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: Martin Willitts JR: How To Be Silent

How to Be Silent

This may contain spoilers

Author: Martin Willitts Jr.

Title: How To Be Silent.

Genre: Literature and Fiction, Poetry, Contemporary, American, Regional and Cultural, United States, Contemporary Fiction,.

This book I got as part as 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 I 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.

This book has 90 pages in it.

Quotes From This Book:

This ecstatic poets wrote lovingly about the search for god and when they found god, they were overwhelmed with god's presence. They reached out with praise, or psalms, or anguish, or tribulations, or struggled with the unspeakable, of found they could not give words to what they had seen or heard, but many of the mystics saw god as love.

You can hear the footsteps of god when silence reigns in the mind. - Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

We need to find god, and he can not be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence, see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... we need silence to be able to touch souls. - Mother Teresa.

In the beginning was the conversation. - Erasmus' translation of John 1:1.

Whoever discovers what these sayings mean will not taste death. – Jesus, according Thomas, dead sea scrolls, saying #1.

Know what is in front of your face and what is hidden from you will be disclosed. There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. - Jesus, according to Thomas, dead sea scrolls, saying #5.

Even though you are not equipped, keep searching: equipment is not necessary on the way to the lord. - Rumi, the journey.

And then alone in cold, light, open space, yet still deep within the mature erected form, a gasping for the clear air of the first one, the old one. - Rilke, imaginary life journey.

A “daemon” according to socrates, was a spirit who would speak up when it was about to something not in accord with its true nature.

Kabir says this: when the guest is being search for, it is the intensity of the longing for the guest that does all the work. Look at me, and you will see a slave of that intensity. - Kabir, ecstatic poems (2004), version by Robert Bly.

We should highly rejoice that god dwells in our soul and still more highly should we rejoice that our soul dwells in god. - Saint Julian of Norwich, infinite love.

No sound of the mid-day bell enters this fastness where blue mist rises from bamboo graves: down from a high peak hangs a waterfall; none knows where he has gone, so sadly l rest, with my back leaning against a pine. - Li Po, visiting a taoist on tiatien mountain.

One night as l sat in quiet, I seemed on the verge of entering a world inside so vast I know it is the source of all of us. - Mirabai.

Be willing to be a beginner every single morning. - Meister Eckhart.

How shall the heart be reconciled/ to it is feast of losses?. - Mary Karr, facing altars poetry and prayer.

For god is not the author of confusion, but of peace. - I Corinthians, 14:33.

Synopsis: This is a collection of meditative spiritual poems Martin Willitts, Jr lives simple quaker principle of god is everywhere, in everyone”, seeing both the good and bad, but also the awe of waking every day. He turns inwards with silent meditation and outward with his own version of psalms. He knows the small objects are just as important as the large for our own survival. This book will be appreciated by people who like poets such as Rumi, Hafez, Thomas Merlon, Emily Dickinson, Lalla, Rilke, Dogen, Yeats, Mary Oliver, Wendell Berry, Gerard Manley, Hopkins, Blake, Kabir, Mirabai, St Augustine, William Stafford, George Herbert, Meister Eckhart, Li Po, St Teresa of Avila, Simone Weil, St Francis of Assisi, Kahlil Gibran, St Catherine of Siena, St Thoams Aquinas, Julian of Norwich, and D.H. Lawrence.

Review By Other People:

Like “finding secrets in an acorn” this book can “shush the stars” in its intense, yet humble description of a spiritual journey in to silence of listening, the silence of unexpected encounters with the frail, omniscient love. A mystic poet, a passionate and patient gardener, and an expert weaver of words, Martin Willitts Jr takes us on the way through a world “that folds into a pocket” to ecstatic visions “in the presence of absence” these poems, inspired by Rumi, Gnostic Gospels, Kabir, Li Po, Blake, mother Teresa, and other mystics, resound with birdsongs notes “building a ladder of light” and teach us to “ accept the emptiness of our hearts” - since at the end, only the “tender rain” of love remains. This book of psalms, reflections, and meditations is a manual for seekers of truth beyond religions and rituals, the truth that we breathe in, while “free-falling” into endlessness, into trust. - Maja Trochimczyk, PhD, poet, music historian, and editor of meditations on divine names ( moonrise press, 2012).

This exquisite poetry collection explores silence as a spiritual pathway, journey, search, and discovery. Each poem is a tiny gem at once delicate and deep, dark and luminous. Studded with surprising imagery – nightjars “belonging more to darkness than to the known” , A nightingale who “sings a peach blossom frominvisible stillness” - these poems rouse and delight, opening the reader's eyes to the many unexpected facets of silence, Willitts is a virtuoso at balance and harmony while his poems are tinged in dark hues of imperfection, unworthiness, and loss - “ a flight of rain has departed without you” - they never fail to bring us back to brightness at just the right moment reminding us that “loss never empties light completely” as Willitts delves into the myriad ways silence plays out in our lives, he calls on the reader to listen, closely and deeply, for the messages we will find there. - Jill Jepson, author of writing as a sacred path: a practical guide to writing with passion and purpose.

