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Carole Love Forbes
REVIEWS
Title: The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: The New World
Author: Carole Love-Forbes
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1542995856
Pages: 232
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: The New World is a fascinating novel with well-drawn characters and settings. This is the first volume in the trilogy by author Carole Love-Forbes.
Based on true events that happened in American history, the book tells the stories of two women, Bridget Wodehouse and Amanda McNeely. Bridget, on one hand, was the granddaughter of an earl in London and practiced apprenticeship at a millennial shop. One day, on her way home, she is kidnapped by an unknown man and finds herself in the Atlanta, a merchant ship headed to the New World.
Amanda, on the other hand, lives hand to mouth with her mother, after losing her father in the sea. Unfortunate circumstances make her end up in prison soon after losing her mother to lung fever. She later agrees to a deal to go to the New World indentured in exchange for her freedom. She boards the merchant ship headed to Jamestown.
The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: The New World #1 shares their life journey in their new world. The book is divided into two parts: Bridget’s life in the three colonies of Plymouth, Boston, and New Amsterdam; and Amanda’s life in the Southern states of Jamestown, Virginia, and Maryland. The author takes readers through their relationships, their struggle to adapt to their new environments, their successes, relationships, friendships, obstacles, and their determination to survive.
I loved reading this book. The title caught my eye and aroused my curiosity to turn the pages. There is a lot to love about this text. Amazing is the fact that the author carefully blended American history, facts, and a riveting storyline that is richly imagined. I celebrated Bridget’s and Amanda’s wins while empathizing with them in their low moments. The author did her research well, making the book a smooth and entertaining read.
Her vivid descriptions of the New World help create a mental picture in the reader’s mind. The book illuminates the shock that young women faced when they were sent to colonies to be wives to men who had paid for their transition to the New World, and how they struggled to begin new lives.
The Saga of Bridget and Amanda #1 is an undoubtedly successful work. It is educative and intriguing as well. Fans of historical fiction with stoic and determined heroines at the center of the story will find this tome their new keeper. I have no doubt, however, that this enrapturing read will excite just about any reader.
Title: The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: New Challenges
Author: Carole Love-Forbes
Publisher: Create Space
ISBN: 978-1532776762
Pages: 310
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
“Funny how life can lift you and how hope can pave your way,” affirms author Carole Love-Forbes. The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: New Challenges is the second volume in the series. It is a continuation of the story of Amanda McNeely and Bridget Wodehouse. I suggest that readers read the first book in the series to have a clear foundation of the story. Amanda marries the love of her life, Jamie MacDougal after a rough marriage with her daughter’s father, Biggs. He had earlier on died during an Indian invasion in the colony.
Bridget also marries Christopher, who assisted her move to the colony of Boston after fleeing from an abusive marriage and helped reunite her with her daughter. The plot further takes readers through the adult lives of their two daughters, Lindy and Rachel. On the other end is Esther a fair-skinned young woman of African descent, who faces prejudice from her husband Mark, and his family. These five women significantly take center stage in this engrossing novel.
Based on actual historical events, author Carole Love-Forbes has successfully managed to breathe realistic life in this tome. Further, the use of slang and pidgin in some of the conversations makes history come alive perfectly in this book. One aspect I particularly liked was the writing and the descriptions used. They were elaborate and even, making the novel relevant in the modern age.
The character development is brilliantly done. It was easy to connect with these five heroines as they survived every obstacle and still held their heads up high. It was lovely to see both Amanda and Bridget find true love in the New World after such a rough past. The author has a wonderful way of painting a picture through words making “The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: New Challenges #2 addictive and enjoyable.
Readers should prepare for a roller coaster ride with this timeless novel. It is full of suspense and is a real page-turner. I recommend the book to mature audiences due to some of its content. From the writing, one can tell the author’s appreciation for these women, often forgotten but critical elements which have shaped American history.
The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: New Challenges #2, is a wonderful candidate for lovers of historical fiction. It would easy to imagine this story being picked-up as a Netflix or Prime mini-series, as for reading, it is definitely worth the time.
