Book Link

New Review:

Top reviews from the United States

Northern Lights

5.0 out of 5 stars A Heart-Eye-Opening Memoir

Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024

Verified Purchase

A Heart-Eye-Opening Memoir

“Her Alibi” by Mary L. Schmidt is a compelling and extraordinary memoir that delves deep into the harrowing experiences of a daughter enduring severe physical and mental abuse from her bipolar mother, aptly named “The Drama Queen.” This book is not just an eye-opener; it is a profound journey into the life of a child who faced unimaginable hardships and emerged stronger.
 
Mary’s story is a stark reminder of the hidden traumas many children endure behind closed doors. The narrative is raw and unflinching, shedding light on the often-unspoken horrors of child abuse. Yet, it goes beyond merely recounting these painful experiences. It opens the door to understanding and empathy for those who have survived such violence and have grown into resilient adults.
 
Schmidt’s writing is powerful and evocative, drawing readers into her world and making them feel every emotion she experienced. This memoir is not just a story of survival; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of compassion and understanding.

“Her Alibi” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of abuse and the incredible resilience of those who endure it. It will stay with you long after you turn the last page, leaving you with a deeper sense of empathy and a desire to offer a caring hug to all the survivors out there.

Thank you for reading my book.

Book Link

From Amazon:

In the turbulent aftermath of World War I, Germany is a nation reeling from hardship and chaos.

Here, three friends—Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah—find comfort in each other as they grow up in these challenging times. Their lives take a dramatic turn with the rise of Adolf Hitler, testing their bond in ways they never imagined.

As Hitler’s Final Solution sweeps across the country, Adam and Hannah are thrust into a perilous situation, fighting for survival. Elisabeth, too, faces her own battles, confronting a hidden enemy who threatens her very existence. The promise they made to stick together is put to the ultimate test.

Their stories diverge, leading each on an unexpected journey through a world torn apart by conflict.

My Review:

This book made me feel much of how WW2 went, yet not being there in person, not having been yet, I truly can’t feel the true feelings of those during that time. There’s always sadness when books are read that take place during a horrible time. With that comes precious moments of love and family. Testing your faith. Loss of those killed. Births of new babies. Time marches on. Yet this book has all of that with the reality of how different struggles were dealt with. A true saga.

Book Link

From Amazon:

D.G. Kaye is back, and as she reflects on some of her more memorable vacations and travel snags, she finds herself constantly struggling to keep one step ahead of the ever-changing guidelines of the airlines—with her overweight luggage in tow. Her stories alert us to some of the pitfalls of being an obsessive shopper, especially when it comes time for D.G. to bring her treasures home, and remind us of the simpler days when traveling was a breeze. In her quest to keep from tipping the scales, D.G. strives to devise new tricks to fit everything in her suitcases on each trip. Why is she consistently a target for Canada customs on her return journeys? D.G.’s witty tales take us from airports, to travel escapades with best friends, to reflections on how time can change the places we hold dear in our hearts. Her memories will entertain and have you reminiscing about some of your own most treasured journeys—and perhaps make you contemplate revamping your packing strategies.

My Review:

This was a nice memoir with a lot of chuckles along the way. I could relate to the changes in Las Vegas, and I hope the author has had a chance to visit Tahoe or Reno. I wish I’d had her problems with overweight baggage on hee trips around the world. As a little kid, I dreamed of traveling but never had the chance. As an adult, I never went out of state until age 32 – my honeymoon. That was one state over to Colorado and a six plus hour drive one way. The author’s had trips I can’t even begin to imagine. She’s had blessings with a loving mother, husband, and best friends for decades. She does include many travel tips if you fly.

Book Link

From Amazon:

If Outlander, Karate Kid, Leap Year, Survivor, Brave New World, and Frankenstein had a love child, J.G. MacLeod’s The Once and Future Love would be the result. This final instalment of the MacLeod Scottish Time Travel Rom Com series is an epic mashup of historical romance, action, adventure, science fiction, and satire that is both lighthearted escapism and a prescient SOS call.

