Posts Tagged The Literary Melting Pot Book Review
Review: Forever Gentleman by Roland Colton
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on July 13, 2017
ISBN: 978-1681142296
Publisher: Anaphora Literary Press
Release Date: July 11, 2016
Blurb
In a style reminiscent of nineteenth-century authors, Forever Gentleman is a sweeping saga of suspense, romance, mystery, and music. Travel back in time and experience Victorian London at its best and worst—a city of beauty and brilliance, and a city steeped in filth and despair. Meet Nathan Sinclair, a struggling young architect and gifted pianist who lives in the two vastly different worlds, mingling in high society while dwelling in suffocating debt and poverty. While performing at a gathering of London’s elite, Nathan meets Jocelyn Charlesworth, a breathtakingly beautiful but temperamental celebrity heiress. He is smitten, though she publicly humiliates him; their paths will intersect again in a most shocking manner.
Full of unexpected twists and turns, the book races towards a thrilling climax that will determine Nathan’s ultimate destiny.
REVIEW
A wonderful novel for lovers of classical music and historical fiction.
The story line here captured me so immensely, I lost track of time, and reality, on several occasions. I was quick to put the world on hold until I could finish the sentence I was reading. It’s terrible that some just don’t understand the power of a good book, and this is definitely one I recommend. I was reminded of several works of classical music that I’d forgotten years ago, and gifted the title of undiscovered melodic treasures.
The characters are intriguing, and Mr. Colton’s writing is wonderfully versatile. Setting is true to the Era, there’s no unnecessary filler, and I hated to put this down.
Bravo!
I received a copy of this wonderful novel in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
*Due to my illness, this review was well over-due, and my apologies go out to Roland Colton AND Paula Margulies*
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ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF:
An experienced trial attorney and musician, Roland Colton attended the University of Utah on a baseball scholarship, graduating cum laude in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1978, where he received scholarships and awards for academic excellence. An avid pianist and composer, Colton performs for public and private gatherings around the world. He resides in Southern California and France. Forever Gentleman is his first novel.
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Rewind REVIEW: Succession by Livi Michael
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on June 15, 2017
BLURB
Succession tells the extraordinary tale of Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, and how she became one of the most formidable women of her age in 1444. Henry VI is married by proxy to Margaret of Anjou: an unpopular choice that causes national uproar. At the same time, the infant Margaret Beaufort is made a great heiress after her father, the Earl of Somerset’s, death. Everyone at court is competing to be her guardian: she brings with her the Beaufort fortune and an advantageous alliance with her uncle. In the years that follow, English rule in France collapses, Henry VI goes insane, civil war erupts, and families are pitted against each other. And though Margaret Beaufort is still little more than a child, by the age of thirteen she has married twice and given birth to her only son – the future King of England. Succession tells the thrilling, bloody story of the fall of the House of Lancaster and the rise of the Tudor dynasty.
REVIEW
This is so much more than what the blurb summarizes, as it gives several POVs throughout. Tidbits from chronicles and other works are placed in the chapters, keeping the reader updated with the actual events. I thoroughly enjoyed these little tidbits, as it makes the story much more personal. The author presented the Duke of York much better than any other character, in my opinion, but the others were fairly represented. This period is a most extraordinary time, and there are several books on which the subject is based, but this author has written an excellent version.
At times, I felt this read as a textbook, but only in spurts. Otherwise, the writing is fast-paced, direct, and creative. A great deal of research shows in each chapter, which was a definite plus, and the story gradually focused more on the Margarets’.
Overall, it’s a very good read, and I’m look forward to reading the next two installments in this series. I recommend for true lovers of history.
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About This Literary Chef
Livi Michael’s website is an extraordinary place to catch up on her latest endeavors, read wonderful background information on her novels, and discover her world of books. Check it out!
REVIEW: A KINDLED WINTER by @RachelLDemeter
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on March 29, 2016
Black Lyon Publishing, LLC
Released: November 1, 2015
BLURB
A week before Christmas, Jeseca Reed sets off for Blue River, Oregon—her childhood home and a vault of tender memories. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when she’s left stranded in the mountains’ vast, untamed wilderness. Desperate and alone, she seeks shelter at a cottage and finds herself in the arms of a mysterious stranger.
Dr. David Drake was once a renowned cardiovascular surgeon. But a devastating tragedy has left him scarred both inside and out, unable to use his hands to operate again. For the past five years, his Blue River cottage has been his sole escape—a safe haven where he can shut out the world, bury himself in his grief, and reunite with his son’s memory.
Together they are summer and winter. Fire and ice. And yet a poignant connection forms between them. Jeseca awakens David and thaws his heart with a romance hot enough to melt snow. But before David and Jeseca can fully embrace each other, they must wade through darkness and confront the ghosts of their pasts…
Equal parts steamy and heartfelt, A Kindled Winter brings the spirit of the holidays to life with a passionate story of second chances and healing love.
