Review, Giveaway: MOMENTS OF CLARITY - Moments series #2 by JB Heller

With the events of one night, the clarity with which I once saw my life vanished.

MOMENTS OF CLARITY

Moments Series #2

JB Heller

Blessed.

That was me.

In every way that mattered anyway. I had a close, loving relationship with my parents, my older brother was my hero, and with graduation right around the corner, I was on the verge of turning my love of photography into a career.

Then there was Carter, surprisingly he turned out to be the yin to my yang. Where I was alternative, slightly nerdy and a whole lot awkward, Carter was smooth, popular and confidant. Yet somehow, we fit.

Or so I thought.

With the events of one night, the clarity with which I once saw my life vanished. Leaving me completely unprepared for the reality I would now have to face and the choices that accompanied it.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

The best seduction technique I have at my disposal is my extreme awkwardness. Who needs flirty when you’ve got awkward, right?

It’s hilarious. Mr. Perfect wants Ms. Awkward. It’s comedy gold. I mean, seriously, how is that going to work? Are you even capable of carrying on a conversation with a hot guy without divulging something horrifically embarrassing, or rambling about weird facts that only you care about?

So what, you’re getting into matchmaking now? Running the paper doesn’t tickle your pickle anymore so you thought you’d dip your toes in Cupid’s pool?

‘Mumma, Papa, this is Carter,’ she says, while gesturing over her shoulder with her thumb to me, ‘He’s my super hot boyfriend with a spectacular arse.’  I choke on the air I’m breathing, coughing and trying not to laugh. Then I hear a voice similar to Chance’s, but older, more sophisticated, say, ‘Well, turn around then, show us the goods.’

My Review:

Moments of Clarity was populated by unique and quirky characters, ah, my favorite kind.  I enjoyed their amusing descriptions, interplay, steamy chemistry, odd fashion sense, and witty banter.  Then the family secrets blew open and damn if it wasn’t angst by the bucket – a fest of misery and emotional tension, which is just not my favorite cup or tea.  I cringed, winced, flinched, sighed but stayed the course, as I trusted the author to circle back around and make it worth the agony.  And, thankfully, she did. 

Empress DJ 

Don't miss the first title in the Moments series, 

MOMENTS OF BEAUTY

J B Heller is an Aussie Indie Author of Steamy Contemporary and Comedic Romance. She has three wildling children, two giant Great Danes, one permanently terrified cat, five birds of various species (One of whom thinks she’s helping by running across the keyboard repeatedly while JB tries to work. Lucky she’s tiny.), and a gazillion fish. Oh, and we can’t forget the man-child she calls her husband.

After years of working in assorted fields including a Butchery, Remedial Therapist Receptionist, Hairdressing, and Checkout Chick Extraordinaire, she finally found her place amongst like-minded people in the writing community.

She published her first book in 2013 under the pen name Eliza Brown, and has since evolved into J B Heller with more than 10 titles to her name.

On her limited downtime, you’ll find her reading, trolling Pinterest for her next muse or online stationery shopping (she has a mild addiction to stationery and she refuses to seek help).

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Slammed - Colleen Hoover Review

Book: Slammed

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Romance

Book Synopsis:

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

Book Review:

Have you ever found a book that made you feel things you probably shouldn't feel? After all, who gets all worked up over a book?
Well, if you've ever read any of Colleen Hoover's books then you would know that's pretty much the norm. You've probably also grabbed your pitchforks against her at one point, but that's not important right now. 
Something incredible was created within the pages of Slammed. From the beginning I found myself tearing through the book, need to know what happened next. I felt the pain, shock, and anger of the characters at their situations. Rooting for them to get their much deserved happily ever after. Colleen's writing style in this book is unique with her inclusion of Slam Poetry, as it brings more feeling and emotion into the novel then could be done by simply slinging together words into the creation of a paragraph. The characters were relatable in their actions and reactions to situations. The story seemed to just throw me all over sometimes, and I loved every second of it.

Blitz, Review, Giveaway: Watching Fireflies by Jaycee Ford

Title: Watching Fireflies

Series: Love Bug #1

Author: Jaycee Ford

Genre: Romantic Suspense/New Adult

 Release Date: August 19, 2014

Blurb

Jordan Hawthorne thought she had it all until a surprise for her fiancé turns into losing everything that she ever wanted. She flees her home in Charlotte, North Carolina to take a new job in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and make a new start where her ex-fiancé can’t find her. Jordan is just beginning to adjust to her new life in the middle of nowhere when a small town cowboy walks in and disrupts it all.

Tom McCloud never had time for a serious commitment, always too busy with running his grandparents’ farm. Everything changes when he stumbles upon a broken-hearted city girl and a steamy buzz ignites between them. But what happens when the city girl can’t stay hidden in the country for long?

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

“You’re making my heart do things it’s never done before.”

“He gave me a mix of nervous excitement and calm.  I didn’t know how it was possible, but it was.”

My Review:

Sweet!  I enjoyed this book beginning to end.  It was truly refreshing to read a contemporary romance where the two main characters are not in constant conflict with each other, nor do they fight their attraction, deny their feelings, or feel they have to “let them go” for their own good.  They adored and loved each other, enjoyed and explored a new love, and reveled in each other.  Why is that so rare?  The conflict, as there always has to be some… came from an external source and proved to be the vortex of the suspense elements in the book.  I had not read Jaycee Ford before and had no expectations.  I am now a new fan.  I enjoyed her easy narrative, humor, and observations.  Her characters were interesting and comfortable.  The book was an easy and fast read, a providing me with a pleasant and entertaining afternoon.  One I would like to repeat with more of her work.  

Empress DJ

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Coming Soon

Mosquito Chase releases November 25

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Author Bio

Jaycee Ford grew up chasing street cars around the city of New Orleans. After doing a four year stint at Louisiana State University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and fled for the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. New Orleans beckoned her home again where she put her love of the foothills into a series of romance novels. In between writing, she’s found behind her desk at a top rated law firm … or still chasing street cars.

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Book Review: September Sky - John A. Heldt

Title: SEPTEMBER SKY

Author: John A. Heldt

Series: American Journey No. 1

Print Length: 409 pages

Published: January 1, 2015

Amazon sales page: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RNQI5ZQ

Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24244216-september-sky

Book Synopsis: 

When unemployed San Francisco reporter Chuck Townsend, 45, and his college dropout son, Justin, take a trip to Mexico in 2016, each hopes to rebuild a relationship after years of estrangement. But their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet a cruise-ship lecturer who has discovered the secret of time travel. Within days, Chuck and Justin find themselves in 1900, riding a train to Texas, intent on preventing a distant uncle from being hanged for a crime he did not commit. Their quick trip to Galveston, however, becomes long and complicated when they wrangle with business rivals and fall for two beautiful librarians on the eve of a hurricane that will destroy the city. Filled with humor, history, romance, and heartbreak, September Sky follows two directionless souls on the adventure of a lifetime as they try to make their peace with the past, find new purposes, and grapple with the knowledge of things to come.

Book Review: 

John certainly doesn't disappoint again as he crafts a new series that I have fallen in love with. Our main characters are two regular people who have regular problems who get thrust into the adventure of a life time. With twists like falling in love, robbery and even death I was on my toes tearing through the pages yearning to know what happened next. I felt the emotions of some of the characters, finding them to be funny, lovable and relatable, no matter time period they came from. I can't wait to get my hands on his next work. Most definitely a 5 star read. 

Favorite Quotes: 

"Do the prawns meet your approval?" Chuck asked. Justin washed down a mouthful of food with a swig of beer. "I'll let you know tomorrow when we come back for more," Justin said.

'Beware of men who make you smile. They will steal your heart and maybe a few other things.'"

"I should be careful around you." "Why?" Justin asked. "You're making me laugh. My mother warned me about men like you." "I thought she warned you about men who make you smile." "You're doing both," Emily said. "That makes you twice as dangerous."

When there are profits to be made, even the worst of enemies can be the best of friends.

It's like looking into the eye of God and seeing all that is perfect in an imperfect world.

Review Tour: Like A Box of Chocolates - Justin Bienvenue

 Description:

Take every notion, feeling, experience and expectation that you have on poetry and throw it up in the air, just take everything you’ve ever known about it and toss it aside. Not because the boundaries of what makes it so are being broken, and not because simple fundamentals and poetic structures are being altered, no that’s not it at all. Simply take a deep breath, relax and remember that nothing is off limits, nothing is too right or too wrong or completely outside the box(pun totally intended). So untie that bow, put your hand on the corner and open…open the book and take in that fresh page aroma and all the splendid “flavors” that is poetry.

