Sage Nestler's Blog, page 17
February 2, 2020
February 1, 2020
Book Review: An Amish Love Reclaimed by Elizabeth Zook
Rating: 4/5
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Giselle M. Chatelain
Quick Take
An Amish Love Reclaimed is a heartwarming tale of rekindled romance and how hope persists through the trials of marriage.
Tell Me More
Amish romances are my guilty pleasure, and I was thrilled to receive the audiobook of An Amish Love Reclaimed for review. The story follows an Amish couple who have lost the romance in their marriage and are trying to reconnect and rediscover the passion that brought them together. Elizabeth Zook writes with empathy and knowledge of love and the work that it takes to keep love alive in a marriage. I found her story to be heartwarming and well-executed, and it found its way straight to my heart.
Unfortunately, since I am reviewing the audiobook of An Amish Love Reclaimed, I must address the narrative element. Giselle M. Chatelain narrates the novel, and I found myself distracted more often than not due to her melodramatic way of speaking. Her performance was just that, a performance, and she didn’t do Zook’s story justice by failing to capture the tone of each character’s voice and part in the story. I had to force myself to continue listening due to my distaste with the narrator, but I was dedicated to finishing the audiobook because of my honest enjoyment of the story.
An Amish Love Reclaimed is a lovely inspirational romance that is sure to touch any romance lover’s heart. However, I would suggest picking up the Kindle book rather than the audiobook for optimal enjoyment.
December 7, 2019
Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High By David Pratt
Synopsis
In the over-the-top tradition of the old-time penny dreadful, the story of crusading high schooler Todd Sweeney and smart-as-a-whip girlfriend Nellie Lovett unfolds: when vile guidance counselor Ashford Squeers wants to put Todd’s best friend, Toby, in gay conversion camp, Todd swings into action. He just swings a bit too hard. So he calls on lovely Nellie to help clean up the mess. She devises an ingenious way of making the body disappear. But, more threats arise, as they always do. Soon, the police are wondering where Fleet High’s worst are disappearing to. Our friends are on their way to a thrilling denouement that includes blackmail, abduction, nun costumes and a trip across the country before Todd and Nellie must finally leave Toby and his boyfriend to fend for themselves.
Review
3/5
I am a big fan of Sweeney Todd, so I was excited when I was granted the opportunity to review Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High. This retelling presents a teenage Todd Sweeney whose motive is avenging his gay friend, Toby. Sweeney Todd has always been a deeply political penny dreadful, and I appreciated how David Pratt honored this by considering the challenges that teenagers face in the politics of high school. Pratt took a beloved character and created a tale for him that introduces his story to a new generation, but appeals to adults as well.
David Pratt’s writing format follows the classic vein of a penny dreadful, but I did find that his dialogue could be hard to read at times. He overuses exclamation points, which detracts from the story and made it harder for me to read consistently. While I did love Pratt’s imagination and his ability to recreate a classic story in a new light, I would have liked to see more realistic punctuation to improve reading quality.
Overall, Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High is a fun, thrilling ride that appeals to both young adults and adults. David Pratt put his own spin on a classic penny dreadful while honoring the original tone and story. If you are a fan of Sweeney Todd or vengeful teenagers, then Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High will be a treat for you.
December 2, 2019
The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal: A Creative Way to Stop Freaking Out by Tanya J. Peterson MS NCC
I hope you have had a great start to your week. I have a rather fun book review to share with you today that I am so excited to share! I recently decided to begin reviewing non-fiction books as well as fiction books to give you more variety, and I was pleasantly surprised when I received the following book from Callisto Publishers Club. If you struggle with anxiety like I do, then you are going to love this book.
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Synopsis
Write off your anxiety with fast and effective journal prompts
Do you pretend you’re not home when a delivery arrives? Are you afraid that strangers on the street are judging you? Have you spent an hour drafting an email just to make sure it sounds polite enough? The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal will help you manage those overwhelming, anxious feelings with short and funny writing prompts―so you can breathe a little easier.
Expressive writing is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. The prompts and reflections in this lighthearted, guided journal will make you laugh, and help you make room for positivity and healing. It’s a creative way to stop freaking out and put your anxiety out of your head and onto the page.
The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal offers:
Positive and inspirational―The prompts take just 5 minutes, so you’ll have no problem doing them regularly.
Whenever and wherever―The design is undated, leaving you free to fill in any of the prompts at any time.
