Reviews

Vashti’s Daughter

Vashti’s Daughter is not just a historical and spiritual exploration, it is a bold reimagining that brings to life a story long shrouded in mystery and debate. Anna’s journey to uncover her past as Adara, the reincarnated daughter of Queen Vashti, and her quest to break an ancient curse, offers readers a story rich in intrigue, courage, and the enduring power of self-discovery – Arlene M Hole

Vashti’s Daughter stands out as both courageous and captivating a rare blend of biblical history, reincarnation mystery, and feminist reimagining that dares to give voice to a woman history tried to silence. In a world where readers are seeking stories of strength, redemption, and timeless justice, your book couldn’t be more relevant. Dorothy J. Stratton

**** Vashti’s Daughter is a captivating reimagining of biblical history, a story that bridges centuries with rich historical texture, modern intrigue, and a heroine whose voice refuses to be silenced. You’ve taken a figure often reduced to a single act of defiance and restored her complexity, weaving in themes of identity, feminism, and reincarnation with both narrative elegance and immersive research. It’s rare to find a novel that is equally rooted in historical authenticity and the thrill of contemporary discovery, but Vashti’s Daughter achieves exactly that. – Ashley Hunter

**** Vashti’s Daughter reimagines a story of a woman often silenced or forgotten in the biblical narrative and brings her voice to life. It is both powerful and timely. The way you weave cultural history with narrative imagination offers readers a chance to revisit a beloved tradition through a new and thought-provoking lens. – Dawn Schmidt– Smutty Book Club

**** Vashti’s Daughter reimagines one of the most debated figures of biblical history, blending reincarnation, faith, and female empowerment, feels both daring and deeply thought-provoking.

Anna’s journey, bridging the ancient world and modern life, struck us as the kind of layered, soul-stirring story our members love to unpack, rich in mystery, spirituality, and emotional discovery. We’re drawn to novels that explore how forgotten women reclaim their voices across time, and Vashti’s Daughter does this with intelligence and heart. – Jacquelyn Raskin – Organizer | Beachwood and Beyond – Book Club

****** I recently came across Vashti’s Daughter, and I was immediately intrigued by its bold and imaginative reimagining of one of history’s most debated figures. By giving Vashti a voice through her reincarnated daughter, Adara/Anna, you’ve crafted a novel that is both historically grounded and richly speculative, blending biblical history, feminism, and suspense into a narrative that feels urgent and timeless.

What makes Vashti’s Daughter especially compelling is its ability to connect past and present, weaving ancient texts, reincarnation, and modern-day discovery into a seamless exploration of identity and destiny. Beyond its historical intrigue, the novel speaks to contemporary conversations about women’s agency, spirituality, and the way untold stories can reshape cultural memory. It’s the kind of work that resonates across genres, appealing to fans of historical fiction, feminist literature, and metaphysical thrillers alike. – Camille J Winters

Raven West’s novel Vashti’s Daughter captivated me for its visionary retelling of a timeless story. By reimagining Queen Vashti’s legacy through the modern lens of Anna’s reincarnation journey, West has created a powerful blend of biblical history, spiritual mystery, and feminist rediscovery. It’s a rare novel that bridges the ancient and the contemporary while inviting readers to question how women’s voices and choices echo across time. – Isaiah A. Maverick, – Smart Authors Hub

**** Vashti’s Daughter is absolutely captivating. It is rich, layered, and filled with both historical and spiritual depth. West takes an ancient story and breathes modern life into it, turning biblical history into a tale of reincarnation, courage, and redemption.

Anna’s journey between centuries feels both mystical and deeply human, and the connection to Vashti is beautifully handled. It is more than fiction — it is revelation through storytelling.

West’s background as an award-winning author and storyteller truly shines through. She writes with the confidence of someone who knows how to balance depth with accessibility, truth with imagination. She has taken history, religion, and mystery, and woven them together into a story that could change how readers see one of the most misunderstood women in scripture. Jessica Cane – curator at The Readers Hub

**** I came across Vashti’s Daughter and before I knew it, I’d gone from a casual scroll to sitting up straight like, “Wait… is this biblical reincarnation meets publishing thriller actually working?” Spoiler: it does. Brilliantly.

