Review: Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe

Goodreads Blurb

The number one New York Times bestselling authors of Vanderbilt return with another riveting history of a legendary American family, the Astors, and how they built and lavished their fortune.

The story of the Astors is a quintessentially American story—of ambition, invention, destruction, and reinvention.

From 1783, when German immigrant John Jacob Astor first arrived in the United States, until 2009, when Brooke Astor’s son, Anthony Marshall, was convicted of defrauding his elderly mother, the Astor name occupied a unique place in American society.

The family fortune, first made by a beaver trapping business that grew into an empire, was then amplified by holdings in Manhattan real estate. Over the ensuing generations, Astors ruled Gilded Age New York society and inserted themselves into political and cultural life, but also suffered the most famous loss on the Titanic, one of many shocking and unexpected twists in the family’s story.

In this unconventional, page-turning historical biography, featuring black-and-white and color photographs, #1 New York Times bestselling authors Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe chronicle the lives of the Astors and explore what the Astor name has come to mean in America—offering a window onto the making of America itself.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 star

As a fan of the series The Gilded Age, I was interested in learning more about the Astors, who were the wealthiest family in NY. Seeing how Mrs. Astor is a force not to reckon with, I was interested in learning how they came into their fortune and who the last Astor was. The book is divided into two parts: the rise and fall of this powerful family. The Astor family tree was helpful with keeping up with which family members they were discussing. Both authors did an excellent job of providing the most essential details of the family members. I enjoyed reading this book about the most powerful family in NY and was happy they included some photographs of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories from the Gilded Age.

Author Biography

Anderson Hays Cooper is an Emmy Award winning American journalist, author, and television personality. He currently works as the primary anchor of the CNN news show Anderson Cooper 360°. The program is normally broadcast live from a New York City studio; however, Cooper often broadcasts live on location for breaking news stories.

Cooper is the younger son of the writer Wyatt Emory Cooper and the artist, designer, writer, and heiress Gloria Vanderbilt, granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt II of the prominent Vanderbilt Family of New York.

Cover Reveal: The Closer by Rowan Rossler

BOOK DETAILS:

The Closer
by Rowan Rossler
Publication date: March 14, 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Ten years ago, I met the man of my dreams. A stupidly gorgeous and wildly talented venture capitalist named Dallas Evener. I was the fiery yin to his dominant yang. He set my entrepreneurial heart aflame. Our destiny was clear as day … and then he had to go and ruin it.

I swore never to do business with him.

A decade later, I’m eating my words.

A scandal rocks my startup passion project and I’m left in a lurch when the lead investor backs out. My only hope for money? Dallas. But that means I play by his rules. And the whispers around town imply he funds his projects with dirty money.

Is that why we fly to Argentina to close the deal with a mysterious financier? Dallas promises this is a no-brainer, although nothing comes risk-free. I’ll take a chance with my company. The question is, do I put my heart on the line again when our simmering chemistry reignites? Because there is more to this transaction than meets the eye. And everything I thought I knew about Dallas and love tangles into a compromising position neither of us expects.

The epic finale to the Hustlers Series is a full-length enemies-to-lovers dark romance, buzzing with spicy friction, tangled fates, and steamy second chances. In this happily ever after, matters of the heart are the hardest deals to close. For readers 18+

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197968113-the-closer

Pre-order

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HJ2JJD

AUTHOR BIO:

My goals are simple. To make the world a better place one love story at a time.

Q: What can you expect from my books?

A:  Where heat meets heart!

Every writer sprinkles their brand of DNA magic into stories and my ingredients are glamorous destinations, brilliant, sexy minds, and juicy plots with just the right amount of spice stirred in to kick things up a notch.

I also love messy characters. Ones who struggle, but never give up. My women are strong-willed and successful, but never infallible when it comes to matters of the heart. My men are maddeningly imperfect and sexy AF.

If you like all of the above, it might be love at first page read!

The Hustlers is my first series, an interconnected trilogy that can be read as stand-alone. You’ll meet three alluring BFF’s navigating dreams, desires, and all the beautiful complications of falling in love.

Set against the backdrop of sultry jet-set lifestyles, if you crave vivid characters, adventurous plots and sensual moments, these mid-steam romps are the perfect escape.

