Category: Book Reviews

A Groundbreaking Novel About Our Troubled Times

Groundbreaking novel about our troubled times

The Lost Girl

Carol Drinkwater

 

 

 

 

The Lost Girl is a significant, groundbreaking novel about our troubled times. The stories of two women, born decades apart, breathes life into well documented periods of history. Marguerite, the actress, was a young woman in France during the forties. Kurtiz, a photographic journalist, began her emotional journey in the nineties.  The poignant parallel between the life experiences of Marguerite’s and Kurtiz provides the engaging narrative structure of this novel.

View Paris through Kurtiz’s lens

Marguerite and Kurtiz meet in a Paris bistro, on the fatal night of November 2015.  Kurtiz is searching for her missing daughter and husband. Loneliness drives Marguerite to visit the bistro daily, thus she is delighted to have an audience for her memories.

The tension surrounding Kurtiz’s search for her daughter, Lizzie, made me afraid to read on. We all know what happened, we all watched the news footage of the terrible events in Paris. This novel takes the reader into the centre of the action, via Kurtiz, and makes your heart ache with her anxiety.

‘She hugged the building, bouncing her shoulders off walls as she advanced, keeping herself clear of the line of fire…’

This happened in Paris, in 2015, and we are taken into the heart of the terrorism.  This is such a stark contrast to the relaxed scene before the attack.  The guests in the bar were ‘such fresh young faces rouged by the cold November air, energized by life.  Paris gearing up for the weekend.’ As a reader, one instantly connects with the irony of the statement, and raw emotions are exposed.

We view the atrocities of Paris, 2015, through the lens of Kurtiz’s camera, filtered with the anxiety for her daughter and husband. The rhythm of the camera clicking is conveyed in the pace of the language and repetition; a vivid visualization of the scene.

‘Heads in laps, heads thrown backwards, eyes closed or open, staring, dead-eyed, fisheyed. Locked in a nightmare.

The fragility of civilization is cracked via the words!  This document of events is then viewed through Kurtiz who asks, ‘Was he shielding Lizzie?  Was she also in the old theatre at gunpoint, or had she managed to escape?’  I was there, with Kurtiz shouting ‘LIZZIE!’  My head pounding with the intensity, involuntary tears escaping.

The terrorism in Paris is contrasted with Kurtiz’s time in the Middle East where a mother loses her son.  Kurtiz worked a photographer in conflict zones, in the Middle East . During Kurtiz’s time in the Middle East the reader observes her despair at the death of the young boy, whilst also gaining insight her relationship with her daughter.

Kurtiz’s emotional life is explored from the beginning of her relationship with Oliver, her husband.  The tenderness and hope of love is beautifully conveyed after her first night with Oliver.  She wakes up to the ‘glorious summer morning. A morning like no other, blossoms abounding, soaking up the heat, bees and butterflies flitting from one flower head to another.’

The colours of Marguerite’s love for Charlie

Similarly, the colours of Marguerite’s love for Charlie are conveyed in La Cote d’Azur when ‘she was happy. She was energised, shot through with a rush of joy as she had rarely known before.’ Until then, Marguerite’s joy had been blighted with events that happened during a screen test: such a relevant message in the wake of the #metoo campaign.

Perspective shifts from close-up of the character’s life to the long shot of the world issues. The texture of this novel reliant on skilful blending of time-frames and layers of emotions. Marguerite felt ‘such a tangle of emotions’ while Kurtiz deals with ‘more emotions than she would ever be able to identify’. The movement from disequilibrium to disequilibrium across time-frames is both exhausting and powerful.

I lingered on each word and viewed the book from different angles.  There were infinite and subtle shades of colour in this outstanding writing.   Drinkwater explores the shifting light between troubled times and people’s lives.  The cruelty of war, cruelty of innocence and cruelty of waiting are explored in the perfect language choices.

‘I have come to realise that kindness and laughter are two of the richest gifts I can share and enjoy.’ Carol Drinkwater

Like Kurtiz, I released a ‘strangled cry’ as I moved towards the end of the novel.  Marguerite’s loss continues to ‘gnaw’ at my thoughts.  Despite the trauma, there is a message of hope.  This novel rendered me speechless.  I cared deeply for the characters, and the power of the mother’s love guided me until the end.  The emotional landscape of this novel will never leave me!

