Book Review: Brenda L Thomas: Laying Down My Burdens: A Memoir: A Journey From Abuse To Self-Discovery

Laying Down My Burdens, a memoir: A Journey from Abuse to Self-Discovery

This may contain spoilers

Author: Brenda L. Thomas.

Title: Laying Down My Burdens: A Memoir: A Journey From Abuse To Self-Discovery.

Genre: Teen & Young Adult, Biographies, Mental Health, Biography & True Accounts, Memoirs,

This book l got as part of a goodreads giveaway and firstreads. I have never won anything before I want to say a big thank you to goodreads for having a great site and I want to say a big thank you to the person who hosted the giveaway and picking me as a winner.

I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this.

I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.

I highly recommend this book.

Book Dedication: To my children, Kelisha L. and Kelvin J. for all that I have put you through – hoping that this provides understanding and reason why I do the things I do. Remember: when you are not focused on god, he is focused on you. I love you mom.

This book has 192 pages and 20 chapters in it.

Synopsis: Essence best – selling author Brenda L. Thomas presents a departure from fiction as she ventures in to the difficult reality of her own past. Laying down my burdens is a gritty and deeply moving depiction of the author's struggle with domestic violence and its threats to her self esteem. Laying down my burdens tells a frighteningly familiar tale that takes a positive turn as Thomas overcomes a number of obstacles to become an independent, successful woman.

Review: I found this book really easy to get into and very very hard to put down once l started reading it. My mum is a domestic violence survivor aswell. I can not put in to words how great and sad this book is l would tell people to read it for themselves. I am glad Brenda survived what she went though and was brave to tell everything she went though. I think she is very brave to write this book. I was glad Brenda tole the world what she went though it also raises awareness for domestic violence. I was really sad to read that Brenda was beaten in front of her daughter I was glad Brenda was brave enough to write everything down and it must have been hard going over all the stuff you went though. It was really nice that she dedicated the book to her two children. It was sad that when she was hit he would tell her it was her own fault. I was sad to read that Brenda was hit with a metal dog lead. Sounds like Brenda's daughter and son was her reason for fighting back as well as wanting to stop the violence. It was not Brenda fault that he beat her it sounds like he told her that it was her own fault to make himself feel better. It did not take me long to read this book I was hooked on this book after reading the first page. I was sad to finish reading this book I wish it did not end and I would love to read more from Brenda L. Thomas. I was sad that Russell cheated on Brenda and got other women pregnant and then he attacked Brenda saying she was cheating on him. He forced Brenda to have sex with him after he beat her. I was sad that Brenda's daughter seen her mother bruised and bleeding. I feel sorry for Brenda and her daughter. I think Brenda's family had the right to be worried about Brenda and her daughter when they was with Russell. Russell sounds like a violent bully who can only hit women. This is and amazing book but sad at the same time. I can not get enough of this. I was happy to read that Brenda went to rehab to get clean and Rusty and Kelisha sound like great children. I loved reading about Brenda's life and her fight to survive years of domestic violence and to over come her drug addiction. I was glad that Brenda was clean of all drugs. Brenda found cards and letters from other women confessing their love to her husband. Brenda wanted the best for Kelisha even if it meant being away from her daughter. Kelisha was living with Brenda's parents and Rusty was living with Russell's mother but Kelisha and Rusty knew that their mother loved them no matter if they was together or apart. I would love to read more about Brenda and her life. I was happy that Brenda stood up to Russell but was sad that he was stopping her seeing Rusty. I was happy that she meet someone else I just hope Gerald did not hurt or use Brenda. I was happy that Brenda moved to Washington D.C with her daughter Kelisha after divorcing Russell. I was happy Brenda and Kelisha was starting fresh. I am sad that Brenda will never be seeing Rusty again. I hope Rusty remembers that Brenda will always love him and that she will forever be his mother and he will always have a place in her heart.

A Note To My Readers: The subject matter of this memoir is not intended to be offensive, but to adequately depict the serious nature of domestic violence. It is not a work of journalism, the only claim I make regarding interchanges with the people portrayed here is that these interchanges are recreations of my own emotions and memories. All I know is that these are the words and incidents that so many years later resound in my memory.

Disclaimer: In order to protect the privacy of certain individuals in this book, names and other identifying characteristics have been changed.

