Pageants are something that the world had believed would slowly disappear by the 21st century, but the pageant scene continues to exist and even thrive. The Miss America pageant is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2020 and in Hilary Levey Friedman’s book Here She Is: The Complicated Reign of the Beauty Pageant in America traces the pageant back to its roots and showcases how it is an empowering feminist tradition.

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Billy has lived his life in the laboratories of Thorne Century, which in this futuristic world, is the conglomerate that controls everything. This megacorporation dominates American society and Billy is trapped. Knight in Paper Armor follows Billy as he is transferred to a new location, which leads him to meet a new person who he will connect with unexpectedly.

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Jennifer Hosten found herself in the midst of tremendous social and political upheaval in a very unexpected venue for modern audiences. In 1970, after winning a Miss Grenada contest she went to London for the 1970 Miss World pageant. Hosten was surprised herself, but that surprise would grow as the events of the pageant would take on a very dramatic tone. Continue reading “Miss World 1970 Book Review from @kleffnotes”

A Discerning Eye might not be out until October 13th of this year, you will want to keep your eyes peeled. This book is the debut novel of Carol Orange and uses her tremendous knowledge of art and her experience in Latin America to create a mystery that examines the fate of many of the world’s most prized masterpieces. This is the sort of read that is well plotted and will keep readers engaged until the very end.

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Daniel Waite is a professor who would appear to be living pretty much the ideal life. He is married to a brilliant and beautiful woman, has tenure, and is admired by faculty and students alike. He even has classes that students flock to in connection to popular media. The issue is that while it might seem great, he is miserable. Privilege showcases how hidden elements of your life can sudden come to a head and change everything. Continue reading “Privilege Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Cindy Collins’ shares her story of struggling in silence for years as the someone who should love her completely constantly gaslighted her. Born Under Gaslight was written in in the hopes of offering comfort to other victims and encouraging them to go through the necessary processes to find healing. Her book is a completely open discussion of her life, which includes abuse and cruelty that she had to survive. Continue reading “Born Under Gaslight Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Susannah Marren’s latest release, A Palm Beach Scandal, will be out on September 15th of this year. This is the second novel in her Palm Beach focused novels and the focus in this book is on a family that finds themselves rocked by a surprise that causes them to have to reevaluate their lives. This book will pull you in and keep you focused on this family, especially the sisters until the very end. Continue reading “A Palm Beach Scandal Book Review from @kleffnotes”