WOW! Women On Writing Blog Tour for David Myles Robinson’s “Son of Saigon”

wow logo

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for Son of Saigon by David Myles Robinson, which I read and am now reviewing.
(Please note: I received an advance copy to read and review.)

 

My Review

From the opening pages of David Myles Robinson’s novel “Son of Saigon”, through all the twists and turns throughout, we are drawn into this intriguing, suspenseful story.
When we meet Hank Reagan, a 70 year old widower, he is contemplating his death. But then his long-ago love Mai, returns and seeks his help to find the son he never knew about.
The interaction between Hank and his friend Norm are comic at times as they take this buddy search journey to find hank’s 40 year old son.
Robinson touches on so many issues – from death of a spouse, racism, politics, and even depression. He takes us back to the fall of Saigon, to different communities in the U.S.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel – it was quite un-put-downable. I appreciated the complexity of the plot, the interplay amongst the main characters and all the interesting characters met along the journey, but especially the mystery and suspense.
A must read!

 

About the Author

David.jpg

David Myles Robinson grew up in Pasadena, CA. He holds degrees from San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco School of Law. After practicing law for thirty-eight years in Honolulu, Hawaii, he retired with his wife, former Honolulu judge Marcia Waldorf, to Taos, NM. Robinson is the author of three previous novels: legal thrillers Tropical Lies and Tropical Judgments, and Unplayable Lie, a golf-related suspense novel.

Find David Online:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38825244-the-pinochet-plot

David Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DMRobinsonWrite

David Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidMylesRobinson/

David Website: www.davidmylesrobinson.com

 

Book Info

Son of Saigon-Cover.png

Hank and Norm were living the good life: two friends with plenty of money, homes in a lovely California retirement town, and no problems except for the boredom that felt almost fatal. Then Mai came into the picture, the love of Hank’s life during his CIA days in Saigon, desperately needing his help to save the son he’d never known he had. Boredom was over, as Hank and Norm hit the road, following the few clues Mai could give them in search of a man who desperately wants not to be found. What they find is a slew of lies and hidden truths, strange characters, improbable danger that has them fighting to survive, and the happy lesson that their lives are far from over.

 

Publisher: Terra Nova Books (June 1, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1948749009

ISBN-13: 978-1948749008

Amazon Link:

 

Be sure to check out these ——-–Blog Tour Dates

 
Monday, November 12th @ The Muffin

Author Interview & Giveaway

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

Tuesday, November 13th @ Cathy Stucker’s Selling Books

Cathy Stucker interviews retired lawyer and successful author David Myles Robinson about his latest novel Son of Saigon.

https://www.sellingbooks.com/

Wednesday, November 14th @ Bring on Lemons with Crystal Otto

Crystal Otto shares her thoughts on the latest novel by David Myles Robinson – is it a lemon or sweet lemonade? Readers can’t wait to find out!

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, November 20th @ Coffee with Lacey

Lacey reviews Son of Saigon by David Myles Robinson and shares her thoughts with readers at Coffee with Lacey. Don’t miss an opportunity to learn more about this page turning novel!

https://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, November 21st @ Bring on Lemons with Cathy Hansen

Wisconsin educator, mother, and business owner Cathy Hansen collaborates with her teenage daughter as they review and discuss the latest novel by David Myles Robinson. See what these ladies have to say aboutSon of Saigon.

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 22nd @ Lisa Haselton

Lisa Haselton interviews David Myles Robinson about his latest work – Son of Saigon.

http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 23rd @ Author Anthony Avina

Fellow author Anthony Avina pens his fascinating review of David Myles Robinson’s latest novel Son ofSaigon.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com 

Tuesday, November 27th @ Beverley A. Baird

Beverley A Baird reviews Son of Saigon by David Myles Robinson. Readers won’t want to miss an opportunity to learn more about this interesting novel.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

 

 Tuesday, December 4th @ World of My Imagination

Nicole Pyles delights readers at World of My Imagination as she reviews the latest page turner by David Myles Robinson. You won’t want to miss Nicole’s thoughts about Son of Saigon

https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 5th  @ Bella Donna’s Books with Dawn Thomas

Dawn Thomas reads and reviews the latest novel by David Myles Robinson – stop by Bella Donna’s Books to learn more about Son ofSaigon.

http://belladonnasbooks.com/

Thursday, December 6th  @ Choices with Madeline Sharples

Fellow author Madeline Sharples reviews Son of Saigon by David Myles Robinson. Don’t miss her thoughts about this latest novel.

http://madelinesharples.com/

Friday, December 7th @ To Write or Not to Write

Sreevarsha Sreejith reviews Son of Saigon .Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Sreevarsha and visit To Write or Not to Write.

 http://sreevarshasreejith.blogspot.co.at/

 

WOW! Women on Writing Blog Tour for “My MacArthur” by Cindy Fazzi

wow logo

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for My MacArthur by Cindy Fazzi, which I read and am now reviewing.
(Please note: I received an advance copy to read and review.)