West took a story the world thought it already knew the Book of Esther and flipped it on its crown. The way she resurrected Vashti, gave her a voice, a lineage, and a reincarnated daughter with modern complications? That’s not just storytelling, that’s literary excavation. West unearthed what history buried and handed it a microphone.

There’s something rare about how West balances myth, academia, and emotional realism with just enough mystery to make readers whisper, “What if this really happened?” It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just entertain; it reframes everything we thought we understood about faith, feminism, and fate. – Dasolae Barhakatt

4**** – Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews

Anna Steine, President of Steine & Steine Publishers, has been divorced from her abusive husband for two years now. During her friend’s Purim Party, Anna catches glimpses of a woman that no one else seems to notice or recall.

At work and at her home, Anna keeps receiving a manuscript by Dr. Nathaniel Braverman titled “Vashti’s Daughter.” Not even Janet, her loyal executive assistant, has an idea as to how the manuscript keeps appearing. No one ever sees it being delivered.

Anna soon finds herself traveling to the past and living the life of Adara, the unknown daughter of Vashti. Vashti had been the king’s first wife who had been banished from the kingdom because she refused his order to debase herself for the amusement of his buddies. At first, Anna believes these evens to be simply restless dreams; however, she quickly discovers that is not the case.

Anna ends up risking everything as she attempts to publish the tale of what really happened in the year 366 BCE.

This novel seems to have a bit of everything in it. Off the top of my head, I can think of Time Travel, Fantasy, Romance, and Suspense.

Raven West has penned an intriguing story that hooked me early on and never let go. I simply had to know what was going to happen next, especially after the ex-husband decided to sabotage Anna’s business.

As an added bonus for those who have read West’s previous novel, Red Wine For Breakfast, you may notice a couple of “Easter Eggs” during the story, such as a subtle nod to the Sock Test. I could not keep myself from laughing out loud at that particular scene.

4**** – Derek Bekeny – The Whole Megillah

“Vashti’s Daughter” delivers “The Whole Megillah”, a rich, layered narrative that combines History, Mystery, Mysticism, Time Travel, Previous Lives, Fact and Fantasy and Feminist reimagination into one compelling package. Raven West takes readers on a journey that spans ancient Persia and modern-day struggles, weaving together the Biblical story of Vashti with a contemporary tale of identity, empowerment, and redemption.

The novel doesn’t hold back on any front: it offers romance, suspense, supernatural elements, and a deep dive into the legacy of a woman traditionally overshadowed by history. Anna Steine’s discovery of her connection to Vashti’s daughter, Adara, and the quest to break an ancient curse, bring together past and present in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.

West’s storytelling is immersive, with vivid settings and well-drawn characters who embody resilience and agency. The narrative’s pacing balances intrigue and emotional depth, ensuring readers stay hooked from start to finish. The resolution, with its hopeful message and reimagined biblical narrative, wraps up the story with satisfying completeness.

The story follows Anna Steine, a modern-day book publisher whose life is upended when she discovers a mysterious manuscript about Vashti-the often-misunderstood queen from the Book of Esther-and her daughter, Adara. Anna’s journey, marked by vivid dreams and supernatural occurrences, leads her to uncover her own identity as Adara’s reincarnation and to confront an ancient curse affecting Vashti’s descendants.

Raven West’s narrative is rich in detail and symbolism, using the backdrop of Purim and the biblical story of Esther and Vashti to explore deeper themes of female empowerment, the rewriting of history, and the search for justice. The novel skillfully weaves together romance, time travel, mysticism, and historical intrigue, keeping the reader engaged as Anna and her ally, Dr. Nathaniel Braverman, race to break the curse and restore Vashti’s legacy.

The pacing is well-crafted, balancing the blossoming romance with the unraveling of ancient mysteries. West’s descriptive style brings both ancient Persia and modern settings to life, while the characters-especially Anna/Adara-shine as symbols of resilience and agency. The dramatic climax and hopeful resolution, including a marriage proposal and the publication of a revised Bible, offer a satisfying conclusion that reimagines a familiar biblical narrative.

