Book Review: The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

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Before writing this review, I did a bit of browsing of reviews already posted in Goodreads and saw mostly 1 star ratings. I felt quite sad because I really liked the story and how it was written. The prose bears a little semblance to Nicholas Sparks and Nicholas Evans, two authors of some books that I liked, and is probably one of the reasons why it was easy for me to fall in love with the story.

Francesca Johnson is celebrating her sixty-seventh birthday, and just like her previous birthdays, she has reserved the day for ceremonies that consists mainly of reminiscing the events that changed her life twenty-two years ago starting on the day she met photographer Robert Kincaid.

The Bridges of Madison County is a very poignant story of two individuals brought together by time and fate, and how they discovered the power of love and loving. It is also a story about choice and how the choices we make can affect us for the rest of our lives.

I love it that the book doesn't have lots of characters to make me confused. It is a very short and easy read, albeit very emotional and deeply profound. There are many parts in the book that should have been good starting points for discussion. I should have looked for reading buddies before reading the book. Is it possible to love two persons at the same time? When is it right to fight for love and to let go?

***Little spoilers from here on. I can understand the dislike of most of the people towards the book because like them, I also do not tolerate the adultery. In fact, during the first chapters, I already made up my mind to dislike the book. However, when I reached the last few chapters, I became convinced that yes, there is actually something to think about in this book. I cannot count how many times I cried sobbed while reading the later parts of the story. My heart goes out to Robert especially, how he lived his life alone and away from the love of his life, until the day of his death. The last chapter actually did me. I was sobbing loudly while reading and I started having hiccups.

The Bridges of Madison County is a very beautiful love story and I would love to read this again when I am in one of those emotional moods.

4 stars.

Book Review for "Ancient Blood"

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Written by: Barbara Edwards
Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-916-4
Avail as: print & ebook book
4.5 Stars

Edwards crafts a paranormal tale that intrigues with the mystery of ancient blood, suspense, and love. Lily Alban has relocated to the small New England town of Rhodes End to avoid a human stalker, but danger has found her. Can Cole keep her safe or will his secret drive her away?

"Ancient Blood," Book Two of the "Finding Rhodes End" series is set in the cold harsh winter of January. Lily is new to the town, but soon makes friends. Melanie is a dedicated cop, and Jane, a dedicate employee of the Benedict pharmaceutical company. Cole Benedict runs the company. He also has a secret - he's a werewolf. In fact, several members of the pack live in Rhodes End.

While Lily is attracted to Cole, she learns her stalker has followed her to Rhodes End which puts her on edge. Further complicating matters Lily soon discovers she has an animal stalker as well.

Lily confides in Melanie (Mel) and the chief. After several women in the town are attacked, including Jane, Cole partners with Mel's boyfriend, Steve, to have his blood analyzed. He's desperate to mate with Lily, but fears if he gets her with child, it will be the death of her, as wolf mothers have a tendency not to survive. When Cole saves Lily from a vicious attack, he confesses his secret to her and the couple makes love. Can Lily accept Cole for the man he is?

Edwards pens an intriguing plot with many angles, which will keep the reader on their toes. Cole and Lily's story is in the forefront as they fight against their attraction in the face of danger. Steve, Cole's friend, works hard to overcome a mutation that prevents him from fully committing to Mel.

Edwards uses a good economy of words to paint rich descriptions and set the scene. The pacing never slows, keeping the reader guessing what's coming next. Secrets blend effortlessly into the story and the reader is drawn to them like moths to a flame.

Cole and Lily are interesting characters. Cole has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as leader of the pack. He's noble, honest, and protective. The chemistry between Cole and Lily could fuel a bonfire for a year.

Lily is a hard worker, focused, and determined, despite her good sense, she longs to be with Cole, but dare she when two men stalk her?

I'm picky about my wolves, but what I really enjoyed about Edwards story was her focus on the humanity, allowing the wolves human qualities to shine in the face of adversity.

