More Reviews...

‘Another Sunset’ by Jason Zandri has its beginning in a happy young drifter, David, choosing Westville, a small town as his abode. His industrious nature, carefree attitude and pleasant outlook endears him to all, more so to Caroline and her mother, Maria. His deep involvement with the local populace with infusion of new ideas and the readiness to join hands with Caroline in her adolescent dreams, make him an inseparable part of the small crowd and they shockingly learn that he has a tragic tale to tell. He has a major tragedy behind him, having lost his wife and young daughter in an accident. As times goes by, he attachment to the people around turns more and more cemented.

 ‘Another Sunset’ by Jason Zandri can boast of a very good plot, and an enthralling narrative that is formed by weaving the significant and the trivial together, leaving hardly anything to review in these angles. The content and the delivery of Zandri’s prose, makes his tale hard to put down. Each and every one of his characters comes out as strong personalities with their independent canvas and colorful presence. An authentic dialogue, which resonates in the midst of tastefully conceived characters, adds to the complexity that underpins his plot. One thing I must mention though, the personal tragedies, the hero did face in his life seemed to be a little too much. Notwithstanding that, this is an excellent book, a real page turner of a novel.

 Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘CAULIFLOWER HEART: A Romantic Wrestler’ by Diana Hart, named after an acquired deformity or hardening of the ear affecting the fighters, reflects the trials and tribulations of living in the wrestling milieu, the cauliflower ear. Through the story of Claudine Bellamy who grew up in the wrestling world and married a wrestler, Diana narrates the ever present romantic twists in a wrestler’s tale, some of them enjoyable and a few, greatly wrecking. With a superstar husband and the associated celebrity status, how Claudine has to rise up in providing necessary help and assistance to her husband as well as protecting her children who stands to lose the love, and wisdom they deserved, wanted and needed from their dear father, is presented in this book.

‘CAULIFLOWER HEART: A Romantic Wrestler’ by Diana Hart is an eye opener of a story with a compelling narration. Just as the cauliflower ear is considered a badge of courage and experience, this tale is also the celebration of superhuman strength of the wrestling crowd in finding answers to their challenges. This book reaffirms the adage, in the words of a famous poet, “The paths of glory, lead but to the grave”. The romantic and whirlwind life of Claudine, and the brave face she had to put up for meeting the challenges of her family life comes alive in these pages. Well written and telling all facets of this colorful life, this story has succeeded in kindling interest in me to look beyond the stages, of all that is publically seen.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘Gooseberry Island’ by Steven Manchester has its beginnings in a chance encounter between Lindsey Wood and David McClain which sparks romance between them, the spark kept alive through Skype when he is back to duty in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan he has to witness much of the horrendous acts of war, arson and violence, mostly senseless. He, on completion of his stint returns, to find himself horribly affected. This leaves Lindsey in terrible grief, who already is in doldrums owing to her father’s condition, being a Gulf veteran. Her experience with these comes handy in David consulting many, find it more or less common among such repatriates, something like PTSD, and with mutual assistance they make peace with the present. David and Lindsay begin their journey…

‘Gooseberry Island’ by Steven Manchester is bound to take its toll on ones emotions, the instant chemistry between the two, Lindsey and David, the exchange of number in the hopes he will call, and the call doing wonders, as well as his invitation to a party without telling her that it’s his going away party! I have had the occasion to witness something similar and have always felt how treasured such moments are. Steven has adopted a good degree of moderation; at no stage do the emotional scenes and exchanges seem unnatural. A moving story with a complete plot, it leaves one with the same feeling as the last thought of the hero “Life is better than good”, and just like him, with a smile.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘The Book of Secret Wisdom’ by Zinovia Dushkova is translation of the most ancient book of our time, known as the Book of Dzyan — a Tibetan name meaning the Book of Secret Wisdom. This book, which is from the beginnings of the evolution of our present humanity, begins with The Genesis of Divine Love, in which the Gods work of rotating the Stellar Wheel starts. As the wheel gains momentum, wonderful changes starts happening in the world, yielding, The Knowledge of the Heart, The Gift of Love, The Gift of Mind  and al other loving forces including The Birth of Gods, that are to control the world. To make comprehension easy, a rather detailed explanation is included in this book, of all terms, both of western romanticism and eastern religious concepts, which might appear in connection with the philosophical thoughts expressed here.

