Author: brandeemiller

Bilingual (English and Spanish), proofreader/editor, teacher, horror movie aficionado, animal lover, chocolatier, and now blogger

Book review (extra post for spooky season!): The Hidden Secrets of NOLA by: Laura Daleo, Rhonda Bobbitt, Fern Miller, Preston Allen, and Savanna Loy

This is a wonderfully spirited collection of short stories that highlight different aspects of New Orleans and the different populations which are drawn to the city’s mysteries. Each story is a tribute each author’s imagination. I received an ARC and am so glad I did!

My Name is Death by Laura Daleo
What does Death do on a vacation? In this supernatural story, he visits his favorite places in New Orleans—a city known for its joie de vivre—and encounters a young soul who needs the help and understanding only Death can provide. Annalise, a 17-year-old girl who has been sick her whole life escapes the hospital from where she is staying and searches out life’s experiences that she has been unable to take part in up to this point. Death’s and Annalise’s serious conversations and interactions are imaginatively woven with the more vivacious aspects of modern-day New Orleans.

The Ghost of Toulouse Street by Rhonda Bobbitt
As Rose’s 25th birthday arrives, she has the feeling that she is being watched. Rose reaches out to her sister Lydia and tries to convince her that she has seen the same man in various places throughout the city. Lydia remains dubious while Rose explains the strange happenings that have occurred at her work and other locales. Merrick has his own mystery to solve and a curse to vanquish and believes he has found the answer with Rose. Rose, Merrick, and the supporting cast of intriguing characters weave in and around 1969 New Orleans in this paranormal thriller.

Bidding Up Knox by Fern Miller
This page turner of a second-chance romance takes place in modern-day New Orleans and showcases Kara and Knox. Kara’s caring personality drives her to work for a non-profit organization, and Knox’s father presses him to work in the family industry and to make as much money as possible. Kara and Knox once had a budding romance that left Kara with more questions than answers. When they meet again at an auction that Kara’s organization puts together, Kara wonders if she’ll ever receive the answers that have eluded her for years. Will Kara and Knox be able to reconcile their obvious differences to try again at love? Or will the same issues drive them apart once again? Read along as the descriptions of love and the hustle-and-bustle of New Orleans keep you reading.

Crossed at the Cafe by Preston Allen
Modeste’s life is one of intrigue, voodoo, and witchcraft. She is a voodoo priestess who helps her father with the family store. While ordering a coffee in an unassuming cafe, she has a chance encounter with someone who will greatly influence her life. Modeste, her father, and a family friend try to unravel the mystery of the woman from the cafe, and the readers are taken on an adventure that lends itself well to the magical-realism setting. The characters leap off the page and entwine the reader in a wonderful description of the magical side of New Orleans.

Borrowed Bayou by Savanna Loy
Estelle’s story is one that traces back throughout the ages and evolutions of New Orleans. This sci-fi romance tells of a cursed family who runs a cafe and airboat tour business in the bayou country. Estelle and her close-knit family have sacrificed to ensure the safety of New Orleans over the course of 100 years. Their sacrifices have been many, and each family member has grown weary of their role. One day, handsome Thiago walks into the cafe and catches Estelle’s eye, heart, and soul. But how will Thiago react when the terrible secrets that the Dupont family have managed to keep hidden away all this time are revealed? This story is full of rich descriptions and engaging characters that have the reader engrossed until the very end.

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Book review: Exposed: Nevertheless She Persisted by Alicia Curry

4 out of 5 stars

Mother. Educator. Counselor. Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Friend. Coworker. All of these help define Alicia Curry. But they do not tell her complete story. While she is one or more of these to each person in her life, the most important description in Exposed: Nevertheless She Persisted is survivor. Curry bravely tells her story of enduring workplace harassment and toxic workplace behavior and the years it took to fight back against a system that protects the abuser.

Curry starts the memoir describing the toll the loss of two of her brothers and other family members had begun to take on her. What Curry does well throughout is describe how not only one aspect of self is affected by loss, but many if not all are affected. The loss of Curry’s brothers affected her as a sister, daughter, aunt, friend, mother, etc. Grief affects even someone who can compartmentalize most things and move on with their plans.