Title: The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: New Challenges
Author: Carole Love-Forbes
Publisher: Create Space
ISBN: 978-1532776762
Pages: 310
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
“Funny how life can lift you and how hope can pave your way,” affirms author Carole Love-Forbes. The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: New Challenges is the second volume in the series. It is a continuation of the story of Amanda McNeely and Bridget Wodehouse. I suggest that readers read the first book in the series to have a clear foundation of the story. Amanda marries the love of her life, Jamie MacDougal after a rough marriage with her daughter’s father, Biggs. He had earlier on died during an Indian invasion in the colony.
Bridget also marries Christopher, who assisted her move to the colony of Boston after fleeing from an abusive marriage and helped reunite her with her daughter. The plot further takes readers through the adult lives of their two daughters, Lindy and Rachel. On the other end is Esther a fair-skinned young woman of African descent, who faces prejudice from her husband Mark, and his family. These five women significantly take center stage in this engrossing novel.
Based on actual historical events, author Carole Love-Forbes has successfully managed to breathe realistic life in this tome. Further, the use of slang and pidgin in some of the conversations makes history come alive perfectly in this book. One aspect I particularly liked was the writing and the descriptions used. They were elaborate and even, making the novel relevant in the modern age.
The character development is brilliantly done. It was easy to connect with these five heroines as they survived every obstacle and still held their heads up high. It was lovely to see both Amanda and Bridget find true love in the New World after such a rough past. The author has a wonderful way of painting a picture through words making “The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: New Challenges #2 addictive and enjoyable.
Readers should prepare for a roller coaster ride with this timeless novel. It is full of suspense and is a real page-turner. I recommend the book to mature audiences due to some of its content. From the writing, one can tell the author’s appreciation for these women, often forgotten but critical elements which have shaped American history.
The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: New Challenges #2, is a wonderful candidate for lovers of historical fiction. It would easy to imagine this story being picked-up as a Netflix or Prime mini-series, as for reading, it is definitely worth the time.
Title: A Bartender’s Holiday
Author: Carole Love Forbes
Publisher: URLink Print and Media
ISBN:
Pages: 148
Genre: Adult Fiction / Adventure-Romance
Reviewed by: Michaela Gordon
Hollywood Book Reviews
Macdonald Patrick O’Neely (AKA Mac) is a Vietnam veteran living the solo life in New York. After a stint in the corporate world, he gives it up to start his own bar. But his boring and lonely life as a bartending bachelor is about to be flipped upside-down. One night, Mac is out on a walk when the unthinkable happens. He becomes involved in a murder. Noticing a woman in danger, he attacks the man following her. In the midst of the brawl, the woman fatally shoots her attacker. With policeman sure to arrive, he quickly decides to shield the beautiful murderess. His decision takes him down a road of no return. Mac finds himself enchanted with the young woman, whose name is Kim. Even though he knows nothing about her, he believes her story of suffering, and he becomes intensely determined to protect her. Even if it means going up against Kai Ching, an international crime lord and uncovering many unthinkable secrets. By clinging to each other (sometimes literally) and using their heads, Mac and Kim must figure out how to escape Kai’s clutches.
A damsel in distress, a hero, and a villain; the characters are quite traditional. The main character, Mac, is the good guy, the hero; someone ordinary turned special who always tries to save the day while delivering quips to the bad guys while intending to be clever. He is willing to do whatever it takes to save his woman. Kim is merely a vulnerable young woman with a dark story who is in danger. Kai, the villain, is your typical wealthy crime boss: handsome, suave, educated, refined, powerful, ever so condescending, very psychopathic, and capable of great evil. The book has basic components with some twists thrown in that make up an interesting story. Given its brief length of 148 pages, the novel is very heavy in explicit sex scene content. Some readers may appreciate knowing in advance that it also contains a rape scene. Words best used to describe this novel might be: raunchy, adventurous, lewd, fantastical, thrilling, and quick-paced.
