Hiding Cracked Glass Book Review

HIDING CRACKED GLASS

By James J. CUDNEY

Thank you to @jamescudney4 and @Shalini_G26 for giving me the opportunity to get an early sneak peek and read from one of my favorite authors!

Well, Jay has done it again – kept me reading as fast as I can turn the pages in order to find out what the next exciting moment in the Glass family is! Whenever I have written a book review for one of Jay’s books, I write about how I spent hours continuously reading because I just had to know what happened next. Sometimes I have ended up staying up way later than my normal bedtime just to finish his books. This one is no exception, my friends.

I wrote about the first book Watching Glass Shatter HERE which I thoroughly enjoyed! Now let’s start with the book at hand.

As the second book about the Glass family, we are already familiar with the characters which adds a deeper layer of understanding when one is reading a sequel. Each character tugs at our hearts in different ways. As a contemporary novel, Jay writes about realtime issues that can happen in any family and lets us watch as each character deals with their issues and how the family as a whole chooses to act as each event and secret unfolds.

There is someone for everyone in Jay’s novels and oftentimes I find myself exploring how I would react as Olivia, the matriarch of the Glass family, under these circumstances. What I especially enjoy is how the story unfolds with every character and circumstance only to come to a crescendo that had me on edge enthusiastically turning pages as fast as my eyes could read!

I won’t spoil the book for you, but I will give you a little heads up:

In the powerful sequel to Watching Glass Shatter, Olivia is the first to read the nasty threat and assumes it’s meant for her. When the mysterious letter falls into the wrong hands and is read aloud, it throws the entire Glass family into an inescapable trajectory of self-question. Across the span of eight hours, Olivia and her sons contemplate whether to confess their hidden secrets or find a way to bury them forever. Some failed to learn an important lesson last time. Will they determine how to save themselves before it’s too late?

This is a book you won’t want to miss reading! Pre-order today because the book is to be released on October 8th! Click below for easy access!

And…Jay, being generous Jay, gives his readers the chance for a great GIVEAWAY!

So here’s the GIVEAWAY LINK!!!

If you want to know more about Jay, aka James J. Cudney, the author (and a blogger friend of mine), look below! He’s everywhere!

Social Media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamescudney4

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesJCudneyIVAuthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraxtonCampusMysteries/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsMyTruthNow/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jamescudney4/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamescudney4/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jamescudney4

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescudney4

Thanks for taking the time to read my book review of an excellent author! He has published other books as well so be sure to check them out! You will definitely enjoy this book so don’t forget to click on the pre-release kindle offer above before October 8th! When you’re done enjoying it, don’t forget to post a review on Amazon or Good Reads!

Shine On!

xo

A Book To Read: Courage

I met Karen Lang through the blogosphere many moons ago.  What stood out for me was her immense compassion, kindness and her ability to connect through blogging.  As I got to know her story through her blog, I realized that she had lived through experiences that I never had and that her healing being was powerful.

Recently, I picked up her book finally after many years of thinking I should read it because even though it is sadly about the passing of her son Nathan and the grief which followed, I felt drawn to read her story.  What ensued was my determination to write a post about her incredible book and her journey through grief after the death of her son.

Because what I found was that her book is a universal healing experience, even though my life journey is different.  I found myself reading and learning so much that I was unable to put her book down until I finished it.  I cuddled on my couch, her book in my lap and allowed the day to unfold as I read and I am so grateful that I did.

Karen’s ability to write as if we were friends, sitting together on a warm summer’s day as she shared her story drew me in right from the start and kept me with her throughout the book as she allowed the layers of her journey to unfold.  Karen offers healing to those who read her book and shares her experiences with honesty, vulnerability and presence.

There’s a beauty within all of us that we can embrace or disconnect from as life’s experiences change us.  It takes great courage to walk our life’s path and to accept and forgive what we cannot understand…and it takes healing to find the peace and love within again.  Karen has done all that and more as you will find when you read her inspirational book of Courage.

You will love her blog Living In This Moment.

Here is her author page as well Karen Lang author page.

I highly recommend her book even if you have not suffered the death of a child (and if you have, this is your time to be supported on the road to healing).  Her book doesn’t need to be read in one sitting either as she offers help after every chapter which also truly aided me.  It’s just that I couldn’t put her book down, but I am keeping it in my library to reread again for when I need grief support.  Yes, it’s truly that lovely of a book!

It’s Sunday, a day of family in our home.  I believe we’re going to get the Christmas tree today since the weather is chilly but not wet out.  May you wrap your hearts around your loved ones.  May you remember those who have passed and may you find gratitude in being here in this very moment – The Presents of Presence.

Shine On!

xo

Another Home Run For Cudney!

I met Jay awhile back through blogging.  As you may know, I’ve reviewed his other books in the past Watching Glass Shatter and Father Figure.  So when Baxter his pup blogged about the new book,  of course I had to read it and write about it!

Where do I begin without giving away too much?  Let’s just say that Jay has a way of writing that makes me feel as though I’m right there in the mix of wherever his characters are!  His characters are real and his main character is so genuine – like Jay himself!  He’s laid out a great set of central characters whom I am anxious to read about in the sequel!

This mystery kept me on my toes as I tried to figure out who done it!  I enjoyed the banter between characters and learning about the back stories for them.  Jay keeps it interesting throughout with twists and turns along the way.  His way of revealing relationships intrigues me as he seems to have his thumb on the aorta of human beings.  He’s got the pulse of all parts of human nature and he’s not afraid to let his characters be themselves.

This is most definitely an enjoyable, cozy mystery to read on a quiet Saturday afternoon – just make sure you have nothing to do because you’ll want to finish it once you begin!

Congrats Jay!  I’m looking forward to the December release of your next book in the Braxton Campus Mysteries!

Shine On!

xo

Father Figure – Book Review

Jay’s first book, Watching Glass Shatter gave me an unproductive next day because he kept me up all night!  Knowing how the first one went, I was smart and started this one on a weekend!

While I didn’t know what to expect, I really liked this book.  I liked the way we moved back and forth between time periods, but in a logical way.  You know how some books weave a story, but you get lost?  Not with this one!  But you’ll get the opportunity to figure out the puzzling bond that the characters share.

As male author, I thought it was interesting how he was writing from the younger female points of view which I found amazing that he’s so versatile.  Full of family drama/saga,  suspense and an intricate plot, it’s a great read.

You can find Jay here on his blog – this is the link to his first book!  Jay’s got book reviews, travel stories, his dog stories (RIP Ryder and welcome Baxter!) along with his 365 Challenge and all sorts of fun stuff!  Take a moment to blog hop!  He’s such a sweet guy with lots of friends.  You won’t be disappointed!

Shine On!

xo

The Heiress He’s Been Waiting For

I’ve been reading Kaitlin O’Riley’s novels for years.  However, when I found out that there’s a giveaway on Goodreads for her latest book, I just had to share because who doesn’t love a good read for free?

Click here for Goodreads Giveaway!

Even if you don’t get lucky, I still highly recommend her latest book – or any of her previous ones.! There’s something for every reader in a Kaitlin O’Riley novel.  As an internationally published author, historical romance is her forte!

What sets Kaitlin O’Riley’s books apart is the engaging dialogue along with the realistic twists that surprise us completely.  I enjoy the family feel of her series about the Hamilton Sisters and their bookshop.  While I’ve read them in order, you don’t have to at all.  Just pick one up and you’ll meet this lovely family of five sisters and as time goes on, their husbands and children!

If you’re a book reviewer and would like an advance digital copy to review on your social media, please contact me as Kaitlin is a personal friend and that’s how I was able to read her amazing romance novel in advance!  By the way, her book will be available for the masses in September!  It’s well worth waiting for if that’s what you want to do!

Want to know what it’s about?

In Victorian London, the Hamilton sisters are known for their bookshops—and for finding their happily ever afters on their own terms. Now, much to their chagrin, their offspring are following in their unconventional footsteps—in life and in love…

Raised in New York, shipping heiress Sara Fleming was ready to elope—until her disapproving parents tricked her onto a boat heading to England. Her only consolation is getting to see her beloved aunts and cousins. Even the start of London’s Season—and a strikingly handsome earl—can’t make her forget the man she left behind.

