Spring has been unusually noisy here in New England, more Stravinsky than twittering Vivaldi. Howling winds and honking geese in V formation usher in each abrupt change in the weather. Fighter jets from Westover Air Reserve Base scream overhead, training for World War III. Coyotes gather at night for their raucous karaoke. Our puppy gives […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/11/unsilent-spring/
Men can be measured by their real or imaginary peeves. The longer one carries them around, they more they shrink one down to the size of the continuing peevishness. Clarence Thomas has long had a deep resentment, on and off the judicial bench, against affirmative action. He was humiliated by what he considered Yale Law […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/11/what-friends-are-for-clarence-thomas-harlan-crow/
I look forward to Chanel Cleeton’s releases and devoured The Cuban Heiress. The story takes place aboard the SS Morro Castle. History buffs will remember its tragic tale, and what happens on board will intrigue you as we get to know an heiress and a dead woman.
The Cuban Heiress
by Chanel Cleeton
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.
New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.
Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.
As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.
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The Cuban Heiress was an addictive tale that takes us aboard the SS Morro Castle on a round-trip journey from New York to Cuba. The tale takes place in 1934 and passengers are looking to escape from the pressures of one of the worst years during the Great Depression.
The passengers we meet aren’t at all as they seem. We have Catherine Dohan, a New York Heiress who boards with her finance and his young daughter. Then there is Elena Palacio, a dead woman. Also on board are Harry, a polished and charismatic thief, and Julio, a Cuban smuggler.
The tale that unfolds held me captive from romantic aspects to murder. It had a tight tension as we learned more about the characters. While the story isn’t steeped in as much history as her previous books, so many aspects ring true for the period from Elena’s supposed death to Catherine’s clever escapades.
Cleeton paints realistic tales and characters you are drawn to. From the first page to the last, I slipped away and was a passenger, observing all that occurred.
The two stories slowly entwine in this fast-paced tale until I could barley set the book down. It all came together as the ship caught fire. But the story doesn’t end there as Cleeton shares what happened to the survivors.
Bravo! I look forward to the next story Cleeton shares with us. Fans of historical fiction with a side-dish of romance will want to take the Cuban Heiress for a sail down the Atlantic.
Amazon | Audible
Chanel Cleeton is the USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana. Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family’s exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She loves to travel and has lived in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/the-cuban-heiress-by-chanel-cleeton.html
Jimmy Crikey is a young boy from a distant universe that finds joy in the company of his friends and adopted family in the charming town of Roombelow. This magical realm, concealed beneath the earth’s surface, houses many mystical creatures, including Jade, an aspiring witch. As she strives to pass her tests and become a full-fledged witch, Jade utilizes her magical abilities to solve the challenges that she and Jimmy encounter. With guidance from her mentor Matilda and the Guardian Witches of Earth, Jade must find the strength to use her logic, magic, and problem-solving skills to face trials on her own. As her world suddenly transforms, Jade must rise to the occasion and fully embrace her destiny.
This is my second visit to the boundless universe of Jimmy Crikey, and I remain captivated by the seamless integration of science fiction and fantasy in this series. The author offers enough context to refresh the reader’s memory without overwhelming them, and the narrative’s consistent pacing kept me engaged until the end. Among the colorful cast of characters, Jade, the apprentice witch, stood out as my favorite. I was delighted to read a book that intensely focused on her character development. Jade evolves into a stronger character, not only developing her individual courage but also building a solid foundation for teamwork with Jimmy. Despite encountering various obstacles, both protagonists find hope amid tragedy, leaving plenty of room for further adventures.
I thoroughly enjoyed my return journey into Jimmy Crikey’s enchanting universe, and this latest installment is nothing short of remarkable. I eagerly anticipate a resolution to Annison’s situation in a future volume of a courageous young girl spreading her wings. The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, the Youngest Witch Ever by Wallace E. Briggs is an incredible tale of a brave young girl coming into her own. This latest addition to the Adventures of Jimmy Crikey series is a must-have for any library and perfect for those who love unique settings, tales of magic, and stories of girl power.
Pages: 261 | ASIN : B0BMGJPJBJ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/11/the-adventures-of-jimmy-crikey-jade-the-youngest-ever-witch/
Judith Sherven and Jim Sniechowski’s latest book, Overcoming the Fear of Being Fabulous: 33 Keys to Creating Your New Life by Leaving Your Old Stories Behind, is a practical self-help guide that is destined to aid individuals dealing with personal issues, those hoping to better themselves, and people in need of a little motivation to keep going. The authors use their personal lives and the experiences of others as examples, sharing different human experiences and observations that made them great and that will make the reader more fabulous.
This step-by-step guide offers 33 keys that focus on specific aspects of human behavior, covering all possible areas that are critical in the self-improvement journey. But what is the fear of being fabulous? The authors define it as any way that you hold yourself back from being fully present in your excellence in any part of your life. This simple and clear-cut definition is excellent for introducing the reader to the topics being discussed.
Chapter one of the book is brilliantly written, with every discussion well-put and the main points given priority. As a reader, you automatically fall in love with the author’s writing style in the first chapter. Each key has a few mini topics and reflections that can help the reader ponder their life situation, applying a different style in their writing.
One of the most informative discussions is on the second key, which focuses on Jim. The discussion starts with the revelation of Jim’s mild stroke, which happened in 2016, and how it impacted him. Through this story, the authors enlighten the readers about being their inner critics. This discussion is a valuable lesson on how to overcome fear and celebrate one’s goings-on.
The keys are brief but gratifying, and the stories of both Jim and Judith are stimulating and a great feature in the writing. In addition, every introductory offers valuable lessons, including subjects like a failure, being nice versus being honest, regret, gratitude, handling disappointments, success, growth, and unconscious contamination.
