Sage Nestler's Blog, page 19
July 9, 2019
Book Review: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
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Rating: 5/5
To the Point
The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller reminiscent of an asylum-based horror. Alex Michaelides’ writing takes the story in what is thought to be a predictable direction before providing the reader with whiplash within the last few pages. You won’t see the ending coming.
Give Me More
Sometimes I feel like I am becoming a little snobby when it comes to thrillers or mysteries, and I have to catch myself when I read. Many novels in these genres tend to follow a classic storyline, and the endings are often predictable. As I was reading The Silent Patient, I feared that I knew where the book was going within the first few chapters; however, I soon discovered that the story was anything but predictable. Alex Michaelides’ clearly knows the classic thriller tropes used in his genre, and he used them against the reader in his writing. Doing so provided me as a reader with one of the biggest whiplashes I have experienced in a novel in quite some time.
The Silent Patient follows a therapist as they work with a woman who has gone mute after being accused of killing her husband. The novel is written primarily from the perspective of the therapist, but snippets from the woman’s life are also shared to incorporate her experience with the stories of other vital characters. The chapters are short, and they all serve as puzzle pieces to the final picture. One thing that I loved about The Silent Patient was that there was no filler, and each chapter was vital to the unfolding of the story and development of the characters. But perhaps the best thing about this novel is that the big reveal occurred within the last few pages, and threw the reader completely off track. Even the most seasoned of thriller readers will be taken aback by Michalides’ clever storytelling.
The Silent Patient is in a class of its own. While it will appeal to readers who are fans of The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl, it is a true modern classic in the thriller genre. The short chapters and fast pace make the novel a quick read, and it will leave you thinking about it for days afterwards.
Have you read The Silent Patient? Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments!
July 3, 2019
Book Review: South of Main Street by Robert Gately
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Rating: 4/5
To the Point
South of Main Street is a touching portrait of an eclectic man, and how normality is merely an illusion.
Give Me More
I have always been a fan of literary fiction, especially when it comes to novels that examine human behavior under a microscope. South of Main Street was a rare treat in this way. Robert Gately is a deeply introspective author, and I swooned over his elegant prose. South of Main Street is a novel about a seemingly odd man from afar, but when taking a closer look, it is about the complexities of human connection.
Set in a small town in Pennsylvania, Gatley presents the reader with Henry – a middle-aged, emotionally distraught man. To Henry’s neighbors, he is an odd nuisance, but Henry is gifted in that he has the ability to connect to others and cross social lines in the community. While Henry’s neighbors find his behavior odd, the novel puts the reader in Henry’s shoes and allows the reader to experience his unique “normality”. Throughout the novel more is revealed about Henry and his past, as well as his connection to his family. Family ties are examined in all of their twists and turns, and I couldn’t help but connect Henry’s experience to that of my own family. Gately’s gorgeous portrayal of small-town connections and familial struggles guides the reader to think about their own social standing in a new and unique way.
South of Main Street will appeal to fans of A Man Called Ove or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Gately’s writing forced me to think critically about human relationships in a new context, and I was blown away by Henry’s character development and the reveal of his multi-faceted life and personality. The only reason I gave this novel 4/5 stars is due to wordiness throughout the novel. However, if you are looking for your next great literary fiction read, then you can’t go wrong with South of Main Street.
June 18, 2019
Book Review: All That Compels the Heart by Erin Bowlen
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Rating: 5/5
To the Point
All That Compels the Heart is a sweeping examination of life after tragedy and the metamorphosis we experience on our journey to a heightened life.
Give Me More
All That Compels the Heart is one of those rare novels that has perfect timing. Upon reading the novel, I found myself in a place similar to that of Aoife (the book’s heroine). Her story has helped me through a difficult time in my life, and for that, I want to thank Erin Bowlen for introducing her novel to me. While the novel is defined as romance, I found it to be a gorgeous literary fiction novel that explored one woman’s journey as she steps into a new stage of her life. Aoife experiences a rude awakening that makes her realize that nothing in life is permanent, but she soon discovers that with change comes love and opportunity.