About The Author: Since self – publishing threesome in 2001, Thomas' literary skills and unique perspective have caught the attention of major media outlets whether it is TV or print, she is not one to shy away from giving her opinion after working as a personal assistant to an NBA athlete, Thomas became an expert on their culture, later appearing on CNN, NBC's dateline and entertainment tonight, to name a few since fourplay, the velvet rope and every woman's got a secret, as well as two anthologies, four degrees of heat and kiss the year goodbye. Brenda lives in her hometown of Philadelphia, where she is surrounded by family and friends.

About The Book: I really like this bookcover and l really like the picture of I think it is the author. I like the colours on this cover.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.

I wish I could rate this book more then five stars because it is worth more then the five stars l rated it.

Book Review: Mary Weldon: How I Suicided Not

How I Suicided Not

This may contain spoilers

Author: Mary Weldon.

Title: How I Suicided not.

Genre: Biographies & Memoirs, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary and Literature & Fiction, Literature, Memoirs, Biography, Biographies,.

This book I got as part of a goodreads giveaway and firstreads. I have never won anything before. I want to say a big thank you to goodreads for having a great site and I want to say a big thank you to the person who hosted the giveaway and picking me as a winner.

I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read book like this.

I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone l am so glad l did because I have read so many great books and come across some great authors.

I highly recommend this book.

This book has 210 pages and 7 chapters in it.

Book Dedication: For M., my soulmate and the love of my life, to my sisters, to our families and friends, including my sisters who mean the world to me, and especially to the one I have known all my life who has been my friend and confidante. I dedicate the song by Francis Cabrel, Je T'aimais, Je T'aime, Et Je T'aimerai which means I have loved you, I love you, and I will always love you. For my special sibling who will remain nameless because of privacy reasons, she has always offered encouragement and support and been my cheering section. I do not know how I would have made it with her R, O, C, and E,. his daughter Katy, a friend who died of suicide, M's kind family and friends who have been great, who first along with M saw this book and heard me read it to them and were supportive about it. For R, my aunts, uncles, and cousins. This book is dedicated to all of you with love. Thanks to Nazareth college of rochester, NY, and all the staff and students that l knew; to rochester, NY, liverpool high school, syracuse, NY, the people at church watertown, NY, New York city and Rennes frances, and the friends l made there in 1993 – 1994. for 12 step groups everywhere such as Alanon for friends and family of alcoholics. God bless you all.

Synopsis: How I suicided not is a story about the author's life and experiences, from birth until her early thirties. It tells about how she went from mostly happy childhood and young adulthood to depression, anxiety, and poverty, which did not help – her mother nearly died when the author was nine, and the 1979 swine shot was the culprit. Mary Weldon put herself through college, got a scholarship, studied in france, and developed depression and a eating disorder. Ultimately, self help books and the local clinic as well as a few hospital stays helped her to choose life. Some relationships faltered and did not succeed, but she kept her chin up and kept her faith in god.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once l started reading. I was hooked on this book after reading the first page I was sad to read that mary's mother nearly died after having the swine flu shot when mary was nine years old I am glad she survived. I was sad that Mary's mother and father split up when Mary and her sister was younger. The family that mary stay with when she was in france sounds like a great second family I was sad to finish reading this book. I was sad to read that mary lost family members on both her mother's side and her father's side. It did not take me long to finish reading this book. I can not put in to words how great this book really is l would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great this book really is. I like that Mary and her sister finished school and went to college. I love that Mary went travelling I was sad to read that a lady that Mary was staying with passed away it was nice of mary to go to her funeral. It was very sad to read that one of Mary' housemates mother passed away due to cancer. Mary was there for her housemate and went to her funeral. I would love to read more about Mary, her family and friends and her life. I was sad to read that Mary's mother passed away at the age of 70. Mary's father always sent his two beloved daughters money to help with stuff for school, college, clothes or food. I was sad to read that Mary tried to commit suicide twice I am glad she is still alive. I am in love with this book. I was sad Mary's now ex – boyfriend was stalking her. I was happy that Mary's mother got married again and l was happy Mary's sister finished college. I am happy that Mary found someone to look after her and they are engaged to each other. I hope Mary and her fiancee have children once they are married. This book is truly amazing I wish to read more from Mary Weldon. I was sad to read what happened to poet when he was younger. I was happy that Mary got a job but her ex – boyfriend and his girlfriend was there in the place where Mary was working. I am glad Mary hid so he could not see her. It was nice to read that Mary wrote that if poet's daughters wanted to know anything about their father or need help to contact her publishers and Mary would try to help them the best she could. I was sad to read that poet's daughter's mother passed away and his daughters where left with somebody that was not their father I think his daughters should have been given to their father. Poet sounds like a great father. He also sounds like he writes some great poetry. I wish I could read some of his poems. I really enjoyed reading this book. When l was reading this book I would put some essential oils in my humidifier and put the lights on and chill on my bed listening to magic or something on TV or netflix.

