Author: Bergers Book Reviews

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romance, teen

Amigas and School Scandals

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Diana Rodriguez Wallach
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-0-7582-2555-9
Pages: 304
Price: $9.95

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After a summer vacation in Puerto Rico, Mariana Ruiz has returned to Spring Mills and her old life. But she’s brought home her cousin, Lilly, who is enrolling in Mariana’s high school. After only one day of classes, Lilly is an instant hit, and the most popular freshman in the school – and Mariana’s best friends are less than thrilled with her arrival.

Now Mariana needs to restore her strained relationships with Madison and Emily. Missing Madison’s Sweet Sixteen party over the summer was a faux pas she may never live down, until Madison talks her into having her own party for her sixteenth birthday. But Mariana doesn’t want a bash like Madison’s, so Lilly helps with a compromise.

Along with friend problems, Mariana still has family issues to deal with. Her estranged aunt wants to be part of the family, but Mariana’s uncles still hold grudges against her. And Mariana finds herself suddenly attracted to her locker buddy, Bobby, who had gone on a date with Emily over the summer. Emily won’t tell anyone about it, which confuses Mariana as to her friend’s feelings for Bobby – until the truth finally comes out.

Amigas and School Scandals picks up right where Amor and Summer Secrets left off, as Mariana leaves Utuado and her summer fling, Alex. But although summer is over, new dramas and tensions are just heating up.

Teens will easily relate to Mariana’s struggles to include her cousin Lilly into her circle of friendship, while doing all she can to keep her best friends, even if it means passing up a hot guy. Amigas and School Scandals will pull you into Mariana’s world and keep you hooked until the last page. I look forward to reading the final book in this series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

A Happy Day

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Louise Sheppa Lovett
Publisher: Tish & Company
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9793419-0-8
Pages: 32
Price: $18.50

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Louise Sheppa Lovett wanted a very special book for her daughter, Mary Louise, so in 1924 she created it for her in poems and watercolor. This darling book depicts a happy day in the life of that
little girl.

Life was certainly simpler when this book was originally penned. Pleasures like sweeping the floor, helping mother make a cake, and playing in the yard occupied a young girl’s days. Drawings of items used back then, like a Victrola record player, metal bath tub, and hand-pump kitchen faucet send us back in time with nostalgia.

Simple rhyming poetry is accompanied by pen and watercolor drawings, lovingly restored by the author’s granddaughter, Ellen Anne Chong, and bound in an attractive hardcover. What was once a family treasure is now available for everyone to enjoy.

A history lesson for kids who are playing video games by the time they’ve turned three, A Happy Day will offer a different perspective on childhood activities. And it will bring a smile to mom’s face as she wonders how we’ve slipped so far away from the simple pleasures in life.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fantasy

Daphne (the penguin who wanted to fly)

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Christopher Logan
Publisher: Lulu
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1-4357-5038-8
Pages:145
Price: $18.95

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When Daphne’s mother mysteriously vanishes, Daphne is left with the responsibility of caring for her four brothers. She’s a good penguin and loves her brothers dearly, so she embraces this task cheerfully, providing a loving and nurturing home for them all. But secretly she wonders what happened to her mother, and hopes that one day they will see each other again.

As all penguins do, upon reaching their fourteenth birthday, Daphne must present her secret wish to the elders. This process terrifies her, since her wish is to fly, and this is something that is forbidden for penguins. But her longing is so strong – could it possibly come true?

Christopher Logan’s artistry shines in this book, as he paints the picture of black and white penguins collecting colorful objects to brighten the drabness of their everyday existence. The use of funny and clever character names is also endearing – especially the “Dusk Bunnies” and the names of Daphne’s brothers.

But it’s his message that we all have wishes that need to be fulfilled that’s at the core of this book. Told in a folklore manner, Daphne reveals to us that wishes can come true, if we want them with all our being. Full of magic and mystery, this heart-warming story will leave you believing miracles can happen in your own life.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

romance

The Governor’s Wife

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Kate Rizor
Publisher: Stargazer Press
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 0-9734940-8-5
Pages: 191
Price: $15.00

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On the night Tanner Thornberg told his wife, Andra, that he wanted a divorce, she disappeared. For ten years he watched and waited for any news that she had been found, and he finally gets the call he’s been both hoping for and dreading.

