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November 2022 MBR The General Fiction Shelf
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Midwest Book Review
Dec 2, 2022, 12:27:15 PM12/2/22
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The General Fiction Shelf
Waiting 'Round To Die
Chris Grant
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9781639884513, $17.99
https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Round-Die-Chris-Grant/dp/1639884513
Waiting 'Round To Die tells of a nameless man who takes to the road in an effort to uncover answers about his past. The story opens with the first-person narrator reflecting on this escape: "I had not felt this disconnected from my myriad responsibilities in years. No one, save the person who checked me into the hotel, knew where I was. I kind of wondered if my wife cared. I suspected she didn't. She told me to leave. I was just taking her advice." He has a vague idea of where he is going, but no real concept of where he will wind up.
At once a middle-age crisis point and a discussion of existential life inspection, Waiting 'Round To Die contains a sense of irony because its character is making the choice to do anything but wait for the end of his story. Readers who look for stories of middle-agers in crisis about their lives and choices, who embark on a road trip of self-discovery that results in odd answers to questions that drive meetingups with disparate individuals along the way, will find Waiting 'Round To Die a fine study in opposites.
Chris Grant does an excellent job of juxtaposing social, political, historical, and literary references during the course of this novel. The journey details a road trip of the heart and mind, as much as it covers the physical encounters with disparate individuals that each lend a sense of revelation to the narrator's world. Astute dialogue often synthesizes this process and its meaning:
"Tell me this then," Morty continued. "What are you doing? Why are you driving around the country with your degenerate uncle?"
"I am trying to find myself."
"You're almost fifty years old. You should have found yourself thirty years ago,"
"Maybe that's the problem. Maybe I never knew who I was."
As events unfold, readers will be prompted to consider their own life-changing moments and meanings, and will find the narrator's journey thought-provoking and moving on different levels. Blend a travelogue, a disparate set of personalities, and contrasting life visions with philosophical reflection to receive a novel that proves enlightening and entertaining on more than one level: "I did not need to spend another twenty or thirty years just waiting around to die. This was not what I'd signed up for. This was, in no way, what I wanted. No muse, no point, nobody needs me... what the hell was I going to do next?"
Libraries seeking novels about middle-age journeys will find Waiting 'Round To Die one of the best, while book clubs reviewing this topic will find the story holds plenty of fodder for discussion.
Fearless
Paula Dail
Warren Publishing
www.warrenpublishing.net
9781957723402, $32.00 Hardcover/$19.95 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Paula-Dail/dp/1957723408
Fearless is a novel based on true facts. It comes from a "cradle Catholic" who spent several years in a Catholic girls' boarding school, and who holds a personal, in-depth familiarity with the Catholic Church's schools, convents, and processes.
Viewing with horror the Church's moral failings and persistent subjugation of women and other disenfranchised groups, she is no longer Catholic. Nevertheless, she highly respects the heroic work of countless nuns who work tirelessly on the front lines of social justice for women and other marginalized groups.
This powers the fictional story of seventeen-year-old Maggie Corrigan, who has experienced a tough life as the oldest child of seven, growing up motherless (her mother died in childbirth) and impoverished in a Southside Chicago Irish-Catholic family. Her choices seem clear: either follow her mother's path into marriage and too many children, or enter the convent to dedicate her life to God and chastity. The option feels like a no-brainer as Maggie chooses the latter, but finds her devotion to God anything but a singular, predictable path. These sentiments play a key role in a story in which Maggie comes to represent not just piety, but a special brand of woman whose purpose seems clear: to both support and rebel against the Church she so loves.
Maggie became tough and devious as she survived her family situation and remained true to her spiritual calling. These traits continue to serve her well as she hones a challenge to the Church that includes a fight for women's reproductive rights. Tensions evident in charity work, in clashes between personalities, and in moral and ethical conundrums evolve in a story replete with many thought-provoking experiences and passages. The result is a powerhouse of a story especially recommended for readers steeped in and supportive of Catholic faith, but critical of some of its social interactions. This audience will find much food for thought in Maggie's struggles to reconcile her beliefs with her moral and ethical values.