Practicing mindfulness―The simple meditation exercises will teach you to stay centered if you start to spiral out.
You’re just 5 minutes away from the path to less anxiety.
Quick Take
The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal is an inventive book that encourages the reader to participate on each page! It provides readers with 5-minute anxiety cures through journaling, as well as mindfulness techniques to combat anxiety attacks.
Tell Me More
I struggle with extreme anxiety, and I am always looking for ways to work through it and live a fuller life. When I was given The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal to review from Callisto Publisher’s Club, I was overjoyed to find an interactive book that provides quick anxiety relief. Every page provides an activity designed to ease your anxiety quickly through the power of journaling. The author, Tanya J. Peterson MS NCC, struggles with anxiety as well, and her experience makes the book that much more personable.
Mindfulness is the core concept utilized throughout The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal, which I was happy to see. I am a mental health expert and mindfulness is one of the main concepts that I utilize in my work as well. Tanya J. Peterson MS NCC provides the reader with concepts that can be used when anxiety reaches the point of spiraling out to help the reader have more control. She also provides journal entries for each day that are undated and provide the reader with flexibility. I appreciate how this book is designed to be on-the-go to provide readers with quick relief no matter where they are.
The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal is a unique resource for anxiety sufferers seeking quick relief on-the-go. Tanya J. Peterson MS NCC displays her knowledge of anxiety, while also relating to the reader by sharing her personal struggles. This book is a must-have for anyone who struggles with anxiety! It has helped me tremendously Tanya J. Peterson MS NCC and I would like to personally thank the author for creating this book.
December 1, 2019
Book Review: Ms. Never by Colin Dodds
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Synopsis
Farya Navurian seems like an ordinary young woman trying to get ahead in the city while struggling with depression. But her depression is anything but ordinary – it has the power to destroy time and space. Growing up the moody daughter of a space-faring hero of The Greater Anointed Imperial Ohioan Commonwealth, Farya annihilated most of that world and its history, leaving behind the husk-like Buckeye State.
One day at a record swap, she meets Bryan, a divorced telecom CEO. More than record collecting, what they share is that they each carry a howling secret. Bryan’s business is a cover for a bigger operation that buys human souls and sells luxury afterlives using shady terms of service in mobile-phone contracts.
The two of them fall in love, and as they start a life together, their secrets back them into a corner where they have to come clean – and take drastic steps – to save themselves, and possibly reality itself.
Quick Take
Ms. Never is an excellent portrayal of mental illness, and how sometimes the symptoms of mental illness can become superpowers
Tell Me More
I was overjoyed when I was presented with the opportunity to review Ms. Never. I am a woman struggling with Major Depressive Disorder, Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder, and Complex PTSD, so I am always looking for novels that accurately portray mental illness in a unique way. Ms. Never surpassed my expectations in this way. The novel’s protagonist, Farya Navurian, suffers from depression, but instead of being presented as a damsel in distress, she ends up having superpowers as a byproduct of her mental illness. I have never read a book that portrays some of the symptoms of mental illness in this way, and I fell in love with Colin Dodds’ one-of-a-kind storyline.
Ms. Never is equal parts science fiction and romance, while portraying the complexities of modern life. Both of the primary characters of the novel – Farya and Bryan – are multifaceted and develop beautifully throughout the novel. I gobbled this novel up and yearned for more upon finishing. I am amazed and delighted by Dodd’s genre-bending novel and view of mental illness, and I can’t recommend this novel enough. Ms. Never appeals to a variety of audiences due to its genre-crossing storyline, and I hope that you will pick it up as soon as you can! This story will leave you forever changed.
*I was given this book to review from Reedsy Discovery
November 23, 2019
Author Spotlight – M.E. Hembroff
Happy Saturday, Bibliophiles!
I am excited to share with you M.E. Hembroff – author of the children’s book Voices of Yesterday. I am such a kid at heart and I love reviewing children’s books, which is why I am so excited to share this book with you because it appeals to both children and adults. Voices of Yesterday incorporates family heritage while highlighting family conflict to help children navigate family issues with compassion. Hembroff presents a story that doesn’t sugarcoat issues or talk down to its audience, while helping parents and children navigate family heritage and familial conflicts.
