Review Tales
Trusted Reviews and Author Features Since 2016
One Last Lie by Rob Kaufman (Book Review #243)
“I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.”
This book was an “OnlineBookClub.org Book of the Day.”
One Last Lie is a psychological thriller about Jonathan and Philip. The story’s timeline is set when Jonathan is old, alone and is thinking about the past. It then takes you back into the past where his relationship with Philip started and how happy they were. One thing is missing in their life and that is a baby. Philip happens to get back in touch with a friend of his, Angela, who is more than happy to impregnate herself in order to bring this baby into their lives. However, Philip and Jonathan don’t wish to have full custody of the child and make an arrangement with Angela. They agree to pay her child support and basically work it out to raise the child as a trio.
What then transpires is a conflict of interest between the three. Tommy, Angela’s love appears out of nowhere and Angela’s true personality and agenda is revealed creating this massive – what just happened – situation that really has you thinking about the story after it is finished.
I found the entire fiasco to be heart-wrenching. The emotions and the fate of this gay couple really happened to be played with, by Angela. The life of a child born into such a ridiculous notion of arrangement was also another disappointing revelation. The author managed to succeed in providing a very well written traumatic story. The plot was very well thought through. Although I did not find anything thrilling about it, it definitely intrigued the psychological part of the fictional story.
The Kindle format I purchased had some issues with the formatting. Chapters were not laid out properly and there were empty pages between sections that did not make sense. The literature was in good standing and had a nice pace to it. The only problem I had with the lyrical standing was the random and sudden change of point of view. That would still have worked well for me only if it was clearly separated. However, in this case, the view kept changing without any notice and it somehow would get confusing. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the novel.
I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in reading twisted fictional stories.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Happy Valentines!
Happy Valentines to my beloved readers! You are such a delight to have and I wish you all the best on this beautiful day.
Jeyran Main
What she says & What I see by Ronnie B Daniels (Book Review #219)
What she says and what I see is a children’s book about a little boy named Chris. He sees things differently. When Mom uses a particular phrase to say goodnight to Chris, it causes trouble for him.
As Chris explains to mom what she is saying, is what he is seeing. The mother changes her tactic and it solves the problem.
I liked how colorful and direct the illustrations were. I believe the book was referring to Autism. The literature was very suitable for a young audience and I enjoyed the rhythmic style of writing that covered the content of the book.
I believe this book is very suitable for any parent that is looking for an enjoyable and educational children’s book.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Martha The Blue Sheep by Gabrielle Yetter (Book Review #200)
Martha the blue sheep is a children’s book about how Martha’s coat is accidentally dyed blue and no matter how much she tries, the blue just does not come off. The rest of the sheep mock her for being different and so she is stigmatized for what has happened to her.
As Martha feels isolated and discriminated for the way she looks, her blue color becomes a way for her to save a life. Once Martha sees that being blue is not so bad, things begin to look up for her.
The illustrations are fantastic and the message of the book is beautiful. We live in a society that you either conform or you are individually ridiculed. Books like this bring hope that the next generation may take these messages and learn to accept people as they are, embrace diversity, tolerance and to be kind to one another.
Written by Jeyran Main
A Million Thoughts: Learn All About Meditation from the Himalayan Mystic By Om Swami
Each one of us is a master of infinite possibilities at a universal scale. Through meditation, we experience our own magnificence, our true potential.
Drawing on his experience of thousands of hours of earnest and strenuous meditation, renowned sage Om Swami pens a guide to help channelize unruly, futile thoughts and turn them into productive energy.
A Million Thoughts shows how to meditate correctly, how to practice various styles of meditation and how to become proficient in the many yogic practices that will lead to the final stage of samadhi — the ultimate spiritual self-fulfilment.
Brimming with firsthand experiences and references from ancient and classical texts, this brilliant book is most suited for the modern reader who wishes to master the art of meditation.
