Blog Archives
Sunshine Clinic: A Novel with Recipes
Sunshine Clinic by Meera Ekkanath Klein is a captivating tale centered on the journey of its protagonist, Sunny, also known as Thangam. After completing her medical studies and gaining valuable experience, Sunny returns to her childhood home of Mahagiri. This town is where she grew up, faced loss, and where her family, including extended in-laws and a cherished niece, still resides. Despite her father’s absence, the longstanding presence of those who have worked for her family remains. Initially eager to escape her hometown, Sunny now finds herself irresistibly drawn back, yearning for the familiarity she once knew. Yet, she grapples with the challenge of stepping out of her family’s shadow. The central question is whether she can find a balance that allows her to pursue her passion on her own terms.
This novel deeply explores family dynamics, resonating with the universal theme of leaving home to discover oneself, only to yearn for a return to familiar roots. The opening line, “My mother used to say the best part of leaving is coming home again,” perfectly encapsulates this sentiment, immediately engaging readers with questions about Sunny’s past and her motivations for returning. Rich in cultural detail, Sunshine Clinic immerses readers in its setting through the use of regional dialects and phrases like “bonda and tea,” “Akka,” “Kutty,” and “chechi.” These elements not only bring the environment to life but also highlight the distinct culture being portrayed. This compelling narrative of a woman discovering herself and her place among loved ones is beautifully depicted.
Meera Ekkanath Klein’s Sunshine Clinic offers rich characters and cultural elements that provide a relatable yet unique lifestyle. The strong emphasis on family bonds adds warmth and depth to the story. I highly recommend this novel and eagerly anticipate more works from this talented author.
Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0CYXWLXS9
The Princess and The Cowboy
C.H. Eryl’s The Princess and the Cowboy intertwines a mesmerizing contemporary romance with a captivating adventure, effortlessly inviting readers into the vividly painted worlds of Wyoming and the enchanting island kingdom of Aki. This is not just a tale of love but a journey through emotional landscapes brimming with obstacles, resilience, and the persistent flame of hope.
The story elegantly unfolds the complexities in the lives of Sunny O’lepeki – a landscape designer in Wyoming and Princess Sonja of Aki – and Hunter Broken Feather, a Native American cowboy harboring a secret Christmas proposal plan. With an intricately woven narrative, Eryl navigates through their tumultuous relationship as they grapple with the stark contrasts and expectations rooted in their disparate worlds.
An unexpected twist leaves Sunny with amnesia following a plane crash, catapulting Hunter into the enigmatic realm of Aki to unearth the truths concealed behind his beloved’s royal lineage. His love remains unyielding, even amidst the revelations and the unfamiliar territory. Eryl adroitly explores whether love can truly conquer all, navigating through the entwining vines of cultural divergence and personal discoveries.
What captivates me most is the authentically crafted characters. Sunny and Hunter’s relationship is the beacon through their tribulations, showcasing a fascinating fusion of a cowboy’s rugged charm and the genteel grace of a princess. Their journey towards a seemingly unattainable happy ending is crafted not just with romance but with a raw emotional depth that resonates deeply.
One of the features of Eryl’s storytelling lies in the richly textured secondary characters, such as Hunter’s brother, Dakota, and his close-knit circle of friends. The brotherhood and friendship depicted are not mere backdrops but pivotal elements that significantly enhance the narrative, providing a sturdy foundation and support to Hunter’s relentless pursuit of love amidst chaos and uncertainties.
Hunter’s evolution as a character is penned with finesse. His journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning, his willingness to morph his strategies, and his determination to prevent history from repeating itself weave a noteworthy subtext about personal growth and the undeterred spirit of a lover.
The romance arc between Sunny and Hunter offers a distinctive perspective on love, presenting it through a lens where much of their relationship has been established prior to where the book begins. Readers, especially those new to C.H. Eryl’s series, might find exploring the couple’s initial bonding phases and the inception of their love story to be a missed opportunity, as the novel quickly embarks on a path where physical and emotional distances are pivotal plot devices.
C.H. Eryl remarkably integrates romantic ideals with realistic challenges, presenting readers with a story that is as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking. The Princess and the Cowboy is a testament to the unbridled power of love, fortified with lessons on sacrifice, understanding, and the undying belief in happily ever after. It is a truly enchanting read that resonates beyond the last page.
Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0BYKBYQB7
Sunrise in Saigon
Sunrise in Saigon by Patrick Greenwood is a fiction story based on real events that happened in Vietnam during and after the war. Jack Kendall is an eleven-year-old boy at the time of the fall of Saigon in 1975. Still, many of his questions about the war are not answered until more than thirty-five years later when he makes a trip to Vietnam as an adult after health issues cause him to reexamine his current life. There he meets a woman who he had been communicating with online, and spending time with her takes his mind off his unhappy marriage. But is their relationship worth the risk? And is there any chance that they can be together forever?
I liked how this story spanned several decades of Jack’s life, starting in his childhood and into adulthood, giving the reader more insight into his character and his continuing interest in what happened to the Vietnamese people after the war when the American armed forces left the country. The author included many historical details and vivid descriptions of life in Vietnam and how the people there were still affected four decades after the war. I enjoyed reading about how Jack stepped in to help fix problems at a water plant during his trip to Vietnam. It was admirable that he wanted to take steps in his life to improve his health and mindset, and I liked that he took up cycling. The ending of this book surprised me, and I liked that it was unexpected.
Some of the decisions Jack made in the pursuit of so-called happiness and love were not exceptionally honorable and had detrimental effects on his family life. Jack and Linh’s infidelity is a vital part of this story, and how they are both looking for a connection that is lacking in their current relationships. Finding the answers to his long-held questions about Vietnam seemed secondary to his affair with Linh, especially during his first trip, giving readers a deeper look at his emotional state and his desire for deep emotional connections.
Overall, Sunrise in Saigon is a captivating read that will take the reader on an emotional journey alongside Jack and his quest for happiness. Some relationships are meant to last forever, some just for a moment. This novel shows readers that those moments are no less meaningful and impactful in our lives than the relationships that last for years.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0BMNGVK4Z
Outside the Lines
Bella’s life has been a rollercoaster of hardships, from a childhood without proper care to bouncing between foster homes. She thought she had seen it all. But now, the devastating news of her terminal cancer diagnosis and only having one year to live shatters her world once again. Seeking solace, Bella travels to South Carolina, where she meets the quirky and charming Tilly, her new landlady and unexpected best friend. Tilly is determined to help Bella make the last year of her life count. Although they are many years apart, they share something in common. Both women know their deaths are soon.
Together, they embark on a journey of living life to the fullest and making every moment count. Bella’s unwavering strength and resilience are a true inspiration, and Tilly’s unpredictable nature will have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. Without a family to support her, she has always been strong on her own. She has such a beautiful soul. Tilly was a fascinating character. The 90-year-old woman had unpredictable moods and was known for her sharp tongue. Although she said mean things sometimes, she had a big heart and was loved by almost everyone.
Mary Perrine provides masterful character development and an absorbing plot, and you’ll find yourself hooked from the first page. Outside the Lines explores the depths of friendship, love, and the power of the human spirit. It’s a powerful story of triumph over adversity that will touch your heart and leave you feeling inspired. The author’s writing is powerful, and I found myself at times wishing things were different for Bella, and then I would burst out laughing at Tilly’s remarks.
Outside the Lines is a must-read for fans of realistic fiction. Get ready to be transported into Bella and Tilly’s world and experience a story that will stay with you long after the last page. Don’t miss out on this beautiful and touching tale of courage and hope.
Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0BQ5D1F2J
Irate
Ramiro Espinoza has a promising future in his Heavy Metal band Irate. However, his past haunts him and prevents him from enjoying his achievements. Since he was a young boy, he felt a connection with music and strived to become a great vocalist and bassist. His early life was complicated because he comes from a dysfunctional family where Jorge, his father, inflicted physical and emotional harm on his family, justifying his abuse with bible passages. Fortunately, his mother and sister supported Ramiro’s dreams, and he used his music to cope with the emotions caused by the conflicts with his father. Eventually, he met Noelle, a House/Techno singer who gave up her career to travel on Irate’s tour around the world. Now Ramiro must learn to open his heart and face the problems with his father to achieve true success in life and develop a healthy relationship with Noelle.
