Welcome!

I review all genres and I post them in 30 spots. Check out previous posts and I'm sure you'll find several books to catch your interest. I am a published reviewer and an award winning one. I am one of the best reviewers around. CELEBRATING 14 YEARS OF BOOK REVIEWS!!

Friday, December 27, 2019

COMING SOON! Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants: Entrepreneurial Secrets For Creating Your Dream Business and Brand

   
      Dr. Shellie Hipsky does more than share her How and Why for her business. She gives you the tools to define your own. Dr. Hipsky walks the path of success with you. She helps you stay on track and develop a clear plan for your own future success.  Dr. Hipsky's tools encompass many areas you may not have considered. She's been really thorough so you don't have to worry you've forgotten something. What more could you ask for? "Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants...." is a must have!


Coming In July 2020!!

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Soul of Evil by M. Rice

     Viscount Nickodemus Bedlam  wants more than anything to live quietly.  Nick is not someone who enjoys interruptions, surprises or unexpected visitors.  He doesn't enjoy people of any kind.  With the money and power Nick has, he can almost control his life his way. At least he thought so.

     An amazing book! This one will make you wonder if evil could have a soul. Well crafted with characters perfect for this time of year, you don't want to miss this one. I e joyed Nick. He's larger than life and brimming with a disposition many would shy away from. Each page brings you closer to the very reason Nick exists.  This page turner is one you can't set aside.  Soul of Evil makes Satan cringe.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it deserves that and more.

The Policewoman by Justin W.M. Roberts

      Sarah is the kind of policewoman every department wishes they had. She knows her job and she happens to be very good at it. When other departments need an extra set of hands, Sarah is the one sent to help.

   In this book, you'll find a very well defined plot with many surprises. The characters  are well rounded and easy to like. I enjoyed the low key opening. Mr. Roberts lures you in and before you realize it, you're half way through the book.  I can tell you, this story packs a punch. This will make an excellent gift for the reader in your family.

     I did find one issue. I don't think the training sessions are completely necessary.  They could be shortened and still get their point across. I feel the training sessions take the story off course.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the above issue.  I look forward to many more books with these characters.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Adeline by Mark Torres

    A helpless Father. A disabled Mother.   A mysterious death that would haunt them through the years.  At the heart of it all, a happy young  girl.  Could anyone unravel the details and find the answer the family desperately needed? 
    Savoy Graves was hired to make sense of this mystery and time was limited. This case was gonna be difficult. Savoy jumped in with both feet, spurred on by the oddities he found along the way.

    This book is a fantastic read. The first thing you will notice is the large amount of characters introduced in a very short time. You will be knee deep in this mystery before you realize it. The page turning story will keep you reading until you get to the end.Great characters. Well plotted. Fast paced. Characters you can easily related to.  This book has it all.  Mr. Torres writes a very well rounded book. You'll be telling friends and family to read this one.

     The  only issue I found was the number of characters introduced in the first twenty-five pages. You almost need to take notes to keep track of everyone. I think it deprives the rest of the book in a way. Adding that number of characters a little at a time gives the reader a chance to weigh each character and decide whodunit.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because despite the issue I found, this one will make your flesh crawl.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Hollywood Hollyweird Part 2: Last Ditch Effort! by Arthur Norman

        Art Jr is back! This time things have changed just a bit. He's not exactly on the path he hope to be on. He;s loving life. Loving family and enjoying himself. Art Jr hopes to find a way into Hollywood many don't think about at first. He has the talent,but does he have the material? Right now life is good and Art Jr knows it can only get better.

     This second book has  Mr.Norman, Jr's humor and so much mire. Again, it's a quick read but the information inside will keep the conversation going for hours. I  enjoy the way he talks of Hollywood and then of  his family. Show he has the right frame of mind.

     Again, the only issue is the wish for a longer book.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because I know Mr. Norman, Jr has  more good Hollywood stories to share.

Hollywood: Hollyweird: How People Survive & Make It! by Art Norman Jr

     Art meets his biological father for the first time. The hit it off right away and Art Jr confides in his Dad about  his dream of Hollywood. Art the Sr had conquered  Hollywood in his own way and time. He gave his son a connection. 

