My Latest Book Finds, an Eclectic List for All

Step into Autumn with my latest book list of eclectic reads that promises to whisk you away on unforgettable journeys into the worlds of historical fiction, contemporary thrillers, suspense, and poetry.

Discover books by Lisette Brodey, Balroop Singh, Nina Romano, Tonya Penrose, Sheila Patel, Gwen M. Plano, HM Holten, and Brian Kitchen. 🙂

In no particular order:

TWICE A BROKEN BREATH by Lisette Brodey *NEW RELEASE*

While cashing his paycheck, Liam Tallamore is told his bank accounts have been emptied. Once at home, he learns that his wife Carly has left him. Most devastating of all, she’s taken their eight-year-old daughter, Rayelle, and is preparing to leave the country. As if things couldn’t get worse, he has no idea where their twenty-year-old son is or why he’s been unreachable for the past two months.

Although I am currently reading Lisette Brodey’s “All That Was Taken,” another mystery, I was eager to sample her latest. And read it all the way through!

Lisette Brodey’s “Twice a Broken Breath” is a riveting suspense novel that leaves readers breathless. The story centers around Liam Tallamore, whose life takes a dramatic turn within just 24 hours when he discovers his shared bank account emptied and his loved ones missing. The narrative skillfully weaves together a forgotten past and a tumultuous present, creating a suspenseful puzzle that keeps readers engaged.
This gripping tale features a diverse and well-developed cast of characters, particularly the vibrant New Yorkers, adding depth to the story. The fast-paced plot, filled with a relentless series of misfortunes, including harsh weather, keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

One of the book’s standout qualities is Brodey’s ability to tie up all loose ends, offering readers a deeply satisfying conclusion reminiscent of a perfectly wrapped gift.
“Twice a Broken Breath” is a suspenseful journey with unexpected twists and turns, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Lisette Brodey’s storytelling prowess ensures that readers will be captivated until the very last page. Highly recommended!

FUSION: POEMS of LIFE by Balroop Singh

“Fusion: Poems of Life” is the latest poetry collection by Balroop Singh, focusing on the connections between humans and nature as well as human relationships, as the troubadour herself puts it, “poems of life, of harmonies and edges.”

What I loved is that Singh’s poems are accessible yet profound. The collection touches on themes of grief and the coronavirus but is primarily filled with uplifting and encouraging poems. The poet makes use of concise language to create vividly portraits.
Singh’s poetry often concludes with a satisfying reflection on the journey or the speaker’s personal growth. Within the constraints of brevity, she expertly navigates the intricate terrain of love, hurt, and strained relationships. They leave an indelible mark on readers with their poignant words, providing a window into the intricate tapestry of human connections that unfold during such gatherings. Bravo!

This collection offers an enjoyable and heartfelt glimpse into the author’s perspective, earning it a five-star rating. A most enjoyable read.

DARK EYES by NINA ROMANO

A former Russian ballerina and a police photographer, destined to be lovers, seek to unfold the murder mystery of two women. An addictive historical mystery.

I enjoyed reading ‘Dark Eyes’ by Nina Romano very much. It is a mesmerizing journey through the heart of 1950s Leningrad, immersing readers in a world where every breath is a battle and survival is an art form. The author skillfully introduces us to the haunting lives of Anya and her daughter, who cling to existence on society’s outskirts, their struggles etched into the narrative’s very fabric.
The novel seamlessly integrates historical accuracy into its narrative, creating a vivid setting without relying on heavy exposition. It realistically depicts Anya’s immediate poverty, immersing readers in the bustling streets and iconic landmarks of the era. Subtle nods to Tolstoy add literary depth to the story.

The book’s central theme is an unlikely romance that thrives in the face of adversity. This love story defies the odds, blooming during a difficult time when survival was a victory.
A must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and immersive historical story.

VENETIAN RHAPSODY by TONYA PENROSE

“In a glancing moment, Eduardo and Sofia experience a chance encounter that alters how they see their world and ignites a grand love.” What a wonderful contemporary romance!

I occasionally crave a captivating romance set in a picturesque setting. Tonya Penrose’s “Venetian Rhapsody” proved to be the enchanting love story I needed to escape the stresses of everyday life.

I was whisked away to the mesmerizing city of Venice by its pages, where I met Eduardo, a charming Spanish olive grower, and Sofia, a witty American. Their meeting felt fated, and their love story unfolded against the enchanting beauty of Venice. Unexpected complications, however, threatened to tear them apart.
What wowed me the most about this novel was its ability to transcend traditional romance boundaries, providing readers with a sensory feast. Venice came to life with vivid descriptions of its rich culture, delectable cuisine, iconic bridges, and meandering canals, and a colorful array of characters.