‘The Book of Secret Wisdom’ by Zinovia Dushkova is of a book that is very difficult to translate. Difficulty in grasping content, which is true for any topic when dealt deeply and more so, for ideas or themes like this, can be encountered here. Zinovia has certainly kept this in view while preparing her book, I think. For better appreciation of the ideas presented in this book, mostly belonging to Eastern philosophy and thought, the words used and their contextual meanings are included in this book, and that is a great help. It gives the ultimate power to control human destiny in the hands of love. “Even if obliged to take a loving step backwards yesterday, Love will take two steps forward tomorrow, and man will enter into the Kingdom of Light, nevermore again to lose it in his Heart.”

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘Gravity Games’ by John Matsui introduces Dr Gustav Plank, a scientist, who is on to cutting edge research on gravity, that too, negative gravity, with its substantial military potential. He is found to be kidnapped one day and all his papers also are missing. The investigation agencies take the help of Sherlock Nathan, who has hyper acuity to odors, Rebecca, with enhanced ability to detect chemistry of any male and exude appropriate pheromones to unsettle him, as well as many others from the area of ESP related research. With the help of his ‘conscience’ Bonnie, as well as of others from the FBI, CSIS, all the missing pieces are assembled.

‘Gravity Games’ by John Matsui has many characters that are not of the ordinary, like those who has the ability to sense, micro tremors not strong enough to be measured on Richter scale. The upheavals caused in society due to the news of ‘negative gravity possibilities’, especially the fluctuations in oil prices are shown imaginatively. The authentic and crisp nature of the plot, the story and the dialogue, which was a high point in the initial parts of the book, can be seen to be becoming rather loose as we go towards the end. I see no other reason for keeping down the book before it finished, given the fanfare, the new concepts of negative gravitation, micro tremors or olfactory acuity could easily give rise to. This is a very good plot, a refreshing change from the predictable villains, their cohorts and the usual ambience.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘The Murder On The Mall: The Mystery of the Death of the Pornographer’ by Stanley Yokell begins with the appearance of a dead body in a city mall, body of the owner of Baddyflicks studio. Also, the studio, the main center of his business, is found to be fully burnt down. Marie Quizno, the smart police chief of the city begins investigation, and exposes the possibility of a running business involving pornographic material, including performances by underage children. Many of the victims are teen age girls, and further inquiry leads to identifying one of the affected parents as the originator of the fire, and possibly of the murder. Finding that there is enough evidence to book those parents for arson, they are brought before court, but the jury’s decision is a welcome surprise to all.

‘The Murder On The Mall: The Mystery of the Death of the Pornographer’ by Stanley Yokell is a suspenseful drama. The professional competence of the city’s police chief in conducting investigations as well as that of the defense counsel in formulating the court room tactics is shown with credible brilliance. The part played by others in the story,   children, their parents and other characters of this work, are also kept relevant to the plot. I can therefore confidently say that book is a realistic depiction of the present society, given the nature of news that quite regularly appears in our media. This is a good read, engaging and entertaining work, fully grabbed my attention till the very end.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘The Expanding Universe Saga’ by Wilroy Steel introduces a new organization, named Committee Of the Regions of Earth, CORE, intended to keep peace and order in the world. Leading scientist Blackcherry, Captain Royal Gunner and a few, launches a space vehicle with the task to locate a suitable sanctuary. And the spaceship happens to be destroyed enroute, most of the crew managing to return utilizing an escape vessel, and the remaining few getting lost in the melee. Adventure awaits those lost, rendezvous with alien life under leadership of Pnefurious, visits to alien planet and, calling on earth to check human welfare. Even greater adventure then begins, like establishing collaborative work between different species, as well as, restoring peace within the civilizations of different planets.