     I liked this short book. Mr.Norman, Jr isn't afraid to tell you what he saw or experienced during his time in Hollywood. The good, the bad and the strange are brought forth for your entertainment. Mr. Norman, Jr does a terrific job of sharing these ....scenes, without too much detail. He does share a lot of humor though. It will make you want to wander Hollywood on your own.

The only issue I found was, the book was to short! I wanted to keep reading about these friends and strangers.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because I think it could have been a longer and fuller book.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

The MacInnes Affair by Blair McDowell

     It was the perfect time to get away, at least Lara thought so.  She had broken her engagement and school was on summer break. Lara needed  a fresh perspective. She decided to head for Scotland. Lara had no idea a new adventure awaited her.
     Iain's life in Scotland was simple and he liked it that way. His horses and cattle kept him busy enough, he didn't have time for much more. His world was about to be flipped upside down.

    I love this book. The story is well written and well plotted. The characters are relate-able and easy to fall in love with. The modern/historical is a wonderful combination. It gives you the full story not just one side.  Ms. McDowell seems to anticipate the readers questions before they are asked.  Her writing style is simply beautiful and will keep you spellbound from beginning to end. The modern part of this story in no way wipes out the beautiful historical part. You need to get this book for your TBR pile.  Ms. McDowell's books are automatic buys.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one five cheers out of five because this book envelopes you in its beauty.

Sunday, June 2, 2019

The Magic Cookie by Gloreen Burke

   While visiting Grandma, Jake helps her make cookies.  Jake watched his grandmother add the ingredients to a big bowl. He noticed she put in something different. Jake asked about the special ingredient but Grandma didn't say anything. When the cookies were baked, Jake sat down to enjoy them.. It was then something happened. He looked around but things looked different. Where was he?

    Oh my, this is such a clever tale. Your young ones will be begging to hear this one over and over. They may even want to bake cookies.  This book is an adventure and it will definitely have your youngsters imagination working over time.  The characters are relate-able. The plot easy to follow and it allows your child to expand the story on their own. This should be in your child's library.

     I did find one issue. I wish it had been longer. *smile*

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

 

Meet the Cousins by Gloreen Burke

     Can there be anyone closer than a relative? This story proves the answer is yes. These five women become best friends in childhood.  They each have their own hopes and dreams for the future.  They encourage each other as they work toward their own goals. What happens  when life pulls them in different directions?

     This touching story will remind you of family members you were close to during childhood.  It's a story of strength and courage. The young women in this book are remarkable. I found them to be perfect role models  for young girls today.

     I did find some issues. This book reads awkwardly. It has a jerky, stop and start kind of read to it. This book also contains two books. It should have been divided as such to make the reading easier. The beginning needs a little more substance. It feels "watered down".  It's as though part of the story is missing. This book is definitely for teens.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because what of the story contained in the book is worth reading.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Now What? by Charmaine Gordon

    Carly's life in small town Illinois was simple but full.  She was a wife and mother as well as a best friend. Her friends were always there for her when she needed them. When her husband began behaving oddly, her friends would hold ladies nights to thrash it all out.  

This book is fantastic. It touches on several topics many wonder about but never speak of. I found the characters endearing.  The plotting was well done. Though there are several characters in this book, it's easy to follow the story line.  The author made you want to learn more, thus read further in the book. This one is a good one to have.

   I didn't find any issues.

   I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's such a beautiful story.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Thanks!

One And All......

I want to extend my sincere thanks to each and every one of you. Thank you for showing me what I knew deep inside.
I'm  not a friend. Just as I told Jeff Bezos. I am merely someone
to say a quick hello to while you give me your work to be reviewed. There isn't any danger of us being too friendly, as they thought.  

I hesitated to ask for help because I knew I would receive none. Just as none volunteered a donation for all the review posting I do on your behalf.  

Yes, you are right. This is my problem and just like all the others that have hit me in my life, I'll deal with them myself.  You see I forget from time to time that I'm not part of the human race. I forget that I'm less than dirt on your shoes until you need a review. A free review posted in 20 places.  I'm not likely to forget again. I will only answer emails about book reviews.

I know each of you will have a wonderful Easter. Maybe Sunrise services will mean something more this year.

I will still be reviewing. I have many books to catch up on. 

Again, thank you.




A Plea For Help!

My Dear Friends,

   This whole thing makes me very uncomfortable but I have no other choice. Let me tell you more about me and my family.