Considered one of London’s most eligible bachelors, Christopher Townsend, the Earl of Bridgeton, is not what he seems. Having inherited his father’s crushing debt, he must choose a wealthy bride to save his family’s estate. Though rumored to be penniless and committed to another, Sara takes his breath away—and makes him question what he truly needs to be free of the past. But he’ll have to win the headstrong beauty’s heart one kiss at a time.

Shine On!

xo

Gratitude For Eight Years On WordPress

I got a note from WordPress today telling me that eight years ago today, I began my blog.  It doesn’t seem that I have been writing for eight years to you all, but I’m assuming WordPress knows what it’s talking about, don’t you think?  Ah, the benefits of blogging!

In eight years, much has changed in my life.  My initial focus was to help other women battling cancer, specifically breast cancer as I endured it myself and I am still here.  But as life developed, I have written about other subjects too including:  poetry, pets, children, parents, relationships, Mother Nature, horseback riding, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, holidays, angels, spirituality, religion, Rabbit, Rabbit, photography, SendOutCards, amazing books and movies, inspirational quotes, life in general and even death because I had first hand experience with all of those topics.  While I was enduring hardships, you were all there for me with your loving support and I am ever grateful.  I wrote to share my experiences in hopes that I would be able to help someone else along that path.

I am ever grateful for the loving connections that have evolved through our blogging community which we have grown through our writings and by reaching out in kindness, generosity and always with a loving heart.  Friendships have blossomed through our writings that have cemented many of us soul to soul in miraculous ways.  From WordPress comments to emails to actual phone calls, I can count many deep friendships which span the world now for which I am honored to be a part of in this lifetime – and yet, we have never met face to face.  But the love is there, without ever being in each other’s physical presence.

It’s so interesting to me that I have yet to meet anyone face to face that I met through blogging and yet I count many of you as true friends.  What a gift this Presents of Presence has been for me!  I pray that you feel the same way – that my writings, my comments and my love for all of you shines its heartlight and helps to raise the energetic vibrations of this world’s energy to encourage peace, love, compassion and understanding along with connections to all.

May your heart be lifted today and may your heartlight shine for all to see, for I see you out there dearest friends and I am ever grateful, as always, for our connections.

Shine On!

xo

A Book Lover’s Tag

I just saw a lovely post over on Ivon Prefontaine’s blog called A Book Lover’s Tag  and it inspired me to answer the questions and post them here and give a call out to all of you book lovers who have been on this journey with the book tour for Jay.  This was my post contribution for Jay’s debut novel #Watching Glass Shatter!  I’m not nominating anyone in particular, but if you feel so inclined, please let me know you did it as I’d love to read your responses!

1. Do you have a favorite place to read? Yes, I like to read in bed or on the couch.
2. Do you use bookmarks or random pieces of paper? I use random pieces of paper if it’s a real book.  If not, then I use the bookmarks on the kindle.
3. Do you eat or drink while you read? Not usually.
4. Do you listen to music or watch TV? No, I like to read in silence.
5. Do you read one book or several at a time? If I’m power-reading (meaning so into the book I can’t put it down) like I was with Jay’s book, then it’s one at a time.  But I enjoy reading a few books at a time too.
6. Do you prefer reading at home or elsewhere? I will take the kindle on trips with me, but normally, I just read at home.
7. Do you read silently or out loud? I read silently.
8. Do you read ahead or skip about? I read straight through the book.  I never like to skip about or read ahead.
9. Do you break the spine or treat it like new? I usually don’t break the spine and I tend to treat the book well so that I can pass it along in good shape.
10. Do you write in books? If it’s a favorite self-help book, then I will turn down pages or maybe even underline.  But for the most part, I don’t mark them up.
11. What books are you reading now? I am reading The Tao of Equus:  A Woman’s Journey of Healing & Transformation Through The Way Of The Horse by Linda Kohanov on my kindle.  Thanks Karel at Peace With My Life for the suggestion.
12. What is your childhood favorite book? The Secret Garden comes to mind as well as Gone With The Wind which my best friend read to me in sixth grade when I was home sick for awhile.  For children’s books, Goodnight Moon and Dr. Seuss’ books.
13. What is your favorite book of all time?  Oh my, I don’t think I have a true absolute favorite book – maybe Gone With The Wind if I had to choose one.  But I have many books that I enjoy re-reading.  The authors Louise Hay, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Doreen Virtue, Tosha Silver, Florence Scovel Shinn and many others come to mind as favorites that I can reread at leisure when I need a little pick me up!  I also like the romance author Kaitlin O’Riley’s many historical romance novels.