Curry carefully planned what career path she wanted to take and how it would take her to an administrative position within the school district. She worked hard for her career to provide for her daughter, to help serve the student population, to be a supportive family member. Then Curry starts receiving abusive behavior from someone she once trusted and from multiple people who would shape the course of her career.

Exposed is more than a simple retelling of a fight against an abuser, the systems that protected him (in multiple states), and the compounded affect it has on someone who was already fighting to find new routines after familial loss. Curry draws in the reader with her beautiful descriptions of the people who supported her throughout and with the description of her faith journey. Exposed is a story of strength and inspiration.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: Olawu by P.J. Leigh

5 out of 5 stars

Olawu by P.J. Leigh is a powerful story of growth, bravery, courage, love, and healing in pre-colonial Africa. This historical fiction follows titular character Olawu’s life as she travels through three cities: Kanakam, where girls and women are not allowed to learn to read or write or trade at the square; Borimbe, where girls and women are allowed a little more freedom to wander about within the city and are allowed to learn to read and write, but are not allowed to leave the city without a male escort without fear of being beaten; and Oloko Ekhaya, where women and men are treated as equals in every way.

As Olawu travels through these three cities, we are also introduced to two tribes: the Dikebe and the Oloko. Olawu’s experiences and discoveries as a healer help educate her and those around her throughout her interactions with both tribes. We follow as Olawu works to better her understanding of what healing can truly mean in every sense of the word as she navigates a time of war, hardship, and hatred.

For all those who ask, “Can one person really make a change in the world around them?”, this novel delivers a resounding yes. Leigh takes us on a journey of emotions through her descriptive language and fantastic character development. This inspirational novel should be a part of recommended reading for young adults and adults alike.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: Mystery of L’Inconnu by Dan Grylles

4 out of 5 stars

Mystery and crime readers who have wished for a return to Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle style novels, you have caught a lucky break. Mystery of L’Inconnu by Dan Grylles is a well-researched, well-developed novel about tragedy on the high seas and how Lt. Detective Remington Ferguson and his team attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding the ill-fated cruise.

From Grylles’ introduction of characters (you must include the yacht as one of those characters) to his character and setting developments, the reader will be reminded of the intelligent writing of the aforementioned staple crime writers. Grylles adds his own touch of technological panache that brings the mystery and crime genre into the 21st century.

L’Inconnu is a luxury yacht from the Royal Knight Cruise Line, which caters to the very wealthy who might like to purchase their own luxury yacht. The esteemed guests are invited to enjoy a five-day trip showcasing the possible life aboard a yacht that leaves its passengers wanting for nothing. Each crew member is selected by Royal Knight Cruise Line for their singular expertise to enhance the passengers’ experiences from cuisine to marine life to social excursions.

Throughout the four parts of the novel (The Discovery, The Deception, The Detection, and The Disclosure), the reader learns about what it takes to run and maintain a yacht such as L’Inconnu as secrets about its crew and its guests are unraveled. Nothing is what it seems as what starts off as a sales pitch for a beautiful yacht turns into a nightmarish fight for survival for all involved. The guests and crew start turning against one another, and what is left for Lt. Detective Remy to figure out once the yacht is discovered will take all the expertise of his crime scene team and help from the US Coast Guard.

While a lengthy read, the story is intriguing enough to keep your attention and wanting for a little more at the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: Stories of a Harlem Resident by Javier Sarmiento Jr.

4 out of 5 stars

Stories of a Harlem Resident by Javier Sarmiento Jr. is a short yet powerful collection of poetry that gives us a look at everyday life in Harlem through the lens of poetic and descriptive language. The author uses his poetry to show his inspirational vision of making the world a better place, making his community stronger, and helping the world to understand a viewpoint they may not have seen before.

Sarmiento Jr.’s vision and passion for social justice shine throughout, especially with “Journeyman” and “The Blue Men.” He teaches us how to be kind, to listen to one another, and to make better informed choices, all while giving us descriptive snapshots of the struggles he has experienced.