While libraries strong in fiction that represents strong female characters and interests will want to include Fearless in their holdings, ideally it will reach beyond library shelves to assume a major and interactive role in book clubs and reading groups interested in representations of women's dilemmas with the Catholic Church. This audience will find many discussion points in Maggie's experiences and changing world, which will fuel debates and provide opportunities for deeper-level thinking.
A Home for the Stars
Laura Kemp
Ramirez & Clark Publishers LLC
9781955171168, $21.95 Hardcover/$14.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Stars-Lantern-Creek-Book/dp/1955171165
A Home for the Stars is the third, concluding volume in the Lantern Creek trilogy, and ideally will be chosen by prior fans, who will find this concluding story of a magical experience picks up where the last book left off. The story opens with a mysterious Ojibwa petroglyph which has carried Justine Cook back in time to the moment her unseen enemy is born, separating her from what is familiar and introducing her to a world that she's only dreamed of. Justine's encounter with magic and danger is countered by her determination to find Dylan, who has apparently left her alone in this strange place where a "great wind" has deposited her. Her top mission is to stop Henry Younts before he harms those she loves. The only way to save them is to find what she came to this world to uncover. The introductory setting marking Justine's awakening and sense of purpose leads nicely into the first chapter, where Calvert Cook is tending to a girl that was discovered lying in his field.
Laura Kemp weaves a fine story of the shaman, Butler, and the characters that surrounding Justine, as well as capturing their confusion over Justine's strange clothing and ways. As Adam, Henry, Cal, Butler and Odessa find their lives entwined, the action unfolds on different levels, moving between a magical odyssey and a mission to save very different worlds. Kemp creates a host of fine characters who each hold special interests in the outcome of Justine's efforts. She spices her story with the flavor of magical realism, creates action-packed scenes of rescue and confrontation, and reveals "Injun magic" and forces of religious fervor that don't always follow logical paths of good and evil's progression. The result is a powerful novel that nicely completes the prior books in the Lantern Creek trilogy.
While newcomers would find the tale involving, ideally readers of A Home for the Stars will be prior fans, This audience will gain the most from its continuing revelations of this world and its people. Libraries seeing popularity with the other books in the series will find A Home for the Stars a satisfying conclusion that includes reflections on when a search should end and peace be accepted.
Banks of the River
Melvin Litton
Gordian Knot Books
c/o Crossroads Press
9781637897812, $17.99 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Banks-River-Kansas-Murder-Trilogy/dp/1637897812
Banks of the River, the second book adding to the Kansas Murder Trilogy, is as much about a small Kansas town in the 1960s as it is about the murder that changes it. In the opening scene, protagonist Jack Marshal is no saint. In fact, he's incarcerated in an old jail to cool off for 48 hours. Even the town priest finds Jack a cut above the ordinary: "In the proverbial phrase he was "Full of it!" Possessed of a joyous hunger to grasp each pleasure offered and take it in. Full of it -- the devil. He simply loved too deeply for faith to cure, loved too deeply the marrow of life."
Invited to confess his sins, Jack imparts a ribald story that involves Jack's implication in a murder surrounding his teen daughter's pregnancy by Jack's old buddy. His trial immerses the town in many conundrums because more is at stake than Jack standing trial. Also on the line and under examination are the beliefs, actions, and undercurrents of the town's secrets, which stand trial alongside him and become exposed one by one. The heart of these follies lies in deception, decisions, and perceptions that shake the town to its roots, both individually and as a community.
As a host of characters swirl around Jack's mistakes and life, readers receive a powerful story of redemption and town complexities, tempered with a wry, ironic underlying stream of humor that keeps readers involved and walking a fine line between criminals and citizens. Immersed in murky legal and social waters, the good citizens of this small town find their parties and lives in
full swing as they cope with the changing tides of legal, political, and social connections.
