Author: Lizz

Review: No Ego

Lizz
No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big ResultsNo Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results by Cy Wakeman
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Odd that a book with a name such as “No Ego” can have an author that is nothing but… Yes, I do agree that we could all do with less workplace drama. However, issues do exist in the workplace that are not necessarily the employee’s fault. This author dismisses the idea that anybody else but the employee is responsible because they are feeling entitled. The author lacks empathy and compassion, something that usually makes me very suspicious. I would not recommend this book to anyone working in the corporate world.

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Review: Life Makeover: Embrace the Bold, Beautiful, and Blessed You

Lizz
Life Makeover: Embrace the Bold, Beautiful, and Blessed YouLife Makeover: Embrace the Bold, Beautiful, and Blessed You by Dominique Sachse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I rather enjoyed Dominique’s life makeover in a bottle, or in a book, as the case may be. Although much of what she says seems to be common sense, I have found that common sense is truly not very common. I tended to agree with about 90% of her statements, and found her corroborating stories charming. I have found that the content sometimes mirrors the same content from her videos and/or blog. However, as any good speaker knows, you tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them. In fact, repetition is key, if you truly want to change for the better. Kudos to Dominique for writing this book, as it seemed to get all of her good ideas in one place.

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Review: One of Us by Lorie Lewis Ham

Lizz

One of Us by Lorie Lewis Ham

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park with her first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series. Roxi Carlucci is a strong and bright character with just enough whimsey to soften the edges, and her co-horts are equally as interesting. This installment had everything that interests me, such as theatre, literature, pets, and of course, mystery. The dialogue is stunning, as I felt like I was a fly on the wall throughout the story. Fun to read and with easy flow, I highly recommend this cozy.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC for an objective review.



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Review: Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell

Lizz

Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and likeable. The mystery was intriguing. The romance was lovely. The dialogue was top notch. I felt right at home, especially with all of that southern hospitality. There was even a cat. It takes a lot for me to give a 5 star review, but this book deserves it. I will be reading the second book in this series, as well. Unfortunately, there are only two books in this particular series, which disheartens me. I do wish we could get a few more installments. However, it is noteworthy to say that this is a pen name for Tonya Kappes, who has written many other books and series in the cozy mystery genre that I am sure I will enjoy.



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Review: Dead in Dublin by Catie Murphy

Lizz
Dead in Dublin

Dead in Dublin by Catie Murphy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I absolutely loved the first installment of this series. I have family/friends in Ireland and we used to go there quite frequently until the pandemic hit. It was so comforting to read about places that we have visited, such as Dublin and Galway, even though a few of the other places mentioned were fictional. The protagonist, Megan, is a delight, and even though I usually like to read cozy mysteries that are written in first person, I still felt engaged in Megan’s thoughts through the journey. The characters are all well formed, and the relationships intriguing. Overall, a great read!



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Review: August – Osage County

Lizz

August: Osage CountyAugust: Osage County by Tracy Letts

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After reading this play, I was reminded of why I love to read in the first place – Entertainment. Life is hard enough, with all of its issues and disappointments, without having to read about depressing dysfunctional families. While I agree that some drama is always needed in theater, this story is just too depressing and really does not offer any real resolution of problems. I suggest that you be in a real good frame of mind before picking this little saga to read.

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Review: Impromtu

Lizz

Impromptu.Impromptu. by Tad Mosel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I directed this one-act play in high school, and thought I would revisit it today. It is a short read about 4 actors that are taken out of their comfort zone. Being that I have undergraduate degrees in both, Musical Theatre and Psychology, I have always found this play to be fascinating. Actors always want to be “in character” but in this situation they are forced to play themselves through the improvisation of a play. Typecasting runs rampant in this story, until the actors slowly turn about. All in all, they learn much about themselves and each other in only 27 pages.

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Review: Permed to Death

Lizz

Permed to Death
Permed to Death by Nancy J. Cohen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a typical who-done-it that lacked the humorous dialogue which, in my opinion, somewhat defines a cozy mystery. While I liked the beauty salon setting, I felt that the main character lacked complexity, and was a bit unlikable. Another issue was the plethora of stereotyped characters in unlikely situations that were introduced shortly thereafter, which made for a confusing time and did not add much value to the plot itself. I did enjoy the smattering of Yiddish expressions throughout, which although irrelevant, I thought added a bit of interest to the story. I must say, however, that it was difficult for me to finish this book, as it really did not hold my interest. I do not believe that I would take the time to read another book in this particular series.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest unbiased review.

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