‘The Expanding Universe Saga’ by Wilroy Steel can boast of an entertaining ambience. All characters, their abodes and other entities are intuitively named, which also accounts for the colorful stories and mishaps that are part of this book. A few examples of such nomenclature are planet Dwellet, characters, Linc,  Zeel, Synic etc., and each of them is ascribed with appropriate quality. This is a complete plot with hardly any loose ends, and the narration is quite interesting as well as fast moving. Wilroy has even thought about an internal skirmish, the visiting species is currently facing, making beings from the earth useful for their defense preparations and thus naturally welcome at the other planet. I liked this book a lot, a page turner of sorts, which is also an easy read of its genre.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘The Stone House Secret’ by Debra Burroughs opens with a broken date, one wrecked by the news of an unnatural death that was to keep them busy, Michel, being one of only two detectives on the small Hidden Valley police force and Jenessa, being the reporter on a large Sacramento newspaper. They fall headlong into solving the mystery, many a time with mutual exchange of leads. With every turn of the inquiry bringing up fresh characters and events, their tasks become a rather long affair. As the processes of cracking the case continue, new twists develop often, linking the deceased with excess of wealth, as well as that of ill health, leading to surprising conclusions. Michael and Jenessa also find solace and comfort in their romantic company, notwithstanding the frequent intrusions by the ‘ex’es from both sides.

‘The Stone House Secret’ by Debra Burroughs is a fast paced novel that is a pleasure to read. Just when I was convinced that the case is all figured out, introduction of a new twist left me with no clue. In this novel one can see perfect combination of a smooth prose, well-paced plot, interesting, endearing, compelling and sometimes quirky characters, a touch or two of romance and a good suspenseful mystery to solve. The author has succeeded in handling masterfully, the ‘ex’es from sides and making their togetherness, look natural, certainly not too protrusive. A good read with a well crafted plot and an endearing presentation, this is a valuable asset to ones thrillers.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘The Bracelet’ by Todd W. Cheney has Michael Alex, an expert mechanic of his town, receiving a package which contains a bracelet that can grant any wish. Not very convinced about its ability, and to check this, the first wish he make is for a colleague to have marital discord, and alas!, it happens. Feeling regretful, he wishes for the opposite and that too takes place. Much of the changes brought into the life by this capability, is in fact affecting peaceful co-existence, he learns. How the turn of the events influenced by the presence of the bracelet has led to turbulent life, he realizes and takes drastic actions to bring back normalcy.

‘The Bracelet’ by Todd W. Cheney has Michael Alex is a fine novel and a good fantasy, with a well drawn and imaginative plot. The unsure nature of the protagonist on receipt of the mysterious gift and the initial prankish moves with the reflexive wishes, are portrayed quite realistically. But, especially when Mike happens to hear the version of other possessors of this, like, “I don’t know what the bracelet is. It could be a religious artifact, or the Holy Grail, or the devil’s work. It can give you everything, or take it all away. It’s the biggest gambling rush you could ever find—to bet on your own brain power to come up with all the possibilities”, realization occurring to him is shown convincingly, evoking sympathy from the reader. A good book and interesting read, this book is a welcome addition to ones literary wealth of this genre.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘HIT’N RUN’ by Lori Power has its beginnings in a hit and run, one involving a pretty blonde Lorna, who hits a hearse, and the driver Mitch, towing a hearse. Mitch, who obviously is in a hurry, leaves his license with her and goes away. She reports about the incident, and during reporting, mentions that the other driver in fact is her old friend with a fake license, alerting the police.  The hearse turns out to be a part of a clandestine police operation against certain business syndicates, in which, her employer is one of the kingpins. The more Mitch tugs any thread of his investigation, the more it seems to take him back to Lorna. She has to save herself from her employer, while her old friend along with the police force will have to find ways of helping her, and to keep the investigation on without any disruptions.

