The Mango Chronicle by Ricardo José González-Rothi is a wonderful memoir that reads more like a novel. I loved hearing Ric's stories about growing up in Cuba, as well as his heart-wrenching stories about his first years as an immigrant.

I have always found it interesting how a child views life. We assume that living in communist Cuba was terrible. And there were definitely aspects that were bad. But on many levels, at least to a child, he has glorious memories of his Uncle, his grandmother, his friends, neighborhood pranks, sports, kite flying, and adventures. Whether he was using his slingshot or stealing a rowboat, Ric saw Cuba from the eyes of a child who loved where he lived.

When his family moves to New Jersey, he lets us into his child's mind as he tries to navigate a new world with a new language. Some of these stories were funny. Others were not. But throughout it all, Ric's upbringing helped him forge a path forward.

His recollections made me laugh, ponder, swear under my breath, and even cry. You are going to love this book!

Purchase a copy of The Mango Chronicle:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4kfvvCf​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4nza81O

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

​(Review by Carole O'Neill)

There's Always a Price by Jen Sinclair is a contemporary novel. I enjoyed this book from page one. Thirty-six-year-old Cassie has stopped painting because of some neurological damage to her hand and her once-held dream has been shattered. Her husband Jason has kept their money problems from her and is about to lose everything, including Cassie’s trust fund.

Enter investor Lucas Dalton who offers to save Jason’s business and allow him to put the money he stole from Cassie back before she discovers it missing. Problem solved. Or is it? There’s always a price. Jen Sinclair’s story takes us into a world where billionaires can have almost everything.

This novel has been named a finalist in the Women’s Fiction Category by the Feathered Quill 2025 Book Awards. Once you begin reading, you’ll feel it should be the winner.

Purchase a copy of There's Always a Price:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3T926i3​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3HSfPrn

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

As an enthusiast of both historical fiction and compelling true stories, I was thrilled to sit down with author Kit Sergeant for an engaging conversation on my podcast. Kit, who penned the captivating book "Nancy Wake," treated us to an inside look into her writing process and her focus on strong, smart women throughout history. Below, I share some highlights from our conversation that will surely intrigue readers and history buffs alike.