Lisbon '41: Bookreview

 A Grapping detective

If you enjoy stories where history gently wraps itself around a finely-woven detective mystery, then Lisbon '41 by Malcolm Havard is an absolute gem waiting to be discovered. 

Malcolm Havard paints Lisbon with great care—one can almost smell the sea air and hear the footsteps on the cobbled streets of Alfama. The tension of a city holding its breath in wartime neutrality is ever-present, but it never overwhelms the quieter moments of introspection or the subtleties of character development.

What I appreciated most was the blend of atmosphere and authenticity. This isn't a frantic thriller with car chases and explosions—it’s something more refined. Lopes is a thoughtful and human protagonist, and his investigation unfolds with satisfying depth. The moral grey zones of 1940s politics add an extra layer of intrigue.

For readers of historical fiction who prefer their mysteries with substance and soul, Lisbon '41 is a standout. I truly enjoyed every page and look forward to reading more from this author. A wonderful introduction to a series with real promise.

Of cours I give a 5 star rating for this book! 

The Book

Format: 276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published: June 1, 2024

ASIN: B0D238L938

Language: English

Booktasters

As always, I want to thank Booktasters and the author for providing me with a free copy in return for my honest review—which I’ve gladly shared here. 

Source picture: Bookcover

Just String by Atticus Ryder: Bookreview

“A delightful short story with big ideas.”

Just String, written by Atticus Ryder, is a fluently written short story with a wonderfully colorful design. It radiates positivity through its vivid illustrations and presents a simple yet touching tale about self-worth and friendship.

This book is perfect for young readers—or anyone who could use a gentle reminder that being yourself is more than enough. Its message is both universal and deeply comforting.

Without a doubt, I give it a five-star rating.

The Book

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Twilight Cat

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2023

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1838095675

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1838095673

Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.03 ounces

Reading age ‏ : ‎ Baby - 5 years

Booktasters

As always, I want to thank Booktasters and the author for their patience and generosity in providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review—which I have gladly shared here.

picture: Bookcover

The Divine Messenger: Bookreview

 The Divine Messenger: Appearances of the Son of God in the Old Testament

"Good insights"

My Review

This is not the type of book I would typically choose to read, but The Divine Messenger offers valuable insights into the Old Testament. At first, I had some difficulty understanding it, but after a while, I began to feel as though I was simply reading a story.

To be honest, it wasn’t my cup of tea, but I believe this book is meant for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Old Testament.

That being said, it is well-written and thoroughly analyzed. I give it a five-star rating.

Booktasters

I want to thank Booktasters and the author, Matthew Bryce Ervin, for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.

The Four Horsemen written by Rupert Stanbury

 "Good Read"

My Review

I read "The Four Horsemen" written by Rupert Stanbury during the first weeks of
January, while I was in London. It really is a good read!

Stanbury's writing is characterized by its wit and imaginative scenarios, breathing
new life into ancient mythological figures by placing them in modern predicaments.
I enjoyed the humour and the storytelling very much.

While the book offers a standalone story, familiarity with the first installment
enhances the experience, as it provides context for character relationships and
ongoing plotlines. 

For those who appreciate a blend of mythology and contemporary settings,
"The Four Horsemen" delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

Without any doubt, I give a 5 star rating for this wonderful book! I hope to
read more of this author.

Ps. Not many readers of my blogs knew that I love the Greek mythology, so
this was absolute a good read! 

Booktasters

As always I want to thank booktasters and the author as well for providing me
a free copy in return of my honest review, which I did!

I also want to thank them for their patience. 

Het Chili Dieet geschreven door Wouter Cornet

Deze week heb ik het Chili Dieet, geschreven door Wouter Cornet gelezen.
Het was een tijdje geleden dat ik in het Nederlands las en een bookreview
schreef. Hopelijk merken jullie dit niet :-)

Bookreview

"Het Chili-dieet" van Wouter Cornet is een verhelderend boek dat ingaat
op de aanpak van overgewicht in Chili. Cornet, die zelf meer dan dertig kilo
verloor en eerder boeken over gewichtsverlies schreef (zie links onder aan de
post), onderzoekt in dit werk hoe één man in Chili erin slaagde om de
voedingsindustrie te reguleren en zo een kwart miljoen Chilenen van hun
overgewicht af te helpen.

Wouter Cornet schrijft heel bevlogen en vlot over en toch niet altijd gemakkelijk
onderwerp.

"Het Chili-dieet" biedt een inspirerende kijk op hoe beleidsmaatregelen en
bewustwording kunnen bijdragen aan een gezondere samenleving.
Het is een aanrader voor iedereen die geïnteresseerd is in voeding, psychologie
en maatschappelijke gezondheid.

