Svetlana's Reads and Views

Name of Book: Driftwood Point Author: Mariah Stewart ISBN: 978-1-4767-9259-0 Publisher: Gallery Books Part of a Series: The Chesapeake Diaries Type of book: St. Dennis, art, lost love, second chances, Maryland, discovering self, cottage, family history, grudges, environmental, the "eye", modern times, residents, wrong side of the war Year it was published: 2016 Summary: The sun sets on the Chesapeake Diaries, New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart’s cherished series based on Maryland’s picturesque eastern shore, with this romantic tale of a man who takes a second chance on love with the high school crush who broke his heart. Up-and-coming artist Lisbeth Parker finally has a chance to show the folks back home what it means to leave Cannonball Island and make something of yourself. As a native whose stubborn father forbade her from befriending townies, Lis always felt like an outsider in St. Dennis. So while her work is on display in the local...

Title of the book:  am I going to be okay? Weathering the storms of mental illness, addiction, and grief Author:  Debra Whittam Publisher: Turning Point International Publishing Date: 2016 ISBN: 978-0-9968817-0-8 Summary: Am I Going To Be Okay? is a thought provoking true life story of growing up in a family riddled with mental illness and addiction and the effect it had on the children during their formative years. It touches profoundly on the relationship between family fears and frustrations and how they affect a person's level of self-esteem. The author, Debra Whittam, a licensed, practicing mental health therapist casts an unashamed light on her shame-based childhood and subsequent decent into her own sea of addiction, loneliness and denial as well as the steps she took for recovery and wellness. This is a story that will be helpful to all who might need to throw off fear and frustration and gain the courage and self-confidence to produce positive changes ...

Title of the book: Date like a girl, marry like a woman; the polished woman's guide to love, romance and sex Author: Jessica R Bunevacz Publisher: Self published Publishing Date: 2016 ISBN: 978-1-5238-2396-3 Summary: Navigating our romantic lives can be filled with incredible highs and unfathomable lows. Everyone enters relationships with a unique idea of what makes connection work. But even with our differences, we have a common thread running through all of us: the deep desire to love and be loved. Based on her experiences, and with the help of her closest friends and the men in her life, author Jessica R. Bunevacz created a series of guidelines for women looking to enjoy dating and romance and avoid common pitfalls and difficulties. Whether you're dating, getting ready to walk down the aisle, or are already married and looking to take your marriage to the next level, it's profoundly important to celebrate where you are on your journey and make every d...

Name of Book: The Moon in the Palace Author: Weina Dai Randel ISBN: 978-1-4926-1356-5 Publisher: Sourcebooks landmark Part of a Series: The Empress of Wu Duology Type of book: China, Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu, 631-648, seasons, palace life, loyalty, family, filial piety, secrets, friendships, relationships, rivalry, jobs, fighting Year it was published: 2016 Summary: There is no easy path for a woman aspiring to power A concubine at the palace learns quickly that there are many ways to capture the Emperor’s attention. Many paint their faces white and style their hair attractively, hoping to lure in the One Above All with their beauty. Some present him with fantastic gifts, such as jade pendants and scrolls of calligraphy, while others rely on their knowledge of seduction to draw his interest. But young Mei knows nothing of these womanly arts, yet she will give the Emperor a gift he can never forget. Mei’s intelligence and curiosity, the same traits that make her...

Name of Book: Eating Bull Author: Carrie Rubin ISBN: 978-1-940419-10-7 Publisher: Science Thriller Media Type of book: obesity, responsibility, modern times, murder, thriller, abandonment, bullying, suing, justice, poking fun, health issues, food, relationship to food Year it was published: 2015 Summary: Jeremy, a lonely and obese teenager, shoots into the limelight when a headstrong public health nurse persuades him to sue the food industry. Tossed into a storm of media buzz and bullying, the teen draws the attention of a serial killer who's targeting the obese. Soon the boy, the nurse, and their loved ones take center stage in a delusional man's drama. In this novel of suspense, Eating Bull explores the real-life issues of bullying, fat-shaming, and the food industry's role in obesity. "A solid thriller that manages to infuse one boy's coming-of-age with a whole lot of murder."--Kirkus Reviews **Content Advisory: This book contains...

Name of Book: Beneath the African Sun Author: Maria Lynch ISBN: 9781460274866 Publisher: FriesenPress Type of book: Africa, Portugese Goa, racism, clothing, business, children/young adult novel, 1913-1970s, family, settling down, roots, married life, relationships Year it was published: 2015 Summary: When Sabby Mendes leaves Portuguese Goa aboard the dhow Monsoon Wind bound for British East Africa in 1916, he has one dream-to find work as a tailor in the relatively new capital of Nairobi. Sabby is a young man, still a teenager, but he is determined to build a life for himself, and he knows that the opportunities in the British Protectorate are better than those facing him at home. A bright, affable young man with a genuine passion and talent for tailoring, he is not prepared for what he is about to find beyond the Arabian Sea. The Protectorate, which will become British Colony of Kenya, is a highly segregated society with the British firmly ensconced at its top; bel...

A House Divided-Pearl S Buck SR: March 11th, 2016 FR: N/A The Light of Grace-Kasey Claytor SR: June 2nd, 2016 FR: June 10th 2016 The ocean at the end of the lane- Neil Gaiman SR: June 16th, 2016 FR: June 28th 2016 Sovereignty- Anjenique Hughes SR: June 28th, 2016 FR: Caesar and Cato the road to empire-Brian Igoe SR: May 31st 2016 FR: Bela's Letters-Jeff Ingber SR: June 5th, 2016 FR: June 22nd 2016 The errant hours-Kate Innes SR: June 10th 2016 FR: Son of Man-Yi Mun-Yol SR: March 10th, 2016 FR: June 16th 2016 Eating Bull-Carrie Rubin SR: March 8th, 2016 FR: June 2nd, 2016 Beneath the fall- Aaron Safronoff SR: May 27th, 2016 FR: June 5th, 2016 Driftwood point-Mariah Mariah Stewart SR: June 22nd 2016 FR: June 28th, 2016 Loreena's gift- Colleen M Story SR: June 28th, 2016 FR: Nonfiction: Tree of Souls-Howard Schwartz SR: February 10th, 2014 FR: N/A