The plot was enchanting and spellbinding, with unexpected twists and surprises that kept me completely engrossed.
“Venetian Rhapsody” is a beautiful and enchanting story that will undoubtedly captivate romance fans and others. I wholeheartedly recommend it with a 5-star rating for its sheer magic and allure.

THE MAGIC VODKA WARDROBE BOOK 6 by SHEILA PATEL

Oh, my! Have I laughed!
“For fans of the series, splash on some blue eyeshadow and back-comb your hair ..the Singh sisters are back!
When will the UK government open the pubs and will Christmas be cancelled?”

A heartwarming and hilarious look back on the Covid-19 era and the dreaded lock-down.

‘Magic Vodka Wardrobe #6’ by Sheila Patel transports readers to the Covid-19 era, where masks, hand sanitizers, and lockdowns were the norm. This book, with its delightful humor, is the ideal escape, promising hearty laughter.
Patel’s wit shines through the entire story, making ‘Magic Vodka Wardrobe #6’ an extremely amusing and entertaining read.

Each installment of Sheila Patel’s “The Magic Vodka Wardrobe” series promises a perfect one-hour escape full of belly laughs. Read all my reviews on Goodreads: book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, book 5. The perfect pick-me-up!

REDEMPTION by GWEN M. PLANO

“Family secrets can be deadly.” A compelling Christian mystery suspense.

Gwen Plano’s “Redemption” grabbed my attention from the first sentence. The story begins with Lisa’s unsettling premonition of danger lurking outside her front door, which she dismisses at first as irrational. However, what follows is a heart-pounding suspense story: her father is killed in a tragic shooting, and her mother suffers serious injuries.
The novel takes readers on a thrilling ride, pitting criminals against local law enforcement and the powerful FBI. Nonetheless,

“Redemption” goes beyond typical thriller conventions. It delves deeply into the intricate complexities of domestic abuse and human relationships, a subject matter that is frequently associated with literary fiction.
This book stands out as one of the most captivating reads I’ve encountered in recent memory, thanks to its exceptional intellect and masterful prose.

SECRETS AND LIES by HM HOLTEN

“We grow up trusting that our parents and teachers have the right answers. What if that belief brings us to fall?” A brilliant WW2 literary fiction.

H. M. Holten skillfully weaves together the threads of history and fiction in “Secrets and Lies” (The Triptych Book 3), creating a narrative that is not only well-plotted but also deeply engrossing. The plot develops over time, with a dysfunctional family taking center stage.
“Secrets and Lies” is a revelation for anyone interested in World War II events, particularly in shedding light on Denmark’s role as a neutral country dealing with its people’s divided loyalties. Holten’s story offers a unique perspective on those turbulent years, prompting reflection on aspects of history that may not have previously been considered.

“Secrets and Lies” is a work of art that combines history and fiction to tell a compelling and thought-provoking story. Anyone interested in the complexities of World War II, human nature, and the impact of historical events on individual lives should read it. This book will appeal to readers looking for an enthralling exploration of the past.

DIVIDED EMPIRE by BRIAN KITCHEN

“The geographical, political and social outlines of the annexed nation are being constantly redefined, as the battling powers in Rome attempt to seize control of the Empire.” An immersive Roman military thriller.

I love a good military thriller, especially if it is set in the Roman Empire – given that I hail from Romania.
“Divided Empire” unfolds as a spellbinding story of murder and upheaval intricately woven into the vibrant tapestry of 4th-century Roman Britain.
The plot is riveting, brimming with action and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The cast of characters adds variety and depth to the story, with clashes over leadership and formidable weaponry adding an intriguing layer to the plot.
Furthermore, Brian Kitchen’s masterful storytelling seamlessly blends this enthralling story with its historical context. His obvious dedication to research shines through brilliantly, providing readers with an immersive glimpse into life in Roman-era Britain.

While “Divided Empire” is a work of fiction, it takes readers on an immersive journey to a bygone era.
While “Divided Empire” is a work of fiction, it takes readers on an immersive journey to a bygone era. It is a tremendously enjoyable read that seamlessly blends historical richness with thrilling storytelling.

Also…

Lisette Brodey’s “Hotel Obscure”is another book of short stories I enjoyed recently. Find my review on Goodreads.