Erin Bowlen exhibits pristine emotion in her writing, and I enjoyed her combination of humor and drama as it intensified the believability of her story. I have never had the opportunity to visit Ireland, but Bowlen’s vivid descriptions helped transport me into the scenery. While All That Compels the Heart is a rather large book at 700+ pages, it did not feel that long and I yearned for more of the story once it ended. Bowlen’s emotionally riveting ending gave me nostalgic Casablanca vibes, and I must admit that it made me tear up. I always judge a book on its ability to change me, and All That Compels the Heart has done just that. Don’t be a fool…add this novel to your summer reading list NOW! You will be glad you did.
June 13, 2019
12 Subscription Boxes Based on Your Hogwarts House
Happy Friday, Bibliophiles!
What better way to start the weekend than with a Harry Potter post?! I personally ADORE goodies that correlate with the different Hogwarts houses, and I wanted to share with you an article that highlights subscription boxes that appeal to each Hogwarts house. As a Hufflepuff, I found Cratejoy’s subscription box selection to be spot on! Are you ready to see which box the sorting hat has chosen for you?
*Unsure of your Hogwarts house? Join Pottermore to be sorted into your house here!
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June 5, 2019
What is Your Limit with Romance?
I apologize for not posting last week’s discussion! I have decided to push back the discussion for a week to help things get back on track.
As we continue with our romance discussions, this week’s question topic is:
What Is Your Limit with Romance?
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By “limit” I’m referring to the types of romance novels that may not be down your alley or may possess elements that don’t appeal to you. Romance is a genre that offers multiple sub-genres, and most sub-genres have their own audience. For example, my favorite romance novels are Western-based and involve horses, ranches, cowboys, etc. I also love historical romance novels set in Victorian times or involve pioneers and the Old West. However, I am not often attracted to high suspense romance/erotica or romance/erotica that involves law enforcement or violence. I am also not a big fan of science fiction erotica. Since romance is connected to sexual desires or fantasies, there is almost a limitless market for just about any form of romance novel. All romance and erotica is important, and I am curious to know what your preferences are!
Tell me what romance you love in the comments below, as well as what you tend to stay away from! Let’s get the conversation started. 
May 23, 2019
Why do you read romance?
For the next four weeks, I am hosting a weekly romance discussion that involves anything and everything about the romance and erotica genres. I am excited to hear your perspectives on romance, and together we will debunk the myth that romance is a lesser form of fiction.
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So, for our first week, I thought we’d start simple…
Why do you read romance?
Or if you don’t, then why don’t you read romance?
Share with me in the comments below. All opinions are welcome! Please respect others when commenting (hateful or inappropriate comments will be removed).
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My Story
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(Oh hey! That’s me ^.^)
I an avid reader and writer of romance, but this wasn’t always the case. I was raised to believe that romance novels are “trashy” and off-limits, and it took me years to grow comfortable with reading romance and erotica novels publically. It took me even longer to be comfortable with writing romance as a professional author. However, my background also helped me to understand the marginalization that romance and erotica authors and novels face due to the genre being seen as a “pleasure” genre and cheap fiction due to its subject matter. To some, romance is equivalent to porn and seen as illicit. But to others (me, for instance) romance is a way for readers and writers to explore and express love and sexuality while deepening feelings of self- and partner-love.
After much contemplation, I came to a conclusion. My other favorite genre is horror (the bloodier the better), and I began to realize that I read romance and horror novels due to the extreme emotions they elicit within me. Books have always been my portals, and I have found that reading horror and romance has provided me with emotions and experiences that are not available to me in person. I prefer novels that expose deep feelings, and love and sexuality are two strong emotions that are universal. Romance novels allow you to explore your sexuality and escape in a way that is personal for each reader. For me, romance reading and writing has allowed me to explore the unexpected and expand my understanding of all types of relationships.
I read romance because it relieves stress and makes me feel closer to not only myself but my partner as well. Romance helps me practice self-care while expanding emotions and exposing new experiences through literature. Whenever I open up a romance novel, I immediately feel like I’m going home, and there is no place I would rather be. Romance helps readers explore human relationships in a format, and I will also advocate for romance and erotica authors and readers.