Brigid MacDonald leads a mundane existence in Huntsville, Ontario. Her childhood as an orphan in foster care was traumatic enough, so why should she take risks that could cause her more emotional damage? Instead, Brigid thrives on the predictability of her coffee barista job, and being a sensei at the dojo where she teaches karate. The most exciting things that happen to her are hanging out with her BFF, Selma, being adored by fellow black belt, Mark, and finding her neighbour’s cat when he escapes from his apartment.

That all changes when she discovers a strange man, magically transported inside her storage closet one night. He’s ridiculously tall and handsome, wears a blue-and-green kilt, and speaks an ancient dialect that confounds explanation. Where is he from, and how did he get there? None of Brigid’s theories explain his bizarre appearance, nor the fact he doesn’t understand anything about modern society. Worse yet, he’s been gravely injured and reveals that he challenged his elder brother to prevent his clan from marching upon their sworn enemy. What’s a girl to do?

Ferghus MacLeod is equally shocked to find himself in a country he’s never heard of before, in the home of the bonniest lass he’s ever laid eyes upon. Her Canadian accent warms his blood and almost makes him forget he should try to return home. He doesn’t understand why someone so accomplished has been left without the protection of a clan. Despite Ferghus’s commitment to his own people, he can’t deny his growing attraction for this intriguing redhead, which pushes his self control to its limit. It wouldn’t hurt if he stuck around for a few more days, would it?

As Ferghus tries to acclimatize himself to life in the twenty-first century, and Brigid attempts to win the prize money in a survival competition so she can return to university, the pair discovers their chance meeting might not have been as accidental as they once believed. Not only could the star-crossed lovers be in danger, but the rest of humanity, too.

“Naethin’ is certain in yer time; ye’ve cut down the trees, and burned the roots with ‘em.”

Can Brigid MacDonald and Ferghus MacLeod work together to solve the mystery of the time travel and confess their true feelings for one another before forces beyond their control destroy their past, present, and future love?

***This slow-burn romantic comedy combines beloved elements of contemporary romance, historical fiction, sci-fi, romantic suspense, mystery, and social commentary, and promises a fast-paced adventure without heavy politics and absolutely no sexual violence.***

Author’s Notes:
The Once and Future Love contains tropes of the romance genre, as well as carefully-chosen historical inaccuracies to facilitate the plot. While this 3rd book in the trilogy can be read as a standalone, the ‘Easter Eggs’ and humour are enhanced by reading The Future Bride and The Past Love first.

My Review:

What a truly wonderful and pleasurable book to read. I laughed so hard in the beginning, trying to put myself into Ferghus, any coming straight out of the 1500s into 2019. Surely, he was terrified of motor vehicles, let alone planes, cell phones, computers, light bulbs, the whole bit. Fergus remained true to his character from the 1500s and kept Bridgid safe. The mix with non-human DNA was a bit of a stretch, but fit right in with the story. Five shiny gold stars.

Her Alibi took Silver in this year’s Reader’s Favorite contest! Book Link

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite

As a child, Mary could not figure out why her mother’s behavior toward her tended to be either violent or angry. As she got older the relationship between them only got worse, so much so that she could not wait to get out of living under her mother’s control. Her siblings were not immune and even her mother’s partners bore their fair share of her vitriolic attacks. After she had moved out, got married, and started her own family, you would expect that Mary would be free of her mother’s machinations. Then she received a call about her stepfather’s death which coincided with her mother’s strange late-hour visit. Could it be that her mother somehow found a way to rope Mary into her fiendish scheme? One so unbelievable it could involve murder? Find out in Her Alibi by Mary L. Schmidt.

Mary L. Schmidt tells a compelling story in her book. Her accounts are detailed and graphic, leaving precious little to the imagination. She explains her family history thoroughly, making it easier to understand her story. It is difficult to believe that some of the events transpired in the way she recorded them, but the way the details come together in the latter stages gives the reader ample opportunity to draw conclusions as to the mental state of Mary’s mother and her capabilities. Her Alibi is another example of where reality trumps fiction and Schmidt must be commended for finding the courage to pen this book.