In part one Kate is confused and overwhelmed about her parents’ divorce. Her teacher gives the class an assignment to research and write about a historical event, person or place in Riverdale. Kate chooses the Franklin Manor where she lives with her Mom. Her classmate Rose finds information about a fire that left Kate’s Gran an orphan. Kate sets this information aside until she has completed her assignment. As Kate continues her research, she finds her Great Aunt Rebecca’s journal. She stumbles across a link between the Franklin’s and her family. What is that link? How does it affect Kate?
In part two Kate and her mom spend the summer at her Gran’s farm. Kate helps her Mom sort through the items hoarded over the years. She finds old journals written by her Great, Great Grandmother. Old treasures turn up in unexpected locations. A rift has developed between Kate and her dad. She doesn’t accept that he has a girlfriend who he intends to marry. Will Kate find all the family secrets? Will she resolve her issues with her dad?
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About the Author
Marjorie was imaginative since early childhood. She grew up on a farm, before television, where there was lots of scope for imagination. Marjorie did art and writing assignments in school. After she had married and moved to Alberta Marjorie took art and writing classes, some by correspondence. Marjorie joined an art club and took part in their shows. At that time she started to have strange dreams. In these dreams, she held a book with blank pages and no cover. In other dreams, there was a series of books with no covers. Marjorie told one of the art group members about the dreams. That artist had learned to interpret dreams. She told Marjorie she was supposed to write the stories and draw the pictures for the covers. Shortly after that Tiny in Gramma Mouse Tells a Story was born. It wasn’t long before the idea for Bess’s Magical Garden surfaced.
Marjorie’s favorite author has always been L.M. Montgomery. In some ways, she felt akin to Anne the main character in the Anne books.
Marjorie has since written and self-published Gramma Mouse Tells a Story, Bess’s Magical Garden and the sequel The Mystery of the Hidden Cabin. She now resides in Strathmore Alberta. Her books are sold at local craft sales every fall and Christmas as well as on Amazon. She has also written numerous stories. Some can be found on her website.
Follow M.E. Hembroff
https://www.mhembroff.wordpress.com
www.amazon.com/author/mehembroff
https://www.facebook.com/mehembroff
https://twitter.com/margiesart1
http://www.goodreads.com/mehembroff
http://www.plaistedpublishinghouse.com
November 19, 2019
Author Interview with Gina Lo Biondo
I am so excited to share with you today an interview I had with Gina Lo Biondo, author of the children’s books Cinderella – A Love Story, Pegasus – A Dragon’s Tale, Button Nose – The Sad Little Bear, and the play Cinderella – A Play in Two Acts!
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Gina is an extremely creative woman, and I love how her children’s stories speak to children and adults alike. Her stories are unique and accompanied by gorgeous illustrations that are sure to speak to the children in your life or your child at heart! I hope you enjoy the interview and take the time to check out Gina’s lovely work.
Peachy Keen Author Interview with Gina Lo Biondo
Why do you enjoy writing?
Wow, I’ve been doing it for so long that, for me, it’s like breathing! I love to write because I’ve always got ideas running around in my head. Sometimes all I’ll need is a word or a thought and, BAM! I have a new story in the works. Years ago, I used to get ideas while taking a bath! LOL 
November 10, 2019
Book Review: Yoder Family Amish Restaurant by Becca Fisher
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Title: Yoder Family Amish Restaurant
Author: Becca Fisher
Format: Audiobook
Narrated by: Dorothy Deavers
Rating: 3/5
Sadie Zook is in an impossible situation. After a long search, she’s finally found love. But the man she’s fallen for also happens to work at the same Amish restaurant – a restaurant that has banned coworkers from dating. So Sadie and her boyfriend are forced to keep their love a secret. Can they keep from being found out, or will everything Sadie has worked so hard for be jeopardized?
Quick Take
Yoder Family Amish Restaurant is a sweet Amish romance, if not depressing and rushed at times. Becca Fisher writes with knowledge of the Amish community, and Dorothy Deavers brings a calming tone to the audiobook.
Tell Me More
Upon first listening to the audiobook of Yoder Family Amish Restaurant on Audible, I fell in love with Dorothy Deaver’s voice. Her presence perfectly complimented Becca Fisher’s quaint story, and the audiobook created a calming experience for me. I enjoyed Deaver’s voices that she gave to each of Fisher’s characters, and it felt as though the story was being painted in front of me as I listened.