Thanks for playing along and reading my post!  I love to read other people’s responses so feel free to answer the questions in a post and let me know so I can visit you too!

Shine On!

xo

P.S.  The Daily Prompt’s HONK made me think of making a bumper sticker!  What do you think of mine?

 

Watching Glass Shatter

By James J. Cudney

Recently, I connected with a newly published author who’s also an incredible blogger.  Jay, as he’s known to friends, is a great connector as you’ll find on his blog This Is My Truth Now.

Jay writes about so much that it’s impossible for me to put him in a neatly boxed description so you’ll just have to trust me on this one and go over to visit him.  You won’t be disappointed.  He has a plethora of subjects from his favorite dog Ryder who debuts on Mondays (for all you dog lovers) to his numerous book reviews which I can’t imagine how he reads so much, but he does!  Then, there’s his delightful sense of humor and banter with his blogging pals.  It’s almost like dancing, when you ‘talk’ with him.  You know, that give and take as you move through the blogosphere?   As those who fish say, he’s a keeper and I’m glad to share his blog and book with you today!

Let me start by telling you that Watching Glass Shatter reviews can be found here for Good Reads.  You can also find them here on Amazon! Oh, and here’s the link to buy it here!  For old school readers, the paperback book itself is now available too on the same link!

When I recount that it’s Jay’s fault that I had a sleepless night and an unproductive next day, I mean it.  I usually read a little on my kindle before bedtime, so I started his book as I usually do, thinking I’d read a chapter or two.  Honestly, I picked it up because he’s a fellow blogger and I’m loyal like that – and the subject of family interests me.  I was smitten by reading the description of the book so I thought, what the heck!  What I didn’t expect was the depth to which his characters touched me, each with their own individualized perceptions and feelings to round out the formation of a family in every sense of the word.  If you’re a part of a family, you know there are nuances between members, subtle and yet sometimes stark reminders of a shared past.  Delve into the family unit long enough and you’ll find all sorts of relationships, beliefs and hidden secrets.

Jay’s book makes no exception as he invites us into the Glass family with open arms.  Beautifully written, detailed and believable, we journey with them through the death of their patriarch father Ben and experience the aftermath of Glass shattering.

This is why I couldn’t put his book down until I finished it.  Pulling my heartstrings with each character, Jay kept me reading until the very wee hours of the morning.  When I was finished, I fell asleep sated with the love and connections of a family I just met.

Please join me in welcoming  James J. Cudney to the realm of newly published author.  This is a book you won’t want to miss!  Be sure to pop over to his blog too and tell him Misifusa sent you!

Here’s the tour schedule if you want to follow it!  Join the community of bloggers who are supporting Jay and his book tour!

And if you feel inclined, please stop by GoodReads or Amazon to write a book review for him after you’ve read it.  Thank you!  I always love to support other bloggers and I know you do too!

Shine On!

xo

 

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Franzisca’s Box Book Review

I spent the whole day on the couch reading this book today.  I couldn’t put it down quite frankly.  It’s rare for me to not read a book over a period of time, but this one was great and I was intrigued the entire time.  Literally, my plans for the day became irrelevant as I felt that I had to finish her book!

Personally, I don’t believe in telling the story of a book in a book review because I feel like it spoils it for others who may read it.  Also, the book jacket tells the story itself so you already know what the book entails (to a point).

But let me just say that Sandra Perez Gluschankoff has great talent in weaving the stories of many different generations of lives together in an unforgettable way.  Our world is a small one as witnessed in the relationships which emerge between characters in her book.  At once I was smitten with the humanness of her characters and had to know their stories.  She revealed them piece by piece in the most remarkable way and I am ever grateful to have spent the day with Franzisca’s Box opened on my lap.

I’m listed as Misifusa on GoodReads so if you’re on there too, please friend me!  I love to connect with friends!

Shine On!

xo