‘HIT’N RUN’ by Lori Power is a suspenseful drama. Rekindling of old feelings quickly to end in passionate encounters, the investigation successfully unfold, evidence to suggest the connection of the woman he’s falling for with the very criminals he’s after. This is a gripping story, and told with a disciplined moderation (except in the romantic interludes, which, the hero being chivalrous in make up I think, happened quite often), an element of anxiety and suspense maintained throughout. All the cardinal scenes, of chase as well as escape, is drawn quite realistically, many a time leading one to miss a heartbeat. Congratulations Lori, you have done a good job. 

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems’ by Susan Jean Ricci is the story of Cindy, a lively woman who wants to unleash her emotions, having had her marriage in the morgue. How she clandestinely obtains her husband’s paramour’s number; telephones, and suffer the agony of finding her doubts about her husband’s cheating habits to be true. Better counsels prevail; she considers all these as former fiascos, trying to find fabulous future in them. How she starts dating, with a vengeance, and the initial many turns out to be disastrous, including a few attempts through the internet. How she learns lessons, and other new things, like the fetishes, a few of her ‘victims’ entertained. She also finds courtly and gallant gentlemen, and enjoys their companionship as well.

‘Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems’ by Susan Jean Ricci makes the heroine usurp our sympathies, right from the beginning. In man woman relationships, the probability of either partner becoming an epitome of defects is more or less the same. Cindy is definitely an exception, who had the occasion to come across a host of men and none of them turning out to be a gentleman. This is an interesting book, the unsure nature of the male clearly visible in all the ‘adventures’, Cindy jumps into. In some of her affairs, the male’s behavior is improper as they forget their own compulsions, and in other affairs it is so, because they introduce unexpected compulsions on the female partner. This novel thus, is a true reflection of human society, the male female imbroglio.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘TORTURE MAN’ by Warren Adler begins with a chance encounter Sarah Raab has with Carl Helman associated with the CIA, which leaves her with a yet to be repaid debt. When Sarah is confronted with the kidnapping of her daughter, Rachel, she seeks help from Carl. Carl visits her home and traces the crime to the bigoted Egyptian, Iris, working presently as tutor to Rachel. Iris refusing to crack under his questioning, Carl uses his connections to carryout a bold plan to bring her under severe stress, forcing her to cede some of her advantages and giving him hopes of an early success. But she proves to be of tougher material, and many of his efforts are in vain. After many unforeseen and scary situations, the story is brought to a striking end.

‘TORTURE MAN’ by Warren Adler is drama at every page, that too with suspenseful and gripping scenes. The characters chosen for this novel, though from the traditionally observed backgrounds for such books, are shown with their natural appearance and mingling easily with the plot. It is an imaginative and terrifying story and a thriller from the first page to the last, and also an exciting drama. With many interwoven snippets of personal tragedies and related drama covering almost all characters, the ‘story’ in this tale is reaching epic proportions. It is a worthy addition to ones collection of thrillers. Very well narrated, this could keep me immersed in it from the time I opened the book till I reached the back cover.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite ________________

‘Got a Bad Picker?’ by Jesse Carr MD opens with the most basic doubt any woman can have, how to identify a bad picker? First, this question is settled with a quick check survey. Jesse thereafter explores the potential causes and consequences of making poor relationship choices. She then enters into a very important discussion on how to fix and train a bad picker. In this context, living in the moment, gaining self awareness, and building self esteem, character and confidence are the main topics covered. To complete, making the art of picking error free, by becoming our own matchmaker and engaging both the (new) logical brain and the (old) emotional brain to facilitate living a life full of love and companionship, is deliberated at length.

