Anything [NOOK Book]

As usual, his books move me.

Michael Baron reminds me of Nicholas Sparks without someone always dying in the end. His books are very moving and always bring me to tears. "Anything" is another thumbs up for me, except I felt like the book was too rushed and could have had more length and deepth to it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Feels like a cheesy life time movie

I'm pretty sure it was a movie on Lifetime before it was turned into a read. It is absolutely absurd and completely unbelievable. If you are into Fantasy vs Reality when it comes to love then this book is for you. I should have closed the book when he "went back in time" but I kept going and became even more disappointed when the impossible occurs. Don't waste your time. Sorry...I'm not normally this negative, I just want to make sure you don't have your hopes up for something you can get involved in and believe.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Had me rooting for the main character the whole time

I needed.to go to bed but couldn't putit down until I knew what happened.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fantastic Read

A mix of magic and magnificent love makes Anything mesmerizing.

Ken Timian and Melissa Argent meld their lives together in a way only soul mates can manage. Even though their careers are not particularly compatible, they respect the efforts, abilities, and successes of each other. As their wedding day approaches, two fortune cookies prove to have significant messages-"A major change is coming" and "Your heart will show you the way." This foreshadowing hints at the life-changing conflict that comes.

While Melissa is not materialistic, but she appreciates and enjoys beautiful things, and Ken loves to find unique pieces of jewelry for her. A mysterious little shop, Stephon's, never fails to yield up just the perfect piece. The shop is like an archeological dig full of jewels, gold, and silver. As Ken searches for a gift to commemorate their cherished courtship and welcome their marriage, Stephon, the owner of the shop, asks Ken what his greatest fantasy is concerning Melissa.

When Ken reveals his fantasy, Stephon says he can make it happen. However, while it will be informative and amusing, it can also be disconcerting. Then Ken's second request changes the dynamics of both his and Melissa's lives. It threatens to be his undoing.

Anything becomes mysterious, suspenseful, and the anxiety builds as Ken tries to cope with the fallout of his momentous decision and the subsequent actions. He seems stymied. He cannot tolerate going backward to a lifestyle he once savored nor can he seem to move forward until he exhausts all avenues of getting to his soul mate.

Many of the secondary characters are interesting, but Stephon is unique. One wonders if there is not a story behind the moonstone he and Ken believe is perfect for Melissa. The mystical power of the moonstone is believed to protect women and babies. It is also said to balance yin and yang, bring good fortune, and is highly prized for lovers as it arouses tender passion. What fun it would be to know the mystery of Stephon-maybe he will show up again in a later Baron story.

By using first person POV, Michael Baron creates a close relationship between the reader and Ken Timian. Ken's intimate hopes, dreams, fears, and resolve along with his desperation create an urgency that keeps one turning pages in an attempt to get Ken to the love he seems to be so deserving of.

Melissa is less closely connected, but her story is enthralling and breathtaking. She has a talent that "burns in her blood," but because of a past traumatic experience, she denies it. Yet, she functions with compassion and dedication in the life she has chosen in lieu of the life she once dreamed of having. As the reader sees her a different way, after Ken's life-changing deed, Melissa sparkles with vibrant life but with the same compassion and concern for others as before. She does not dismiss that spark of recognition as she sees Ken among the teeming crowd, but reaches out to him.


Read the full review at the Long and Short of It Romance Reviews

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A great introduction

Didn't you ever say "I would do Anything to...". And, would you? At what cost? In "Anything" Ken Timian shows that he loves Melissa Argent so much that he would do anything for her. They are about to get married when he finds out that something terrible has happened to her when she was a teenager. A fateful event that has taken the joy out of her life. From that moment on all he wants is a possibility to go back in the past and free her from this burden. And he succeeds but only at high cost.

Anything is a heartwarming, wonderful lovestory and very well plotted. Baron is using an illustrative narrative in combination with fast written dialog. I really like his writingstyle. It allows the reader to become part of the story.

It is my first novel by Michael Baron and what a great introduction. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more of Baron's books. Four stars! A must read for anyone who likes to read this genre.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Bravo!!!

