This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite
Mask of Her Reflection in Venus by L. A. Espriux is a heartfelt collection of short stories that cover themes of identity, illusion, and finding meaning. Each story introduces different characters going through pain, loss, or deep thinking. The first story is about a woman named Susan Hatteras, who sees a naked man on her doorstep and lets him stay in her home, bringing back memories and pain after years of silence. Another story is about Judith, whose father is violent and cruel, showing how her father's nature pushed her to do something she would not have thought of doing. Other stories feature characters like Beauty, Sahra Moon, Athia, Hannah, Sonia, and Alice, mixing reality with dreams and strange events. The book also contains poetic elements that talk about time, beauty, myths, and what it means to be human.
Each story took me to a different dimension. L. A. Espriux made me think deeply, reflect on my past, and gave meaning to some unanswered questions I had about my life. I love how each chapter was a standalone story. The author made this book visually appealing. There were different font styles, font sizes, and font families, which made it look so attractive. The chapter headings have a short image illustration that looks like an ancient artwork or painting. Mask of Her Reflection in Venus was well organized and exceptionally well edited. One of the characters I admire is the quiet man from Hope's story. He has a calm way of speaking, and when he was talking about the moon and smoke rings, it felt mysterious and heartwarming. I found him more relatable because I have met people like that; they are always quiet, full of wisdom, and have a way of making me feel safe. I loved this book and recommend it to readers who enjoy books with emotional stories, poetic language, and big life questions.
