(Oh, The Complications#1) Loving Faith & Hope by Angelin Sydney

Luke is in love with Faith, but he also loves his surrogate sister, Hope. Everything is going well in his work and love life until Hope rushes headlong into trouble. Soon, they find themselves in the middle of an unfolding crime drama as they get tangled in a money laundering web. Luke and Faith find themselves slowly ripped apart. To complicate matters, Hope falls in love with Joe Di Nozzi, who is also Victor Carabella. Could he trust Joe/Victor not to hurt Hope?

After saving Hope from a fiery conflagration, Luke finds himself in the Burns unit. Gripped in the claws of self-pity, he thinks of himself as disfigured, yet Faith thinks of him as merely scarred. Would he be able to see himself as the hero she believes he is? Faith offers unconditional love; would Luke accept it? Would he take it?

           AVAILABLE ON AMAZON, KOBO, BARNES & NOBLE

REVIEW

Being book 1 in the Oh, the Compilations series Angelin Sydney is off to a hot start! A must-read for lovers of contemporary romance who like a little crime drama mixed in. Without ruining the book, we meet Luke a former Police Officer turned Fire Fighter, and his soon to be proposed to live in girlfriend Faith. Then there is Hope who kind of is a hot mess and the third wheel in the relationship, yet it is not what you think. Oh! Then there are the complications! The story from there takes a turn towards a more crime drama, thriller aspect. You wonder if this a romance book or a crime drama, thriller? You then realize it is kind of both, and it works! Alas, this is Sydney’s signature trademark. She does it well.

Sydney's writing is fresh with thrills and hope. Her attention to detail is in depth with no loopholes shown. Angelin writing really has a way of gripping you and keeping you reading till the end. And leave you feeling good after. A Good story indeed!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a writer, Angelin Sydney interweaves romantic stories with thrilling plots that twist and turn in many ways. Since moving to Australia twenty-five years ago, she has had numerous incarnations. She was a banker, an insurance seller, housing loan broker, and home-stay mother to literally hundreds of international students. Over the years, she has also become a small business owner, casual kitchen hand and currently, a live-in nanny. So, one can say, she has been around. Her most consistent role, however, is being a mother to her four wonderful children, one of whom has gone ahead leaving her devastated and heartbroken. It was his untimely departure that motivated her to write stories to help others to heal, laugh, hope and dare to dream. She is a believer in the kindness of people, so by extension, this has been the usual theme of her stories. She believes in redemption, love, and purpose. So, every story she writes reflect these values. For her, writing is as essential as breathing. The only reason she’d stop doing it is if she were incapacitated or dead. Working for a living gets in the way of her writing which she finds very sad. In the ideal world, all she’d be doing is entertaining her readers. This is her utmost wish. One more thing: The only thing active about her is her imagination. It’s as fertile as the rice fields of the Philippines where she was born.

Book Review: Three Men, Little Alvin & a Tonka Truck by Angelin Sydney

Three Men, Little Alvin, and a Tonka Truck is an adorable caper of a story. It will tug at your heartstrings.

Little Alvin is a cute, blond-haired, blue-eyed boy who has the world at his feet. Though he could afford to buy all the toy stores in the world, his most prized possession is a Tonka Truck.

    AVAILABLE ON Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AND Kobo

REVIEW

Whenever you pick up an Angelin Sydney book she does not disappoint, and Three Men, Little Alvin & a Tonka Truck does not disappoint at all! It’s a great book to tuck into your beach bag for a relaxing day at the beach.

Here we meet Alvin Rothschild the latest Rothschild heir and his crew of caregivers. Two being Colin Morrison a former Special Forces along with Frank Lewis the family’s personal pilot, and former top military Special forces pilot. Both have a close connection to the boy being more of a parental figure to him than his own parents. When Colin and Frank both in their late 40’s get their packing paper to be replaced by younger model’s chaos ensures. The replacements turn out to be imposters sent to kidnap little Alvin. Colin and Frank both spring into action proving age is just a number and special forces rule! Ultimately it brings true Father and son a realization of Legacy. Oh, and don’t forget that Tonka Truck.

Angelin writes wittily and posh. Her stories a short sweet read and I enjoy them. Considering my hectic parenting lifestyle, I can read one of her books easily on a rainy weekend afternoon feeling better for it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a writer, Angelin Sydney interweaves romantic stories with thrilling plots that twist and turn in many ways.

Since moving to Australia twenty-five years ago, she has had numerous incarnations. She was a banker, an insurance seller, housing loan broker, and home-stay mother to literally hundreds of international students. Over the years, she has also become a small business owner, casual kitchen hand and currently, a live-in nanny. So, one can say, she has been around.