I would have loved to see a few more poems further illustrating his vision of what helping one another looks like for him. His eagerness to impact the world is palpable, and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for his readers. His gift of perception and description will continue to develop and aid his unique poetic voice.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: Death Date: Book One of the Rageblight Duology by B.Y. Simpson

4 out of 5 stars

Death Date by B.Y. Simpson is a rapid-fire page turner of a YA dystopian novel. The character and world development are intricate and lend to a fascinating story. I received an ARC, and pretty soon, you’ll be able to order it for yourself and dive in.

Nova James is brought up in a world where you receive your death date on your 18th birthday. Any of your previous actions up until that birthday can have an adverse or positive effect on the date’s proximity. As Nova’s 18th birthday approaches, the structured world she’s known and strived to understand her whole life changes, and chaos ensues. The novel follows Nova’s dangerous journey to find answers against all odds. Along the way, she suffers loss, makes new allies, explores her world, and finds that she is much stronger than she ever imagined.

What would you do to try to save the world if you only had some of the answers, and having those answers wasn’t always the blessing you thought it would be? Would you push forward or accept your fate? Death Date shows us the heroine’s struggle as she deals with just those questions. Death Date ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader itching to know how the rest of Nova’s journey will continue.

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Book review: The Doll by Laura Daleo

Laura Daleo’s science fiction novel The Doll grabbed my attention at the beginning and didn’t let go until the end. For a shorter work of fiction, Daleo packs in love lost and love found, AI, moral dilemmas, and liberty, plus much more.

Daleo approaches a subject that is especially topical at the moment (artificial intelligence or AI) and gives it a spin. While the AI in this novel is more advanced than what we currently are working with, there could be a time when sentient AI could become reality. And Daleo brings up some moral questions that we should ask ourselves before we get to that point. These questions make us delve deeper than just “Why create AI?” and “Should we create AI?”, though these questions are important as well.

Interwoven with the moral dilemmas of sentient AI are the topics of loss and grief on multiple levels. Loss of friendships and love are front and center; however, we are confronted with the possible loss of liberty and autonomy as well.

Jeremy Dillon is mourning the loss of his fiancée Jenna when he is approached by someone who knows The Dollmaker and is promised a way to lighten his misery. Jeremy calls the number on the card given to him and starts on an adventure that will take him and us readers through all the emotions of a roller coaster ride: excitement, fear, judging our decisions that lead us to a certain point, etc.

Jeremy makes new friends along the way, finding someone new for whom he could very possibly have feelings. While Carly is like Jenna in many ways, she is her own person. Her reactions to certain situations intrigue Jeremy and present him with a new way of looking at the world. Carly’s and Jeremy’s exploits with the government and the private sector keep the reader intrigued and questioning whether they would make the same decisions. Daleo presents us with possible answers from more than one point of view and presents us with what the power of choice really mean for both human and AI.

The novel works hard to deliver so much in a small amount of pages. I wish the ending was given a few more chapters to really connect with the characters and their decisions. Also, Jeremy’s friends provide an interesting backdrop and insight into his life with Jenna before she dies. There were a few moments with those friends that could have been explored further. There are some editorial errors, but they did not distract from the powerful storyline.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: The Intuitive Detective by Stacey Webb

I had the pleasure of reading The Intuitive Detective by Stacey Webb. It’s a highly digestible read with short chapters. With that being said, it is not lacking for wisdom packed into those short chapters. In fact, the chapter lengths lend to reflection after reading. When have you listened to your intuition? When have you ignored it? What were the differences in those experiences?

This memoir is divided into four parts: Following the Breadcrumbs, Leading Towards my Purpose, Seeds are Planted, and Waking Up to my Power. These parts follow Webb’s trajectory from school courses to college coursework to her various positions as a police officer and detective and how she learns about her intuition by both listening to it and ignoring it.

The Intuitive Detective is also a story of Webb’s family: growing up, how she met her husband, their children, and their lives together. These stories are artfully interwoven with her experiences on the police force and often demonstrate a different side of being human and listening to what speaks to us and through us.

There are a few areas that could use a little more context and description to smooth out the transitions Webb describes as she writes about her experiences. However, you can tell Webb writes about what she loves with a dedication you don’t frequently find. She has helped many people throughout her lifetime by listening to what they needed to say, both in and outside of her career.

