Book Review: Get Energy! by Denise Austin

Saturday 1 January, 2011 By 6 Comments


Title: Get Energy!: Empower Your Body, Love Your Life
Author: Denise Austin
Publisher: Center Street
Publication Date: January 7, 2011
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN: 978-1599952475
Genre: Health & Fitness

From the Publisher:

With busy schedules, demanding careers, and little time, many of us battle just to stay awake. But energy is something that is in our control, even when time is short. Now 50 years young, fitness guru Denise Austin shows readers how to super-charge their lives, using her innovative lifestyle plan. She eats the right foods at the right time of day. She uses the power of stretching and breathing to feed her body with energy-enhancing oxygen. She uses mini-workouts to get energy even on her busiest days–and now you can too!

Denise shows how simple changes can add up to increased energy levels throughout the day. From the foods they consume to the way they sit in their chairs, readers won’t believe how Denise’s quick and easy plan will dramatically increase their energy levels. In as little as a week, results will be felt: radiant skin, more restful sleep, and a sharper mind…so follow Denise Austin and prepare for a fitness wake-up call!

My Review:

I chose to review Get Energy! by Denise Austin because it is not a diet book. Rather at age 50, Denise Austin gives readers a glimpse into her life and how she manages to have so much energy. Austin speaks about the various things that can drain one of their energy and small, easy, and do-able ways to regain energy from drinking more water to eating enough food. Austin does offer some stretches to wake one up, but does not preach about hours of exercise or starvation diets, rather offers the reader a realistic approach to aging gracefully, reducing stress, and gaining more energy regardless of one’s age. Austin offers a workbook type section for the reader to use for 14 days to help boost energy and reduce stress along with brief workout sections to gain energy. The book is written in a warm and inviting manner as though Austin is in the reader’s living room having a casual discussion about how to find more time in one’s day and how to reduce stress. I highly recommend Get Energy! to anyone who feels they could use a little bit more energy in their day, regardless of age.

About the Author:

A native of San Pedro, California, Denise started gymnastics at the age of 12 and earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Arizona, graduating in 1979 with an exercise physiology degree. She began her career teaching aerobic exercise classes in the Los Angeles area and went on to cohost the The Jack LaLanne Show, in 1981. (Denise considers Jack LaLanne one of her role models, and she is delighted to still speak regularly with the 94-year-old fitness legend.)

During more than 25 years promoting health and fitness, Denise has created 82 workout videos or DVDs. Her enormous number of sales led to her 2003 induction into the Video Hall of Fame.

Denise has been married for 25 years to Jeff Austin, a sports attorney and brother of tennis champ Tracy Austin. They share a home with their two teenage daughters, Kelly and Katie.

I received a complimentary copy of Get Energy! by Denise Austin from Hachette to review. Receiving a copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: The Sherlockian by Graham Moore

Friday 3 December, 2010 By 5 Comments


Title: The Sherlockian
Author: Graham Moore
Publisher: Twelve
Publication Date: December 1, 2010
Hardcover: 368 pages
ISBN: 978-0446572590
Genre: Mystery, Fiction

From the Publisher:

In December 1893, Sherlock Holmes-adoring Londoners eagerly opened their Strand magazines, anticipating the detective’s next adventure, only to find the unthinkable: his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, had killed their hero off. London spiraled into mourning — crowds sported black armbands in grief — and railed against Conan Doyle as his assassin.

Then in 1901, just as abruptly as Conan Doyle had “murdered” Holmes in “The Final Problem,” he resurrected him. Though the writer kept detailed diaries of his days and work, Conan Doyle never explained this sudden change of heart. After his death, one of his journals from the interim period was discovered to be missing, and in the decades since, has never been found.

Or has it?

When literary researcher Harold White is inducted into the preeminent Sherlock Holmes enthusiast society, The Baker Street Irregulars, he never imagines he’s about to be thrust onto the hunt for the holy grail of Holmes-ophiles: the missing diary. But when the world’s leading Doylean scholar is found murdered in his hotel room, it is Harold – using wisdom and methods gleaned from countless detective stories – who takes up the search, both for the diary and for the killer.