About The Author: Mary Weldon lives in the northern part of New York where she has a cat and dog as well as a fiancee. She has been writing since she was 12 years old, when she wrote 300 pages of stories based on Greek mythology. Currently she is working on a sequel to this book, and after that a book about god for children, and next a retelling of the stories she wrote at 12 – 14 years of age mentioned above. God bless you and thanks for reading the books.

About The Book: I really love this book and the colours on this bookcover are great and my favorite colour is used on the cover and the writing being in yellow and white makes it stand out more.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars

I wish l could rate this book more than five stars because it is worth more than the five stars l rated it.

Book Review: Lattice Boykin McKoy: Speak Of Love

Speak of Love

Author: Lattice Boykin McKoy

Title: Speak Of Love

Genre: poetry, drama and criticism, poetry, drama, criticism,

This book I got as part of a goodreads giveaway and firstreads. I have never won anything before. I want to say a big thank you to goodreads for having a great site and I want to say a big thank you to the person who hosted the giveaway and picking me as a winner.

I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this.

I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone. I am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.

I highly recommend this book.

Book Dedication: to husband Romay.

This book has 120 pages in it.

Synopsis: This is a book about love and it is implications for life. It speaks of love in many styles and voices. Poems are depicted through dreams, wisdom, desire, gratitude, hope, faith, goals, loyalty, triumph, imagination, happiness, magic, achievement, imagery, wonder, remorse, denial, opposition, religion, sorrow, betrayal, illness, despair, youth, old age, and many other facets of life. It is designed to promote a certain inquiry toward love and how it is perceived. It is hoped that the reader will speak of love, if only vicariously. Several poems have been revised from their previously publication form.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and harder to put down once l started reading it. I love this book and l was hooked after reading the first poem. It did not take me long to finish this book. I was sad to finish this book. I would happily read it again. If l had not won this book l would have bought it because l love poetry. This book has some amazing poems in it. I really enjoyed reading this book I just wish it did not finish because it was that good. This book will leave you wanting to read more poems. I can not put in to words how great this book is l can not put in to words how amazing the poems are I would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great it really is. When I was reading this book I would put some essential oils and put the lights on my humidifier and chill on my bed and listen to magic or something on TV or netflix. I also put on my christmas lights on that are on my christmas tree. I sometimes light a candle when I was reading this book. I reviewed this book on amazon UK and US, goodreads and on my blog.

About The Author: I am the sixth sibling of ten ( three boys and seven girls), born to Rev. and mrs. L.B. Boykin of rose hill, north Carolina. I became an RN in Wilmington, north Carolina. These are some of the institutions where l practiced: Meharry medical college in Nashville, Tennessee, Howard university in Washington, DC, and the university of maryland, provident hospital, and seton psychiatric institute, all in Baltimore, Maryland. My BS, MSN, and PHD were finished at the university of Maryland. In 1954, I married Savoy Sherrill we divorced in 1969. I am presently married to Romay McKoy.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.

I wish l could rate this book more than five stars because it is worth more than the five stars l rated it.

Book Review: Sarra Manning: After The Last Dance

After the Last Dance

This is the book cover l have 

Author: Sarra Manning 

Title: After The Last Dance

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Chick lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult, Contemporary Fiction, 

Book Dedication: To all the men and women who passed through the doors of rainbow corner. Thank you for your inspiration, Your courage and your sacrifice. 

This book l got for free as part of a goodreads giveaway and firstread l never won any thing before but l want to say thank you to goodreads for having a great site and l want to say thank you to the person who hosted the giveaway and picking me as a winner. 

I am glad this book is on my bookshelf. I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this. I normally read book of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone with authors and genres l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books. I highly recommend this book. The author is really nice.

