book reviews Archives - Tina Hogan Grant

About the Author

Marcie J Keithley traded in her securities license to become an author when the universe shifted in her closet with the rediscovery of a 30-year-old shoebox. Armed with a powerful, dramatic story, which has been reported globally on major networks and newspapers across America, she is now known as the ShoeBox Sherpa, helping others find the freedom they desire by unpacking their own shoeboxes and stepping into truth and wholeness.

Marcie is also a Life Story Coach and national speaker. In her downtime, she loves to read historical fiction of the Elizabethan era.

Keithley, a native-born Hoosier and “Lady of Dunans,” resides on the Sunnyside of Louisville, along the Ohio River in Southern Indiana with her Golden Doodle, Murfee. A personal development junkie, she can be found most days with her nose in the latest non-fiction book with a tall glass of iced tea, no matter the season. She believes life is always better with a

The Synopsis of the Book

Many of us have one–a place where we store mementos that remind us of an earlier period in our lives–either happy or sad. Those ties to our past are commonly found in a similar place, hidden in a shoebox buried at the back of a closet shelf. It’s called The Shoebox Effect–where you “forget”, intentionally or unintentionally, about the contents of the box and what they represent.

Marcie Keithley’s shoebox contained a secret, one she kept for decades, one released when her shoebox was unexpectedly revealed in a moment of grief. A flood of memories and emotions was unleashed when the lid was knocked off. No longer able to deny what she had sequestered away in her closet and in her spirit, the revelation created challenges for Marcie, but it also did something positively unexpected.

Releasing the truth began a cascade that resulted in a freedom Marcie did not know was possible. The dramatic story of this long-kept secret, which has been reported globally on major networks and in newspapers across America, will intrigue and enthrall you.

But Marcie Keithley doesn’t just make her story all about her. Now known as The Shoebox Sherpa, she helps people unpack their own shoeboxes, and teaches us how to face our truths, heal our pasts, and find the freedom we deeply desire. Be prepared to consider Marcie’s question to all of us, “What’s in your shoebox?”

My Review

I read this book a few months ago and today I still find myself thinking about it. Keithley leaves no stone unturned when it comes to revealing the items in her shoebox and why she kept them. It reminded me of peeling away the layers of an onion as the author reveals her heart-wrenching story of putting her child up for adoption and finding a way to heal and come to terms with the decisions she had made throughout her life.

This is not only the author’s story but a guide and self-help book with questions at the end of each chapter for readers to help them understand themselves better and the reasons for their actions. (I love this addition to the book.)

It is a raw emotional account that many will relate to and I can see the book helping so many people and not only those that were adopted. I want to thank the author for sharing her story and opening my eyes to mine.

COVER DESIGN – 5 STARS – The cover is perfect for the book and intriguing It makes you wonder what the book is about.

CHARACTERIZATION – 5 STARS – Keithley described everyone in the book with such detail that I felt like I knew them all very well.

STORY & PLOT 5STARS – This is an easy read that had me turning the pages quickly anxious to see what happens next.

OVERALL RATING – 5 STARS – An excellent read that I highly recommend.

Other News

I’m thrilled to announce that the publication date for Jill is August 3rd, 2021

You can now preorder the ebook for the discounted price of $1.99. That is 50% off the regular price.

Preorders for paperbacks will be coming soon.

Jill is the fourth book in the Sabela Series but can easily be read as a standalone.

A sizzling suspense romance with a grand finale ending and where the power of friendship shines.

Preorder your copy today!

Book Review – The Green Beach Files By K. A. Perry

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021 Tina Hogan Grant

About the Author

K. A. Perry brings a unique perspective to her environmental thrillers. Her ability to utilize nature as the catalyst to keep her plot moving, and drive the character’s pursuit of the truth, stems from her own appreciation and love of nature. Time spent in nature is restorative for many folks, and this tenet is an underlying theme of K.A. Perry’s writing.

Although K.A. Perry grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania, she now lives in Connecticut with her husband and 4 children. Her years spent practicing environmental law combined with her time spent as a math teacher have melded to create stories that at their core raise real legal issues, but on the surface are an engaging, lighthearted read.

The Synopsis of the Book

A funny, engaging legal mystery for all those who love and enjoy nature—and reading at the beach.

First, an amphibian expert is found murdered in the fancy shoreline town of Mayfield, Connecticut. Then, a second, shocking murder of a well-respected community leader occurs. Why are there murders happening in a town as peaceful as Mayfield?