I would like to thank Carol Drinkwater for this brave and beautiful novel.

In an interview about The Lost Girl, Carol told me:

‘It is a story with a miracle at its heart and, from time to time, we all need one of those. Through the bleakest of days, though we may not be aware of it, hope and redemption are always present. The light always returns. The sun always rises.’

Carol discusses The Lost Girl, in my Chat Room. Find out about the inspiration behind the novel and what motivates Carol to write.

Carol is an award-winning actress and Sunday Times bestselling writer

About Carol Drinkwater:

Carol is an award-winning actress and Sunday Times bestselling writer. She was probably most famous for her role of Helen Herriot in the fantastically popular TV series, All Creatures Great and Small. She lives on an olive farm in the south of France with her husband, Michel, and several dogs.

Carol’s Contact Details:

olivefarmbooks@gmail.com
agent: Jonathan Lloyd at Curtis Brown
website: www.caroldrinkwater.com
Twitter:  @Carol4OliveFarm 

 

Please see all my book reviews at Books In Handbag and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

Coraggio (courage) in my handbag

Tuscan Roots

Angela Petch

 

 

 

 

 

On opening this beautiful book, I arrived in the ‘early morning sunshine at Perugia’, with Anna.  I sat back as she drove the Italian car and observed the way that the road ‘…cut its way through tobacco fields sprouting green shoots and [took] a mountain road joining Sansepolcro to Rimini.’  I admired the olive trees and waited as the ‘road climbed’.  It was impossible not to see the ‘lake glistening’ and to imagine the people sheltering in this setting during World War Two.

On arrival at Rofelle, I found my way through the tangle of ivy, listened to the river rushing past the stones and opened the large wooden door to the mill.   The paint was peeling, but the knocker of the lion’s head stood proud; as if to announce the courage of Davide, Ines and their parents.  I opened the door to enter the past, with Anna, through the letters and diaries.  It was wonderful to meet Anna’s mother, in the diaries, but painful to discover that her ‘heart began to shrivel a little each day…’ during her traumatic life.

I stopped at the mill ‘hidden in the folds of the Alps of the Moon, where the sun sets from the jewel red skies behind misted blue peaks.’ Anna’s mother once lived in a mill, and she explains ‘…the old building in ruins, crumbling into nothing seems to mirror what I am leaning of Mamma’s past.’ The Mill is ‘fragile’ and is a symbol of lost history and lost dreams that could be rekindled by the new generation.  Sitting on the steps to read the letters and diaries, I sensed the ‘breeze that dances on the river’.  Listening to the ‘sound of the river and distant sheep bells’, I could feel the loneliness of Ines. I am sure I heard the voices of the German soldiers who would have bathed there, and the whispers of the POWs and partisans hidden in the mountains.

I was completely spellbound by the characters and the clever structure of this novel.  ‘Tuscan Roots’ is a beautifully written novel examining cultural differences, the impact of war and the risks that ordinary people will take.  I was intrigued by the details of post war Britain, but wanted to stay in Italy. The contrast between the two settings and cultures reinforces Ines’ emotional landscape.  The patchwork of history and the present are sewn together effortlessly with Angela’s distinctive prose.  How much do we really understand about our grandparents and parents’ experiences?  Such a poignant message is presented:

‘We should not bury our memories, even if they are painful, even if mistakes were made in those times, which causes us anguish…we must learn from them.’

I discovered Anna’s history, trusted her observations and understood her pain.  I was very fond of the vulnerable, innocent Ines who demonstrated incredible bravery. The descriptions of the setting rooted me to the novel, and made me understand how it bound Ines to her homeland.  I pondered the way that a landscape can remain untouched throughout the generations but people leave clues about the place’s history.  The author examines how war changes circumstances and the simple things that we take for granted.  I was in awe of the people who made sacrifices for others during the war, in Italy. The romance of the setting presents the reader with the hope of love.  The romance in the novel is wonderful, natural and tender. Angela’s writing style is captivating.

The food prepared by the locals, in the Italian Apennines, transcends time and bridges the gap between the generations.  I enjoyed ‘the stuffed zucchini flowers, little squares of crostini topped with spicy tomatoes, liver pate and a creamy relish made from dandelion flowers, roasted bay leaves topped with ovals of melted cheese.’  Food is prepared to celebrate feasts, to welcome people into the home, to celebrate family occasions and to woo.

