Stormview Book Reviews
Our staff of literary advisors, authors, and poets are pleased to publish reviews for Writer's Guild Members.
Emotional Fissures ~ Poetry
By John C. Winchell
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Review by Janet Doucette, Stormview Press
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In our culture, men are not encouraged to share the burden of their grief. Success, striving, achievement and displays of power are rewarded whilst silent despair is considered just that - silent.
Poet John Winchell offers a bittersweet taste of the real to a culture that thrives on the illusion of success without stark self- reflection.
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Click to learn more or buy: Emotional Fissures
Ace of Cups: Her First Time Out ~ Mystery
By Erica Shay
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Review by Janet Doucette, Stormview Press
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Ace of Cups is a fabulous new take on the "hard-boiled, gum shoe detective" trying to keep the office lights burning when the "drop-dead gorgeous widow" arrives and needs a private eye to investigate her husband's recent death. And she's conveniently willing to pay handsomely for it.
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The gum-shoe is ex-cop Marti O'Neal, who not only has precision skills in deductive reasoning, she uses a deck of Tarot cards to spice up the possibilities in crime detection. She knows how to tap into the psychic realms and doesn't hesitate to use all the tools in her investigatory arsenal.
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The damsel is Jayne Cullen, a wealthy socialite, who calls things like she sees them. She doesn't take "no" for an answer. Even though her marriage was a little lacking in the affection department, it doesn't stop her from wanting to find her husband's killer.
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When Marti's investigation proves Stephen Cullen's accidental death wasn't so accidental, her client becomes the police department's prime suspect. Now it's a murder case and Marti herself is in the crossfire trying to prove Jayne didn't off her husband for an insurance payoff.
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Marti and Jayne work overtime to narrow down the suspects before someone else dies when they discover a few things in common. It isn't just a mutual taste for sassafras tea or the delights of baklava. Romance, it seems, is in the cards.
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I loved Marti's witty sarcasm and critical self-appraisal. She sizes up situations in a heartbeat and takes action, even if it puts her own safety at risk. Jayne's innate confidence, upbeat attitude and forthright integrity run counterpoint to Marti's more pragmatic style. It's that very tension between the opposites that complements these two women and the discovery that they just might be meant for each other.
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Click to learn more or buy: Ace of Cups
A Convergence of Crows ~ Mystery
by Anneka Lowrie
Review by Emilee Jackson / Instagram Reviews
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What sets "A Convergence of Crows" apart is its fusion of psychological intensity with a mystical twist. The narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, unraveling a complex tapestry of secrets and reelations. This mystery series is a must-read for aficionados of psychological thrillers seeking a narrative that skillfully blend the visceral with the mystical.
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Click to learn more or buy: A Convergence of Crows
Donald Trump is My Frickin' Guru ~ Self-Help
by A. Lady
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Review by Janet Doucette, Stormview Press
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There are those who cringe at the sound of his name. Like a fingernail screeching on a chalkboard, the sound of his voice sets off uncontrollable convulsions. The very thought of him makes their blood boil. The pseudonymous writer, A Lady, gently and provocatively guides the reader in taking mental actions that both preserve and restore one’s natural peace of mind.
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What shall we do, she ponders, now that he made good on his promise to run for President again?
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Her book “Donald Trump is My [frickin’] Guru is the ultimate in Buddhist mind training. For those of us perilously close to losing our minds in self-provoked agitation, A Lady points out the necessary mindset and vital practices with which one must engage in order to survive the anger, frustration, confusion and insanity of our current political playing field.
What if, she informs us, we free our minds instead of losing it altogether?
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Click to learn more or buy: Donald Trump ~ Guru
First Signs of April ~ Memoir
by Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe
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Review by Melanie Braverman / Author of East Justice & Red
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Reading First Signs of April is like sitting in front of a fire with an old friend: Briscoe starts telling her story and all of a sudden the sun is up and you feel as if you haven't blinked once. This book will become that friend who stays with you for life.
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Click to learn more or buy: First Signs of April
Inner Pathways ~ Poetry
by John C. Winchell
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Review by TBA
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Inner Pathways is currently being reviewed.
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Click to learn more or buy: Inner Pathways