   I am disabled. I am unable to work. We live on Social Security and Food Stamps. Things have been tight over the years, but we've managed to stay afloat. Now with trump in office, we are sinking fast. He's cutting everything and if he isn't our state government is to beat trump to the punch.  Things are now the worst we've ever experienced.  I am unable to be left alone for any length of time because I fall extremely often and am too weak to get back up by myself. Yes, I have a walker, but when I fall, it goes first and then I go.  I can't drive because most of the time my legs are numb or go numb.  I understand how crazy this sounds. I've lived it for years. If it's rare, unheard of, odd,or crazy, you can bet it's in my life or has been.  Yes, I've had my license since I was 16. I'll be 55 at the end of the month.

   To add some brightness to my world, my daughters, both 18 until the end of May, will be going to college. The older one, who turns 19 at the end of May, will be going to Central Michigan University and the youngest to Stanford University. I am extremely proud of both of them. They will both need the basics. Books, notebooks, pens, dorm stuff, etc.  They will also need a bit of money for incidentals. Yes, they have scholarships and such. I'm flying blind with the college stuff. I also have to get the girls to their colleges.  

   This leads to my car. It's 14 yrs old. It needs new tires, the ones on it are bald. It needs new hoses, so they won't leak like the ones now do. It needs the windows fixed, so they go up and down. It needs the windshield fixed because of the huge crack in it.  The transmission needs work as well. This is all so I can get the girls where they need to be.  

 I have helped with reviews when I could. I posted them more places than most reviewers do. I've squeezed reviews in to help authors. My reviews give honest feedback. I've done all of it for free.

     NOW I'M BEGGING!  on bended knee for help!
I'm not sure how much this stuff will cost, but I'm giving a ballpark figure of $4000. If anyone can help with the figures I'd appreciate it.

Any money will help just of to my review/policy page here on my blog. Scroll to the bottom and the donate button is there.  Anything will help! I really appreciate it.
https://haveyouheardbookreview.blogspot.com/p/review-policy-contact-me.html
Thank you,
Melanie and Family

Monday, March 18, 2019

Stories for My Grandchild: A Grandmother's Journal by Honey Good

    A journal. What better way to share stories, family history or thoughts. A place where your family can look, in the future, to learn more about themselves.  It's a way to keep the important information in one place. 

    I love this book! I so wish it had been around when my grandparents were living. This book is thoughtfully put together with prompts and places for photos. It's the perfect gift for new grandmothers or established ones. This would also work for new Mothers who want to share this story with their children.

     I did find one issues.  It's more of an opinion. There should be one for Grandfathers. At the risk of sounding gender biased, there are some things in the Grandmother book best suited for girls. One for Grandfathers for grandchildren would allow them to share the other half of the story.

     I give this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a fantastic book.

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Get to the Point!: Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter by Joel Schwartzberg

     We all communicate everyday. We have something we are trying to convey to others. We also think we are pretty good at getting our point across. Wrong! Most don't know how to make point. Not an effective point.  Many of us were never really taught how to make a point. This book will show you how.

    In this book, you'll find a terrific resource to beef up your game. We'd all like to do better at expressing our ideas. This book will teach us how to do just that.This book can help you take your presentations from ho hum to amazing. The book is easy to understand and implement right away.You are going to love it.

    I did find issues. The book is wordy and repetitive which can slow down the reading. Keep at it though.

    I gave this on four out of five cheers because of the above issues.

   



.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

A Huge Thank You to Mr. Jeff Bezos

A Huge Announcement!!!!

As you all know, I had my account wiped clean on Amazon.
I've tried every way I knew to fix the situation. 
Last night I read several articles about Amazon CEO
Jeff Bezos. In each of them he stated if  you have a problem
with Amazon,  email him directly.
I did just that. 

I was amazed when I opened my email just now. I received 
the following message:   


Amazon.com <review-abuse-appeals@amazon.com>
To:macladie25@yahoo.com
Jan 22 at 11:20 AM


Amazon
Your AccountAmazon.com
Message From Customer Service
Hello,

We have reviewed this situation and have restored your reviews to our site. It may take up to 24 hours for your reviews to reappear on the page. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Best regards,
Amazon.com

With this fantastic news, I will begin posting on Amazon once again. I did try it to see if it worked and it does.

A Huge Thank You to Mr. Bezos!

Melanie