Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life by Mark Marine-Non-Fiction Humorous Short Stories Book Review

 Book Synopsis

Quick. Cheerful. With fire and spirit. This is Salute! Mark is a storyteller. A storyteller extraordinaire. His wit, wisdom and experiences transport each of us to different times, places, passages and moments in life with an amazing, rich imagination. We’ve been with him at Dee’s Hamburger Stand in a far less politically correct era. We’ve been with him in his living room as he scaled sofas, end table and recliners in a single bound. We’ve spent many a Sunday dinner with him in the Marine family’s dining room. And, he gave us a front-row seat for the moment that changed his the day he first cast eyes on Paula. His storytelling is seamless. It’s art. But most importantly, it’s Mark. Unbridled. Unvarnished. And, all served to us with a wink, a smile, a laugh, a lesson and a tinge of the devil-may-care.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ AuthorHouse (April 17, 2020)
• Genre: Non-fiction/Short Stories/Humor
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728343895

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

As an Italian, I was excited to read this book by an Italian author. He is a fantastic storyteller. The short stories made me laugh out loud, while some were sweet and touching. If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll see bits of your own childhood, teenage years, and life in general reflected in these tales. Here are some chapter titles that I especially enjoyed:

• -No! That's Mine!
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• -School Daze
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• -Deja Vu All Over Again
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• -Yes, I Have No Bananas
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• -Me and My Bright Ideas

Each chapter brought a chuckle, but they also carried valuable lessons. What I appreciated most was the author’s invitation for readers to share their own stories and memories. He ends with the powerful reminder to "Always tell your story."

Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life is a fun read for adults, Italian or not. It’s a quick, enjoyable book that will brighten a quiet afternoon.

****Meet Author Mark Marine****

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mark C. Marine is an author, a family man, and an unapologetic individualist. He has led an extraordinary life, taking on roles such as milking cows, being a radio talk show host, owning a dealership and much more. Through his storytelling capabilities, he has managed to encapsulate his life's experiences into a single book. His debut, Salute: May You Live All the Days of Your Life.

~*~*~Purchase Salute:May you live all the days of your life ~*~*

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Casters and Crowns By Elizabeth Lowham-Young Adult Romantic Fantasy Review

 Book Synopsis

Cursed by magic, bound by mistakes, Princess Aria finds her destiny hinges on the mysterious Baron Reeves. Will love be enough to break the curse, or will war bring her kingdom to ruin? A new cozy romantasy by Elizabeth Lowham.

When Crown Princess Aria sees her kingdom on the brink of war with the magic-wielding Casters, she takes it upon herself to speak with the Widow Morton, the most dangerous Caster in the realm. If successful, Aria will not only ensure peace but also prove to her father that she is a worthy heir. But when her negotiations fail, Aria is dealt a terrible curse: Over the course of one hundred days, she will be unable to sleep, her body and mind doomed to waste away. And then the curse will pass to her sister, until every member of the king’s line is dead.

Aria’s best hope for breaking her curse is to seek help from another Caster—the handsome and charming Baron Reeves. He may be entitled to a place at the court, but as a magic user, can he truly be trusted? She vows not be fooled by his dimpled smiles or his devotion to his brothers, but as she spends more time with him, she discovers that her heart has other ideas.

Baron has no desire to see the princess suffer—especially since she might be the key to changing the king’s opinion on Casters—but he has secrets to protect and ghosts of his own. The last person he tried to save using his magic died, and he’s not willing to risk harming someone he loves again.

As the curse continues its deadly countdown, both Aria and Baron must risk their lives and their hearts to save each other and unite a kingdom.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (October 1, 2024)
• Genre: Young Adult Romantasy/YA Fantasy
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933204
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639933204
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 9

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Casters and Crowns is a young adult romantic fantasy that captivated me. Its unique magic system and storyline felt fresh and had a strong fairytale vibe. The story grabs your attention from the start, as Princess Aria fights to save her kingdom from a war with magic casters. When her plan fails, she faces a curse, setting her on a challenging journey to save herself and her kingdom.

