On Being Jewish Now

I finally began reading these wonderful essays and reflections by Jewish authors. They range from childhood memories and lived experiences to how the writers felt and reacted to October 7, 2023. Stirring up my own recollections—and echoing the many stories I’ve heard and books I’ve read—I deeply appreciated the way these authors captured what being Jewish means to them. This collection doesn’t pretend to solve the world’s ongoing issues, but it does offer something powerful: the comfort of knowing you’re not alone, and that you’re supported by a dynamic array of voices and perspectives. I began reading a few essays each morning and found the experience almost therapeutic. Highly recommended—and my heartfelt thanks to each and every author for sharing their story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Heir Apparent

Lexi and her friends are out camping in the outback of Tasmania. Taking a break from her grueling medical residency, they are sleeping under the stars. When a helicopter lands dragging Lexi back to her old life, everything from the last decade is pushed aside while she is transported to the palace. Estranged from her family Lexi, aka Princess Alexandrina, left her twin brother to live up to their royal responsibilities while she ran away to the other side of the world to live her own way. Now, a terrible accident has left Lexi as the Heir Apparent and she must decide if she is willing to give up her career, freedom and the people she loves to choose the Crown. She is granted a year to decide and during this time Lexi jumps back in to everything she ran away from, chased by tabloids, revered by crowds of adoring fans and trusting no-one. Told through dual timelines there is romance, friendship and the dramatic intricacies of family. This one dragged a tiny bit but overall I really enjoyed this read and love modern day monarch stories.  ⭐⭐⭐

Everywhere You Look

When Jade lost her father a decade ago she didn’t think her heart would ever recover. Feeling alone and adrift in the world she spends each of her birthdays since his tragic accident at the restaurant where they once celebrated her special day. One year, the worst yet, Jade cannot shake her incessant guilt and returns to sit for what she hopes is the last time. When she glances at the busy New York City street Jade shockingly catches a glimpse of her beloved father in the window. She may be sad and hopeless but she is not imagining this. As Jade begins investigating what everyone thought was put to rest, the clues and secrets uncovered send her down a mysterious path of no return. Interestingly, Liv Constantine isn’t one writer but the shared pen name of sisters Lynne and Valerie! It’s hard to imagine how they do it! A true divide-and-conquer partnership the authors swap scenes, trade edits, and sharpen twists and turns until the voice feels seamless. The result is a suspenseful, unputdownable short story that is FREE on Amazon Prime! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Invisible Woman

Elinor Gilbert is an average middle aged woman who teaches music class to children. Waiters ignore her requests, coffee shops she frequents daily forget her name, Elinor feels invisible. But it wasn’t always this way. Elinor was an attractive rising star in the FBI, until it all fell apart and it has been years since she has felt valued. When her nemesis from the agency calls, Elinor cannot resist the chance to get her old life back. Ironically, it will take Elinor to become even more invisible to get the job done. They arrange a costume so she looks older and even more frumpy. She is sent undercover to nanny at the home of a distinguished art dealer where they believe money from the cartel is being laundered. Elinor must fly under the radar while snooping, eavesdropping and observing this family and their business all while caring for an infant. Having never had children Elinor cannot decide if she is more afraid of the baby or the undercover role. James Patterson is famous for teaming up with other writers, and Susan DiLallo is an accomplished lyricist and columnist. Together they bring this sharp, humorous mystery to life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