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A Penny's Worth
Sara Conrad just about had it all, wealth, beauty, a prominent place in Las Vegas society as the owner of a popular nightclub, and a reputation that was second to none.
There was only one thing Sara failed to possess…
Her life.
That’s because it was dominated by a despicable sociopath, her husband, Ezra Silverstein, who rarely let Sara out of his sight and manipulated her every move.
Out of desperation, Sara turned to a bodyguard at her club, Max Tobias, for sanity and salvation. Before long they are on the verge of a torrid affair that threatens not only to engulf them personally but their very lives, as well.
When Silverstein catches wind of Sara and Max’s relationship, he is determined to make them pay for their betrayal. He makes it his mission to inflict a blood thirsty punishment on his beloved Sara and her romantic rescuer.
As events reach their dramatic climax, Sara is stunned to discover Max is not really a bodyguard at all. This revelation turns her entire world upside down leaving her vulnerable and unable to trust anyone, especially the man to whom she had given her heart.
Riveting. Unpredictable. Page turning
The story of a good woman trying to survive in Sin City where Satan himself has set up camp in her own marriage, and the only man she had truly loved turned out to be a virtual stranger.
God help her.
There was only one thing Sara failed to possess…
Her life.
That’s because it was dominated by a despicable sociopath, her husband, Ezra Silverstein, who rarely let Sara out of his sight and manipulated her every move.
Out of desperation, Sara turned to a bodyguard at her club, Max Tobias, for sanity and salvation. Before long they are on the verge of a torrid affair that threatens not only to engulf them personally but their very lives, as well.
When Silverstein catches wind of Sara and Max’s relationship, he is determined to make them pay for their betrayal. He makes it his mission to inflict a blood thirsty punishment on his beloved Sara and her romantic rescuer.
As events reach their dramatic climax, Sara is stunned to discover Max is not really a bodyguard at all. This revelation turns her entire world upside down leaving her vulnerable and unable to trust anyone, especially the man to whom she had given her heart.
Riveting. Unpredictable. Page turning
The story of a good woman trying to survive in Sin City where Satan himself has set up camp in her own marriage, and the only man she had truly loved turned out to be a virtual stranger.
God help her.
413 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2017
4 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Austin
10 books299 followersCynthia Austin lives in Northern California with her
husband, two boys, and Olde English Bulldogge named Count
Dogula. They love all things horror, gothic, and Victorian
which prompts her friends to dub them as “The Adams
Family.”
She is an avid reader who may be slightly obsessed with
music. She hears music in a way that she believes the
artist intended it to be heard: visually, with a storyline
that follows. Listening to the songs by her favorite
artists, she was inspired to write her first series titled
“The Pendant.”
Cynthia has been published twice in The Writer’s Monthly
Magazine as well as the online news site, Yahoo!
Voices. She currently attends Diablo Valley College, in
Pleasant Hill, California, where she is working to achieve
her degree in English.
husband, two boys, and Olde English Bulldogge named Count
Dogula. They love all things horror, gothic, and Victorian
which prompts her friends to dub them as “The Adams
Family.”
She is an avid reader who may be slightly obsessed with
music. She hears music in a way that she believes the
artist intended it to be heard: visually, with a storyline
that follows. Listening to the songs by her favorite
artists, she was inspired to write her first series titled
“The Pendant.”
Cynthia has been published twice in The Writer’s Monthly
Magazine as well as the online news site, Yahoo!
Voices. She currently attends Diablo Valley College, in
Pleasant Hill, California, where she is working to achieve
her degree in English.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 12, 2017
“He had set all the players nicely on the board, but perhaps he chose to place the wrong protector next to his Queen. The bishop has been a betrayer.”
Sara is married to Ezra, a vicious, devious bastard and he loves nothing better than to elicit pain in creative ways to those around him, especially his wife. Sara, frightened beyond belief, turns to her bodyguard, Max, for help. Their affair, while hot, threatens to expose their betrayal to Ezra. Sara is caught between her sadistic husband and her protector who is hiding secrets of his own. When Ezra vows revenge, Sara doesn’t know where to turn and is left to fend for herself. Will she survive and if so, is her life worth more than a penny?
