Welcome to RRBC Member Reviews! We know you’ve probably shared it on Amazon (or, maybe Amazon took your review down and are refusing to put it back up for whatever reason), but we’d also love to know what you thought of the RRBC books you’ve read.
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Happy Reviewing!
RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB 
I read and reviewed Karen Black’s “A Wish and His Demand.” The review is approved on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/RNF15J5EDP9DZ/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Very Good!
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Thank you, Shirley, for reading “Wish” and for posting a review. I am delighted that you enjoyed it!
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Greetings, all. “When Can I Stop Running,” by John Podlaski is a good one. In childhood, there are imaginary monsters in the dark. In war, the monsters in the darkness are real. The comparisons between the two are well done in this story that focuses on a nighttime assignment in Vietnam where it’s too dark for a soldier to see the fingers on his hand.
The author uses physical discomfort, sounds, and odors that affect well crafted characters to bring their scenario to life. The dialogue is realistic and the memories of childhood bring an added dimension to a tense story about the terror of war. https://www.amazon.com/review/RL97Z08CHF0LI/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
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Thank you, Karen! I’m glad you enjoyed my story and do appreciate your time to review my book.
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I’ve read them all, John, and have enjoyed every one. Now, you need to write another one!
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5.0 out of 5 stars A likeable short story.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 20 May 2023
Verified Purchase
Review of How I remember my Mama by Shirley Harris-Slaughter
Shirley Harris-Slaughter writes about memories of her mother in this delightful short story. The book takes you through her mama’s childhood filled with sorrow and loneliness and the need for her to fight for everything to survive. Clearly leading to a full and varied life. Encompassed by spiritualism, poetry, tenacity and caring.
The troubled times of the second world war years found her working on a naval base where she would screw rivets into the engines of planes affording her the title “Rosie the Riveter.”
The poetry produced by Mama revealed much insight into topical issues of the time in American history.
I found this to be an informative and special read.
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Hello, readers and book reviewers all!
Magic meets reality” is the title I gave my Amazon review for Maura Beth Brennan’s engaging short story, “The Fairy Garden.”
Title: “The Fairy Garden”
Date: April 25, 2023
Link: https://www.amazon.com/review/R36LXHYJGDSE6U/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Rating: 4
With the main character Sara in a magical garden and later at a seaside exhibit, author Maura Beth Brennan traces the path of an adopted daughter’s coming of age. Weaving together three generations, Maura Beth takes us on two parallel stories: one in the memory of the idyllic garden of Sara’s childhood and another at an art show as a teenager, trying to discover the identity of her birth mother. This short story, wrapped in the magic of fairies and tulips yet grounded in real-life scenes, illustrates the true meaning of family.
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Thank you for reading and reviewing my story, Marian! I appreciate it!
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Here is my five-star review of Marian Beaman’s “The Fairy Garden.” I might add that I loved the cover. It is posted on Amazon.
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2023
Sarah loves her grandmother’s stories about the backyard garden and the fairies whom her grandmother swears live in it. She even gets up early some days to try to catch a glimpse of them so she can make a wish that will come true–just like Grandma has told her it would. One day, however, she overhears something that changes her world. Is that part of a wish she makes with a fairy? Will it come true?
This author has captured the essence of childhood and growing pains, as well as the doubts children have about the world, wrapped up in a fairy garden. Her descriptions of ocean waves and scenery are exquisite. This short story is tender and sweet and provides the inner thoughts of a child seeking her identity. A great read.
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Wanda, I love everything about your review except that you got me mixed up with Marian Beaman! Our names are very alike, so I understand. This story contains a kernel of truth – my Grandmother really did tell me these stories about the fairies, as did my father. I think they really enriched my childhood, certainly encouraged creativity. So I am grateful for them. Thank you for the lovely review.
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Hi Everyone–Here’s my latest review. Pat Garcia’s “Late Bloomer”: https://www.amazon.com/Late-Bloomer-Pat-Garcia-ebook/dp/B0BWFLL9TJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NNNDK4EVGA0X&keywords=Pat+Garcia+Late+Bloomer&qid=1682025777&s=books&sprefix=pat+garcia+late+bloomer%2Cstripbooks%2C86&sr=1-1#customerReviews
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Hello folks, I am posting my review of Maura Beth Brennan’s book The Edge of Memory.
I gave it 4 stars.
I always enjoy Maura Beth’s writing and The Edge of Memory is no exception.A troubled youth leads our protagonist into a failing marriage and a troubled memory. Harriet begins working for an elderly, wealthy, lady.
They both enjoy one another’s company and travel to Maine where the lady has a holiday home. A jealous nephew makes his angst clear when he comes to visit. Harriet meets a young man while they are in Maine and the inevitable romance begins. An overheard conversation leads to much misunderstanding heading to a violent and unexpected ending.