Jenn isn’t the perfect clever attorney. She doesn’t love her job, has no innate ability to solve mysteries, no superpowers, and no awesome legal skills. But she does have her love and respect for nature—which tends to distract her from her legal work, yet still somehow guides her. Along with her entertaining and dysfunctional family, Jenn weaves her way into the midst of a momentous fight over land preservation.

The murders appear to be tied to the development of the largest parcel of pristine beachfront land between Boston and New York. Most folks in Mayfield want the unique beachfront preserved for the public and object to the construction of expensive homes, but are any of these folks extremist enough to murder for the environment and save coastal land? And how much will Jenn stretch the law to solve the mystery?

My Review

This is Perry’s debut novel and for a first book she did really well

I was pulled into the story immediately when the main character, Jenn discovered a body in an ice machine in the back of a bookstore. My first question was, why did the bookstore have an ice machine? It was clear it was a homicide and Jenn is on a mission to solve the case, even though she is an attorney and not a detective. But it humors the story with her interference and when a second body is discovered, the plot thickens.

This is an easy read and what I love about this book is how the author also took me on a nature excursion and described in detail the natural surroundings and environment. I learned so much.

The romance that evolved was sweet and a nice addition to the story. I highly recommend this book.

An interview with the Author.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Karen on my Cuppa & A Natter (Live Chat) show a few weeks ago.

You can watch it here.

COVER DESIGN – 5 STARS – I love the colors of the cover, especially the bright yellow font which really grabs the attention of potential readers.

CHARACTERIZATION – 4 STARS – I loved Jenn. She was well developed and I thought that I knew her well by the end of the book.

STORY & PLOT 4 STARS – Great storyline and plot that moved along at a good pace.

OVERALL RATING – 4 STARS – I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Book Review – Turn Back Time By Annette G. Anders

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021 Tina Hogan Grant

Turn Back Time (The Full Circle Series Book 1) By Annette G. Anders

About the Author

Annette G. Anders grew up in Germany with a love for books, music, and traveling. In 1998, she and her husband moved to New England, where they raised their son.

In 2018, Annette turned her love for books into a freelance editing career, and in 2019, found the inspiration and courage to write her first novel, TURN BACK TIME, which released in October 2020, and is the first in the Full Circle Series.

When Annette isn’t working, she enjoys meeting with friends, traveling, reading, and photography.

The Synopsis of the Book

Three years ago, a book and a song led Stella to the love of her life. Two years later, he shattered her heart. Determined to shake off the memories of the fateful day, Stella promises herself she’ll move forward. Little does she know, when she accepts her best friend’s invitation to a week-long trip to France, that the ghosts of her past will come roaring back.

David has reached the pinnacle of his career, but loneliness is a painful price to pay for being in the spotlight. When he catches a fleeting glimpse of Stella a year after their breakup, David realizes he has one chance to win her back. If he fails to earn Stella’s trust again, he’ll be cursed to follow in the footsteps of one of literature’s most haunted and desolate characters—the one he brings to life night after night.

What will it take for Stella and David to remember their dreams, and to believe in their future?

TURN BACK TIME is a story about forgiveness, second chances—and believing in yourself.

My Review

This is Ander’s debut novel and I was excited to read it. A contemporary second chance romance that doesn’t disappoint.

I was immediately engaged from the first paragraph and rooting for Stella and David throughout the book. What I loved about this story is that Ander’s takes you on a wonderful trip to Paris. A city I visited a long time ago. The author does a fantastic job of putting the reader in this beautiful city with her detailed descriptive writing. In fact, I would love to revisit Paris and take this book with me and see all the places mentioned in the book.

This book is not just about a sweet romance but also the strong friendship between Stella and her best friend Naomi. I loved everything about Naomi from her cocky attitude and how she always looked out for Stella. The bond between the two girls is clearly defined throughout the story.

This is a wonderful story that does have some steamy parts. I highly recommend this book.

I can’t wait to read In Due Time Book 2 which I recently received from the author. This is Naomi’s Story. Be sure to look for my review in the upcoming months.

An interview with the Author.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Annette on my Cuppa & A Natter (Live Chat) show a few weeks ago.

You can watch it here.

COVER DESIGN – 5 STARS – I love everything about this cover. From the Eifel Tower in the background which tells you the setting of the book to the way, Stella’s red dress pops off the cover grabbing the reader’s attention.