Webb’s memoir is relatable and also lets us know that making space for ourselves and others is attainable if we put aside our judgements, pre-set notions, and negative thoughts. After finishing the book, I wondered how much could we accomplish as humanity as a whole if we listened more to ourselves and to each other?

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: The Soul Collector by Laura Daleo

I read this supernatural mystery within 24 hours. The intricate storytelling in the Soul Collector drew me in and, in all honesty, I didn’t want it to let me go.

Johnathan Bayfield is a boxer who is beaten down in a match. Arielle Robbins is a rich socialite who drunkenly falls off her family’s boat. They both lapse into comas and end up at the same hospital. As they each have out-of-body experiences, they meet Drara the Soul Collector. She promises both Johnathan and Arielle protection over their earthly bodies as they heal in exchange for their signatures in her book of souls. Neither Arielle nor Johnathan seem to have other opportunities, so they willingly sign and wait for the next chapter of their lives to start.

While their earthly bodies heal in the hospital, their spirits meet, share adventures, discuss their predicaments, try to solve the mystery presented to them, and eventually fall in love. The hospital doctors are unaware of their patients’ spiritual meeting and attempt at mystery solving. The doctors do not know why Johnathan and Arielle are healing rapidly but only to a certain point. Johnathan and Arielle visit their bodies in the hospital and discover the partial healing. Did the sinister-looking Drara mislead them into thinking they would be fine after a while? Does Drara have evil intentions for their souls? Will they ever be able to reunite with their bodies?

For a short novel, 168 pages, the author packs a lot of action, intrigue, and love into the storyline. She weaves in supporting characters who advance the story and help to solve the mysteries surrounding Drara and her collection of souls. One of best features of this novel is the character development. There are quite a few relatable human moments for a supernatural story, and you can tell the author took care in shaping what makes the characters tick.

I would love to see this developed into a longer novel with a little more energy spent on scenery development and how it works with the story. There are some editorial mistakes throughout, but they did not distract me from the unique storyline and character descriptions.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5394899974

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What was on your 2022 reading list?

What are the best books that you have read throughout this year? Unfortunately, I have not read as much this year as I have in other years. My Goodreads list tells me I’m 28 books behind my goal for the year! Yikes. However, I have appreciated what I have read. Published dates are dates items were first published. * denotes a reread; everything else is a first read-through for me.

My current reads (I tend to read multiple books at a time):

At First Light (Dr. Evan Wilding #1) by Barbara Nickless, pub. 2021

The School I Deserve: Six Young Refugees and Their Fight for Equality in America by Jo Napolitano, pub. 2021

A Calm and Normal Heart: Stories, by Chelsea T. Hicks

* The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama XIV, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams, pub. 2016 (I put down this book back in 2017 when I first started reading it as I was trying to break down what I was reading and absorb the lessons. I recently picked it back up as I am on a different journey of finding joy in a different environment. I am still consuming the lessons in short bursts, but I want to finish by end of this year.)

Completed reads for the year (listed below in the order I read them, starting with most recently finished book):

A Conspiracy of Bones by Katy Reichs, pub. 2020

Hideaway by Nora Roberts, pub. 2020

The Butcher and The Wren by Alaina Urquhart, pub. 2022

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker, pub. 2015

On Beauty by Zadie Smith, pub. 2005

The Hike by Susi Holliday, pub. 2022

Prison Ramen: Recipes and Stories from Behind Bars by Clifton Collins, et al., pub. 2015

Split Second (Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, #1) by David Baldacci, pub. 2002

The Woods by Harlan Coben, pub. 2007

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, pub. 2020

The Puma Years by Laura Coleman, pub. 2021

The Other Emily by Dean Koontz, pub. 2021

If You Tell: a True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen, pub. 2019

Say Her Name by Dreda Say Mitchell and Ryan Carter, pub. 2022

The Legend of the Firewalker by Steve Bevil, pub. 2013

* The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, pub. 1892

I am working on writing reviews for these book and will come back to link reviews once written. As you can tell, I am an eclectic reader.

What books have you read this year? Would you recommend them? Why or why not?

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