A Bartender’s Holiday by Carole Love Forbes is an adventure romance fantasy in a modern setting with what at first appears to be a classic storyline…but this book is bound to surprise you.
Saving Alezia’s Baby
by Carole Love Forbes and Gary G. Love
URLink Print and Media
book review by Jonah Meyer
"Then Mama explains, ‘We are very fortunate to live here in the Savanna where we can have many adventures.’"
Mother giraffe Alezia has just given birth to a baby. After a tough day for the new parent, she is immediately smitten. She teaches her baby boy how to straighten out his legs and slowly stand. Then, she decides to give her child a name. “Tarzome,” she says, is a perfect name—and the baby giraffe agrees. Alezia teaches Tarzome about the adventures they will have living on the savanna, also stressing the dangers he must learn about. “We share it with many other friendly animals who are busy leading happy lives,” she explains, pointing out that lions, in particular, can be dangerous. Tarzome meets elephants, rhinoceroses, zebra, antelope, and other giraffe friends. Eventually, Tarzome wanders off and finds himself stuck in a muddy hole beside a hungry lion. A huge elephant comes to the rescue, scaring the lion away. As the animals celebrate, the elephant lifts his trunk into the air, trumpeting.
Forbes and Love have written a delightful children’s picture book introducing young readers to the lives of various animals who call the savanna home. Some are small and some large. Some are friendly, while others are dangerous. Beginning their story with the baby giraffe’s birth, a beautifully sweet moment is shared as Alezia brings new life into the world. The writing is clear, concise, and simple—perfect for a beginning reader or for a parent spending time sharing this engaging, non-complicated story with a baby, infant, or young child. The accompanying artwork consists entirely of colorful photographs, serving well to illustrate the colorful, realistic world of the various animals in their natural habitat. Grassy lands with trees, bodies of water, and bright blue skies complement close-up photographs of mother and baby giraffe, sure to delight any young child with whom this book is shared.
Title: The New Planet
Author: Carol Love Forbes
Publisher: Carol Love Forbes
ISBN: 978-1684860692
Pages: 60
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Reviewed by: Christina Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
The line between spirituality and science has always been a tricky one. The idea one cannot exist without the other has kept these two paths from merging into one another for centuries, and has led to many conflicts and battles which have held back our society in profound ways. Yet what if the divide between science and spirituality could be bridged somehow? Would we find a way of incorporating the peace and tranquility of spirituality with the facts and expanded ideas of science?
In author Carol Love Forbes novel, The New Planet, the author explores the line between science and spirituality in the story of Marc and Alanna. Stationed in space aboard a galactic research station, project leader Alanna must traverse the tensions that arise when a new pilot and non-believer Marc arrives on the station. With weeks to try and bring Marc into the fold and get him in touch with his own spirituality, the lessons and ideas she introduces him to lead to a connection neither saw coming, bringing a romance which plays into the success of their mission in ways they never could have imagined.
The author has created a very succinct and carefully crafted narrative that brilliantly explores the nature of spirituality and how it impacts not only our understanding of the world, but the Universe at large. The need to shed our focus on our differences and instead embrace our similarities plays a major role into the cast of characters’ main spiritual journey, and it plays well with the development of Marc and Alanna’s relationship. The tension and atmosphere the author crafts between these two quickly becomes the heart of this narrative, giving readers someone to root for while also becoming our eyes into this new world-building and mythos the author introduces.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy science fiction, especially that which includes spirituality themes and heavy romance narratives. The carefully crafted story the author brings to life holds both unique character growth and memorable settings, keeping the readers engaged in the world the author has built. It is the passion and merging of souls that makes the story of Marc and Alanna not only so remarkable, but mirrors the themes the author explores so expertly, making this a brilliant read.
Emotional, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Carol Love Forbes’s The New Planet is a must-read sci-fi story. The fast pace of the narrative and rich world-building the author brings to life will keep the readers invested in the romance and spirituality which the narrative is communicating so eloquently here, and the rich relationship the author crafts between these two protagonists leads to a heartwarming reading experience.