My Review:

Alternating between 1893 and 2010, The Sherlockian by Graham Moore is a delightful double mystery novel for not only mystery lovers but also for fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Moore cleverly crafts two mysteries; one involving the duo of Doyle and Stoker and the other, a modern day duo Harold and Sarah, each pairing works quite well together. I truly enjoyed The Sherlockian, but I do not think it hurt that I have been a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series for as long as I can recall. However, as stated earlier, I think Doyle fans and those who have not read any of Doyle’s works will enjoy The Sherlockian. Moore details the latter half of the nineteenth century and cleverly crafts his characters as well as the clues and plot twists making both mysteries intriguing, captivating and fantastic to read. Does The Sherlockian beat out any of the original Holmes series? No, but I do not believe it was ever meant to, rather this is a “what if” type novel, taking a step back in time which leads to the present day mystery. Simply put, I truly enjoyed The Sherlockian and found it a quick and enjoyable book to read. I would recommend The Sherlockian to any mystery fan.

I received a complimentary copy of The Sherlockian by Graham Moore from Hachette to review. Receiving a copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: Duchess of Sin by Laurel McKee

Friday 3 December, 2010 By 1 Comment


Title: Duchess of Sin
Author: Laurel McKee
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: November 30, 2010
Paperback: 384 pages
ISBN: 978-0446544764
Genre: Fiction, Romance

About the book:

Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin’s most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.

Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he’s suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna’s door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love.

My Review:

Duchess of Sin by Laurel McKee is book two of the Daughters of Erin Trilogy. While I did read and review the first book, Countess of Scandal, it is not necessary to have read it to understand Duchess of Sin. The trilogy details the lives of the Blacknall sisters, where in the first novel, the reader learned about Eliza Blacknall and in Duchess of Sin the reader learns about the middle sister, Lady Anna Blacknall. Since it is indeed a romance novel, we meet the dashing and complex Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair. While I have finally concluded that romance novels are not my favaurite genre, I must give credit where credit is due and McKee writes a very compelling story filled with intriguing characters, plots and history which make even those not overly fond of romance, such as myself, interested in the story. As with the first novel, I flipped through the steamy parts and focused on the historical aspects of the book. McKee’s passion for Ireland shows through her writing. In the first novel I met all three sisters and the only one I sort of enjoyed was Anna, so I was looking forward to learning more about her. The third sister, Caroline Blacknall, will be featured in the final installment of the Daughters of Erin Trilogy, Lady of Seduction, which will be available this summer. As with the previous novel, Duchess of Sin is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy vivid romance novels.

About the author:

LAUREL McKEE lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a bossy miniature poodle. She loves dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network-even though she doesn’t cook. Writing as Amanda McCabe, her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. Please visit her website at www.LaurelMcKee.

Behind the Scenes

Five Fun Facts

Author Website

I received a complimentary copy of Duchess of Sin by Laurel McKee from Hachette as part of the tour. Receiving a free copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: The Wolves Of Andover By Kathleen Kent

Wednesday 1 December, 2010 By 7 Comments


Title: The Wolves of Andover
Author: Kathleen Kent
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books
Publication Date: November 8, 2010
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN: 978-0316068628
Genre: Historical Fiction

From the Publisher:

In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin’s household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of his part in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. A love story and a tale of courage, The Wolves of Andover confirms Kathleen Kent’s ability to craft powerful stories of family from colonial history.

