As an indie author who has a lot of indie author friends,Β I often help beta read their storiesΒ (and vice versa). As a result, I get early access to a lot of great books, four of which I want to share with you today. (Click on the book titles to go to their respective Amazon pages.)
1)Β A Tapestry of Tears by Gita V. Reddy
Blurb:Β This is a collection of a novelette and twelve short stories. The title story, A Tapestry of Tears, is set in the nineteenth century. A young couple from an affluent background fights against the time honored tradition of female infanticide. In another story, Division into Two, a family is torn apart by the brutal partition of British-ruled India into India and Pakistan. Told through the voices of an estranged aunt and nephew, it reveals the human tragedy that is often a fallout of social strife.
My review: “I didn’t realize how much I would benefit from reading this author’s work. She has a magnificent way of storytelling, as if she had lived the events herself. Each story in this collection evoked so many emotions from deep within and left lasting impressions on my heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the culture and people of India and for those who value eloquent and intentional writing.”
Recommended for readers who enjoy non-fiction, women’s fiction, as well as stories that focus on cultural issues and human relationships. There are some tough issues addressedΒ in the title story, so if you are sensitive you may want to skip overΒ it (butΒ it is a really eye-opening piece).
2) Masquerading Our Love by Audrey Rich
Blurb:Β Junior year has been tough on ThalΓa Reynari.
A new high school, trying to fit in with new friends, schoolwork, family commitments. With everything going on in her life, ThalΓa could use a break, an adventure.
So when ThalΓa meets Christopher Cooper, the most gorgeous guy in town, her life should change for the better, right?
Donβt bet on it.
ThalΓa and Christopher find themselves caught in the middle of a simmering feud thatβs kept the two families apart for a decade. And no one is sure if young love will be enough to bridge this divide.
As they hide their relationship behind masks ThalΓa must decide if this new love is worth losing her parentsβ approval.
My review: “An opposites attract story, this is the perfect bookΒ for the awkward teen in all of us.Β I can’t wait for the next books in the series to read about the cast of supporting characters.”
Recommended for teens and adults who are youngΒ at heart. This story is a clean bookΒ that realistically delves into the heart and mind of teenagers and supplies just the right amount of angst to keep you reading.
3) Love Among the Lilacs by Jenna Victoria
Blurb:Β Bookkeeper Mollie Wright knows about living on the streets, and her purchase of sweet Lilac Cottage is a dream come true. She is determined to stay and fight when a legal error puts her ownership at risk.
Attorney Sean Grady never wanted his great-aunts to sell their cottage in Westchester County, New York, so when a paperwork snafu puts the deal on hold, he moves swiftly to evict the pretty, feisty squatter.
Mollie finds unexpected allies in Grady Cove neighbors and a member of Sean’s own family but knows the clock is ticking.
Will a theft and her past secrets force a showdown to heartache, or will Mollie and Sean discover home is where your heart is?
My review: “This is the first book I read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing is polished, the characters are believable and the supporting cast is a quirky, fun bunch. I enjoyed the alternating points of views and seeing how the characters grew to accept and care for each other.”
Recommended for romance readers who enjoy stories with well-rounded characters.
4) All That Glitters by Ines Bautista-Yao
Blurb:Β When they have nothing better to do, college students Billie Santiago and Carlos Angeles enjoy imagining what their lives will be like five years into the future. Itβs never seriousβjust a whole lot of teasing and poking fun at each other. Till blindingly handsome, PR professional IΓ±igo Antonio saunters into the university bookstore where Billie works. All of a sudden, she finds herself face to face with the physical manifestation of the very dream she tells Carlos about.
Captivated by IΓ±igoβs magnetic personality, Billie is lured into his dazzlingly glamorous worldβmuch to Carlosβs frustration. But as Billie notices IΓ±igo might not be playing by the rules, Carlos begs her to stay away from him. When Billie doesnβt listen, she realizes too late that she is in over her head and it may take a miracle (or a boy who cares deeply about her) to get her out of it.
My review: “I know I’m always in for a treat when I open up one of Ines Bautista-Yao’s books, and this one did not disappoint! The author has such a knack for getting into the hearts and minds of young characters. I love friends-to-lovers stories and could not get enough of Carlos and Billie’s relationship! There was just the right balance of “the feels”, as well as character growth to keep me reading. I highly recommend this book to romance lovers everywhere!”
Recommended for young adult and romance readersΒ and for readers who are curious about life in the Philippines.
I hope you’ll check out these books and their amazing authors! What books have you read recently that you would recommend? π
Thank you for including my book!
It was my pleasure! π