‘Got a Bad Picker?’ by Jesse Carr MD convinced me that rational analysis is not a dying talent. Jesse has shown the importance of balancing our motivations, drives, and self statements against our choices, to make wise decisions in relationships and in life. Also, as the book exhorts, we must go through life and living, actively engaged or always fully present, to enjoy the fascinating experience of the confronting reality. This is an excellent book, which is a rather holistic look at the complex issue of living as a couple. Helpful questions at vantage points make this book a good aid for self improvement. I can tell with confidence, her appreciation of the negative selfie syndrome itself is good enough to propel this book to the list of the best books ever written on male female imbroglio.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite________________

‘Blowing Sandstorm’ by Horace Crenshaw Jr. is an account of the author’s military unit, and its deployment in support of Operation Iraq Freedom (OIF). After a delightful narration of the entry of Horace Crenshaw Jr. into this planet, a rather panoramic description about his growth into a military man of consequence sustains our interest. While recounting the unit’s performance in Iraq, he makes a mention, about the initial hiccups he faced and the efforts that were necessary in reversing the downtrend. That is followed by an explanation of actual deployment of resources for petroleum terminals and other missions. This book also contains rather elaborate discourses on the military dogma extant on man management and issues of morale, like compliance, commitment and influence techniques.

‘Blowing Sandstorm’ by Horace Crenshaw Jr. is a well-thought and nicely written manuscript that is sure to encourage readers to serve and lead. Written in a simple and easy style, the substance is conveyed to the readers as the details and many military jargons that ordinarily tire civilians are well explained and contextualized within the author’s experience being a military man. Because this is a view from his experience and with the much-needed judgment, readers will surely reap leadership thoughts and admire the service the armed forces are giving to citizens. The more than moderate foray into abstract thoughts on military leadership provides a rather academic backup too, making the book useful for those disposed to further reflections on military leadership. An index would have been a welcome addition that can enhance its utility.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite________________

‘Death of a Chorus Girl’ by P.M. Briede opens with a real crime scene at a theater, where the death of a chorus girl, Annie, bringing the lead detective Rich and his partner Steve into action. The pretty Em Delacroix, the choreographer and many others of comparable virtues gets involved in this rather lengthy investigation which calls for close association of the handsome detective and pretty suspects. The investigation finally concludes to a successful end, with the identification of the culprit from the most unexpected quarter.

‘Death of a Chorus Girl’ by P.M. Briede follows a rather revolutionary style of narration. The traditional first person style is radically altered such that there is a different narrator for every chapter. I think this also is a good approach though it is not an established style of narration. Except for the confusion I felt when there was a need to refer back or forward, where the connections could not be readily apparent (I made out that it depended on the chapter name), I found it a welcome challenge to enjoy a rather new and changed pattern of narration. The female protagonist, Em, is shown to be a natural suspect who thus has a reason to placate the investigator, who in any case is one to enjoy beautiful things, making sufficient grounds for romantic encounters. The story is a good one with many moments of suspense and deception to keep the reader always on the edge and PM’s effort has certainly ended in success.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite________________

‘GOJU: THE ROAR OF THE TIGRESS. THE REAL SELF-DEFENSE FOR WOMEN ONLY’ by DANNY GWIRA, introduces a rather intangible self defense mechanism for women, unlike most other books that deals with physical means of defense. As the author puts it, beating the man effectively without touching him. The essential principle used here is that, women should use their most effective weapon – female sense or intuition, against the most vulnerable area of male – his ego. The author mentions as a great peril of modern society, a woman will not ask help from a man, lest he gat the idea that she fancies him; a man will not joke around with a woman, lest he is accused of sexual harassment. Danny has provided fifty specific self-defense tips to help keep women out of trouble and danger, in addition to scores of techniques of general nature.