Author links:
https://rowanrossler.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmr0aSII_IOdjJsWQSIq2A
https://amzn.to/3YTDM4y
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21989467.Rowan_Rossler
https://www.facebook.com/rowanrossler/
https://twitter.com/RosslerRowan
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rowan-rossler
https://www.instagram.com/rowan.rossler.romance/
https://www.tiktok.com/@rowanrossler

Review: Slime Doesn’t Pay! by R.L. Stine

Goodreads Blurb

Lots of little brothers can be pests and trouble-makers — but Amy’s brother Arnie is a MONSTER … In this R.L. Stine family-friendly scare fest, Amy and her friend, Lissa, don’t know what to do about Arnie’s bullying, bad-boy behavior, and mean jokes and pranks. The little monster is ruining their lives! The girls decide it’s payback time. Total humiliation for Arnie. They find a recipe for blue slime on a YouTube channel and mix a big bucket to pour over Arnie at his birthday party. To their horror, the girls instantly discover that SLIME DOESN’T PAY! Before their eyes, Arnie’s whole body starts to change. The slime turns him into a real monster. Now Amy and Lissa have two frightening dilemmas: Can they save their town from the raging Arnie Monster? And is there any way to turn the monster back into Arnie?

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

So, how far would you go to teach your annoying evil brother a lesson? This story is precisely the aftermath of Amy being sick and tired of her brother Arnie getting away with everything. I assure you, you would have done the same thing if you were Amy. Arnie is a bully who is constantly pranking Amy and everyone around him. Amy’s parents know a secret that they have kept hidden from Amy and everyone in town. This secret will surprise and frighten even Amy. After being fed up with Arnie’s pranks, Amy and her friend create a slime they throw all over Arnie in front of all his classmates. Well, that turns Arnie into something we would all be fearful of, and that fear is a monster. Amy and her parents work together to tame Arnie and have him return back to a kid. Can Arnie, the monster, be tamed?

Author Biography

Robert Lawrence Stine known as R. L. Stine and Jovial Bob Stine, is an American novelist and writer, well known for targeting younger audiences. Stine, who is often called the Stephen King of children’s literature, is the author of dozens of popular horror fiction novellas, including the books in the Goosebumps, Rotten School, Mostly Ghostly, The Nightmare Room and Fear Street series.

R. L. Stine began his writing career when he was nine years old, and today he has achieved the position of the bestselling children’s author in history. In the early 1990s, Stine was catapulted to fame when he wrote the unprecedented, bestselling Goosebumps® series, which sold more than 250 million copies and became a worldwide multimedia phenomenon. His other major series, Fear Street, has over 80 million copies sold.

Stine has received numerous awards of recognition, including several Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and Disney Adventures Kids’ Choice Awards, and he has been selected by kids as one of their favorite authors in the NEA’s Read Across America program. He lives in New York, NY.

Cover Reveal: Their Shattered Hearts by Angie Cole

BOOK DETAILS:

Their Shattered Hearts
by Angie Cole
Publication date: March 1, 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

A story of love, loss, and redemption unfolds in the rustic charm of Cardinal Creek, Texas. Will Deluca, a stoic firefighter and ranch owner, bears the weight of his wife’s untimely demise. His world once filled with warmth, now echoes with the silent grief of his two children and the unyielding Texas plains.

Enter Anna Samuels, a heart that’s seen its share of sorrow. Leaving Missouri’s memories behind, she hopes to find solace and new beginnings in the small Texas town. As a dedicated palliative care nurse, she embarks on a mission to bring comfort to families grappling with illness. Destiny leads her to Rockin’ D Ranch, where her path crosses with Will, a man whose rugged charm and piercing blue eyes hide a world of pain.

Amidst the rolling hills of Cardinal Creek, Will and Anna find their lives intricately entwined, linked by a forgotten encounter from their youth. Anna’s arrival sparks a glimmer of hope in Will’s heart, inspiring him to fulfill a promise to his late wife: to create a sanctuary for children with autism. Together, they begin to weave dreams of a brighter future.

But shadows linger in the corners of their newfound happiness. Anna grapples with a dark secret that threatens to destroy the life she has built in Cardinal Creek. As Will confronts his own fears, he risks losing the one person who could help him heal. In the face of adversity, will they find the strength to conquer their demons and embrace a second chance at love?

