The single exposed corner of my house in Rome is shielded by the battered stub of an ancient column. The marble cylinder, with its worn fluting, must have been sunk into the sandy soil of Trastevere, the ancient neighborhood trans Tiberim (across the Tiber), sometime in the fourteenth century to deflect wayward carts and their […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/05/11/mysteries-of-use-and-reuse-recycling-beauty-ingrid-rowland/
The Supreme Court may have thought it excused itself from the business of reviewing abortion laws last summer when it overturned Roe v. Wade and declared that there is no constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. But this week the issue is back before the justices. The Biden administration and Danco Laboratories, the pharmaceutical company […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/18/an-abortion-drug-tests-the-supreme-court/
This spring, snuggle up with Annie Rains’ Good Luck Cafe. This standalone women’s fiction romance is number four in the Somerset Lake series. Small-town vibes, pups and friends-to-lovers love story are waiting for you….
The Good Luck Cafe
by Annie Rains
Series: Somerset Lake #4
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Moira Green is perfectly content with her life. She has a rewarding career and plenty of wonderful friends, including the members of her weekly book club. Then everything in her life goes topsy-turvy when the town council plans to demolish the site of her mother’s beloved café to make room for much-needed parking. Moira is determined to save her mother’s business, so she swallows her pride and asks Gil Ryan for help.
Moira and Somerset Lake’s mayor were good friends once, the kind who could laugh at everything and nothing at all. Until one night changed everything between them. And now, with Gil supporting the council’s plans, Moira is forced to find another way to save Sweetie’s—and it involves campaigning against Gil. Going head-to-head in a battle of wills reveals more than either of them are ready for, and as the election heats up, so does their attraction. But without a compromise in sight, can these two be headed for anything but disaster?
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When I jumped in, I had no clue this was book four in the Somerset Lake series, but even though I came across old couples, I didn’t feel lost.
Perfect for fans of small-town romance and authors like Robyn Carr, Susan Mallery and Debbie Macomber.
Amazon
Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/the-good-luck-cafe-by-annie-rains.html
In The Sudanese Man, G.D. Peters deftly demonstrates how a short story can convey a wealth of meaning and depth. Through his masterful storytelling, Peters provides a gripping narrative that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Set amidst the chaos of the 2012 revolution in Cairo, Egypt, the story follows two National Security Agency officers who have been tasked with torturing and killing a foreign national. Despite the heinous nature of their assignment, the officers proceed without hesitation, revealing the pervasive influence of materialism in modern society. The pursuit of wealth and fame has come to supersede even the most sacred principles of justice and morality.
Despite its brevity, the story touches on a wide range of important themes, including corruption, power, justice, and morality. Peters’ writing is engaging from the outset, drawing the reader in and holding their attention throughout. As the story progresses, the reader is compelled to ponder the motivations of the two officers and the true nature of their mission. The depth and nuance of the story are truly remarkable. As the intrigue and outrage build to a crescendo, the reader is left stunned by the sheer wickedness of the officers’ actions. This story is a call to introspection, highlighting the need to address corruption and other societal ills in our own time.
Overall, The Sudanese Man is a must-read thriller for anyone interested in thought-provoking fiction that contains profound insights and masterful storytelling. Peters’ work is an impactful lesson that will remain with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B0BY7FL98Q
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/18/the-sudanese-man/
Peterson Francois’ book, Inspirations: My Vivid Imagination Has Been Transformed Into Reality is a powerful and inspiring collection of life lessons and tips on navigating the obstacles we face in our daily lives. Drawing on his personal experiences and insights, Francois shares inspiring stories and challenging anecdotes that motivate readers to reach their full potential. As someone who was born and raised in Haiti, Francois has seen firsthand the challenges that people in developing countries face. He uses this experience to offer guidance to young people and those who may not have experienced life as he has.
What sets Francois’ writing apart is his genuine and authentic voice. He shares his most personal stories with honesty and vulnerability, which readers will appreciate. Francois also explores broader human issues, such as economic and political inequality. He provides insightful analysis of how economic differences and political climates affect people globally and offers solutions and hope for a better future.
The book offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for personal growth and improvement. Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 are particularly powerful, offering lessons on being authentic, staying focused, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Francois emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and how embracing change can lead to personal growth and success. This book offers readers a new perspective on what is possible and instills confidence in anyone who is working hard for success. Francois’ ultimate goal is to help people gain knowledge, achieve their goals, resolve their problems, and enable their success in today’s fast-paced world. He emphasizes the importance of finding balance in life and provides valuable information to empower readers to handle any situation. Francois writes, “When you become aware of the person you really are and identify all the good qualities and potential you have, you will never worry if people show you no consideration and despise you.” This powerful message will resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
Inspirations: My Vivid Imagination Has Been Transformed Into Reality is an inspiring and spiritual self-help book. This personal transformation book is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve their goals and live their best life.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0792WKKWX
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/18/inspirations-my-vivid-imagination-has-been-transformed-into-reality-2/
Janet K. Shawgo’s The Bishop’s Palace is a captivating work of paranormal fiction that explores how a local mystery brings an entire town together. Set around a corrupt Bishop who sold his soul for the sake of greed, this gripping story revolves around the Bishop’s Palace and the treasure that lies within. The youth of the town, as well as several from neighboring towns, went in search of this treasure but never returned. The protagonist, Morlanna Miller, is a journalist trying to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of journalism. Despite facing severe opposition from her boss and colleagues, she investigates the Bishop’s Palace and becomes trapped by the cursed Bishop. As the townspeople become aware of the situation, a sense of discontent grows, but will it be enough to save Morlanna?