Andie has no memories from before her visit to the hospital after a car accident. When she finds out the man with her has intent to harm her, she flees to the streets. Now she’s living as a homeless woman, trying to survive. After an arrest for taking a bottle of cough medicine identifies her as Andra Thornberg, she returns to live with Tanner as the wife of the governor of New York.

Though both feel the flames of passion that once burned between them, they’re also wary and distrustful of each other. Andie doesn’t even know this man who calls himself her husband, yet she’s drawn to him anyway. And Tanner hardly recognizes the woman who now lives with him. But as they both get to know each other again, will they fall in love once more?

A romance in every sense of the word, The Governor’s Wife sentimentalizes the plight of the homeless, painting a somewhat unrealistic picture of those who live on the streets. Tanner’s strong attraction to his wife also seemed unexpected since he gave no indication in the opening scene that he still had feelings for her.

But overall, I enjoyed this story, as it’s always reassuring to see a marriage pulled back from the brink of divorce. The Governor’s Wife is a nice, feel-good read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

literary

Inside Out Girl

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Tish Cohen
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Genre: Literary fiction
ISBN: 978-0-06-145295-6
Pages: 317
Price: $13.95

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Rachel Berman has inherited her parents’ magazine, Perfect Parent, and tries to live up to its ideal. But even as she struggles with the idea of publishing articles about special-needs children, Olivia Bean shows up in her life. Olivia’s father, Len, has done the best he could in raising his daughter alone, and still struggles with her Non-Verbal Learning Disorder.

Rachel’s kids can’t believe their mother is dating the father of the weirdest kid in school, the one they call Inside Out Girl. But as this makeshift family gets to know each other, everyone finally comes to realize how special Olivia really is.

When Len faces a personal crisis, he turns to Rachel to be there for his daughter, and Rachel doesn’t disappoint him. And in the process she finally faces a skeleton that’s been haunting her from her own past

Tish Cohen has created a real and believable cast of characters. Heartbreakingly pathetic at times, Olivia is stubborn, funny, and hard not to love. Rachel’s kids, and especially Janie, show tremendous growth and maturity in accepting Olivia into the family. And Rachel learns it’s okay to not always be a perfect parent.

But in the end, it’s Len who will steal your heart as he does everything he can to take care of his daughter, and I couldn’t stop myself from crying as the story came to a close. Tish Cohen handles this sensitive subject masterfully, and I highly recommend this powerfully moving book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

health

Women’s Health – Your Guide to Sexual Fantasies

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Emily Dubberley
Publisher: Rodale Inc.
Genre: Sexuality
ISBN: 978-1605299952
Pages: 160
Price: $17.95

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If you’ve ever used fantasy to enhance your sex life, you’re not alone. Not only is this completely normal, it can actually be very good for you. This book shows you how you can use fantasy to create more passion and excitement in your bedroom.

While women often use fantasy to become aroused with their partners, going solo can also be made more pleasurable with a good fantasy. Both male and female perspectives are presented in this book, so women get to see how men fantasize, too.

Should you tell your partner about your favorite fantasy? Or have you ever thought about acting it out? Good advice is offered about how to handle these situations, and others as they come up.

If reading this book sparks your curiosity, additional lists of books, websites, and accessory shops are provided, opening up a whole new realm of fantasy for you to explore. Phone sex, lust letters, role playing, lesbian and group sex, or bondage – no topic is taboo in this comprehensive guide. Playful, sensuous, and written just for women, Your Guide to Sexual Fantasies will open up a whole new world of erotic experiences for you.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery

Thripz

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Robert Farley
Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
ISBN: 978-1438232874
Pages: 225
Price: $6.99

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Nathan Brewster, crime reporter for the Waikiki Times, can sense trouble by the persistent ringing in his ears. When he sees the police report about a man attacked by bugs before disappearing, his sixth sense tells him this is something worth investigating.