CHARACTERIZATION – 4 STARS – The characters were well developed and each one had a well-defined personality. Sometimes I wished Stella had developed more of a backbone.

STORY & PLOT 4 STARS – Wonderful story, line. I had a great trip to Paris.

OVERALL RATING – 5 STARS – I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Book Review – The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

October 14, 2019April 22, 2021 Tina Hogan Grant

Book Review The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba. This was my book clubs read last month and it was discussed last week. Unforchantly I was sick the night of the meeting and was unable to attend. But I did receive feedback and wanted to share our review with you.

About the Author

Kamkwamba was profiled on the front page of The Wall Street Journal December 8, 2007, as well in major articles in The Malawi Daily Times, The Sydney Morning Herald, La Repubblica, and myriad blog posts such as Boing Boing, and his blog has been featured on the front page of news aggregators such as Digg and Reddit. He is featured in a special Africa issue of L’Uomo Vogue.
Find William’s blog at http://www.williamkamkwamba.com

The Synopsis of the Book

William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, a country where magic ruled and science was a mystery. It was also a land withered by drought and hunger. But William had read about windmills and he dreamed of building one and it would bring to his small village a set of luxuries that only 2 percent of Malawians could enjoy: electricity and running water. His neighbors called him misala – crazy. But William refused to let go of his dreams. With a small pile of once-forgotten science textbooks, some scrap metal, tractor parts and bicycle halves; and an armory of curiosity and determination, he embarked on a daring plan to forge an unlikely contraption and small miracle that would change the lives around him.

Our Review

I’m going to give you mainly my review of this book because I wasn’t at the meeting. First of all, this is not a book that would normally appeal to me if I was browsing in a book store. The subject matter is not a genre I would read. But with that said, I must say the story captivated me from the very beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It was an easy read and I was intrigued right away. I loved how the book put me smack bang in the middle of Africa. I felt like I was right there with William. We’ve all heard about the struggles and the horrific stories of starvation affecting all ages in Africa. Well, this book opens your eyes to just how devastating the conditions are. Every day these people live to survive and will do anything to accomplish it including eating goatskin which really grossed me out but made realize just how little these people have and what desperate measures they are willing to take to simply stay alive.

The book was sad in many ways, reading about the many deaths of children and the sufferings many endured on a daily basis. But it was also very uplifting when William set out on a dream to make his and his family’s life better. He didn’t give up and succeeded and to my surprise and joy, the rest of the world soon learned about his amazing achievements. I love how he now travels the world and gives back to his small town and many of the other struggling communities in his country. He is a great inspiration for many.

The only time I found my mind wandering was when he went into details about how he made the windmill and what parts he used and what each part did. I learned a little about electricity, but most of it went over my head. I understand why it was included in the book because it’s the root of his story.

The book was well-received by the rest of the group. I believe there was one person who did not enjoy it and gave it a low score.

Since reading the book I’ve watched some clips of him on YouTube and the videos are very uplifting.

here’s one that you may enjoy. https://www.ted.com/talks/william_kamkwamba_how_i_harnessed_the_wind?language=en

The author is currently on tour and will be visiting my part of the world on October 30th in Bakersfield which is only forty-five minutes away so I may attend. Here is a link if any other locals are interested in going.

https://www.facebook.com/events/california-state-university-bakersfield/author-visit-book-signing-the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind/2231500180473985/

Our Overall Rating

COVER DESIGN – 5 STARS – The choices of colors and font are perfect – easy on the eyes and bold print.

CHARACTERIZATION – 4 STARS – Being a memoir the characters were well developed and described well.

STORY & PLOT 3 STARS – Parts of the story were drawn out and when he talks about building the windmill, it gets a little too complex for my taste.

OVERALL RATING – 4 STARS – I absolutely enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Book Review My Husband’s Wife by Jane Corry

March 2, 2019March 2, 2019 Tina Hogan Grant

Book Review – My husband’s Wife by Jane Corry

Intrigued by the title, this is a book I’ve been wanting to read for some time. How did the book measure up? Read my review below.

About the Author

Jane Corry is a writer and journalist who has written regularly for numerous newspapers and magazines including The Daily Telegraph Weekend Section, The Mail on Sunday and Woman. She has spent time working as the writer-in-residence on a high-security prison for men. An experience that helped inspire My Husband’s Wife, her debut thriller.

