Judges, 9th Writer's Digest Self-Published E-Book Awards
Too Young To Be This Old
"Too Young To Be This Old is, at its heart, a story of friendship. Each of the six narrators has a distinct and unique voice, which helps readers to distinguish between and get to know each of the characters individually. Each woman's narrative is a delightful blend of philosophy, humor, and retrospection that is equal parts thought-provoking and entertaining."
"This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout."
"Structuring the novel in the form of blog posts was well crafted, and provided readers with a creative way to engage with the characters."
2022
Ready Aim MURDER
"This book is exemplary in character appeal (or interest) and development. All main characters (including antagonists) are unique and fully fleshed out with compelling, layered motivations and traits. Secondary characters are unique and have a meaningful purpose."
"The mystery is fun to try and unravel. You've created compelling characters and enough murders to keep the reader engaged."
"Your writing style and voice are engaging. You know how to set up scenes and create good characters."
"Your characters were interesting.....not cookie-cutter or stereotypical. I particularly liked the main character, Peter."
2022
Reedsy.com review--Too Young To Be This Old
Reviewed by Ashley Nestler
I am passionate about self-help books due to their life-changing nature, but I am even more passionate about novels that take the stance of providing the reader with a journey in its pages. Too Young To Be This Old is nothing like any other novel I have ever read, and by saying that I mean that it is a pure gift. It is at once a blog-style collection and an invitation to readers to re-examine their lives and move forward out of love and without regrets—and specially to remove all worries of the trivial aspects of life.
Too Young To Be This Old is a love letter to women, to the lives we lead, to those who have come before us, and to those who will be part of the next generation. It is purely a work of art.
L.C. Blackwell’s writing is empathetic, while also challenging the reader with difficult truths that at once are hard to swallow, but so necessary as part of the reader’s journey. Too Young To Be This Old is a relatively quick read because of its blog-style nature, and it gives the reader the opportunity to read one excerpt at a time. It does not require the reader to read it cover to cover; instead, it grants them the ability to choose for themselves how they experience the book. Each excerpt is written on a different woman on various subjects, and I enjoyed reading stories from so many unique characters. Reading Too Young To Be This Old is like sitting down with a group of vulnerable, yet comforting women who feel as though thy are the reader’s old friends. I absorbed every word in this collection, and upon reading it, I feel as though I have grown as a person.
Blackwell’s novel is a treasure for women seeking a book that will make them feel at home, while challenging them. Due to the various voices presented in the book, Too Young To Be This Old reads like a self-help memoir even though the characters inside are fictional. It is a collection I will be rereading for years to come.
If you are a fan of memoirs and self-help, I highly recommend trying out Too Young To Be This Old. Even though it is fictional, each voice is so unique and realistic that you will forget that you are indeed reading a novel. This book is flexible in that you can read each section in and out of order however you wish. There are no rules on how it should be processed, and this is something completely up to you. Prepare to be changed.
Reviewer, Ms. Nestler is a multi-genre author, poet, biblio-therapist and mental health specialist. She is an educator on writing and publishing.
Publishers Weekly Book Review
Amazon review
Customer Review 5.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping Murder Mystery By Avid Reader on September 27, 2018
Someone's killing real estate agents in the most grisly of crime sprees. Chicago, LA, Wisconsin, Michigan, etc.. The why is as much a mystery as whodunnit. Police call in Peter Dumas, a colorful clairvoyant to help piece together the intriguing puzzle, perfumed by an exotic fragrance and stained red by the blood of a growing list of realtors.
Blackwell's entertaining story grabs readers in the first chapter and never lets go. In addition to Dumas, Blackwell has assembled an array of attractive characters. The author's vivid descriptions make you fall in love with Chicago as well, a city she obviously knows and admires. You'll enjoy the sights and settings of the Windy City at Christmas.
Who knew selling real estate could be so dangerous and captivating.
This is a quick read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
For Sale Murder Reviews
Realtor Reviews
Helen Applegate, Realtor (R) with BHHS Koenig Rubloff
A fast moving murder mystery with a surprise ending. Loved it—couldn’t put it down. And what a wake-up call for real estate safety even in condos with doorstaff. I will never take an unknown buyer to a listing alone!
Grace Darrow, Former Realtor; Michigan Murder Mystery Fan.
A first mystery "who done it" I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Cops with heart. A clairvoyant I'd like to know. And, some Realtors (R) I may have met. Real life meets real fiction. Great read!
Corey Sapstein, Realtor(R) with BHHS Koenig Rubloff.
Finally, a real estate murder mystery that exposes real agent dangers without cliche clients or situations. Agent or not, this book will start and keep you wondering. Excellent.
Reader Reviews
Doug Hart, Chicago Attorney
Authentic characters, dead and alive -- and an eye-opening look into the lives of Realtors (R)--habits, ethics, and vulnerabilities. A page-turning, first mystery novel by a writer who knows Realtors.
Toni Trinchese, California Businesswoman, Real Estate Investor
A unique work of fiction that ties the real danger potential for agents with the damage that obsession and rage unleash. The characters are real—complicated, warm, even humorous at times. Truly a page-turner.