Book Link

From Amazon:

Fiona’s old college chum, Priscilla Conroy, has recently moved back to the Pittsburgh area after a most unpleasant divorce. Fiona was looking forward to reconnecting with her friend to help cheer her up and the two had made plans to meet at the bank where her friend worked after it closed—only Priscilla never shows up for the lunch date. Thinking the worse, Fiona is beside herself and spends the entire Memorial Day weekend searching for her friend. Did her ex-husband abduct her? Has she been murdered? Somehow Fiona knows that the key to Priscilla Conroy’s disappearance lies within the bank. But how can that be? Join Fiona Quinn for a quick mystery that’s sure to keep you guessing!

My Review:

Top reviews from the United States

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick read!

Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024

Verified Purchase

This is a quick read and hilarious as well, in places, along with a bit of dementia and notes from an ATM. The essence of the author’s writing style is the same. Wonderful. Five shiny gold stars!

Book Link

From Amazon:

Dive into the delicious world of veggies with “Vegetabites: The Alphabet One Veggie at a Time!” From A to Z, journey through vibrant watercolor illustrations, fascinating facts, and nutritional highlights of each vegetable, shared by award-winning authors, Derek R. King and Julie L. Kusma with her Master of Health Education expertise.

Asparagus spears gracefully introduce children to the alphabet adventure, leading them through a garden of delights to the final flourish of zucchinis. Each turn of the page reveals a new vegetable, beautifully depicted and bursting with knowledge.

Explore the crunchy, leafy, and colorful spectrum of vegetables, from the antioxidant-rich A in Asparagus to the zesty Z for Zucchini. Along the way, discover fun facts about each veggie’s origins, cultivation, and culinary uses.

Engaging and educational, “Vegetabites” encourages young minds to embrace healthy eating habits while learning the ABCs. With stunning artwork and engaging content, this book is the perfect blend of fun and learning for budding food enthusiasts.

My Review:

Top review from the United States

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Concept book

Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024

Verified Purchase

This is another wonderful concept book by Kusma and King. They have taken the ASCs and incorporated vegetables into each letter and vowel. Furthermore, they also broken down vegetables by their category, such as tubers. Then, the fun part of tracing over the alphabet and writing each character on a blank page. I love how kids can incorporate drawings into the mix. Five shiny gold stars!

Book Link

From Amazon:

“A gripping and thrilling tale. The writing was INCREDIBLE!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Her letters can save the country. But can she be trusted?

A double agent.

As World War Two rages, MI5 agent Sarah Gillespie is faced with her toughest challenge yet: handling Adeline Vernier, a mysterious double agent from Paris.

A dangerous mission.

Adeline’s coded letters could help the Allies defeat the Germans – but, in return, she demands that her boyfriend is rescued from Nazi-occupied France. Adeline is not above threatening to double-cross MI5 to get what she wants, leaving Sarah fearful for the millions of lives at stake.

Letters that could change their lives forever.

As they embark on a secret operation through Lisbon, they must tread carefully to avoid the clutches of the Nazis. But will they make it out alive, together? Or is the enemy closer than they realise?

My Review:

Top reviews from the United States

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars  Awesome

Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2024

Verified Purchase

This is either the first book or second book I’ve read from this writer. I felt like I was thrust into the war at the time. Hard truths became real as I read about the occupation and the destruction of so many lives and places with historical relevance. I read about this war in school and in college, but the author brings out just how devious agents and agents were and are to this very day. WW2 was more than bad, and I felt like I was living in some of the scenes. This novel is not all gloom and doom. There are funny, lighthearted moments and romance interspersed with spies and subturfuge to make people higher up within the regimes believe the Intel given, and one woman from France became a double agent. Real life with rationing and black out curtains was normal. Five shiny gold stars!