This novel evokes the senses and leaves the reader firmly fixed in Tuscany.  Not the tourist’s Italy, but rural, down to earth Italy – ‘this landscape feels lived in’, and the author breathes life into ‘the ghosts from the past’.  The story of the POW and partisans provide another dimension to this story, and I was impressed with how this was skilfully woven into the story.

Read Tuscan Roots, and you will not want to leave the romantic beauty of ‘indigo blue mountains’, or the ruins of Il Mulino (The Mill).  You will be impressed with the bravery of the Italian community during the war, and you will not want to leave the blossoming romance. I highly recommend this book!

 

Please see all my reviews at Books in Handbag and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

Flash Review of Gail Aldwin’s Anthology

Gail Aldwin’s Paisley Shirt

I had no idea what to expect from an anthology entitled ‘Paisley Shirt’. I drifted along with the words and became hooked.  Enigma, shock and a wry smile accompanied me as I read these stories.  Each evening, I sipped another story and savoured the unanswered questions.  I searched beyond the words and entered the territory of the unsaid.  As I travelled in the gaps between the words, I admired the meaning squeezed into the story. Even the child’s perspective temps the reader with the innocent gaps in the narration.

‘Stepping back as the glass shatters, his blood speckles the paintwork.’

Some stories are presented as vivid a flash of emotion whispered in black and white tones while other stories are sounded in blast of colour.  Aldwin explores: love, domestic violence, families, political asylum, memories, loneliness, divorce, other cultures and more.  She is not afraid to challenge her reader and is skilled at presenting economical use of dialogue.  This compressed narrative form showcases Aldwin’s poetic style. To unravel each story would spoil the surprise for future readers.

‘The gift is an entry into his world.’

Tension spins in the narratives like a storm waiting for the finale, but the reader often must imagine the conclusion.  Aldwin writes,

‘And there was something tuneful about Australia.  Sitting on the veranda at night, listening to the rhythm of the cicadas or hearing the wind ripple through the gumtree that build to a crescendo when the storm came.’

Here in ‘Blue Skies’, Aldwin captures the way I felt when reading the flash fiction.  Even the titles of the story add to the compressed meaning of the narrative form. Indeed, one must have blue sky thinking to appreciate flash fiction and look into the characters’ world.

Indeed, one must have blue sky thinking to appreciate flash fiction and look into the characters’ world.

As a tribute to Gail’s writing, I have presented words that left images on my mind.  Images presented throughout the post are a snapshot of emotions that flashed in my mind long after reading. The poetic quality of this writing conjures powerful images, and I hope they will tempt you to read on.

The stories have also inspired me to experiment with this genre and have enjoyed reading the language into shape.  Indeed, Gail explained:

‘I write every day and love to see my stories change direction and become more textured through redrafting and editing.’

“‘If she lives it will be thanks to God’, said the doctor, ‘If she dies, she will not be alone.’”

About the Anthology

‘Paisley Shirt‘ is a fascinating collection of 27 stories that reveal the extraordinary nature of people and places. Through a variety of characters and voices, these stories lay bare the human experience and what it is like to live in our world.

 

 

 

Gail Aldwin

About the Author:

Gail Aldwin is a prize-winning writer of flash fiction, short stories, and poetry. Her work can be found online at Ink, Sweat & Tears and Slamchop and in print anthologies including What I Remember (EVB Press, 2015) Dorset Voices (Roving Press, 2012) and The Last Word (Unbound Press, 2012). Gail works collaboratively with other women writers to develop comedy for the screen and stage. With the Dorset Writers’ Network, Gail supports isolated writers in rural communities. She is an experienced teacher who delivers workshops to young people and adults in community settings.

You can find Gail @gailaldwin and http://gailaldwin.wordpress.com

Please see all my book reviews at Books In Handbag and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

Essential book about the complexities of families for my handbag

Please see my blog at jessiecahalin.com

Practicing Normal 

Cara Sue Achterberg

An essential book about the complexities of families for my handbag but be prepared to experience a cocktail of emotions.

 

 

Click here to buy on Amazon

This clever novel may force you onto the psychiatrist’s couch to analyse your own life as well as searching for answers to the characters’ questions. For instance, Jenna asks:

‘Do you think that we all start out good and learn to be bad or are we just inherently good and others bad?’

