Contemporary | Chanticleer Book Reviews

An Editorial Review of “Granddad’s House” by Kate Vale

2016-12-17T12:15:47-08:00By kbrown|

Vale’s writing captures germane issues that women face in today’s world: being torn about decisions made between life for oneself and the caring for a beloved elder who has dementia, the strife of feeling the need to be in at least three places at one time, the far reaching effects of the Middle East Conflict, along with the emotional bonds of family and friends, and the myriad of tugs that women must face as they navigate modern life’s complexities. If you want to get to know characters who embrace contemporary challenges with integrity and passion, then look no further than Kate Vale’s novels for a book about love and loss, friendship and family ties, and finding happiness.

An Editorial Review of “Deadly Recall” by Donnell Ann Bell

2022-04-05T12:25:17-07:00By S. J. Stanton|

Donnell Ann Bell deftly intertwines a fast-paced thriller with an emotionally-charged love story. Deadly Recall will entice devotees of both genres, with added appeal for those who appreciate the southwestern setting of New Mexico.

“A Serpent’s Tooth,” a Walt Longmire Mystery by Craig Johnson

2019-06-04T15:00:46-07:00By kbrown|

In "A Serpent's Tooth," Walt must deal with a splinter group or renegade polygamy Latter Day Saints who have built quite the arsenal of weapons and an old vendetta that crosse the time-lines cartels. [Reviewer's note: Not since reading Jim Harrison's works have I encountered writings that are so satisfying to read.]

An Editorial Review of “Semmant” by Vadim Babenko

2013-07-18T11:42:39-07:00By S. J. Stanton|

Babenko has created a fascinating story, peopled with unbelievable characters in whom we believe nonetheless. He introduces emotions where we would not expect to find them, and keeps us rapidly turning the pages to learn the fate of his protagonist, a genius in cybernetics named Bogdan Bogdanov, who creates a gift for the world named Semmant.

“Picking up the Pieces” by Wendy Dewar Hughes

2015-02-07T19:51:46-08:00By Marion Spicher|

"Picking up the Pieces," an archaeological adventure, opens with a short prologue, so well done that we are anchored in its stellar writing and professional style. Immediately, readers pass through a portal, created with written words, transported into the living world of the story. We begin chapter one, bracing for an emotional ride filled with suspense.

“Family Bonds” by Kate Vale

2016-12-17T12:15:48-08:00By L. Costantino|

Family Bonds is a bighearted tale with an old-school, if at times, ingenuous sensibility. This is your mother’s romance novel, and aficionados of traditional love stories will find that refreshing.

Nardi Point by Nancy LaPonzina

2016-12-17T12:15:51-08:00By L. Costantino|

Love among the ruins: in this case, an archaeological dig at a new subdivision in North Raleigh, where rolling pastures and woodsy farms are giving way to housing developments such as Nardi Point. Nardi Point develops into a lovely, nuanced tale with the layers of relationships uncovered like strata of earth, revealing harsh truths and personal epiphanies.

Home to Woefield by Susan Juby

2021-09-13T15:48:58-07:00By C.I. Rinn|

Home to Woefield will make you think again about reaching toward the seemingly unreachable in your own life, about taking that leap of faith, and believing maybe, just maybe, some chickens will show up to make it all happen.