Official Review: Gilded Prisons by Linda Gould

[Janelydia Mwangi]

The cover page illustration is so symbolic. The barbed wire crates the " prison" for the two love birds. This foreshadows how Justin's love life is affected through his kidnap.

[Pandora10]

From the review and sample, I can see this is not a book that captures my attention. I like the fact that although the story is about baseball players, it does not focus on the game itself, but rather on the lives of the two protagonists, Justin and April, whose lives are upended when he is taken by kidnappers working for his Cuban ex-wife. For readers that like political intrigue, corruption, suspense, danger, revenge this book seems to provide all those elements.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Justin Moore, a Major League baseball star, is married to his high school sweetheart, April, and has two daughters, ten-year-old Andrea and seven-year-old Melissa. He and his family live a charmed and blessed life. Seven years ago, another ballplayer, Manny Chavez, had been kidnapped and sent to a Cuban prison by his ex-wife, Guadalupe. Manny was eventually returned home, and he married his girlfriend, Jessica. Ironically, after working out at the same ballpark with his friends, Murphy and Robin, Justin is kidnapped from the clubhouse. Manny believes Guadalupe is behind the kidnapping because the events are similar to his abduction. Guadalupe lives in the Cuban palace, is married to Alfonso Junior, and will be the first lady when President Ramirez dies. Why does she want Justin? Is the kidnapping personal or political? Will there be a war between Cuba and the United States? You will have to read Gilded Prisons by Linda Gould to find out.

Oh my, that's one convoluted plot!

For me, the most positive aspect of this book is that the story is not about the baseball game. Many of the characters are baseball players, but there is not much about the game itself.

I appreciate that you mention that because I'm not very sport-savvy and books that focus on sports and use the appropriate terminology often confuse me or bore me.

This book contains many life lessons. My favorite two are: “we can only control what we can control” and “hatred is a waste of time and energy.” Our world would be so much better if everyone thought this way.

Great and truthful quotes!

Thank you for fantastic review!

[Abi McCoy]

This sounds like an action-packed story full of some sports, some romance, and plenty of drama. While not for me, it seems like this book was well written and should appeal to fans of baseball. Thank you for your review!

[Ruchi Raina]

Justin and April seemed to be happy and content with their lives. Manny's wife sounds like a psychopath. Why did she kidnap Manny and even sent him to prison? And why is she after Justin now? Congratulations on BOTD!

[tarafarah7]

Told in alternating points-of-view, today's BOTD is a fast-paced, action-packed fictional novel filled with deceit, mystery, romance, and suspense. Readers will love watching the scenes unfold before their very eyes, as the details, descriptions, and the characters are all very well-developed. Thank you for your review! I've added this to my WTR list!!

[Reema Aydieh]

I’d love to find out if there’s a connection between the two kidnappings and why would someone who’s about to become the future First Lady of Cuba kidnap baseball players. This book seems to have suspense, sport, crime and mystery mixed in one intriguing story.

[Asiaa Szn]

I'd love to find out the connection between the two kidnappings and why Justin was kidnapped. Great review.

[Astral Magi]

I love the mix of suspense in this book. I look forward to finding out how Justin deals with his kidnappers. Thank you for a great review.

[Sochima I]

Action with a side of romance. I love! Plus, the fact that the author didn't bore readers with lots of information about the baseball sports.. definitely a must read.
Nice review

[havillah108]

I'm not familiar with Major League Baseball, but I'd want to read this story because it doesn't contain much information on the sport. This type of high-octane novel appeals to me. I'm curious as to why Guadalupe is so interested in Justin. Bertha, you wrote a fantastic review. Congratulations on winning BOTD.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

It sounds like the author has created well-developed characters and uses clear and descriptive language, which allows readers to envision the scenery. As much as I love baseball, I'm glad that this wasn't the story's primary focus. Thanks for the lovely review.

[Regard003]

I wish the book had a bit of baseball game in it though I think it'll be a great book. Nice review

[Prince Ekeoma]

"Gilded Prisons" by Linda Gould. A very interesting story, although not too familiar with sports must especially baseball game. The book has its life lessons and thoughts. Congrats on BOTD.

[Patty Allread]

When I read your review I decided to check out the sample pages of this book. Though this type of theme is not usually my pick, I agree that the character development and fast pace make this a book worth reading. Thank you for the great review.