Much love,
Ashley Nestler, MSW
May 20, 2019
Romance Character Battles Winner Announcement
Today we have a final winner for our Romance Character Battles from OWSCyCon 2019 this past weekend! Our winner is Markus Tep from Worlds Apart by Stephen B. Pearl. Help me in congratulating him!
Alcina’s world is falling apart. Driven into poverty by her husband’s unrelenting pursuit in the custody of their son, Alcina does whatever she can to hold tight and keep her son from ending up in the arms of a man who would like nothing better than to turn son against mother.
Markus lost his parents in a horrific accident endemic across his world. Areas of chaotic magic grow like cancers, destroying anything and everything in its path. Through years of illegal study and experimentation, Markus believes he has found a cure for his world, but to do so, he must travel to another world before the police can arrest him.
Desperate for a peaceful life with her son, Alcina turns to magic, imploring ancient deities. What she does not expect is a strangely dressed man, speaking an unknown language, suddenly appearing before her. Is this the savior the Gods have sent her?
Arriving in this strange world, Markus is attracted to Alcina. Her compassion in taking in a stranger deepens his affection for her. It is his care of her son that opens Alcina’s closed heart. If only they can save each other’s world without the loss of each other.[image error]
Romance Cover Wars Winner Announcement
It is time to announce our winner of the OWSCyCon 2019 Romance Cover Wars! This year’s winner is Dark Heart (Stories of the Heart Book 1) by Cybill Cain
I am more than a man.
I am the lover that will take you to heights you’ve never imagined.
I have seen stars turn to dust.
I have felt my heart turn to stone.
Then I found Sara, and knew that each long night waiting
had been but a prelude to this time with her.
But I met her in a dream, and we’re about to wake up.
If I had found her sooner, we would have had more time.
But it doesn’t matter because there would never be enough.
I’ll defy the ticking clock and show her the passion she inspires
in my immortal soul.
Time will never take her from me.
I will carry the taste of her on my tongue for eternity.
I will whisper her name when the sun burns from the sky.
**This story ends on a cliffhanger, but will be continued in Broken Heart, Stories of the Heart – A Vampire Love Story, COMING IN FEB 2019!**
May 12, 2019
Blog Tour – Last Day
I hope that you have had a wonderful day and were able to spend time with those you love! Today is the last day of the OWSCyCon 2019 Romance Blog Tour and I am happy to feature another one of our amazing romance authors, Cherry Seniel!
OWSCyCon 2019 is next weekend, and I will be posting more about some of the romance events that we are having throughout the week.
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CHERRY SENIEL is a paranormal and fantasy romance writer who believes that all of the best love stories have one thing in common–one must go against the odds to get there. Her novel tells about that. By day, she applies her skills as a Computer Engineer and leads a team. She is an experienced IT executive with a solid experience in System Development, Implementation and Team Management. She loves the Entrepreneur world as well. She finished her Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Ateneo de Cagayan University in the Philippines. At night, she writes her novels and talks to her characters. Her passion for writing is so massive that she cannot disregard its call. She took various courses online to develop her skills and to learn more in the field of literature. Writing about her characters and introduce them to the world is her deepest wish.
OWSCyCon is an international, online book convention that is free to attend and features over 100 authors! Join the fun to meet new authors, snag up some great book deals, and participate in multiple online book events.
Event Website: http://owscycon.ourwriteside.com
RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/574802543016528/
May 11, 2019
Blog Tour Update – Day 7
We are getting close to the end of the OWSCyCon 2019 Romance Blog Tour! Today is the second to last day of the tour, and Cherry Seniel is featuring some more of the romance authors who will be taking part in cycon. Follow the link below!
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OWSCyCon is an international, online book convention that is free to attend and features over 100 authors! Join the fun to meet new authors, snag up some great book deals, and participate in multiple online book events.
Event Website: http://owscycon.ourwriteside.com
RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/574802543016528/