About the Author
Om Swami is a monk who lives in a remote place in the Himalayan foothills. He has a bachelor degree in business and an MBA from Sydney, Australia. Swami served in executive roles in large corporations around the world. He founded and led a profitable software company with offices in San Francisco, New York, Toronto, London, Sydney, and India.
Om Swami completely renounced his business interests to pursue a more spiritual life. He is the bestselling author of Kundalini: An Untold Story, A Fistful of Love and If Truth Be Told: A Monk’s Memoir.
His blog omswami.com is read by millions all over the world.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2qbQcFu
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2pmRWvC
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2oBzmCL
For the Love of Mandy by Judith Kohnen (Book Two)
Judith Kohnen Releases For the Love of Mandy – Book Two in The Mandy Story Romance Series
The highly anticipated sequel to One Chance, One Moment (the first installment in The Mandy Story romance series) has been released. Award-winning author Judith Kohnen is thrilled to announce that For the Love of Mandy is now available in eBook and print formats on Amazon. Read More
Dining and Driving with Cats – Alice Unplugged by Pat Patterson (Book Review #216)
This review was requested by, D.A. Whitaker
Dining and Driving with Cats is a beautiful book written about Pat, Alice and their two cats, Munchie and Tuffy. They travel from Mexico to Atlanta, and then Georgia. They try something, which my husband and I did, sample food as much as possible from different food stops. On the way, they meet new people, have an adventure, deal with their two wonderful cats, and altogether share their experience with you.
I found this story to be very interesting to read. In fact, it was very relatable as I had done the same thing but with my two dogs. The story brought back memories of how much fun I had and therefore, the book was even more engaging to me than anything else.
I appreciated the additional personal touches and the honesty of the tale. The work was easy to read and well put together. I thoroughly enjoyed the backstory on how they got together and the dynamic between the four was fun to read.
The Cats alone have such great personalities. I believe they could even benefit from having their own story. The literary standard was admirable. As you read, you feel as if you are part of their travel group and experience. This can only be possible if a writer grasps your attention, feeling, and bond with you through his writing. I believe Pat succeeds in doing this and for that reason, I believe this book is special.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about traveling, food and also likes cats.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Cursed Blood (Wolf Rage #1) by Ashley Marie (Book Review #217)
This review was kindly requested by Ashley Marie.
Cursed Blood is a story about three characters, Avery, Dean and, Kayden. The book begins with Avery. She is a 15-year-old girl witnessing her father being murdered. The harsh realities of things kick in causing her to be admitted to a psychiatric institution. Things get worse when she is taken care of by the uncle. Strange things happen to her causing Avery to question things and to think out of the box.
Kayden, on the other hand, is a shapeshifter and rage is his trigger. He needs to find a way to control his anger or else he will stay as an animal. Dean is a Wolf. He has been a wolf for a very long time and is used to behaving like an animal only until he meets Avery.
I found the plot to be genuinely pleasing to read. The characters are unique and truly mesh well together. I sometimes felt lost in the world setting but that didn’t take much away from the experience. The author has great potential in creating better and stronger work. It is apparent that she has spent time researching and laying out the plot; however, there were plausible factors in the plot that was noticeable. Having said this, if the book is to have a sequel to it then, it is a very smart way to cover all of the questions in the second book.
I believe anyone that is interested in paranormal fiction and enjoys a little romance will find this book to be a great read.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Get To Be Happy By Ted Larkins – Author Interview
Get To Be Happy: Stories and Secrets to Loving the Sh*t Out Of Life
By Ted Larkins
Genre: Autobiography/Self Help
The secret to my happiness started during my high school days (yes, drugs were involved) and continued through hitchhiking across the country, through the suicide of my girlfriend, through bartending in many cities around the country and then a move to Japan. I lived there for nine years, helping start a $500 million business, including a LARKINS (my last name) line of product, finding enlightenment and meditating in Zen temples in the mountains of Hiroshima, meeting Mother Teresa in Calcutta, partying with Bon Jovi, experiencing the death of my business partner and then the loss of my daughter, and all the life lessons that come with the following statement: I Get To do this!