‘GOJU: THE ROAR OF THE TIGRESS. THE REAL SELF-DEFENSE FOR WOMEN ONLY’ by DANNY GWIRA is a holistic look at the issue of women safety. The author, over and above the specific cases of self defense, looks at the vulnerable areas of male in all possible scenarios, and recommends an effective female response in each case. The approach recommended of taking a rather oblique position of attack, in many cases by diverting the attackers energy, looks to be beneficial for optimum use of resources, more so for women as they are more often at the receiving end. How effective is this ‘bloodless attack’, needs to be seen. The author has not provided any practical cases as examples. This is a very good book, clear and concise narration makes it makes it reader friendly.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite________________

5 EASY WAYS TO EARN MONEY ONLINE by M. L. Fitz is designed to provide information about legitimate online income opportunities, and the book begins with an overview of what is to expect form the book as well as what is expected of the reader, for safe conduct of online work. It begins with a popular field, of getting paid for feedback, like surveys. Another area is then introduced, of social media marketing with opportunities such as Post ads, Share sponsored videos, Add followers to their fan pages and Make comments. A micro job like writing articles, posting videos etc is another vista of income and recruitment agencies over the net is a flourishing business. The book also mentions of the earning potential existing, for creating videos.

5 EASY WAYS TO EARN MONEY ONLINE by M. L. Fitz lends a little clarity to the multitude of advertisements and other attractions showering on every one who choose to browse the internet. I have had occasions to spend long hours on the internet searching for such opportunities and at the end, learning to my dismay that the job I found was not available for my country. The author has not indicated that the jobs mentioned are available in all countries or not, which is a limitation, though I checked a couple of sites and those worked for my country. A good work, this is certainly is a helpful book to many in their internet income dream. With frequent updating, this book may also be used as a reference.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite________________

‘Hope Quotes - Inspirational Picture Quotes about Hope’ by Gabi Rupp begins by seeing hope as an essential for great things in life, quotes from great leaders like Winston Churchill, coming in support. Gabi then looks at hope as a necessity for achievement, words of Helen Keller to assist. The irreplaceable contribution of hope as the pillar that holds up the world or, as the only solace for the poor, finds its echo in the words of Pliny and Nietzsche. How hope is synonymous with happiness and how children need that for their growth, the words of Samuel Johnson and a few others tell us. There is nothing like hopelessness, exhorts Napoleon...well, the manifestation of hope is examined in this book in all its dimensions. In each, sagacious quotes enliven the ambience by giving it an aura of wisdom.

‘Hope Quotes - Inspirational Picture Quotes about Hope’ by Gabi Rupp makes it difficult to be hopeless; in this book, there is nothing of value in life that is not linked to hope. Gabi has selected quotes discerningly to link each and every facet of hope to an essential need of life. Most of these quotes are pointing to equipping us better to face future; many quotes inspire us to see past, as a source of knowledge and future, as one of hope. One thing would have made this book more reader friendly, an index. More so, as this contains a good collection of relevant quotes, all of which can come to great use in ones literary quest. As the book ends, learn from the past, hope for the future and live in the present.

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite________________

Terrance Talks Travel: A Pocket Guide to African Safaris makes the process of planning and booking an appropriate safari easy. Starting with the necessary data on Africa to make one think of a visit, it offers a choice of safaris and, tips for selecting the appropriate one, like recommended destinations to suit ones taste and the most appropriate time of the year to visit each. Practical advices about, what to carry, getting a travel insurance, vaccination, a packing checklist and  important safety advices make this book a must have, for all those who plan such a venture. Further sources of references and links to important websites make this book, an all in one guide to African Safaris.

Terrance Talks Travel: A Pocket Guide to African Safaris certainly makes enjoying a safari rather easy. As there are many types of safaris, tourists can pick and choose one to remember for a lifetime by following Zepke’s advise. With options of driving, self-driving, flying-in, walking, canoeing, boating, hot-air ballooning, or by camel or horseback, the opportunities for adventure are endless. By providing the five rules of safari etiquette, and with the advices about less expensive places, provision of travel insurance, and packing, this pocket guide has grown in stature. And with the highlights of the best safari destinations, ten locations from East Africa and Southern Africa, as well as including information regarding the islands, this has become a mini encyclopedia. I greatly enjoyed the last item of the book; an array of resources to get psyched for the trip!

Reviewed by Roy T James for Reader's Favorite________________