Book Reviews

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Book review: Cave of Silence by Kostas Krommydas

I knew Kostas Krommydas as an actor from his career on Greek TV (and now from The Durrells of Corfu in the UK too) but only recently discovered that he is also a wonderful writer with a great following in my country of Greece. When this book, being one of the author’s Greek bestsellers, was translated into English, I jumped at the chance to read it, especially as it was based on a true story – something that intrigued me further.

If I were to describe this book in one word, I’d say it’s ‘cinematographical’. I guess I should have expected nothing less from a fine actor such as Krommydas; his story has created a host of vivid images in my head that I still can’t shake…some are happy and tender, others are tragic and heartbreaking. As I read I felt like I was there on the tiny island where the story unfolded for the most part. The terrible atrocities that the Germans carried out on the island just before they departed at the end of the war filled me with upset, just thinking that this might have happened in real life. For a few days after finishing the book, the injustice and the tragic end of some of the characters continued to haunt me…

I love historical fiction, and tragic family stories with dark secrets as it is, but this book certainly stands out for the masterful storytelling, the multi-dimensional characters and the flow that is continuous and smooth. I found the book hard to put down, up until the last page, the two timelines merging seamlessly, the characters feeling so lifelike I wished there was a contact at the end of the book so I could write to the real family behind this novel and offer my sincere condolences. But I cannot do that; I can only speak for this book and say that it is one of the best books of WWII Greek fiction I have ever read. For drama and originality, I personally put it up there with Bernières’ Captain Corelli’s Mandolin… I highly recommend you pick up this book and see where it takes you. It certainly filled my mind with sunny skies and generous views of the Aegean. I will definitely read more from this author.

My rating:

5 stars!

Highly cinematographical… a heart-rending WWII story set on a tiny Greek island

Do you enjoy tragic family stories from WWII? How about historical romances with dark family secrets? This book is a must!

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kostas krommydas the durrells

Are you a Durrells fan? Trust me, you want to check out my interview with Kostas Krommydas!

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Kostas Krommydas pictured on the island of Andros that inspired ‘Cave of Silence’. Image copyright Pavlos Efthimiou.

 

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Book review: Trouble in Glamour Town by S.R. Mallery

old Hollywood murder romance mystery

S.R. Mallery writes exquisite historical fiction because she has the unique gift to transport you through time with her writing. This is the third book I’ve now read by this writer and it’s my favorite so far. I love old black-and-white movies and the whole old-Hollywood scene, so I picked up the book knowing I was bound to enjoy it. It did turn out to be an absolute delight, but also, even more than I expected.

Not only does it depict the world of Hollywood in its heyday masterfully, with legendary stars the likes of Valentino and Swanson even making short appearances in it, but it also serves as a proper virtual journey back to this era… The best vehicle to this effect is the language. I relished the dialogue more than anything else, remembering phrases I had last heard years ago when I last binged on James Stewart, Humphrey Bogart, and James Cagney movies.

Reading this book equals a total immersion into the 1920s era – you see people and hear them talk inside your mind in full technicolor and it feels incredibly real. Rosie is a sweet heroine, who loves being around her pets more than she enjoys acting, it seems. I enjoyed her sweet romance with her devoted boyfriend Eddie, and found her relationship with her mother incredibly real, their situation so human and believable.

Rosie’s tender story revolves around the axis of a mysterious murder, which makes this novel a period sweet romance sprinkled with the intriguing elements of a whodunit. If you enjoy either genre, this book is a must! I devoured it from cover to cover. A true gem.

My rating:

5 stars

A sweet period romance with the intrigue of a whodunit!

 

Old Hollywood novel book murder romance

Do you love murder mysteries or period romances with a touch of family drama? How about stories from Old Hollywood? I think you’ll love this book!

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Check out my interview with S.R. Mallery, and her multiple talents!