My Review:

Dark, historic and deeply compelling, The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent is more than a work of historical fiction as she is writing about her own ancestors and their lives in 1673 colonial Massachusetts. Following Kent’s extraordinary novel, The Heretic’s Daughter, I was not certain if Kent would be able to match the quality, when in fact she exceeds it in The Wolves of Andover. Historical fiction fans will recognise many names straightaway especially when Kent shifts to England. Kent’s characters are vividly described and both the feelings in the colonies as well as in London during this time in history are made quite clear to the reader as Kent easily transitions the reader into this period where, for Martha in the colonies, life is rather desolate, bleak and extremely dangerous. The crown wants someone to pay for Charles I’s execution and witch trials are in full force. As I read The Wolves of Andover I had little difficulty imagining life as a colonist and I do not think I would have made it. The life was very hard and for the characters even more so as the wolves Kent alludes to in her title pertain to more than the animal that could easily destroy a family. It is not necessary for one to have read The Heretic’s Daughter to follow along in The Wolves of Andover, but once read, I believe readers will want to read Kent’s previous book. I went into The Wolves of Andover with extremely high expectations and I was not disappointed. I strongly recommend The Wolves of Andover to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is merely looking for an intriguing and captivating book.

About the Author:

Kathleen Kent lives in Dallas with her husband and son. To learn more about Kathleen Kent and her extraordinary novels please visit her website.

I received a complimentary copy of The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent from Hachette to review. Receiving a copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley

Monday 22 November, 2010 By 5 Comments


Title: The Imperial Cruise: A Secret History of Empire and War
Author: James Bradley
Publisher: Back Bay Books; Reprint edition
Publication Date: November 8, 2010
Paperback: 400 pages
ISBN: 978-0316014007
Genre: History

From the Publisher:

On the success of his two bestselling books about World War II, James Bradley began to wonder what the real catalyst was for the Pacific War. What he discovered shocked him.

In 1905 President Teddy Roosevelt dispatched Secretary of War William Taft, his daughter Alice, and a gaggle of congressmen on a mission to Japan, the Philippines, China, and Korea with the intent of forging an agreement to divide up Asia. This clandestine pact lit the fuse that would-decades later-result in a number of devastating wars: WWII, the Korean War, and the communist revolution in China.

In 2005, James Bradley retraced that epic voyage and discovered the remarkable truth about America’s vast imperial past. Full of fascinating characters brought brilliantly to life, The Imperial Cruise will powerfully revise the way we understand U.S. history.

My Review:

The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley is an in-depth look at the Imperial ambitions that had dire consequences later on in history.   The reader is taken back to 1906 and brought aboard the SS Manchuria, a historical voyage carrying the largest delegation ever, comprised of 23 members of Congress, Howard Taft, the Secretary of War, and Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt.  The Imperial Cruise is a look at historical accounts through the eyes of author James Bradley.  For those readers who do not know, Bradley’s father, John Bradley, was one of the men to raise the American flag on Iwo Jima. While Bradley uses copious citations and documents his research, what I believe is not captured fully in this book is how the meaning of specific words still used today convey different messages.  What Bradley makes quite evident in the fact that this was not an entirely sanctioned mission and the repercussions did not come swiftly, but when they did, they were catastrophic.  Bradley is quite descriptive, his assertions are supported through citations, and he includes pictures from this historic time in history.   While I enjoyed reading this account of the mission to the Pacific Rim, I would not cease with this book, but delve deeper into further historical accounts for a more balanced view.  With that said, The Imperial Cruise makes for an interesting and enlightening book about a time period in US History that is quite important and often ignored unless one goes on to study history or political science, of which I did both.  I would recommend The Imperial Cruise to those who enjoy history or groups wanting to discuss historical events.

I received a complimentary copy of The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley from Hachette to review. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: The Fashion File by Janie Bryant

Saturday 20 November, 2010 By 2 Comments

Title: The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men
Author: Janie Bryant
Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style
Publication Date: November 4, 2010
Hardcover: 192 pages
ISBN: 978-0446572712
Genre: Fashion

From the Publisher:

From Joanie’s Marilyn Monroe-esque pencil skirts to Betty’s classic Grace Kelly cupcake dresses, the clothes worn by the characters of the phenomenal Mad Men have captivated fans everywhere. Now, women are trading in their khakis for couture and their pumas for pumps. Finally, it’s hip to dress well again. Emmy-Award winning costume designer Janie Bryant offers readers a peek into the dressing room of Mad Men, revealing the design process behind the various characters’ looks and showing every woman how to find her own leading lady style–whether it’s vintage, modern, or bohemian.

