"The Game of Hope", by Sandra Gulland

This historical fiction is set shortly after the French Revolution ended. Although this novel is fiction the events actually happened and people mentioned were real historical figures. “The Game of Hope”, chronicles the life Hortense de Beauharnais, whose stepfather was Napoleon Bonaparte. Hortense has lost her father, guillotined during the Reign of Terror.
The story involves a fortune-telling card deck. Each chapter opens with a card from the game which gives us an idea on what will come in that section.

Hortense every experience is noted from her time she is in school, at the estate and palace to her first twinkle of love in a form of a dashing officer to her rapport with friends, relatives, teachers and nobility. Hortense views and feelings and the way she reacts to some situation can be harsh but knowing her upbringing and her father’s horrific death we can soon see why her perspective is the way it is.

The portrayal of Hortense was risky one but she turned out to be invaluable protagonist to helped us immerse ourself not only in the time but also in the attitudes and context. Ms. Gulland fidelity to historical accuracy achieved to give us this. Hortense life may be dramatic but she handles well what she is facing. Even with the supporting characters the narrative was firmly Hortense’s and stayed such till the very end.

Although it is a good story I think the characters were underdeveloped and the plot was rather choppy. I was quite hard to remain invested in this one. I read better constructed stories from Ms. Gulland in the past.

"Friendly Fire", by Paul Rousseau

“A Fracture Memoir”

This memoir is thoughtful, hopeful, unvarnished and is one of the best written. It tells the story of a man who was accidently shot by his long-time college roommate and best friend. We are allowed to process his experiences along with him. His scattered thoughts are full of emotions.

“Friendly Fire” is one of those stories that will grab your interest from the get-go and will not let go till the very end. Mark has accidently shot Paul in the head days before their last semester of undergrad studies. Paul brain injury is classified as TBI (traumatic brain injury) and from this PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), the book touches on this through Pauls’ eyes.

Most of the story is said in short chapters and done through flashbacks and present day. The author writes in a sparse tone in order for us to process his experiences along with him. Surgery and recovery are crucial but the define moment is when he realized that he qualified as Disabled…..We have a lot of emotional moments throughout this narration but the most of the heart moment is Paul’s letter to his once- friend Mark. It has brought tears to my eyes.

This book is written with amazing details it also touches gun violence, personal injury lawsuits and the injustices in our system towards victims.

It may be a difficult subject matter but Paul’s journey and how he faced it is none other than inspiring.

I received a copy of this book from the first reviewer program for my thoughts.

"Serial Burn", by Lynette Eason

Lake City Heroes #3

If you like a blend of fast-paced action with heartfelt spiritual themes you will be pleased with this one. Lynette Eason shines in her ability to balance tension with human emotions.

Jesslyn McCormick lost her parent and two younger sisters in a devastating house fire when she was just seven years old. Now a marshal of Lake City she is more than determined to find the person responsible… A string of fires on the 25th anniversary of their deaths brings up old memories…..and more. But when FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to assist the local police and work with her then her future may turn for the better….

This story captured my interest from the first page. It didn’t take long before I was immersed in the tumultuous world of Jesslyn. Ms. Eason is a fabulous writer who knows how to create a rich tale of suspense and give us captivating twists and turns to keep us on the edge of our seat till the very end. When it came evident that Jesslyn was the target and treat mounted Nathan became increasingly protective and nature kicked in….awe…..

What a thrill ride worth taking.

I received this ARC from Revell via Netgalley

"Dangerous Lover", by Lisa Marie Rice

The Dangerous Trilogy book #1

Synopsis literally taken from Goodreads: Riddled with medical expenses after the death of her young brother, Caroline Lake desperately takes in boarder Jack Prescott, a seemingly down-on-his-luck stranger with a high-stakes past who awakens previously unexplored passions in Caroline.

My thoughts:

This story was so out of my comfort zone it wasn’t even funny…. Give me a story with a backbone something that will not only entertain but will keep me wanting more. This story was so boring rehashing the same things over and over again pages after pages of mediocre sex scenes and not much else.

I sum up the story as such

Lust, sex,sex,sex and a very poor story line.

Conclusion:

Since this book was given by the publisher, I felt obliged to read it to the end but my verdict is: Not worth the time.

"No Way Out", by John W Mefford

Jack Whitfield Thriller book # 10

The story in a few words:

In the past one of Jack’s s rich friends, Sokol, saved his daughter who had been kidnapped. It was time to return the favour now. His new mission sends him in the middle of the El Salvadoran forest where he will need to pull of one highly dangerous rescue..And the mayhem begins..enjoy.

My thoughts in a few words:

I loved ¾ of this book immensely, reading it brought flash back of the terrible effects mining can bring to a remote area: water is sucked out of region, threatening water resources by dumping pollutants and affecting the lifestyle of indigenous communities, thus, leaving the population in fear of disappearing.

This story touches some of this but Mr. Mefford expertly added his own spin by having Jack taken prisoner and becoming along with the mine workers unwilling participant in mind altering experiences. But Jack is Jack and after 10 thrillers we know he will come out safe and sound but in the mean time the last ¼ of the story is never ending action…Maybe a bit unbelievable but fun to read.

The author doesn’t miss a beat and once more gave us in “No Way Out” a tense, existing, well- plot out story hard to put down.

Thank you, Mr. Mefford, you once more given me hours of enjoyment.