The Blood on My Hands is an autobiographical story that focuses on the childhood years of author Shannon O’Leary. Growing up in a Catholic family during the 1960s and ’70s it would seem that she was in an upstanding family. What lurked behind the scenes thought were moments of horrific abuse and even a murder. As she shares her story she delves into the darkness that surrounded her past. Continue reading “The Blood on My Hands Book Review from @kleffnotes”

On a stormy night a monster was born from the mind of a young woman who would become known as the mother of science fiction. Mary Shelley came from a well educated family and that allowed her to gain a tremendous amount of knowledge that was often kept away from women. This though came at a tremendous price as she was victimized by her own father. Monster showcases her life through a historical novelization of Shelley’s life. Continue reading “Monster Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Alma Brady is trying to escape a dangerous man and his gang in the pages of Lusitania Lost. This is the final voyage of the world’s fastest luxury liner, who history tells us what torpedoed by a German U-boat in the first year of World War I. Alma will be one of the women aboard who are heading out to be nurses in Europe. Full of romance and action, this historical story is something with a little bit for any reader. Continue reading “Lusitania Lost Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Sherlock Holmes went to America? In The Tarleton Murders the famous detective makes his way around the world with a case that is full of mysterious events and intrigue. Set in the time before Dr. Watson began detailing his cases, this story focuses on his connection to an old schoolmate who brings him into a series of events based on an alarming coded message. Continue reading “The Tarleton Murders Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Cheryl Charming, creator of the Midas Cup and the bar director at Bourbon O, Ryan Reynolds’ home base for his new gin distillery, bring a compendium of bartender knowledge together in her book The Cocktail Companion. As someone who has actually tried the gin made at this distillery and enjoyed it, I was curious to see what this book would contain. This book is the perfect bar cart addition for those who entertain and there is a little bit of something for everyone. Continue reading “The Cocktail Companion Book Review from @kleffnotes”

As a child I was weirdly obsessed with the Titanic, though why I could never explain. The movie had yet to come out at this point and even when it did I only remember watching it in passing. I do remember being fixated on learning as much as I could about the ship and her doomed voyage. When I learned that there was a book that highlighted a specific passenger on the Titanic I was already hooked and then was even more excited to learn that it was someone who brought a new element of diversity to the often mentioned passengers on the luxurious vessel. Continue reading “Black Man on the Titanic Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Seven Sisters and a Brother is a read that celebrates the heart of a sit-in that protested decreased enrollment and hiring of African Americans at Swarthmore College in 1969. This book is written by the former students who actually took part in this event and examines these events autobiographically. This is the perfect book to celebrate Black History month and will teach readers about the power of coming together to make a difference. Continue reading “Seven Sisters and a Brother Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Wattpad Books brings Given to life in this inventive fantasy release. Nandi Taylor has created a story of discovery and romance with her main character, Yenni, finding herself in a new place and confronted by dragons. With no warning that she would be confronted by such beings, she is also confounded by feelings that begin to emerge between her and a mysterious man. Continue reading “Given Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Set in 1905 in the British controlled India, Where the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow, focuses on Leela and her younger sister Maya. Following the Japanese victory over Russia the two sisters are taking part in wearing homespun clothing to show that India refuses to be oppressed going forward. This is just one of the changes that will take place in the sisters’ lives as their home country begins to change. Continue reading “Where the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow Book Review from @kleffnotes”