These poems are a window into a darkness that is filled with light... A meditative space filled with dusky wings that carry us aloft with those things that are greater than ourselves, shimmering with the clarity of a moonlit mountain lake. - Jared Smith, author of to the dark angels.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once l started reading it. I can not put in to words how great this book is I would tell people to read this book for themselves to know how great it really is. I was hooked on this book after reading the first page. It did not take me long to read this book. There is some great poems and quotes in this book. When l was reading this book I would put some essential oils in my humidifier and put the lights on my humidifier on and chill on my bed and listen to magic or spotify. I also put on my christmas lights that are on my christmas tree. I sometimes light a candle when l am reading this book.

About The Author: Martin Willitts Jr is a retired librarian. He was a field medic for american friends service committee (Quaker),a former jazz musician, and has built over 100 houses for habitat for humanity. He won the 2014 broad sided award, the 2014 Dylan Thomas international poetry contest, and editor's choice in rattle's ekphrastic challenge (June 2015) he has more than 20 chapbooks to his credit plus 11 full – length volumes, including the national ecological award winner searching for what you cannot see (hiraeth press, 2013) . Dylan Thomas and the writer's shed is due out from futurecycle press in 2017.

About The Book: I love the picture on this book cover. I like the colours used on this bookcover and the colour used for the font makes the writing stand out more.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.

I wish l could rate this book more than the 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: Douglas Cowie: Noon In Paris, Eight In Chicago

Noon in Paris, Eight in Chicago

Author: Douglas Cowie

Title: Noon In Paris, Eight In Chicago

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Contemporary, Literature & Fiction, Literature,

This book I got for free as part of a goodreads giveaway and firstread I have never won anything before. I want to say a big thank you to goodreads for having a great site. 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 with authors and genres 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: For Bob Eaglestone.

Review From Other People:

Praise For Douglas Cowie.

Douglas Cowie has captured the tragic love between Nelson Algren and Simone De Beauvoir with heart felt innocence. Focusing on the simple truths and fundamental desires that arguably these two great intellectuals had denied themselves with others, Cowie exposes the tender, vulnerable soul of both with a deep sense of empathy. - Mark Blottner, co-director of Nelson Algren the end is nothing, the road is all.

Cowie brings a disarming voice and a freshness to proceedings. - Guardian.

A page-turning novel. - TLS Review.

Cowie (writes) with enormous assurance and off beat charm. - The Times.

An uncanny ability to evoke time and place … an intriguing novel. - Scotland On Sunday.

This book has 314 pages and 15 chapters and 3 parts in it.

Synopsis: Chicago, 1947: on a freezing February night, France's feminist icon Simone De Beauvoir calls up radical resident novelist Nelson Algren, Asking him to show her around. After a whirlwind tour of dive bars, cabarets and police lock up, the pair return to his apartment on Wabansia Avenue. Here, a passion is sparked that will last for the next decades. Their relationship intensifies during  intoxicating months spent together in Paris and Chicago. But in between are long, anguished periods apart are filled with competing desires – lovers old and new, writing, politics, gambling – which ultimately expose the fragility of their unconventional  marriage” and put their devotion to the test. Sharp and intimate, Cowie's reimagining of this turbulent love affair asks what it means to love and be loved by the right person at the wrong time.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to. I found this book hard to put down once l started reading it. It did not take me long to finish this book. I can not put in to words how great this book is I would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great it really is. I wish l could rate this book more then five stars. This book just gets better and better as the story goes on. This book will leave you wanting more I would happily read this book again. I like reading about Nelson and Simone and them falling in love and travelling to different place and seeing different scenery . I am enjoying reading this book and sometimes l would cuddle up with my cat when reading this book. I got lost in this book and storyline very easily. This book will take you away. This book is addicting book and storyline. I would love to read more about Nelson and Simone and more from Douglas Cowie. This book is so romantic. I wish Simone would move to Chicago to be with Nelson and they would get married and have babies. I like that Nelson and Simone went travelling together. It was sad to read that all the pictures they took when they was travelling did not come out clearly. Simone went to Chicago and Nelson went to Paris and he got to meet all Simone's friends and Simone met all Nelson's friends too. I really enjoyed reading about Nelson, his life and Simone and her life. It was nice to read that two people with different lifes and from different parts of the world fell in love. Nelson got to meet Sartre who Simone is always going on about all the time. It was horrible to read that people was calling Simone names the people who was calling her names sound jealous of Simone and her success. Poor Nelson being sea sick it was funny though. It was funny that Simone threw Nelson's favorite clothes overboard in to the sea on their journey. This book is truly amazing. I wish this book world not finish. I was sad to finish this book. I was hooked on this book after reading the first page I loved this book it is so romantic. Twenty thousand copies of Simone's book was sold I was happy to read and everybody was happy about it too. One of Nelson's books was reviewed in the times. I love reading romance novels. It was nice to read that Nelson was helping Margo to get off drugs I hope she cleans herself up and goes back to her family. It was great to read that Margo got off the drugs. Nelson and Simone sound like they make a great couple. There is nothing better than relaxing with a great book. I am happy to read that Nelson and Simone love to read books too and that they are both writers. Nelson and Simone meet when she rings Nelson to ask him to show her around Chicago. This book made me think that Nelson and Simone fell in love the first day they hat met. They sent letters to each other back and forth from Paris and Chicago. Sounds like Nelson wants children Simone. It sounds like Nelson also wants to marry Simone.