Overall, “Vashti’s Daughter” is a compelling and original work that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, biblical retellings, and stories centered on women’s voices. It stands out for its creative fusion of past and present, its empowering message, and its fresh perspective on a legendary figure.

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5***** – Karen Almeida – Assistant Editor – Literary Titan

Vashti’s Daughter by Raven West weaves a captivating narrative inspired by ancient legend and the Book of Esther. The story introduces Anna Steine, a 29-year-old book publisher who stumbles upon a mysterious manuscript. Plagued by recurring dreams of a past life in 366 BC, Anna seeks answers from a diverse group of experts, including archaeologists, reincarnation specialists, and a kabbalah astronomer. Her journey reveals her identity as Adarna, the reincarnated daughter of Queen Vashti, destined to break a familial curse and fulfill a centuries-old vow to transform societal perceptions of her mother.

West’s narrative is enriched with a descriptive style that vividly brings to life the settings and emotions of the characters. The plot deftly combines elements of historical intrigue with supernatural adventure, making it particularly engaging. The inclusion of time travel, romance, mysticism, and religious themes adds layers of complexity to the story, appealing to readers with varied interests. The character of Adarna is portrayed as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating resilience and determination. This aspect may resonate deeply with young women, presenting a model of empowerment and agency. The historical connections and biblical references are likely to attract readers who appreciate religious and historical fiction, offering a fresh perspective on familiar stories.

Raven West’s skillful blend of history and fiction in Vashti’s Daughter offers a unique take on an ancient tale, positioning it as a notable addition to its genre. The book is not only a journey through time but also an exploration of personal destiny and historical reinterpretation

5***** Jeyran Main – Editor-in-chief – Review Tales Magazine

Vashti’s Daughter by Raven West is an intricate and captivating novel that weaves historical elements with a modern-day narrative, creating a mesmerizing story that challenges traditional perceptions and explores the power of legacy and truth.

The protagonist, Anna Steine, a young, newly divorced owner of a publishing house, finds herself embroiled in a mysterious and supernatural journey that begins with an unassuming manila envelope labeled Vashti’s Daughter. Initially dismissive of the manuscript, Anna’s life takes a surreal turn as she experiences vivid dreams and unexplainable occurrences, drawing her deeper into the story of Vashti and her daughter, Adara.

The novel skillfully blends the past and the present, with Anna’s personal struggles mirroring the historical plight of Vashti and Adara. The character development is robust, with Anna’s transformation from a skeptical publisher to a passionate advocate for Vashti’s story being particularly compelling. The introduction of Dr. Nathaniel Braverman, an expert in Bible and Ancient Near East studies, adds an additional layer of intrigue and romance to the plot.

West’s narrative is rich in detail and symbolism, with the Purim festival and the story of Queen Esther and Vashti serving as a backdrop for exploring themes of female empowerment, truth, and the rewriting of history. The supernatural elements of the story, including Anna’s dreams and her sudden proficiency in Farsi, add a mystical quality that keeps the reader engaged and curious.

The climax of the novel is both dramatic and satisfying, with Anna and Nathaniel uncovering ancient artifacts that validate Vashti’s story and challenge long-held beliefs. The resolution, which includes a marriage proposal and the publication of a revised Bible, ties up the story neatly, offering a hopeful and empowering ending.

Overall, Vashti’s Daughter is a thought-provoking and imaginative novel that offers a fresh perspective on a familiar biblical story. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of questioning and revaluating historical narratives. Raven West has crafted a novel that is both entertaining and enlightening, making it a must-read for those interested in historical fiction with a contemporary twist.

5***** Dr. Israel Drazin

Raven West’s novel “Vashti’s Daughter” is brilliant. I enjoyed it. Every page. I would call it a fantasy, with the best meaning of the word. It is somewhat akin to J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” books, but better. The plot is excellent and moves at a delightful speed. It is very creative and thoughtful. It contains time travel, reincarnation, romance, a curse, abusive male power, and justice. It is a gripping tale with a blend of history, Bible, fantasy, magic, rationalism, past and present.

