Speed Reviewing

Before Ever After, by Samantha Sotto

4 STARS!

Three years after her husband Max's death, Shelley feels no more adjusted to being a widow than she did that first terrible day. That is, until the doorbell rings. Standing on her front step is a young man who looks so much like Max–same smile, same eyes, same age, same adorable bump in his nose–he could be Max's long-lost relation. He introduces himself as Paolo, an Italian editor of American coffee table books, and shows Shelley some childhood photos. Paolo tells her that the man in the photos, the bearded man who Paolo says is his grandfather though he never seems to age, is Max. Her Max. And he is alive and well.

Oh my word! This book definitely wins the award for the most dramatic beginning. After just reading the Prologue I had to put the book down and walk around the living room and think about I had just read.
Then Chapter 1 was so sad, I again had to put the book down, and again after the first paragraph of chapter 2! I have never had to stop reading so much before the first 10 pages in any other book! This was one of the most interesting, original books I have read in a long time. Samantha Sotto is an excellent writer! I can hardly wait to see what she has in store for us next time.
Samantha Sotto has a real nice blog, check it out - HERE  (this is her new blog)
This is her old blog - HERE

Mad Love, by Suzanne Selfors

5 STARS!!!!!

When you're the daughter of the bestselling Queen of Romance, life should be pretty good. But 16-year-old Alice Amorous has been living a lie ever since her mother was secretly hospitalized for mental illness. After putting on a brave front for months, time is running out. The next book is overdue, and the Queen can't write it. Alice needs a story for her mother-and she needs one fast.
That's when she meets Errol, a strange boy who claims to be Cupid, who insists that Alice write about the greatest love story in history: his tragic relationship with Psyche. As Alice begins to hear Errol's voice in her head and see things she can't explain, she must face the truth-that she's either inherited her mother's madness, or Errol is for real.

I could find absolutely no fault with this book! I loved it! This is a Magical Realism book, so don't expect it to be true to life. Its fun quirky, and very touching.
I loved the characters right away.  I fell in love with Alice immediately. And Errol, well who wouldn't love cupid? I also loved Tony (the love interest). Great light, funny, heart warming read!
This is by Suzanne Selfors, Author of "Coffee House Angel" which I also gave 5 stars to - HERE
Do yourself a favor and pick up this adorable book!