‘Practicing Normal’ explores how the emotional landscape of our families influence who we are.  Achterberg presents a skilful construction of modern family life that the reader can ponder and deconstruct: these are real people, with real issues, there is no ‘phoney’ nonsense because you get right inside of their minds.

The changing dynamic of Kate and Everett’s love is contrasted with the self-absorbing excitement of teenage love.  Achterberg intelligently observes how our relationship with our parents and other experiences shape the capacity to love and the need to be loved.  She explores the impact of children and other demands on a relationship.  Achterberg’s style of writing is intelligent and measured, as she provides the reader with the knowledge of the issues that torment the characters.  Kate explains that ‘It wasn’t until the kids came along that loving him felt like an effort.’  Everett tells Kate that she ‘completes him’ yet admits that he is addicted to sex with other women.  The different perspectives from the characters are skilfully juxtaposed so that you gain a balanced perspective on events: Achterberg teaches her reader to empathise with all characters.

Kate moves from one crisis to another but believes that ‘crisis is better than real life’.  Sadly, she is a prisoner to routine and everyone else’s emotional needs:  She is a very astute observer of her family members but doesn’t confront them.  The reader knows why she isn’t happy and wants to shout at her to take action.  We gain insight into Kate from her daughter, Jenna.  Although Jenna is a disaffected teenager ‘pelting everyone with her anger’, she is the most insightful. Indeed, her father, Everett, is not as mature as his daughter.  He says, ‘I don’t buy the Asperger’s shit’ even though his son has been diagnosed with this condition.  Jenna observes that her father is angry because ‘his kids are not living up to his expectations’ of ‘normal’, and she luxuriates in wearing a mask of rebellion.  As a reader one despises Everett’s lack of empathy as much as one adores the boundless empathy of Jenna and her mother.

Everett doesn’t celebrate the amazing qualities of his own son who is ‘clever’, ‘funny’ and ‘awesome’. In contrast, Jenna and Kate are great at helping JT to be himself but they both struggle to celebrate their own qualities. Through Kate and Jenna, we learn about the challenges and rewards of supporting a child with Asperger’s.  JT is the happiest character, living in his own world without the burden of worrying about others; ironically Everett is living in his own world, without a concern for others, but it isn’t making him happy.  Is there a similarity between the emotional literacy of father and son that help them in the end?  Maybe Everett needs to learn that, that ‘Love isn’t romance.  It’s a grind. It’s being there every day, even when you don’t want to be.’

The characters in this novel are not static.  You will have to read the novel to see if the characters settle themselves like ‘the sun settles itself in the sky’ at the end of the day.  Be warned that this isn’t a cosy romance novel and it will challenge you.

I suggest that you bury yourself in the novel and let Achterberg teach you why, ‘the perfect house with the perfect family’ is only ever a veneer because everyone has issues and emotional baggage to handle.

Please see all my reviews on My Reading at https://jessiecahalin.com/my-reading/.

Handbags and Gladrags and Reviews

Have you seen my review?

Take pity on a precious Amazon review

banished to the missing in action queue.

My sparkling five stars now long gone,

but on my blog the accolade lives on.

Hip, hip hooray for blogs and handbags.

Let’s celebrate and don our gladrags.

Alas, this rhyming has gone awry.

Authors will live to fight another day!

Relax, take a pew and celebrate a review.

Cheers, Jena for all that you do!

 

Jena’s Review of You Can’t Go It Alone

‘This is the debut novel and it is a complex and vivid tapestry of a story’

When you first see the cover of this book, I hope you like it as much as I did. Are you intrigued? A woman stands, alone and at a distance, surrounded by calm water, an expansive horizon, and a clearing sky. What does this tell you and what does the title, You Can’t Go It Alone make you think? What about the tagline- love, laughter, music and secrets…?

These features draw you into the story, don’t they?

Debut author Jessie Cahalin has created a lovely book world that blends good story telling with positivity and love. This book is what is called “character-driven”. These intriguing and captivating characters are ready to share their stories with you. The characters range from birth to the end of life. You will be drawn to their problems and secrets, hopes and dreams.

My sparkling five stars are in cyberspace

What ties them all together are two things: their village and the new arrival- Sophie, the main character. While Sophie has her own struggles, she is a caring and nurturing person and she becomes the “glue” for her family and friends.

“…join me in a toast to Sophie She is such a great addition to this community and has brought us together.”