Book Title: Downriver

Series: The Poison River Series (Book 1)

Author: Jennifer M. Lane

Publication Date: May 28, 2024

Publisher: Pen & Key Publishing

Pages: 344

Genre: Historical

Any Triggers: Death, Violence

Twitter Handle: @Jenn_L_Writes @cathiedunn @MaryLSchmidt

Instagram Handle: @jenniferlanewrites @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #Revenge #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/07/blog-tour-downriver-by-jennifer-m-lane.html

Book Title and Author Name:

Downriver

by Jennifer M. Lane

Blurb:

A sulfur sky poisoned her family and her heart. Now revenge tastes sweeter than justice.

It’s 1900. In a Pennsylvania coal town tainted by corruption and pollution, Charlotte’s world collapses when her parents meet a tragic end. Sent to a foster family in a Maryland fishing village, she’s fueled by grief and embarks on a relentless quest for justice against the ruthless coal boss, Nels Pritchard.

But Charlotte is no ordinary girl. She shares the fiery spirit of her father, whose powerful speeches inspired worker riots. With a burning desire for vengeance, she sets out to uncover the truth behind Pritchard’s crimes, unearthing a shocking connection between the town’s toxic air and the lifeless fish washing up on the shore of her Chesapeake Bay foster town.

To expose the truth, Charlotte builds a network of unexpected allies. There are gutsy suffragists, a literary society of teenage girls willing to print the truth… and Weylan. The captivating young man lost his own family to Pritchard’s poison. He offers support, but Charlotte questions his true motives when he lures her to break the law. Could she be falling into a dangerous trap, leading her to a fate worse than poison?

With her unwavering spirit and determination, Charlotte must forge alliances and navigate a web of treachery before Pritchard seeks his own ruthless revenge.

When Angels Fly Blog Post:

Writing around The Tiffany Problem in 1900 Settings.

Readers of historical fiction know the Tiffany Problem well, even if they’ve never heard the term for it. One moment, they’re enjoying a Roman-era romance, the next they’re stumbling on a reference to central heating, scowling at the seeming anachronism, preparing their one-star review.

Only a handful of readers may be familiar with hypocaust systems. The rest either pitch the book at the wall or tumble down a rabbit hole, losing weeks of their lives to old archaeological Time Team episodes on YouTube.

Authors of historical fiction must balance these little surprises with Olympic-gymnast levels of grace to avoid pulling readers from the story. No matter how well we know our audience, it’s impossible to predict what might surprise them, so we lean on feedback from beta readers and editors. Then we smooth out little bumps in the road, and we compile the rest in the author’s note.

One of the joys of writing in the year 1900 is the lesser-known time period. Most readers are familiar with Regency and WWII settings, but many might be surprised to learn that a mimeograph machine, canned deviled ham, matchbooks, and high schools were all a part of life in 1900.

While drafting Downriver, I kept a list of things that might surprise readers for that purpose, and I enjoyed discussing them with readers online. Here are a few readers will see in Downriver.

Matchbooks:

The invention of matchbooks is credited to two Pennsylvania men—Joshua Pusey (Delaware County) and Charles Bowman (Lebanon, PA)—who simultaneously but independently developed them.

High Schools:

High schools feel modern, but they were increasingly prevalent by the 1880s. Cecil County, Maryland, where Downriver is set, had high schools in 1898. The school that inspired the one in Downriver opened in 1900.

Spiked Drinks:

The phrase “spiked drink” seems modern, but Etymonline places the earliest mention at 1889. The earliest mention I could find in print was in a November 7, 1900 edition of Northwestern Christian Advocate.

Five and Dime Stores:

The five and dime seems like a 50s-era establishment, full of toys and housewares. The first store was opened in 1878 by Frank Woolworth in Utica, NY. Unfortunately, it didn’t thrive in Utica, but did in its new home in Lancaster, PA – spawning countless 5&10 stores across the country.

Mimeograph Machines:

Based on a design by Thomas Edison, a Chicago businessman made a flatbed duplicator in 1877 that he sold for $12! It copied one page at a time.

Rotary Press:

Could there have been a rotary press in 1900? Sure! The Hoe Rotary Press, also known as a Lightning Press, was first used in 1847 to print the Philadelphia Public Ledger.

