The Determined Duchess

 The Determined Duchess, Antoinette George, Brangwyn Press, 2020

In part 2 of this series, set in 1790s England, Cat is being courted by an anonymous man in British high society. She agrees to marry him, to get her mind off Francis, the man she loved, and who walked away from her, after helping her and her family to escape Revolutionary France.

Here, in part 3, Cat learns that Francis is the man who has been courting her. Feeling abandoned, and then deceived, by him, to say that Cat sets a new record for being irate, is a huge understatement. When they return to his estate, there is lots of yelling. There is no chance of them sleeping in the same room, let alone in the same bed. Cat keeps a stiletto under her pillow, and is not afraid to use it, even on her husband. During the day, they communicate by notes passed back and forth by messengers. Cat wants a divorce; his answer is "Never." Francis tells her that, as a duchess, attendance at high society balls and parties is Expected. She agrees, wearing gowns that are more and more revealing. Francis gets just as upset at Cat as she is at him.

Francis gets word that his uncle has been taken prisoner, in France, by Bernheim and Dupont. They are two men for who torturing innocent people to death is another day at the office. He knows it's a trap, but he has no choice. Cat meets up with him in a small inn in France. She wants to help, she knows how to take care of herself, and she knows her way around a rapier, but Francis says No Way. Women are too delicate, they should make babies and take care of the house, this is "man's work." Another large argument ensues. Does Cat follow Francis, or does she stay at the inn, like a good wife "should?"

As with the other books in this series, this is an excellent piece of storytelling. It's got swashbuckling action and adventure, some really good writing, and a bit of rather extreme sex. This is very much worth reading.

The Dangerous Harlot

 The Dangerous Harlot, Antoinette George, Brangwyn Press, 2020

Set in 1790s England and France, part 3 of this series has Marie-Catherine  (nicknamed Cat) and Francis (a rich English duke) married. Their wedding night is a disaster, and things go downhill from there. Francis takes off to France, to look after his smuggling business, after Cat threatens to leave him. He is caught by Dupont, the sort of person who thinks nothing of torturing innocent people, to get them to give up their gold and jewels. Then he kills them.

Here, in part 4, Cat, and a few friends, put together a daring plan to rescue Francis, who is nearly tortured to death. They barely make it out of France. Back on his English estate, Francis spends several weeks in a coma. Cat is beside herself with worry. Francis wakes up, and eventually recovers. After sufficient time has passed, Cat wants to pick up where they left off, and consummate their marriage. During the day, Francis is totally proper and polite to her. When it comes to bedroom matters, he is totally uninterested. As a last resort, Cat gets help from a couple of women who are familiar with the world of sexual perversion. Cat gets Francis alone, and turns the "seduction dial" up as high as it will go. Does Francis get over whatever is bothering him? Does he turn back into the Ladies Man Cat knows and loves?

This whole series is surprisingly good. It's got action, adventure, fencing, good writing, and this novel has plenty of seduction. This volume, and the whole series, easily gets 5 stars.

The Elusive Smuggler

 The Elusive Smuggler, Antoinette George, Brangwyn Press, 2020

First of a series, this book is set in 1790 France. Marie-Catherine de Mornay, and Edouard, her brother, are desperately searching for a shadowy individual about which they have only heard rumors. Their parents have been thrown into prison; it has nothing to do with the approaching Revolution. If "The Shadow" can't get their parents out of prison, and all of them out of France, then no one can. As an extra complication, Edgar Bernheim, the regional Governor, wants The Shadow out of the way, permanently. His corrupt plans have been disrupted too often.

The two meet in a gypsy camp. Marie-Catherine challenges The Shadow (whose "day job" is as an English duke) to a duel with rapiers. The sexual tension between is immediate, and overflowing. Marie-Catherine is the winner. Can she convince The Shadow to help them? Can two strong-willed people give in to each other?

This is a really good story. It has action, romance and adventure. It also has a female protagonist who knows what she wants, and will do whatever it takes to get it. This will certainly keep the reader entertained. 

