L.J. Epps's Blog
August 11, 2025
Thicker than Water: A Memoir by Kerry Washington My review 5 of 5 stars
I’ve always enjoyed Kerry Washington’s movies and tv shows and was really interested in reading her autobiography. I really enjoyed this look into her life. I enjoyed reading about her journey becoming an actress and was surprised at all the personal details she shared about her own family. This was a great book and I like her even more after reading about her struggles.
April 27, 2025
Prodigal Son by Danielle Steel. My Review. 5 of 5 stars
I’ve picked up and put down this novel several times over the last few years. I tried reading a few pages and just couldn’t get into it. I tried again several months later and still couldn’t get into it…for whatever reason it wasn’t the right time.
After a few years I picked the book up again and like lighting hit me the words just flowed and I couldn’t get enough. I honestly don’t know what happened. I loved the novel and couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
The novel was about two twin brothers who never got along…in fact they hated each other. Peter and Michael. It’s hard to go into details and express how much I loved this novel without giving something away. So, I will just say to me it started off slow…maybe that’s why it took me so long to get into it. As the story progressed it picks up steam.
I didn’t know where the story was going at first but the plot ended up being very interesting and there were unexpected twists and turns. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Sometimes I would stay up all night reading it to get to the next chapter.
The book played out like a movie and I have to say this is one of the best novels I have ever read by this author. It was a different storyline not one of Danielle Steel’s love stories, but about two twin brothers and the riff between them. Like I said earlier as the story goes on the plot thickens and I loved it.
A great read!
After a few years I picked the book up again and like lighting hit me the words just flowed and I couldn’t get enough. I honestly don’t know what happened. I loved the novel and couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
The novel was about two twin brothers who never got along…in fact they hated each other. Peter and Michael. It’s hard to go into details and express how much I loved this novel without giving something away. So, I will just say to me it started off slow…maybe that’s why it took me so long to get into it. As the story progressed it picks up steam.
I didn’t know where the story was going at first but the plot ended up being very interesting and there were unexpected twists and turns. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Sometimes I would stay up all night reading it to get to the next chapter.
The book played out like a movie and I have to say this is one of the best novels I have ever read by this author. It was a different storyline not one of Danielle Steel’s love stories, but about two twin brothers and the riff between them. Like I said earlier as the story goes on the plot thickens and I loved it.
A great read!
June 14, 2021
The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey. My Review. 4 of 5 stars
I’ve said before that I love reading autobiographies and this book did not disappoint.
The book starts off with Mariah’s childhood and what she endured. It was interesting learning how she overcame poverty and started singing. The book showcased all the trials she went through to get to where she is today…all the while giving us great music.
I loved learning that she writes most of her music. Most of her lyrics come from something that has happened in her life...either something joyful or something painful. I always knew she was a brilliant singer but now I know she is also a brilliant music writer.
Great book…it started off a little slow but once I got into it, I couldn’t seem to put it down.
I loved seeing her determination and strength to take her music and career to a higher level.
Wonderful read.
The book starts off with Mariah’s childhood and what she endured. It was interesting learning how she overcame poverty and started singing. The book showcased all the trials she went through to get to where she is today…all the while giving us great music.
I loved learning that she writes most of her music. Most of her lyrics come from something that has happened in her life...either something joyful or something painful. I always knew she was a brilliant singer but now I know she is also a brilliant music writer.
Great book…it started off a little slow but once I got into it, I couldn’t seem to put it down.
I loved seeing her determination and strength to take her music and career to a higher level.
Wonderful read.
May 11, 2021
Should I Change My Book Cover?
For months now I’ve been thinking of changing the cover of my novel, Extinction Of All Children. I’ve been debating back and forth…and reading many articles on the subject. I actually love my current cover.
Why would I want to change a cover that I love? Why would I want to change the cover when it was already perfect? The spooky…eerie looking town. The abandoned swing. How could it get any better? Lol
Over the years some readers have said they liked the cover but it didn’t scream fantasy novel…but instead it looked like it could be for a horror or thriller novel. I decided to change the cover so hopefully it would look more fantasy.