I liked A Penny’s Worth for its damaged characters, intense drama, accurate portrayal of an abusive husband, suspenseful plot and romance. Yes romance. While the genre is romantic suspense, I would categorize it more as dark mafia romance. The grittiness of what it means to be a part of an organized crime family is the backbone of this book. Every decision Ezra, Sara and even Max make revolve around this theme.
Yes, it is a classic love triangle but Austin puts an intriguing new spin on the trope that I found refreshing. Sara is, quite surprisingly, a strong woman and in the end, her choices are a part of who she becomes. Ezra is a controlling SOB but he loves Sara in his own way. Max loves Sara, too, but his love is fraught with secrets (no spoilers here).
I found the drama a little too much to take at times. It felt like it was a soap opera (think Dynasty from back in the day) and while some drama is good, it was a little over the top.
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, not knowing what will happen next, read this book! There’s definitely some twists I didn’t see coming.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
Sara is married to Ezra, a vicious, devious bastard and he loves nothing better than to elicit pain in creative ways to those around him, especially his wife. Sara, frightened beyond belief, turns to her bodyguard, Max, for help. Their affair, while hot, threatens to expose their betrayal to Ezra. Sara is caught between her sadistic husband and her protector who is hiding secrets of his own. When Ezra vows revenge, Sara doesn’t know where to turn and is left to fend for herself. Will she survive and if so, is her life worth more than a penny?
I liked A Penny’s Worth for its damaged characters, intense drama, accurate portrayal of an abusive husband, suspenseful plot and romance. Yes romance. While the genre is romantic suspense, I would categorize it more as dark mafia romance. The grittiness of what it means to be a part of an organized crime family is the backbone of this book. Every decision Ezra, Sara and even Max make revolve around this theme.
Yes, it is a classic love triangle but Austin puts an intriguing new spin on the trope that I found refreshing. Sara is, quite surprisingly, a strong woman and in the end, her choices are a part of who she becomes. Ezra is a controlling SOB but he loves Sara in his own way. Max loves Sara, too, but his love is fraught with secrets (no spoilers here).
I found the drama a little too much to take at times. It felt like it was a soap opera (think Dynasty from back in the day) and while some drama is good, it was a little over the top.
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, not knowing what will happen next, read this book! There’s definitely some twists I didn’t see coming.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
August 3, 2017
A Penny's Worth is the very first book that I've read by Cynthia Austin, and I really enjoyed the plot. I'm not going to go into any detail about it, as this story is full of suspense, so I don't want to inadvertently give anything away, nor sway anyone's opinion one way or another, as this review is in MY OPINION! I just didn't get invested in the characters like I wanted to, especially Sara, and not sure why, but she somehow fell flat for me. And I'm the type that's usually always on the side of the female. I could tell that Cynthia Austin has a talented writing style, because even though the characters didn't quite do it for me, the intense, original, and fast paced plot kept me turning the pages quickly. And the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, while dropping loud f-bombs. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by this author in the future, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
August 3, 2017
The author provided me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I have to say, this book is amazing. I loved Sara and Max. HATED Ezra. Not a big fan of Carmela either.
This book is a pretty realistic depiction of what it's like to be in a domestic violence situation. (I worked as a law clerk in an SODV unit and I took a seminar on how to handle DV cases specifically.) The way that Sara waffles back and forth between her abusive husband, Ezra, and Max, their employee, is pretty realistic. There were times reading it where I wanted to yell "just leave him" but the situation was more complicated than that. (There are a lot of family stuff going on that complicates things and she still has feelings for him, which is very, very typical.)
The writing style is wonderful. I love the dialogue--that's where the story really shines. I loved watching Sara evolve through the corse of the story and her relationship with Max blossom.