Book Review: 

If you're looking for a different kind of poetry than probably what you've read before, rest assured you've arrived at the correct destination. Bienvenue has created an assortment of poems where some tantalize the mind with rhyme schemes that perk the senses. Every poem is a new story, some easy to figure out their direction from start to end with others taking a turn and their final destination becoming clear as you read the last line. I found myself intrigued with the works from beginning to end finishing in no time flat, only to go back and reread several of the ones that caught my attention the most. A great read for anyone looking for a new kind of poetry read. 

Excerpt:

Marshmallow Street

The birds glide and fly in the air
Doing what they do best
Just like a road the skies they share
as their driving is put to the test

A pilot flies his jet with force
Doing tricks and trying to break sound
As he maneuvers, nature takes it course
As he lands safely upon the ground

A plane travels high above
As it departs from city to city
Look out, look down and fall in love
As the site is beyond pretty

All these things may share the sky
But one thing makes them complete
And if you yourself could also fly
You could join them on Marshmallow street

Bio:

My name is Justin Bienvenue, I was born in and reside in Massachusetts. I am a friendly and outgoing person. Always enjoy meeting new people. I graduated high school in 2006. As an author and poet, I have three published books, A book of Horror Poetry entitled, The Macabre Masterpiece: Poems of Horror and Gore published in 2011 and a Western Horror, A Bloody Bloody Mess In The Wild Wild West published in 2013 and Like A Box of Chocolates published in 2014. While I mainly enjoy writing poetry I have recently expanded my horizons and started writing stories, narratives and short stories. I enjoy writing and it always makes me satisfied to have others enjoy my work. I like to be creative and different, always trying new things. I have a background in creative writing which really helped me develop my writing and expand my imagination. When I’m not writing I also enjoy playing games and watching sports such as football, baseball and basketball. I also enjoy the outdoors, always playing sports whenever I get the chance and going for walks to gather my thoughts looking for my next best creative idea. Some of my interests include, History, Egyptology, Ufology, The Wild West and The Civil War.

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Book Review: Mismatched - Elle Casey & Amanda McKeon

Book: Mismatched

Authors: Elle Casey & Amanda McKeon

Book Synopsis:

Former college roommates Erin and Ridlee leave Boston for Ireland to track down an inheritance, and end up at a matchmaking festival in Lisdoonvarna.... Ridlee's a newly minted attorney, and Erin's part owner of the Pot O' Gold Pub, hoping to buy out her new, mysterious partner, some old Irish guy she'd never heard of before the reading of her late grandmother's will. It seemed like it would be an easy thing to do: show up, find the bloke, and make him an offer… But the magic that is Ireland and the people who speak the lilting Irish brogue are as unpredictable as the weather, and things get a little more complicated than the girls anticipated when the town's legendary matchmaker pulls out his leather-bound book and proposes two matches…

Book Review: 

First, I just want to say that after I finished this book I found myself talking with an Irish lilt. That's very important, considering I spent half an hour calling my sister a " wee lass". 

Mismatched is a love story filled with humor, romance, and all that legal mumbo jumbo I can't wrap my head around any way. The first lines caught my attention from the very beginning, and at times I found myself tearing through the book with a fierce need to know what happened next.  Our main characters Erin and Ridlee are a laugh riot duo with great personalities, and I found myself finding ways to connect with the two of them. Our male leads were adorable and I may have found myself crushing on them just a tad. With a very original storyline infused romance, humor, and great characters, mismatched is a great read.

However, there were times in the beginning where I found myself becoming somewhat bored since the plot hadn't really picked up, but when it did pick up I was quite pleased. I'm hoping there will be a part two, they've left me wanting more. 

Favorite Quotes: 

"THEY SAY THE GOOD DIE young. So, it’s really no surprise that my grandmother, or rather Margaret as she preferred me to call her, lived to the ripe old age of ninety-odd."

"How that man found it within his heart to ask me out when I sat across from him looking like a deranged circus clown, I’ll never know. Maybe he needs glasses. Either that or he’s the nicest man alive and I should probably propose to him before someone else snatches him up."

"I’m only staying out here for five minutes, max. My tits are freezing. My nipples are going to break right off.”

"“I guess I might be afraid that I’ll love him and he won’t love me back.” “Wouldn’t it suck worse to have him love you back and you never find out about it?”

Mama Cried - Talia Haven Review

Book: Mama Cried

Author: Talia Haven

Illustrator: Sytiva Sheehan

Book Synopsis:

Jenny was enjoying herself on the swings when Azula, one of the guardians of the playground came to take her away. 