Overcoming the Fear of Being Fabulous is a go-to book if you enjoy personal stories that come with life lessons. It is an engaging and professional self-help guide that will motivate readers to leave their old stories behind and create a new life. The author’s personal experiences and insights are an excellent resource for anyone seeking to improve themselves and their lives.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0BSFTSBGW
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/11/overcoming-the-fear-of-being-fabulous/
Foundations of Our Faith by B.V. Lightsey is an informative and engaging religious book that expounds on the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. In addition, this comprehensive book provides insights into various principles, including the doctrine of loving God and the different doctrines practiced by religious believers.
The author’s thorough approach to the subject matter is commendable. B.V. Lightsey presents each doctrine methodically and clearly, ensuring the reader understands each concept. His approach in this book is to reach the working masses rather than the scholarly ones. His idea of returning to the basics, such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, to make the information as accessible to the masses as possible is unique. The author relates with his readers by incorporating real-life experiences to illustrate each doctrine. This is a book that transcends denominational boundaries. B.V. Lightsey’s writing style is wide-ranging, and he engages readers from all backgrounds. The author’s friendly language, convincing arguments, and persuasive tone are refreshing and thought-provoking. The book is rich in content, covering a wide range of topics such as the doctrine of progressive revelation, the doctrine of sanctification, the doctrine of the priesthood of the believer, the doctrine of life after death, the doctrine of the rapture of the church, and the doctrine of the one-thousand-year millennial kingdom. These profound topics make this book an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of the Christian faith. The author’s emphasis on the importance of God’s holy word in the first chapter is noteworthy. Through compelling evidence, B.V. Lightsey illustrates the significance of the Bible as a guiding tool in the daily lives of believers. This chapter is an excellent introduction to the rest of the book, providing a solid foundation for the reader’s understanding of the Christian faith.
Foundations of Our Faith is a must-read book for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith. The book’s engaging style, well-crafted content, and comprehensive coverage of essential doctrines make it a valuable resource for readers from all walks of life.
Pages: 708 | ISBN : 1645156273
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/11/foundations-of-our-faith/
Maria and Nick are skilled writing partners and colleagues. Their Mediterranean mothers have some skills all their own. When the two unknowingly send their mothers and aunts on a trip, they end up meeting mid-air, and hilarity ensues. Maria’s mother and her sister are old-school Italian, and Nick’s are Greek. Their meeting begins and ends in one biting quip after another. There are no sharper tongues than those that belong to Mediterranean matriarchs, and these four are living proof. While their mothers are off on an adventure, Maria and Nick are left to sort out both their work and their relationship.
Mediterranean Mothers: Masters of Guilt, by Maria Orlando and Nick Pappas, is the hilarious memoir of two sets of widows and the adventure they take across the country one witty comment at a time. Unbeknownst to their children, Maria and Nick, the women meet on their flight and become instant friends.
Orlando and Pappas nail the mother/child dynamic and leave no stone unturned when it comes to the retelling of strife within families. Cover to cover, I found myself shaking my head along with poor Maria and Nick. The worry–oh, the worry! The authors have done a fantastic job of portraying the panicked feeling an adult child feels when an older parent doesn’t answer the phone. This is just one example of the authentic scenarios found throughout the book.
Though guilt plays a huge role in the plot, there are countless innuendos and brief exchanges to which readers will easily relate. As much as I shook my head, I found myself laughing at the women’s dialogue with one another. I really enjoyed the build-up to all six making the connection. With each successive chapter, I just knew the bubble was about to burst and couldn’t wait to see the mothers’ reactions. Orlando and Pappas have created a page-turner, without a doubt.
Nowhere else will readers find more relatable family-oriented characters than in Orlando and Pappas’s memoir. I highly recommend Mediterranean Mothers: Masters of Guilt to anyone looking for a fabulous story centered around characters with wit, wisdom, and the willingness to tell it like it is–and do so regularly and with no remorse!
Pages: 191 | ASIN : B0BS9MVCQJ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/11/mediterranean-mothers/
God’s Voice and How to Listen by Yvette Walker is a study guide that can be accompanied by the book Whispering in His Ear. This helpful study guide offers further exploration of scripture, discussion questions, and a spot for journaling your thoughts and prayers. This is the perfect guide to test your knowledge of what you have learned in reading Whispering in His Ear.
Organized into 15 chapters, each titled a “Conversation,” Yvette Walker expertly covers various topics essential to the Christian faith. Her diverse approach ensures that the book is accessible to Christians struggling to develop a relationship with God. The book’s discussions are engaging, and each chapter feels like a one-on-one conversation with the author. The first chapter, which focuses on hearing God’s voice, sets the tone for the rest of the book. The discussions on understanding one’s purpose, trusting in God, recognizing arrogance, and understanding pure joy are particularly enlightening. The final chapter, which is about the importance of rest, serves as a fitting conclusion to the book’s spiritual journey.
Yvette Walker’s writing style is inspiring and enlightening, making this an enjoyable and relatable read. The author expertly incorporates stories and scriptures to enrich the discussions and provide relevant context. The book’s prayers, exercises, and journal prompts are thoughtfully included and serve as valuable tools for readers seeking to deepen their spiritual practice. This is the perfect tool to use when studying alone or with a group.
Overall, God’s Voice and How to Listen is a valuable resource for Christians seeking to develop a more meaningful relationship with God. The book offers practical guidance, spiritual insights, and a wealth of tools for readers to use in their personal spiritual journeys. It is a Christian workbook that will benefit any believer who reads it.
Pages: 62 | ASIN : B0BMQNHPXP
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/11/gods-voice-and-how-to-listen/