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Top reviews from the United States
2.0 out of 5 stars I don't know what to say...
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2019
You know how there are books that leave you wanting to read more? Well, this wasn't it.
Thank goodness it was such a short read! It was disturbing and at times felt like a superhero book, but you don't get the chance to find out... and honestly, I don't even wanna know. You don't get to know about the main character well enough to establish a connection and I found myself thinking WTF a few times. Maybe that's what the author was looking for, but that's not what I'm into.
Still, maybe there are people who like this kind of book, so that's why I gave it two stars instead of one. I tried being as objective as possible, even though I really didn't like this book.
Grady HarpTop Contributor: Children's Books
HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars "The limits of the possible can only be defined by going beyond them into the impossible." — Arthur C. Clarke
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2018
Author Bradley Charbonneau has published several children's books and travel books, but in his 'self-help' genre he unveiled his own secrets for making life meaningful and successful. He wisely asked entrepreneur John Muldoon to provide a forward introduction to his work. John's credentials include Founder of Monthly Experiments Project – 'to help people make lasting changes in their lives by taking on 1-month personal challenges and experiments.' EVERY SINGLE DAY is a book by two handsome young gentlemen who offer pathways to finding success and meaning to our lives.
And that bit of background allows the reader to appreciate fully Bradley's accomplishments as a writer of children/young adult books – such as his series THE CHARLIE HOLIDAY BOOKS of which this is the first installment – FLORENCE.
As is Bradley's tradition he provides a tempting appetizer before he starts his books. He has shared with us that 'Charlie Holiday' just came to him on his computer while writing one day and from the story of a lad who 'just knows' this series had to come out!
The Prologue explains – 'Whew. Yeah. Where to begin? That's just it. What's really the beginning? What's the middle? The end? Who knows. So we're starting here. It's the first time that Charlie Holiday has a sense that there is truly something more. You see, he's always been someone who believed that his life was special or extraordinary or, well, at least would be at some point. "Later." But when was that later moment supposed to really arrive? He certainly didn't know. In the meantime, life was passing along. Passing him by in some ways. Until one evening. In Florence. In Italy. He didn't choose the location, the timing, or any of it. It just happened. Or did it? Was it all her? Was it all coincidence? Or is he part of something larger? A small piece in a churning machine that he has yet to even peek behind the curtain of? And why him? Why not you? No reason it's him. No reason it's not you. In fact, maybe it's not him and it is you. That's what he's about to find out. Welcome to Florence.
It's late. It's dark. It's time to go.'
In Bradley's charming manner he introduces the mind of Charlie, an empath, with a style of writing that matches his paranormal situation – 'Charlie Holiday saw something, but it might have been nothing. Even if he had seen it, he wasn't sure he would believe it. But if he believed it, did he see it? He closed his eyes and let the hum of the taxi lull him into a relaxed state and he hoped the hotel was deep into the city so he'd have just a few more precious minutes where he didn't have to think or do or plan or be anyone but a passenger riding into the center of Florence, Italy, for the first time. It had been a long day. They stopped and started, slowed and revved up. Took corners as if they were in a hurry. He wondered how you said 'We're not in a hurry' in Italian. Or even better, We'd like to take the scenic route and I don't really care if we ever get to the destination in Italian? He sank deeper into his seat and hoped the rest of his family was doing the same. He tried to keep his eyes closed, but every time he opened them, there seemed to be something more interesting to see than the back of his eyelids. Then it happened again. He reached over to touch his wife's shoulder as his eyes connected with a young woman standing in a crowd in front of a bar. It was almost midnight, but the city was buzzing with people. Her eyes seemed to light up like a cat at night, but she wasn't a cat although it was night.'
Magical writing for a magical story. Bradley Charbonneau has style! Grady Harp, June 18
Shelley Brienza
5.0 out of 5 stars The author let's you become a part of ...
The author lets you become part over the character within the story. You begin to feel like in a sense that you are Charlie Holiday himself. As Charlie's thoughts peruse through his mind, you are also thinking at the same time what should he do? This is an intriguing story with an extremely creative mind that has let gone wild. With every twist and turn you will want to know what is next?
I highly recommend the story to anyone who is interested in a healthy dose of creativity mixed with intrigue..
Diane M.
5.0 out of 5 stars A really good short story…
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2018
I am really not into paranormal, vampires, or science fiction, but I loved the story. I didn't plan to love it. But the language is compelling, the style is friendly and unpretentious. Mr. Charbonneau is a master of language – – no superfluous adjectives or trite metaphors. He makes you smile when you don't mean to. I hope he will write more short stories and compile them into an anthology.
Crime Junkie
5.0 out of 5 stars Original Paranormal Story
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2018
Very original story, great storytelling, and intriguing characters!
murphyfields
3.0 out of 5 stars A really good story marred by the audio.
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2019
This is a difficult review for me. I really enjoyed the story. It drew me in. I could relate to the main character. I kept going, wondering what was going on...what is happening. And when it was over, I wanted more. It was a very short story. I enjoyed it, but it was over way too quickly. I guess that is a good thing. Just don't expect much time out of it.
But the narration drove me crazy. While the narrator spoke, there was a clear background hiss which would be followed by short gaps of total silence, then more hiss before the speaking began again. I think I would prefer a constant hiss (added white noise during the pauses) rather than this hiss-speak-hiss-silence- repeat. In addition, there seemed to be many microphone effects...volume changes, background noise, pops, something hitting the mike. Overall the sound really distracted me from the story.
I listened to this story on Authors Direct, but I don't know if that affected the audio quality
I was given a copy of this audiobook by the author in exchange for a fair review.
Kyle Hempel
3.0 out of 5 stars An introduction to Charlie Holiday
"Now is Your Chance" is obviously an origin story for the character Charlie Holiday. The preface of this book I s almost as long as the book itself. The Author is upfront with this and says he just had to write about their character. Painted with magical descriptions this tale let's the reader see through Charlie's eyes the problem is with so little in the way of guidance it is really hard to understand what we are "seeing". The audio while reasonable was obviously not recorded in a professional studio as background noise and mouth sounds are noticeable and at points distracting throughout. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.0 out of 5 stars Florence
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2018
I listened to it twice and still don't 'get it'.Narration by author was good.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.