Powered by exceptional characters with the ability to represent both the ironic, zany facets of life and everyday milestones of achievement, Melvin Litton creates another winning story (begun in King Harvest) that captures the characters and sentiments of this small Kansas town. Readers of historical fiction who look for a satisfying blend of mystery and a broader sense of place and purpose than most murder novels embrace will find that Banks of the River appeals beyond the murder mystery genre to attract readers interested in communities and the crimes that rock them.
Libraries looking for books that operate either as an integral addition to a trilogy or on their own as solid examinations of guilt, innocence, and mercurial legal waters will find Banks of the River a fine novel. It's recommended for anyone who enjoys tales of small-town residents and their rage, redemption, and resolve.
How Far?: A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama
Bob Wilber
Outskirts Press, Inc.
www.outskirtspress.com
9781977250391, $29.95, PB, 568pp
https://www.amazon.com/How-Far-Tale-Determination-Drama/dp/1977250394
Synopsis: "How Far?" is the story of two disparate characters as told in their own distinct voices. One is a gifted baseball player from Southern California and the son of artist hippies. The other an undersized hockey player from Roseau, Minnesota, a hotbed of high school hockey in a state where hockey is king.
Roseau is a small community just south of the Canadian border and has produced numerous NHL and international hockey stars. Both characters progress through the challenges they face. Each come from vastly different upbringings. Both reach levels of greatness. And, thanks to one spontaneous moment, they met, became friends, and achieved their individual paths to the pinnacle of their sports.
"How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama" is a work of fiction that is brought to life by novelist Bob Wilber's storytelling technique and attention to detail. There is drama, heartbreak, elation, and more. Life lessons learned. Moments of brilliant brightness as well as the darkness of personal lows. There are also deep dives into the world of amateur and professional sports, down to the tiniest important details. This is a tale of life as told through the lens of two elite athletes playing different games while they impact each other's lives.
Critique: "How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama" showcases author Bob Wilber's genuine flair for originality, compelling dialogue, memorable characters, and a narrative driven storytelling style. One of those novels that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the book is finished and set back upon the shelf, "How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama" is unreservedly recommended for community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Bob Wilber (https://bobwilber.net) grew up aspiring to follow in his father's baseball footsteps, and while he was able to secure a full college scholarship and later spend parts of six years in professional ball, as a player, coach, and scout, his mother's writing, communications, and public relations skills were what eventually defined his career. His first published book was his autobiography, "Bats, Balls, & Burnouts".
What We Never Say
Paulette Stout, author
Media Goddess Inc.
https://mediagoddessinc.com
9781736637159, $18.99, PB, 394pp
https://www.amazon.com/What-Never-Say-Bold-Journeys/dp/1736637150
Synopsis: After a lifetime of lacking confidence at work and in life, Rebecca has finally found her voice. Her blog for women is gaining traction, even getting noticed by the world's top fashion magazine. When they request an article, Rebecca is beyond thrilled. So why is her boyfriend Kyle so concerned?
Kyle has a blank spot in his past he won't share-not even with Rebecca. But his secret is blown when a powerful woman from Kyle's fashion past, becomes desperate to get his attention. It's attention he never wanted and has been trying to forget for eleven years.
As Kyle takes steps to heal, Rebecca's article becomes a global sensation. Events force Kyle's past and present to converge, putting Rebecca's future at serious risk.
Kyle and Rebecca must now act to reclaim their lives before it's too late.
