Tag Archive | book-reviews

Broken Chances

May7

Book Link

From Amazon:

A young wife. A much older husband. Is it only the age gap that threatens to ruin their marriage?

When Margo marries Michael, she believes that her life will change forever. And it really does, only not in the way a young girl from a small country in Northern Europe thought it would.

Latvia, a dreamy land with rich historical heritage and endless beaches stretching for miles, for Margo, is a gloomy place where she would have to struggle for years to have a decent life. All she knows is her hometown – a depressing place built for the needs of the factory workers – dull commuting to the capital Riga, and a bar in the Old Town where she works, always full of loud and often unceremonious tourists.

Skipping a chance to explore her home country and the opportunities it might offer, Margo accepts Michael’s proposal and moves to a dramatically picturesque island in England.

A small, tightly-knit community, where everyone knows everyone and where nothing ever happens, is not particularly welcoming to a newcomer. Unfamiliar with local traditions and quirks, Margo often finds herself in awkward situations. Still, with each walk she takes along the coastal path on the small island she now calls home, Margo falls deeper in love with the stunning landscapes of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Alas, with each day she spends with Michael, she realises more clearly that her marriage is falling apart.

Margo keeps asking herself why what she thought was a chance of a lifetime turned into a disaster. Will she find the answer? And will she love again after having been bitterly disappointed in marriage and relationships?

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England, “Broken Chances” is a self-discovery journey with a dash of cosy mystery and clean romance.

P.S. Expect to be smitten by charming dogs and majestic horses.

My Review:

Margo is young and dreams of having a new life away from Latvia. She marries an older man twice her age, and they move to an idyllic coastal town on an island in Dorset, England. Love didn’t rule Margo’s heart and she comes to realize quickly that the man she married does not love her. He only desires her cooking per his specifications, dinner on the table at exact times, household cleaner, anything he can get her to do. Yet he shows hatred and dissatisfaction with her cooking. A man who doesn’t love her, an island town with women who take a long time to make friends with. But she does succeed. Yet her life is empty. She looks forward to the days when her husband is not at home and out working. Along comes Finley, a young and handsome man who takes a shine on Margo. Margo’s husband becomes more abusive. Margo needs to get out of this marriage. Can she? Will Margo get out and away from her abusive husband? Will she ever find her own happily ever after? And what of her mother? Is she too old to marry again? Will anyone in Dorset have the dreams they dream of? This novel has a great plot with numerous subplots.

First Wives Reprisal: Book 1

May1

Book Link

From Amazon:

NOTE: Graphic Sexual relations trigger, Abused women trigger

This is book 1 of a 2 part book… not a series

Elaine Prescott may have been born into wealth and privilege, but she suffered as any other woman by a cheating husband. Stripping her of her self-worth, he left her devastated and humiliated. However, Elaine found the courage to fight back, and planned a reprisal, so intricate, her husband never saw it coming.

Once she dealt with her own husband, Elaine set her sights on gaining justice for her friends. Working together, these six women regain what their partners stole, and along the way formed lifelong friendships. They also discovered, that rebuilding their life in their fifties came with challenges. Love is on the horizon, but starting new romantic relationships after thirty years of being with the same man, they had to adapt to the current ways of dating.

Part 1 tells the story of Elaine’s, Alexia’s and Heather’s reprisals, and picking up the pieces of their broken lives. Enjoy the goings-on at Escapades, a women’s only club, and how love and betrayal, comes in many different forms.

My Review:

NOTE: Graphic Sexual relations trigger, Abused women triggers

Starting over in life when in your 50s is not easy. Starting over at any age is hard. The older you are, the harder it is. Betrayal is a bitter pill. In this book, vengeance is sought after and attained. Revenge comes at a cost, and that includes lives in danger, even lives lost! A vengeful ex goes back after a vengeful ex. The reprisals are wicked and truth hurts.

Meet The Teenage Dynamo Who Went Viral Worldwide

Apr16

Thank you for having me on your blog yet again, Mary!

