Indie Review: Candlepower by Janet Doolaege

Candlepower is a subtle literary mystery that is truly unputdownable.

Beautifully written, it tells the story of Stella who lives on her own in a compact Paris apartment and her friendship with Rose, a neighbour with what appears to be strange paranormal powers, and dark-eyed Olivier with whom Stella falls in love.

There is a strange sense of imminence and fragility in this triangle of friendship - a fragility which carries through to so many other aspects: Stella's awkward relationship with her family, Rose's extraordinary affinity with birds but inability to be near anything electrical, Oliver's misunderstanding of both women's feelings, and how we impact nature when we force our lives and community on spaces that other creatures share.

If you'd like something different, delicate, intriguing and engrossing, then 'Candlepower' comes highly recommended.
(Note: this review originally posted on Goodreads)
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Visit Janet Doolaege’s Goodreads page

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Reviewer:
Malla Duncan is an indie author who writes women’s suspense thrillers. She often reviews on Goodreads.

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Indie Review: Paradise Squandered by Alex Stefansson

Paradise Squandered by Alex Stefansson focuses on the angst of a recent high school graduate trying to decide his future, the end of his relationship with his girlfriend, and a journey to normalcy.

While the grammar and punctuation are all correct, it brings to mind a Seinfeld episode if Jerry were the only actor. The book at times seems overly descriptive with people and specific items, and at other times there is more need of explanation, such as the purpose of the volcano.

I did love the setting and the way it began. I especially enjoyed the witty grandmother and wish I could have spent more time interacting with her and tweaking the nose of the aunt. I could relate to the main character as I am sure many can because we have all been through something similar.

All in all, Paradise Squandered was a good read that left me wanting more. It could be an amazing story if it was condensed down to maybe 5 chapters and then expanded.

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Visit Alex Stefansson’s Blog

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Reviewer:
Tammy Marsh is an avid reader volunteering for EP.

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Indie Review: Unexpected Legacy by Darlene Deluca

Unexpected Legacy tells the story of Matt Dalton, the sudden parent of a sixteen year old boy, his son Brady who has recently been injured in a car accident, and single and beleaguered high school principal Kate Austen. Shifting POV between the three, with an occasional aside from Matt’s family, this is a fun and serious story of relationship building, mending mistakes, forgiveness, career balancing, and trust.

Somewhat of a cross between mainstream romance, YA, and coming of age, the story includes plenty of cultural issues set around high school with the constant struggle between sports and arts and the common argument for and against funding for each, as well as misconceptions of both.

At times, I found Kate a little naïve for a high school principal with her lack of understanding both students and parents, and there was some repetition in her constant refusal to try to balance career and personal life that felt a little too forced. I also would have liked to see more real growth in the relationship between Matt and Brady because it felt too easy for the circumstances.

That said, I truly enjoyed the read and especially Matt’s well-drawn character, and I loved the excursion into Brady’s recovery. Overall, a well recommended read.
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Visit Darlene Deluca’s Site

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Reviewer:
LK Hunsaker is the author of romantic women’s mainstream fiction as well as some straight literary ventures.

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