Synopsis: Two women, Two love affairs, One unforgettable story. Kings cross station, 1943. Rose arrives in London hoping to swap the drudgery of wartime for romance, Glamour and jiving with gls at rainbow corner, the famous dance hall in Piccadilly circus. As the bombs fall, Rose loses her heart to a pilot but will lose so much more before the war has done its worst. Las Vegas, present day, A beautiful woman in a wedding dress walks in to a seedy bar and asks the first man she sees to marry her. When Leo slips a ring on to Jane's finger, He has no idea that his new wife will stop at nothing to get what she wants. So when Jane meets Rose, now a formidable older lady, there is no love lost between them. But with time running out, Can Rose and Jane come together to make peace with the tragic secrets that have always haunted their lives? After the last dance is an extraordinary story of two women, Separated by time but connected by fate, That will make you believe in the redemptive power of unexpected love.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to l was hooked after reading the first few pages. It was horrible to read that Jane's fiancee left her on their wedding day to do work. Jane wants to find somebody to marry her before her birthday she will be 27 she goes to the bar in her wedding dress. I enjoyed reading this book and about Jane and Rose. I would like to read more from this author. I got a arc of this book. This book has 421 pages and 38 chapters in it. Jane's fiancee did not leave her on their wedding day like she told Leo. She was the one who left Andrew on their wedding day. Andrew was heartbroken. Leo took most of the money they won leaving Jane only a bit. I was sad to read that Jane left her fiancee on their wedding day. this is a great storyline. I can not put in to words how great this book really is l would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great it really is. Leo and Jane know they can not stay married. Leo does drugs and like drinking and Jane does not do drugs or drinks. Jane wants Andrew to make a fresh start without her. Rose wants to join american red cross but she is not twenty one but Sylvia is going to help her get papers saying she is twenty one. Being part of american red cross is one of Rose's dreams. I was sad to read that Leo's great auntie was ill but Leo wanted to take Jane home to London with him so he could see his great auntie and let Jane meet his great auntie and maybe the rest of his family which l think is nice but Jane told him they could not stay married. It was nice that Jane agreed to go with Leo to see his great auntie who was very poorly and he wanted them to act like a happily married couple. Jane went along with the plan to act like a devoted wife for his great auntie. Leo's great auntie was called Rose. His great auntie made Jane and Leo stay for dinner and get to know Jane more. It was sad that Leo's great auntie has cancer. Leo's great auntie Rose loved Jane and was happy Leo had married Jane. She thought Jane was beautiful. Rose was working as a american red cross lady and she meet a bomber named Danny. Her friends tried to keep Danny and Rose apart. It was hard to put this book down once l started reading it. I Love reading books about war and the olden days. I can not get enough of this book. There is a bit of sex,drugs and drink in it but id is a great book. I hope Leo gets off the drugs and drink because he and Jane makes a great couple. It was sad that Danny's friend Phil died when his plane went down in flames. Rose was heartbroken by the news of Phil's death. Leo's mother was in town visiting Leo's great auntie Rose. She was coming for dinner Rose knew it would be the last time she sees her. Leo's great auntie Rose had stage four secondary liver cancer she was on painkillers she had months maybe weeks to live. Danny has not written to Rose she fears the worse. It was nice of Jane to go and talk to Leo's mother. Leo sounds horrible for not going to hug or talk to his mother he should have talked or hugged her because she give him life he would not be alive if it was not for his mother. Leo's great auntie Rose was Rose who was a american red cross worker. This book is full of surprises. Jane thinks Leo come back for his auntie's money Leo come back for his great auntie's. Leo said it is not the case he come because he loves and cares about her not her money. It was nice of Edward to be building a house to help people who lost everything due to the war. I fall more in love with this book as l get through more pages. This book gets better and better. Jane loves how friendly Leo's great auntie and mother is. They both sound like great women. Edward sounds like a great guy who wants to help people after the war which is a really nice thing. It was sad to read that because Danny put a ring on Rose's finger that he thought he could take anything he wanted from Rose. Danny raped Rose and she wanted nothing to do with Danny. Jane wants to stay married to Leo . There is 424 pages and 38 chapters in this book. it is good that Leo is trying to change his life around hope he stays off the drugs. I feel for Rose after what she been through l hope she does not get pregnant by Danny. Danny sounds like he thinks he can take whatever he wants from women. I hope Rose does not get together with Danny and she founds someone who loves her and won't hurt her and she she finds a guy she will happily marry and have kids with him. I would love to read more about Jane,Leo,Rose And Leo's mother. I can not get enough of this book. I have enjoyed reading this story. I like that Jane and Leo told Rose she needed stronger pain relief. Jane wanted to hear all about Rose's past which Rose happily told her. It was nice that Rose knitted a teddy for the children who Edward was helping and took them chocolate bars. It was horrible to read that the 4 adults and 3 children was so skinny and scared and they was hidden in a cellar for two years because they was Jewish. Jewish people who do not hide are sent concentration camps some of the Jewish people would die in in the camps and some of them would be rescued. Rose helped the adults to chairs while Edward made them a drink and got them something to eat. It was sad to read that there was a bombing in London and Rose's house was left in rumble and Rose did not know if her friends are alive or dead. Edward was there to support Rose and to help her. I feel for Rose having lost all her belongings and maybe her friends too. Rose was heartbroken. All Rose's friends died and Rose went to identified Maggie's body because she had no family. Rose was full of soot but she had no clothes to change in to. Rose went to all her friends funerals. Edward was there to say goodbye to Rose's friends. Rose and Edward loved each other but Rose was scared of being raped again. Edward would not hurt Rose in any way. It is really horrible to read that Rose is in so much pain. I hope Leo and Jane stay together as husband and wife as they make a great couple. This is a great book and storyline. It was sad to read about Rose's death and she wanting to be back with her friends. Leo and Jane took Rose's death hard they was heartbroken. Jane hide under the bed after Rose's passing away. Rose told everybody want she wanted to wear in her coffin and she did not want a open coffin. They was going to ask Rose's hairdresser to do Rose's hair the way she liked it. I would love to know what secrets Jane is hiding. I hope Leo and Jane have a baby together if they have a girl they should name her Rose. Leo made peace with his mother. It was sad that Jane was made to do things no child should do and she was raped by many men. Jane killed a man who raped her and she ran away from home and she meet Charles on the train he paid for her ticket. I am glad everybody stay in touch after Rose's death. Jane and Leo stay together as a married couple and Rose was reunited with all of her friends after her death she was also back in the arms of her one true love Edward they was all dancing on the dance floor in rainbow corner where their journey started. Rose seen Danny from time to time but she was safe in Edward's arms. Danny lied to Rose when they meet he said he loved her and would marry her but he was already married with two children and Edward told Rose that Danny was back with his wife and two children. 

