offer. Better never regretted anything. 

     This is a satisfying book. It allows you to see life from the point of view of her children. They share what it was like to grow up in Betty's household. There was plenty of love flowing through this house. Betty's work ethic and sense of justice guides her through life. Her children learn so much from her. I enjoyed learning about this woman. I really felt for her when she went through the troubled times as well. You need to read this book. It's a good one.

   I did find an issue. This is supposed to be about Betty but there is more about her children and their lives than hers. I understand the children will be a part of it but they shouldn't over shadow Betty.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the issue above. 

Here We Go Loop De Loop by William Jack Sibley

      A small town in Texas is where Marty is from. Like all small towns, information travels at the speed of light. Marty gives up her life in Manhattan to go back to Texas to care for her Father. The problem is her Father doesn't want a care taker. He wants to live life like he always, on his terms. Pete Pennebaker is a wealthy ranch owner and a might ornery.  Since Marty can't take care of her Father like she wants, she begins dating. Will it be a smooth transition or will she be hurt?

     Wow! The writing in this one is exceptional. The characters are just what you'd expect to find in a small town. The story moves fast and there isn't  a dull moment anywhere. I love the huge difference of the families living in this town. They all can pretty well predict what will happen next. This book includes a little bit of everything. Weddings, deaths, fighting, refugees and lots of love. You will laugh out loud and shed a few tears but this book is worth the read.  Funny, wise and logic guide these town folks.

   I didn't find any issues.

    I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because it is a bit rough in spots.

Doubting Thomas by Matthew Clark Davison

    Thomas had finally found a job he loved. He was a teacher  in a private elementary school. He enjoyed teaching and watching his students grow and learn.  The director of the school and Thomas became great friends. He couldn't imagine his life anywhere but Portland, Oregon. As he will soon see, all good things come to an end.

    WOW! This is a debut novel for this author.  I'm certain we will read many more good books from Mr. Davison. The writing is out of this world. Thoughtful, heartbreaking, informative and at times tissue worthy. The characters are well defined and relatable.  I was really sad when reading this one. To ruin a mans career and life with one statement full of misunderstanding. You are going to enjoy the way Thomas deals with it all. He's in a class all by  himself. I know this author is going to pen many more great books. Get this one for your TBR pile.

    I didn't find any issues with this one. 

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a subject we need to deal with now. 

The Places Left Unfilled by M.C. Cauley

    Morgan had to grow up way to fast. She was taking care of an unstable mother who thought only of herself. At times she felt like things would get better, and they  might for a little while, then right back to hell. Raising herself and her younger sister, Morgan didn't have much time to do "kid things".  Her life was taking care of her mother and sister. Would it ever change?

     Get the tissues and if you need anything to take out your anger (pillow, blanket, drum... etc.), now's the time to get it.  The "characters" in this book are real live people.  The list is extensive. The writing in this book is stunning.  Morgan really did a fantastic job of putting you in the situations and making you feel what she felt.  It's not easy to read this as I stated at the beginning. It's heartbreaking. I enjoyed that Morgan had become strong enough to write this book. It truly is a great book. I empathize with her. It's not hard to do. You must read this book. This one, readers, is not easy to write a short review about.  Please, just get the book, recommend it to your friends and their teenagers. I think it will make a dent in their attitude.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a touching, heartbreaking book and I definitely think others need to read it.

480 Codorus Street: Surviving Unpredictability by Sandra L. Kearse-Stockton

    Sandra's life was complicated. She came from a large family and a tumultuous as well. From an early age she knew when to avoid her father. He was a long haul truck driver and that kept him away much of the time. Sandra was determined to make her life better. She had goals and ideas she wanted to pursue. It would take her some time, but she completed those goals.

    WOW! I was deeply affected by this book. The writing is sensational. The people in this book are some of the best and worst I've heard of. I enjoyed the fact this book is told from Sandra's point of view. Many times I wanted to reach into the book and just hug Sandra. There were times I would have helped her pack her bags. Sandra is an inspirational figure for women of all ages. Her tenacity and her love are on another level. You are going to enjoy this book so much. You're going to learn from it as well. You will definitely need tissues. My heart broke for Sandra many, many times. I was in a rage many times as well ( I cry when I get exceptionally angry). Get ready for one of the best books you're going to read this year.

   I found no issues. 

   I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a book every woman needs.

Children's Books!

   Here are some books I like for the littles. Even reading to an unborn or newborn baby will build their vocabulary. Help them do better once they go to school. It's a nice time to just snuggle.

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