Together they journey to a cinder building where Jenny must make a powerful decision.

Book Review:

A short but powerful story that captured me from the beginning and left me wanting more at the end. Talia tells the tale of a young child, one who was taken from life too soon. We never learn her cause of death but it definitely adds to the ominous feeling of the story. An interesting twist at the end, Talia has brought to life a new way of seeing life after death for small children and gives me a satisfaction over how it all ends. 

After and Again - Michael McLellan Review

Book: after and again

Author: Michael A. Mclellan

Book Synopsis:

Centuries after a cataclysmic event drastically changed the world, fifteen-year-old Zack McQueen stumbles upon a cave filled with relics from a nearly forgotten era. Relics that could both reshape his destiny, and forever change the future for all living things. Returning home, he finds his town in ruins, and his loved ones missing. Vowing to find them, he embarks on an epic journey of danger, love, and self-discovery that will take him to places that he’d never imagined possible.

Book Review:

It always seems like something military/war related that brings on the end of the world. In After and Again, we follow the trail of our hero Zack as he attempts to rescue those dearest to him. This book combined several different genres including adventure, romance, and even a western theme to the story, and did so quite nicely. I enjoyed the determination of our hero, and the fact that as the story played out we learned more about the blunders made in the past which helped explain why the world was as it was during Zack's present. One thing I did wish for was maybe more from the point of Zack's 'sidekick' Max. We get one snippet but it leaves me wanting to know more from him and his loyalty to our hero. With an ending that left me wanting to continue the tale, After and Again is a great read that probably has a little bit of something everyone loves. 

Favorite Quotes:

 “You go to hell!” the old man spat.   “Yes yes, if such a place exists, I will surely go there someday.

Cursed Beauty - Dorian Tsukioka Review

Title: Cursed Beauty

Author: Dorian Tsukioka

Book Synopsis:

A pair of glass slippers that can change her life? When something is too good to be true, it usually is... 

Adelaide has lived her entire life cursed with a birthmark that makes people shy 

away. When an invitation to the Elder Prince’s ball falls in her lap, she knows 

attending would only cause people to shun her more. 

A fairy godmother feels her pain and offers her a pair of glass slippers that not only 

transform her ragged dress to an elegant gown, but also removes the mark that covers 

her face. However, Adelaide soon learns that the beautiful slippers can steal away

 more than just her birthmark, leaving her cursed in a far worse way. 

This retelling of the classic Cinderella story will resound with readers of young adult fiction who love paranormal fantasy, fairy tales, and a splash of romance.

Book Review:

I was hooked, right from the beginning. Never have I heard a tale of Cinderella quite like this one. I loved the fire of our main character Adelaide. However, I didn't understand how she would just take what her step mother dished out like it was nothing considering the kind of person she appeared to be during other parts of the book. A twist I never expected had me reading quicker than before, devouring the book as the pages ran down. An original take on a beloved story told through the ages, Cursed Beauty brings to life a tale that can teach you you're perfect the way you are and that all not fairy godmothers are to be trusted. 

Favorite Quotes: 

“Anyone can be born beautiful and dumb, but it takes someone special to glow with an inner beauty that comes from kindness and intelligence. Don’t waste your time wishing to trade your brains for beauty. That’s a lousy trade.”

The Hope That Starts Review

Series: Double Blind Study

Book: The Hope That Starts

Author: Heidi Hutchinson

Book Synopsis:

If there's one thing Zelda Fitzpatrick is good at, it's fandom. She can out-geek the geekiest. Her devotion knows no bounds. Her love is true, her motives pure. Oh, and she's also a talented freelance photographer, newly hired to go on the road with one of her favorite bands, Double Blind Study. All she has to do is not ruin this opportunity with her nerdy references (which are in abundance) or her devout klutziness. And she probably shouldn't fall madly in love with lead guitarist, Harrison O'Neil... who is taken. Unfortunately.

Book Review:

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

As a blogger you come across a lot of different kinds of books. Many different genres, many different writing styles. You get asked to review great books, and then you get asked to review the mediocre to the sometimes sadly not too great at all books. 

Probably one of the best series I have ever been asked to review, this installment of the Double Blind Study series is another Medal of Honor to the series. Fantastically written, my favorite characters all join together yet again as we follow the story of Harrison. He's one of my favorite characters and I fell in love with him more and more as the story progressed. I fan girled at references throughout the entire book. With a twist that completely knocked me on my behind (like I walked into a wall while I was reading it and I fell on my behind), I was hooked in from beginning to end. I think I have already found my favorite read of 2015, I know it just started but sometimes you just know. 