Her most consistent role, however, is being a mother to her four wonderful children, one of whom has gone ahead leaving her devastated and heartbroken. It was his untimely departure that motivated her to write stories to help others to heal, laugh, hope and dare to dream.

She is a believer in the kindness of people, so by extension, this has been the usual theme of her stories. She believes in redemption, love, and purpose. So, every story she writes reflect these values.

For her, writing is as essential as breathing. The only reason she’d stop doing it is if she were incapacitated or dead. Working for a living gets in the way of her writing which she finds very sad. In the ideal world, all she’d be doing is entertaining her readers. This is her utmost wish.

One more thing: The only thing active about her is her imagination. It’s as fertile as the rice fields of the Philippines where she was born.

BOOK REVIEW: Of Wisdom and Valor: The Art of War. The Path of Peace ABRIDGED EDITION: Part II of the Windflower Saga Trilogy by Aleksandra Layland

This is an abridged edition of the epic fantasy novel "Of Wisdom and Valor: The Art of War. The Path of Peace. (Part II of the Windflower Saga trilogy by Aleksandra Layland. Abridged by the author herself, she hopes it will make this story more accessible to a wider audience of adult and young adult readers. Set in a time not now and in a world not of our own in the medieval-like Kingdom of Kimbria. Generations have passed since the flourishing of the Kingdom of Kimbria under its First Golden Age. Corruption is rampant and the common people suffer under poor governance. Finally, they cry out for a monarch to replace the greedy Royal Council. Acting as Regent, the Council elects the young Duchess of Ansgar as the new Queen and orders her to marry a fearsome mercenary warlord. He fetches her from the remote convent where she’s lived for 20 years, but he takes her to his distant castle, not to the Palace so she can take the throne. The Royal Council has no intention that she will ever rule. What ensues is a heroic battle against greed, evil, and conspiracy, with the lives and freedom of the Kimbrian people hanging in the balance.

    AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

REVIEW

While this is supposed to be the abridged version of Of Wisdom and Valor, I still found it a bit lengthy. This abridged version is to be more appealing to younger readers though I think Of Wisdom and Valor lost something in the process.

While reading I truly missed the original full-length version. We needed that in-depth Kimbrian background, jargon to truly understand and grasp the relationship between Leofric and Keridwen. In the Abridged version, they felt like shadows of their former selves. Something was missing from them. Of Wisdom and Valor: Art of War. The Path of Peace is truly an epic read. I’d go tackle the original, though if you truly want to capture the magic of Aleksandra Layland and her epic Windflower Saga.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low-income housing, and simple village water distribution systems. Her other interests include arts and crafts, family genealogy, religion, and spirituality, fostering peace in the world, and enjoying retirement with family and friends.

BOOK REVIEW: Ansgar: The Struggle of the People. Triumph of the Heart: ABRIDGED EDITION Part1 of the Windflower Saga by Aleksandra Layland

This is an abridged edition of "Ansgar: The Struggle of a People. The Triumph of the Heart. (Part I of the Windflower Saga trilogy) by Aleksandra Layland. Abridged by the author herself, it provides a shorter version of the novel to appeal to a wider range of both adult and young adult readers. The Windflower Saga trilogy is set in a time not now and in a world not of our own. It tells the story of Ansgar, his indigenous wife Keholani, and their mixed-race descendants. Part I ("Ansgar") is the story of the founding of the family in their secret homeland. A hundred years after the colonial wars, Kimbria is finally a unified kingdom but with residual laws and attitudes of a racist nature towards the indigenous people called the Kimbrii. A young man, dressed only in the robe of a monk, wanders alone in the southern Wastelands, searching for the remnants of the Kimbrii, whose culture is on the brink of extinction. He’s come to help them, but instead finds himself near death until he opens his eyes and sees her… a woman unlike any he’s ever seen before... a clan chief and leader of her people. She’ll save him from death and quietly captivate his heart. He’ll defy the conventions of the time and marry her, revealing his true identity, and founding a family that will change the future of Kimbria forever.

                         AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

REVIEW

A breath of fresh air into an already captivating story. This abridged version of Ansgar is beautifully done! Featuring a stunning new cover, and aimed to be an easier read to draw in younger adult and teen readers into this enjoyable epic saga do just that. In fact, this is how Ansgar should have been! While the original was grand that was a bit of its problem. It was a bit too “grand”.  The book was quite lengthy. Now Layland has stripped the excessive letting the characters and dialogue gleam more. All I have to say is grand! I love the abridged version just as much as the original.

It is like it’s a whole new book to be discovered even if you read the original version. Bravo again to Layland. A lot was lost in the abridged version yet all the important parts remained to keep the soon to be a classic tale intact.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low-income housing, and simple village water distribution systems. Her other interests include arts and crafts, family genealogy, religion and spirituality, fostering peace in the world, and enjoying retirement with family and friends.