 

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Book review: Slightly Sweaty by Amy Vansant

Another superb read from Amy Vansant. This romantic comedy is partly set in the wilderness, where the protagonists and their friends get to take part in a couples’ reality show, getting up to all sorts of trouble and mischief. Utterly hilarious, and a real page-turner. This is one of Vansant’s best. Once again she’s proven that her humor is fresh, clever, and simply inexhaustible. If you’re looking for something to cheer you up and make you laugh, look no further…

Reading the first book in the series (Slightly Stalky, which is equally entertaining), is not a prerequisite, but it will deepen your understanding of the characters if you read it first.

 

My rating

5 stars

Another superb read from Amy Vansant!

 

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from Wall Street Journal & USA TODAY Best-Selling Author, Amy Vansant—for fans of Bridget Jones, Jennifer Crusie and Sophie Kinsella.

Are you looking for a book that will make you laugh till it hurts? This is deliciously funny, sexy, and has a conniving baddie that will have you turn the pages greedily, dying for her comeuppance. Check it out now!

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Book review: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

It’s not often that I fall in love with a book, and when it happens it truly feels amazing. And that is how I feel, having read this classic American novel of 1951 – a book that I’ve been hearing about from time to time and was very curious about. The narrator and main character, Holden Caulfield, is not your average young man. At first, I found him entertaining, half way through the book he began to get on my nerves, but by the end I adored him so much I found myself wishing I could adopt him! Let me explain: Holden is distracted. Very distracted. His words and actions are so random that any sane person would soon start to wonder what’s wrong with him.

Throughout the book, he jumps from one thing to another. Plus he lies, and even when he doesn’t have to, seemingly just for the fun of it. At the same time, Holden keeps saying the word ‘phony’ throughout the book. He can spot lies and deception from a mile away, and seems to despise these things with passion. Talk about a contradiction there! His story involves a roller coaster of emotions and situations and you get to follow it all from his point of view. It all starts in his school, a place he hates, with schoolmates he loves to hate too. I won’t give you any spoilers about the plot, but I’ll just say he leaves school and winds up in New York where he stays in a hotel and meets a few people – some of them he knows, others he meets for the first time. The more I read, the more I was reeled in. I said earlier on that Holden got on my nerves at some point, and that was partly because he kept repeating himself. Normally, repeated words in a book won’t do, but of course, for the specific, over-thinking character, it actually makes sense and shows the brilliance of the author. The writing in this book is truly masterful, down to the last detail.

The character’s thinking, as faulty and annoying as it can be sometimes, is intriguing and will keep you interested throughout. Towards the end of Holden’s weekend in New York, and certainly in what comes after that, Holden’s true colors slowly begin to show, and that is where you’ll probably find yourself caring for this young man more and more, just like I did. He felt so incredibly real, and I was full of concern about him when the book ended for that reason. Frankly, I wish there was a sequel so I could find out what happens to him next! And that, I think, is the true feat of the great J. D. Salinger. This magical book made me cry at the scene of the carousel simply because, there, Holden Caulfield tells us exactly who he is and where he’s coming from. This is a gem of a book. You can’t call yourself a book lover unless you’ve read The Catcher in the Rye. This is one of the best and most unforgettable books I have ever read and I highly recommend that you read it too.

 

My rating

5 stars

Unforgettable and magical

 

Do you enjoy classic books? This legendary story is a must!

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Book review: The Truth About Cancer by Ty Bollinger

This book has to be, hands down, the most unforgettable one I’ve ever read in terms of the knowledge it imparted and the emotions it stirred in me. This thick volume is an astounding feat of writing. Not only does it expose the shocking truths about the nature and causes of cancer as well as the devilish greed of gigantic corporations that keeps this epidemic going, but it also provides new hope for a life without the disease.

Indeed, the most wonderful aspect of this book is the way it empowers the reader. After the shock I received from the many hidden truths documented in this book, I experienced a wonderful sense of hope. It is unbelievable how easy it seems to kill cancer once you’ve come to know its weaknesses. Furthermore, it is amazing to find out that simple things like the right diet and supplements, getting enough exercise, sun and oxygen, do wonders for one’s healing. And, unlike the medical world’s lethal cycle of “slash, poison and burn” (surgery, chemo and radiation), nature’s ways have no life-threatening side effects.