Bryant’s book will peek into the dressing room of Mad Men and reveal the design process behind the various characters’ looks. But it will also help women learn how fashion can help convey their personality. She will help them cultivate their style, including all the details that make a big difference.

Bryant offers advice to ensure that a woman’s clothes convey her personality. She covers everything from where to find incredible vintage clothing and accessories to how to pair those authentic pieces with modern shoes and jeans. Readers will learn how to find their perfect bra size, use color to convey a mood, and invest in the ten essentials every woman should own. And just so the ladies don’t leave their men behind, there’s even a section on making them look a little more Don Draper-dashing.

My Review:

The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men by Janie Bryant is quite an intriguing look at fashions dating back to the 1920s. I had never even heard of the show Mad Men, presumably a television show, but I did find the book interesting. Did I find the book helpful to my every day life? Not in the least. However, I enjoyed reading about the history behind the various looks and trends through the decades and the sketches are stunningly beautiful. Would I choose this book for advise on what to choose to wear? No, I am afraid the styles are far too dressy for me or for my husband, and while a tuxedo may make him appear younger and more distinguished, he would also look rather silly unless he was in a wedding. Bryant does offer up a lot of advice on accessories, which I did find rather interesting. If one is a fan of Mad Men, fashion and design, or one who dresses up on a daily basis, The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men may indeed be of interest.

About the Author:

Emmy-winning costume designer Janie Bry ant creates all of the looks seen on TV’s Mad Men. She has worked on numerous films and TV shows. In 2005, she won an Emmy for her period costumes on HBO’s Deadwood and this year, she took home the prestigious Outstanding Costume Design award from the Costume Designers Guild. Monica Corcoran Harel is a style and culture writer who has reported on fashion, beauty, and celebrity for InStyle, Variety, Forbes, and other magazines, and is a contributor to the Style section of the New York Times and of the Los Angeles Times magazine.

I received a complimentary copy of The Fashion File by Janie Bryant from Hachette to review. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: Simple Times: Crafts For Poor People by Amy Sedaris

Friday 19 November, 2010 By 6 Comments


Title: Simple Times: Crafts For Poor People
Author: Amy Sedaris
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: November 2, 2010
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN: 978-0446557030
Genre: Crafting, Hobbies

From the Publisher:

America’s most delightfully unconventional hostess and the bestselling author of I Like You delivers a new book that will forever change the world of crafting. According to Amy Sedaris, it’s often been said that ugly people craft and attractive people have sex. In her new book, SIMPLE TIMES, she sets the record straight. Demonstrating that crafting is one of life’s more pleasurable and constructive leisure activities, Sedaris shows that anyone with a couple of hours to kill and access to pipe cleaners can join the elite society of crafters.

You will discover how to make popular crafts, such as: crab-claw roach clips, tinfoil balls, and crepe-paper moccasins, and learn how to: get inspired (Spend time at a Renaissance Fair; Buy fruit, let it get old, and see
what shapes it turns into); remember which kind of glue to use with which material (Tacky with Furry, Gummy with Gritty, Paste with Prickly, and always Gloppy with Sandy); create your own craft room and avoid the most common crafting accidents (sawdust fires, feather asphyxia, pine cone lodged in throat); and cook your own edible crafts, from a Crafty Candle Salad to Sugar Skulls, and many more recipes.

PLUS whole chapters full of more crafting ideas (Pompom Ringworms! Seashell Toilet Seat Covers!) that will inspire you to create your own hastily constructed obscure d’arts; and much, much more!