Critique: Having a special appeal to readers with an interest in family/women's fiction, "What We Never Say" is a deftly crafted, deeply engaging, and memorably compulsive page turner of a novel that is part of author Paulette Stout's new series 'Bold Journeys". While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99), "What We Never Say" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community library Contemporary Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Paulette Stout (www.paulettestout.com) is a author of women's fiction who tackles taboo topics too long ignored. She is also the author of "Love, Only Better". Paulette is the gold-star wordsmith and owner of her content marketing agency, Media Goddess Inc., where she crafts content for her list of global clients. Prior to MGI, Paulette led content and design teams at several tech companies, and one educational publisher where her elimination of the Oxford comma caused a near riot.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
Waiting 'Round To Die
Chris Grant
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9781639884513, $17.99
https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Round-Die-Chris-Grant/dp/1639884513
Waiting 'Round To Die tells of a nameless man who takes to the road in an effort to uncover answers about his past. The story opens with the first-person narrator reflecting on this escape: "I had not felt this disconnected from my myriad responsibilities in years. No one, save the person who checked me into the hotel, knew where I was. I kind of wondered if my wife cared. I suspected she didn't. She told me to leave. I was just taking her advice." He has a vague idea of where he is going, but no real concept of where he will wind up.
At once a middle-age crisis point and a discussion of existential life inspection, Waiting 'Round To Die contains a sense of irony because its character is making the choice to do anything but wait for the end of his story. Readers who look for stories of middle-agers in crisis about their lives and choices, who embark on a road trip of self-discovery that results in odd answers to questions that drive meetingups with disparate individuals along the way, will find Waiting 'Round To Die a fine study in opposites.
Chris Grant does an excellent job of juxtaposing social, political, historical, and literary references during the course of this novel. The journey details a road trip of the heart and mind, as much as it covers the physical encounters with disparate individuals that each lend a sense of revelation to the narrator's world. Astute dialogue often synthesizes this process and its meaning:
"Tell me this then," Morty continued. "What are you doing? Why are you driving around the country with your degenerate uncle?"
"I am trying to find myself."
"You're almost fifty years old. You should have found yourself thirty years ago,"
"Maybe that's the problem. Maybe I never knew who I was."
As events unfold, readers will be prompted to consider their own life-changing moments and meanings, and will find the narrator's journey thought-provoking and moving on different levels. Blend a travelogue, a disparate set of personalities, and contrasting life visions with philosophical reflection to receive a novel that proves enlightening and entertaining on more than one level: "I did not need to spend another twenty or thirty years just waiting around to die. This was not what I'd signed up for. This was, in no way, what I wanted. No muse, no point, nobody needs me... what the hell was I going to do next?"
Libraries seeking novels about middle-age journeys will find Waiting 'Round To Die one of the best, while book clubs reviewing this topic will find the story holds plenty of fodder for discussion.
Fearless
Paula Dail
Warren Publishing
www.warrenpublishing.net
9781957723402, $32.00 Hardcover/$19.95 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Paula-Dail/dp/1957723408
Fearless is a novel based on true facts. It comes from a "cradle Catholic" who spent several years in a Catholic girls' boarding school, and who holds a personal, in-depth familiarity with the Catholic Church's schools, convents, and processes.
Viewing with horror the Church's moral failings and persistent subjugation of women and other disenfranchised groups, she is no longer Catholic. Nevertheless, she highly respects the heroic work of countless nuns who work tirelessly on the front lines of social justice for women and other marginalized groups.
This powers the fictional story of seventeen-year-old Maggie Corrigan, who has experienced a tough life as the oldest child of seven, growing up motherless (her mother died in childbirth) and impoverished in a Southside Chicago Irish-Catholic family. Her choices seem clear: either follow her mother's path into marriage and too many children, or enter the convent to dedicate her life to God and chastity. The option feels like a no-brainer as Maggie chooses the latter, but finds her devotion to God anything but a singular, predictable path. These sentiments play a key role in a story in which Maggie comes to represent not just piety, but a special brand of woman whose purpose seems clear: to both support and rebel against the Church she so loves.
Maggie became tough and devious as she survived her family situation and remained true to her spiritual calling. These traits continue to serve her well as she hones a challenge to the Church that includes a fight for women's reproductive rights. Tensions evident in charity work, in clashes between personalities, and in moral and ethical conundrums evolve in a story replete with many thought-provoking experiences and passages. The result is a powerhouse of a story especially recommended for readers steeped in and supportive of Catholic faith, but critical of some of its social interactions. This audience will find much food for thought in Maggie's struggles to reconcile her beliefs with her moral and ethical values.