In Their Shattered Hearts fate, passion, and dark secrets collide. Join Will and Anna as they journey through the complexities of the heart, learning that sometimes, the path to happiness is paved with the courage to face the ghosts of the past.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206770146-their-shattered-hearts

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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Su0cYN

Review: Backstreet Boys by Andre Csillag

Goodreads Blurb

The official photographer for the popular musical group offers a collection of photos of its members at work, at play, and on the road.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book that showed the true colors of who the Backstreet Boys are to there fans and among themselves.I enjoyed seeing pictures of the boys while they are in there moment on stage, behind stage and when they are being who they truly are. I love the Backstreet Boys and have been a fan from the beginning. They are the only boy group who have stuck together through good and bad.

I got a chance of a lifetime to meet the BSB on their tour in 2013 at Camden, NJ. I purchased a VIP ticket that gave me access to be on stage. I had the best day ever.

Review: Dyed and Gone by Beth Yarnall

Goodreads Blurb

Hairstylist Azalea March is looking forward to a wild weekend in Las Vegas with her friends. Oh, sure, they’re supposed to be there on business, attending the biggest hair show on the West Coast, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun. But fun quickly turns to drama. On the first morning of the show, Dhane, the biggest celeb of the hair-styling world, is found dead. As it urns out Azalea’s friend, Vivian, not only knew Dhane, but the tale she weaves of how they met is faker than a showgirl’s uh… assets. When Vivian confesses to the murder and is arrested, Azalea knows there’s no way she could have done it and suspects Vivian may be trying to protect someone. But who?

Azalea now has to convince Alex, the sexy detective from her past, to help her prove Vivian’s innocence and comb through clues more twisted than a spiral perm. But the truth is stranger than anything found on the Las Vegas Strip, and proving Vivian’s innocence turns out to be more difficult than transforming a brunette into a blonde.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. I loved the plot and the mystery of this book. I was just like the main character trying to figure out who the killer was. I laughed so many times while reading. I love a book with a great sense of humor and keeping you on your feet. Loved how the author wrote a book about hair stylists and murder. I recommend this book.

Author Biography

➤Follow Beth on Facebook- www.facebook.com/BethYarnallAuthor

➤Join Beth’s VIP Facebook group Babes with Books for exclusive sneak peeks at my upcoming books & other, members only, perks- www.facebook.com/groups/BabesWithBook…

****Books by Beth****

DANGEROUS LINES
Lost
Saved

Fake
Real
Urge
Rare
Betray

RECOVERED INNOCENCE
Vindicate
Atone
Reclaim
Recovered Innocence boxed set

AZALEA MARCH MYSTERIES

Killing It In Vegas

THE MISADVENTURES OF MAGGIE MAE
Wake Up, Maggie
You’re Mine, Maggie
Find Me, Maggie
The Misadventures of Maggie Mae boxed set

CORE
Far From Honest

****Beth’s Books for Writers****

CRAFTING UNPUTDOWNABLE FICTION
Going Deep Into Deep Point of View
Making Description Work Hard For You
Some Like It Hot: Writing Sex and Romance
Crafting Unputdownable Fiction boxed set

****Books by Beth writing as Betty Paper****

CRAZY ON YOU
Captive
Tinsel
Piano Lessons
Crazy On You boxed set

Review: Cowboy Cupid by Aileen Fish

Goodreads Blurb

Big-hearted cowboy Josh Wooten decides to play matchmaker when his former high school sweetheart returns to town. Enlisting the aid of long-time friend Rachel, he tries to set up his old girlfriend with the new guy in town. But Cupid has his own ideas where love is concerned, and Josh doesn’t see the arrow aimed at his heart until it’s too late to sidestep it.

Rachel Addison would do anything for Josh, whom she’s had a crush on forever. Watching Josh fall for his former girlfriend all over again would be too much to bear, however. It’s time to rope him in or cut him lose. Which will Josh prefer?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I won this ebook. It was short but sweet. Loved the plot and the romance between someone close to you but not really telling each other the way they felt. I recommend this short read. I was glad I won this book.

Review: The Foiled Knight by John C. Stipa

Goodreads Blurb

Tanya Davis receives that dreaded late night phone call: Stan Palmer has been critically injured in a car accident. Stan and Tanya were once close. That is, until she broke his heart, an act of cowardice for which she’s never forgiven herself. Given a second chance to make up for her past wrongdoings, Tanya digs into the facts surrounding Stan’s accident. What initially looks like icy road conditions turns into a suspicion that someone wants Stan dead. To complicate matters, Tanya has medical power of attorney for Stan, causing friction with the Palmer family. With Stan’s lifeblood ebbing away, the legal system closing in, and danger lurking, can Tanya redeem herself and save her Foiled Knight?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Received this book from the author. It has been a pleasure in reading his book. It is an excellent written book with details explained fully, which shows that the author has put time in researching content. I loved the plot it was a page turner, not knowing what would happen next. You could sense the characters’ agony, helplessness, and urge to fight for their life. I was happy with the way the book ended. Highly recommend this book, especially if you love a great love story with a twist of mystery.