I have to say, this book is amazing. I loved Sara and Max. HATED Ezra. Not a big fan of Carmela either.
This book is a pretty realistic depiction of what it's like to be in a domestic violence situation. (I worked as a law clerk in an SODV unit and I took a seminar on how to handle DV cases specifically.) The way that Sara waffles back and forth between her abusive husband, Ezra, and Max, their employee, is pretty realistic. There were times reading it where I wanted to yell "just leave him" but the situation was more complicated than that. (There are a lot of family stuff going on that complicates things and she still has feelings for him, which is very, very typical.)
The writing style is wonderful. I love the dialogue--that's where the story really shines. I loved watching Sara evolve through the corse of the story and her relationship with Max blossom.
August 2, 2017
3.5 STARS
This is a new author to me and I was not sure what to think going into this book. I read the synopsis and I was intrigued for sure. I had a lot of expectations for this book.
Most of them were met, I liked the characters, I did not connect one way or another with any of them but I liked them. The plot of the story was good but felt just a little bit a miss about it. Almost like something was missing and that could be because I did not get an emotional connection with any of the 3 main characters. Sara is trying hard to live her life but is married to the devil himself for sure. As she turns to someone she is once agaon let down and is left wondering and trusting no one!!
There is definite suspense and overall good read in this book. If you are looking for something a little different then give this book a chance!
I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Rockstar Book Muse
This is a new author to me and I was not sure what to think going into this book. I read the synopsis and I was intrigued for sure. I had a lot of expectations for this book.
Most of them were met, I liked the characters, I did not connect one way or another with any of them but I liked them. The plot of the story was good but felt just a little bit a miss about it. Almost like something was missing and that could be because I did not get an emotional connection with any of the 3 main characters. Sara is trying hard to live her life but is married to the devil himself for sure. As she turns to someone she is once agaon let down and is left wondering and trusting no one!!
There is definite suspense and overall good read in this book. If you are looking for something a little different then give this book a chance!
I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Rockstar Book Muse
July 30, 2017
Overall the book was okay, it was hard to stay focus, and it was just missing something, it was hard to keep going. I did not feel much of a connection to any of the characters. The plot of the story had promise but it just fell short.
Sara was too swishy washy for me, I'm all for a little drama but this woman was a little over the top with her back and forth between the husband that cheats and a sexy bouncer that only shows how much concern. I wanted to see her develop over the book and I really did not see much of that. I will give this book a 3 <3's
independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock
Sara was too swishy washy for me, I'm all for a little drama but this woman was a little over the top with her back and forth between the husband that cheats and a sexy bouncer that only shows how much concern. I wanted to see her develop over the book and I really did not see much of that. I will give this book a 3 <3's
independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock
August 27, 2017
I love a book that fills my thoughts for days after turning the last page, a book with characters who become my friends and enemies, a book that I want to recommend to others. A Penny’s Worth is this type book. It's filled with real, well-developed characters set in an intense and exciting world of evil and deception. I highly recommend it!
May 13, 2019
Where to begin? This book was a whirlwind for me. At times I wanted to put it down, at others I COULDN'T put it down. It follows Sara, who's in a terrible marriage to Ezra, a sleazy, abusive con man gambler in Las Vegas. Sara is the very definition of a woman in a domestic abuse situation. She knows she should leave the relationship, which has become loveless in the short time they've been married, but somehow, despite Ezra's blatant affairs right under her nose, she can't seem to tear herself away. She's under his spell, emotionally, sexually, economically and even physically. To make things even worse, Ezra's in business with Sara's brother, Luke, who runs a Las Vegas strip joint on the seedier side of town.
The author's skill made me seethe with hatred for Ezra. I wanted Sara to do something terrible to him and get away from under his clutches almost immediately. I kept asking myself why she would stay with him, "even if the sex is so good," and I couldn't understand it at first. Then, as the story unfolds, with its many twists and turns, and as a handsome bouncer arrives on the scene at Sara's brother's establishment, more details behind their relationship evolve. I still hated Ezra, almost from the first time I "met" him through these pages, and my disgust for him grew with each horrible behavior he exhibited toward Sara.