 

My Review:

1930 Philippines was a US colony and major General Douglas MacArthur was one of the most powerful men there. He was a divorced 50 year old man and the youngest four star general. He became obsessed with a 16 year old Filipino woman, Isabel Cooper, an actress. He brought her to US when he became the Chief of Staff in Washington months after the met.

Cindy Fazzi took these basic historical facts and crafted an historical novel about their love affair and their years together and apart.

The novel is well researched. We gain an insight into life in 1930 Manilla as well as Washington DC of the 30s and 40s.

The characters of Isabel and the General are well developed, and intriguing. I found the novel a fascinating read, on that had me wishing that we really knew more about the strong, independent Isabel.

History rewards the powerful, but this young Filipino woman has been relegated to just a footnote in the history books. Cindy Fazzi has definitely brought her to life and shed light on what she endured.

I highly recommend this book. Thanks Cindy!

 

About the Author:

CindyFazzi-2018-small

 

Cindy Fazzi is a Filipino-American writer and former Associated Press reporter. She has worked as a journalist in the Philippines, Taiwan, and the United States. My MacArthur, published by Sand Hill Review Press, is her literary debut. She writes romance novels under the pen name Vina Arno. Her first romance book, In His Corner, was published by Lyrical Press in 2015. Her second romance novel, Finder Keeper of My Heart, was published by Painted Hearts Publishing in 2018. Her short stories have been published in Snake Nation Review, Copperfield Review, and SN Review.

You can find Cindy at:

Author Website: https://www.cindyfazzi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CindyFazzi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyfazzi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cindy-Fazzi-779654065440439/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/862157.Cindy_Fazzi

GooglePlus: https://plus.google.com/+CindyFazzi/about

 

About the Book:

my_macarthur_cover_cindy_fazzi-small (1).png

The year is 1930. The place: Manila. Douglas MacArthur is the most powerful man in the Philippines, a United States colony. He’s fifty years old, divorced, and he falls in love at first sight with a ravishing young Filipino woman. He writes her a love note on the spot. Her name is Isabel Rosario Cooper, an aspiring movie actress. One glance at his note and she thinks of him as my MacArthur.

MacArthur pursues his romantic obsession even though he’s breaking numerous taboos. She reciprocates his affection because he could open doors for her financially struggling family. That MacArthur happens to be handsome compensates for the fact that he’s as old as her father.

When MacArthur is appointed the U.S. Army chief of staff, he becomes the youngest four-star general and one of America’s most powerful men. Out of hubris, he takes Isabel with him to America without marrying her.

Amid the backdrop of the Great Depression, MacArthur and Isabel’s relationship persists like “a perilous voyage on turbulent waters,” as she describes it. In 1934, after four years of relationship, MacArthur leaves Isabel for fear of a political scandal.

The general goes on to become the iconic hero of World War II, liberating the Philippines and rebuilding Japan. Isabel drifts in Los Angeles unable to muster the courage to return to Manila.

Print Length: 285 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Sand Hill Review Press
ISBN-10: 1937818969
ISBN-13: 978-1937818968
ASIN: B07HR4W8BP

My MacArthur is now available to purchase on Amazon.com as an e-book and printBarnes and Noble, and IndieBound.

 

— Blog Tour Dates – Be sure to check out all the stops

November 5th @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Stop by Women on Writing’s blog and read an interview with the author Cindy Fazzi and enter to win a copy of the book My MacArthur.

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

November 6th @ Coffee with Lacey

Get your coffee and stop by Lacey’s blog where she share her thoughts on the book My MacArthur.

http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com/

November 7th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Stop by Beverley’s blog and find out what she thought about Cindy Fazzi’s book My MacArthur. This book is sure to entice historical fiction readers everywhere!

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

November 8th @ The Frugalista Mom

Stop by Rozelyn’s blog and catch her thoughts on the historical fiction book My MacArthur.

https://thefrugalistamom.com/

November 9th @ The Frozen Mind

Grab a blanket and stop by the blog The Frozen Mind and read their thoughts on the incredible historical fiction book My MacArthur.

https://thefrozenmind.com/

November 11th @ Bring on Lemons

If life hands you lemons, read a book! Come by Crystal’s blog Bring on Lemons and find out what she had to say about the book My MacArthur.