My Review:

Absolutely hilarious as well as practical, Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People by Amy Sedaris is a creative, hilarious, and at times irreverent look at almost every topic. The first thing I did upon receiving the book was just to read it. Sedaris is brilliantly hilarious and even if one chooses to make nothing from this book, Sedaris’ writing provides plenty of entertainment. The crafts themselves are well outlined; materials are easily obtained and relatively inexpensive. Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People is a beautiful book about the difficult financial times we live in and how to bring back the art of homemade gift giving, which for many has all but been forgotten. I personally like homemade gifts; they are from the heart, be they elaborate or simple, yet I know time and thought were put into them. It is possible some of you readers may not be familiar with Amy Sedaris, so I will caution up front, no subject is forbidden and she speaks her mind. If one is looking for a traditional crafting book or is easily offended, this may not be for you. However if you know who Amy Sedaris is, are looking for a way to make items and have fun while doing it or simply want a jolly good book to read, then I heartily recommend Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People.

About the Author:

AMY SEDARIS has appeared often on screen, both large and small. She’s cocreator, with Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello, of Comedy Central’s hit show Strangers with Candy and half of the Obie-winning “Talent Family” playwright team (with her brother, David). Amy lives in Manhattan with her imaginary boyfriend, Ricky, and her pet rabbit, Dusty.

I received a complimentary copy of Simple Times by Amy Sedaris from Hachette to review. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: James Beard’s American Cookery

Saturday 13 November, 2010 By 3 Comments


Title: James Beard’s American Cookery
Author: James Beard
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; Reprint edition
Publication Date: October 25, 2010
Hardcover: 896 pages
ISBN: 978-0316098687
Genre: Cooking

From the Publisher:

James Beard was the “dean of American cookery” (New York Times), and he put practically everything he learned about cooking into this single magnificent–now classic–cookbook. JAMES BEARD’S AMERICAN COOKERY includes more than fifteen hundred of his favorite and most successful recipes, as well as advice on dozens of cooking questions, from choosing meats and vegetables to preserving fruit and making real cheeseburgers. A celebration of the roots of cooking in the American style, this repackaged edition features the original text and color illustrations, and a new foreword by Tom Colicchio.

My Review:

James Beard’s American Cookery is a tome of a cookbook just shy of 900 pages filled with recipes, a fabulous reading selection, and reference and index. This book truly impressed me which takes quite a bit as I am a disaster in the kitchen and would be hard pressed to name more than three famous chefs. As an avid reader, and I realize one does not usually look to cookbooks to be read, I found James Beard’s American Cookery to have a fabulous selection of historical stories regarding American cuisine. American Cookery is a beautiful cookbook as well as informative and filled with every type of American recipe anyone could ever want. Each section begins with the history of the particular food, such as the tradition of cheese, the differences in salads, and when the meat sections come up one learns so very much before ever getting to the recipes. I cannot imagine needing another cookbook than James Beard’s American Cookery. If you enjoy cooking, are just learning, or know someone who truly enjoys cooking, James Beard’s American Cookery is the cookbook to buy.

About the Author:

Until his death in 1985, James Beard was the nation’s most acclaimed chef and food writer. The founder and director of the celebrated cooking classes in New York that still bear his name, Beard wrote James Beard’s New Fish Cookery, The James Beard Cookbook, Menus for Entertaining, Beard on Bread, Beard on Food, and other works on the gastronomic arts.

I received a complimentary copy of American Cookery by James Beard from Hachette to review. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: The Peanuts Collection: Treasures from the World’s Most Beloved Comic Strip

Friday 12 November, 2010 By 1 Comment

Title: The Peanuts Collection: Treasures from the World’s Most Beloved Comic Strip
Author: Nat Gertler
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Date: October 25, 2010
Paperback: 64 pages
ISBN: 978-0316086103
Genre: Comics and Graphic Novels

From the Publisher:

This fully authorized, one-of-a-kind illustrated book celebrates the 60th anniversary of the world’s most beloved comic strip characters. A compendium of rare materials from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and family archives, The Peanuts Collection comes in a sturdy slipcase and features high-quality reproductions of original sketches, comics, and photographs from the world of Peanuts. Removable film cels, stickers, and booklets are included, as well as reproduction prints of Peanuts artwork ready for framing.