Star Rating: Five out of Five stars 

About The Author: Sarra Manning is an author and journalist. She has written for the guardian, Elle, Grazia, Red and you magazine, and is the author of several best selling young adult novels including guitar girl, The diary of a crush trilogy and adorkable. After the last dance is her fifth adult novel. Sarra lives in north London with her staffordshire bull terrier miss Betsy, And prides herself on her unique ability to accessories.   

   

Book Review: Nicola Yoon: Everything, Everything

Everything, Everything

Author: Nicola Yoon 

Title: Everything, Everything 

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance,Fiction,Realistic Fiction,Teen, Young Adult Contemporary,Coming Of Age,Family, Illness, 

Book Dedication: To my husband, David Yoon, who showed me my heart.

And to my smart, beautiful daughter, penny who made it bigger

This book l got for free as part of a goodreads giveaway and firstread l never won anything before but l want to say thank you to goodreads for having a great site and l want to say thank you to the person who hosted the giveaway and picking me as a winner.

Synopsis: Madeline Whittier is allergic to the outside world. So allergic, in fact, that she has never left the house in all of her seventeen years. But when Olly moves in next door, and wants to talk to maddie, Tiny holes start to appear in the protective bubble her mother has built around her. Olly writes his IM address on a piece of paper, shows it at her window, and suddenly, a door opens. But Does maddie dare to step outside her comfort zone? Everything, Everything is about the thrill and heartbreak that happens when we break out of the shell to do crazy, sometimes death-defying things for love. 

Reviews From Other Authors: 

I give all the stars in the sky to Nicola Yoon's sparkling debut everything, everything is everything, everything - powerful, lovely, heart-wrenching, and so absorbing l devoured it in one sitting. It is a wonder the rare novel that lifts and shatters and fills you all at once - Jennifer niven, Author of all the bright places.