The characters are well rounded; they do interesting things and they think about life in interesting ways. One of my favorite characters is the young neighbor girl, Daisy. She is about five years old and is at that magical age where an adorable little girl blooms and changes into a big girl. The author is spot-on with her depictions of Daisy- she abounds with energy, exuberance, and joy.

Readers will also enjoy the family of Rosa and Matteo. And I wanted to ride around the countryside with Jeanie and Max in their camper van Molly.

As an American, I enjoyed “spending time” in the village of Delfryn, in Wales. “Waiting patiently above the luscious green hills, the autumn sun looked down on the nineteenth century church.” Through the book, I “saw” the lovely scenery, mountains and historic sites, and I “visited” with friends at the charming local café. “Let’s go to the Olive Tree tonight”, was a frequent and happy exclamation. I even spent a day or two in Cardiff!

I highlighted many parts of the book and I am sure that readers will find their own favorite parts and they will bond with the characters just as I did. This book shows us the ups and downs of life. We see that family and friends can smooth the road by rejoicing in the good times and sharing their love in the harder times. I cared about the characters and I know readers will, too.

A message washed ashore with my review.

Love and romance waft their way into the story, too. The romance is mostly sweet, but there is a bit of spice, “The unmade bed became their island, clothes strewn on the floor as if washed up on the shore.”

This is the debut novel and it is a complex and vivid tapestry of a story. First books can be somewhat like the little girl Daisy- loveable, engaging, but with a few growing pains. Author Cahalin is on her way to becoming a gifted storyteller. It seems the author has planned more books so that is good news for the fictional folks of Delfryn and good news for readers! Enjoy!

Read the complete article at:

http://www.jenabooks.com/books-are-a-gift/
Get your gladrags on and celebrate.

Visit Jena’s blog at:

http://www.jenabooks.com/

 

 

 

 

Please see more at My Writing and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

 

Will I need space for a broken heart in my handbag? 

Now and Then in Tuscany

Angela Petch

 

 

 

 

 

‘In my heart there was a storm that needed to break and my heart hurt like thorns on the wild rosa canina growing in the hedgerows…’

If you embark on this journey of discovery then be sure to prepare some delicious crostini, in advance, as you will not be able to put the book down….

This is a story of love wrapped up in an insight into rural history and customs of Tuscany. Meet ancient craftsmen and farmers, of Montebotolino, and marvel at the tenacity of their families; see how they survived difficult times.

The history of Giuseppe, a farrier and a cobbler, is completely absorbing.  Giuseppe was born at the beginning of last century.  His naivety leads him down some challenging paths, but this shapes the man, and ‘suffering begins the journey to wisdom.’   I found myself wanting to shout at Giuseppe and send him in the direction of love; the loves story is beautiful.

For me, the novel unlocked secrets of the enchanting holiday destination.  I have often wondered who had once walked along the ancient tracks, and who once lived in the ancient dwellings that nestle in the mountains.   As the title suggests, the reader delves into rural Tuscany as it is now and as it was back then at the beginning of last century. The reader has the privilege of meeting characters from the different generations and has more knowledge than the characters:  it is satisfying to fit the jigsaw together.  Indeed, there is a cleverly crafted narrative, in which there are emotional parallels in the lives of the characters from the past and the present.

Giuseppe’s grandson, Francesco, and his English wife, Anna have turned the ancient houses into holiday lets. Their son, Davide, encounters some of the emotional challenges of childhood that Giuseppe, his great-grandfather, had to face. Alba, Giuseppe’s great-granddaughter, faces choices about education very different to her great-grandparents.   Whilst Giuseppe’s grandson Francesco and his wife face different daily routines; this reminds us of how life has changed. However, the tenderness between the couples from both generations is crafted skilfully, and there is an exploration of love.

Life, in Montebotolino, was hard at the beginning of the last century.  Yet, the people had to make the most of nature’s larder, and the peasant food is so tempting.  It seems that the working people, from the past, shaped the menus in contemporary Italy, sadly many of their homes have been left empty as their lifestyle was too difficult. The charm, and majestic beauty of the Tuscan landscape is still there to seduce the modern traveller.  Fortunately, we can still see:

‘Cypress tree lined twisting white ribbon roads up hills towards impressive stone buildings…trees like stakes holding down the land.’

This story takes the reader beneath the surface of the magical holiday destination, associated with a paradise for the eye and the belly.