This novel is filled with lies, deceit, crimes and even human trafficking, and would make an amazing movie. I don't want to describe much more of the plot, because I may give away too much; however, I recommend that readers who enjoy reading complex plots involving creative crime, as well as the way in which men try to control women through sex, will find this book intriguing. There are a number of explicit sex scenes in the book, but they are well-written and are crucial to the book's flow and focus. And you need to read to the very end to figure out where the title came from. It's worth it.
The author's skill made me seethe with hatred for Ezra. I wanted Sara to do something terrible to him and get away from under his clutches almost immediately. I kept asking myself why she would stay with him, "even if the sex is so good," and I couldn't understand it at first. Then, as the story unfolds, with its many twists and turns, and as a handsome bouncer arrives on the scene at Sara's brother's establishment, more details behind their relationship evolve. I still hated Ezra, almost from the first time I "met" him through these pages, and my disgust for him grew with each horrible behavior he exhibited toward Sara.
This novel is filled with lies, deceit, crimes and even human trafficking, and would make an amazing movie. I don't want to describe much more of the plot, because I may give away too much; however, I recommend that readers who enjoy reading complex plots involving creative crime, as well as the way in which men try to control women through sex, will find this book intriguing. There are a number of explicit sex scenes in the book, but they are well-written and are crucial to the book's flow and focus. And you need to read to the very end to figure out where the title came from. It's worth it.
August 12, 2017
Original engaging read about a Las Vegas crime family
One of the best parts of this book was the emotional turmoil of the book’s arch villain - Ezra Silverstein. Ezra is the psychopathic husband of Sara Conrad, child of a Las Vegas casino crime family.
Usually the villain is painted in black and white but Austin gives us a revealing and eloquently painted portrait of Ezra’s agonized human side.
Example - The moment Ezra laid his trap to win Sara by offering her a job to work in his high end Las Vegas jewelry pawn shop - “I’ve been looking for a new assistant . Someone just as beautiful as the precious stones in my case’. Ezra expelled a sharp breath and if Sara didn’t know any better she would have thought that was the sound of his soul leaving his body.”
Sar and Ezra’s fights - “Sara clenched her fists and swallowed the scream inside her throat. `You keep falling deeper and deeper into this pit. This endless destructive pit. And like an idiot I follow you right into the fucking abyss’!”
Sara is a walking time bomb over Ezra’s continued infidelities. She watches from the other side of the club as “He was enjoying a lap dance from Chelsea, which consisted of having two watermelons draped in his face.”
Ezra’s secret agony over losing Sara’s love as she gradually pulls away and becomes involved with her sexy bodyguard - “Love was not supposed to hurt like this. But her eyes cut sharper than any knife. Nothing destroys a man more than the lost love and validation of the woman he adores.”
The first half of the book really held my attention and kept the pages turning. The plot seemed to slow a bit in the middle but picked up again. I couldn’t eat dinner until I found out what happened at the end!
However the way the author wrapped up the suspenseful plotline seemed a bit complex and convoluted. Hence it lacked some credibility for me.
High points of the book were the ever present conspiracies, infidelities and desperate struggles of a Las Vegas casino family. Loved the author’s insights into the psycho villain Ezra and the breakup of his marriage with Sara, which was originally based on mutual love. A tragedy in anyone’s book. Then there’s the unique roller coaster plot. A good read!
One of the best parts of this book was the emotional turmoil of the book’s arch villain - Ezra Silverstein. Ezra is the psychopathic husband of Sara Conrad, child of a Las Vegas casino crime family.
Usually the villain is painted in black and white but Austin gives us a revealing and eloquently painted portrait of Ezra’s agonized human side.
Example - The moment Ezra laid his trap to win Sara by offering her a job to work in his high end Las Vegas jewelry pawn shop - “I’ve been looking for a new assistant . Someone just as beautiful as the precious stones in my case’. Ezra expelled a sharp breath and if Sara didn’t know any better she would have thought that was the sound of his soul leaving his body.”
