Tag: Family Life Fiction

Mystery, Suspense, and Organ Trafficking: Exploring the Depths of Cristina LePort’s ‘Change of Heart’

‘Change of Heart’ is the exciting new medical thriller by Cristina LePort. Photo: Amazon

After Amy Winter, a promising young medical student is found dead, Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.

FBI Agent Jack Mulville and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom join forces with Miner to find Amy’s killer. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that her death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.

Review:

“Change of Heart” by Cristina LePort is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that unearths the dark world of organ trafficking, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding life-saving transplants. The story follows Det. Kirk Miner, FBI Agent Jack Mulville, and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom, as they investigate this unusual case and bring their own unique skills and motivations to the pursuit of justice. As they uncover a network of illegal organ trade, they are forced to navigate dangerous alliances and face tough choices about what is right and what is necessary for survival.

The narrative is full of suspense, where the stakes grow higher with every twist. With relatable characters that are well-developed, their personal stakes—whether it’s a search for redemption, vengeance, or justice—add emotional depth to the story. Special Agent Charlotte Bloom is naive but determined to make it as an FBI agent, even if it puts her life in danger. By exploring the lengths to which people will go for a lifesaving transplant, it is thought-provoking and disturbing. The plot twist at the end took me by surprise but it explains so much.

Right from the beginning, I was hooked by the descriptive language used to describe the damage done to Amy’s head by the bullet: “The bullet carrying Amy Winter’s name whooshed through her hair at a speed of fifteen hundred feet per second, burned a jagged hole into her smooth 24-year-old flesh, burst through the thin layer of her temporal muscle, and shattered the temporal bone.” The author’s medical knowledge gives it an authentic voice.

Overall, “Change of Heart” is a compelling and intense medical thriller that will resonate with anyone interested in the intersection of crime, morality, and the human condition. It explores the themes of power and corruption, family, and identity while tackling complex issues like the value of human life and the gray ethical areas in medical practices, making readers question the price of survival. I recommend it for fans of medical dramas and suspenseful thrillers by authors such as Robin Cook, Patricia Cornwell, and Michael Palmer.

“A jagged, irregular line, like a drawing by a shaking hand. Her heart wouldn’t beat or squeeze any longer. Her heart muscle would just wiggle – flaccid, without power. She was going to die.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Exploring Love and Choices in ‘Something Better’ by Diane Parrish: A Reflective Review

‘Something Better’ is the debut novel by Diane Parrish. Photo: Amazon

“Something Better” by Diane Parrish centers around Ruth, David, and Annabeth. Ruth and David are a seemingly happy couple living in the suburbs. After Annabeth’s parents die in a tragic car accident, their lives intersect in ways that will test all three of them.

Annabeth’s father, Jack Brady, was a close friend of David’s, so when Annabeth arrives in town, David and Ruth help her out during her time of grief. Ruth is a lawyer who dreams of starting a family, but then she gets the opportunity of a lifetime at work with a new client, Brian Bishop, in San Francisco. She decides to take the new client despite it being on the West Coast and having to spend time apart from David.

David is a successful landscape designer but he’s having trouble tackling all the work, so he hires Annabeth to work in the office. David grows closer to Annabeth while Ruth develops an attraction to Brian and before it’s all over, relationships will be tested. Each must decide if they will remain faithful or risk it all for the promise of ‘something better.’

Review:

This debut novel by Diane Parrish is best described as literary fiction combined with contemporary women’s fiction. Set in a small Connecticut town, it follows the journey of Ruth and David, as they navigate a turbulent time in their life while they struggle with loss, betrayal, and the search for inner peace.

Parrish’s writing is poetic and descriptive, offering readers a glimpse into the emotional landscape of someone struggling with difficult truths about love, redemption, and the choices we make. It explores the main theme of forgiveness without offering easy answers but allowing the characters to struggle with their decisions, creating a narrative that feels authentic and relatable.

