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Nazis and Nudists by David Haldane (Book Review)

 
 



The real baby boomer story laid bare.

Ever wondered what it’s like to get so lost in the nether regions of an era that you can barely find your way home? A ward – winning journalist David Haldane tells you with verve and humor in his new memoir, Nazis & Nudists, set for release on October 1st , by Black Rose Writing. The book is aimed at baby boomers, would – be counter culturists, news reporters, their audiences, history buffs and anyone who’s ever struggled toward the light or appreciates the gripping tale of someone who does.

Haldane eventually achieved salvation the way increasing numbers of American men do these days; by finding love via the Internet on a distant and exotic Philippine island. En route to marital bliss, however, he traversed some rocky terrain from the cluttered newsroom of the Berkeley BARB to the disintegrating halls of the Los Angeles Times in its waning days. He also encountered such iconic purveyors of the time as a grandfatherly Walt Disney, a young bodybuilding Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charles Manson’s lawyer who got murder ed for his troubles, Timothy and Joanna Leary at the gates of hell, a famous beatnik’s ghost on the railroad tracks, American terrorists with stolen identities fixing to take down the country and Bernie Sanders as a young mop – haired politician cursing at t his own image on the screen.

“The story follows the arc of an era,” Haldane says. “ It will interest baby boomers, their younger siblings who wished they were there and their children and grandchildren who are glad that they weren’t.”

 

Purchase this book at Black Rose WritingAmazon or Barnes & Noble.

 

 
(request submitted by author for an honest critique) 
 
David sure has lived an eventful life and it’s not over yet. I wonder what other adventures are in store for him. So far, he has traveled all over the world (ex. Germany, Mexico, Greece and Philippines). He’s met the most interesting people (ex. Walt Disney and Arnold Schwarzenegger). He’s also participated in antiwar demonstrations, worked at The LA Times, and been married more than once. Folks, that’s not everything he’s lived through. 
 
Compared to his life, mine seems rather low key which is mighty fine in my book. 
 
Ladies and gents, if you like biographies/memoirs, then pick up Nazis and Nudists. If nothing else, it’ll be a great conversation starter when your friends ask what you are reading. I mean, who could pass up asking follow-up questions after hearing this title. 🙂
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 

Purchase this book at Black Rose WritingAmazon or Barnes & Noble.

 
 

David Haldane’s career in journalism has spanned more than four decades, beginning as an underground reporter for the Berkeley BARB and culminating in twenty – three years as a Los Angeles Times staff writer. Currently he live s in Joshua Tree, California , where he writes magazine articles and books. His work has appeared in many publications worldwide including Los Angeles Times Magazine , Orange Coast , Islands , Penthouse and Salon . It has been anthologized in two previous books.

 

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Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words by Valerie Ryan (Book Review)

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Syntyche is a fifteen year old girl who lives in a world struggling to survive the aftermath of religious wars and a growing controlling government. Her unique abilities to see guardian angels has left her feeling like an outcast but little does she know that her gifts will soon expand with a blessing from the archangel Barachiel. She discovers that she is part of an old prophecy that must bring together angels, sins and virtues to close the gates of Hell – all seven of them. In order to do this they must defeat each demon that guards the doors.

There are many dangers in her future but Syntyche knows she will survive to see the day when a great prophet can preach without the fears of evil getting in the way. With the help of a griffin, phoenix and dragon what could possibly go wrong?

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Let me start off this review by stating Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words is 500+ pages long so if you’re looking for a fast read, this isn’t the book for you. Also, if you are seeking out a story that doesn’t require you to really pay close attention to details, again you might want to pass on this. 
 
Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words had so much going on, so much information to absorb, that I was tempted to take notes. I’m sure readers will be wishing for a cliff note version. 


Between comprehending the prophecy, the various angels (the hierarchy of the angels), and the creatures that arise…… Not going to lie, it’s a lot to retain. Good thing I have a mighty good memory. 🙂
 
On the positive, Valerie imagination knew no bounds. Her visions, descriptions of the angels and beasts were very detailed and creative. Ex. dog-aroo: big black hair mutant kangaroo dog on steroids.  See what I mean? Inventive.
 