Sar and Ezra’s fights - “Sara clenched her fists and swallowed the scream inside her throat. `You keep falling deeper and deeper into this pit. This endless destructive pit. And like an idiot I follow you right into the fucking abyss’!”
Sara is a walking time bomb over Ezra’s continued infidelities. She watches from the other side of the club as “He was enjoying a lap dance from Chelsea, which consisted of having two watermelons draped in his face.”
Ezra’s secret agony over losing Sara’s love as she gradually pulls away and becomes involved with her sexy bodyguard - “Love was not supposed to hurt like this. But her eyes cut sharper than any knife. Nothing destroys a man more than the lost love and validation of the woman he adores.”
The first half of the book really held my attention and kept the pages turning. The plot seemed to slow a bit in the middle but picked up again. I couldn’t eat dinner until I found out what happened at the end!
However the way the author wrapped up the suspenseful plotline seemed a bit complex and convoluted. Hence it lacked some credibility for me.
High points of the book were the ever present conspiracies, infidelities and desperate struggles of a Las Vegas casino family. Loved the author’s insights into the psycho villain Ezra and the breakup of his marriage with Sara, which was originally based on mutual love. A tragedy in anyone’s book. Then there’s the unique roller coaster plot. A good read!
September 10, 2017
I thought the author did a fantastic job with creating believable characters. I read some of the reviews and I feel like I read a completely different book than the others.
The story is like a slow burn. At first it seems a typical, my husband is a bad guy and cheats, yada yada...but then it changes courses and picks up. As you flip the pages you find yourself engulfed into a world of deception, lies and hidden secrets.
Sara is married to Ezra, a good for nothing cheater who enjoys humiliating in her public. In his defense, Ezra truly loved Sara, as crazy as he may have been that is the feeling I had. Sara wants out of her marriage to Ezra and has even confided in her brother Luke about it. Luke, as much as he lives his little sister, knows without Ezra as his partner, the empire he worked so hard at creating will collapse. So Sara is stuck. So she thinks, until Max enters her life and things begin to take a twist. This hunky stranger has his attention completely on Sara and she is not sure why? Is his motive based only on pure animalistic attraction? Or is there more?
The story is like a slow burn. At first it seems a typical, my husband is a bad guy and cheats, yada yada...but then it changes courses and picks up. As you flip the pages you find yourself engulfed into a world of deception, lies and hidden secrets.
Sara is married to Ezra, a good for nothing cheater who enjoys humiliating in her public. In his defense, Ezra truly loved Sara, as crazy as he may have been that is the feeling I had. Sara wants out of her marriage to Ezra and has even confided in her brother Luke about it. Luke, as much as he lives his little sister, knows without Ezra as his partner, the empire he worked so hard at creating will collapse. So Sara is stuck. So she thinks, until Max enters her life and things begin to take a twist. This hunky stranger has his attention completely on Sara and she is not sure why? Is his motive based only on pure animalistic attraction? Or is there more?
August 4, 2017
Drama, Secrets, and games combine together for A Penny’s Worth. Secrets and revelations at the end of this story were simply astounding. Hatred is simply not adequate as to how I felt for the men in Sara’s life using her.
The story has a slow build up particularly the first half. I did feel slightly bogged down with all the drama and Sara’s rotating emotions.
The vulnerability that Sara showed at times made me connect to her. When Sara became the hard nosed Mob Queen the change kept me riveted to the story. A Penny’s Worth is not a Romance novel at all in my opinion. This story takes you into a gritty world of organized crime.
The author noted she fought to keep the name Ezra for Sara’s complicated husband. I am glad she did as I cannot think of another name that would fit. Ezra even now gives me chills as to the actions he has taken in his life. He was such a surprising character and that final scene with Sara had me shaking. Ezra had so many different moments, at one point I felt sorry for him, then hated him, and ultimately feared him. Sara’s marriage was simply a roller coaster with Ezra.