The subtle interplay of faith—both religious and personal—adds another layer to the story, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the role of grace in healing. The narrative is from multiple points of view and the language is simple and easy to understand. While the plot of strained marriages is far from original, the character exploration is intriguing.

Overall, “Something Better” is a thought-provoking work of literary fiction that aside from forgiveness, also deals with the complex themes of faith, family, love, identity, and human resilience. Parrish gives us a story about the human capacity to change, to forgive, and to hope—no matter how impossible those actions may seem. This novel is a quiet, powerful meditation on life’s challenges and the possibility of redemption. It is recommended for readers who enjoy character driven literary fiction with religious undertones.

“…he would have to learn to live with the silence of his shame, his own frailty, his unspeakable desire, all the things that made him unworthy to call himself Ruth’s husband, not good enough for anyone who loved him, let alone himself.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

‘Change of Heart’: Cristina LePort Blends Medicine and Mystery in Her Latest Thriller

Cristina LePort’s new medical thriller ‘Change of Heart’ will be released in February. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Medical thrillers blend the high-stakes tension of thrillers with the intrigue of medical science. These novels often involve intense situations, such as dangerous viruses, unethical experiments, or life-and-death medical dilemmas, creating a gripping sense of urgency. The appeal lies in the combination of suspense, intellectual challenge, and emotional investment. Readers are drawn to the complex characters—doctors, patients, and scientists—navigating moral gray areas, and the fast-paced plots keep them on the edge of their seat. Additionally, the real-world connections to medical advancements or crises make the stories feel both thrilling and plausibly terrifying, heightening their impact.

These are some of my favorite novels to read and Robin Cook’s were some of the first ones I picked up. Since then, there’s been Michael Palmer, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, and Tess Gerritsen. A couple of years ago, I read Cristina LePort’s debut novel “Dissection” and was thrilled to have another such author on my must-read list. Her next one, “Change of Heart,” comes out in February and takes readers into the shadowy underbelly of organ trafficking, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. So if you’re a fan of gripping medical thrillers, I wholeheartedly recommend her novels. “Change of Heart” will be released on February 4 and is available now for pre-order on Barnes & Noble.

Cristina LePort, MD is a renowned cardiologist and a respected author, known for her compelling medical thrillers that explore the high stakes of medical crises and moral conflicts. Born in Bologna, Italy, she new resides in Southern California and combines her medical expertise with her narrative prowess to create stories that are informative and engaging. (Meryl Moss Media Group, 2024)

“Change of Heart” – In the bustling heart of New York City, a young medical student’s life is tragically cut short, though her heart continues to beat, holding the promise of life for another. Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.

Enter FBI Agent Jack Mulville, who steps in to supervise Special Agent Charlotte Bloom as they join forces with Miner. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that Amy Winter’s death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Amy Winter, a promising pre-med student, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.

“Change of Heart” is a gripping medical thriller that intertwines the intricacies of modern medicine with the relentless pursuit of justice. Cristina LePort, M.D., masterfully combines her medical expertise with edge-of-your-seat storytelling, delivering a novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Dr. LePort is an accomplished physician with a passion for weaving medical knowledge into thrilling narratives. Her extensive background in medicine lends authenticity and depth to her stories, making the Miner & Mulville series a unique blend of fact and fiction.

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New book release: ‘Blue Hills’ by Clifford Shepherd

‘Blue Hills: Book 1 of the Bridge family saga’ is the debut historical fiction novel by Clifford Shepherd. Photo: Amazon

In historical fiction, a fictional story takes place in the setting of particular real historical events. As a huge history fan, I love reading historical fiction because it brings history to life by using relatable characters and some that we love to hate. Family sagas that span several years are especially engaging. Today’s new book release is in this particular genre. Clifford Shepherd’s debut novel “Blue Hills” is the first in the Bridge Family Saga that begins during World War II and promises to touch your heart and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. If you are a fan of historical fiction, family sagas, historical romances, and war/military action fiction, put this one on your TBR (to be read) list. It is available on Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Clifford Shepherd is a passionate writer whose journey begins with his debut novel “Blue Hills.” This marks the inception of a remarkable saga that will take readers on a captivating adventure, spanning from the past to the present day. Clifford’s love for the written word has been a lifelong affair, but it was a pivotal moment during a long walk with his eldest son, Cyrus, that gave him the nudge to put pen to paper. “Just do it,” his son urged, and one year later, Clifford proudly presents his first book to the world.

