From Hand-Me-Downs to Designer Gowns (Book) - 6/13/2022 10:42:14 PM
When I first heard that Jeanine Collins Malarsky had written another book I was looking forward to having a good read to curl up with for a weekend and Malarsky didn’t let me down. From Hand-Me- Downs to Designer Gowns is somewhat a continuation memoir from her book Black Rasberries, but a tremendous stand-alone read by itself. I must admit at first I had some confusion concerning the book format due to the fact that there is a large portion devoted to financial planning, which I had little to no interest in, and also some of the chapters had a beginning quote or introduction, however others did not. For me, I can envision a completely separate book written on the topic of financial planning. Malarsky definitely has the knowledge, experience and words to create a story surrounding stocks, bonds, and investments. That was obvious. However, although it was a little heavy on the financial planning side for my taste, I will say this…Malarsky does a wonderful job of only including a few chapters on the subject (I truly feel she could have written much more and kept the reader engaged…in a separate book) and she takes a moment to point out to the reader where the financial information begins incase the reader wishes to only go there or just the opposite, avoid those chapters. I do love her investment style as reflected in the passage concerning Panera and some pecan rolls – sounds like sound advice to use to evaluate for me, but what do I know. Another point regarding this topic, she is very open and honest and I loved her declaration of self-satisfaction when she stated, “We had withdrawn more than the original investment, and we had twice as much left.”
Another area of concern for the author was not wanting to sound like a travel-log, it doesn’t. In fact, some of the descriptive locations, such as China, Florence, and Madrid are awesome and so detailed the reader can visualize a perfect mental picture along with the description of the various foods. I would have enjoyed much more of the sharing of these trips she took alone and/or with family members. Very interesting and intriguing!
The background story involving a murder committed by someone that Malarsky and her husband had at one time called friend was fascinating and kept you glued to your seat. Using documented newspaper clipping to help write the story was well-done and kept the reader informed and up-to-date of this true-life saga that her and husband lived through.
From Hand-Me-Downs to Designer Gowns is a wonderful read and a big treat to the readers. I highly recommend this latest well-written book by Jeanine Collins Malarsky. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Unworthy (Book) - 8/15/2020 6:15:25 PM
Wow! This book pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me enthralled until the end. The storyline centers around a murdered husband and who was the culprit. Although the case seems closed from the beginning, one police detective isn't convinced and won't let the matter go. During the investigation, horrible family secrets are revealed throughout. With one sister confined to a mental hospital and the other confessing to the murder, their brother, a police officer himself, must decide who to believe. As the story unravels a history of sins and crimes from years before are discovered forcing a "good Christian family" to deal with the aftermath. During the investigation, the lead detective falls in love with the confessing sister, believing she is covering up for her fragile sister that has had a nervous breakdown. The plot takes us on as many twists and turns as a roller coaster with several interesting side stories. The author provides wonderful detailed scenes and descriptions. Jeanine Collins Malarsky gives us yet another excellent novel with her intriguing writing style that hooks the reader with the first chapter. "Unworthy" is an exciting page-turner that keeps you glued to your seat. I read it in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Will this family be able to sort through all the lies, abuse and betrayal to become a united family again? I highly recommend you read "unworthy" to learn the answers. A definite 10 out of 10!!!
Black Raspberries (Book) - 6/14/2020 6:49:13 PM
A memoir of the horrific recollections of childhood memories that range from appalling to cruel. Jeanine Collins Malarsky shares her reflections of a heartless, religious-fanatic mother an an occasionally physically absent father that was angry, suicidal and suffering from depression. Having to struggle through life with un-success after another, from one state to another, suffering with financial difficulties and having 5 children is challenging, but these parents suffered with a ton of emotional problems that affected each of their children, who were expected to do an unfair amount of all the household, farming and childcare chores. Yet, these children held on and excelled in school. The retrospection's that she shares concerning herself and her 4 siblings is raw and honest.
"Black Raspberries" is a compelling, well-written novel with great and vivid descriptions of locations so well described the reader can place themselves there in their minds. Although this was a story of vicious back-to-back childhood memories, I found myself cheering for Malarsky and I'm thankful she found the inner strength to put pen to paper to give us this honest story of insightful ways of how she overcame a very dysfunctional family. Although heartbreaking, it is an enlightening and uplifting story that I strongly recommend. A definite 10 star out of 10
Unworthy (Book) - 5/25/2020 3:24:41 PM
While house cleaning Rachel Vogel found the key to her husband's Bible. He had never agreed to let her see the inside. Even though she knew she shouldn't, she unlocked the lock and made a horrifying discovery. One which would change her life and that of her family.