Author Biography

John C. Stipa loves the beach, family time, woodworking, playing and coaching sports, traveling, good food, and storytelling. He is the author of adventure / mystery / romance novels including When Ink Bleeds, We Are The Storm, The Angel Solution, The Foiled Knight and No Greater Sacrifice as well as a Stipa family history: Johnny No Home. He has also published several short stories with his writing groups.

The Indie Spotlight featured John in an interview:
http://www.theindiespotlight.com/?p=918

Review: Inferno by Dan Brown

Goodreads Blurb

Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon awakens in an Italian hospital, disoriented and with no recollection of the past thirty-six hours, including the origin of the macabre object hidden in his belongings. With a relentless female assassin trailing them through Florence, he and his resourceful doctor, Sienna Brooks, are forced to flee. Embarking on a harrowing journey, they must unravel a series of codes, which are the work of a brilliant scientist whose obsession with the end of the world is matched only by his passion for one of the most influential masterpieces ever written, Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno.

Dan Brown has raised the bar yet again, combining classical Italian art, history, and literature with cutting-edge science in this sumptuously entertaining thriller.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5

Bravo! Dan Brown wrote another fantastic book that keeps you wanting more. He brought me again to Italy with a thrilling story. The scenario in which Robert, his main character, didn’t even know what was real and who he could trust had me second-thinking about how he could survive. Dan Brown adds information about historical areas and symbols, keeping my interest in his books. He adds such details when describing his story that you feel like you are in the story. When you read his books, you have a tug-a-war with religion, science, and humankind. Who is right, and who is wrong? I recommend this book and all the ones that Dan has written. You will be satisfied with the thrill ride you will encounter. Thanks, Dan Brown, till next time.

Author Biography

Dan Brown is the author of numerous #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the best selling novels of all time as well as the subject of intellectual debate among readers and scholars. Brown’s novels are published in 52 languages around the world with 200 million copies in print.

In 2005, Brown was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME Magazine, whose editors credited him with “keeping the publishing industry afloat; renewed interest in Leonardo da Vinci and early Christian history; spiking tourism to Paris and Rome; a growing membership in secret societies; the ire of Cardinals in Rome; eight books denying the claims of the novel and seven guides to read along with it; a flood of historical thrillers; and a major motion picture franchise.”

The son of a mathematics teacher and a church organist, Brown was raised on a prep school campus where he developed a fascination with the paradoxical interplay between science and religion. These themes eventually formed the backdrop for his books. He is a graduate of Amherst College and Phillips Exeter Academy, where he later returned to teach English before focusing his attention full time to writing.

Brown is currently at work on a new book as well as the Columbia Pictures film version of his most recent novel.

Review: Checkered Past by Tonya Kappes

Goodreads Blurb

Laurel London is one tough cookie. . .

Convict Willie Ray Bowman escapes from prison just days away from his date with “Old Sparky,” the Kentucky state federal prison electric chair. Laurel hasn’t seen Willie Ray since the day he left her picking up the pieces of her broken heart in Walnut Grove, Kentucky.

Can Laurel put her bitter, angry feelings aside and help Willie Ray prove his innocence before the FBI finds him?

My Review : Rated 5 out of stars

Yay, another amazing book written by Tonya with Laurel London getting her nose in some dangerous situations. She is the opposite of me. I would have never gotten involved in those scary situations. I just love reading Tonya’s books because I laugh all the way through. Trixie makes me laugh so much with her Alien drama. I suspected Erick was a jerk but didn’t really think he was the master mind. I was glad that he got caught. I really can’t wait to see what will happen next on the next book. Laurel and Jax need to get together already. They are both attracted to each other, I want to see Laurel make the first move. Don’t forget to read Checkered Crime so that you don’t miss all the details. Thanks, Tonya, for another mystery run by Miss. Laurel London.

Author Biography

Tonya Kappes has written more than 180 southern cozy mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today . Best known for stories charged with southern charm, emotion, and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband in northern Kentucky. Now that her four boys have flown out of the nest, Tonya writes full-time in her camper!