Bible Verses to Remember and Meditate on for Inner Peace, Strength and Growing in Faith, Love and Hope

 Bible Verses to Remember and Meditate on for Inner Peace, Strength and Growing in Faith, Love and Hope, Lawrence Keller, Independently Published, 2021

This short book (less than 50 pages) contains over 100 readings from the Bible, and is intended for reflection and meditation. The readings are clustered around subjects like the mercy, the love and the promises of God.

For anyone who wants a closer relationship with God, start here. For anyone who is experiencing an emotional hard time, or otherwise needs a "spiritual jumpstart," start here. It is very easy to read, and very much worth reading.

Haunted Past

 Haunted Past, Lisa Lahti, Independently Published, 2021

This novel is the fourth in the series of Jessie and Michael. More than a year after being told that Michael committed suicide, Jessie is on the porch of his family's farm. It is not a very friendly visit. Jessie finds herself having to deal with a web of secrets, and major decisions. She marries someone else, but her heart is not in it. Nor is her heart in his baby that she is carrying.

To paraphrase the famous saying: Reports of Michael's death are greatly exaggerated. After more than two years in hiding, Michael returns to reclaim his family. He has a hard time dealing with Jessie having moved on with her life. On top of trying to get her back, a visitor at the front door says that he is Michael's son. Can Jessie and Michael find happiness, and live "happily ever after?"

Their relationship has had more than its share of ups and downs. Romance fans will love this book. It has lots of good writing, and its retelling of Romeo and Juliet will keep the reader interested.

Stop Stopping Yourself

 Stop Stopping Yourself: How to Stop Procrastination, Get More Done and Achieve Goals That Could Change Your Life, Mario Benci, Independently Published, 2021

Are you constantly missing deadlines and failing to get things done? So did Steve Jobs and Nelson Mandela. This book explores how to stop procrastinating; everyone has been there at one time or another.

The author looks at the many causes of procrastination. Among them are: fear of failure, lack of focus, perfectionism, laziness, self-image and unclear goals. For instance, a vague goal like "I want to get healthy" will not do any good at all. How will you know if you have achieved it? Change it to something more specific, like "I want to lose at least 10 pounds before summer beach season." Procrastination is not biological or genetic; you were not "born that way." It's a mindset that can be changed, if you have the motivation to do it.

This short book is full of information. It is recommended for everyone; we all have experienced procrastination at some point in our lives. Here is a first-rate piece of writing.

The Last Turn

 The Last Turn, Elena Zhuravleva, Independently Published, 2021

This novel is about a young computer hacker. He has created an app that allows the authorities to track down criminals and terrorists while their crimes are still in the planning stages. A person would assume that the police and military would be very interested. Their response is "No thanks." However, other people are very interested. Crime is very profitable, so they start hunting him. A local newspaper reporter gets involved. She learns, to her dismay, that her own newspaper is involved in a secret online auction, sponsored by a terrorist group. The "grand prize" is exclusive media access to the next terrorist attack.

A couple of short stories are included in this book. In one, a giant blue jellyfish, that can turn into a human, is looking for love. In the other, man's destruction of the environment has gone too far. Therefore, the insects of this world stage a counter-attack.

These are some very interesting stories. The novel has a very intricate plot. It is only a matter of time until someone creates such an app. This will certainly keep the reader interested.

Old Soldiers Never Die

 Old Soldiers Never Die, Dargan Ware, Independently Published, 2021

Set in the first half of the 20th century, this novel is the story of Eamonn O'Connor.

Growing up in a tiny village in Ireland, he was among a group of Irish young men who joined the German army during World War I. Their desire was not to fight for Germany, but to fight against Britain (Irish nationalism was very strong at this time). After being shuttled all over Germany, they eventually found themselves as military police in occupied Lithuania. Eamonn is severely injured, losing part of his left foot, and is awarded the Iron Cross medal for bravery.

Between the wars, and after World War II, returns to home in Ireland, and the love of his life in Germany, brought mostly heartache. But, he was able to build quite a life for himself on two continents.

This is a totally engrossing story of life, love and the 20th century. It's got great characters, and lots of good writing. This is a gem of a story.

