Mom on the Road: A Novel by Allyson Ochs Primack

Release Date: February 13, 2015
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Author Website:  www.momontour.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Maggie Stevens lived the typical, modern American life. She went to college, got married and had children. Leaving behind her own dreams to focus on what needed to be done, she suddenly found herself staring into the face of someone she barely recognized. When her young son had a chance to tour the country with an Broadway production company, she took a deep breath and got on the tour bus along with him.

Through trial and error she faced her fears and found parts of herself she had put away so long ago. Adventure, mishaps and hilarity ensued as mother and son learned the life of an on-tour actor, suffering the highs with brilliant performances and the lows of long travel times in cramped spaces. The book was inspired by the author's own journey with her son as he toured the country and was documented in her blog, www.momontour.com.

Review:
The author contacted me, asking for an honest and fair review of her book. When I read the synopsis and saw that it was inspired by events in the author's real life, I was immediately intrigued. One might think this book would be a simple retelling of how the tour came about and the adventures that ensued. That's partially correct. There were also moments of self-discovery, reconnecting with one's dreams and letting go of fear to enjoy life and all it offered. Now, I must issue one note of warning. The book was filled with the honesty of a nearly 40 year-old woman, so adult language and situations were present throughout the pages. But that was who Maggie Stevens was.

Told through the eyes of Maggie Stevens, her life before the tour was recounted in the first few chapters. She let us know all the hopes and dreams she held as a child and how those precious dreams  of freedom and travel were pushed aside for more pressing events such as college, working as an attorney and living life as a wife and mother. There was a brash honesty to what Maggie told about her home life and how she felt something lacking. When her son, Matt, was chosen to share the part in "The Munsters Musical", a different set of fears were laid bare, but they didn't stop the family from rearranging their lives in order to give Matt the opportunity of a lifetime. Spending more than half a year with the crew and actors, relationships on all levels were formed despite the awkward stiffness of those first few days. Each of the players were given an introduction in the book, their first impressions recorded as Maggie experienced them. As the tour gained a rhythm after each production, these impressions shifted as they all became familiar with one another. It was pretty interesting to watch the dynamics of the relationships change as time went on.

Though the start was a little slow for me, I was hooked by the honesty that Maggie presented. She didn't hide anything from the glare of the spotlight and included her own flaws, bad habits and hidden desires. The pace picked up shortly after she found herself out of college, married and a little one on the way. When she wrote about raising three kids, maintaining a home and working part-time as an attorney, I felt exhausted for her! Several moments made me smile or laugh aloud. Her son's joy at seeing New York City for the first time, the tearful first goodbye as mother and son set off on the journey, and the first show were all powerful moments in the book for me. Of course, hilarity ensued as rushed from one city to the next, spent long hours trapped on a bus together, and shared hotel rooms which provided little to no privacy. It all added up to a roller coaster ride of emotions, events and experiences.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'm very glad that I had the opportunity to read and review this book. Because of Maggie's honesty and the balance of both good and bad times within the story, I felt like I was right there with them through the bus rides, the after-show parties and the loneliness that the road induced. At the very heart of the story, both mother and son discovered both who they truly were and the acceptance to be that very person. Chasing your dream didn't have to end simply because your circumstanced did. Be brave and step back into the race. You never know what may be waiting around the corner. Maggie took that big step forward and found her passion rekindled and a deeper level of contentment with her family and friends. If you're looking for a comedy-filled, adult coming-of-age story or have ever had the desire to break out of the box, then this book is the one you need to read.

Mom on the Road: A Novel by Allyson Ochs Primack is currently available at various online retailers in both paperback and digital (Kindle) formats. Follow the link below to the book's Amazon page to purchase.
Mom on the Road: A Novel by Allyson Ochs Primack

Night Shitf: Romantic Comedy by L.L. Fine

Release Date: May 25, 2014
Publisher: Createspace

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Moses had been a part of the hospital staff for over two decades. He'd seen a lot of things and heard much more. Every tidbit was filed away in his memory and allowed him to move quickly, efficiently through the hospital as he worked the dreaded night shift. His nights at work were normally a little crazy, but this one night put all the others to shame.