Decades before, her parents, the Kellers, were forced into a marriage neither wanted. It was a marriage in trouble from the beginning. Now, years later, the Kellers and their adult children come face to face with the past as they try to deal with a murder.
The author has crafted a sensitive portrayal of a dysfunctional family. The well crafted and complex characters give the narrative its depth. Masterfully plotted, the pace builds slowly. Often there are more questions than answers. This is an absorbing story that keeps reader engrossed to the very end. Readers will not soon forget this story. The author is a gifted story teller. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Maggie's Mirage (Book) - 5/11/2020 3:27:40 PM
Maggie's Mirage is the story about Maggie Kearney Logan who left a life of poverty and how she managed to place herself in Boston society. The cost, to put it mildly, was very high. In the end, was it worth it?
There is much that can be said when describing Maggie. She is a narcissist and she gives new meaning to the word greedy. Consumed with herself to such an extent she can suck the oxygen out of a room. Even though she had a loving husband, children and upscale existence, none of this was enough. Whatever tragedy or disappointment that came along was viewed as a personal affront. The author has skillfully crafted a superb portrait of a protagonist readers will not soon forget. Also well described are the secondary characters and the role they play in Maggie's life.
I found this story to be well written, engrossing and fascinating. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Maggie's Mirage (Book) - 5/2/2020 5:52:09 PM
This is an amazing rags-to-riches story that highlights the simple question of how much and how far are you really willing to do to be successful. Maggie and her husband, Harry are "successfully married." But, what would happen if something or someone "rocked" their comfortable life style. "Maggies Mirage" is a well-written dramatic story with a main character that is ravenousness to have the best and be the best. Married to a good man, Maggie pressures him to fulfill her insatiable desire for wealth. The book is truly a page-turner, as it has as many twists and turns as a roller coaster. Through situations involving her husband and children we learn about Maggie's personality by the way she treats her family. There are no spoil-alerts here because I want you to read and enjoy this awesome novel by Jeanine Collins Malarsky. This is my first book by Malarsky, but it definitely will not be my last. I enjoyed the writing style of "Maggies Mirage." I highly recommend thius book.
Black Raspberries (Book) - 4/30/2008 10:27:51 AM
BLACK RASPBERRIES grabbed my attention. As a victim of a horrible
childhood, this story resonated in my heart. It also provided insight into the unbreakable spirit of a child that could not be crushed by lack of love, nor the twists of fate. I recommend it to parents, men and women of all ages.
Rannie Arredondo
Black Raspberries (Book) - 4/14/2008 5:19:12 PM
Black Raspberries is a great story about a young girl's strength somehow overcoming a terribly dysfunctional family - a family that was at its best when absent. The excellent writing and vivid imagery of farm life across the country and religion misinterpreted for the worse also make it a great read.
It was heartbreaking and enlightening to watch this broken world through the eyes of someone who couldn't yet understand what was happening around her. As an adult who knows better, I rooted for her and loved seeing how she survived - even thrived in the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see how a young child with only her own skills and strength escapes the world of poverty, mental illness, and distorted religion she was born into. It's a lesson about resilience and survival.
I Cry (Article) - 3/22/2008 12:49:21 PM
Excellent soul-stirring write.
Best Regards,
Edwin
Confused (Poetry) - 4/21/2009 3:42:19 PM
Have you been reading my mind, lately? So much to do, so little time, the thoughts and ideas get crowded into a space too small and come out in jumbled rhyme. lol, furry birds with paws sounds about like it. I love it.
Winter Morning (Poetry) - 4/21/2009 3:39:42 PM
I am so glad I discovered you "den," Jeanine. I'd love to read more of your poetry.
Truth (Poetry) - 4/21/2009 3:38:46 PM
This poem holds a powerful truth. Well said.
Truth (Poetry) - 3/22/2008 10:34:50 PM
...well written wisdom...and a sense of honesty...tell the truth in your words.
excellent Jeanine...
John