Jane runs regular writing workshops and speaks at literary festivals all over the world. She was a tutor in creative writing at Oxford University until her recent move to Devon. She is also an associate member of the Royal Literary Fund.

The Synopsis of My Husband’s Wife

When young lawyer Lily Marries Ed, she’s determined to make a fresh start and leave the secrets of the past behind. But then she takes on her first murder case and meets Joe, a convicted murderer to whom Lily is strangely-and for whom she will soon be willing to risk almost anything.

But Lily is not the only one with secrets. Her next-door neighbor Carla may be only nine, but she has already learned that secrets powerful things. That they can get her whatever she wants.

When Lily finds Carla on her doorstep twelve years later, a chain of events is set in motion that can end only one way.

My Review

This book began well and had me intrigued but as the story progressed it began to lose me for many various reasons. As mentioned before, I was intrigued by the title. I assumed it was about a bigamist. Well, that wasn’t the case and after finishing the book I found the title to be deceiving. I also had a problem with the female on the cover. If this is supposed to be Lily, it doesn’t match the description in the book where she describes her self as overweight and a size fourteen. That is not what the image portrays on the cover.

The author is British and many British terms are used in the story. Being English myself, I didn’t have a problem with that but if you don’t know some English terms it might be an issue for you.

It was a confusing tale with too many plots and twists that had no connections. It had too much going on and not enough background about the characters. I felt like I didn’t really get to know any of them. Out of the blue, the characters began behaving strangely for no apparent reason or explanation. I found it odd that the character Lily was written in the first person and Carla was written in the third person. That just added to the confusion. For me, none of the characters were likable and there really wasn’t anyone to root for. The plots were weak and somewhat far fetched with no concrete conclusions. As much as I tried to like this book, I just couldn’t.

My Overall Rating

COVER DESIGN – 1 STAR– The cover and title didn’t represent the story at all. I found it very misleading.

CHARACTERIZATION – 2 STARS – The characters were very shallow and at times confusing. None were likable.

STORY & PLOT 2 STARS – The story was too confusing and just seemed to drag on with no level of excitement.

OVERALL RATING – 2 STARS – Overall I gave this book two stars. It was a hard book to read that left me disappointed at the end.

See what readers are saying about Reckless Beginnings

It was a wonderful book and also a great ethical thriller especially for this being the author’s first book. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author. I would also definitely recommend this book to other members of my book group and my literary friends. – Anoynomous

AMAZING STORY. So well written, I could not put it down. I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2… I sometimes read so fast, I can skim over words.. not this book. I hung on to every single line.. so well written, such good detail, I felt and knew each character and felt each feeling.. was just great.. thank you! Sad I am divine with it! So glad Judy hit him with the poker! – Jennifer Dobos-bubno

I loved this story, it was amazing!! It totally captured me from page 1. After reading the first few chapters I was addicted and couldn’t put the book down. I did nothing for the rest of the day but read even though I had a long list of stuff to get done. Reckless Beginnings by Tina Hogan Grant is a well-written story based on the author’s life. This is such a touching story about surviving. I personally find her work amazing in every way. Her writing is so good. The book is exceptionally well written and beautiful. The characters are all well developed and relatable. you can feel all their emotions and they grow beautifully as the story progresses. – Stewart’s Book reviews

"Reckless Beginnings" Journey

Updates for debut novel RECKLESS BEGINNINGS

June 3, 2018June 11, 2018 Tina Hogan Grant

The clock is ticking

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve given any kind of updates for my debut novel RECKLESS BEGINNINGS. So here is what’s going on.

After going back and forth a few times with the publisher over corrections, the book formatting phase is finally complete.
Next week we will begin the cover design. There’s an air of excitement and anticipation while I wait to see the final product.
Finally, a release date for the book has been set. – hold your breath – drum roll, please! It’s October 4th, 2018. As I stare at my calendar, I see that it’s not too far away. Butterflies are beginning to stir.

Current tasks while the cover is being designed

While we go through the cover design process I have plenty to keep me busy. Does it ever end? The time frame for the completion of the book cover is around four weeks. During this time I plan on reaching out to other authors, and readers that are willing to review an advanced copy of the book. If this is something you’d be interested in, contact me

Location of Book launching party & signing

I met with our local library here in Frazier Park and they have agreed to host the book launching party and book signing. A date has yet to be set. I will post updates on this event as they unfold.