While libraries strong in fiction that represents strong female characters and interests will want to include Fearless in their holdings, ideally it will reach beyond library shelves to assume a major and interactive role in book clubs and reading groups interested in representations of women's dilemmas with the Catholic Church. This audience will find many discussion points in Maggie's experiences and changing world, which will fuel debates and provide opportunities for deeper-level thinking.
A Home for the Stars
Laura Kemp
Ramirez & Clark Publishers LLC
9781955171168, $21.95 Hardcover/$14.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Stars-Lantern-Creek-Book/dp/1955171165
A Home for the Stars is the third, concluding volume in the Lantern Creek trilogy, and ideally will be chosen by prior fans, who will find this concluding story of a magical experience picks up where the last book left off. The story opens with a mysterious Ojibwa petroglyph which has carried Justine Cook back in time to the moment her unseen enemy is born, separating her from what is familiar and introducing her to a world that she's only dreamed of. Justine's encounter with magic and danger is countered by her determination to find Dylan, who has apparently left her alone in this strange place where a "great wind" has deposited her. Her top mission is to stop Henry Younts before he harms those she loves. The only way to save them is to find what she came to this world to uncover. The introductory setting marking Justine's awakening and sense of purpose leads nicely into the first chapter, where Calvert Cook is tending to a girl that was discovered lying in his field.
Laura Kemp weaves a fine story of the shaman, Butler, and the characters that surrounding Justine, as well as capturing their confusion over Justine's strange clothing and ways. As Adam, Henry, Cal, Butler and Odessa find their lives entwined, the action unfolds on different levels, moving between a magical odyssey and a mission to save very different worlds. Kemp creates a host of fine characters who each hold special interests in the outcome of Justine's efforts. She spices her story with the flavor of magical realism, creates action-packed scenes of rescue and confrontation, and reveals "Injun magic" and forces of religious fervor that don't always follow logical paths of good and evil's progression. The result is a powerful novel that nicely completes the prior books in the Lantern Creek trilogy.
While newcomers would find the tale involving, ideally readers of A Home for the Stars will be prior fans, This audience will gain the most from its continuing revelations of this world and its people. Libraries seeing popularity with the other books in the series will find A Home for the Stars a satisfying conclusion that includes reflections on when a search should end and peace be accepted.
Banks of the River
Melvin Litton
Gordian Knot Books
c/o Crossroads Press
9781637897812, $17.99 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Banks-River-Kansas-Murder-Trilogy/dp/1637897812
Banks of the River, the second book adding to the Kansas Murder Trilogy, is as much about a small Kansas town in the 1960s as it is about the murder that changes it. In the opening scene, protagonist Jack Marshal is no saint. In fact, he's incarcerated in an old jail to cool off for 48 hours. Even the town priest finds Jack a cut above the ordinary: "In the proverbial phrase he was "Full of it!" Possessed of a joyous hunger to grasp each pleasure offered and take it in. Full of it -- the devil. He simply loved too deeply for faith to cure, loved too deeply the marrow of life."
Invited to confess his sins, Jack imparts a ribald story that involves Jack's implication in a murder surrounding his teen daughter's pregnancy by Jack's old buddy. His trial immerses the town in many conundrums because more is at stake than Jack standing trial. Also on the line and under examination are the beliefs, actions, and undercurrents of the town's secrets, which stand trial alongside him and become exposed one by one. The heart of these follies lies in deception, decisions, and perceptions that shake the town to its roots, both individually and as a community.
As a host of characters swirl around Jack's mistakes and life, readers receive a powerful story of redemption and town complexities, tempered with a wry, ironic underlying stream of humor that keeps readers involved and walking a fine line between criminals and citizens. Immersed in murky legal and social waters, the good citizens of this small town find their parties and lives in
full swing as they cope with the changing tides of legal, political, and social connections.
