books, pens & larceny

THE UNIVERSE BETWEEN US

Stories to share with my partner book 4

J. F. Nodar

Reviewed by M. Garnet - September 26, 2023

This author has led us on an interesting road following a character that we can understand. One that we can cheer for and one that we can cry with. In this time of a world with so many problems, reading this mystery and romance story reaches into the heart as I turned each page and saw each difficulty and decision the hero had to face.

The author does a great job of taking us into the world of books on shelves with his descriptions of what is always around the story. It makes us want to go to our local book store, but we hope that the owner does not face the dilemma that the author puts in front of his character in both business and love. Still, there is a touch of humor to take away the dry feeling of books. I loved that.

This is a novel of interest, so I highly recommend it.

M. Garnet purchased this book.

Reviewed by Myron F. - August 3, 2023

Danny Monk is struggling to make ends meet in his small retail bookstore, when a tinkling front doorbell brings about a drastic change in his life. He agrees to an unusual partnership with a flamboyant neighboring retailer, Albert Guzman.

The story wends it way through a smorgasbord of intrigue, murder, some naughtiness, romance, humor — with an equal number of colorful characters, such as dogged Detective Cassell, sniffing for clues to connect them to crime.

Each chapter is a story in itself, but all chapters gel nicely. Just the type of companion book for a short flight or waiting in a doctor’s office.

A fun, light read. Jose’ Nodar’s writing keeps us turning pages! (We, in the U.S. may need to keep a lexicon handy for certain British terminology)

Myron F. purchased this book.

Reviewed by Brian A. -June 7, 2023

Easy ordering. Prompt fast delivery. Good quality book.

Brian A. purchased this book.

Reviewed by Lee K. - December 4, 2022

Amusing plot for a first time effort. Author shows promise.

Lee K. purchased this book on Amazon.

Reviewed by Muriel Garnet. December 20, 2023

What an amazing short novel that keeps you reading each page because the author has drawn a SciFi story around interesting characters you want to stay with and follow.

To find that we can immediately understand and like the hero who is not young and gorgeous, makes it more important to the tale and the results of the different problems.

A SciFi idea that is different, sharing space with friendly people who need help but can cause problems, makes us uncomfortable at first, but the author lets us become like the hero and ease into the troubles of his fast-moving story.

My compliments to the author and my promise you will enjoy this story as much as I did.

Reviewed by Lee K. November 19, 2023

This book is the author’s first foray into the SF genre. The story line is reminiscent of Asimov’s “The Gods Themselves” in that the Earth is in a bit of a crises and there is a solution in a parallel universe. This time around though, there are friendly aliens who are sharing the crises, and have one of their own to solve.

As in many SF stories lines, there are a few inconsistencies to address. And, the writing style is a blend of familiarity and first-person introspection. This works because the protagonists are run-of-the-mill retirees enjoying life before they are called up to perform heroic deeds. Borrowing imagery from Star Trek occasionally lends a comfortable feel and a bit of humor.

Overall the story is a pleasant and quick read. It also has the structure and story line to support both prequels and sequels.

Stories to Share With My Partner - Book 4

Reviewed by Mary Beth Armstrong. December 4, 2023

A wonderful collection of lovable short stories that brought plenty of smiles and giggles. A true delight to read.

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