Max Tobias, I struggled to connect with him at times due to his secrets and he has plenty of them. Some secrets I thought I knew others were surprising curveballs in the story. I actually also found it slightly strange her brother dropped out of the story towards the end. Another side story that was one of my favorites was the Fischetti family.
A Penny’s Worth definitely had me pausing through the story, feeling anger and utter betrayal.
In conclusion, to have seen Sara reconcile with her mother and father together would have given great closure. Being given an epilogue showing Sara achieving some happiness on the beach at a Barbeque with a family feeling safe and loved like she dreamt of.
Quote: He had set all the players nicely on the board, but perhaps he chose to place the wrong protector next to his Queen. The bishop has been a betrayer.
The story has a slow build up particularly the first half. I did feel slightly bogged down with all the drama and Sara’s rotating emotions.
The vulnerability that Sara showed at times made me connect to her. When Sara became the hard nosed Mob Queen the change kept me riveted to the story. A Penny’s Worth is not a Romance novel at all in my opinion. This story takes you into a gritty world of organized crime.
The author noted she fought to keep the name Ezra for Sara’s complicated husband. I am glad she did as I cannot think of another name that would fit. Ezra even now gives me chills as to the actions he has taken in his life. He was such a surprising character and that final scene with Sara had me shaking. Ezra had so many different moments, at one point I felt sorry for him, then hated him, and ultimately feared him. Sara’s marriage was simply a roller coaster with Ezra.
Max Tobias, I struggled to connect with him at times due to his secrets and he has plenty of them. Some secrets I thought I knew others were surprising curveballs in the story. I actually also found it slightly strange her brother dropped out of the story towards the end. Another side story that was one of my favorites was the Fischetti family.
A Penny’s Worth definitely had me pausing through the story, feeling anger and utter betrayal.
In conclusion, to have seen Sara reconcile with her mother and father together would have given great closure. Being given an epilogue showing Sara achieving some happiness on the beach at a Barbeque with a family feeling safe and loved like she dreamt of.
Quote: He had set all the players nicely on the board, but perhaps he chose to place the wrong protector next to his Queen. The bishop has been a betrayer.
August 5, 2017
The story is good along with the actions of the characters. But they needed more personal feelings in their interactions and personally. Just didn't feel connected enough. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
August 4, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Cynthia Austin. A Penny's Worth is a romantic suspense. It revolves around Sara who is married to Ezra and they are both in business with Sara's brother Luke. Luke and Ezra are affiliated with the mob and underground activities. There is plenty of drama, but with all of the drama it didn't feel like there were huge twists to really catch your attention. Sara always tried really hard to stand up for herself only to get shoved back down by her brother and husband. I understand that writers portray their characters to fit the story they are writing. I, however, would have liked to see Sara really gain strength throughout the book. Ezra and Luke were both terrible to Sara and while I understand that she was considered a second class citizen, usually the women are protected at all costs.
I am giving A Penny's Worth 3.5 stars. I needed a little less drama, a little more resolution, a huge twist, and a stronger female character. I usually don't have a problem reading about cheating, but in A Penny's Worth, Ezra was just downright disgusting and disrespectful, and I am guessing the auther wanted us to hate him. That most definitely happened.
I am giving A Penny's Worth 3.5 stars. I needed a little less drama, a little more resolution, a huge twist, and a stronger female character. I usually don't have a problem reading about cheating, but in A Penny's Worth, Ezra was just downright disgusting and disrespectful, and I am guessing the auther wanted us to hate him. That most definitely happened.
August 4, 2017
I received an advanced copy of Penny's Worth for an honest review through the Crazy Cajun Book Addicts.
Sara Conrad thought she had the happy life as a Mob wife and sister she's untouchable that is until she's shadowed by a bodyguard named Max who has a desire to help people who can't see what's happening under their nose or in Sara's case her house her husbands a cheat who uses her for her family name to better himself he's the ultimate sleaze who would take whatever he felt was his including kidnap and murder.