A BARTENDER'S HOLIDAY
by Carole Love Forbes ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 21, 2023
book review by Jonah Meyer
An initially intriguing tale with elements of noir that’s undone by problematic elements.
n Forbes’ brief novel, a veteran of the Vietnam War, whose life hasn’t gone the way he hoped, becomes involved with seedy characters.
After another night of listening to the troubles of people drowning their sorrows, Mac Neely locks up his Manhattan bar and begins his mundane trek home to the Upper East Side. The monotony of his life began after the war, when he was reunited with his college girlfriend, and they found that they’d grown apart. Devastated by the breakup, Mac settled into a routine, unfulfilled existence. His ruminations on loneliness during his walk home come abruptly to an end when a woman, seemingly fleeing for her life, rushes by him. He then sees a large man pursuing her, and Mac follows them both into a nearby alley, which starts him on a journey that will alter his life drastically. The pursuer ends up dead, and the fallout of that fateful night bonds Mac and the young woman, Kim Henri; for Mac, this connection quickly escalates into passionate infatuation and carnal lust. Kim falls for him just as quickly, but her past includes a dark secret that could complicate their chances of everlasting love. Forbes delivers a love story that’s often compelling; the juxtaposition of Mac’s steely determination in tough moments and his emotional weakness in the arms of Kim is likely to make readers root for them both as they take on powerful criminals. The author cloaks Kim in a shroud of mystery, which has the effect of driving the narrative forward while also keeping readers guessing. The narrative is told mainly from Mac’s third-person perspective, so when the point of view occasionally shifts to other characters, scenes can become a bit hard to follow. The work’s greatest flaw, however, is its repeated use of the term Oriental in narration, which readers will find offensive and off-putting: “His face was extremely handsome, and quite Oriental….”
An initially intriguing tale with elements of noir that’s undone by problematic elements.
Title: The Saga of Bridget and Amanda: Book One of the New World
Author: Carole Love Forbes
Publisher: URLink Print and Media
ISBN: 9781684863983
Pages: 234
Genre: Fiction / Screenplay
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
If there is one truth in this world, it is that no matter what era or time period it is, women have had to endure so much. The history of the world has shown so many strong, talented, and powerful women who have had to endure trauma, hardship, and inequality for far too long, and the strength they exude in the face of those odds is a source of inspiration many people could learn from.
From that strength, author Carole Love Forbes brings readers a tale of resilience and courage in the face of great injustices and the promise of a New World in the story The Saga of Bridget and Amanda, the first book in The New World Series. Two different women from very different walks of life both find themselves on a boat to the New World, each brought there by circumstances beyond their control. After arriving in The New World, each woman is tested and pushed through trials and tribulations, forging their own path and learning how to survive in a cruel and thankless society.
Instantly, readers are treated to a detailed, authentic, and moving story. The rich development of these characters, from their mannerisms and speech to the honest reactions to these changing landscapes and harsh realities, allows the readers to be transported as they step into the chaos of the new world. The authenticity the author brought to the book allowed for a much grander and engaging use of imagery, with each scene depicted not only feeling immersive but emotionally charged for both the characters and the readers, as if the story were being performed right in front of the readers or “audience.”
Using a screenplay style of writing really brought out the raw emotions and powerful narrative. While both women faced a haunting new reality and overwhelming odds, each trauma and the relationships that they formed spoke to the untold stories of so many women like them which helped shape American history into what the world knows it to be today. The attention to detail, as well as the historical presence in the narrative and the balance the author was able to find between storytelling and historical fiction made this such a brilliant and compelling story to get lost in.
Title: The New Planet
Author: Carol Love Forbes
Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
ISBN: 9781684860708
Pages: 65
Genre: Science Fiction/Screenplay
Reviewer: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
Carol Love Forbes’s The New Planet is a touching tale that celebrates the strength of love. Dr. Alana Hargate, a scientist at the Intergalactic Research Society (IRS) headquarters on Planet Xenon, is entrusted with indoctrinating Colonel Marc Samson, a new pilot for an imminent expedition. Marc, who does not identify as spiritual, believes that he is not the right guy for the position on this planet that has attained a high degree of awareness and spirituality. His mission entails sending master teachers to a new planet where they hope to establish a new life. But before starting his training, he insists on finishing a trip aboard a spaceship as part of his last duty, and he wants Dr. Hargate to accompany him.