The love scenes are "sophisticated" for the readers, capturing the rich sensuality of Lily and Cole's romance. "Ancient Blood" blends humanity and the paranormal effortlessly, depicting the strength of the human heart. The novel will engage the reader on the first page and won't let go until the last.

Steph B is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. Steph B is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Book Review for: "The Arrival of Lily Curtis"

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Book Review for: The Arrival of Lily Curtis
Written by: Rachel Brimble
Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 978-1-60154-792-7
Avail as: Ebook & Print book
260 pages
5 Stars

Set in the late Victorian age, Brimble pens a delightful romance about a woman looking for more and a man who will accept nothing less. Lady Elizabeth Caughley wants her independence in a society dictated by strict rules. Lord Andrew Baxter wants freedom from a promise he believes restricts him. When they meet the sparks fly. Does love fit into what they want out of life?

The novel opens with Elizabeth refusing her parents' choice for a husband. Seeking her independence, she agrees to work as a maid for six months with their approval. They make arrangements for her employment with Viscount Westrop, Lord Andrew Baxter.

Andrew is under pressure by his ailing father to get married and produce an heir, but Andrew is not in a rush. There's an undercurrent of anxiety thrumming through his veins. He wants to be in love with the woman he marries. Still, he entertains Lady Tasmin, who is a cousin to his best friend, Charles Winchester.

As soon as Elizabeth, now Lily Curtis, arrives at her place of employment, Nicholas, the butler, puts her right to work. Her uniform is too tight and shows off ample amounts of her cleavage. Lily serves dinner. Andrew can't take his eyes off her. Neither can his friend, Charles. Despite all his instincts, Andrew is drawn to Lily. Lily doesn't want to fall in love, but she can't deny the attraction she feels toward Andrews. Lily must make a choice, as must Andrew. Will Lily choose independence over love and will Andrew follow society's rules or his heart?

Brimble's story shines with delightful characters against a Victorian backdrop. The plot moves effortlessly. Brimble uses a delicious economy of words to paint Lily's world, which doesn't slow down the reader's enjoyment. The dialogue captures the rich authenticity of the times.

The most appealing aspect of the story is the wonderful characterization. Lily seeks to make her own way in a society that discourages it for women. Andrew wants an independence of sorts as well from society's rules. Both wear their thoughts and feelings on their sleeve. Can they overcome what they believe is expected of them and follow their hearts?

The supporting cast entertains with smiles, exasperation, and concern.

The novel is sophisticated for romance readers with love scenes that are sensual, tasteful, and full of emotion. Lily and Andrew's story will resonate in the reader's heart long after they've closed the book.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Enjoying Romance Novels

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Romance is always in the air for true lovers. Romance does not only lift one's mood but the heart too. A person who has been in a romantic relationship at least once in their life will agree with me if I say romance is simply divine. One way to enjoy romance is to read romance novels. Such novels, when shared by lovers bring them closer and give a new perspective to their relationship.

There are lots of choices for romance lovers depending upon their preference. They can choose romance novels based on historical periods with kings and queens, novels based on wars or modern novels that can take paranormal subjects as their main characters. This means there are novels for everybody.

Romance novels, by definition, are supposed to center around a romantic relationship between two important characters and should have a positive ending. However, to make the plot interesting, the novels often have non-romantic sub plots that are related to the romance somehow.

Many claim that compelling romantic novels can even trigger the same feelings and emotions as if one is in a romantic relationship. You have to, however, be able to connect to the character in the novel; you should be able to be immersed deeply into the relationship. The realistic feelings that such novels succeed in evoking make them popular among readers of all ages and both sexes.

Romance novels focus mainly on love, appreciation, intimacy, affinity, and compassion. Similarly, many of the novels focus on spiritual and emotional aspects, while others focus mainly on the physical relationship. Still others focus on the spiritual or divine relationship and talk about soul mates and unconditional love.