Pushed to spend more time with Max her life unravels so quickly she's losing control but also taking back what's rightfully hers!
It's a good book it a lot of drama in it, I enjoyed it but it was a little back and forth for me I don't think Sara will ever be able to trust anyone after everything that transpires in this story.
Sara Conrad thought she had the happy life as a Mob wife and sister she's untouchable that is until she's shadowed by a bodyguard named Max who has a desire to help people who can't see what's happening under their nose or in Sara's case her house her husbands a cheat who uses her for her family name to better himself he's the ultimate sleaze who would take whatever he felt was his including kidnap and murder.
Pushed to spend more time with Max her life unravels so quickly she's losing control but also taking back what's rightfully hers!
It's a good book it a lot of drama in it, I enjoyed it but it was a little back and forth for me I don't think Sara will ever be able to trust anyone after everything that transpires in this story.
June 16, 2018
A blockbuster ending
Rivetting all the way through this story hits it's heights at the end when all the pieces fall brilliantly into place. You will not want to miss a beat of this book where a mob daughter must find the strength to go on despite her sadistically pychotic husband. Its amazing to watch as she goes from complicit wife to her emotional awakening and transformation when she says enough is enough. I totally recommend reading.
Rivetting all the way through this story hits it's heights at the end when all the pieces fall brilliantly into place. You will not want to miss a beat of this book where a mob daughter must find the strength to go on despite her sadistically pychotic husband. Its amazing to watch as she goes from complicit wife to her emotional awakening and transformation when she says enough is enough. I totally recommend reading.
March 15, 2018
The main character in A Penny's Worth reminded me of the line “Hell is other people” from Jean-Paul Sartre's play No Exit. Sara is a weak woman, who struggles to assert herself throughout the story, but is defined instead, by what others think of her. Here's a quote from the point of view of the favorite mistress of Sara's husband:
Carmela rolled her eyes dramatically and fell against the sofa. “Here we go again with Sara's pathetic attempt to gain respect. Next thing you know, she'll be threatening all of us with the wrath of her big brother. Give it up already, Sara. Your style is stale.”
The trouble is, Carmela is right. Sara has trouble sticking with her goals, whether they are struggles for romance or for self preservation.
Before he died, Sara's father ran a successful strip club in Las Vegas, which is where she works now. She tries to act like the club's boss, but no one pays attention. Instead the club is run by her brother Luke and her husband Ezra. Sara believes they are both increasing the club's profit margin through criminal activities and she knows they are both partying regularly with the club's dancers, which seems to be common practice in their workplace.
Sara wavers between supporting her husband despite his wayward ways and wanting to leave him. These conflicting goals come out in strange ways, including bigoted language. Her husband is, in her thoughts, “a non-conforming Jew,” although he does know the religion well enough to understand terms such as “Shema Yisrael.” Sara fell in love with Ezra and married him. Yet she demonstrates a dislike of Jews in general through her language, by using terms like “The Jewish nymph” and “some Jewish floozy.” Also, despite wanting to leave her husband, Sara responds to the way Carmela flaunts her relationship with Ezra by proving she's all the woman Ezra needs sexually. She thinks of this type of inconsistent behavior as a reaction to “the roller coaster of emotions she was riding,” but it felt more like a personality flaw.
I liked the way Cynthia Austin used pop culture in her writing with references to things like “the Dos Equis man” and Margaret Keane's paintings. Those choices drew me into her novel. There were also some tense moments in the story that kept me turning the pages.
This book has adult themes and sexually graphic scenes.
Steve Lindahl – author of Under a Warped Cross, Hopatcong Vision Quest, White Horse Regressions, and Motherless Soul
Carmela rolled her eyes dramatically and fell against the sofa. “Here we go again with Sara's pathetic attempt to gain respect. Next thing you know, she'll be threatening all of us with the wrath of her big brother. Give it up already, Sara. Your style is stale.”