Marc brings Dr. Hargate to a secret planet where their host, Father Campion, described as “a great holy man” who maintains a conservatory for every animal ever created by Power One, informs her, to her surprise, that she is needed for a bigger role regarding the formation of the new planet. Meanwhile, Marc is called up to replace a pilot who becomes ill before the first trial landing on the new planet. But he ends up running into the unexpected, which inspires Dr. Hargate to go on a quest she had never considered.
This narrative beckons you in with its love themes, exciting setting, and seductive secrets. It is set in the futuristic year 3002 and enthralls with its amazing display of the fusion of science and spirituality. Its well-crafted protagonists, Marc and Hargate, embark on challenging assignments that call on their latent powers. They are introduced as a potential power couple early in the novel, and subsequent events support this. The author gives the reader insight into their thoughts and the motivations behind their choices and behaviors. Despite its complexity, their journey is captivating, full of love and soul-mingling and that shows what those two can make humans accomplish.
The New Planet by Carol Love Forbes fits all the criteria for a classic science fiction romance and adventure story. Its rich descriptions transport the reader to unknown realms before jolting them back to reality with a climactic ending. Written to have a profoundly satisfying cinematic effect, this screenplay is a must-read for all fans of science fiction.
Title: A Bartender’s Holiday
Author: Carole Love Forbes
Publisher: URLink Print and Media
ISBN: 978-1684863945
Pages: 148
Genre: Romance/Screenplay
Reviewed by: Ephantus M.
Hollywood Book Reviews
A Bartender’s Holiday is a sweeping story penned by Carole Love Forbes and which delivers much more than it promises. The scene opens with Vietnam War veteran Mac Neely reflecting deeply on his life, which has been shaped by the effects of war and his lack of connection to the outside world. He mutters to himself in his Manhattan bar, wondering how he missed the boat and ended up purposeless, ripped apart, and carrying a heavy burden of his past. He feels that life has not given him a second chance or a break, and that every day seems to push him deeper and deeper into a pitch-black labyrinth as he frantically runs in circles hoping that things will improve.
In another scene, we follow him to Central Park after work on 59th Street, where he notices a huge man following a lady. In an attempt to defend her, Mac slips down the alley and confronts the armed man, before Kim does the inevitable, sending a shiver down his spine. Astonished by the incident, he hears police sirens approaching and pulls the unconscious woman into a nearby vehicle. But when the police find him in the car, he finds himself in a tough spot, made worse when he learns that the woman was wanted dead by a notorious ringleader who had formerly dated her. Unexpectedly, Mac falls in love with the lady right away and tries to help her obtain a narcotic to which she is hooked. This, however, places him directly in the drug lord’s crosshairs, especially when he chooses to contact the FBI to seek justice for his newly found lover.
This is a gripping screenplay that never stops until its startling and unpredictable conclusion, while also taking unexpected detours and delivering fresh, crucial details. In order to keep readers interested, it employs fast-paced sequences punctuated by silent anxious intervals as well as unexpected occurrences that cast doubt on the readers’ preconceptions. The protagonist, a flawed hero, skillfully navigates the play with incisive speech and directness, adding to the drama amid a grave dilemma and high stakes.
The screenplay’s visual descriptions are succinct yet compelling enough to wow even the most discerning readers. Its many turns, which are genuinely unexpected but nonetheless believable within the story’s setting, compensate for the small font choice. In addition to being a play, A Bartender’s Holiday provides a means of escape into a world where love triumphs over all obstacles.
“I loved this book!! I so enjoy stories based on historical facts but with stories that could have happened to the people involved. This is a novel about an extended family and how they coped with the trials and tribulations which abounded during the era when the first people came from England to America. I couldn't put it down.”
Roberta Davis., Amazon Customer
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