It is about a female abused and divorced publisher who mysteriously receives a book manuscript claiming to be factual that Vashti, mentioned briefly in the biblical book Esther, had a daughter. She discards the manuscript, but it strangely reappears. After discarding it several times and failing to destroy it, she begins to read it. But before she gets far into the book, she is transported back to 366 BCE. Upon returning to the present, she thinks she had a dream. She realizes it is no dream when the time travel repeats several times.

When she arrives in the past, she appears as Vashti’s daughter about to be proclaimed a queen. She meets Queen Esther, King Darius, Alexander the Great, and others. She seeks to show the world the justice in Vashti’s behavior when her husband, the king, mistreated her. She also needs to find a way to annul the curse placed upon Vashti’s descendants, which includes her, that they will never have a good marriage. It has been working for centuries.

Vashti, her daughter, and their descendants become heroes and role models for women today.

5***** Author Rob Bignell

What if one day you discovered that you were the reincarnated daughter of a queen from the ancient world? And that there’s an ancient curse on you? A fun, rollicking adventure, of course. But author Raven West delivers more than escapist literature.

This book is about delivering on promises and discovering the meaning of true love. Her writing moves at a good clip with gripping dialogue, so there’s never a dull moment. Definitely pick this book up if you want to read something thrilling that has a point to it.

4**** Nicci Attfield – Reedsy/Discovery

Loved it! 😍

An insightful and beautiful story about time travel, spirituality and identity.

This book is a wonderful exploration of identity, thinking through what it means to be Jewish as well as what it means to be a woman, both in times gone by and in the current world.

It questions the power imbalances of the past. While present power imbalances, represented in Anna’s ex-husband’s mistreatment, are a part of a curse, the author does describe the wider power imbalance that many women still struggle with.

The author untangles gender-based discriminations, showing their perpetrators as weak rather than symbols of true strength. It’s only limit is its lack of messiness, showing that women can excel while the men in their lives remain vindictive. Even in current society this is often hard to achieve.

I found Vashti’s Daughter to be a gentle, thoughtful, and deeply spiritual novel that looks at how the past impacts the present, the injustices that linger as ghosts to haunt us, and the need to change the stories we tell about women.

This is a book I would recommend to readers who are interested in exploring Jewish identity. It’s great for mystical readers wishing to explore how spirituality intertwines with social injustice. Feminist literature has been shown to help women understand and resist discrimination, so I would also recommend this book to teenagers and young women everywhere.

5***** Demetria Head – A Look Inside

“Vashti’s Daughter” by Raven West is a captivating blend of historical mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue that weaves the lives of two protagonists across time and space. With skillful storytelling and rich character development, the novel transports readers through a seamless fusion of past and present, as ancient Persian history becomes intertwined with the lives of modern-day individuals.

The story introduces Anna Steine, a newly divorced book publisher, who stumbles upon an unsolicited manuscript titled “Vashti’s Daughter.” Reluctantly attending her friend Elaine’s Purim costume party dressed as Queen Vashti, Anna’s life takes an unexpected turn when strange occurrences begin to unravel around her. As she experiences vivid dreams of a past life, she becomes Adara, the daughter of Queen Vashti and King Darius.

The author masterfully navigates between timelines, seamlessly transitioning between Anna’s modern struggles and Adara’s ancient challenges. As the two women’s stories unfold, the mysteries of their connections deepen, and the novel expertly explores themes of identity, love, and destiny.

Nathaniel Braverman, an archaeologist and author of the manuscript, plays a significant role in the narrative. Nate’s encounter with a mysterious voice at the shrine of Queen Esther propels him to deliver his manuscript specifically to Anna. Their meeting marks the intersection of past and present, and as their relationship grows, the story’s complexity deepens.

The novel’s pacing is well-crafted, maintaining a delicate balance between the romance that blossoms between Anna and Nate and the historical intrigue surrounding Adara and her mother Vashti. As Anna’s world collides with Adara’s, their shared experiences and the discovery of hidden truths become pivotal in shaping their futures. With its engaging narrative and compelling characters, the novel offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of human connection across time and generations.