My experience on the Cozy Book Nook podcast was wonderful and so eye-opening. The individuals who spoke on the podcast really peeled back the curtain to show me what the writing world is really like with all of its threads and connections. I’ll never forget the amazing advice they shared, and how happy they were that I am pursuing my dreams. 

I hope they will welcome me onto their marvelous podcast sometime soon for the second time so that I can expand my knowledge further. Their kindness has been unbelievable, and now that I know the gist of how this podcast on X works, perhaps I can contribute some of my knowledge as well. Learning from each other is one of the best things that authors can do in my humble opinion. With perseverance and lots of hard work, we can help each other soar as much as we have, maybe more. Authors helping authors is a powerful mindset.

Talking to people from other countries was enlightening and again, very eye-opening too. It’s been very cool to continue conversations with some of the individuals, and knowing that my book is located in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, and Germany (among others) is unreal. I never would have thought that it would reach that far across the globe. It’s almost like a Snow: Cursed revolution spreading around the world. I’ll never forget how much some of those people have helped me in the literary world. 

The knowledge that all of these wonderful individuals have shared will continue to inspire, help, and shape me as I ensue in my long and enduring career as an upcoming esteemed author. And Mary, a stellar award-winning author, thank you so much for taking me under your wing and showing me the intricate workings of what it’s like to be a writer. You will inspire me for the rest of my years. As a word of advice from me, if you have written a book and have not published it, go for it and just believe in yourself! You are worth much more than you know, and so are the magical words you place effortlessly—and sometimes painstakingly—on the page.

Snow: Cursed Link

Review Snippets:

“This is a remarkable debut from a new, young author. It is full of familiar characters, but with a fresh and new perspective. I wanted to read it all at once, just to see who would come along next! It’s almost as though you’ve run into some old friends and get to spend pages and pages getting to know them again, but with a deeper understanding that would never have come from a children’s picture book. I highly recommend giving this book a read.”

“This isn’t your average fairytale! Snow’s journey from perfect princess to questioning everything she’s ever known is full of secrets, magic, and moral twists. Fast-paced and full of heart, it’s a thrilling read that keeps you guessing till the very end!”

“You would never know this book was written by a teen. So many twists, lots of excitement! Very well written!”

“After reading Snow: Cursed, I was struck by the icy tension, the emotional depth of the characters, and the way Willa R. FInnegan blended supernatural intrigue with lyrical storytelling. Her ability to craft atmosphere and mood, places her among the rising voices in modern fantasy fiction. Snow: Cursed has all the makings of a breakout success.”

I was in our states’ competition Spelling Bee last month! It was a great experience!

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So This Happened…

Mar21

Book Link

Hi Mary,

Great news!
We are pleased to advise that your book, Shadow, is a winner!
Book Award Winner – Congratulations!

https://beyondboundariesreads.wordpress.com/2025/03/20/shadow-by-mary-michaelschmidt/

Review:

Grief is a curious thing. It sneaks up in the form of a missing paw print, an empty corner where a bed used to be, or the silence where a bark once echoed. Shadow by Mary and Michael Schmidt is not just a children’s book—it is a gentle, necessary guide through the uncharted territory of loss.

Children often experience death for the first time through the loss of a beloved pet. But how do they process it? What words can comfort them when their furry companion is no longer there? Schmidt’s book does something many avoid: it acknowledges grief, normalizes it, and offers a way forward.

The First Goodbye

History shows us that humans have mourned pets for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians mummified their cats; Romans etched epitaphs for their dogs. The pain of losing a pet is not new, yet we often struggle to help children navigate it. Shadow provides a roadmap, teaching kids that grief is real, valid, and—most importantly—manageable.

Take six-year-old Emily, for instance. She loses her golden retriever, Max, and doesn’t understand why he isn’t coming back. Her parents fumble for words. “He’s in a better place” feels hollow. But then they read Shadow together. They draw pictures of Max, plant a tree in his memory, and talk about their favorite moments. Grief doesn’t vanish, but it transforms into something gentler.