While crafting compelling stories, Clifford also manages a demanding day job as a senior analyst – a testament to the dedication of many indie authors who balance their creative pursuits with professional careers. Beyond his writing, Clifford’s interests extend to video editing, creating podcasts, and hosting a weekly radio show on Salford City Radio FM. Join Clifford Shepherd on his literary voyage, as he combines his diverse talents and passion for storytelling to bring you engaging narratives that will stand the test of time. (Clifford Shepherd, 2023)

“Blue Hills: Book 1 of the Bridge family saga” – The Bridge family is about to face their toughest test in generations. One they may not all survive.

Albert Bridge’s love story with Gloria begins on a high note, but fate has different plans when duty calls him away from his bride. As he finds himself thrust into the chaos of the Pacific theater during WWII, their enduring bond is put to the test.

“Blue Hills” follows the Bridges through the war-torn days to the vibrant era of the 1950s. While love may face its share of trials, and the shadows of a criminal underworld loom, the heart of this family beats strongly. With laughter as their armor and unity as their shield, they demonstrate that no matter how daunting the odds, family bonds can conquer all. It is a reminder that even the faintest glimmer of humor and the warmth of togetherness can pierce through the bleakest of times.

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Photo: Clifford Shepherd, used with permission.
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Book of the week: ‘Ruby’s Diner’ by Tanya Hilson

‘Ruby’s Diner’ by Tanya Hilson. Photo: Amazon

***** Update *****

“Ruby’s Diner” is also available on audible. Check out some reviews for this title. 

Tanya Hilson loves the joy of storytelling and writing. Her passion for writing started at a young age and has stayed with her throughout her life. Being dyslexic, she never thought in a million years that she would be writing screenplays, stage plays, or children’s books. She likes to write because it humbles her within, it is therapeutic, and sharing her stories with others brings her joy. A passionate humanitarian, she also runs a nonprofit organization called WeLiveOn2, which supports low-income families by teaching them computer literacy and job readiness skills, as well as helping those who have been previously incarcerated obtain employment. She has written several books, including “Back Porch Neighbors,” “Back Porch Secrets,” “Ruby’s Diner,” “Human Collateral,” “Shadow Eyes,” “Shadow Eyes 2,” “Where’s My Child,” “John’s Hidden Truth,’ and “My Cousin Sue.” She received an accolade for “Human Collateral” from Coverfly.  For fans of urban fiction, there is “Ruby’s Diner,” the story of Ginger Garcia and her efforts to break free of her previous life. (Tanya Hilson, 2023)

Connect with the author: Facebook – This That Production; This That Production Book Club

“Never give up on a DREAM, for others cannot DREAM for you.” – Tanya Hilson

“Ruby’s Diner” – Desperate to break free from the shackles of sex trafficking and life on the streets, can Gigi find the willpower to leave her past behind, or will that monkey continue to ride her back?

Deceit, resentment, and revenge cast a long shadow over this Chicago diner. Homelessness and the misconceptions that come with it sit heavy on the shoulders of many, including one young lady, Ginger Garcia. Desperate to break free from life on the streets, she is embraced into the God-loving arms of Ms. Ruby and her dynamic group of diner employees. Each with their own share of misfortune, and triumphs, they come together to help lift Gigi up and provide her with a strong foundation from which she can work towards her dreams. But her strength and loyalty are tested when Gigi’s past catches up to her. Will Gigi move forward, or will Gigi slip back into life on the streets? “Ruby’s Diner” pushes its audience to look at their own perceptions of sex trafficking, homelessness, substance abuse, and the things that tie them together, life!

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