Undercover Reunion

***** I recently had the pleasure of diving into Undercover Reunion, and I have to say, Raven West’s storytelling is electric. The way she brought together nostalgia, espionage, and mature protagonists was nothing short of brilliant. West doesn’t just tell a story, she pulls readers into a world that’s both wildly entertaining and strikingly real. – David A. Lovie, July, 2025

**** Melanie “Mel” Tyler and Kathleen “Katie” Conner have been best friends since kindergarten. As teenagers, their favorite television show was The Man from U.N.C.L.E. The girls even had a hidden room where they kept files on various schoolmates. But after graduating from high school, everyone in the graduating class went their own way. Mel’s voice landed her a variety of voice-over jobs and she now lives in a Santa Monica Condominium. Katie wed and her husband, James O’Brien, eventually became a Minnesota State Senator. Today, Mel and Katie find it difficult to believe that they are about to attend Abbeyville High School’s thirtieth reunion. Seeing most of their former classmates should be fun, but there are a few that the ladies hoped would not attend. Unfortunately, the three worst do make an appearance. Charles Haussman and Eric Kramer were bullies back in school and they have not forgotten how the ladies once bested them (thanks to their U.N.C.L.E. addiction.) Then there is Wyatt Gaynes, the jock that Melanie had a crush on – along with many other female students. The deceitful creep had used Mel, just as he did everyone else. Mel and Katie are soon recruited by U.N.C.L.E., which turns out is a real spy organization, to help thwart a former schoolmate’s plan for worldwide domination.

**** FOUR STARS! I have never seen an episode of the old television show The Man From UNCLE, but after reading this book I plan to search various streaming internet sites in hopes of viewing a few. You do not have to be a fan of the old show in order to fully enjoy this tale. (I guess it does not hurt that I used to watch other spy series, such as Get Smart.) I found this story to be extremely fun to read! Those who have read this author’s previous novel, Red Wine for Breakfast, may even notice the subtle nod to the Sock Test. (I could not help but chuckle when a pair of socks was mentioned in a single, short line.) If you are looking for a story to enjoy during vacation or to make a rainy afternoon fly by, this is it. I have no doubt that I will not soon forget this fun spy thriller. **** HUNTRESS REVIEWS – Reviewed by Detra Fitch on April 28, 2013

*** It’s great fun to find a book that seems to be written specially for ME! I was a devoted fan of The Man From Uncle and would dearly loved to have been one of their agents (I even had a membership card but an overzealous teacher confiscated it and lost it.) Raven West has tapped into the same desire that a million women of ‘a certain age’ must have had and has made it come true, and at a boring old school reunion, too! There are strong characters and plenty of action, so it held my interest all the way through. An easy read that ticks a lot of boxes for an entertaining crime novel. – Bev Robitai on Jan. 13, 2012

*** If you were a fan of The Man From U.N.C.L.E., or even if you’re not, you’ll get a kick out of this. Two women who went to school together get recruited as U.N.C.L.E. agents at their 30th reunion to battle the latest incarnation of T.H.R.U.S.H. It’s great fun, and even though Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin don’t make an appearance, there are plenty of reference that will delight! Go along and enjoy the ride “Open Channel D”! – Penton

*** I enjoyed the fact that the main characters were all average, middle-aged people who were suddenly pulled into a dastardly scheme-it was a refreshing change from the usual thriller protagonists.

*** Many U.N.C.L.E. fans of the sixties imagined themselves helping U.N.C.L.E. if this was you, you will enjoy this new novel. Raven West has caught the spirit of “the things of dreams” that U.N.C.L.E. fans all over the world consist of’. Take yourselves into the world of U.N.C.L.E. fantasies and dream along with Kate and Mel as they help the real U.N.C.L.E. guys thwart a much-too-real evil adversary who was a former classmate. – Bridget Calvert (Honorary Editor of ‘ The Network’)

*** I just finished Undercover Reunion. I instantly fell in love with all the characters. Enough information was given to let me know what was going on and it kept me interested. The back story about their childhood playing UNCLE spies was fun. The jokes fit the personalities of the people and had me laughing as I read it.