Favorite Quotes:

“Harrison is about to expire from hunger. How are you feeling?”

“Don't ever be ashamed of who you are. Be exactly who you are. Be unapologetically you. No, not everyone is going to celebrate that with you. Some people will try to hurt you and tear you down, that can't be helped. In fact, that'll happen no matter what. So you might as well be exactly who you're supposed to be, and forget the ugly things people say.”

“I haven't seen a lot of groupies on the tour. What's that all about?” “I think Kendra Tasers them on sight—”

“I thought that love was just something we made up to scare away the dark.”

“I think that if the world were to run out of sugar, Zelda would be the first to die.”

“I can't see the stars when I'm in the city, never could. But I know they're there. They're always there. They shine and burn and fall... just like us.”

Unworthy - Joanne Armstrong Review

Book: Unworthy

Author: Joanne Armstrong

Book Synopsis:

Nearly two hundred years after a killer disease swept the planet, an island nation continues its isolated survival due to the ruthless dedication of its military. The laws and culture of the country are based on the survival of the fittest, distrust of disease, and control of the general population.

Marked to die.

Raised to survive.

Marked at birth as “Unworthy” to be raised, a young woman questions the necessity for the cruel practice, so many years after the Isolation was declared. She embarks on a journey which will uncover truths about her past and about her society which she could never have imagined.

Book Review: 

Right from the beginning this book was different from any other dystopian books I have read. It states the obvious that the human race ended up destroying itself (come on we all know that was gonna happen sooner or later), but it's what comes after that truly hold my interest. Joanne has created a dystopian world unlike any other I have read. She crafted the characters of Arcadia and Alex whom I felt a strong connection with as the story continues. They face the unknown, they face danger and meet the hands of death. I was drawn in as I turned pages, yearning to know the story of our characters and how it all turned out. With an ending I couldn't even fathom I was left wanting more (thank goodness there's gonna be two more books). 

Dangerous Love - Cassandra Bush Review

Book: Dangerous Love

Author: Cassandra Bush

Book Synopsis:

How far would you go, to keep the man you love with you? Jaclyn is up for the fight to keep Jake and her relationship in tact. She is certain her ex is coming after them and she isn't going to put up with it! What she isn't ready for, is for Jake's past to put them in even more danger. She's fighting as hard as she can, but how far is too far for true love?

Book Review:

It's a short story about love and all kinds of obstacles that can get in the way. It has an interesting enough story line, however I do feel as though with more editing this book could had flowed better. There were times I wasn't sure from whose point of view the writing was coming from or who was talking from lack of quotation marks. It's filled with danger and love, and while I completely understand it there was more of an emphasis on the sex rather than the story. The storyline was great, but it could had been developed more than just fitting in sexy scenes. It was more toward the end of the book where I found myself really diving into the story. With a Villian I hadn't even seen coming I found myself wanting more. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. 

Wish You Were Italian - Kristin Rae Review

Book: Wish You Were Italian

Author: Kristin Rae

Book Synopsis:

Pippa has always wanted to go to Italy … but not by herself. And certainly not to sit in art school the entire summer learning about dead guys’ paintings. When she steps off the plane in Rome, she realizes that traveling solo gives her the freedom to do whatever she wants. So it’s arrivederci, boring art program and ciao, hot Italian guys!

Charming, daring, and romantic, Bruno is just the Italian Pippa’s looking for—except she keeps running into cute American archeology student Darren everywhere she goes. Pippa may be determined to fall in love with an Italian guy … but the electricity she feels with Darren says her heart might have other plans. Can Pippa figure out her feelings before her parents discover she left the program and—even worse—she loses her chance at love?

Book Review:

So, I think I'm gonna be going to Italy ;) 

This book was great, for lack of a better term to describe it. I loved the main characters, Pippa reminded me of myself so many times. Darren and Bruno had me swooning. Chiara reminded me of myself at times as well, her determination making me laugh. I fell in love with the characters, with the one of a kind plot, and of course, Italy. 

At times I felt like I was there with Pippa, soaking up the beauty of the country. I listening to italian music the entire time I read this, nothing else. Wish You Were Italian is the story of breaking free, allowing yourself to do what you love, and finding love in strange places. I laughed, my heart raced, and I soaked in Italy from the comfort of my couch. Definitely worth the read! 