A Story That Heals

The book’s approach is both practical and profound. It suggests creative ways to process loss—drawing, storytelling, and planting flowers—while offering much-needed validation: “It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to cry.” Unlike many children’s books that gloss over hard topics, Shadow embraces them.

This is no accident. Studies show that children who learn about grief early are better equipped to handle future losses. A 2018 study by the Journal of Child Psychology found that children who openly discuss emotions form stronger coping mechanisms later in life. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it builds resilience.

Why Every Family Needs Shadow

Renowned psychologist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross once wrote, “The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss… You will learn to live with it.” Shadow distills this truth in a way that young minds can grasp.

More than just a book, Shadow is an emotional toolkit. It reassures children that they are not alone. It reminds parents that silence isn’t always golden. And it teaches us all that love never really leaves—it just changes form.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child had a guide like this for life’s first heartbreak?

Beyond Boundaries Reads Book Award

Beyond Boundaries Reads Book Award

This book is a winner of the Beyond Boundaries Reads Book Award. The award honors exceptional works of literature that transcend borders—geographical, cultural, and imaginative. This award celebrates stories that connect us, foster empathy, and highlight universal themes while amplifying diverse voices from around the world. Spanning fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and youth literature, it recognizes books that inspire, challenge, and deepen our understanding of the global human experience. To nominate a book or for more details, visit our Beyond Boundaries Reads Book Award page.

Thirteen-Year-Old Dynamo Took X Cozy Book Nook Podcast and Literally Ran Around the Globe!!!

Mar20

Thank you for inviting me, Mary! Thank you to Christina and Laban, too, for having me as a guest on your Podcast. When everyone asks me what I did over spring break, I get to tell them that I was on my first podcast ever, a worldwide podcast, along with other writers around the world such as those from Copenhagen, Africa, Europe, the USA, and more, plus on the same day, people are talking about it on X (Twitter) and Instagram about it being an “epic” podcast and my name is making literary circles!

I really enjoyed the Cozy Book Nook podcast that I was generously invited to do on Tuesday this week. It was very eye-opening, and the ideas that were shared were wise and inspiring ones. Lots of thanks to all of the people on the podcast for making me feel so at home with other authors, and for supporting my dream. Maybe I’ll be back on the podcast one day.

Rest assured, I will invite you to be back on again, possibly in May. 

My book, Snow: Cursed, is a twisted fairytale fantasy retelling of classics that influence children throughout the globe. It follows the storyline of Snow White, Snow, who on the eve of her fifteenth birthday finds out that she is cursed. She makes the decision that she will traverse her world until her curse is fulfilled. Snow determines to live life to the fullest, while also trying to figure out why she was cursed in the first place. As she wrestles with many difficulties, Snow comes upon a revelation—good and evil might be more than meets the eye.

I do have goals for my book; I want to share “Snow: Cursed” with the world, and bring it into people’s lives. Currently we are trying to get my book in all fifty states, and in different countries. At this point in time we have succeeded in twenty-six of the states. One copy of “Snow: Cursed” is located in Okinawa, Japan, and one in England!

Please support me by purchasing and reading “Snow: Cursed”. If you do choose to buy it, please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Thanks again!

There you have it folks. Please note this 13-year-old dynamo began story telling to her mom at age THREE!!! Her Momager mother, Dawn Finnegan, wrote those stories down for her. Willa illustrated those same stories. She is a true child prodigy and the sky has no limit on where she is headed in the future. The podcast was epic! A link to the podcast is below with her writer links and her book video link. 

https://bsky.app/profile/authorfinnegan11.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/authorfinnegan11/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Writer-Willa-R-Finnegan/61574568834025/

Snow: Cursed Trailer

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQwre03hfhI

X Podcast: https: //x.com/i/spaces/1BdGYqLjBWBGX 

Protective Instinct

Mar19

Book Link

From Amazon:

When self-absorbed, international bestselling author Sebastian Bartoli refuses to write the biography of the infamous, mob-connected Maximillian Fontana, the consequences turn deadly.