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Joy, thank you for reading and reviewing my book! I appreciate it!
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Greetings, everyone. In “The Dead at Heart,” Susanne Leist has penned a suspense filled story of supernatural romance in the third installment of “The Dead Game Series.” The now familiar characters continue to display their individuality and the settings were once again well described. I am a fan of dialogue and enjoyed the realistic discussion and the banter created throughout the novel.
With enough complexity to keep the pages turning, but not so much that the plot gets lost, this is a must read for those who have already enjoyed the first two books of the series. If, however, you have not read the first two books, I doubt you will truly appreciate the final installment. The twists in the storyline worked beautifully and the ending was perfect.
https://www.amazon.com/review/RDQP6TOPXFIDD/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
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Below is my 5-star review of “Sahara Heat” by Maura Beth Brennan which I inadvertently posted under the wrong category. The post can be found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/review/R17XWYM15AIBX8/ref=pe_1098610_13771620/
The short story “Sahara Heat” by Maura Beth Brennan is a psychological thriller about an ex-stripper who has been acquitted of the murder of her wealthy husband and his friend. A newspaper reporter, whose career has advanced as a result of her coverage of the trial, can’t believe her good fortune when Sahara calls.
“Are you ready for the real story, Angie. The one you didn’t write for the paper?”
Angie remembers Sahara (then named Alice) as a poor girl who was rejected by first-grade classmates. Sahara had to move when her father abandoned the family. Angie was one of the few kids who were kind to Sahara. As Angie records the telephone call, she settles in but becomes shocked to learn the truth about Sahara’s involvement in the murder scene.
Author Maura Beth Brennan has masterfully written a story that will make you hold your breath as the suspense of what really happened at the murder scene is revealed by Sahara. The tale is a deliciously wicked confession of a femme fatale, reminding me of the character of Matty Walker in the 1980s erotic thriller “Body Heat.”
The narrative spews Sahara’s true nature when she reveals meeting her husband’s friend for the first time at her home. “She [Sahara] shook her head so her glossy hair, enhanced by tasteful highlights, looked tousled. She made sure her entrance had the maximum effect. Her four-inch red-soled stilettos clicked as she walked across the open second-floor balcony . . .” The twists in the suspenseful tale culminate in an unexpected ending.
I recommend “Sahara Heat” for those who delight in reading suspenseful tales about a twisted character who embodies the archetype of a femme fatale.
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Hi Everyone–Below is my 5-star review of “Janie B” by Pat Garcia that was posted on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RA8B3XRO7Z3YH/
The short story Janie B by Pat Garcia immediately draws you in with a verse from Songs of Solomon 2:9: “My lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering through the window.”
Janie B drives up to a lake house renovated by her savior, who promises “. . . to guide her through her final therapeutic steps of deliverance into freedom.” Terrifying memories of the kidnapping and assault she had been rescued a year ago flood her senses. The horrifying incident in the past is juxtaposed with the promise of unconditional love.
Author Pat Garcia strikes the chord of every human emotion: terror, shame, and love. A year is packed in the short story, in which Janie B must rise above her fear and stand firm. The narrative is lyrical and rich in vivid metaphors. For example, as Janie looks outside the windowpane of the lake house, she sees “A deer with horns!” Her younger lover responds, “Those aren’t horns, JB. They’re antlers. And he is admiring you.”
Janie B is an evocative romance of a woman’s journey of unlocking her heart to accept who she is and to radiate her love for another. Highly recommended.
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I have read and posted a review, Terra’s Call by P.T.I. Perrin, on Amazon under the name GABBY on 02/10/2023
A thrilling teen and YA sci-fi adventure
The story, Terra’s Call by PTI Perrin, begins with a Cherokee prediction of the Earth’s dying and four teenagers inexplicably gathering in a high school. The four teenagers—Jewel, Sky Fletcher, her twin brother Pax, and Storm Ryder—were born about the same time years ago. Their mothers had an unusual encounter while pregnant with them. These teenagers also share their eyes’ distinctive shape and color; each teenager has a unique superpower. The author adeptly lets the readers know that these four kids are a hybrid of humans and an alien race who bear a tremendous responsibility to save our planet: Earth.
All the characters in the story are creatively and imaginatively developed. Their typical teenage behaviors are relatable to that age group, yet the depiction of their unique powers draws readers into a fantasy realm.
The plot is compelling, the dialogues are engaging, and the story progresses at a good pace and is easy to follow.
This is the first of the four-book series. It aims for a middle-grade and young-adult audience, but anyone who is a fan of the sci-fi–adventure genre will enjoy it.
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Thank you so much for your review of Terra’s Call, Eichin! I appreciate your comments and I’m very glad you enjoyed it. Blessings!