This extraordinary first novel about love so strong it might kill us is too good to feel like a debut. Tender, Creative, Beautifully written, and with a great twist, Everything, everything is one of the best books l have read this year - Jodi Picoult 

An absolute peach of a love story. Maddy's unique history of isolation and solitude makes every incremental step towards intimacy crackle with impossible hope. Their chemistry rebounds off the page and it is beautifully written, too with charm, wit and style as well as heart - Susie day, author of my invisible boyfriend.

An entirely unique and beautiful read experience gorgeous writing meshes with original artwork to tell a love story like no other. You have read a book like this - David Arnold, author of mosquitoland 

Everything, Everything has everything... romance, heart, and intelligence. Nicola Yoon's Book and voice stayed with me long after l finished reading - Danielle Paige, Author of Dorothy must die 

Review: This book was easy to get in to. I was hooked after reading the first page and l love the design on the cover it is very pretty and colourful.

I was sad to read that Madeline's Father passed away. It must be hard for Madeline being struck in the house but she has a laptop so she can get grades and email her friend Olly her next door neighbour. Madeline sounds like a great girl. I was sad to read that Madeline's brother passed away. it must been hard for Madeline's mother to lose her husband and son in the same day. it must be hard to think you could lose your daughter the last piece of your husband. I feel sorry for Olly, his mother and sister having to deal with Olly's Father

being a drunk. I really was sad to read that Olly was Punched in the stomach by his father who is suppose to look after him and make sure no harm comes to him. I highly recommend this book. I wish l could rate it more than 5 stars because it deserves more than the 5 stars l rated it. I would love to read more about Madeline and Olly . Carla sounds like a great friendly nurse unlike Madeline's new nurse. Carla is not only Madeline's Nurse but she's her friend too Carla wishes her daughter was like Madeline. But her mother fired Carla because she went against the rules and let a strange boy into the clean house and near Madeline. Madeline is allergic to everything in the world she lives in a clean house. It was nice to read that Madeline's mother give Madeline a picture of herself,her mother,her father and her brother on the beach in Hawaii. Madeline was only a baby in the picture she was being held by her mother. Madeline and Olly sounds like they would make a great couple. Madeline and Olly run away to Hawaii for two days. They buy presents for some of their family members. Olly got something for his mother and his sister. Madeline buys something for Carla and a postcard for her mother. I could happily read this book again and again. I can not put in to words how great this book is l would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great this book really is. I would tell people to step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this. I am glad this book is on my bookshelf. I am really glad l have read this book. It must be hard for Madeline's Mother Pauline knowing she could lose her surviving child she would go to any lengths to keep Madeline safe from any danger. I would like to read more books from Nicola Yoon. I hope Olly's Father goes to jail for hitting Olly. I really enjoyed this story and book. It is nice that Madeline books because books take you away from your life. I wish Madeline and Olly get together as boyfriend and girlfriend. I was happy to read that Olly and Madeline made the most of their time together. Pauline Madeline's mother emailed Olly to asks about Madeline and she told her mother she was fine and she will see her soon. Pauline just wants her daughter where she knows she is safe and Olly's friend Zack knew that Madeline was lying about the tablets. He said he would not tell Olly because he had secrets of his own. one of my favorite authors has read this book and she loved it like l do. Hawaii sounds beautiful. I hope Madeline does not get ill and she does not die because her mother,Olly and Carla would be heartbroken. It would be hard for her mother if she has to bury another child. I am guessing she does not die which l am glad of. Madeline's mother is flying out to Hawaii to bring her home to the clean house. She loves Madeline and she does not want to lose another child. It was horrible to read that Madeline's father and brother died due to a car accident because the driver of the other car fell asleep at the wheel you should not drive when you are tired because this could happen. The doctor Madeline seen in Hawaii thinks she was never ill if she is not why would her mother keep her locked away from the outside world or is it that she is worried she is going to lose Madeline like she lost her husband and her son they both passed away on the same day in a car accident. I was happy to read that Olly,his mother and sister got away from his father and they was safe from him. A few months after they left Olly's father left the house with his belongings. Madeline hoped he was not going after Olly,his mother and sister. Olly's father is a drunk who hit his wife and son. I was happy to read that Madeline's mother Pauline hired Carla to be Madeline's nurse again. This book has 310 pages in it. I was sad to read that Madeline was not reading Olly's emails. This book has some really nice drawings. Madeline so wants to email Olly but she just makes drafts after drafts of what she wants to say. This is a good storyline. It was nice that Pauline was getting counselling to help her come to terms with the loss of her husband and son. 