Deviled Ham in a Can:

Have you ever eaten Deviled Ham? Kids in 1900 could! The Underwood company started producing it and selling it in distinctive cans in 1868!

The newest book by award-winning author Jennifer M. Lane is perfect for fans of Jeannette Walls’ Hang the Moon and the fiery protagonist in The Hunger Games. Join Charlotte in this small town, coming-of-age dystopian historical saga as she finds resilience, courage, and triumph in her search for identity, independence, and her true home.

Buy Links:

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bWlKk0

Universal Series Link: https://linktr.ee/Poison_River_Series

Author Bio:

A Maryland native and Pennsylvanian at heart, Jennifer M. Lane holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Barton College and a master’s in liberal arts with a focus on museum studies from the University of Delaware, where she wrote her thesis on the material culture of roadside memorials.

Jennifer is a member of the Authors Guild and the Historical Novel Society. Her first book, Of Metal and Earth, won the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Award for First Novel and was a Finalist in the 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards in the category of Literary / General Fiction. She is also the author of Stick Figures from Rockport, and the six book series, The Collected Stories of Ramsbolt.

Author Links:

Website: www.jennifermlanewrites.com

Twitter: https://x.com/Jenn_L_Writes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferMLaneAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlanewrites/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jenniferlanewrites

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jennifermlaneauthor/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-m-lane

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-M-Lane/author/B07FPLSZKG Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18214590.Jennifer_M_Lane

Book Title: A Most Unsettled Man

Author: Lily Style

Publication Date: July 23^rd, 2024

Publisher: Historium Press

Pages: 362

Genre: Historical Biography

Twitter Handle: @cathiedunn

Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #BiographicalNonFiction #Biography #HistoricalBiography #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/07/blog-tour-a-most-unsettled-man-by-lily-style.html

Book Title and Author Name:

A Most Unsettled Man

Lily Style

Blurb:

George Matcham, dubbed the most unsettled man alive, was born in East India Company controlled Bombay and undertook three epic overland treks between Asia and England before marrying the favourite sister of the not yet famous Horatio Nelson. Intimate details about George’s life have been preserved because of his close relationship with Nelson and his famous paramour Emma Hamilton, whose rises and falls he observed first-hand.

Packed with period press clippings and eyewitness accounts, A Most Unsettled Man provides an unprecedented glimpse into the private life of a modest 18th century English gentleman, as well retelling the enduring love story of Nelson and Emma from an entirely new perspective.

Excerpt 3:

In Bath, balls were big business. Laying on the type of fancy fare the attendees were accustomed to would have decimated profits. Alcohol wasn’t served, but cheap refreshments, comprising day old “thinly sliced stale bread, dry cakes, lemonade, coffee, and tea”, could be purchased at about ten in the evening, for approximately sixpence, from a side room with no tables and only a few chairs.

This chaotic bustle seems to have been more similar to modern-day club parties in Ibiza than the stately ensembles reenacted in costume dramas, and very different from George’s regimented upbringing in Puritanical Bombay.

It was here, amidst a sensory riot of high fashion, pressing bodies, perfume, stink, violins, haphazard dancers, and poor food, that his eyes passed over the eligible Dorothea Scrivener and were, instead, hooked by her cousin, Kitty Nelson.

Buy Links:

Universal Ebook Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3nQveB

Amazon US (paperback): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962465489

Amazon UK (paperback): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1962465489

Author Bio:

Lily Style is the direct descendant of famed lovers Admiral Lord Nelson and Emma Hamilton and also Nelson’s sister, Kitty Matcham (because their grandchildren married).

Lily is the founder of Emma Hamilton Society and writes regularly for Nelson-related publications. She is also a keen genealogist with an interest in piecing together real human stories lying behind dry facts.

One of these stories is of her 4th great-grandfather, George Matcham, whose story she’s traced from his mid eighteenth-century birth in East India Company controlled Bombay through to his intimate involvement with Nelson and Emma’s rise and fall.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.lilystyle.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilystyleauthor

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lily-Style/author/B088BZRK4Y Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12584044.Lily_Style