REVIEW
I’d like to apologize to Rachel Demeter for the delay in reviewing this wonderful novel.
I was a lucky enough to receive a copy of this beautiful novel in exchange for an honest review.
Simply, a wonderful story that’s hard to put down! The focus stays on the couple, with no interruption, and flows quite smoothly. Sensual scenes are naughty and divinely descriptive, but tasteful. There was a point in the story in which I wanted to put this down because it tore me apart, but I just couldn’t stop reading. Jeseca and David were well written, and easily acceptable as every-day people. Their struggle resonated with me, and the emotional impact was powerful.
Demeter has the unique gift of making the emotion stand out, and has delivered another sweet romance born from the ashes of tragedy. I’ve yet to walk away unaffected by her writing.
Definitely recommend!
**Mature readers due to adult situations, death, and sex.**
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and her high school sweetheart of eleven years. She enjoys writing poignant romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and explore the redeeming power of love.
Imagining dynamic worlds and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mother would record them for her. She holds a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether crafting the protagonist or antagonist, she ensures every character is given a soul.
Rachel endeavors to defy conventions by blending elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness.
Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.
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REVIEW: BLEED by @daxvarley
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on October 27, 2015
BLURB
LIFE IS A NIGHTMARE for Miranda Murphy. Without knowing when or why, blood oozes from her palms—an anomaly that makes her feel like a freak. But her abnormality is now the least of her worries. She’s just enrolled at “Suicide High.” Three deaths in three months—one occurring just days before her arrival.
When she bumps into a cute boy named Jake, things don’t appear so glum. Especially since Jake’s a psychic who can predict the immediate future. But his gift of sight can’t prepare her for the horrors that await.
Through Jake, Miranda meets three other extraordinary students:
Topher – who can heal by touch.
Sam – who eats the sins of the dead.
And Xyan – who speaks and understands all languages.
It’s then that Miranda learns the secret behind why she bleeds.
When it becomes evident that supernatural forces are at play, the five determined friends team up. Now it’s up to them to destroy the evil that’s infecting their school.
A great YA Horror!
This is not your usual good vs. evil novel, as Dax Varley is an exceptional YA novelist! I’m always amazed with the skillful manner in which she connects with all ages!
Immediately, the story packs a punch! We’re given narration from several view points, including that of a very nasty culprit, with remarkable precision. The writing is so good, there is no lull, no confusion, and definitely no lack of imagination. The rag tag team representing the good is an authentic version of kids today, and the evil is concealed brilliantly.
I enjoyed this immensely, as I’m a fan of horror. There was comedic relief to balance the terror, the gory scenes were perfectly gross, and there’s even a sweet little romance involved. Highly recommend.
**I recommend for High School aged YA & above due to violence, subject matter, and language.**
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Dax Varley writes the kind of young adult novels she wishes were around when she was a teen. She’s a lover of humor, horror and all things paranormal.
When Dax isn’t writing, she’s collecting odd photos online, reading
recaps of her favorite shows or kicked back with a good book.
She lives in Richmond, Texas with her husband, a shelf full of action figures and about a dozen imaginary friends
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REVIEW & SPOTLIGHT! Captive Guardian (Witches Amulet Book 2) by Paulina Woods
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on July 17, 2015
BLURB:
High above New York, in a gilded cage, Marcus lives out his lonely life. Born in captivity, he has been told he has one purpose in life, to produce powerful female witch offspring.
Michael is second in command to the general of the gargoyles army. He lives a fast and dangerous life, always looking for the next adventure. When he is captured, bound and tossed into a cage all thoughts of revenge go out the window when he is faced with his mate.
Can Michael convince Marcus that they are meant to be together or will he lose his mate before he a chance to know him?
REVIEW
This is a very unique paranormal series that gets better with each installment.
The beginning is an extraordinary introduction presented in mythical, scriptural form. As in the first book, this is an immediate hook that captures interest. The plot is well crafted, the suspense is intriguing, and the smooth flow allows time to connect with each character.
There are some grammatical errors, but I wasn’t deterred. The focus bounces between a M/M love story, the devious acts of an unusual coven, and the paranormal forces acting against the coven. The author’s growth is visible from one book to the next, and I find her writing style quite charming.
I recommend reading after the first installment, and I have no doubt that Ms.Woods will continue to mesmerize her audience with this creative series!
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About This Literary Chef
Paulina is a small town girl with big dreams. She is the second oldest of three talented siblings.
An extraordinary young writer with an amazing story of her own, she is currently working on the third installment in The Witches Amulet Series.
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