The transumanza is the Italian term for transhumance, the traditional twice yearly migration of sheep and cows from the highlands to the lowlands, and vice versa. The word literally means “crossing the land”. Ref:  Wikipedia

 

Please see all my reviews at Books In Handbag and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

 

Escape: A Writing Bloc Anthology

“Short stories are such a treat- they are the cupcakes of the book world!” Jena

Jena has found a unique collection of short stories for her golden handbag.  A group of indie authors contributed to an anthology entitled ‘Escape’. Susan Hamilton contributed a story to the innovative anthology and approached Jena about a Golden Chapter Review.  Here’s what happened when Jena bumped into Susan in the Handbag Gallery.  Peek at the creative way in which Jena presents the anthology at the end of this blog post, and find out how you can get involved in an ultimate indie author collaboration.

When Jena Met Susan

And now, I am delighted to share with Golden Chapters readers Escape! A Writing Bloc Anthology

I was browsing through the Handbag Gallery, a passion of mine, when I heard footsteps, seeming to come from the back of the Gallery. “Hello, does anyone need help?” I whispered.

“Whoa!” was the reply. I stepped towards the voice and then I saw a large, haphazard stack of things- notebooks and folders walking toward me. I hurried to catch the top ones as they began to wobble and topple.

Susan Hamilton

“Oh, I guess I should tell you. I’m Susan Hamilton. I’m an author and I’m delivering a pile of short stories, a new anthology to the Handbag Gallery. Is Jessie…uh…Cahalin here?”

“She usually is but I believe right now she is taking a walk in the rain. She and her characters will be back soon. But in the meantime, do you mind if I look through these stories? Short stories are such a treat- they are the cupcakes of the book world!”

Jena Presents the Anthology

A bouquet of opening lines in the anthology

And now, I am delighted to share with Golden Chapters readers Escape! A Writing Bloc Anthology. Eye-catching cover- let’s see what’s inside!

Led by Michael Haase, the Writing Bloc describes itself as a “Cooperative group of writers just trying to figure it all out together.” They certainly have figured it out, as their first anthology is an intriguing and highly readable collection.

‘Drop the drudgery of daily life by diving headfirst into this stunning collection, and you might just find that ESCAPE! Is right around the corner.’ From the blurb

Authors from the UK to NZ, and South Korea to Ohio came together to write, edit, produce and design this book, all united by the word “Escape.”

Of course, an anthology doesn’t really have a first chapter to review, as I usually do for our Golden Chapter Reviews, so I decided to share some of the most intriguing lines from the beginning of some of the stories:

“This all started when I landed in Director Jail.” Mrs. Ravenstein by Jason Pomerance)

“Your Majesty, I would like to extend my humbles apologies for the corpse at your doorstep.” (Cedric by Michael Haase)

“Dana Clemmons hates the rain.” (I Wish it Happened by Durena Burns)

“I think I have a plan…” Wendell looked at the two companions on either side of him, both also named Wendell.” (Wendell, Wendell & Wendell by Patrick Edwards.)

Great lines that hook you and grab you in! Since it was Susan who had delivered all these great stories, I was eager to read her story. Wow! Here are some amazing lines from her near-future dystopian short story, Chrysalis.

“I met Death today. I knew who she was…”

“Not what you were expecting?” (Death asked)

“Considering I’m talking to Death and your tattoos just turned inside out…”

(Death explains) “We’re in the Gray. The place that hangs between life and death…”

I’m sure you will enjoy these fascinating short stories- they are all well-written and edited and of enjoyable readable length, not too short, not too long! Escape into some captivating tales.

Escape – A writing bloc anthology

And here’s good news for writers and readers- The Writing Bloc is excited to announce they are now ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS for DECEPTION! – their next collaborative short story anthology! More details: https://writingbloc.com/submissions/  Join their newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP 

Readers, I love reading and I love discussing what I read even more. Let’s continue our book conversation in the comments. Here are my questions:

  1. Do you read an anthology all at once, or do you read a story in the collection every now and then?
  2. This anthology features from a variety of genres. What are your favorite genres?
  3. What do you think about the opening lines I shared?

Happy Reading and Stay Golden!

Please see the details here if you would like to submit your book for consideration to be a Golden Chapter review.

 

Please see all of Jena’s Golden Chapters and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

A copy of my novel is available here.