In the midst of a chaotic ER being manned by a fresh-from-school doctor, Moses found himself a victim of the pickpocket who'd terrorized the hospital for months. Continuous calls to visit the morgue and losing the amputated leg of another patient didn't help his mood either. The series of events lead to an explosive conclusion that made this night in the hospital one that everyone would remember.

Review:
In one of the main lists sent to my from OHFB, I noticed this book and thought the description sounded interesting. Having stayed one too many nights in a eerily quiet hospital while family were being treated, it was a treat to read something on the craziness that went on behind the curtains. Now, I'm not saying that the story within this book was a truthful account. I did suspect that there's a kernel of truth in there somewhere.

The central character of the story was an orderly named Moses. He'd worked for this particular hospital for over two decades and knew all there was to know about the hospital and the people therein. While the book did follow him on this crazy night in the hospital, the author introduced a number of characters that worked within the hospital as well as some patients who had a definite impact on the story. One of the interesting things I noticed in the book were the little illustrations just after the new character was introduced. Not only did it give us an inkling what the person looked like, but the description also gave us the gossip about him or her. It helped to get to know the personalities of the characters a little better.

For me, the flow of the story was a little weird at first. It seemed the story was playing out in real-time at the beginning, but then it slipped into the past to show the timeline of events to the present situation. It would have small sections of action in different parts of the hospital within the same chapter. These were separated by a small notation. I missed those a few times and had to reread the passages in order to figure it out. However, the pacing of the story moved steadily toward the conclusion while building up the laughs and suspense. Once we reach the end of the night, the events rejoined the tale at the beginning and went from that point forward into a hilarious ending. I just feel sorry for that roll-on!

Overall, this was a fairly short but complete book. It did have a number of interesting characters, both working in the facility and those needing the treatment. I was a little upset with one of the characters who seemed to lack any empathy. Now, I don't do spoilers but the woman I'm referring to is very easy to find in the book. I sincerely hope karma pays her a visit! The book had a bit of everything - romance, friendship, adventure and action. If you're looking for a book with an almost never-ending chain of unlucky events or filled with quirky, yet likable characters, then I'd suggest you look at getting this book!

Night Shitf: Romantic Comedy by L.L. Fine is currently available at many online retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It can be purchased in paperback or digital formats. The link below will open the book's Amazon page.
Night Shitf: Romantic Comedy by L.L. Fine

A History of Stone and Steel by Christopher Fisher

Release Date: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Resurgent Books

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Paul Keppel's life had been sailing down a comfortable path until a perfect storm of mid-life crisis, powerful migraines and a recurring nightmare drives him to the edge of sanity. His marriage is tested as secrets from his past come bubbling to the surface, forcing Paul to face the truth of the past or risk losing everything. The pain, anxiety and uncertainty ripple through every aspect of his life from his marriage to the workplace to church.

When he receives word that his grandfather, Reverend Todd, has a health crisis, Paul's life deteriorates rapidly. He soon finds himself reliving the decisions of his past that set him down the path he's been walking. Throwing caution to the wind, he does whatever he feels he needs to without restraint. Can his marriage and family survive the secrets he's been carrying? Will Paul be able to come to terms with his grandfather and the ghosts haunting him before he loses everything?  

Review:
Having won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway, I was intrigued by the blurb used in the description of the giveaway. It mentioned the bare essentials of the plot such as a man dealing with his own set of problems finding out his grandfather was dying and coming to term with secrets long buried. When I actually opened the book, I was instantly hooked on the road Paul, the main character, was taking. There was no alternative but to hang on until the end.

A History of Stone and Steel is the debut novel for Christopher Fisher, but it certainly does not read like one. The path that the story takes winds its way through Paul's adolescence and adulthood with little effort, bringing the reader along as a witness to the unraveling that is taking place in Paul's life. With each revelation and decision, the reader is given a front row seat to the madness that takes over as he begins to lose control, driving his loved ones to the edge of desertion.

The theme of what it means to truly be a Christian also presents itself throughout the story. For some of the characters, it is the driving force behind each and every one of their decisions. Others are reluctant to acknowledge the depth in which they do believe, whether out of fear or they simply cannot bring themselves to believe completely. The author lays out thoughts, theories and feelings along the way that allow the reader to decide for him/herself what the meaning behind the events could be.

Overall, I liked how frank the book was when it came to Paul's indecision. He was as messed up as anyone on this planet could be and yet he still had a sense of right and wrong at his very core. In a way, I was both rooting for and against the character, something not usually done in my case. It's a thought-provoking, profanity-laced, theology-questioning book that kept me turning page after page to find out what happened next. I would definitely recommend this book.

A History of Stone and Steel by Christopher Fisher can be purchased in either Kindle or paperback form. It can be purchased from Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
A History of Stone and Steel by Christopher Fisher

I Kill Me: Tales of a Jilted Hypochondriac by Tracy H. Tucker

 Rating:  3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Christine Bacon had plenty to worry about in her everyday, run-of-the-mill type of life. With her job as a teacher, her insurance selling husband and two girls, there was plenty to worry about - and then some since she's also a hypochondriac. Every little bump, bruise, mole, cough - it all is a small piece of a much larger, more terrifying puzzle that will ultimately lead to her death. Or so she believes.

Stepping out of her comfort zone in order to keep her world together, Christine decides to give into one of her husband's fantasies. Unfortunately, it all goes horribly wrong and she winds up on the receiving end of a divorce petition. While navigating her increasing number of symptoms to a myriad of diseases, fighting the good fight with both preteen and teenage angst, and learning to love herself completely, Christine must find a way to take back her identity or risk losing everything all at once.

Review:
This book is definitely written for a mature audience for its adult themes and language. Right from the start, we're thrown into the middle of Christine and Richard's marriage as it falls apart. They were living the all-American dream complete with the dog, house and two kids. Life was going well, or so Christine thought. As we ride along with Christine, we can see that she loves her husband enough to force herself from her comfort zone and battle the inner diagnostician as they arrive at the hotel for the encounter guaranteed to spice up their love life.

It all goes downhill from there for the characters. Each of them must deal with the fallout from the infidelity, divorce and moving on in their new roles. The honest way in which the author portrays the characters helps to keep the story moving at a steady pace as well as provides the emotional punches to which many can relate. Though divorce may be common in this country, the road labelled "moving on" isn't always an easy on to take. Both Christine's and Richard's journeys reflect that in the book.

All in all, I loved how honest the main character's reactions were. She clearly had issues stemming from childhood that no one really wanted to take time to address. Again, that's something many could relate to. The author is able to draw you in and make you care about the characters, leaving you with tears of both sadness and happiness by the time the end of the book comes along. This book is definitely a great story if you're looking for a guilty pleasure and want to root for the underdog!

I Kill Me: Tales of a Jilted Hypochondriac by Tracy H. Tucker is currently available in both paperback and Kindle forms. The paperback version was originally released in Jul 2012 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing. Either one of the forms can be purchased at Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
I Kill Me: Tales of a Jilted Hypochondriac by Tracy H. Tucker

Born with a Beard by Ted Ringer

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Born with a beard is a novel about a baby boy who was literally born with a beard. His family brings him home and his adventures among them begin. His father is the breadwinner and intellectual in the family. There is a routine to be followed each day of the week set in place by the father. The boy's mother is a stay-at-home mom who likes to spend time dreaming or preparing surprise meals for the family to try at dinnertime. Last but not least, the big sister attempts to show the baby how things are done all the while dreaming of all things French. Each adventure is another benchmark in the baby's life where things are more interesting than the fact he was born with a beard.

Review:
This book was chock full of humor. From the first paragraph to the very last, the author put a comical and positive spin on what could have otherwise been difficult situations. Each chapter deals with the baby's dealings with the family members as well as his thoughts and feelings about his environment. I love that each character had their distinct voice and brought a different aspect to the family. The author was able to blend them well whenever they are in the same chapter together. I especially loved the chapter where the baby was helping the mother pick items to create dinner. All in all, this book was a quick, light-hearted read that put a smile on my face. If you enjoy humorous books, this one is for you!

Born with a Beard by Ted Ringer is available in both paperback and Kindle form. It can be found at Amazon.com at the link below.
Born with a Beard by Ted Ringer