About The Author: Douglas Cowie was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, and since 1999 has lived in both England and Germany. He teaches in the department of English at Royal Holloway, university of London. He is also the author of the novels Owen noone and the marauder (2005) and two linked novella's, sing for life: tin pan alley (2013) and sing for life: away, you rolling river (2014).

About The Book: I really love this cover. The colours are really nice. I love that there is more then one colour on this book cover. My favorite colour is one of the colours and my sister's favorite colour is one of the colours too. I love that the inside of the book cover is a map of Chicago which I think is amazing.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.

Book Review: E.J. Mellow: The Divide

The Divide

         

Author: E.J. Mellow

Title: The Divide

Book Series: The Dreamland Series

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult, Fiction, Romance, Paranormal, Young Adult,

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

The author wrote me a little note: Donna, may this book finally make it in to your hands and the story takes you away.

I also got some badges and stickers in a little bag with my name on which l thought was cute.

I won this book the divide in a goodreads giveaway so l bought the dreamer and the dreamcatcher so l could read them all l want to buy the third book when it is released on the 17th October 2016.

Book Dedication: For those who do not think they can, but will.

Quote: What l want to do is travel deep and deeper in to the dreamland's, to find that place that l know is waiting for me here, my home - Charles De Lint.

This book has 382 pages and 45 chapters in it.

I highly recommend this book but l would tell people to read the dreamer and the dreamcatcher first.

Synopsis: Molly finally uncovers the truth about the strange dreams that plagued her sanity for weeks. Now destined to accept a clandestine role, Molly must find the strength and buried deep to push forward and succeed with the help of Dev, The roguish blue-eyed man of her dreams - whose dark park resurfaces to haunt him - Molly prepares to test the limits of her newly awakened powers and set right a world on the edge of being consumed by nightmares but when an unknown shadow stalks her every step and a shocking revelation about her ancestry comes to light, Molly may find herself forced to make a decision that could leave her alone in the dark and standing on the wrong side of a divide - the heart-thumping second installment in the dreamland series.

Praise for the dreamland series:

Lyrical, Vibrant, Imaginative. E.J. Mellow's striking, original voice will draw you in to a mesmerizing world - Emma Raveling, Author of the Ondine Quartet.

The Characters are stunning... I fell in love with all of them! - Cassandra Reads A Lot.

Review: I am glad to be carrying on with the dreamland series. I have read the first two books the dreamer and the dreamcatcher. This book is really good. I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once l started reading it. I was hooked on this book after reading the first page and l am hooked on this series. I love the little message from the author in the front of my book. I am really enjoying this storyline. 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 it really is. I can not wait to read the destined which is out on the 17^th October 2016. I like reading about Molly getting other dreamer's memories. Molly is a nature this is one of the best series l have read so far this year I only need to read the last book in this series (which is out before my birthday) it did not take me long to read this book. ; would happily read this series again. I was sad to finish this book. I can not wait to finish this series but l will be sad to finish it also. I have to wait till October to read more about Dev and Molly and the dreamland. I wish this series would not finish because it leaves you wanting more. If the first three are to go by the destined will be amazing like the dreamer, dreamcatcher and the divide. This book left me wanting to read more. I am excited to read the destined. This book is a must read but you should read all the books to get the full storyline. This is a must have on your bookshelf but you need the dreamer, the dreamcatcher, the divide and the destined so you can have the full beautiful book covers and the full series. I was sad to read that Molly and Jared broke up. Rae is so funny because he can eat anything and never be full. Rae and Becca sound like a great couple just a shame they can not stay together just glad Becca has a best friend like Molly. I can not get enough of this series. I wish that there was more then four books in the dreamland series. I loved reading about Molly,Dev, Becca, Jared and Metus and the dreams Molly has. Just wish Molly and Jared was still together because they made a great couple,

About The Author: E.J Mellow is a fantasy writer who resides in Brooklyn, New York. When she is not busy moonlighting in the realm of make believe, she can be found doodling, buried in a book (usually this one), or playing video games. The divide is the second book in her new adult contemporary fantasy trilogy, the dreamland series.

About The Book: I love this book cover and l love the colours they are not too bright and not too dull.

I was honoured to be picked to be part of the cover reveal for the destined and l can say it is beautiful.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars

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