But how do you choose a novel that is exactly what you are looking for when there are hundreds of thousands of romance novels available is a big issue. To tackle the issue, you can do a little bit of research. If you like classical novels, you can probably start with Jane Austin or Margaret Mitchell, and if you want modern ones, you can go for authors like Nora Roberts and Julie Garwood. Similarly, you can find a list of the best novels on many websites depending upon what you want to see in a novel. For example, if you are looking for erotic novels, you can type 'best erotic romance novels' in your search engine and you will find some lists. Then you can read the review of the novels along with readers' comments online in websites like Amazon.com.

In order to enjoy a romance novel, you need to have a positive feeling about yourself and your own life first. An optimistic feeling allows you to be a part of the novel and get engrossed in it wholeheartedly. A pessimistic mind might just make you feel that the romance is nothing but a story. Thus, a happy heart and belief in love and romance is a precondition to enjoying romance novels.

Every relationship needs to be cultivated and tended to so that it flourishes. The same is true with romantic relationships. If you do not spend the time and energy needed to maintain a healthy sexual relationship, the relationship could end. Romance novels can help tremendously with your sexual relationship. Not only will romance novels help to keep things interesting but can offer some valuable ideas and information that can last for many years to come. Try romance novels right away and get working on your relationship!

Book review for: "I my heart"

Book review for: "I my heart"
Posted by: Helen Scott Taylor
Self-published
Right on Amazon as Kindle ebook

5 Star

Tested by: S. Burkhart

"I my heart" is a heartwarming story about second chance. A baby in her arms is everything wants to make Kate Frost to avoid the press. Her friend from childhood, Andr? Le Court for help finds you. Car he left Kate into his world, or she will break his heart?

In modern England on the island of Jersey is a successful hotelier, Andre Le Court, have inherited two hotels by his grandfather. When he was sixteen, his father Kate sent him to boarding school and he contact with his childhood sweetheart, lost. Well, Kate from Andre doorstop comes with nowhere to go. After a disastrous relationship with a reality star, Kate needs some space to breathe. Andre takes she and her small daughter, Keiko, in his house, and immediately he helps her in dealing with the hordes of press that follow her.

How Andre for their guarantees, reignited old feelings and clash with modern challenges. Andre asks for Kate's help in the rebranding of the hotel. There they readily. Andre takes her shopping, so they have a modern, factual representation. Kate is a bit upset and left to wondering whether Andre accepts her as a woman what it now is. Andre is growing also a little frustrated with Kate and her reluctant to take responsibility for their actions. Both have deep feelings, they need to recognize and to reconcile.

If determined reporter, Jerry Markham, Kate's daughter the truth about it, the fragile trust between Andr? and Kate is tested. Can she embrace the future and the promise that it holds or keeps them apart last wounds?

Scott Taylor pens one delicious story full of feeling and longing. The plot is moving at a nice clip. The author of the writing style is crisp and easy to read. The descriptions are on spot, give just enough to the reader the setting allow image in their minds.

The most rewarding part of the story was the rich characterization. Andre and Kate explore their emotions in quiet reflective moments, as well as with each other. For every step forward is a step back, also.

Andre has learned, trust and how you see the world in a practical way. Kate believes in true to itself. These are the qualities which he can grow other. The supporting of cast well complements the main characters. I enjoyed the events to end result. It has a nice layer of tension, as the couple would solve their problems.

The story is "demanding" for Romance readers and has a love scene which captures the romantic longing and sensibility of the pair. "I my heart" is a heartwarming romantic getaway that let readers belief in second chance.

StephB is an author who like to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.com / is a site for creative writing.

Book Review for "After Midnight"

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Written by: Sarah Grimm
Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 978-1-60154-972-3
Avail: in print & ebook
5 Stars

Grimm fashions a story that will pull on your heartstrings. Isabeau Montgomery is a child prodigy. By the age of twelve, she's an accomplished pianist, but when she loses her mother in a car accident, her world shatters into a thousand pieces. Can Noah tear down the battlements that surround her heart?