Other leads I will be researching are:

websites that will be willing to host a cover reveal.
websites/blogs that will have me as a guest to talk about the book.
Reviews that can be quoted on the cover of the book.
Prepare a custom press release to target specific media outlets.
Reach out to book clubs to consider reading and discussing my book. Offer to attend the discussion via skype or in person.
Seek other book signing events – bookstores, private parties, libraries.
Reach out to podcasts for interviews
Book a virtual book tour

Sites I am researching for reviews

Trust me the list will get longer but I think I have enough here to see me through the month. Phew! I’m exhausted just looking at the list. And I thought writing the book was hard.

AND let’s not forget, while I continue to promote “Reckless Beginning I am also in the beginning stages of writing book two, “Better Endings.” Currently, I am designating an hour a day to this project. I need more hours in a day!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been following me since the day I signed the contract then you know this has been a long journey. Sometimes it has been so frustrating that I just wanted to give up and walk away. But I prevailed and stuck it out during those difficult times and I’m so happy I did. To see an idea that began over fourteen years ago, finally, reach this stage is such an amazing feeling. It has been worth all the headaches, tears of frustration and tears of joy and all the anxieties I have been carrying from the start. There’s still a long way to go and the work will never cease, but overall I’m thrilled that I will be sharing my story with you soon and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Upcoming Reviews & interviews for the Author’s Corner

May 10, 2018March 14, 2019 Tina Hogan Grant

My Current Reading List

These books are up for review and will be featured in the upcoming months.

Request a Review & Interview

Would you like to be a guest author on this site? Click here for more information.

Previous Reviews

Everything books

New York Times Adult Fiction Best Sellers of 2017 – Part 2

February 5, 2018December 29, 2018 Tina Hogan Grant

The List part 2

As mentioned in last weeks post, there are thirty books on the New York Times Adult Fiction Best Seller List. This week I have posted the remaining fifteen that held the number one spot for one week or more.

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

A gripping psychological suspense thriller. A single mother is found dead at the bottom of a river. Earlier in the summer, a teenage girl was found dead in the same river. The daughter left behind is placed in the care of her aunt, who is now dragged back to the place she vowed she’d never return to. Continue reading “New York Times Adult Fiction Best Sellers of 2017 – Part 2” →

Everything books

Book Review – KILLER SMILE by Lisa Scottoline

January 14, 2018January 14, 2018 Tina Hogan Grant

I’ve been a fan of Lisa Scottoline’s books for many years. This is book 9 of 11 in the Rosato & DiNunzio series. Like the other books in the series, I enjoyed Killer Smile immensely. A murder mystery thriller with history and some humor added to the mix.

About the Author

Copied from the author’s page of the book – Lisa Scottoline is a New York Times bestselling author and a former trial lawyer. She has won the highest prize in crime fiction, Continue reading “Book Review – KILLER SMILE by Lisa Scottoline” →

Author's Corner

Interview With Michele I. Khoury – Author of “Busted”

October 27, 2017November 12, 2017 Tina Hogan Grant

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Michele I. Khoury – author of “Busted” and write my own personal review of the book.

I must state that I have been communicating with Michele for the past few months, sharing author to author tips and experiences. I consider her more than an acquaintance, to me she is a friend. I did not let our friendship reflect my honest reviews of her book. I remained transparent and taking into consideration, only the book. Continue reading “Interview With Michele I. Khoury – Author of “Busted”” →

About the Author

The Synopsis of the Book

My Review

Other News

About the Author

The Synopsis of the Book

My Review

An interview with the Author.

Other Articles You May Enjoy

Book Review – Turn Back Time

The Reunions is live -Read for FREE in KU

Turn Back Time (The Full Circle Series Book 1) By Annette G. Anders

About the Author

The Synopsis of the Book

My Review

An interview with the Author.

Other Articles You May Enjoy

Book Review – A Shattered Marriage

The Reunions is live -Read for FREE in KU

Book Review The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

About the Author

The Synopsis of the Book

Our Review

Our Overall Rating

Other Articles you may Enjoy

Book Review – My husband’s Wife by Jane Corry

About the Author

The Synopsis of My Husband’s Wife

My Review

My Overall Rating

Other Articles You May Enjoy

See what readers are saying about Reckless Beginnings

The clock is ticking

Current tasks while the cover is being designed

Location of Book launching party & signing

Sites I am researching for reviews

Final Thoughts

Other articles about RECKLESS BEGINNINGS

My Current Reading List

Request a Review & Interview

Previous Reviews

The List part 2

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

About the Author