BOOK REVIEW: Soul Taker (The Council of Twelve Series Book 1) by A.J. Alexander

After long years in the line of duty as a ‘Soul Taker’, Kate is worn out.

When she gets a new job offer from the ‘Powers Above’, she accepts her new job as a Guardian gratefully without knowing that her teacher is one of the most powerful beings in existence, the Archangel Raphael.

Along with Raphael, she takes on her new task and the connection between them grows.

Raphael helps, protects and supports Kate, but suddenly, she becomes a target for the Demons of Hell.

Raphael realizes that Kate means more to him than he expected, which causes him to fight furiously against danger. If he fails, Kate’s future will contain eternal darkness, evil, and torture.

AVAILABLE NOW AT  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo iTunes, SCRIB

REVIEW

New author A.J. Alexander excites us with her debut novella Soul Taker. Kate is an angel of death, taking the soul into the afterlife. After a job that went bad Kate wants to call it quits. Her request is granted in that she is now a Guardian angel and will learn under the tutelage of the great charming, and alluring Archangel Raphael. While Kate is being trained to be a Guardian demons attack kidnapping Kate. She has something they want. After her rescue by the Council of Twelve, we learn Kate does not have something hell and Lucifer want she IS what they want. You have to read the rest of the book to find out why.

Soul Taker is nicely written. Alexander pulls you into her world that is warm and welcoming. The characters are well written. Kate is written with a large innocence and vulnerability, yet it is also her strength as well. Lucifer is luxurious and I love him and Kate's banter. This book is to be a series and it’s a nice beginning. Alexander is on my radar and will be interested in what else this series brings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.J. Alexander has written short stories and poetry and now has debuted publicly with book one in her a 13-book-series.

In her free time, she enjoys extreme reading, excessive pool swimming, and playing monster – monopoly, and loving her three cats.

To learn more about A.J. visit her website http://www.aurorajeanalexander.com/

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BOOK REVIEW: Albina 2nd Edition: A Windflower Saga Novella by Aleksandra Layland

This is the second edition of the novella Albina. Set in an early industrial age society, in a time not now and a world not of our own, it tells the story of the childhood and coming of age of a young woman named Albina, the only daughter of the main protagonists in "Far Haven" (Part III of the epic Windflower Saga trilogy). Albina is mixed race, a twin, and "a brain" (as her friends and cousins say it." From early childhood, she has an interest in science, especially chemistry, at a time when few women have yet entered these developing fields of study. Albina leaves home to pursue her studies. In the process, she also encounters her mother's indigenous culture and comes to grip with her identity and her faith. Romance beckons and Albina must also come to grips with what love really means. A charming and sweet story told by Albina herself. The second edition includes several color illustrations.

AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON!

REVIEW

Albina has been revamped by the author in this rare special 2^nd edition. The story remains the same as Albina focuses on Loris and Keridwen’s daughter from the third Windflower Saga book FAR HAVEN A QUEST FOR CERTITUDE. A QUEST FOR JUSTICE. Written in 1^st person Layland capture Albina’s voice with such sweet intelligence you will fall for her instantly. Read my previous review here.

As bonus pictures have been added giving Albina that special 2^nd edition lure. Luring in new and old readers alike.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low-income housing, and simple village water distribution systems. Her other interests include arts and crafts, family genealogy, religion, and spirituality, fostering peace in the world, and enjoying retirement with family and friends.

The Windflower Saga series is comprised of the following volumes which trace the lives of members of the fictional Ansgar ducal family against a background of struggles between forces such as good and evil, love and hate, and war and peace. The series is a unique blending of traditional love stories and adventure and action stories in an "other world" setting, with serious spiritual and moral themes which are addressed in an overall uplifting tone. For all that the characters may face harsh realities, the story of the Ansgar family is a happy one.

Part I of the Trilogy:

"Ansgar: The Struggle of a People. The Triumph of the Heart."

Novellas and Stories Related to Part I:

"The Feathered Crown"

"Far Endeavor"

"Three Brothers of Ansgar"

"Bright Star, A Pony of the Kimbrii, A Windflower Saga Story for Kids"

"Tiyo, The Dog Who Saved Ansgar, A Windflower Saga Story for Kids"

Part II of the Trilogy:

"Of Wisdom and Valor: The Art of War. The Path of Peace."

Novellas and Stories Related to Part II:

"Bind Not the Heart"

"Leofric of Longridge"

"Keri and Kalina, A Windflower Saga Chapter Book"

"Golden Skye of Ansgar, A Windflower Saga Middle Grade Novel"

Part III of the Trilogy:

"Far Haven: A Quest for Certitude. A Fight for Justice."