Daarom verdient het boek zeker en vast een 5 sterren beoordeling.

De auteur

Wouter Cornet heeft verschillende boeken geschreven, zoals ik eerder meldde.

Op deze blog had ik eerder twee boeken van hem beoordeeld.

Dank aan de auteur, dat ik dit boek mocht reviewen! 

Ander werk

De Gezellige Dikzak op dieet, zie deze link. 

Gewicht tussen je oren, zie deze link

Het boek is verkrijgbaar via Bol, Amazon enz. 

Het boek werd uitgeven door Bot uitgevers en telt 184

Een heuse aanrader!

In China Soup

"Vivid descriptions"

My Review

On the last days of 2024, I read and reviewed In China Soup written by Ian Gemmill.

"In China Soup" by Ian Gemmill offers an engaging exploration of two educators'
experiences in modern China. 

Gemmill's portrayal of their journeys delves into various facets of Chinese life,
including educational methodologies, the impact of communism, environmental
concerns stemming from industrial outsourcing, and the general attitude
towards foreigners. 

The book has been noted for its professional editing and thought-provoking
discussions on capitalism and communism. 

Overall, "In China Soup" is recommended for readers interested in travel,
cultural studies, or contemporary Chinese society. Its vivid descriptions and
the protagonists' perceptive observations provide a nuanced look into
the complexities of living and teaching in China.

Without any doubt, I give a 5 star rating for "In China Soup".

The Book

Published December 12, 2019

This edition Format: 214 pages, Paperback

Published: December 12, 2019 by Xulon Press

ISBN: 9781545680254 (ISBN10: 1545680256)

ASIN: 1545680256

Language: English

Available on Amazon

Booktasters

I want to thank Booktasters as well as the author for providing me a free copy in
return of my honest review, which I did.

I want to wish Booktasters and the readers of my blog a very happy and healthy
2025!

Three And A Half Minutes of Fame

 I enjoyed this book

My review

As I'm a nineties teenager myself, I enjoyed this book very much.
It was a flashback for me :-)

The writing is both sharp and empathetic, capturing the nuances of a character
grappling with their brief moment of fame and the often harsh reality that follows. 

The vivid storytelling keeps the reader engaged, offering moments of
introspection and humor.

Boucher’s ability to balance the personal with the universal makes
this novel a compelling read.

Therefore I recommend this book to all who like the nineties. Without any doubt
I gave a 5 star rating!

ps. Great cover too! 

The book

Format: 218 pages, Paperback

Published: March 25, 2024 by Earth Island Books

ISBN 9781916864207 (ISBN10: 1916864201)

ASIN 1916864201

Language : English

Booktasters

As always I want to thank Booktasters and the author as well, for receiving a free
copy in return for my honest review, which I did.

Mary: Intimate Witness to God's Love Incarnate

 A special book

My review

On a grey and cold weekend I read the fictional work
 'Mary: Intimate Witness to God's Love Incarnate' written by Louis McCall.

Although it wasn't a book I normally should chose and read, I enjoyed 

reading.

McCall's work is a thoughtful and inspiring tribute to Mary, offering a
fresh perspective on her role in the Christian narrative. It will resonate
with those seeking to deepen their understanding of Mary’s life and her
intimate relationship with God’s incarnate love.

For those who are interested in fiction books and in this topic, I would
recommend this book.

Due to the fantastic writing, I give a 5 star rating.

Booktasters

As always I want to thank Booktasters and the author as well for providing
me a free copy in return for my honest review, which I did.

I want to thank them for their patience and especially Booktasters for their
support. 

Booktasters: the perfect community for readers and reviewers!

Do you like reading and reviewing? Don't hesitate and check the Booktasters
community on this link. 

Booktasters is the perfect way to review books for free! 

How does Booktasters work?

1/ You like reading

2/ You have an Amazon verified account (I always work with Amazon.nl)

3/ You have a Goodreads account

4/ You can chose a book via X @BookTasters 

Me reading and reviewing

You help others by reviewing

Authors are keen to have feedback via reviews. You can support them or
help them on their writing path. 

Motivation

The more you read (for free) the more awards and prizes you win.
It's a benefit for all!

The award certificate of Booktasters

ps.: I love to participate with Booktasters because they're very supportive,

patiently, friendly and above all very correct!

via GIPHY

The Lunar Naturals: Alpha Squad

 "Amazing story"

My review

I read 'The Lunar Naturals: Alpha Squad' written by V.S. Hall during the first week 
of November. This amazing story brightened up my day. 

The book is  is a captivating read with a strong character development and a 
good world built, as it is set up in the future. 

The Lunar Naturals: Alpha Squad is a delightful blend of fantasy.
V.s.hall’s storytelling is engaging, making it a perfect read for both young
adults and those young at heart. Fans of magical adventures and strong
character-driven narratives will find much to love in this book.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for an inspiring and imaginative
escape!

Without a doubt, I give a 5 star rating for this amazing story.

The Book

The Lunar Naturals: Alpha Squad was published on July 18th. 2023 and
it contains 420 pages in the Kindle edition.

The book is available on Amazon. 

Booktasters

As always I want to thank Booktasters and the author as well for providing
me a free copy in return for my honest review. This read brightened up my
day. 

Source picture: Book Cover

Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise

 Tense Thriller

My Review

I read Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise after a busy period at work and it 
was a tense thriller.

Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise immerses readers in a
vividly crafted world where the serene beauty of nature masks deeper conflicts.

Thompson’s prose is both lyrical and engaging, painting a rich picture of the
landscape while effectively building tension. 

The characters are well-developed, each grappling with their own struggles
and desires, which adds layers to the unfolding mystery. As alliances shift
and hidden motives come to light, the plot keeps readers on the edge of their
seats, blending suspense with poignant reflections on community and belonging.

The exploration of themes like environmental preservation and the impact
of tourism on local culture adds depth to the story, making it not just a
thriller but also a thoughtful commentary on modern life.

Overall, Inlet Intrigue is a captivating read that combines suspense with
insightful social commentary, making it a must-read for fans of both
mystery and literary fiction.

Without any doubt I give this tense thiller a 5 star rating. Looking forward to
read and review other books.

The book

Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise was published on July 14th. 2023
and contains 240 pages. 

Booktasters

As always I want to thank Booktasters and the author as well for providing
me a free copy in return of my honest review, which I did.

picture: Book cover

The Courageous Heart: Wisdom for Difficult Times

 "Special Work"

My Review

Last week I read "The Courageous Heart: Wisdom for Difficult Times" written by
Rod Pickett. 

Although it was a short book (only 162 pages) it took a while to read everything.

The Courageous Heart: Wisdom for Difficult Times was a combination between
a kind of diary and beautiful quotes. So, I wanted to take up everything I read

carefully. The book was written very clear and fluently.

If you like to read essays, short stories and beautiful quotes, then it is a book
recommended for you.

I really enjoyed it, so without any doubt I give a 5 star rating for this special work.

Booktasters

I want to thank Booktasters as well as the author, Rod Pickett, for their patience.

It took a time to read and to give an honest review, which I did.

Source picture: Book cover

Way of the Hatchet

 Exciting novel

My review

What a fantastic thriller and an exciting novel written by Edge O. Erin. His writing
was very vivid and the main character, as well as the plot were great. I really was
keen to know the end of this story and I'm looking forward to read the second book!

Of course I give a 5 star rating for this exciting thriller!

Booktasters

I want to thank booktasters and the author as well for providing me a free copy

in return of my honest review which I did!

Source picture: Book Cover

Rael The Wheel of Eight bookreview

 "Amazing book"

My Review

It took a while to read Rael, the Wheel of Eight written by Aaron D. Key, but what
an amazing book!

"Rael (The Wheel of Eight)" by Aaron D. Key is an intriguing and thought-provoking
science fiction novel that dives deep into the complexities of reality, perception,
and identity. 

The book offers a unique narrative structure, blending multiple perspectives and
timelines, which keeps readers engaged as they piece together the overarching story.
Key's world-building is vivid, and he skillfully explores the philosophical questions
that arise within this universe. While the pacing can be slow at times, the
payoff is worth it, making this a compelling read for fans of speculative
fiction who appreciate intricate plots and deep existential themes.

Without any doubt, I gave a 5 star rating for this amazing work!
I'm looking forward to read more of this splendid author!

Neptune's secret code

 A delightful book

My review

I read Neptune's secret code after a very busy time at work and it was very
entertaining and relaxing. 

Neptune's Secret Code by Genna is a delightful children's book that takes young
readers on an underwater adventure filled with mystery and wonder. The story
follows a group of curious children who discover an ancient code hidden in the
depths of the ocean, leading them on a quest to uncover the secrets of
Neptune's kingdom.

The book is beautifully illustrated, with vibrant colors and captivating images
that bring the underwater world to life. Genna's writing is engaging and accessible,
making it easy for children to follow along and stay excited about the unfolding
adventure. The characters are relatable, and the plot is filled with enough twists
and turns to keep young readers eagerly turning the pages.

What makes Neptune's Secret Code stand out is its perfect blend of fun and
educational elements. Alongside the thrilling narrative, children learn about
marine life, the importance of teamwork, and the value of curiosity and
perseverance.

Overall, Neptune's Secret Code is a fantastic read for children who love adventure
and fantasy. It's a book that not only entertains but also inspires a sense of
wonder about the natural world.

I give 5 star for this wonderful work!

The author

Genna Rowbotham started her career as a secretary and has since founded
GR Typing Services, an online secretarial business. 

Inspired by her children, in 2017, she wrote her first story and is now the author of ten
books as well as a short story published in the magazine, Brilliant Brainz.

Genna has a passion for writing stories that entertain, educate and inspire
young ones so they can escape the seriousness of life and enter a world of magic.

She lives with her husband and lively, imaginative daughters in Derbyshire. When Genna’s
not writing, she loves reading, star gazing, movie nights, and exploring the
great outdoors with her family. 

👉 More about Genna’s books on her website at www.gennarowbotham.co.uk

Booktasters

As always I want to thank Booktasters and the author as well for their patience and
their free copy in return of my honest review which I did. 

Source picture: Book cover

The Soul of a Shoemaker

 "What a fantastic story"

My review

The Soul of a Shoemaker, written by Susan Cork is a fantastic and personal book
about her grandfather.

Soul of a Shoemaker" is a compelling and moving memoir that sheds light
on a lesser-known chapter of history through the lens of one family's experience.
Susan Cork’s heartfelt and detailed writing makes it an unforgettable read that
honours the enduring strength of the human spirit.

"Soul of a Shoemaker" stands out for its emotional resonance, vivid storytelling,
historical depth, and inspiring message, making it a rewarding read for those
interested in personal memoirs and historical narratives.

Without any doubt I give a 5 star rating for this fantastic story!

The author

Susan is a talented creative with a passion for digital design and publishing.
Her work is available on popular platforms like Amazon and POD Print
on Demand sites, where she offers a variety of unique digital products.

Additionally, Susan has established a trademarked brand, Adam and Marky ®,
and has published planners, colouring books, and storybooks through KDP.

Her company, Ginzburg Press, is a digital production company that distributes
a wide range of merchandise, books, and animated short films. 

Booktasters

As always, I want to thank Booktasters and the author as well, for providing me
a free copy in return of my honest review, which I did. 

Source picture: Book cover

Lorenzo the Magnificent

Last month, I was in Florence (Firenze) in Italy. Of course, I visited lots of bookshops
in the centre of the town. There a lovely small book caught my eye. It was a children's
book about Lorenzo the Magnificent one of the famous de Medici rulers.

Lorenzo the Magnificent is written by Michèle Fantoli, the illustrations
were made by Marta Manetti. 

The book combined my love for history and my love for reading. Lorenzo the
Magnificent is meant for those who want to know more about him, his
family and their palaces.

Lorenzo the Magnificent catapults you back to beautiful, sunny Florence
and its fantastic history.

Did I say earlier that in addition to an interesting history, the drawings
are beautifully drawn?

Without any doubt, I recommend Lorenzo the Magnificent to school age 
children. However, it's a perfect book for anyone who is interested in 
(royal) history. 

The book

Lorenzo the Magnificent is available online via this link and in the bookshops
in Florence. 

Source pictures: Book cover

The Republic of Plato: Book One: Views On Justice

 Well written book

My review

"The Republic of Plato: Book One: Views On Justice" by G. McLaughlin
is an enlightening and thought-provoking read. It successfully bridges
the gap between ancient philosophical discourse and contemporary
relevance, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the
timeless question of what constitutes justice.

I would recommend this book to anyone who really is interested in
philosophy. 

Without a doubt I give a 4 star rating (more due to my own lack of 
interest in philosophy).

Booktasters

I want to thank booktasters and the author as well for providing me
a free copy, in return for my honest review, which I did!

Source picture: Wikipedia

The Blind Smith (Shadow Guardians)

What a book!

My review

I recently read The Blind Smith Shadow Guardians, written by G. Russell Gaynor and I 
must say, I really enjoyed it.

The story, the characters and the suspense were all great. I also liked the cover picture as
well.

So without any doubt, I would recommend this book to anyone who like fantastic
fantasy stories.

I give a 5 star rating!

Booktasters

I really want to thank Booktasters and the author as well for providing me a free
copy, in return for my honest review, which I did.

Source picture: Book Cover

Book-fluence

How to Write a Book to Position Yourself as a Leader in Your Industry

"Well  researched."

My review

This is a very interesting work for anyone who wants to write a book. The author
wrote clear and accessible, making complex things easy to understand. She presents

a balanced perspective. It also is well researched.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in writing and the influence
of social media. 

For this well researched work I give a 5 star rating.

The Book

The author of this book is Nailah Harvey. 

Release date: 4 June 2022

pages: 54 

available: Amazon, Bol ....

Booktasters

Thank you so much Booktasters for providing me a free copy in return of my 
honest review, which I did.