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I have read and posted a review Figs, Vines & Roses by Joy M. Lelley, on Amazon under the name GABBY on 02/10/2023
A historical novel with depth
This book, Figs, Vines, & Roses by Joy Lilley, is about the Merryweather family at the turn of the nineteenth century. Several characters are included in this book, but the main one is Isabella (Issy) Merryweather. The author astutely plots the tale to conjure up the evolving world through Issy’s growth from childhood to the late fifties. We can find the Industrial Revolution, the social gulf, and the tension among the so-called aristocrats and lower class around that era. Through Ms. Lilley’s eloquent writing, we are gripped by Issy’s admirable love story that overcomes her initial fear and breaks the social class barrier. Issy’s lifelong striving for women’s rights, gender, and social equality is evidently depicted in the narrative. The last line of the novel is heart-wrenching. At last, Issy courageously decides to reveal the truth to her daughter—a secret that has consumed her for years.
I googled Sissinghurst Castle and was delighted to find the garden, just as the story illustrated. I will love to visit this castle if I travel to London again.
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I have read and posted a review, Unwelcomed by John Podlask, on Amazon under the name GABBY on 02/10/2023.
For the Love of Family
At the beginning of the story, a letter from the main character’s sister serves as a prelude. Mr. Podlaski meticulously depicts the interior layout of his house, the yards, and the surroundings, which intertwine with his sister’s letter. The detailed description provides the readers with solid imagery and drives the story forward later. The writing is concise, and the narrative flows well. An enjoyable read!
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Thank you, Gabby, for reading and reviewing my story. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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Hello Everyone,
Here’s the link to my review of Sahara Heat by Maura Beth Brennan on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/gp/customer-reviews/R3K3AKCON7M0ZY/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B08GK1SF3X
Shalom shalom
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Greetings, all!
In her memoir, “The Mennonite Daughter,“ Marian Beaman effectively paints a picture of life within the Mennonite community through the eyes of a young girl who becomes a young woman. In a cohesive community that focuses on Mennonite family values within the author’s home, rules are made to be followed and disobedience has a price. In some cases, the price is truly child abuse. Forgiveness, however, is also an important part of the Mennonite lifestyle and that, too, is apparent. The decision to leave the life she was born into was not an easy one, but Marian followed her heart and found happiness. The story of the Mennonite Daughter is captivating and the recipes, photographs and even a reprinted news article included at the end of the story are a welcome bonus to this well written memoir. https://www.amazon.com/review/R3SOHQRTWAXT6H/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv.
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Hello Everyone,
I am posting my 4-star review of Sahara Heat by Maura Beth Brennan. I am waiting for approval from Amazon Germany. As soon as I receive it, I will post the link.
Shalom shalom
Whenever a stripper and braggart come together in marriage, you can expect the unexpected. That is what I met when I started reading this story. Rejection plays an essential role in the main female character’s childhood, whose name is Alice. The non-acceptance killed her innocence, and she changed her name from Alice to Sahara.
Well-written, the story deals with two old-time friends meeting up again. One of them married to Sahara, and one recently divorced. The plot is engaging and will keep you turning the pages, especially if you’re looking for excitement, infidelity, and murder. You get it all in this story and will want to read it.
However, I am a person that likes to see justice done and the good guys winning out in the end. This story offered an ending my soul wasn’t willing to accept, but I highly recommend reading it.
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Happy Sunday, all! Here’s my 5-star review of LATE BLOOMER by Pat Garcia:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading LATE BLOOMER by Pat Garcia, it kept my interest from the very beginning.
This story is about Nadine Dorothy Lauren, aka NaDoo, who is a 47-year-old virgin – a woman who never in all that time experienced love. She had dreamt about marriage and wished for a house full of children, but neither occurred to date. She relocated to Europe after her best friends convinced her that the odds of meeting a soul mate there were in her favor.
NaDoo was a professional child psychologist and her job kept her busy, her social life was limited to bi-monthly bridge games with her friends and occasional family get-togethers with them. She became so distraught that she considered a surgical procedure that would prevent her from ever giving birth. Her mind was changed after meeting her new neighbor, Daniel Incogniti, and his seven boys.
She began to spend her free time with Daniel and his family and soon experienced her first-ever sensuous kiss. From that point on, her dreams were filled with thoughts about Daniel and how her body reacted to his touch. Is he the one?
Does her wish finally come true, or will nine be just too much? A great story and highly recommended. Pick up the book to find out how it all turns out.
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I successfuly got Cherries by John Podlaski approved on Amazon. 5 Stars https://www.amazon.com/review/R27U6N0RMFQ42L/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
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Thank you for the wonderful review, Shirley. I’m glad you were able to learn from my story, especially, seeing how your brother, Ronald, might have experienced similar days and nights during his tour. So sorry he didn’t survive the war…I would have loved for him to critique my work.
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