January Book Reviews Part 1! @harmony_kent @LGauffreau #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #readersoftwitter

The Bubble Reputation

By Alex Craigie

“The Bubble Reputation” is a chilling read showing the dark side of social media and news. Emmie has it all. She is a successful children’s author, on a show, happily married, and close to her parents. After she wins an award, things change after a fabricated story is posted about her to increase profits. She tries to let it pass, but the anger and outrage directed at her take on a life of its own. Her reputation is ruined, and there isn’t a shortage of people, including a family member, trying to make money off it. She was a character with whom I felt her pain as her life spun out of control. She quickly found out who had her back and who wanted to see her downfall. I loved the relationship between her and her husband and her parents. This story was a dire warning of what can happen when an editor and journalist decides they can say whatever they want about another human, regardless of the consequences. The sad part was how a portion of her young reader’s parents quickly believed whatever they read about Emmie, and from there, it spiraled out of control. A quick read that I couldn’t put and can easily recommend.

Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance

By Elizabeth Gauffreau

A beautiful collection of family history that Ms. Gauffreau paired personal photographs with a tanka poem to bring history to life. “Grief Songs” is a tribute to the author’s parents and brother and their life together. It reads like a memoir that vividly transports the reader to the past through images and words. It is a quick and moving read that shares moments in time. This is a compelling reminder that even though we lose our loved ones, our journey with them is never forgotten. I can easily recommend this book to those who enjoy poetry and memoirs.

 

Sorrowful Soul: Book 3 in the Soul Poetry Series

By Harmony Kent

I have read and enjoyed the first two books in this series. I was looking forward to reading this collection, yet I worried it would be a heavy read. Instead of heavy, it was powerful. The free verse poetry told a story with vivid images and emotions that explored loss. Arranged by the seven stages of grief, the words painted a picture of the expected feelings during the process. All of us face a loss at some point in our lives, leaving us to deal with it in our own way. This book lets us know it’s okay to be in denial, sad, or angry at a situation out of our control. In the end, hope peeked through, offering a new road to take once we journey through our grief and hopelessness. For those who can’t see that light, Ms. Kent offered some valuable information for those who might need someone to talk to. This is a must-read for those who love emotional poetry that provides understanding and healing.

I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews here! If I don’t like the book, I won’t finish it. It wouldn’t be fair to leave a review for an unfinished story, and life is too short not to enjoy my reading journey!

Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn

108 thoughts on “January Book Reviews Part 1! @harmony_kent @LGauffreau #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #readersoftwitter”

    2. Three wonderful reviews, Denise. I haven’t read The Bubble Reputation, but it sounds frightening because social media can be such a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands!

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      1. Thanks for the comment, Priscilla – I’m horrified by what I see on social media sometimes.

      2. Thank you, Priscilla:) Social media is a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands and Bubble Reputation really dives into that.

  2. Thanks so much for your wonderful review of Sorrowful Soul, Denise. I’m doing my happy dance 💃 Huge congratulations to Trish and Liz … two books I have on my TBR. Have a great week. Hugs 💕🙂

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    2. Sorrowful Soul was a powerful read meant to be read more than once, Harmony 🙂 You have some good reading ahead!

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  3. These are very tempting reviews of Harmony’s and Liz’s books, Denise. Off to check them out. I have actually read Alex’s book and can thoroughly recommend it. A good story well told and, I’m afraid, all too real in the world today. But with a brilliant denouement.

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    3. You can’t go wrong with either poetry collection, Judith! Yes, Bubble Reputation is not only well told but frightening how easily it can happen.

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    2. Thanks, Diana! I’m halfway through The Bone Wall and it’s genuinely a book I resent having to put down!

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      2. Thank you, Trish. That book is a grim one, so you’re brave. But I’m delighted that you’re giving it a try. It’s great to see The Bubble Reputation getting such wonderful reviews. Congrats!

    3. Yes, very good reads, Diana 🙂 I do believe our kindles approve as we work our way through them…lol.

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  7. These sound good, Denise. I’ve read Harmony’s and am probably too weak to read Alex. SM is such a powerfully destructive tool. The stories of ruined lives are awful and true.

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    2. Both beautiful collections, and Social Media is a chilling subject to dive into, Jacqui. Its a good lesson that just because its written doesn’t mean its true.

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  8. Congratulations to these three super ladies for receiving such wonderful reviews! I can’t wait to read each of these works, and thank you for sharing your thoughts on them, Denise. Best wishes to all for HUGE sales ahead!
    😊❤️😊

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    1. Many thanks, Marcia! I can hand-on-heart recommend Grief Songs, and I have Sorrowful Soul on my Kindle.

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    2. Thanks, Marcia 🙂 You have some great reading ahead! Yes, here’s to huge sales for them. Xo

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    1. Thanks, Balroop – it IS a lovely review, and it’s great to be here with two poets I really enjoy. Your Hues of Hope made a huge impression on me.

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      1. Like you, Alex, Hues of Hope lingers in a beautiful fashion after reading.

    2. Bothbgreat poetry collections. Bubble Reputation is so relevant, I think you will enjoy it.

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  11. Excellent review, Denise. I’ve read Harmony’s collection of poetry and Trish’s fantastic “The Bubble Reputation” and enjoyed them tremendously. I’m sure Liz’s is exceptional as well. Congratulations to all three authors!

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    1. Thanks, Mae 🙂 Yes, they were not only enjoyable but reads that hang on. i believe you’d enjoy that collection too.

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  12. Thank you so much for that great review, Denise. It’s a privilege to be on here in the company of authors I rate very highly. <3

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    1. It was a thought provoking book, Alex that has kept me thinking. I hope it leaves readers thinking twice about what they read on Social Media! Xo

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  15. Fantastic reviews, Denise! I have read both poetry books and have Trish’s book on my Kindle. I look forward to reading it. Thank you for sharing and congratulations to these authors!

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  20. Fantastic reviews Denise. I’ve also read and loved Alex’s and Harmony’s book and look forward to reading Liz’s too. Congrats to all! <3

    Reply

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