Shawgo’s writing style is both strong and inspiring. Morlanna is a fearless character who fills the book with empowering energy. While the protagonist’s initial hostility can be overwhelming, her actions become understandable as the story progresses. The characters are well-developed, with the townspeople and the town itself beautifully reflecting the society of the time and engaging readers.
I appreciated the book’s representation of strong female characters. The book’s primary focus remains on the women of the town and Morlanna, and even the Bishop’s Curse represents the relevance of females. The story is incredibly empowering for female readers, showcasing Morlanna’s sass and courage while avoiding overshadowing her achievements with the male gaze. The Bishop’s Palace presents multiple motifs throughout the story. The city represents the oppression of women, while the country’s life portrays freedom of choice and influential women in society.
The Bishop’s Palace is highly recommended for readers looking for a fresh perspective on female characters in a suspense and thriller novel. While the plot may be clichéd in terms of a superhero bringing society together to destroy evil, the freedom and strength that Morlanna experiences in this story are incredibly fulfilling.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0B352THVW
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/18/the-bishops-palace/
In An End to Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons for All Relationships, Linda and Charlie Bloom share their fifty years of marriage experience, offering insight into how to make relationships work and gently resolve conflicts. In addition, the book provides tips on avoiding arguments and shares essential lessons on managing differences in a relationship.
The authors’ background as psychotherapists is infused into their writing, resulting in a gentle and positive tone that makes the reader feel included in the discussion. The text is clear, and the phrases used are memorable, making the reading experience feel communal. This inspirational book provides value for readers, including life lessons, free marriage advice, virtual counseling sessions, and a positive outlook on relationships. The book contains 101 chapters, each tackling different but related topics, making it an engaging read for individuals of all ages and relationship types.
The authors offer insights on critical issues such as nonreactive listening, projection, negotiation, arrogance, people-pleasing, and agreements, among other topics. This book stands out because the lessons are not limited to just romantic relationships. The knowledge in the book can be applied to friendships, family relationships, professional settings, and any spaces that involve human relationships and interactions. The first chapter, which discusses the inevitability of differences in relationships and how to meet in the middle with your partner, is particularly profound and electrifying to read. The authors use multiple scenarios to expound on the topic being discussed, making it easy for readers to fully comprehend the main point.
An End to Arguing is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to improve their relationships, whether romantic or otherwise. The book provides practical tips, free advice, and a positive outlook on human interactions. It is an encouraging and enlightening read that is sure to provide value to its readers.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0BNM149DM
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/18/an-end-to-arguing/
Robert DePaolo’s book, From Evolution to God: An Integration of Faith Science, is a comprehensive exploration of the universe, human existence, nature, and contemporary life from the unique perspectives of religion and science. The author expertly discusses theories and facts, explaining why religion and science make sense to different demographics. This book is essential for those curious about both entities and readers who wish to expand their knowledge of religion and science.
One of the book’s most fascinating aspects is how DePaolo expertly discusses complex subjects objectively and engagingly. From the beginning of the book, the author quotes verifiable sources and digs deeper to ensure that the reader has a comprehensive understanding of the topics being discussed. In addition, the references used are diverse and varied, including books from other authors, research papers, scientific data, and even the Bible, which helps solidify the book’s content.
In the first chapter, DePaolo examines the origin of human existence, including the creation and evolution theories. Then, the author clarifies these controversial subjects by discussing hominids and how they have evolved over time, as well as the notion of God and the religious aspect. The comparison between humans and primates is particularly noteworthy, highlighting how similar we are to our animal counterparts. The chapter concludes with the revelation that every human has worshiped some type of God at some point in history, making the idea of religion, even for non-believers, less outlandish.
The book’s subsequent chapters continue to provide mind-blowing content. Chapter 2 explores how humans relate to fellow humans in different social aspects, including kinship and strangers, and uses primates’ behavior to enhance the discussion. Chapter 3 and subsequent chapters delve into gods, spirits, people, the 10 commandments, religious saints, ancient philosophers, and scientists. DePaolo’s writing is clear and concise, and his explanations are backed by proof. The chapter on The Afterlife stands out as one of the most fascinating. DePaolo answers questions many people have about the spirit world, highlighting similarities between religious and scientific perspectives on this subject.
Overall, From Evolution to God: An Integration of Faith Science is an excellent read with enlightening quotes and fascinating topics. The book is impartial and does not lean towards either religion or science, making it accessible to believers and non-believers. In addition, the author’s writing style is engaging, with short but information-packed paragraphs that keep the reader hooked. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the universe, human existence, nature, and contemporary life from religious and scientific perspectives.
Pages: 270 | ISBN : 1638680655
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/18/from-evolution-to-god/