When the Museum of Modern Art acquired a cast of Constantin Brancusi’s Bird in Space in 1934, the institution began its now-famous collection of international sculpture. The acquisition had high stakes. Slapped with an import tax as though it were an auto part, the Bird forced the US Customs Court to recognize the legitimacy of […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/12/curbstones-on-the-road-to-modernism/

Sophia Rose is here with a review of Her Amish Country Valentine by Patricia Johns. Grab an iced coffee and see what she enjoyed about this gentle romance featuring the fake date trope.

Her Amish Country Valentine
by Patricia Johns
Genres: Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:

Can a wedding-date deception
Become true love?

Tired of being seen as a lonely workaholic, advertising exec Jill Wickey promises to bring her “casual boyfriend” to her sister’s Valentine’s wedding. Too bad he doesn’t exist! Then Thom Miller, a carpenter working at her aunt’s Amish B&B, offers to be Jill’s fake boyfriend—if they turn the lie into truth. But dating Thom in idyllic Amish country makes Jill wish their temporary arrangement could last…

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Sophia Rose’s Review

Fast-paced City vs the quiet life of Country meets a fake date Valentine wedding romance.  Patricia Johns is an author I’ve noted before when perusing Amish romance so I was up for giving her latest series starter a try.

Jill Wickey works in a Philly advertising firm and loves her exciting work and city life, but she cares about family and her sister has been planning her perfect Amish country wedding so Jill will do what she has to do so her sister isn’t disappointed.  That said, she dreads being the pitiful single her family are determined to help find a date for the wedding.  Jill’s luck turns when she claps eyes on the handyman at her Amish great-aunt’s B&B where she’s staying.

Thom Miller has gone through a nasty break up, but he’s willing to play Jill’s knight in shining wedding armor so they both avoid the pressure to have a date.  They do some ‘fake dates’ in the time leading to the wedding and they are fooling only themselves if they think things aren’t real.  But city vs country and bad relationships of the past are complications only the magic of Valentine’s romance and matchmaking family and others can solve.

Patricia Johns laid out a gentle, sweet, and swoony romance.  This is touted as an Amish romance, but the romance pair are not Amish.  Surrounding characters are and the setting is an Amish town so it fits into the genre category.  This was one that had a straight up conflict, charming background, setting, and surrounding characters.  Really, it only took some reflection and a meeting of the right person for things to progress nicely. It read easy and fast and was perfect for a wintry sweetheart romantic mood.

I want to stay at her aunt’s inn and relax in the setting.  This was a sweet and light country charmer that I can recommend for those who want light and easy for a non-Christmas holiday fake mates romance.

Amazon

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/her-amish-country-valentine-by-patricia-johns.html

Manchester House, as it was called, was a beacon of terror at the center of a small Kansas Town with a dark and mysterious past that would not go away. All tried to forget it existed until the police had to bring the bodies out.

When professional “paranormal investigators” explore the mansion, they descend into absolute darkness and terror, learning the incredible truth behind the legend.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/12/battle-not-with-monsters-book-trailer/

In The Forever Young Prisoner, author Marcus Lessard transports readers into the harsh and irreverent world of Providence State Penitentiary, where inmate Tommy McConnell is serving his time the best way he knows how – with carefree humor. Despite landing himself in prison as a result of violence, Tommy means well but often does the opposite. When he hears of P-pen’s local legend, the Forever Young Prisoner, Tommy jumps at the opportunity to investigate rather than simply ride out his sentence. As Tommy immerses himself in his investigation, he encounters a diverse group of inmates who quickly dub him “Sherlock.” However, he soon realizes that his discoveries threaten not only his release from prison but also his life. With help from his friends both inside and outside of the prison, Tommy must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice for the truth.

The premise of this story is compelling, immersing readers in the world of prison intrigue and mystery. While there may be moments where the pacing could be more consistent, Tommy’s journey is filled with excitement, and he remains an engaging and empathetic character. His captivating nature may be enough to keep readers hooked on his journey, even when some elements of the plot might not fully engross them.

Certain aspects of the plot, such as the prison officials, often referred to as the black hats, could be further developed to enhance the story’s depth and showcase the high stakes of Tommy’s actions. Nevertheless, the story is enriched by the use of authentic prison slang, which adds an air of realism and could be a major draw for some readers. Although a few instances of slang may seem forced, they don’t detract from the overall quality of the book, which remains an enjoyable and thrilling read.

Lessard has created an immersive prison environment that captures the daily operations of the facility, Tommy’s experiences with other inmates, and the dialogues that take place. Moreover, he offers a satisfying resolution to Tommy’s efforts toward freedom for himself. Overall, The Forever Young Prisoner is a captivating read that offers a thrilling look into the world of prison intrigue and suspense.

Pages: 354 | ASIN: B0BZQWJ31D

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/12/the-forever-young-prisoner/

It is a time of significant change in South Carolina. The time between the First and Second World Wars is filled with progress in industry and social structures. Women are taking a more active role in the world, and things like automobiles, electricity, running water, and radios are becoming more commonplace in homes. But, for the Bell and Caddell families, their long-standing feud continues, and it is on the younger generation to try and mend fences. When Ginny and Jack fall in love, it is a forbidden romance full of strife and struggle. Family ties are stretched to their limits, and the question of “Is love enough” hangs in the air.

