I love a good book and when I find one that I think is one to pass along I am happy to share.  I was recently given a review copy of Bascomville by Mark A. Calde.  How I have never heard of this author is beyond me because this is his fourth book and from the descriptions of each of them they are all very different.

When I get a book that I am asked to review I like to spend some dedicated time sitting down reading it.  So often I read books in snippets and I usually have 3 or 4 books going at the same time.  When someone has gifted me a book for review I like to just be able to sit and read it in a few sittings. 

I had a plane trip to NYC on the agenda and when I got my copy of Bascomville I decided it was going to be my airplane and hotel book.  It worked out great and I was able to finish it in one day. Perfect.

What was perfect was this book.  I loved it.  Mr. Calde is a gifted writer.  He made me chuckle many times.  He made me want to turn the next page and find out more.  At one point he made me put the book down and say emphatically “NO!”.   Do I have you interested?  You should be.

The book is billed as “a story of love” but it is so much more than that.  The story follows a young man Maximillian  and his neighbor Janice through their relationship.  While relationships come and go this was one that lasted and stood the test of time.  But of course not without some drama and angst as relationships so often possess.   Family secrets and family dynamics played a huge role in the story as it unfolded and Mr. Calde’s writing skills revealed just enough at just the right time.

If you are looking for a good book to read make sure you check out Bascomville. You can order it on Amazon by clicking on this link.  If my Amazon Affiliate link is working correctly I may make a few pennies to spend on future books which is always a good thing in my book.

Make sure you check out Mr. Calde’s author page by clicking on this link.

My review:

One of the great things about being a blogger is that amazing people somehow seem to find me. Through a series of emails from Black Ink PR I came to be the proud recipient of a copy of Mark. A Calde’s 4th novel, Bascomville. The cover boasts that it is “a story of love” and quite honestly that downplays what this book is. It is an extraordinary story of love.

I had a quick flight to NYC and packed it in my carry on thinking I would read a few chapters and put it down for a short nap but the book pulled me in. From the opening lines the characters of Maximillian and Janice drew me into a wonderful story of love. Complete with the ups and downs of relationships that start at a tender young age this couple had challenges laid ahead but the tenderness and skillful writing of Mark. A Calde had me spellbound.

Max and Janice were neighbors and as the years passed their relationship grew into a love that stood the test of time. There were challenges, teenage angst and family matters that shaped who they were to become as young adults but the story that the author developed was very believable and riveting. After my flight landed and we got to the hotel I was able to finish the book and at one point I put it down and said emphatically “NO” . When a book makes me stop and speak aloud it is a good book.

I loved the words and writing style of Mark A Calde and will definitely be looking up more of his work –he has a way with words and a definite gift at story telling. But for now he let me write my own ending to the story in a way that I want it to end and maybe that is the greatest gift he gave me.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book. It is far more than a story of love. You won’t be disappointed.