I found so much to love in this book. The characters made me laugh, cry, and cheer for them. The Reeves brothers were a standout—charming and loyal, their magic is impressive, but their strong values truly shine. There were thrilling moments as Aria and Baron teamed up to break the curse. Aria often faced challenges alone, counting down to her doom, showcasing a fierce bravery that teaches the value of perseverance. The slow-developing romance showed how love can overcome deep-rooted fears. Aria and Baron were a perfect match. Baron’s twin brothers, Corvin and Leon, added humor to the mix while staying deeply loyal to one another.

This book is clean with little violence, making it an ideal choice for both teens and adults. Elizabeth Lowham has crafted a classic tale about forbidden love, standing up for what is right, and the importance of not giving up. I hope this standalone book gets a sequel because I loved the world of Casters and Crowns.

****Meet Author Elizabeth Lowham****

Elizabeth (Liz) Lowham dreams of a future house that is seventy-percent library with at least three lavish window seats. Her reality is five bookshelves and a rocking chair, which isn’t so bad. A fan of all things fantasy, she has a BA in English from BYUI.

Learn more on her personal website

HERE:https://www.elizabethlowham.com/

~*~*~*~*Purchase Casters and Crowns ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/2qPc3Dv

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Lost Daydreaming: A Sweet Friends to Lovers Romance (Lost Roommates Book 3) By Hillary Slaughter-Contemporary Romance Review

 Book Synopsis

Finding a job out of state and building a new life away from loss and family expectations was supposed to be the easy part.

Unfortunately for Chloe, the universe didn't get that memo. Now she's a jobless college graduate, trying to figure out what's next.

When her best friend Derek drags her to a friend's Halloween party, she's ready to call it an early night so she can return to wallowing on her couch. What she doesn't expect is to meet her perfect guy. He's attractive, gainfully employed, and can carry a conversation. The only he's obsessed with Halloween, Chloe's least favorite holiday.

Now, thanks to a bet with Derek (the world's worst wingman), Chloe's forced to attend every Halloween activity she's invited to. On the up side, this means she gets to see a lot of her dream guy. But it also means she and Derek are spending a lot of quality time together and it has Chloe reevaluating her choice to stick Derek in the friendzone.

However, letting Derek in means being vulnerable and opening herself up to pain she's fought for years to bury. Can Chloe find the courage to face her past and allow love in, even when it means letting go of her daydreams and embracing reality and all its complications?

Lost Daydreaming is a friends-to-lovers contemporary romance packed with autumn vibes, swoony moments, and a cinnamon role hero who will capture your heart. This interconnected standalone is perfect for readers who love their humor mixed with a large helping of heart!

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DK3VZJ8Y
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HMS Press, LLC (October 15, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 279 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8987859322

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

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My Review

Lost Daydreaming is the third book in the Lost Roommates series. This story is a friends-to-lovers contemporary romance that unfolds slowly. Chloe and Derek, who have been best friends for years, struggle with their feelings. They fear that expressing these emotions might damage their friendship.

This novel beautifully explores themes of grief and the importance of accepting help from others. Chloe and Derek’s transition from friends to something deeper is filled with tender moments, genuine emotions, and fun exchanges. The book addresses challenging topics with sensitivity, adding layers to the characters and their bond.

I loved that this clean romance had so many layers. It balances light-hearted scenes with moments of sadness. Both characters face tough times, making it clear why they belong together. Their chemistry is evident from the start, and Derek’s charm and support make him irresistible. It is also admirable how he took care of his ailing father.

Lost Daydreaming offers a heartfelt romance beyond just witty dialogue. Although it captures the essence of autumn, it is a story that any romance enthusiast can enjoy in any season.

****Meet Author Hillary Slaughter****

Hillary Slaughter is a crafting addict, avid reader, and hiking enthusiast. Born and raised in Utah, she loves exploring the mountains, especially if she can bring her dog with her. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from Brigham Young University and a Master's of Business Administration from Utah Valley University. She loves writing sweet contemporary romance with a dash of humor and is the author of the Lost Roommates Series.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Lost Daydreaming ~*~*~*~*

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The Art of Us By Julie Wright-YA Romance Book Review

Book Synopsis

Falling in love is complicated when you’re both keeping secrets.