I was particularly shocked to read that medical staff who do the chemo to patients often refer privately among themselves to the drug 5FU as ‘five feet under’ which goes to show that doctors are often not just kept in ignorance, but also, even worse, are well in the know of the death they deliver and still choose to let things run their course. This book, just like Ty Bollinger’s astounding docuseries of the same name, made me experience an explosive mix of emotions. Anger and hope stand out among the rest, with the latter being the one that settled in my psyche and only strengthened in time.

I witnessed my mother undergo surgery, chemo, and radiation for 8 months last year, and I thank my lucky stars that my online research led me to discover Ty Bollinger. May God bless him for the information he is sharing with the world. I only hope he has eyes on his back as he doesn’t mince his words and the medical status quo seem to be worse than the Mafia… Thanks to the advice that this author–and wonderful human being–shares in his book, my mother now has the right supplements and diet in her daily life, so she can do the best in her power to stay cancer-free.

Knowledge is what gives us power. And TY Bollinger shares it in this book in abundance. Highly recommended, not just for cancer patients and survivors, but for anyone interested to protect themselves and their loved ones. The statistics are shocking: 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be ill with cancer at some point in their lives. Therefore it has become a part of life that we cannot afford to ignore any more.

 

My rating:

5 stars

Shocking… but a wonderful source of knowledge and hope

 

A wealth of knowledge awaits you here, whether you are struggling with the disease or if you just want to know the truth so you can protect yourself and those you love. Everyone deserves the truth… will you choose to hear it?

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Also!

Check out Ty Bollinger’s docuseries “The Truth About Cancer” with these free episodes – could very well be the most moving/shocking viewing you’ve ever known. The series refers, among other things, to:

  • the nature of cancer and its surprising weaknesses

  • the secret, shocking history of the medical profession, and the reason why natural cancer therapies are kept under wraps

  • interviews with medical professionals who apply natural protocols to treat patients around the world, protocols your doctor either doesn’t know about or won’t tell you about.

  • interviews with cancer patients who were given no chance of survival by the medical system and lived to tell the tale with natural protocols for healing.

Hearing and seeing is believing… The first two episodes are available for free viewing:

 

Check out the latest news and articles on the website: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/

 

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Book review: The Embroiderer by Kathryn Gauci

I love historical fiction set in Greece and Asia Minor, and this book was not just a fine specimen in my opinion, but one of the best and most memorable books I’ve ever read in this genre. If you loved ‘Birds Without Wings’ by Louis de Bernières, this is unmissable! I was amazed by the intricate detail in the author’s descriptions of all different eras and places. I can only imagine the kind of thorough research this feat must have taken. The story was both compelling and enchanting, and I particularly enjoyed the parts in Smyrna and Constantinople. The atrocities of war chilled my blood and the drama the main characters were constantly faced with was heart-wrenching. By the end of the book I felt overwhelmed by the journey and also felt that I’d been given a wonderful gift: the chance to experience in vivid detail life in Constantinople and Smyrna during precious times for Hellenism that came to pass long before I was born. It was therefore enthralling for me to experience all that so vividly. For example, I could almost feel the sea spray on my face as the characters walked along the Smyrna seafront! This is a truly unforgettable book and I urge all lovers of historical fiction to read it. Gauci’s story still stays with me vividly, and it’s been over a week since I finished it. Well done, to this amazing author with a uniquely lyrical style. I can’t wait to read her next book!

 

My rating

5-stars

A lyrical, enthralling journey in Greek history

 

Do you enjoy historical fiction set in Greece or Asia Minor? Trust me, you do not want to miss this gem of a book!

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The paperback is also available in Greek! Visit the site of Okeanos Publications, HERE

 

 

Read my interview with Kathryn on this blog and find out all about her amazing artistic skills!