I love the old cover but now I also love the new cover. I hope readers like it too. Will my sales improve from this change? I have no idea…so I guess I’ll find out. Have any of you wondered if you should change or update your cover? My new cover is out now so let me know what you think.
Why would I want to change a cover that I love? Why would I want to change the cover when it was already perfect? The spooky…eerie looking town. The abandoned swing. How could it get any better? Lol
Over the years some readers have said they liked the cover but it didn’t scream fantasy novel…but instead it looked like it could be for a horror or thriller novel. I decided to change the cover so hopefully it would look more fantasy.
I love the old cover but now I also love the new cover. I hope readers like it too. Will my sales improve from this change? I have no idea…so I guess I’ll find out. Have any of you wondered if you should change or update your cover? My new cover is out now so let me know what you think.
Should I Change My Book Cover?
For months now I’ve been thinking of changing the cover of my novel, Extinction Of All Children. I’ve been debating back and forth…and reading many articles on the subject. I actually love my current cover.
Why would I want to change a cover that I love? Why would I want to change the cover when it was already perfect? The spooky…eerie looking town. The abandoned swing. How could it get any better? Lol
Over the years some readers have said they liked the cover but it didn’t scream fantasy novel…but instead it looked like it could be for a horror or thriller novel. I decided to change the cover so hopefully it would look more fantasy.
I love the old cover but now I also love the new cover. I hope readers like it too. Will my sales improve from this change? I have no idea…so I guess I’ll find out. Have any of you wondered if you should change or update your cover? My new cover is out now so let me know what you think.
Why would I want to change a cover that I love? Why would I want to change the cover when it was already perfect? The spooky…eerie looking town. The abandoned swing. How could it get any better? Lol
Over the years some readers have said they liked the cover but it didn’t scream fantasy novel…but instead it looked like it could be for a horror or thriller novel. I decided to change the cover so hopefully it would look more fantasy.
I love the old cover but now I also love the new cover. I hope readers like it too. Will my sales improve from this change? I have no idea…so I guess I’ll find out. Have any of you wondered if you should change or update your cover? My new cover is out now so let me know what you think.
April 12, 2021
Open Book by Jessica Simpson. My Review.
Open Book by Jessica Simpson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have a backlog of books I need to read…and the next book on my list was an autobiography from Jessica Simpson.
I’ve always liked Jessica Simpson so I was excited to read about her life.
I found this book interesting and a quick read. I enjoyed reading about Jessica’s life and how she got started in the business and how she became famous.
I love how Jessica reinvented herself and took her fame to different levels starting with music and venturing into fashion with her clothing business. Not only was the book about her business endeavors but she went into great detail about her different relationships.
She also shared her troubles with alcohol, and how she overcame and is the person she is today.
I always enjoy reading how a person lives their life or overcomes struggles. I have to say this book did not disappoint.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have a backlog of books I need to read…and the next book on my list was an autobiography from Jessica Simpson.
I’ve always liked Jessica Simpson so I was excited to read about her life.
I found this book interesting and a quick read. I enjoyed reading about Jessica’s life and how she got started in the business and how she became famous.
I love how Jessica reinvented herself and took her fame to different levels starting with music and venturing into fashion with her clothing business. Not only was the book about her business endeavors but she went into great detail about her different relationships.
She also shared her troubles with alcohol, and how she overcame and is the person she is today.
I always enjoy reading how a person lives their life or overcomes struggles. I have to say this book did not disappoint.
September 15, 2020
A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery. My Review.
A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read several Susan Mallery novels but I have to say this one may be my favorite.
I immediately liked the characters and cared about their lives and what happened to them. I liked Pam and her relationship with her son and daughter. I also liked Zoe and her relationship with her father. It took a little time for me to get into Jen’s character because of her overprotectiveness with her son and husband, but I eventually came to understand her character as well. I could see Steven’s growth early on as he took on certain responsibilities that made me love him.