Sebastian (Bash) Bartoli is an international bestselling crime novelist. Maximillian (Max) Fontana, who is reputed to have ties to organized white-collar crime, has insisted Bash write his biography. Concerned for his safety, Bash’s friend/agent devises an elaborate plan for him to disappear to a secluded location on Guntersville Lake in Alabama. Being accustomed to having his comfortable life managed, Bash is irritated by the inconvenience of having to deal with his own affairs, not to mention the danger it might pose if he is discovered.

Morgan Skylar is a good-natured and unfiltered, southern kindergarten teacher. She is much more comfortable eating potato chips with Cheez Whiz and Louisiana Hot Sauce than champagne and caviar. After the death of her overly protective grandfather (Pops) who raised her in rural Georgia, she takes time off to grieve, ending up in a cottage next door to Bash. When mechanical issues arise, she seeks help from the renter in the main house. Bash is annoyed that his secluded hideout is apparently not so secret. Begrudgingly, he offers her assistance. This is where Morgan and Bash’s worlds collide. When suited, armed men show up at the lake house, Morgan’s trained survival skills take over, and she secures their escape by boat as bullets fly.

Morgan offers to provide a temporary sanctuary to Bash in her Pops’ remote Appalachian cabin. Upon arrival, she discovers a letter from Pops revealing his dangerous past that may now be coming for her. As the unwitting targets of dangerous men, Bash and Morgan fight to stay a step ahead of their pursuers, while seeking answers. Bonds are tested. Trusts are broken. Alliances formed. Agendas hidden.

My Review:

This book is full of romance and danger. Not only do we have a writer who allows others to control and schedule his life, but there are mobsters and a biker gang from LA hot on his backside along with the girl of his dreams coming into the story fast. The pace is frenetic and exciting. The protagonists souls are left bare. Gutwrenching scenes are prevalent as much as the ones involving the bad guys chasing them. The book is a wonderful story. I had problems with one protagonist being a kindergarten teacher then a first grade teacher, and back and forth. Ansel Adams is Ansel Adams. Four stars for need of edits. Will give five stars when I see edited book.

Genuine Deceit

Feb27

Book Link

From Amazon:

When a young woman finds herself unknowingly accountable for the past sins of her family, she must unravel their secrets and lies to stay alive.

When her grandmother is brutally murdered in her own home, Reagan Asher leaves her corporate job and rushes to her sleepy hometown in Ohio. She has barely entered the house before a second break-in attempt is made, prompting police to believe it’s not just a random burglary. Reagan’s lifelong friend Mattie asks Aiden Rannell, her brother-in-law and an ex-Navy Seal, to lend support and protection to Reagan as she navigates the investigation.

Aiden suggests a ring that Reagan’s grandmother owned may be more valuable than anyone realizes. Considering her frugal life growing up, Reagan dismisses the idea, showing Aiden an old pink box filled with similar colorful, ornate costume jewelry she and her friends played with as children. When they find a decades-sealed container with shocking contents supporting Aiden’s concerns, Reagan begs him to help her find the origin and if it is related to her Nana’s death.

Finding clues to solve a decades old mystery proves challenging as the threats to Reagan’s life escalate. Could the discovery of a water-stained, half-torn photo found in her grandmother’s safe deposit box be significant? Her mother’s suicide? Her father’s abandonment? Unanswered questions send Reagan and Aiden across the country in search of answers, with danger never far behind. With each new revelation of deception and lies, Reagan begins to doubt everything she ever knew about her life.

My Review:

Wow. York has written a book without smooth sailing. This book grabs your attention, then takes you a ride like a roller-coaster with unpredictable twists and turns. Just when you think you have it figured out, you find out you don’t. The emotions are palpable, the love and loss equally palpable. The lies are numerous and, frankly, heartwrenching. Well done.

