Burnout (A Jessie Black Legal Thriller) by Larry A Winter

Winters' main character is Jessie Black, a very capable lawyer with the District Attorney's Office in Philadelphia.

After successfully prosecuting a murderer rapist, the case returns when she firstly has to defend the criminal’s defence lawyer and then re-prosecute the killer in a new trial.

This book is a legal thriller at its best with twist and turns in the plot. The impressions you will have of the characters will also change. Don’t take anything for granted in this story.

I thought I had it sorted, thought I’d guessed the way the story was heading. Even with my extensive notes on how the characters linked to each other gave me no clue to the ending.

All the characters are believable and Jessie herself is very likable and capable. A series of stories based on her could attract a popular following with readers of this genre.

Winters' style is clearly descriptive and emotive but not unnecessarily wordy. The only warning I would give is that is does include some coarse language.

 

My rating 4*

Lost in Transplantation by Eldona Edwards

It is rare that you find a book that gives you more than the joy of reading or, in the case of non-fiction, increased knowledge about a subject.  Eldona Edwards’ (Ellie) book, ‘Lost in Transportation’ is one of those rare books.

Her story in itself amazing but it is also through her deviations from the main story line into other moments in her life that gave me more food for thought.

After meeting a brave, young fellow student with kidney disease, and recalling Ghandi’s famous words “Be the change you want to see in the world”, Ellie offers one of her own kidneys to the young woman. Her offer is appreciated but declined. 

This does not stop Ellie from pursuing her amazing decision to become a living organ donor. With a supportive circle of friends and family this story is her journey not only to accomplish her mission but to also become an active advocate for living organ donation.

This biography is sensitive and poignant. At times it is also amusing and thought provoking.

I can’t recommend this book too highly. It will make you cry and make you laugh for it is not only her, sometimes frustrating, journey but the way she openly shares other intimate feelings and thoughts; her joy of being a massage therapist, going through menopause, relationships with family and friends and her wonderful outlook on life generally.

My rating 5*

Timbuctoo by Tahir Shah

During the 14^th century Timbuctoo was a centre of rich culture and learning with a flourishing trade in salt, gold, ivory and slaves. Its legend grew and it was believed to be a city made of gold. 

From 1618 Europeans became fascinated with the potential of Timbuctoo and in the 1700s and 1800s explorers and traders attempted to reach Timbuctoo in search of wealth. Many had to abandon their exploration and many more did not return.

One man, Robert Adams made it back to England after being rescued from three years of slavery in Africa and told his story to a disbelieving public.

Tahir Shah’s book ‘Timbuctoo’ is based on the true story of Robert Adams set on the background of the Regency period in England.

It is an enthralling tale told by a master storyteller who has painted his highly descriptive background like a tapestry; a tapestry of disparity with the rich and the poor, decadence and struggle, greed and philanthropy.

Shah demonstrates is excellent erudition of the English language and uses his skills it to full effect. His descriptive prose is such that the tapestry is also painted with the sounds, sights and smells of the period. No small detail is missed yet Shah avoids being too wordy.

The story of Robert Adams is interwoven with historical events, attitudes and figures of the time. So clearly has Shah written his story I never lost track of the many characters.

My measure of a good historical novel is based on how it interests me in the period and events featured. ‘Timbuctoo’ has certainly ignited in me great interest in the Regency period, exploration of Africa and the life and times of King George III.

My only disappointment was that with the Kindle edition I was unable to study the maps included in the hardcover version.

My rating 5 *

The Mine by John A. Heldt

My review rating 4.5*

Historical romance is not my preferred genre, time travel is definitely not my preferred genre. What is this book about? Time travel and a romance set in 1941.

I was offered this book in return for an honest review. When I first became a reviewer I resolved I would not be narrow in my acceptance of books based on those I would normally choose from the book shelf.  I have just finished The Mine and I am so glad I accepted the review request.

The story briefly:

Two young men finishing college are on a visit to Montana. They come across an old mine and one of the men, Joel, leaves his friend outside while he goes into explore. He is transported back 59 years to 1941.

With cash ahead of its time and definitely unusable credit cards, he struggles to make his way to Seattle where he is befriended by another young man, Tom, whose family owns a department store. Tom’s father employs Joel in the shop and a new life begins. The new life brings him romance but when the opportunity to return to 2000 arises he must decide if he will leave his new life and his beloved Grace or stay and change the course of history for many.

I loved this book, its story line, characters and thought provoking situations Joel finds himself in.

He discovers that his grandmother, Ginny, is the girlfriend of his new best friend. Does he warn them of the future he knows is in store? One of her friends, Katie, is a Japanese student. With the bombing of Pearl Harbour about to bring the United States into the war does he tell Katie that she will spend years in and internment camp?

And most of all, does he leave the woman he loves or does he take her back to the future with him? These are questions Joel muses over many times.

The story is written sensitively with a touch of humour. I love the part where Tom asks Joel to leave him and Ginny alone for a while and Joel thinks to himself “You want to make out with my grandmother!”

The characters are not only likeable and believable but I felt I really got to know them. John Heldt avoids long winded descriptions to set his scene using fashion, historical accuracy, architecture and motor vehicles to paint his pictures.

The story’s ending is not at all what I expected but it is a wonderful ending to an excellent story. I will certainly be looking for further books by John Heldt.