On a final note, this book did not end with the final page. Yup, you’ll have to wait for part 2 to see what happens next. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤1/2
 
Purchase Links
 
 
 
Valerie lived most of her life in Indiana and considers herself a Hoosier at heart, however, she now lives in the Tampa Bay area in Florida with her husband and two beautiful children. She has always worked with animals and has been a groomer, veterinary technician and dog trainer. She loves to write and cannot think of a time when she wasn’t thinking of a story to share.

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His Wicked Highland Ways by Laura Strickland (Book Review)

 

Widowed following a marriage of convenience, Jeannie MacWherter has fled lowland Dumfries, Scotland, for the highland cottage bequeathed to her late husband by his brother-in-arms, laird of the glen. Though she’s never met the laird, local rumor labels him both murderer and seducer—a wicked, dangerous man who Jeannie learns is determined to chase her from his land.

Finnan MacAllister has come home to Glen Mhor in order to right past wrongs. He doesn’t care that Rowan Cottage is the beautiful Widow MacWherter’s only refuge. He’s convinced she’s a wanton who deliberately broke the heart of his best friend, Geordie, and he’s vowed to get even with her: seduction is his weapon of choice. But will his own heart betray him?

 
GET YOUR KINDLE OR PAPERBACK COPY TODAY!! 

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Ladies and gents, be prepared to meet your next book boyfriend. Finnan was described deliciously — tall, tanned, muscular, tattoos, shoulder-length hair, and sporting a nice package. *winks* 
Sounds yummy, right? 

Oh yeah, once Jeannie gets a taste of him, she has to go back for seconds, and thirds, and so forth. 

 
She also proved quite addicting for him. His head and heart might’ve been conflicted due to his vow of revenge but in the end his heart reined victorious. 
 
But theirs wasn’t the only love to shine through in this tale. Nope, there was lots of lovin going on. 🙂
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

GET YOUR KINDLE OR PAPERBACK COPY TODAY!! 

 

 
 
 
Born and raised in Western New York, Laura Strickland has pursued lifelong interests in lore, legend, magic and music, all reflected in her writing. Though her imagination frequently takes her to far off places, she is usually happiest at home not far from Lake Ontario with her husband and her “fur” child, a rescue dog. Author of Scottish romances Devil Black and His Wicked Highland Ways as well as The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy consisting of Daughter of Sherwood, Champion of Sherwood and Lord of Sherwood, she has also published two Steampunk romances, Dead Handsome: a Buffalo Steampunk Adventure and Off Kilter: a Buffalo Steampunk Adventure and two Christmas novellas: The Tenth Suitor and Mrs. Claus and the Viking Ship. Her Lobster Cove Historical Romance, The White Gull, is followed by a Lobster Cove novella, Forged By Love.
 

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Twist of Faith by Darlene Fredette (Book Review)

 

Katrina has one goal—follow through on her late-grandmother’s last request, to oversee the renovation of Katrina’s childhood home. The handsome contractor is distracting, but she refuses to be swayed by his deep brown eyes and broad shoulders. A summer romance is not part of the plan. When the truth is discovered about her family’s past, Katrina fears her own future is in jeopardy. She doesn’t have faith, but the twists that lie ahead may just change her mind.

Nick refuses to accept help from anyone, until Katrina gives him an ultimatum—one he can’t refuse. Her renovation project will save his business, but puts his heart on the line. Can he convince Katrina to stay or will a promise to her late-grandmother pull her away? With a little twist of Faith, the odds may be in his favor. 

 
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

First I’d like to start off this review by stating don’t read this book on an empty stomach. The characters were always talking about food, eating food, and (because of this) my stomach was rumbling nonstop. No joke. 🙂

Ok enough about that, now onto the critique………

Most people dream about being swept off their feet. Nick did just that for Katrina — LITERALLY. He saved her from harm in a construction zone. He then, not so politely, informed her about the importance about proper work attire — aka a hard hat which BTW he bestowed upon her as a gift later on. Sweet and surprisingly romantic gesture.