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

November 13th @ Mommy Daze: Say What??

Want to know what this mom had to say about the book? Stop by Ashley’s blog and read her thoughts on the historical fiction book My MacArthur.

https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/

November 16th @ Amanda’s Diaries

Find out what Amanda had to say about Cindy Fazzi’s historical fiction book My MacArthur in her review today.

https://amandadiaries.com/

November 16th @ Chapters Through Life

Stop by Danielle’s blog where she spotlight’s Cindy Fazzi’s book My MacArthur.

https://chaptersthroughlife.blogspot.com/

November 19th @ Madeline Sharples Blog

Be sure to catch today’s post over at Madeline’s blog author Cindy Fazzi shares her tips for writing fiction about a famous person.

http://madelinesharples.com/

November 20th @ Let Us Talk of Many Things

Visit today’s blog where you can catch Cindy Fazzi’s post on overcoming prejudices against romance writers.

https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/

November 21st @ Mam’s Rants and Reviews

Stop by Shan’s blog where she shares her thoughts on the historical fiction book My MacArthur.

https://shanelliswilliams.com/

November 25th @ The World of My Imagination

Catch Nicole’s review of the book My MacArthur and find out what she had to say about this fantastic book.

http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

November 26th @ Break Even Books

Stop by the Break Even Books blog and read Cindy Fazzi’s article on the pros and cons of using a pen name.

https://breakevenbooks.com/

November 28th @ Charmed Book Haven Reviews

Visit Cayce’s blog and check out her thoughts on the book My MacArthur by Cindy Fazzi.

https://charmedbookhavenreviews.wordpress.com/

November 29th @ Memoir Writer’s Journey

Start your journey today at Kathleen’s blog Memoir Writer’s Journey where author Cindy Fazzi talks about the challenges of writing different genres.

https://krpooler.com/

November 30th @ Joyful Antidotes Blog

Want a joyful way to start your day? Stop by Joy’s blog where she reviews the incredible historical fiction book My MacArthur.

https://joyfulantidotes.com/

November 30th @ The Uncorked Librarian

Make sure you stop by Christine’s blog and read what she thinks about the book My MacArthur.

https://theuncorkedlibrarian.com

December 1st @ Charmed Book Haven Reviews

Visit Cacye’s blog again and read her interview with author Cindy Fazzi.

https://charmedbookhavenreviews.wordpress.com/

December 2nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Start your morning out right by reading Anthony Avina’s review of the book My MacArthur.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

December 2rd @ 2 Turn the Page Book Reviews

Visit Renee’s blog when she reviews Cindy Fazzi’s book My MacArthur and interviews the author.

https://2turnthepagebookreviews.blogspot.com/

 

Thankful for Books Reading Challenge

thankful-for-fall-books-2

Today is Day 3 of this November challenge and the theme for the day is “DNF”.

 

 

There are very few books that I do not finish, at least the ones that I make it past 5 or 6 chapters. I may start a book, but if it does not capture my attention after the first 3 or 4 pages, I put it aside.

I have to be in a certain frame of mind to read a book. I may get a number from the library for example, but only read a handful.

There are several books on my shelves that I have started but did not finish – I hope to return to them and finish them at a later date.

Thankful For Books Reading Challenge

thankful-for-fall-books-2

 

It is Day 2 of the “Thankful for Books Reading Challenge” hosted by “I Am a Reader”

The topic for today is “Classics”

Classics mean different things to different people. Are they books written before 1900, or so well written we all should read them?

Read here for Thought Co.’s take on classic literature

Read here for 40 books we should all read.and why

 

There are at least four classics that I am determined to read (finally!) this month:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

P1014143.JPG

As you can see by the bookmarks, I have started all of them, but some other book always seems to catch my attention and I read it.

But, as I said, I am determined to finally read them this month.

Thankful for Books Reading Challenge

thankful-for-fall-books-2.jpg

I discovered an interesting writing/reading challenge today and plan to participate. It ties in nicely with NaNoWriMo and there are even prizes!

Each day there is a different prompt posted and then to be shared at “I Am a Reader

Today the focus is on goals

My main goal for November is to catch up on 2 of my reading challenges so I will be reading more for “52 Books in 52 Weeks” and the Popsugar Goodreads Challenges. I need to read at least 5 for each this month. I am determined to finish both of these challenges before the end of the year!
I also plan to continue to read more books from my overflowing TBR shelves.

P1014142.JPG

I plan to take part in 2 new challenges this month:
Nonfiction November and Read Margaret Atwood. I hope to read several books for each.