*** Excellent read, thoroughly enjoyed the story, reminds me of The Helicopter Spies. Strong characters. I like The Man from U.N.C.L.E and I enjoyed Undercover Reunion. highly recommended. AAAAA+++++” Clive Woollands, May 31, 2012

*** Very fun, well thought out, enjoyable read. Loved it! I really enjoyed the background stories of the characters. I liked the unexpected plot twist. Wish there were more UNCLE stories like this.” – Timothy Severs, October 8, 2012

First Class Mail

Rachel Clark left her career as a New York lawyer for a shot at her dream of writing books. The man who had been her partner in the courtroom and her lover at home, Mark Greystone, refused to stand by her and left. For two Summers she rented a place in the small town of Crystal Lake. During that time the Postmaster, Alex Bentley, had witnessed Rachel’s manuscripts for Legal Briefs be rejected dozens of times. When Rachel mentioned giving up if the manuscript was rejected again, Alex broke several postal regulations by holding her manuscript for one full day and spending the night making a few little changes to the story. Changes that sold the book, launched Rachel’s writing career, and hurt their friendship that had recently become more. While Rachel was in New York promoting her new book and writing the next, Alex was promoted to Director of Postal Operations in Albany. The two are brought back together when Alex was arrested for allegedly embezzling two hundred and seventy-three thousand dollars from the post office while he worked in Crystal Lake! Rachel stopped everything to be his attorney,especially when she found out that Mark Greystone was the one trying to lock him up!

**** This story combined small town life with the big city crowds. It showed surprising insight into the daily life of postal workers and readers will find the author seemed to do much research on the various duties in the job! The book has several sub-plots that will keep the readers involved and wondering what will happen next. However, the ending will leave many readers satisfied and many others frustrated! Very good reading within these pages!

**** –Huntress Book Reviews

Who would ever think such sexual passion is steaming up the mail-sorting room? I will never look at those public servants across the counter quite the same way, after reading Raven West’s novel. West has taken some rather common characters: postal personnel, attorneys, law-enforcement, and made them extraordinarily interesting. These are people with all the self-doubts and latent nobility in each of us. Postmaster Alex Bentley, Thoreau-esquely withdrawn in the secure world of upstate Crystal Lake, NY, commits a major USPS no-no…and pays the price. Talented and confused author/attorney Rachel Clark escapes the Big Apple for her Walden Pond period. She has been hurt in love before, and Crystal Lake is the place to recoup, so she mistakenly believes. Mark Greystone, like any good antagonist, is a complex, believable DA. His drive causes damage to Alex, Rachel, and himself. The knowledge West has of the politics and internal affairs of the USPS is quite impressive. The way she shares that in FIRST CLASS MALE makes for a deserved appreciation of the people who are the best postal system in the world. –Robert Fulton from Charlotte, NC

Very few outsiders have taken up championing the good of the Postal Service over the years, let alone putting their thoughts to paper. Author Raven West is one such person, and she did just that in her latest book, First Class Male, (The Lighthouse Press, Inc.) Other books have been written in the past, chronicling the going postal phrase, but they concentrated on the violent side of the term. Ms. West doesn’t do that. She has taken the phrase, and through the character of a small-town postmaster expounded upon what is good with the Service. In it s own self praising way First Class Male appears directed towards the tight-knit family of postal employees. If that is the case, then it has hit its target. That s not to say it s not a book non-postal employees would not appreciate – because it is.. From the beginning, Ms. West describes PM Bentley at 32 years old as the fastest rising employee in his district to go from letter carrier to postmaster of Crystal Lake. She paints him as just an average guy, who hooked up with the post office to pass the time. In doing so she develops his character as a person who has come to love his job, and is extremely offended at every public attack. A trait so readily identifiable within the walls of all post offices. Because the author did such a complete job of researching her subject she didn’t t have to take liberties with the truth, like so many other authors of fiction do. First Class Male is not a tear jerking, good guy gets the girl in the end type of book. No, not at all. It is a book that provides all postal employees with the feeling there is someone from outside of our realm who cares about how we are constantly taking it on the chin, and that is refreshing. All clichés aside, First Class Male delivers. –Thom Green, National Association of Letter Carriers

Red Wine for Breakfast

Red Wine for Breakfast is a sharp, fast-paced novel that captures the grit, glamour, and cutthroat competition of Los Angeles radio in the 1980s. Jenny Reed is such a compelling protagonist, ambitious, witty, and determined to play life by her own rules. Her rise to success, her clash with Johnny King, and the dark mystery surrounding her best friend’s death make for a story that is equal parts industry insider drama and gripping suspense – Charlotte Hayes – 2025

