Get ready for an immersive journey through the heart of Paris with L.J. Ambrosio's "Exiles," the final installment of the Reflections of Michael Trilogy. Not only will you be captivated by Ron's story, but you also have a chance to win exciting prizes! L.J. Ambrosio will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card, a dragonfly necklace, or a second dragonfly necklace to three randomly drawn winners during the tour. Dive in to discover the profound friendships and life-affirming lessons that await in this beautifully crafted narrative.
The tour sponsor is Goddess Fish Promotions.
About the book:
Title: Exiles (Reflections of Michael Trilogy, Book 3)
Author: L.J. Ambrosio
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Pages: 162
Description:
In this final book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, Michael's wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city. Ron's journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way.
A story that began with A Reservoir Man, and continued in Reflections on the Boulevard, concludes with this final book, Exiles.
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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
As evening approached and Ron and Julia got ready, she suggested they call a taxi.
Ron firmly said, “Not our last night in Paris together. We will walk through the streets, and I will hold your hand as we did on our first date. What a wonderful time that was.”
The young couple approached the restaurant they ate at often when the family came into town. They didn't have to pay during these visits, which made the soaring prices much easier to manage.
The owner moved them to the back where a wonderful table was set up for all the guests. Julia had written each of her friends a farewell note.
They sat at the table waiting for their friends who slowly came into the restaurant one by one, and all had gifts for her. The wine flowed as well as the congratulations.
My Review
⭐⭐⭐
"Exiles" by L.J. Ambrosio wraps up the Reflections of Michael Trilogy with a heartwarming tale of friendship and mentorship. Dive into Ron's journey in Paris, filled with meaningful connections and political undertones.
Summary
In "Exiles," we find Ron living in Paris with his loyal companion, Rhonda, and working at a unique bookstore that doubles as a temporary shelter for those with nowhere else to go. The plot kicks off when Ron catches Louie, a young man stealing a book from the store. Louie's explanation and subsequent introduction to Ron’s world lead to a deep and evolving friendship.
Ron, now a mentor following in Michael's footsteps, guides Louie through life's complexities, exploring themes of love, friendship, and purpose. Rhonda, Ron’s wire-haired Jack Russell, adds a touch of warmth and nostalgia, reminding readers of the enduring bond between humans and their pets. Rhonda's quirky habit of eating ham and cheese sandwiches and her cautious outings due to past traumas endear her further to the readers.
Meanwhile, Louie’s involvement in the political unrest under Macron’s administration brings a dynamic contrast to Ron’s quieter existence. The juxtaposition of Ron’s peaceful bookstore life and Louie’s activism, especially during the protests against raising the pension age, adds layers of intrigue to the narrative.
Themes and Analysis
What I Liked
I particularly appreciated the return of Rhonda, the ever-loyal and now older Jack Russell who has been with Ron since "Reflections on the Boulevard." Her presence in the story adds a sense of continuity and warmth. The descriptions of her unique dietary preferences and cautious strolls around Paris provided delightful, if not poignant, moments.
Ron’s role as a mentor is beautifully portrayed. His guidance to Louie about love and friendship, extending even to the love for his dog, Rhonda, is touching. The portrayal of Ron's life in the bookstore, serving as a haven for 'Tumbleweeds,' is a lovely metaphor for finding a place of belonging in an often transient world.
What I Didn't Like
While I love character-driven stories, "Exiles" sometimes felt too slow-paced for my liking. The narrative dragged in places, making it hard to stay engaged throughout. At times, I found myself skipping pages, struggling to grasp their relevance to the overall story. However, this may be a personal preference, as others might find the detailed character exploration more appealing.
Conclusion
"Exiles" by L.J. Ambrosio is a fitting conclusion to the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, capturing the essence of friendship, mentorship, and the quiet yet profound moments of life. While its slow pace may not appeal to everyone, the book’s heartwarming themes and endearing characters make it a worthy read for fans of the series. Ambrosio’s ability to weave together the complexities of human connection with the backdrop of a politically charged Paris is commendable, leaving readers with a sense of hope and reflection.
Final Rating
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Wrap-Up
Whether you're a long-time follower of Ron’s journey or a newcomer to Ambrosio’s trilogy, "Exiles" offers a thoughtful exploration of life's intricacies, making it a worthwhile addition to your reading list. The enduring themes of kindness and friendship are timely reminders of the good that exists in the world, making "Exiles" a heartfelt and reflective read. And don't forget to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!
About L.J. Ambrosio:
Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at 7 Universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.
Giveaway:
One (1) $20 Amazon/BN gift card, and two (2) dragonfly necklaces to three (3) randomly drawn winner(s). The giveaway ends on or around August 2, 2024, at Midnight EST.
Thank you so much for featuring this book.