Author Alexis Soleil has a detailed narration style. She introduces readers to Ramiro through the significant moments of his life. Readers first meet him in his youth, when he is a teenager and in a rebellious period. There are good moments, for example, when he gets a tattoo of a 3D tarantula, and bad situations as when his father kicks him out of the house on Christmas. Eventually, we see Ramiro maturing with his career, developing a relationship with Noelle, and coming to terms with his family’s issues.
Alexis Soleil doesn’t just focus on Roamiro; Noelle is an essential part of this story and has strong character development and her own personal conflicts to resolve. This diversity in the character’s personalities and ethnic backgrounds enriches the narrative because it shows that everyone has conflicts to resolve.
IRATE: A Rocker’s Raging Romance has a dark plot with intense scenes and mature language. This novel is focused on the world of Heavy Metal and shows a realistic perspective with touring, problems in the band, and even with Noelle seeing the reactions from fans. I recommend this contemporary romance for those that enjoy the lifestyle of Heavy Metal music, complicated romantic relationships, and self-discovery.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B09F62BDRV
Love You Forever
Love You Forever -Elizabeth’s Story by Sharon K. Middleton is a love story based in the present world with supernatural elements. In this imaginative book, the story of Elizabeth is explored in detail. Elizabeth loves Ari but refuses to marry him due to some complications. However, Ari convinces her to marry him and flies her to Egypt, where a series of events leads us to the Tomb of Nefertiti. Fate takes multiple turns and tosses our characters through tumultuous situations.
Author Sharon Middleton provides readers a story about love, history, and supernatural elements mingled together. I found the author’s writing style to be versatile. In the instances that the author was explaining about the Tomb and curses, I felt the goosebumps on my body, and when it came to the romance between Ari and Elizabeth, I felt the passion between the two.
The romance felt genuine, and I enjoyed the flirtatious exchanges, which brought a smile to my face. From the moment they met each other, I was rooting for them to become a couple. The author provides a wealth of background information about Egyptian culture that I enjoyed reading about. The dip in the past was something interesting to observe. The way the author has merged fiction with facts was lovely to read. I felt like I was on an adventure alongside Ari and Elizabeth.
Love You Forever -Elizabeth’s Story is an emotionally charged mix of fiction and historical facts making this book an intriguing read. The author’s pacing keeps the storyline moving and allows the reader to become part of the story. The characters have their own distinctions and characteristics, and I couldn’t get enough of Ari and Elizabeth. I will highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a historical adventure with a sprinkle of romance throughout.
Pages: 311 | ASIN : B09TL3WMQH
A Wife for the Devil
A Wife for the Devil by Shruti Rao tells the story of Elizabeth Lavoisier and the people in her life. Elizabeth lives with her uncle and his family and she has hardly any control over her life. Instead, she is treated like a maid and lives in fear of her beautiful, powerful, and erratic cousin, Miranda Deverril. Miranda has fallen for a man, Hugh Atwood, and enlists Elizabeth’s help in trying to win him over. Elizabeth, nervous and fearful, agrees to see Hugh, but soon she finds herself embroiled in a love triangle with her cousin… but can she find her feet in a world where money is power? Will she fight for the man she has come to love?
Shruti Rao has created a story with a rich cast of characters. From Elizabeth to her friend Lady Frazier and more. Readers will find the characters engaging and entertaining. Elizabeth is surprisingly headstrong when it comes to matters of the heart. Her love interest, Hugh Atwood, is a man with a past that hangs over his head, and Elizabeth can’t help but be taken in by him. Readers will find themselves rooting for the couple despite the obstacles in their way.
The story moves at a smooth pace giving readers time to know the characters. The story is set in London, in 1871, with all the social stigmas and properties of the time. The story is told through the interactions of the characters and through flashbacks of memories. Elizabeth starts out unsure of herself and her self-worth, but thankfully she grows into a confident and strong woman throughout the story.
A Wife for the Devil is an exciting story that will captivate readers who enjoy historical fiction. A Victorian romance set up with characters that are traditionally below the upper crust of the ton, fighting scandals, family drama, and looking for a way to make love work.
Pages: 182 | ASIN : B09R3PTSVH
LITERARY TITAN 