ANYTHING by Michael Baron
Published by The Story Plant
Print ISBN-13: 978-1-61188-021-2
EBook ISBN-13:- 978-1-61188-022-9
At the request of the publisher, a PDF was sent at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.



Synopsis (from back of book): With Anything, Michael Baron again draws readers into a world of deep emotion, compelling relationships, and heartfelt humor, and this time he adds a touch of fantasy. Ken and Melissa are at the dawn of a magnificent life together. A passionate romance has led them to the doorstep of marriage. While searching for the perfect wedding present for Melissa, Ken stumbles into a mysterious shop. There, he is given an extraordinary opportunity - to look in on Melissa when she was a girl. Ken has always wished he could have known Melissa from the day she was born and this seems like an incredible blessing.
Until he discovers a terrible secret in Melissa's past, one so awful she has found it impossible to mention to him.

Now Ken has another extraordinary opportunity. He can go back in time and change the horrible event that has left an indelible mark on Melissa. He can free her of this burden - but doing so could change things so completely that they might never meet.

Ken has repeatedly told Melissa that he would do anything for her. But would he truly do anything?



My Thoughts and Opinion: I was introduced to this author back in December of 2009 when I read and reviewed his novel, Crossing The Bridge, and instantly became a fan. Since that time, I have read the majority of his books and have yet to be disappointed. Matter of fact, his books are like a fine wine, they seem to get better with time. I was a bit skeptical when asked to review Anything, especially after reading his last book Spinning, which I rated 5/5. Could he do it again?


This novel had all the "Michael Baron elements" that first grabbed me, but then it also had a slight spin that had this reader wondering about once the last word was read (do not want to include spoilers). Mr. Baron's tender, masterful and descriptive writing style allows the reader to be transported and become part of the story line. The characters come to life with the ability not to just read their emotions but actually feel and experience them. The vivid descriptions of the scenes provides the reader the ability to create their own life like story line that carries the reader side by side with the characters, like a mind's movie.


As for the premise. Haven't we all said at one time or another these words, I would do anything for (fill in the blank)? But would we? At what cost? Not only is this book poignant, emotional, with a little suspense, and even a bit of fantasy but it is also thought provoking long after the book has ended and the reader is sitting there and now wondering, Would I do anything? Just like a perfect performance by a concert pianist, I say to Mr. Baron, BRAVO!!!!!!


My Rating: 5

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Intriquing

Michael Baron always takes me to a place no other author can. Not just an ordinary love story. He adds these little twists and turns. I could not put the book down. Quick read and fascinating.loved it.

Should I Get This????

I read the sample and fell in love with the book. But I dont have very much money left on my p.p.c.c. from other purchases I made. Should I or shold I not?

This book was great! I thought the story was so neat and differe

This book was great! I thought the story was so neat and different from other books i've read! Kept my interest from start to finish.

Quick & Easy Read

Good read..enjoy Michael Baron sense of endearment.

Poop yes POoP:(

Buble buble blaaah

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Romantic and captivating!

Love story with a great twist!

Best book

I love it I love. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I just loved it. It is a really mature book so I recommend it if you are mature. I could not get enough of it I never wanted to put it down. Everyone should read this book. Little languagge though.

Loved it!

Usually not a fan of time travel novels, I found Anything to be an easy to follow love story with characters I wanted to actually meet. At times funny and charming and other times quirky and over the top, this story had me rooting for Ken and Melissa and wondering about how my own life could be different with a little time traveling!

Very enjoyable!

Really did enjoy this book. Seemd the author is able to keep
your attention. I will read all his books,

GREAT!!

EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS GREAT!!! AMAZING

Amazing

This is the second book I've read by Michael Baron and it was absolutely amazing. I stayed up late into the night finishing this book because I couldn't bare to stop reading. Can't wait to start reading the next one. I hope to see many more by this author.

Good story,

I could see numerous paths this story could have taken. Not sure if I liked exactlly this ending. Good quick read. Couldnt put it down.

Let down

The end of the book was a real let down.

Fabulous love story - a must read for romantics

This story was very creative. Never read anything quite like it. The writer keeps you on the edge, making you ask "will he, or won't he?" There are no dead spots in this story. I couldn't put it down. Read the entire book in about two days. I am looking forward to reading more of Michael Baron's books.