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars

About The Author: Nicola Yoon grew up in Jamaica (the island) and Brooklyn (part of long island). She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter, both of whom she loves beyond all reason. Everything,Everything is her first novel.

David Yoon is a writer and designer, he lives with his wife Nicola Yoon (see above) in Los Angeles, where they spend their days talking about stories and reading to  their three-year-old daughter, penny, David created the illustrations for Everything,Everything   

Book Review: Deborah Rodriguez: Return To The Little Coffee Shop Of Kabul

Return to the Little Coffee Shop of Kabul

Author: Deborah Rodriguez 

Title: Return To The Little Coffee Shop Of Kabul 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Modern And Contemporary Fiction, 

Synopsis: Sunny, Former proprietor of the little coffee shop and new owner of the screaming peacock vineyard can she handle the challenges of life on her own?

Yasmina, The Young mother who runs the cafe, until a terrifying event strikes at the heart of her family and business... 

Layla And Kat, Afghan teenagers in america, Struggling to make sense of their place in the world... 

Zara, About to be forced into marriage which will have devastating consequences...

These women are about to learn what halajan, 

Yazmina's Rebellious mother-in-law, has known all along: When the world as you know it disappears, you find a new way to live.

Reuniting us with the much-loved cast of the international bestseller. the little coffee shop of kabul. Deborah Rodriguez tells an inspiring story of women's strength and courage in changing the world. 

Prologue: "Are you blind, you stupid girl? Do you want to get me killed?" The boy picked his bike out of the gutter and shook his small fist at her, but she just kept running. Her sneakers grew heavy with the mud underfoot and she struggled to keep her pace as she hurried through the narrow streets of the city. Around her, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion - the men pushing their carts piled high with pomegranates and cantaloupes, the covered women walking in pairs, leading their children by the hand, the mass of the fat - tailed sheep being urged along with a sharp stick - but inside, her heart was racing so fast she thought it might burst.She flew around a corner and elbowed her way though the crowds of people gathered near the outdoor food stalls, the smell of garbage and kebobs hitting her like an avalanche. All of her senses seemed to be turned up high - car horns blared, bicycle bells clanged, vendors shouted out their prices, generators whirred. How lucky she was that nobody seemed to bother with her, a frantic girl rushing though the streets with her hands covering her ears. But of course they would not. No man would dare to put a hand on her in public, and the women would all be too wary to get involved.Yet she continued to jerk her head around like a frighted bird, her eyes on the lookout for anyone who might be following. Past the shops with their sagging awnings and crumbling facades she fled, weaving in and out of the traffic that was becoming heavier the closer she got to the business center, where the glass and steel kam air building rose up from the sidewalk like a giant faceless robot. She grasped at the head scarf slipping back on her silky hair, and nearly tripped over a burqa'd beggar sitting in the middle of qala-e-musa road, a baby resting on rags at her side, the only visible part of her body the one bare hand reaching out to the passing cars. But the girl had to keep going, had to move faster. As she approached shaheed square she quickened her pace, leaping over the potholes that made the roads nearly impassible. Suddenly she felt her left foot slide out from under her and heard a cry as her hip hit the ground. She sat stunned for a moment, the mud oozing through her fingers and soaking her long blouse and jeans straight through to her skin. Two men walked their bikes in a wide circle around her, and straight ahead she could see another man in a white cap getting a shave on the street corner. Neither he nor the street barber holding a straight razor in one hand, keeping the man's face steady with the other, even blinked. It was as if she were invisible. She stood and, without bothering to wipe away the filth that covered half her body, continued to run. Now the streets had become a little wider, the traffic lighter, the high walls lining the roads making her picture herself as a rat in a giant maze. She moved as quickly as her feet would take her. She was almost there. But as she approached the guardhouse, her chest heaving with exhaustion, a small movement across the street attracted her eye. Through the window of a white Toyota,

she saw a man pulling something black over his head. The chokidor must have noticed as well, for all at once the air was filled with activity. A car door slammed, the guard yelled and toward his gun, and the girl slipped through the gate and dashed toward the coffeehouse door. 

Book Dedication: John Asahara, a wonderful man full of wisdom, love, and kindness. You are an inspiration to many.

Quote: where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure - Rumi 

This book l got for free as part of a goodreads giveaway and first read l never won anything before but l want to say thank you to goodreads for having a great site and l want to say thank you to the person who hosted the giveaway and picking me as a winner.