Powered by exceptional characters with the ability to represent both the ironic, zany facets of life and everyday milestones of achievement, Melvin Litton creates another winning story (begun in King Harvest) that captures the characters and sentiments of this small Kansas town. Readers of historical fiction who look for a satisfying blend of mystery and a broader sense of place and purpose than most murder novels embrace will find that Banks of the River appeals beyond the murder mystery genre to attract readers interested in communities and the crimes that rock them.
Libraries looking for books that operate either as an integral addition to a trilogy or on their own as solid examinations of guilt, innocence, and mercurial legal waters will find Banks of the River a fine novel. It's recommended for anyone who enjoys tales of small-town residents and their rage, redemption, and resolve.
How Far?: A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama
Bob Wilber
Outskirts Press, Inc.
www.outskirtspress.com
9781977250391, $29.95, PB, 568pp
https://www.amazon.com/How-Far-Tale-Determination-Drama/dp/1977250394
Synopsis: "How Far?" is the story of two disparate characters as told in their own distinct voices. One is a gifted baseball player from Southern California and the son of artist hippies. The other an undersized hockey player from Roseau, Minnesota, a hotbed of high school hockey in a state where hockey is king.
Roseau is a small community just south of the Canadian border and has produced numerous NHL and international hockey stars. Both characters progress through the challenges they face. Each come from vastly different upbringings. Both reach levels of greatness. And, thanks to one spontaneous moment, they met, became friends, and achieved their individual paths to the pinnacle of their sports.
"How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama" is a work of fiction that is brought to life by novelist Bob Wilber's storytelling technique and attention to detail. There is drama, heartbreak, elation, and more. Life lessons learned. Moments of brilliant brightness as well as the darkness of personal lows. There are also deep dives into the world of amateur and professional sports, down to the tiniest important details. This is a tale of life as told through the lens of two elite athletes playing different games while they impact each other's lives.
Critique: "How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama" showcases author Bob Wilber's genuine flair for originality, compelling dialogue, memorable characters, and a narrative driven storytelling style. One of those novels that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the book is finished and set back upon the shelf, "How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama" is unreservedly recommended for community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Bob Wilber (https://bobwilber.net) grew up aspiring to follow in his father's baseball footsteps, and while he was able to secure a full college scholarship and later spend parts of six years in professional ball, as a player, coach, and scout, his mother's writing, communications, and public relations skills were what eventually defined his career. His first published book was his autobiography, "Bats, Balls, & Burnouts".
What We Never Say
Paulette Stout, author
Media Goddess Inc.
https://mediagoddessinc.com
9781736637159, $18.99, PB, 394pp
https://www.amazon.com/What-Never-Say-Bold-Journeys/dp/1736637150
Synopsis: After a lifetime of lacking confidence at work and in life, Rebecca has finally found her voice. Her blog for women is gaining traction, even getting noticed by the world's top fashion magazine. When they request an article, Rebecca is beyond thrilled. So why is her boyfriend Kyle so concerned?
Kyle has a blank spot in his past he won't share-not even with Rebecca. But his secret is blown when a powerful woman from Kyle's fashion past, becomes desperate to get his attention. It's attention he never wanted and has been trying to forget for eleven years.
As Kyle takes steps to heal, Rebecca's article becomes a global sensation. Events force Kyle's past and present to converge, putting Rebecca's future at serious risk.
Kyle and Rebecca must now act to reclaim their lives before it's too late.
Critique: Having a special appeal to readers with an interest in family/women's fiction, "What We Never Say" is a deftly crafted, deeply engaging, and memorably compulsive page turner of a novel that is part of author Paulette Stout's new series 'Bold Journeys". While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99), "What We Never Say" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community library Contemporary Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Paulette Stout (www.paulettestout.com) is a author of women's fiction who tackles taboo topics too long ignored. She is also the author of "Love, Only Better". Paulette is the gold-star wordsmith and owner of her content marketing agency, Media Goddess Inc., where she crafts content for her list of global clients. Prior to MGI, Paulette led content and design teams at several tech companies, and one educational publisher where her elimination of the Oxford comma caused a near riot.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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