"After Midnight" is set in Long Island. Noah Clark is the front man for Black Phoenix, a rock and roll band recording a demo for a come back record. Noah ventures into the nearby bar and finds Isabeau. Izzy intrigues him like no other woman he's meet, but she's cold and aloof and friendlier with his friend, Dominic. If it's one thing Noah has though, it's patience and persistence. Noah continues to visit the bar and wears Izzy down. Slowly, she lets down a wall or two and allows herself to get to know Noah.

Noah discovers Izzy has a down on his luck step-brother who drowns his sorrows in booze. Izzy can play piano, but chooses not to. Izzy also has to deal with a jealous pianist, Gregory Howard. She also hates to be touched. All these clues set Noah on fire to unlock the chains surrounding her heart.

Izzy reluctantly admits to herself that Noah has gotten under her skin. When he loses his grandfather, she travels to England to support him. There's no denying the sparks of attraction between then anymore. Izzy and Noah make love, but when a series of accidents begin to look more than accidental, Noah realizes he's fallen for Isabeau, but can he convince her what he feels for her is real?

Grimm pulls the reader into the story with a gripping look at Isabeau's world. Noah storms into her heart just as he storms into the bar, setting the stage for a powerful tug of emotions between each of them.

Grimm's writing style is easy to read, but clipped at times, almost reflective of Izzy's clipped heart. The dialogue captures the rich authenticity of the city which Grimm paints with skilled ease. Suspense blends effortlessly against a contemporary backdrop leaving the reader feeling the same restlessness that Izzy does.

The characterization is the most enjoyable part of the novel. Izzy is haunted by demons that continue to fester inside her. Loss and disappointment have forced her not to play the piano, but Noah challenges her. His presence eases her pain.

Noah has his own issues. He's fought off a drinking problem, but he's never been in love before.

The novel's love scenes are sensual as well as tasteful, embodying the fierce intensity of Izzy and Noah's emotions. "After Midnight" will take the reader on an achingly romantic story and will resonate long after the last page.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Getting Hold of Good Erotic Stories

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Erotic stories are a sort of addiction, actually, a sweet addiction. You can get excited without having to depend on anybody. And you can enjoy it on your time and at your place. Not only for yourself, but for your partner, erotic stories can be great. Getting excited is integral to having a great time in bed with your partner and theses stories can get you physically excited. These stories have turned out to be saviors to many relationships that are on the verge of break-up. Try it yourself. You may just fall in love with it!

Getting hold of a good erotic story is a difficult task. It is said that too much of anything is harmful and it is even more so with these stories. There are so many internet websites focusing on erotic stories that it is very easy to get lost. Therefore, while searching for such stories, you should always search for a specific theme. For instance, if you want romantic erotic stories; type that into your search engine specifically. You still may be overwhelmed by the search results but this will drastically reduce the number of search results.

Another way to get a good erotic story is by hard copy itself. You can visit a book store and get help from the store associates. They can guide you to the book that is exactly what you are looking for. Hard copy might also be a good option if you are bogged down by continuously looking at the computer.

Next, decide on the level of your tolerance. What I mean is, some might prefer stories with full details of the sexual encounters while others might like something left to the imagination. Similarly, many want metaphors and indirect talk about sex, and others want direct talk about sex. Before purchasing a story or book, try to read the users' comments or read the book reviews.

Decide on the kind of sex materials that turn you on. Do you want to go by gender- same sex, heterosexual, bisexual, group sex and so on are some of the factors that you might want to consider before deciding which erotic stories will suit you best. If you are not sure what works for you, you can pick up a book that features all of the above and then narrow down what you want after you have experienced all of them.

There are also a lot of themes available to you. For example, if you are a crime and suspense lover, you will find it all. Other themes are mystery, romance, thriller, horror, or sci-fi. This means you do not have to give up your love for these themes to focus on erotica! In fact, even if you want full-fledged erotic stories, you can still get your story in a variety of themes so that you will stay interested in erotica.

Marriage and relationships are not always easy. In fact, a successful marriage takes a lot of work. Let erotic stories help you and your spouse to keep the spark alive in your relationship. Erotic stories have already helped countless couples. Let them help you too!