Review: This book was really easy to get in to l was hooked on this book after reading the first few pages it was hard to put down once l started reading it. l was sad to read that jack passed away and sunny is carrying around his ashes not knowing what to do do with them. l got an arc of this book l want to read more from Deborah Rodriguez. highly recommend this book to anyone this book is awesome and a great storyline. l would tell people you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this. l was sad to read that the coffeehouse was attacked by a gunman who shot some of the people that was there and Zara was injured. Yazmina went to the hospital with her. l hope she survives. some other people was injured as well. Zara's sister's headmaster wanted to marry Zara and he would do anything to make it happen but Zara loves Omar. The headmaster threatened to hurt her, her family and friends and Omar. The headmaster took Zara's phone so he could find out who had Zara's heart because he would love a younger wife. Zara wanted to carry on with school and university and marry Omar. l was glad to read that Yazmina's husband, daughter and mother in law was safe. l was sad to read that yazmina was nearly hit in the stomach glad the bullet missed because she is heavily pregnant with her second child. l wonder if she has another daughter or a son. l can not put in to words how great this book really is l would tell people to read this book for themselves to know how great this story really is. l was sad to read that Zara died from her injuries even after her death the headmaster who threatened her, her family and friends and Omar still followed her. he was seen at Zara's grave. Zara did not want to live because of him wanting to marry her. Yazmina was visiting Zara at the hospital but yazmina's husband told her he did not want her visiting Zara again because she could be in danger still and he thought she should be resting because she is pregnant and she should stay home being a mother and wife and cleaning up the coffeehouse after the shooting l feel sorry for Zara's family and friends because they still could be in danger. this book has 309 pages and 39 chapters in it. this book is full of surprises. Zara was not really dead Zara and her family had gone in to hiding to get away from faheem Zara's sister's headmaster. l was sad to read that Omar was killed by Faheem's men and poor Zara was heartbroken by Omar's death but she was back with her family. l was happy to read that yazmina and ahmet's second daughter arrived safe but ahmet was sad that the baby was another girl . l liked reading that yazmina feed the baby chewed up dates and then the baby's hair was shaved off and the family would weigh the baby's hair and give the weight of the hair to the poor which l think is nice of the family. l was sad to read that kat's mother died at the hand's of her father. it was funny what they did to rick but he should not have tried to rip sunny off by saying he owned half of the vineyard. l really loved this book l can not get enough of reading it l would happily read this book again and again. it was nice to read that ahmet made a promise to both his daughters and he said to sunny over skype have you seen my beautiful daughter auntie sunny and auntie Layla. Kat thought the baby girl is beautiful too l want to read more of this storyline and people and l love reading about wine making and grape picking. l hope Kat gets justice for her mother. l wish the coffeehouse was still open and l hope Faheem is put in jail for ordering the shootout and Omar's death. l hope Zara comes to terms with Omar's death and finds somebody who loves her and she gets married and has babies and she is safe from faheem hope her family and friends are safe too. l can not wait to see if sunny chooses to stay on the island or goes home. the vineyard is  great l love that jack had a cat and dog that are now sunny's l hope sunny picks somewhere beautiful to put jack's ashes and l hope sunny founds somebody else to be happy with now jack has sadly passed away. Joe and sky sound like really nice guys . l was happy to read that the coffeehouse is going to be a safehouse for girls and women like Zara. l wish l could rate this book more than five stars. it was nice to read that sunny was helping with funds for the safehouse aka the coffeehouse girls and women safe with their children. l was happy to read that Kat was helping with the safehouse and that sunny was staying on the island to make jack's dreams come true even though he was not around to see it. 

Star Rating: Five out of Five stars 

About the author: Deborah Rodriguez is the author of the international bestseller the little coffeehouse of kabul. She also written two memoirs: the beauty school, about her life in Afghanistan, and the house on carnaval street on her experiences following her return to america. She spent five years teaching and later directing the kabul beauty school, the first modern beauty academy and training salon in Afghanistan, Deborah also owned the oasis salon and the cabul coffeehouse, and is founder of the non-profit organization oasis rescue, which aims to teach economically disadvantaged women, and women in post-conflict and disaster-stricken areas, the art of hairdressing she currently lives in Mazatlan, mexico, where she owns the tippy toes salon and spa.