 

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Book review: The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy by Colleen Chesebro

This is not my usual cup of tea, but I knew Colleen Chesebro’s excellent work as a blogger for a couple years and was curious about her debut novel. I am glad I decided to read it! This was a wonderful fairy tale, and in terms of the protagonist’s social relations, it was also a sweet, utterly believable YA novel that really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved Abigail’s relationship with her aunt in particular – it was terribly moving in places and the author’s vivid descriptions and excellent prose made it so lifelike for me, as if it all took place before my eyes. It was all very human, very easy to relate to, what they had to go through as they got to know and trust each other, and I loved this in the story more than anything else. Abigail’s relations with the local youngsters and the horse racing were a delight to explore and, of course, I found the fairies enchanting! I expect young teenage girls will most certainly lap up the whimsical fantasy elements in this story. The antagonist is a scary villain that I believe bordered on madness. His malice balances out perfectly the sweetness and innocence that surrounds Abigail in her world, other than that. I am really surprised this is a debut novel! It’s very well-structured and told beautifully, a real feat for an emerging author. I am already looking forward to the next installment in this delightful tale! (I received a free copy and chose voluntarily to review it.)

 

My rating:

5 stars

A heart-rending, enchanting YA fantasy I couldn’t put down!

 

Do you enjoy YA fantasy? Stories of fairy visitations, or orphaned children who make a fresh start in life in a new home? Check out this delightful book, I think you’ll love it!

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Book review: The Greek Isles Collection Vol. 2 by Angel Sefer

I loved this boxset and believe it’s really good value for money as it contains no less than three novels – and they were so amazing I couldn’t pick a favorite! Sefer surely can spin a yarn, taking her readers on a wonderful ride. The common characteristics in these novels are guilty secrets, lust, danger and heartache as well as the stunning Greek locations where the stories unfold. Having said that, each novel stands out in memory uniquely and is equal in merit. I am really amazed at Sefer’s seemingly inexhaustible capacity to create stories that are simply unputdownable! I recommend this boxset to anyone who misses Greece since their last holiday there. It will certainly transport them there in no time. If you love lustful romance that conquers all and is fraught with danger, look no further!

My rating:

5 stars

Exhilarating and unputdownable!

 

Do you enjoy Greek island romances? Stories of dark secrets and love that’s fraught with danger? Give this fabulous boxset a try – chances are you’ll love it!

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Book review: Genteel Secrets by S.R. Mallery

Having thoroughly enjoyed Sewing Can Be Dangerous by this author, I jumped at the chance to read Genteel Secrets. This is because I had high expectations, knowing this author’s unique ability to weave historical elements into her stories seamlessly, and to make them come so alive that it feels like you’re living them firsthand. As I expected, this delightful short read didn’t disappoint. This was the first time I read Civil War fiction and felt perfectly immersed into it, meeting legendary figures of this era for the first time and learning all about the espionage, the battles, and the unfair treatment African Americans suffered at the time. The romantic story was sweet and tender, the misunderstandings and adversities that often created distance between the protagonists spurred me on to keep turning the pages, and all the while I rooted for their love to have a happy ending. In a nutshell, the story was utterly delightful and its ending fully satisfying. I recommend this book highly if you’re looking for a short, romantic read to transport you to a different era and have you experience it in vivid colors!

My rating

5-stars

A compelling read!

 

Do you love historical fiction? How about a tender love story that is tested by strict social restraints and the hardships of war? Give this delightful short read a try! Chances are you’ll love it! VISIT AMAZON

Check out my interview with S.R. Mallery on this blog & marvel at her various artistic skills!

 

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Book Review: Kilty as Charged by Amy Vansant

I love the Outlander series as much as the next gal, so when I heard Amy Vansant wrote about a time-traveling highlander I felt compelled to read this book. Having read all her other novels I trusted her wicked humor would guarantee a lot of laughs and, indeed, this book did not disappoint. The romance was tantalizing enough to keep me turning the pages and the fantasy elements were delightful as is always the case with Vansant’s stories but, once again, I enjoyed the humor more than anything else. This is where this author truly excels and stands out! The protagonist’s Scottish accent had me giggling throughout – so spot on – and I felt compelled to read his lines out loud just to enhance my enjoyment further. His lack of understanding of vehicles and mobile phones had me howling in particular! A highly entertaining story you’ll want to read again and again! I highly recommend it!

 

My rating:

5-stars

A highly entertaining story you’ll want to read again and again!

 

Do you drool over muscly lads in fiction? Do you enjoy time-travel or humorous romance? Look no further! This book was written for you!

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