Sadie Zook, the protagonist of Yoder Family Amish Restaurant, is a humble, sweet woman whom I immediately felt drawn to. The story focuses on her love life, and how she is reeling from heartbreak with a man she was dating who fell in love with someone else and chose to leave her. My heart broke for Sadie as I listened and empathized with her story.
Sadie is a waitress at an Amish restaurant, and the story is heavily focused on her coworkers and the patrons who frequent the restaurant. As Sadie’s friends begin to fall in love, get married, and have children, she feels as though she is falling behind because she has not found a man with whom she would like to start a family. However, Sadie finds purpose in her job at the Yoder Family Restaurant, and communion with her coworkers.
Unfortunately, as I continued to listen to the story, I found Sadie to be a depressing character. She is often forlorn, and every time something good seems to happen for her, it ends up going wrong. For example, when Sadie finally finds a man to go on a date with, his ex-girlfriend reaches out to him on the day of his date with Sadie and proposes trying to have a relationship again. Sadie also goes out for a promotion at the restaurant and ends up losing the position to one of her coworkers with whom she doesn’t get along with. When Sadie does begin dating one of her other coworkers towards the end of the novel, their romance took up only about the last fourth of the novel and it seemed rushed. While I enjoyed the calming tone of Yoder Family Restaurant, I felt as though the depressing aspects of the novel were too drawn out whereas the inspiring sections were not given enough time.
Nevertheless, the audiobook of Yoder Family Amish Restaurant provides a calming listening experience with a clear look at the Amish community. Even though the novel did have more of a sorrowful tone, I did enjoy learning more about the young Amish community and experiencing the simple life. Becca Fisher writes with knowledge and empathy of the Amish community, and I look forward to listening to more of her audiobooks.
October 29, 2019
Book Review: Cinderella – A Love Story by Gina Lo Biondo
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Rating: 5/5
Synopsis
Cinderella — A Love Story is “a fanciful and absorbing rewrite of the classic faerie tale”. It is told here in a fascinating new version, set circa mid-16th century. Younger readers will love the borrowed magic that enables Ella to attend the ball, while older readers — including adults — will connect with the inseparable bond between mother and child; a bond that transcends time and space and even death itself. Ella’s parents are young and in love and the family is happy until Marie suddenly dies. Her father remarries, hoping to give his beloved child a mother’s love and care. But Charles’s new wife is a cruel, unaffectionate woman, who cares only for her own two very backward daughters, and turns her step-daughter into a servant. Ten years later, when the King throws a ball in honour of his son, Ella’s only chance at happiness comes from a most unexpected source.
Quick Take
Cinderella – A Love Story is an elegant and original take on the classic fairytale. Gina Lo Biondo creates a new cast of characters that explore grief, stepfamilies and starting anew.
Tell Me More
Cinderella has long been one of my favorite fairytales, and I was more than thrilled to read Gina Lo Biondo’s re-invented tale. To my delight, Cinderella – A Love Story surpassed my expectations and has become one of my new favorite adaptations of the story.
Lo Biondo’s changes to the classic tale were settle, but they provided originality that created a unique retelling. My favorite change that Lo Biondo made was switching out the fairy godmother with the spirit of Cinderella’s deceased mother. While Cinderella’s father is present in the story, he is frequently working and Cinderella becomes prey to her stepmother and stepsisters. Cinderella grieves for her mother, and presenting her mother as her savior in the spirit form is a heartwarming addition. I found the love story between mother and daughter to be the highlight of the novel, and it had me swooning. The family love presented in the novel was a welcome change, and I appreciated Lo Biondo’s vision.
The accompanying full-color illustrations included in the novel are beautifully hand-drawn and well placed to help the reader picture the story and entice younger readers. While the novel is intended for younger readers, I found it extremely enjoyable, and I will happily read it again and again. If you are a fan of Cinderella, I heartily recommend Gina Lo Biondo’s Cinderella – A Love Story.
October 9, 2019
Life Update
I know it has been a while since I have posted anything, and I wanted to update you. In August I suffered a brain injury and severe mental health crisis, which put me in the hospital, and I am currently on medical leave as I continue to recover. I am still working on all of the reviews that I promised many of you guys, but it is taking me longer to complete them. However, if you are an author who I promised a review to, please know that it is coming! It is just going to take a little while for them to get posted. A big thank you to all of you for the support you have shown me.
Much love,
Ashley