He continued to be quite the sweet, loving man even after encountering a bombshell regarding Katrina. Heck, he stood by her while she was dealing with a life changer of her own.

An all their ups and downs wouldn’t have been possible without dear ole’ Gram. A woman with a heart of gold but harboring life-altering secrets of her own.

HEA

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5v(highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
 
 

An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loves to develop the stories swimming in her head. Following a career path in administration, she excelled in the art of editing and design, which eventually led to a position as Director of Administration and Marketing.

Now, making her dream come true to write full time, Darlene writes heartwarming contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners.

Darlene resides on the East Coast of Canada with her husband, daughter, and Yellow Lab. When not working on her next book, she enjoys spending time with her family.

 

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Shatterproof by K. K. Weil (Book Review)

 
Griffin Stone knows the stats. Sons of abusers become abusers. This is his single fear. After witnessing firsthand his parents’ tumultuous marriage, Griffin worries that he, too, harbors an explosive dark side. He volunteers at Holly’s House, a safe haven for abused women. Through sculpture, Griffin gives these women pieces of themselves they’ve long forgotten. Holly’s House is the only place where Griffin finds peace and purpose.Until he meets Frankie Moore. Frankie is an aspiring photographer, finding beauty in things most people miss, including Griffin. He is attracted to her free-spirited, sassy attitude but fears she will trigger the most intense part of him, the one he must keep buried.
 
 
Purchase Links: 
 
 
“Do you remember all the things people say?” Frankie asks with a lazy grin.
 
“Only certain people.” I smile back. I stroke her long hair. It’s wild against my skin, with unpredictable waves. Just like Frankie. My hands never tire of feeling every single surface and texture of her.
 
She rests her head back on my bare chest and begins tracing each of my tattoos. “I can’t believe you do this for all those women.” Her fingers follow the lines of a cherry blossom on my ribcage. “Do you have any idea how incredible you are?”
 
I don’t answer. She sighs.
 
“You don’t, do you?” She stops midtrace. “Can I see mine?”
 
I laugh at how blatant she is about it, when I specifically told her she was only part of the inspiration for the moon. I give her my back. A single fingernail follows the lines of the moon and the sky around it. I suppress a shudder. How does just one of her nails have such a blistering effect on my body? Then the same nail traces the tattoo parallel to hers. A faded sketch of a small, mustached man rescuing a child from drowning.
 
“I never noticed this one before. Is it for someone or is it just something you liked?” she asks.
 
“It’s for someone. It’s for Roth.”
 
She finds the symbolism right away. “It’s very powerful.” Her voice flutters in my ear. “It’s in the same exact spot as mine, on the other shoulder blade. You never struck me as the kind of guy who needs symmetry,” she jokes.
 
“They’re there for a reason.”
 
“What significance are shoulder blades?”
 
I chuckle.
 
“They’re not on my shoulder blades, Frankie. They’re on my lungs. Mr. Rothman taught me how to breathe years ago. You’re the reason I keep doing it.”
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
There are many evils in the world. Sad but true. Some of those evils we come across are outside our homes; however, some people face them without stepping a foot out their front door. Unfortunate but again another truth. 
 
For those who suffer any sort of abuse, I hope they find a safe place like Holly’s House. I also hope they meet their own Griffin. 
 
Griffin knows about abuse firsthand. He watched his father hurt his mother regularly. Instead of following his dad’s example, he chose to be a better man. Using his gift/talent, he masterfully created sculptures for the women of Holly’s House. He showed them there is still beauty in the world. With so much darkness in their life, a token of kindness (no matter the size) can make all the difference.
 
Folks, spread joy — pay it forward — and never let anyone damper your spirit!! 
  
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
 
 Purchase Links
 
 
 
K.K. Weil grew up in Queens, but eventually moved to New York City, the inspiration for many of her stories. Weil, who attended SUNY Albany as an undergrad and NYU as a graduate student, is a former teacher. She now enjoys writing her own dramas and lives near the beach in New Jersey, where she is at work on her next novel.
 

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