On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She’s intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she’ll guard at any cost—she’s homeless.

When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist for the local band, he’s also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems.

However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret.

Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (November 5, 2024)
• Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933255
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639933259
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 12

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

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My Review

Julie Wright's The Art of Us tells a powerful story about teenagers hiding secrets and the impact those secrets have on their lives.

The main character, Ireland Raine, is homeless and has been abandoned by her parents. She lives in a dirty public restroom at the edge of a forest, trying her hardest to appear normal while feeling uncertain about what the future holds.

Kal Ellis seems to have everything going for him. He’s good-looking, smart, and liked by his peers, but he struggles with deep sadness after his close friend tragically passes away. He doesn't know how to move forward with his life.

Mara Washington is a popular and beautiful girl from a wealthy background, but she also hides secrets from those around her. These three teens go to the same high school and soon find their lives connected in unexpected ways.

The Art of Us beautifully captures both the joy and heartbreak of youth. It tackles difficult topics that many young adults face. Julie Wright has a talent for writing inspiring stories that resonate with the deep feelings of teenagers dealing with challenges beyond their control. The characters feel real, making it easy for readers to relate to their struggles.

I was moved by The Art of Us, as it teaches important lessons about trust, hope, forgiveness, courage, and standing up for others. This book is a wonderful choice for teens and their parents alike.

****Meet Author Julie Wright****

Julie Wright (1972-still breathing) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She's lived in LA, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don't ask). She wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, she's written twenty-three novels and coauthored three. Julie is a two-time winner of the Whitney award for best romance with her books "Cross My Heart" and "Lies Jane Austen Told Me." The America Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and "A Captain for Caroline Gray" in their 2021 top ten best romances. Her book "Death Thieves" was a Whitney finalist.

She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).

She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

She used to speak fluent Swedish, but now speaks only well enough to cuss out her children in public.

She hates mayonnaise.

http://www.juliewright.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Art of Us ~*~*~*~*

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Hardcover-https://a.co/d/83hEEKP

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An Honorable Deception {The Imposters Book 3} By Roseanna M. White-Historical Christian Romance & Giveaway

 Book Synopsis

In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor.

"With characters believable and unique, and a pace that builds suspense as the story unfolds, each thread is so compelling I couldn't stop turning pages."--LORI BENTON, bestselling author on A Noble Scheme

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers (November 19, 2024)
• Series : 
• Genre : Christian Historical Romance
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764240943

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M. White is the third and final book in The Imposters series. The characters in this story have many secrets from each other, making it intriguing. There are so many great characters in both this book and the series as a whole.

Set in England in 1910, the story revolves around private investigators known as The Imposters. It’s exciting to finally get the full story of Lord Yates Fairfax. He finds himself in a love triangle with two women, Lady Lavinia Hemming and Lady Alethia Barremore. I enjoyed reading from the perspectives of all three of them. Although I figured out who Yates would choose, it was still a captivating journey to see how it all unfolded.

The plot is original, intricate, and keeps you guessing from the first page to the last. What starts as a missing person investigation grows into a much larger and darker problem. This book addresses serious issues like human trafficking and different forms of abuse, but White approaches these topics with care and sensitivity.

Overall, this Christian Historical Romance is excellent, featuring a compelling friends-to-lovers storyline filled with suspense and a mystery that tackles tough subjects. An Honorable Deception serves as a captivating ending to a distinctive series rich in faith, trust, charm, and love.

****Meet Author Roseanna M. White****

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

~*~*~*~*Purchase An Honorable Deception ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Papaerback-https://a.co/d/021gmbF

Kindle-https://a.co/d/guxeD46

Giveaway: Enter on my Instagram Page @sheilasbookreviewer

GIveaway: How to Enter...

-LIKE, SAVE, and SHARE this post

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-VISIT each hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2024.)