Pencraft Winter Book Awards 2025!

Jan25

We are proud to announce that your book, Her Alibi, has been selected as a winner of the 2025 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award Winter Competition. This recognition celebrates your outstanding achievement in crafting a work that not only resonates deeply with readers but also exemplifies exceptional literary quality. It acknowledges your ability to create compelling narratives, vivid characters, and thought-provoking themes that leave a lasting impact on your audience. Winning a PenCraft Seasonal Book Award is a testament to your unwavering dedication, boundless creativity, and refined expertise as an author. It reflects the countless hours, persistence, and passion you have poured into your craft. We hope this honor not only brings you pride but also serves as a powerful source of inspiration, motivating you to continue exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of your writing in future endeavors. The PenCraft Seasonal Book Awards were created to celebrate books that embody exceptional literary quality, artistic merit, and a meaningful connection with readers. Your book, “Her Alibi”, exemplifies these qualities, earning its well-deserved recognition as a winner in the Non-Fiction – Relationships genre. Book Link

We hope that receiving this award will further propel your writing career, helping you reach new heights and connect with an even broader audience. Your dedication and talent have been evident in every piece you create, resonating deeply with readers and leaving a lasting impression. Your work has made a meaningful impact, inspiring others and contributing to important conversations. We are confident that this recognition will not only celebrate your achievements but also open new doors of opportunity, allowing you to share your voice and vision with even more people around the world. The full list of winners is now available on the PenCraft Book Award website, where your achievement is proudly showcased. Furthermore, all winners will be highlighted in an upcoming national press release, set to be distributed in the next few weeks. This provides an excellent opportunity for even greater exposure and recognition of your exceptional work. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

When Darkness Falls

Jan17

Book Link

From Amazon:

Are serial killers mad or evil?
Follow the amazing journey of Tracy Bennett, an average, middle of the road woman working in a make-up counter in a York department store.But Tracy is not who she wants you to believe….“I was unable to put it down as the character is so driven, ghoulishly fascinating and wickedly humorous.””Kathleen Harryman’s portrayal of a mind warped horribly out of shape is a compelling plunge into the abyss.”Kathleen Harryman’s When Darkness Falls is a gripping account of a psychopathic killer. Written from the killer’s perspective, the story’s intent is perfectly compelling and holds the reader enthralled. Make assumptions, draw your own conclusions and then find your theories debunked as the story unfolds. When Darkness Falls is a book that you will not be able to put down until the last page is turned. A testament to the human fascination with the criminal mind. Get your copy!

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Murder most bloody

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025

Verified Purchase

Oh, Tracy. So misunderstood. This story blew my mind. The psychology behind the main character just exploded with more twists and turns than I had any idea of. I won’t write spoilers, though. Suffice it to say that the novel is deep and the one who murders has a penchant for using knives in an artistic manner as the person has the notion they create a masterpiece as they cut and design creations in the victims skin, deep or not, and they especially loved the creations of blood spatters on the walls and such. Don’t get me wrong, this book is not all about gore at all. The substance of real friends and people are just as important as the one who commits the heinous acts.

Global Book Awards!

Dec28

Hello Mary,

Congratulations on your book Her Alibi achieving BRONZE in the Global Book Awards, in the category Biographical Memoir. In the coming days, we’ll send you details of how to get hold of your digital medal and certificate, but for now, we just wanted to pass on the good news.

Book Link

From Amazon:

Visions of her Cherokeegrandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfathershot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no!

No! This can’t be! Not after the joking around at my home last night. NO!!!!Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat child. No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people,and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold? 

Yet, here I was, and I had to tell the police that, yes, my mother was at my home all evening and into the night. How despicable that my mother connived her way into using me as her alibi.

This book is a true memoir drawing upon the locals and inspiration of the areas in which the author lives and works. Names of towns, places, facilities, and people are real except for three men. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is not coincidental in nature and places where events take place are from her life growing up.