The trouble is, Carmela is right. Sara has trouble sticking with her goals, whether they are struggles for romance or for self preservation.
Before he died, Sara's father ran a successful strip club in Las Vegas, which is where she works now. She tries to act like the club's boss, but no one pays attention. Instead the club is run by her brother Luke and her husband Ezra. Sara believes they are both increasing the club's profit margin through criminal activities and she knows they are both partying regularly with the club's dancers, which seems to be common practice in their workplace.
Sara wavers between supporting her husband despite his wayward ways and wanting to leave him. These conflicting goals come out in strange ways, including bigoted language. Her husband is, in her thoughts, “a non-conforming Jew,” although he does know the religion well enough to understand terms such as “Shema Yisrael.” Sara fell in love with Ezra and married him. Yet she demonstrates a dislike of Jews in general through her language, by using terms like “The Jewish nymph” and “some Jewish floozy.” Also, despite wanting to leave her husband, Sara responds to the way Carmela flaunts her relationship with Ezra by proving she's all the woman Ezra needs sexually. She thinks of this type of inconsistent behavior as a reaction to “the roller coaster of emotions she was riding,” but it felt more like a personality flaw.
I liked the way Cynthia Austin used pop culture in her writing with references to things like “the Dos Equis man” and Margaret Keane's paintings. Those choices drew me into her novel. There were also some tense moments in the story that kept me turning the pages.
This book has adult themes and sexually graphic scenes.
Steve Lindahl – author of Under a Warped Cross, Hopatcong Vision Quest, White Horse Regressions, and Motherless Soul
April 12, 2018
**** A Penny’s Worth by Cynthia Austin is a fast-paced novel that shines a light on the serious issues of spousal abuse, sex trafficking and drug abuse. The main character is Sarah, a woman who’s lost her power (and herself) since marrying. The husband, Ezra, is a womanizing druggie with a single-minded quest for wealth and power. Enter the new guy on the Las Vegas block—Sara’s hunky bodyguard—and you have a powder keg waiting for a spark. Well written narrative and dialog. I’m hoping to see a follow up- where Sara regains her personal power, and loses pent up prejudices and fear-but I enjoyed this tale- darkly tense, gripping and very original.
March 1, 2018
Give this book ALL THE STARS!!
I’ve been a fan of this author since I read her first book, and when this one came out it went right on my reading list. Finally I get to it and it didn’t disappoint. This book exceeded my expectations and then some. With characters that are just amazing and layered and real, a white knuckle ending and a fantastic love story in between, it’s got it all. Absolutely loved to hate Ezra and get annoyed with Sara and saying “Omg!” Outloud while reading. A can’t put it down -fantastic book.
I’ve been a fan of this author since I read her first book, and when this one came out it went right on my reading list. Finally I get to it and it didn’t disappoint. This book exceeded my expectations and then some. With characters that are just amazing and layered and real, a white knuckle ending and a fantastic love story in between, it’s got it all. Absolutely loved to hate Ezra and get annoyed with Sara and saying “Omg!” Outloud while reading. A can’t put it down -fantastic book.
July 5, 2018
Great Book
I loved this book. It’s full of suspense and crime filled scenes. Sara is being controlled by her husband and brother but she meets Max who is the new bouncer of the night club. He helps Sara.
Love the character building Cynthia put forth for all the people in this book. The deeper you get into the book, the more you are on the edge wanting to find out what happens. I connected with Sara and wanted more than anything for her to find a way out.
A Penny’s Worth is worth way more than a penny and Sara is worth much more than that ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I loved this book. It’s full of suspense and crime filled scenes. Sara is being controlled by her husband and brother but she meets Max who is the new bouncer of the night club. He helps Sara.
Love the character building Cynthia put forth for all the people in this book. The deeper you get into the book, the more you are on the edge wanting to find out what happens. I connected with Sara and wanted more than anything for her to find a way out.
A Penny’s Worth is worth way more than a penny and Sara is worth much more than that ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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