As the third and final installment of Sophia Alexander’s ‘Silk Trilogy,’ readers return to the small towns of Greeleyville and Kingstree in Homespun. Jessie’s personality is as hateful and disagreeable as ever, but her villainous deeds are overshadowed by the introduction of Zingle. A character that feels no remorse has no morals and no saving grace. While misguided, Jessie’s character stands behind her family values and morals; Zingle offers no redeeming qualities and gives readers someone new to hate and despise. He is the perfect villain for this final novel.

What stands out about ‘Silk Trilogy’ is the focus on ordinary people and their struggles during this time of rapid change in America. Between the war, industrial revelation, and women taking on roles outside the home and showcasing they have more to offer than just raising babies, this series shed light on how the average citizens faced these changes. From the country families to the small-town residents, everyone is shown fighting to find a place. Vivian’s character is inspirational and has been from the start. Homespun allows her to shine through and gives her character, as well as women from this time, a voice. Ginny reminded me of someone stuck between two generations, trying to bridge the gap and find herself. Many women will relate to her coming-of-age story in this novel, even in modern times. The struggle to balance family and breaking off to follow their own path is still relevant today.

Homespun is a gripping and captivating conclusion to the historical fiction ‘Silk Trilogy.’ Readers will be drawn into the drama and transported back in time to the South Carolina countryside and experience the winds of change that were blowing through the Lowcountry South. Some of the best fictional stories have roots in the truth, and the world that Sophia Alexander has created here is one that stays with readers long after they finish the story.

Pages: 377 | ASIN : B09VSYQZL9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/12/homespun/

Silent Conversations by David Cysewski is an enthralling spiritual book that features a collection of poems, verses, and mutterings, all written to share the universal truth that transcends all. The author’s visionary reminder explores various events from the last few decades and presents his unique perspective on them. Additionally, the book includes intellectual narrations about his muse, drawn from both his private life and worldly affairs.

Throughout the book, David Cysewski engages readers in a profound and enlightening silent conversation, sharing his concept of life. His abstract writings explore intense perspectives in a friendly tone and exhibit his sagacious impression of life. The author’s range is remarkable, evoking tears in one paragraph and laughter in another. His diverse poetry is not only ravishing but also truly euphoric. David Cysewski’s enlightened writing style reflects his wealth of life experience, and his perspective on the world is both fascinating and captivating. He encourages readers to look within themselves and acknowledge the things that have been driving them. Cysewski’s intimate mutterings are a gentle reminder that the muse is everywhere and that creativity feeds on it.

It is impossible to walk away from this impassioned book without growing. There is something in this collection for everyone to stir their mind and their memories and give them a moment of pause. Silent conversations are another way of looking at the concept of listening. David Cysewski gives readers something worth listening to in order to grow within. The emotions his writing awakens will stay with the reader and bring them back to revisit the words again in the future.

Overall, Silent Conversations is a riveting book that conveys an everlasting message. David Cysewski’s ability to engage readers in a silent conversation is remarkable, and his profound insights into life are both thought-provoking and inspiring. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual guidance and enlightenment.

Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0BRTGJR56

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/12/silent-conversations/

Tin Heartless Girl by Lebi P. Nieves Moran is a poignant poetry book that delves into the complexities of a broken family relationship. The collection consists of short poems in various styles, from free-form to acrostic, each conveying the emotional distance and hurt that permeates the relationship. The book’s introduction encourages readers to embrace self-love, a message that resonates throughout the poems.

Although the poems are brief and seemingly simple, they are packed with meaning and depth. Many of them, such as the titular Tin Heartless Girl, employ a nursery rhyme or fairytale-like rhyme scheme, adding an intriguing contrast between innocence and adulthood. The protagonist reflects on their past relationship with their loved ones, revealing the inner turmoil that it has caused. The author reimagines classic tales, emphasizing the message of healing instead of chasing an unattainable happy ending. The book’s imagery is equally stunning, bursting with vibrant mosaic colors. The poems are complemented by a series of powerful images featuring bodies distorted by trees, interlocked with technology, and abstract faces in stained glass. Several poems stand out, including Can I say you don’t Care, which explores the hurt caused by absence, a complex and difficult trauma to write about. That I’m a lost key centered around overwhelming emotions and anxieties that can feel suffocating. And Tin Heartless Girl reveals the heartless girl in the poems is only behaving in ways learned from abusive parental figures, creating a void that can follow a child into adulthood.

Tin Heartless Girl concludes with a beautiful passage on healing, offering comfort to readers on their own personal journeys. Despite the poems’ brevity, they convey a deep sense of emotion and raw honesty that will resonate with anyone who has experienced a broken family relationship. I highly recommend this short book of poems that will take you on an emotional journey.

Pages: 93 | ASIN : B0BZ572WXV

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/12/tin-heartless-girl/