Believable YOU ARE THERE atmosphere! Reviewer: Andromeda from Inverness, FL United States
Terrific! You don’t just read it, you LIVE it! Indeed, Raven West’s RED WINE FOR BREAKFAST is redolent with that very essential, YOU ARE THERE atmosphere. Its synopsis “…In a business drowning in testosterone, Red Wine for Breakfast is the story of a strong, determined New Yorker who has to shake off the laid-back attitude of LA to overcome the challenges of an industry that threatens to turn her off and a man who only wants to turn her on…” is right on target.

As a veteran of the newspaper business in particular and media in general, I enjoyed very much entering her heroine Jenny Reed’s world, who is very much an emancipated, no nonsense woman who boldly fights for what she wants, and gives no quarter. Yes, Jenny is no falsely blushing flower of innocence. She grasps the bull of mediocrity by the horns, and turns it into what she wants. Red Wine for Breakfast is NOT a traditional Harlequin novel, but a tale very much in tune with the realities the NEW WOMAN has to deal with, and triumph over. Thumbs up, Ms. West! Kristina O’Donnelly, Author and Publisher.

Ten years in the film industry never gave me a clue what “the sock test” was, or how to apply it to men. But thanks to Raven West’s rollicking tale, Red Wine For Breakfast, I now feel up to speed with what the really “cool” people always seem to know. Red Wine is a fast, fun, and entertaining read. The phrase, “Lights, camera, action!” comes to mind immediately when you open this delightful contemporary novel of love triumphing over pain and betrayal.

Doris Cohen is a 34-year-old New York transplant in California, whose on-air personae as Jenny Reed, the top rated morning drive-time radio show host, pits her against slick Johnny King, her program cohort. King is the brother-in-law of Brian Allen, the station manager with whom Jenny has been intimately involved, which makes for some “hot” radio clashes and ratings to match.

Despite the soaring ratings, drug allegations and a murder suddenly thrust Jenny’s show even more into the limelight. Behind the scenes, the drug scandal threatens to bring the station to its knees while the main characters’ bizarre romance continues on-air.

Raven West knows her way around a radio studio, that can’t be denied. This story is a believable, intriguing, and enjoyable inside glimpse of the business. It also has a quirky, comedic touch which is difficult for most writers to handle. The intricate plot, a host of layered events, and the exquisite dialogue will keep you reading and often laughing into the wee hours.

The author pulls it all together at the end, giving the reader a happy and very satisfying “climax.” If you want a heroine who is real, who intends to take the world by storm and who won’t be dissuaded by men or machinations, then this book is for you. If you also want a hero who starts out as a heel, then makes his metamorphosis by the end of the story, then you’ll love Red Wine For Breakfast

FANTASTIC!!

Reading “Red Wine for Breakfast” was like going home. As a former program director/news director at various radio stations, I could immediately relate to the characters in this book–I’ve worked with them. And, even without my insider’s knowledge, this book is a fantastic read–intriguing, action-packed and a page turner. I can’t wait to see more from this author!

*** Perfect! A hilarious look at life in a radio station. Full of sneaky twists and I even learned why women should always make men take “the sock test”! HUNTRESS BOOK REVIEWS – (Reviewed by Detra Fitch) – Under Modern Contemporary – http://www.huntressreviews.com/ -Huntress Book Reviews

Red Wine for Breakfast is a true winner from the title to the last page. A fun, in captivating read – this book was hard to put down. Raven West gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of the Radio Industry and to this day I find myself imagining what’s going on after the mike goes off on my drive each morning. The mix of characters in Red Wine for Breakfast matches the twists and turns this novel takes, making it exciting to the last page. I loved Red Wine for Breakfast and recommend it for a fun, exciting escape.

“Journey to Dimension Nine is a light, fun and well written collect of erotica short stories. If you’re looking for something a little steamy to occupy an afternoon, this may be just what you need. Most of the stories involve fantasy. Not swords and sorcery, but that dreamy, not quite real fantasy that we all indulge in. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.” – Review by Paul Wilson