Guided Ignatian Contemplation

 Guided Ignatian Contemplation: Meditations on the Gospels to Come Closer to the Heart of Jesus, Lawrence Keller, Independently Published, 2021

This is a group of meditations based on events during the earthly ministry of Jesus.

Many of the major events while He was here are included in this book. Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus heals a leper. He heals Bartimaeus, a blind man, on the road to Jericho. Jesus calms the storm, and multiplies the loaves and fishes. He is transfigured, and is anointed before His death. Included are readings from the Old and New Testament, to help the reader better contemplate each event.

Personally, the best part of this book is that each event becomes a short story, instead of just a Bible reading. This makes it much easier for the reader to understand. For anyone who wants a closer relationship with God, or just wants a better understanding of some important Bible events, here is the place to start. It is very much worth reading.

The Charisma Factor

 The Charisma Factor: Unlock the Secrets of Magnetic Charm and Personal Influence in Your Life, Leesa Rowland, Hatherleigh Press, 2021

Are some people born with charisma, and the rest of us are, permanently, out of luck? Is it necessary to be rich and famous before a person can be considered charismatic? According to this book, the answer to these questions is No.

What makes a person charismatic? What makes a person be one of those who lights up a room? Among the needed elements are: self-confidence, paying attention to what the other person is saying, being a good listener, communicating effectively, and looking the other person in the eye. But, don't stare at them, or you will look like a psychopath.

Is it possible to be charismatic at the office? Be able to troubleshoot all sorts of problems. Keep long-term goals in mind. Be confident enough to take risks when necessary. Work harmoniously with others. Be energetic; people will notice. Be able to think outside the box. Last, but not least, lead from the front.

Is physical attractiveness required to be charismatic? Consider Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi; both men had plenty of charisma, but neither could be considered handsome. Charisma is a muscle. It will take time for changes to be seen; it becomes easier with practice. The book gives details about strengthening your charisma muscle; it starts with getting out of your comfort zone.

This is a gem of a book. Even if a person can't do all the tips in this book, getting closer to the state of Charisma is a very good thing. This is easy to read, and is very much worth reading.

The Ultimate Baby and Newborn Book for Dads

 The Ultimate Baby and Newborn Book for Dads, Bradford Alberts, Independently Published, 2020

Your partner has just presented you with a Positive pregnancy test. After the joy and hugs, the question quickly becomes "What do I do now?" This book attempts to answer that question.

The book explains what to expect during pregnancy. Her hormones will probably go haywire. This may manifest itself physically, or emotionally. Your job is to support her as much as possible, even with her strange food cravings in the middle of the night. The book also talks about what to expect during the first three months of your baby's life. Before the baby is born, baby-proof the house, as much as possible, and shop for baby clothes, along with things for the nursery.

Discuss, ahead of time, the role you will play in the delivery room. Bonding with your baby, the right way, is also very important. The author also talks about common illnesses, and what to do if it becomes more serious (be prepared for considerable spitting up).

This book belongs in the phone, or tablet, or somewhere easily accessible, of every new father and not-yet-father in America. The author does a first-rate job in making the childbirth process as easy for men as possible. This easily gets 5 stars.

The US Citizenship Test Study Guide

 The US Citizenship Test Study Guide, James Patino, Scientia Media Group, 2021

For someone not born in America, becoming an American citizen can be a very powerful thing. For instance, you will get priority in bringing your family to America. But, it is not easy. This book attempts to take the reader through the whole process. 

If you served in the military, you need to fill out a specific form (links are provided). If either of your parents were born in America, use a different form. The ten questions on the Citizenship exam are chosen randomly from a pool of 100 questions (all are in the book). They cover basic civics and US history; the book contains a basic, but very good, summary of US history. The English comprehension part of the test involves being given three sentences. The applicant will have to write one, and read another out loud. There is also a list of online resources to get additional information on becoming a US citizen.

This is an excellent book. It makes the whole citizenship process as painless as possible. For anyone who wants to become a US citizen, whether or not you are already living here, start with this book. It deserves more than 5 stars.