RS: More Gaming Fiction: Nera Vivaldi

 

Cookmancer Online by Nera Vivaldi

I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw the cover and read the blurb. I wondered what sort of LitRPG would use cooking – and the talk of scoring points - was the heroine participating in a reality television show like Master Chef? 

However, when I got past the uniqueness of the concept, I found Cookmancer Online was an absorbing read. Genuine gaming fiction, with a few twists. Apparently, Earth ought to have become uninhabitable, but it was saved by an artificial intelligence. The opposite of the TERMINATOR plot – but a certain amount of cyber paranoia remains. Is the artificial intelligence truly neutralised – and is it genuinely benign?

The villain is an ex-boyfriend, creating drama and tension.  I immensely enjoyed my review copy accessed through Book Sirens.

https://www.amazon.com/Cookmancer-Online-LitRPG-GameLit-Novel-ebook/dp/B08JYGYCVM/r

RS: Charming Holiday Fiction: Link by Link Edited by Meg Dailey & Thankfully in Love by Anna J. Stewart

Link by Link Edited by Meg Dailey

 

A charming collection that proves not all ghosts are scary. Most of the ghosts in this story have returned to right wrongs and support loved ones. One or two I’m not sure are ghosts; they are supernatural creatures that only certain individuals or animals can see. The volume is value-packed, with each tale being so complete that it deserves an individual mention.

 

Between the Quiet by Candace Robinson –is a sweet tale where a friend cares enough to attempt matchmaking from beyond the grave. The Spirit of You by Elle Beaumont – another sweet tale featuring a boyfriend who cares enough for a lingering farewell. I Saw Her Again by Lauren Emily Whalen – is an inclusive story about lost love and regret. Yesterday’s News by Leslie Rush – explores the ability of a message from the past to alter the future.

 

Paw Prints by Kristin Jacques – is an incredibly cute tale that asks whether pets might actually know best? Coffee Talk by M. Dalto – is a charming love story. But who are the invisible mentors? Bound by What by Jess Moore – a morality tale where a woman is tasked with the burden of preventing a tragedy her selfishness caused. Charing Cross by Pam S. Dunn –is a unique detective story with “gaslamp” fantasy overtones. The Recipe for Cornbread by C. Vonzale Lewis – is a tale where Grandmother appears to help prepare the festive meal. This one dug deep emotionally and I think it was my favorite.

 

I read an advance review copy provided by Book Sirens, and I write reviews because I really enjoy reading.

 Thankfully in Love by Anna J. Stewart

Thankfully good! Four excellent holiday romances: they are clean romances, but you can feel the emotions better that way. 

NO PLACE LIKE HOME by Anna J. Stewart – verged on being a holiday thriller.

SECOND CHANCES by Kayla Perrin – combined a holiday break up with the dream of “the one that got away”. 

DOG-GONE HOLIDAY by Melinda Curtis - employed a bit of magical realism. 

LOVE GUIDES THE WAY by Cari Lynn – I don’t know about you, but I found this one to be a tear-jerker. 

I read a review copy supplied by Book Sirens, and am happy to recommend any of these stories to someone wanting positively themed festive entertainment.

https://www.amazon.com/Thankfully-Love-Thanksgiving-Anna-Stewart-ebook/dp/B08D3TBSTJ/

Readers' Favorite Reviews: Non Fiction

 

The Wandering Investor by Brendan Hughes contains a survey of the tourist attractions and economics of several countries. It is partially investment advice, part travelogue. Countries surveyed included New Zealand, Australia, Belize, and Iceland. The middle sections cover Peru, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Chile. Botswana sounds surprisingly good despite the drawback of a large desert. The latter half discusses Canada, Colombia, India, Cuba, Singapore, and Malaysia. Hughes makes Colombia sound frightening, but apparently, it has good economic prospects. Singapore apparently has strong manufacturing, health care, and education; as well as tourism. It seems to be booming. Malaysia has diversified into manufacturing and is growing. Finally, Indonesia is rated for its strong tourism and domestic activity. Then Hughes brought things together in the analytical sections: “Travel Lessons Learned” and “What Makes a Successful Economy?”  

 

The Wandering Investor is a unique volume. It was stimulating to read about Hughes’ visit to my own country; and all his adventures in other countries. Every chapter is introduced by an account of the Hughes escapades in that particular country. I liked the fact that the end of each chapter was illustrated with black and white photographs. I used to read finance magazines, so I was interested in what Hughes had to say. Hughes’ assessments were generally shrewd; although the situation in Australia required him to write an “update” section. Some people will want to read about Hughes' travel, while others will want to read about investments. There is something in The Wandering Investor for everyone.

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/guidance-and-encouragement-from-isaiah?fbclid=IwAR2eFmPxRXqt12HlWW_eXRR7REklqm01x2aZ_5IPd2DX62VIl7cHXsP6m78#

 

 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/crossing-jordan-rivers?fbclid=IwAR2CLQ-QQS1uYJVMR7g9iqWGiUGEd4cP-AeyL_3PFmW_nQa_YrPjktJ1pis#