Novellas and Stories Related to Part III:

"Albina"

"Courage of Ansgar"

"Swords of Ansgar"

(being written) "The World of The Windflower Saga, An Illustrated Companion and Author's Commentary"

BOOK REVIEW: An Introduction to 4 Dietary Lifestyles - A Guide to the Paleo, Keto, Vegan and Okinawa Diets by Yanjuan Lou

The latest book by Yanjuan Lou, An Introduction to Four Dietary Lifestyles; A Guide to the Paleo, Keto, Vegan, and Okinawa Diets, is the type of book that the dieting industry has long feared to explode onto the scene.

Everyone who has any interest in dieting has already heard about the paleo, keto, vegan, and Okinawa diets – but very rarely are these diets explained in full without bias towards one over the other. It’s no secret that every diet under the sun won’t work for everyone, and Yanjuan Lou has put together a comprehensive guide to each diet without pulling any punches or playing favorites. She leaves the final choice up to you for which diet you want to commit to, and whichever diet you chose, Yanjuan’s advice remains as practical and poignant as ever. If you’ve struggled to stick with a diet in the past or didn’t know which diet would work best for you specifically, then stop fantasizing about finding the right book to help you, because it is in your hands right now!

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON & BARNES & NOBLE

REVIEW

If you have ever wondered why every diet fad you tired has failed then you need this book. Yanjuan takes the 4 top trending diets today and offers you a little history and answer key on how to be successful on each of these diets. It is really interesting as Yanjuan pulls the veil up behind these popular diets learning that they’ve been around for some time.

 You learn it's not really a diet at all but a lifestyle change which remains prominently the key to the success of all your diets really. I love how Yanjuan stresses this in her book. Besides talking about each of these diets you also get meal plan ideas for each diet. What to do when dining out whether its Italian, Mexican or Chinese. 

A grand book to acquire if you are planning on starting any of these trending diets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yanjuan Lou was born in Shenyang, China. China is a very conformed society with an extremely low tolerance for mediocrity or mistakes. She has spent most of her time in China being told what to do, then doing it. This was just how things were there. Before she left China on a personal quest, she had written non-fiction books. The topics she usually used to write about were often related to health, beauty products, and financing. Her husband, daughter, and herself–moved to California in 2015. By then, she was ready to leave China behind— not for good—but at the time, it matched with where she was in her life. Besides, while visiting the U.S., she realized that if she really was going to spread her message and enter a new phase of life, she needed to relocate away from her past. She dabbled in a few different jobs after moving to the U.S. She was a customer service representative for a travel agency, and then later, she got a second job as a model for the occasional magazine ad and the like. However, neither of these was very fulfilling. Even worse, they were extremely stressful. They ate up all of her time, paid marginally well at best, and were beyond demanding. She hit a point where she couldn’t take it anymore. She has left those jobs behind and has finally decided to return to her passion for writing. She truly believes in her heart that a person, regardless of age, culture, family inventions, can learn to live in harmony with themselves.

BOOK REVIEW: Heavenly Mist, Earthly Dew: Poetry, Photography, and Reflections by Kimberlee J. Benart

This small collection of poetry was inspired by the Baha'i Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in and near Haifa, Israel. The poems vary in style. While some reflect the spiritual aspects of pilgrimage, others address broader issues of life. In addition, some photography and poetry are included that reflect the author's homes in Virginia and Africa.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON AND BARNES & NOBLE

REVIEW

An alluring book of poetry, photography, and reflections inspired by her pictures from her pilgrimage and visit to the Bah’ ai gardens. Each of her poems tells a story, and Benart writes her poetry, some in classic a rhythmical style, while others are more modern style.  My favorite has to be “Roundabout on a Straight Path.” We are then greeted with more photography images from her trip to the gardens which are truly beautiful. Then it transitions into a personal reflection of what it all meant to her in her pilgrimage that inspired this whole book. A beautiful book to have on your coffee table.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ms. Kimberlee J. Benart graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. She retired from Federal civil service in 2009 after more than 35 years as a senior installation engineering manager primarily for the United States Air Force and worked at military installations in Japan, Germany, Italy, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia (The Pentagon). She is also a former Peace Corps Volunteer (Civil Engineer) for the Palau Islands (now the Republic of Belau). She received numerous awards and recognition during her federal career, including a NATO Medal, Exemplary Civilian Service Medal, and Civilian Career Service medal. Ms. Benart's other interests include family genealogy, arts and crafts, sustainable small-scale farming, and religion and spirituality. She is married to research mathematician and composer Peter O. Sagay.