Sweet Song of the Siren and Other Stories - William Peskett Review

Book: Sweet Song of the Siren and Other Stories

Author: William Peskett

Book Synopsis:

In his third collection of short stories, Thailand-based author William Peskett introduces us to a murderer who sees himself carved in stone, a writer whose dead wife returns to him through time, a robot community waiting for their saviour, a man who falls in love with part of his own body, a woman dying slowly of dementia and a troupe of wise-cracking monkeys’

Humour and melancholy, comfort and suspense, this collection possesses all of these qualities, sometimes within the same story. Most are set in Thailand and provide insights into the lives of the varied populations of that exotic land; others could have happened anywhere. But what marks them out is the diversity of the storylines, the quality of the writing, and engagement with interesting characters who have something to say.

Book Review:

I found these stories to be very unique. At times I found myself going through the stories yearning to reach the end and to know how they would end. Some of these stories seemed like things that could happen in real life, and others were fantasy that would be interesting if they did happen. It's a mash of different kinds of short stories so you won't get bored, some of them being so interesting I wished they were longer. 

Favorite Quotes:

we don’t always see what we want to see; it’s often what we fear.’

You losers couldn’t shout “help” in English if your dicks were on fire.’

Damascena: The Tale of Roses and Rumi - Holly Lynn Payn Review

Book: Damascena: The Tale of Roses and Rumi

Author: Holly Lynn Payn

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal 

Book synopsis:

Holly Payne's spellbinding tale brings the unparalleled poet, Mevlana Rumi, to life, and transports readers to the enchanting world of 13th century Persia. Simply but elegantly told, the story unravels the mystery surrounding a legendary orphaned girl, who discovers her gift of turning roses into oil. Named after the flowering rosa damascena, the girl reluctantly assumes the role of a living saint for the miracles she performs-longing for the only one that matters: finding her mother. Deeply wounded by the separation since birth, Damascena undergoes a riveting transformation when she meets Rumi and finally discovers the secret of the rose. Imbued with rich historical research and inspired by the devastating disappearance of Rumi's most lauded spiritual companion, Shams of Tabriz, Holly Payne has courageously opened herself to receive Rumi's teachings and offer a timeless love story. 

Book Review:

Holly has crafted a story that drips with the beauty of the rose. With every turn of the page of the story I found myself being pulled more and more into the story, delving into the world held within the pages. This is the story of a saint, a girl, from her journey to birth until she has completed her task of the divine as she discovers the secret of the rose. 

I'll admit a first, I had a difficult time pulling myself into the book. It was slow going at the start, though I thought the story was intriguing I couldn't progress into the story as quickly as I wanted. And maybe that was point, to go slow and digest the story at the beginning, to take it all in and really think about it all. As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself reading more and more, consuming the words as though they were as the sun was for Shams. I was suddenly reading with great speed and excitement, needing to know what happened next. I found myself pausing at their riddles, and finding myself thinking of them when I placed the book down, contemplating their meaning and thinking how it spoke to me about my own life no matter how long ago those words may had been said. 

My heart pounded at some parts as I read this book, at many parts of this work actually. I held my breath at some points, finding myself softly praying that what I had read wasn't true, that so much hardship hadn't befallen onto a girl who was born with the gift to turn roses into oil. It was as though I had traveled the journey with Damascena, was with her from the beginning of her birth, her reluctance to accept the gift she possessed to the final moments where she had finally accomplished almost all she needed to do in the world and was about to embrace her final task. 

All in all, I found this book to be extremely fascinating and at times utterly spell binding, give it a review of 4 out of 5 stars. 

Favorite quotes:

"“I’m no miracle worker. You can’t turn shit into wine!”

“Beauty is cunning, that is why the truth can often be very ugly.”

If you could see the ugliest leper with the eyes of love, his beauty would out-dazzle the starlit sea.

She wanted to spit on the stones they walked on. And she told him. “What good will that do? You will only have wet stones.” 

“Yes. Better for them to slip.”

“But it is you who might end up slipping and falling.

Purchase the book:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/lng8mvp   

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/mjfvfqz

Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/nwcv66

Connect with Holly:

Website: http://hollylynnpayne.com/

Blog: http://hollylynnpayne.com/blog

Twitter: @HollyLynnPayne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollylynnpayne