Contemporary | Chanticleer Book Reviews

An Editorial Review of “The Hourglass” by Sharon Struth

2016-12-17T12:15:40-08:00By Elaine Douglas|

Best-selling author CJ pens a dark thriller called "The Hourglass" shortly after his wife's death in a car accident that leaves CJ guilt ridden for reasons that are unclear. He hires Brenda McAllister, a self-help author and a relationship counselor as a consultant on the advice of his publisher so he can finish his novel. The two instantly share a mutual, but decidely unwanted attraction. However, Brenda soon realizes that CJ's new novel may be a reflection of his personal demons...and she isn't without her own demons herself.

An Editorial Review of “Choices” by Kate Vale

2016-12-17T12:15:41-08:00By T. Mitchell|

Melanie's husband shocks her when he walks out after sixteen years of marriage, leaving her to care for their three children. When Sam re-enters Melanie's life, will they be able to make it through the hardship and tragedy to build their lives anew? "Choices" by Kate Vale is a heartwarming and honest look at modern love and relationships.

An Editorial Review of “An Ex to Grind in Deadwood” by Ann Charles

2014-09-22T17:49:32-07:00By kbrown|

Fresh writing, lovable quirky characters, a good dose of randiness, peculiar situations (I have no idea how Ann Charles comes up with this stuff, but it makes for an entertaining read), and clever surprises at every twist and turn. An "Ex to Grind" keeps the laughs coming or the suspense building.

An Editorial Review of “The Promise of Provence” by Patricia Sands

2015-05-05T19:28:32-07:00By kbrown|

The allure of France helps to draw Katherine, a woman of a "certain age," out to explore and rediscover life’s pleasures along with the capacity to love again in this inspiring and satisfying novel.

The INHERITORS by Judith Kirscht – Literary Fiction, Contemporary

2017-09-15T14:32:01-07:00By A. Libey|

"The Inheritors" by Judith Kirscht is a novel of one woman grappling to find her cultural and personal identity. Tolerance of others and the need for communication is required from each of us is an overriding theme in this latest work of Kirscht that explores the complexities of human nature and family bonds.

An Editorial Review of “Swamp Secret” by Eleanor Tatum

2014-10-02T13:22:59-07:00By K. Hess|

Clever dialogue, humor, and a healthy dose of romance between Alex and Jillian will surely delight romance readers. Providing a deft balance of romance and mystery, Eleanor Tatum plants intriguing clues and steadily builds suspense in a way that had this reviewer eagerly turning the pages to discover who is embezzling town funds and endangering the lives of its citizens.

An Editorial Review of “Dark Seed” by Lawrence Verigin

2020-02-20T14:06:49-08:00By P Beason|

This thriller’s premise of international corporations controlling the food supply and sacrificing human health for the sake of profits is so plausible that it is horrifying. Readers will find themselves rapidly turning the pages to see what happens next in this disturbing “OMG this could really happen” novel. A strong debut novel by Lawrence Verigin that adeptly tackles the pertinent and socially relevant topic of GMO’s with tight writing and fast-paced action.

An Editorial Review of “Home Fires” by Judith Kirscht

2014-10-01T15:21:38-07:00By A. Libey|

"Home Fires" is an intelligently written, fast-paced family drama that unfolds into a suspenseful page-turner. Although this novel masterfully renders the emotional hardships and tragedies that are sometimes part of dysfunctional relationships, it is not a depressing read.

An Editorial Review of “All is Silence” by Robert L. Slater

2014-10-01T14:50:14-07:00By Virginia Herrick|

Slater juxtaposes the tragic with the darkly comic. He grabs our heartstrings even as he keeps us snorting with laughter at the probability that, yes, this is just what a group of random teens would do if suddenly thrust into this Apocalyptic world. He draws us into a familiar-yet-drastically-changed world and makes us care about his cranky, vulnerable, sometime-exasperating, always-engaging characters.

An Editorial Review of “Spirit Legacy” by E.E. Holmes

2016-12-17T12:15:42-08:00By L. Costantino|

E.E. Holmes’ YA paranormal thriller starts out strong and just keeps getting stronger, revealing a storyline that’s believable in large part to its well-drawn characters, its accurate depiction of college life, and the familial compassion that surfaces along with the long-held secrets.