“Finding Katie” is a beautifully written story about a difficult subject. Katie’s a seventeen-year-old girl who cuts herself to deal with childhood abuse and flashbacks. Being written in first-person present really pulled me into the story and I found it a hard book to put down. Katie ends up in a mental institute after she cuts herself too deeply. Although this isn’t light reading, I found a glimmer of hope when a nurse stepped in to help this young woman. I rooted for Katie and felt her pain as she opened-up to herself. This may have been a fictional tale, but this is a reality for some children. I finished this with a little more understanding of the people who pull others out of that darkness created by their loved ones. I highly recommend this psychological thriller.
“Bleeding Heart” is a book that has a little bit of everything: history, culture, magic, romance, mystery, and action. The characters are strongly written and include four sisters who lost their father and a group of ‘brothers’ whose job it is to protect them. Gianni is one of the brothers who shows up at the architectural firm the sisters own and meets Frankie, the oldest sister. They’re passionately drawn to each other as he tries to protect her without her knowing and she unwillingly accepts his offer of help when she finds her car tires slashed. Then, there are the secrets. The brothers carry knives that provide them with powers, the sisters don’t know they are descendants of the Medici family or someone wants these Medici descendant’s dead. There’s plenty of action that makes it a page turner as well as details of Italian culture. I especially loved when they were at mass, cooking or interacting like brothers and sisters do. Ms. Troilo wrote an action-packed book that I fully enjoyed. I look forward to reading the rest of the series to see where the story goes.
This is a story that follows eighteen-year-old Pia. She is on a family vacation before she heads off to college. Pia quickly ends up meeting a local young man, Trey – who she doesn’t trust. They develop a friendship and steamy romance during her vacation. Their story is told first through Pia’s point of view and then finishes with Trey’s perspective. This makes for a deeper understanding of a book that is not only about a relationship, but touches on mental health issues and death. There was a stark contrast between how well Pia’s family got along and Trey’s family issues. I was rooting for Trey to overcome his impossible situation and Pia to recognize it. I loved the setting at the ocean and could see myself taking the same vacation. This is a story I enjoyed and look forward to reading more from Ms. Abbott.
This is a book that you can read with your child – and both enjoy it. I first read it alone and found I enjoyed learning about Ellsworth’s history. Then, I read it to my seven-year-old granddaughter. She loved the animal illustrations and the party they threw to celebrate the town’s birthday. She particularly liked the dog illustrations, but laughed out loud at the squirrel at the end. “Shadow and Friends Celebrate Ellsworth, KS 150th Birthday” is educational and entertaining. My granddaughter and I appreciated the history, story and animals. Although, I have the Kindle copy, I’m going to add the paperback to my grandchildren’s book collection. I recommend this book.
“When Mr. Burns Dies: Behind the Tentacles Conspiracy” is a very well written and interesting conspiracy tale. It has strong main characters: Mr. Burns whose power seems to have consumed his humanity, and the young man Edgar who is Mr. Burns underling. It delves into classified programs and keeping them secret – at all costs. There’s payback and unforeseen results. The story line and characters kept my interest throughout. It was unnerving thinking this isn’t too far from the truth. I’ve always enjoyed a good conspiracy story- and Mr. Kimbrell provided that.
“Unseen Motives” is a mystery set in a small town. Stephanie is a successful author who comes back to her hometown after her aunt’s death. She hadn’t been there since her and her mother left after the murder/suicide her father was involved in. Now, she finds out what she thought was true, may not be. The characters are well written and the small town was charming. I could easily see myself living in the house Stephanie was staying in. There’s a bit of romance, rekindled friendships, and small-town gossip- along with the mystery. Although, I was able to figure out who the killer was—there was still an element of surprise I hadn’t expected. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
When I find an author I like, I usually read all of their work. I haven’t been able to do that in my quest to read as many fellow indie authors as I can. I quickly have become a instant fan of many indie authors since I’ve started this. I plan to take a break in my “reading quest” and go back and finish some of the series I’ve started…after one more book. I really look forward to finishing what I’ve started and continue my reading quest!
I post my reviews here on the website of indie authors under: “Books I’ve Read”. The only order they are in – is the last one I’ve read is at the top. I broke them up into fiction/poetry, non-fiction, YA and children. When you have some time check it out and let me know what you think! Someday I may get in there and arrange them alphabetically…
Still on track to release This Second Chance in the next week or two!
My reading list is long, but I am enjoying every moment of it. Your book is at top of list – after I get through finishing my series:) thanks for stopping by.
So delighted that you enjoyed Finding Katie. Thanks for the lovely review! 🙂
I’m So glad Santa brought it to me:)
Awesome list of good reads
It was, Carolyn:)
Wow! So many fascinating books. Thank you for the reviews. I already have a couple of these on my TBR list and I plan to add at least one more. 🙂
My reading list is long, but I am enjoying every moment of it. Your book is at top of list – after I get through finishing my series:) thanks for stopping by.
That’s wonderful news! Thank you very much! Happy writing! 😀 xx