I don’t want to give anything away but I’ll say I loved how the characters lives intertwined with each other which caused twists and turns in the novel.
It was an enjoyable read.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read several Susan Mallery novels but I have to say this one may be my favorite.
I immediately liked the characters and cared about their lives and what happened to them. I liked Pam and her relationship with her son and daughter. I also liked Zoe and her relationship with her father. It took a little time for me to get into Jen’s character because of her overprotectiveness with her son and husband, but I eventually came to understand her character as well. I could see Steven’s growth early on as he took on certain responsibilities that made me love him.
I don’t want to give anything away but I’ll say I loved how the characters lives intertwined with each other which caused twists and turns in the novel.
It was an enjoyable read.
April 25, 2020
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks. My Review.
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite romance novelists. I have read several of his novels and always find myself emotionally invested. I almost always shed a tear for the characters. His novels draw me in and I can feel what the characters are going through. For some reason this novel didn’t draw me in as much.
I did like the character Hope and the fact that she was trying to make her six-year relationship with her boyfriend work. In her heart she knew something was off with her current relationship. When Tru came into her life something just clicked and she knew he was the right person for her—but her current relationship and other things kept them apart.
I really wanted to love this novel but for some reason I didn’t feel all of the emotions I normally do with Mr. Sparks novels. I felt like Hope and Tru’s relationship was rushed and not well developed. It was still a good read and well written so I gave it four stars.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite romance novelists. I have read several of his novels and always find myself emotionally invested. I almost always shed a tear for the characters. His novels draw me in and I can feel what the characters are going through. For some reason this novel didn’t draw me in as much.
I did like the character Hope and the fact that she was trying to make her six-year relationship with her boyfriend work. In her heart she knew something was off with her current relationship. When Tru came into her life something just clicked and she knew he was the right person for her—but her current relationship and other things kept them apart.
I really wanted to love this novel but for some reason I didn’t feel all of the emotions I normally do with Mr. Sparks novels. I felt like Hope and Tru’s relationship was rushed and not well developed. It was still a good read and well written so I gave it four stars.
February 17, 2020
Daughters of the Bride by Susan Mallery. My Review
Daughters of the Bride by Susan Mallery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I always love Susan Mallery novels but for some reason it took me over a year to read and finish this one. I started it and couldn't get into it so I put it down and months later came back to it. It's probably me and not the book. I have been so busy that sadly I haven't been able to read as much.
Once I got into it I did enjoy it. There are three daughters...my favorite daughter was Rachel. I enjoyed her on and off again relationship with her husband. I liked that she was trying to get over her relationship with him but certain things have a way of pulling you back in sometimes. My least favorite was Sienna because of her attitude at times. Once I read more of the novel I understood why she acted the way she did. Overall I thought it was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it to others.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I always love Susan Mallery novels but for some reason it took me over a year to read and finish this one. I started it and couldn't get into it so I put it down and months later came back to it. It's probably me and not the book. I have been so busy that sadly I haven't been able to read as much.
Once I got into it I did enjoy it. There are three daughters...my favorite daughter was Rachel. I enjoyed her on and off again relationship with her husband. I liked that she was trying to get over her relationship with him but certain things have a way of pulling you back in sometimes. My least favorite was Sienna because of her attitude at times. Once I read more of the novel I understood why she acted the way she did. Overall I thought it was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it to others.
My book review
Daughters of the Bride by Susan MalleryMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I always love Susan Mallery novels but for some reason it took me over a year to read and finish this one. I started it and couldn't get into it so I put it down and months later came back to it. It's probably me and not the book. I have been so busy that sadly I haven't been able to read as much.
Once I got into it I did enjoy it. There are three daughters...my favorite daughter was Rachel. I enjoyed her on and off again relationship with her husband. I liked that she was trying to get over her relationship with him but certain things have a way of pulling you back in sometimes. My least favorite was Sienna because of her attitude at times. Once I read more of the novel I understood why she acted the way she did. Overall I thought it was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it to others.
View all my reviews