My Review:

The Peanut’s Collection: Treasures From the World’s Most Beloved Comic Strip by Nat Gertler makes a beautiful gift for Peanuts fans from young to old, collector to those relatively new to the charms of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang. Beautifully packaged, this book represents 60 years of comic book history with fascinating facts about not only the Peanuts comics, but also its creator Charles Schulz. Inside the book there are removable sticker sheets, artwork suitable for framing, books, brilliant copies of original drafts, holiday animation cels from the most beloved holiday specials, a cookbook courtesy of Snoopy, and so very much more. I found myself fascinated by this brilliant compilation of Schulz’s life work, learning more about this creative man and his beloved characters. I would highly recommend The Peanut’s Collection: Treasures From the World’s Most Beloved Comic Strip as a book to buy not only for oneself, but to also give as gifts.

About the Author:

Nat Gertler is a comics guy, but not just a comics guy. Sure, he has a collection of over 1000 Peanuts and Peanuts-related books, and runs blog.AAUGH.com for Peanuts book fans. And yes, he’s the publisher of the About Comics line and the the co-author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel. And it’s true he’s the creator of Licensable BearTM. But Nat was raised on a diet of Asimov and Ellery Queen, and so likes books in general. He has contributed to everything from real estate guides to horror anthologies to computer how-to books. Nat earned his BA from Simon’s Rock College at age 18, and now lives with Dr. Lara Gertler and their two children in Camarillo, CA.

I received a complimentary copy of The Peanuts Collection by Nat Gertler from Hachette to review. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire

Saturday 30 October, 2010 By 2 Comments


Title: Edge of Sight
Author: Roxanne St. Claire
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: October 26, 2010
Pperback: 432 pages
ISBN: 978-0446566582
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Suspense

From the Publisher:

The killer she can’t escape . . . The heartbreak she can’t forget . . . The one man who can stop them both. When Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant where she works, the Harvard-bound law student becomes the next target of a professional assassin. Desperate for protection the authorities won’t provide, Sam seeks help from Vivi Angelino, an investigative reporter who recruits her brother, Zach, to protect Samantha. A Special Forces vet with the scars to prove he’s equally fearless and flawed, Zach takes the job, despite the fact that he and Sam once shared a lusty interlude that ended when he left for war and disappeared from her life.

My Review:

Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire is the first book in her newest series, the Guardian Angelinos, and it is a riveting debut to a rather promising suspense-filled series. Samantha Fairchild is witness to a murder and the Boston PD does not believe her to be an entirely reliable witness. Not certain where to go for help, Sam turns to her old friend Vivi Angelino for help. Vivi is thrilled to not only renew their friendship but to tell her about her dream of starting up a company called the Guardian Angelinos, the only hitch is Vivi’s partner and Sam’s guardian is the one man who devastated her and left her broken three years ago, Vivi’s twin brother Zach. St. Claire writes a fast-paced suspense novel rife with tension, danger, delightful plot twists as well as double crosses and enough flawed characters to make them believable and easy to relate with. I really enjoyed getting to know the extended Angelino/Rossi family and thought St. Claire did an excellent job at keeping the tension, mistrust, and secrets between Sam and Zach moving along with the unfolding of the story.  Edge of Sight is a book that immediately draws the reader in, as the action begins almost immediately and does not let up, keeping the reader engaged and fully invested in the storylines as well as the characters. I would recommend Edge of Sight to anyone who enjoys a well-written suspenseful romance novel.

About the Author:

First published in 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a RITA-award winning author of twenty-five novels, including her bestselling Bullet Catcher series. Her critically-acclaimed books have been published in numerous languages and recognized with multiple awards including The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award and the HOLT Medallion, all for best romantic suspense. She currently lives on the east coast of Florida with her husband and two children. Excerpts, contact information, and free reads are available via her website. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

I received a complimentary copy of Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire from Hachette.  Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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