About the Author
Ted Larkins is an author, speaker and accomplished business executive and entrepreneur. Through his book and keynote talks, he shares the powerful Get To Principle, the ability to say “I Get To” as opposed to “I have to”. Ted also co-developed a leading entertainment licensing company in Tokyo, representing major movie studios that included Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and 20th Century Fox. He’s worked on projects with Jon Bon Jovi, Jack Nicklaus, Mariah Carey, and many other artists. He is former Senior Vice President of the North American division of CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies. He is on the board of directors of the Licensing Industry Merchandise Association (LIMA), co-chairing the charity committee and sitting on the executive committee. He is a guest lecturer for the UCLAx Entertainment Studies and Performing Arts program.
Over the last year and a half, during his daily 4 hour train commute to work in Hollywood, he wrote the book, “Get To Be Happy: Stories and Secrets On Loving the Sh*t Out of Life. Ted lives with his wife of 22 years and their two children in Southern California. 
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettobehappy/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gettobehappy
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/gettobehappy
Website: http://www.GetToBeHappy.com
On Amazon: http://bit.ly/GetToBeHappy
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36638571-get-to-be-happy?from_search=true
On B&N: bit.ly/2BYB3vZ
Author Interview
Tell us about your book. What made you write your story?
One day my young son asked me to play with him. I said, “Hang on buddy, I have to go pee.” As I neared the bathroom it occurred to me, “I don’t have to, I Get To.” As I came out I thought about work and said, “Oh, I gotta play with my son first.” And it occurred to me, “I don’t gotta, I Get To.” That night after a fine meal at the house I said, “I have to do the dishes.” And as I started washing them, grumbling, I thought, “I don’t have to, I get to clean the dishes.” What I realized in those moments of saying “I Get To” is that I felt compassion for others that don’t have what I have (running water in a bathroom, healthy children to play with, a good meal that dirty dishes were served on), and great appreciation for what I had in life. I also realized that the most successful times in my life were when I was embracing this “Get To” way of thinking. I also realized that deliberately saying, “I Get To” can bring peace, joy and happiness to my life most of the time. And sharing this Get To way of being can help others. So, I decided to write my story and share how to use the Get To Principle. I offer “Happiness coaching” as well.
What do you find most challenging about the writing process, and how do you deal with it?
Making time to write is the key. I knew that if I dedicated 30 minutes a day, no matter what, even if I just scribbled (which I did some days) I eventually would have a book. It took about a year. I was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic, where she talks about her journey writing the hit book, Eat, Pray Love.
When and where do you do your writing?
I was commuting to work four hours a day on the train so was able to write then. But usually I wake up at 5 a.m. before the kids get up and write. I do that now. Again, it’s just a decision and then you do it. But here’s the thing, if you miss a day or whatever, don’t beat yourself up. Just recommit and do it again. Over and over.
What have you learned about promoting your books?
It’s a slow process, but it’s a blast. There are a lot of great tools and help for authors these days (like working with Sage) so you don’t have to do it alone. I send books to bloggers, radio stations. I sent one to Ellen and one to Oprah. Who knows if they’ll get it, or read it, but my intention is there. Intention is everything. I am building my Instagram and FaceBook following by posting about book signings and other events. I went to my local Barnes & Nobel and asked if I could do a book signing. They gave me some email address at corporate to write to. I sent seven emails, found a phone number and called 10 times. FINALLY, someone called me and agreed for me to have a book signing there. Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m., Huntington Beach, California if you’re going to be around. J The point is never give up. Don’t take any rejection, or most likely no answer at all, personally.
What are you most proud of as a writer?
I love my cover. In fact, I just received a “gold star” rating from TheBookDesigner.com. It took months, four designers and 20+ designs to come to the simple design that I have.
If you could have dinner with any writer, living or dead, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I love Stephen King. Reading his books as a kid and the casual way he wrote, speaking directly to me, had a huge effect on my style. His more recent book On Writing, his autobiography, was a fantastic source of inspiration that lead me to write my book.
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