As more reports about abnormal thrips attacks come in, Nathan begins working with University of Hawaii molecular biosciences chair, Dr. Lanahino, to discover what’s causing these bugs to act this way. Normally feasting only on produce, these altered thrips have turned their appetites to humans, with deadly results.

Panic mounts as the thrips threaten to overrun the island, and Nathan knows he needs to catch the man responsible for releasing these bugs, before it’s too late. But while it might be possible to kill him, will anyone be able to kill his weapon?

Genetically altered bugs, a lonely bachelor, and a race against time pulls the reader in and hooks him, as Nathan attempts to save the island.  Fast-moving and suspenseful, Thripz is a page-turner and an enjoyable read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, nature

Youngen Finds Her Song

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Maria J. Andrade
Publisher: Clara Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0970634740
Pages: 108
Price: $19.95

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A young thrush named Youngen is having trouble finding her song. As she spends time with her friends who have beautiful feathers and nicer nests than her own, she starts to doubt herself and her parents. Rufus, a wise old owl, notices her discomfort and decides to take her on a journey to learn about the world.

As she travels with Rufus, she learns many things about the animals in the forest and about Humans – those strange animals that make war with each other, but also build magnificent cities. And she learns that Humans can also be loving and compassionate, when she finds her own life in danger. As Youngen learns about herself and the world around her, she spontaneously bursts into song – her own unique and very beautiful song.

Author Maria J. Andrade has written a sweet novel of a young bird coming of age. She shares tidbits of wisdom about animal life and their habits along the way, to educate while telling her story. Respect for the earth and all animal and plant life is demonstrated through Youngen’s words and actions. An uplifting book with a positive message, Youngen Finds Her Song is a delight to read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

I Love You All Year Round

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Shella Shubuck
Illustrator: Alicia Padron
Publisher: Piggy Toes Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-158117786-2
Pages: 16
Price: $10.95

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A child needs constant reassurance that mother loves him, no matter what. In this adorable pop-up book intended for ages 3 and up, author Shella Shubuck takes children through a whole year of seasonal pleasures, each providing the reminder, “I will love you all year round.”

These charming mice, created in watercolor by illustrator, Alicia Padron, pop off the page in hugs and happiness, demonstrating the warmth and love this family shares, through Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring scenes.

As warm and fuzzy as a hug, I Love You All Year Round is a perfect book to read to your child just before bed. The gentle reminder of your love will remain with him as he drifts off to sleep, safe and secure.

Reviewed by: Alice Berger

literary

Webs of Power

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Darlene Quinn
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Emerald Book Co.
ISBN: 978-1-934572-05-4
Pages: 369
Price: $24.95

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When big business deals are made, the usual players are men. Webs of Power explores the lives of three women affected when a business tycoon threatens to take ownership of a department store giant.

Paige Toddman has it all. Married to Consolidated’s West Coast Division CEO, she has wealth, prestige and time to explore her own interests. Until one day an unexpected surprise comes between her and her husband, threatening to end their marriage once and for all.

Ashleigh McDowell is engaged to the President, and they are about to embark on their new life together when the attempted takeover begins. Her father-figure is still a powerful player in the department store enterprise, and when his daughter and her husband begin to take determined steps against him, Ashleigh needs to protect him.

Viviana DeMornay craves the power that only comes from being associated with the best, and that means selling her soul to the devil – the very man who plans to take over the enterprise that currently employs her. How much of herself is she willing to give up to marry him?

These three fascinating women live through the emotional roller coaster of this takeover, supportive of their men, but caught up in their own needs and desires, as well. As the business deal winds to a close, will they find the happiness they seek?

Darlene Quinn has woven a captivating story that pulls you in, as the web closes in on Consolidated. Short, quick chapters keep the reader turning the page, wanting to see what happens next in these intricate negotiations. Suspenseful and well-written, Webs of Power is a compelling and enjoyable read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger