Kissed by Literature

BLACK SAILS

2012-03-07T18:43:00.002-08:00

I love used book sales. Last summer, I discovered a real winner: BLACK SHIPS by Jo Graham. I just got to read it now, and discovered a surprise halfway through. Someone had tucked a postcard there. It proclaimed the book to be an advanced copy, and the reviewer was supposed to send the card back to Hachette Book Group with his/her comments. Well, they didn’t…so I will. Since I already review books for numerous publishers, I decided to do the same for BLACK SHIPS.

The novel takes place around 1200 B. C., and is a retelling of the Trojan Wars. Fantasy and history mingle for a tantalizing ride across the ancient world. A girl named Gull is born to a slave mother, but when a cart rolls over her foot, she becomes too crippled to work. To give her a place in life, her mother gives her to Pythia, the Lady of the Dead. Gull is renamed Linnea. Pythia realizes that Gull/Linnea has the sight, and so Gull becomes the new Pythia years later. When her mother’s people come to the lands seeking revenge for the wars that destroyed their home, Gull goes with them. The rest of the story involves her journey with Prince Aeneas.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of history, fantasy, and the ancient world.

Writing Contest

2012-03-04T19:07:00.007-08:00

I hope my fellow writers are as excited as I am, because…

The Utica Writers Club is constantly seeking ways to help writers expand on their craft and to help authors reach a greater audience. So, may I present the club’s first Critique Contest! For those of you interested in learning more about the Utica Writers Club, you can reach us via our website at: http://uticawritersclub.org/index.html.

The first pages of your story of your manuscript are the most important – you need to hook your readers! Wouldn’t you love professional help on your first five pages? Five awesome authors have agreed to offer just that.

To enter the Utica Writers Club’s Critique Contest, email your query and first 250 words to me, the club’s co-vice president, at PrincessJaylia@aol.com. The contest closes on May 1^st, so make sure to get your entry in before that. Only three entries per person, though! In the subject line, write: Critique Contest – your name – genre. (For example, I would write Critique Contest – Jordan Mierek – Young Adult if I were entering) I will send you a confirmation email so you know I received your entry.

Your email should look like:

Name:

Email:

Genre:

Query:

First 250 words:

The Utica Writers Club will select a winner from each genre. I will email the winner to request his or her first five pages. Then, the corresponding author will critique the pages (Dennis will critique the mystery winner, etc).

Let’s make this helpful and fun. Email me if you have any questions.

Happy Reading!

***

The winner of the Fantasy category will be critiqued by L. M. Preston. LM. Preston has worked in the IT field as a Techie and Educator for over sixteen years. She started writing science fiction under the encouragement of her husband who was a Sci-Fi buff and her four kids. Her first published novel, Explorer X - Alpha was the beginning of her obsessive desire to write and create stories of young people who overcome unbelievable odds. She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing.

The winner of the Middle Grade Fiction category will be critiqued by Dorothy Stacy. Dorothy Stacy is the author of the Erie Canal Cousins Series (Erie Canal Cousins, Three Weeks in Utica-Book 2, Albany Homecoming-Book 3, Canal Town Christmas-Book 4, and Stars Over Buffalo-Book 5). They are available at www.barnesandnoble.com , her website: www.dorothystacy.com and from her distributor, www.northcountrybooks.com . Barnes and Nobel store in New Hartford has them in stock. Readers have told her that the stories make them feel excited, happy, like they are part of the story, and many times, make them laugh. She loves researching her books since they involve local history, a subject very dear to her heart. She was born in Utica and now resides in Sauquoit. Stacy is now researching Town of Paris history for a new series to come out in 2013.

The winner of the Young Adult category will be critiqued by Sherry Soule. Indie author, Sherry Soule is a writer blessed with a vivid imagination and lives in San Francisco, California. Sherry is a former Acquisitions Editor for Crescent Moon Press. She also briefly owned an online publishing company, and has a blog devoted to encouraging unpublished writers to find success. In her spare time, Sherry writes supernatural tales of romance, magick, and demon slaying. Her debut novel, Beautifully Broken [www.sherrysoule.com] was published August 2011 and is nominated for best paranormal romance (Wizard and Witch 2011) by The Romance Reviews (TRR).

The winner of the Young Adult Dystopian category will be critiqued by Oliver Neubert. Oliver Neubert is the author of the "Chantel's Quest" series and "The Wind of Life" trilogy, available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, and all bookstores. "The Wind of Life" trilogy is also available as e-book. The stories are written for middle grade and YA readers, but even adults have commented positively about the fast paced, highly entertaining fantasy stories. The author tries to combine real life issues and tangible events in a world of fantasy with unusual characters and heroes. His thought provoking topics and ideas allow the reader to engage with the characters. He draws his inspiration from his own experiences and his wonderful surroundings. Readers have told him that his characters are fabulous, his stories are action-packed and very refreshing without a lot of teenage drama or romantic triangles.

The winner of the adult dystopian category is Paul Nandzik. Paul Nandzik, a born and bred upstate New Yorker, was drawn to the brutal and twisted soap opera style drama inherent in Greek and Norse mythology from an early age, where he was fascinated by the pillars of dystopia in Olympus and Asgard, where so-called higher beings bickered and fought, often vain and petty, while calling their macabre and savage homes paradise. Twombly McGreen vs. The Mean Steam Machine, a poetry anthology with many verses adapted as lyrics for American and European bands, was Paul's first serious publication, which came in 2004, just one month after earning his B.A. in English from SUNY College at Fredonia. Later, Paul became a journalist for In Good Health newspaper and M.D. News magazine. In 2009, he contributed a short story to the compilation, Adirondack Mysteries and Other Mountain Tales, as well as to its sequel, due out in Summer 2012. Currently, Paul is in the pre-production phase of his graphic novel, Gods and Devils: The Riddle of Mortality, and is developing several screen and teleplays. In what little spare time Paul has between his writing and his family, he is also a non-union film stunt performer, and has worked on such independent and Hollywood films as Razor Days, One Shot, and The Dark Knight Rises. Paul has also proudly served as member, webmaster, and president for the Utica Writers Club, which is easily the best writing club he has ever had the pleasure of being part of.

The winner of the Adult Fiction category will be critiqued by Joan Oblinsky Sharf. Joan Oblinsky Scharf is the author of "Hanging on a Twisted Line", a book of snappy, sassy, short shorts. She writes in a variety of genres, mystery, humor, ghost, romance, literary, all with unexpected twists and turns, in the style of O. Henry. "Hanging on a Twisted Line" is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and through other bookstores. Some of her stories also appear in anthologies: "Slices of Life" published last year, and "Fandamonium" to be released this April. Her short stories and/or poetry have been published in: The College Crier; The Waterville Times; Village Walk Life; The Queen of All Hearts, and more. Her shorts are entertaining satisfying reads for today's busy lifestyle, leaving readers asking for more....

The winner of the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy category will be critiqued by Darke Contour. Darke Conteur is the author of The Watchtower and Under the Cover of Wicca (the first two books of a paranormal series), available at Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, and BN. http://darkeconteur.wordpress.com/novels/ Her short stories have been published with Bewildering Stories, Aphelion, and Brave Blue Mice and she was a member of the Online Writers Workshop for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror for three years. She loves to write and read about things that go bump in the night, but nothing too scary, as she also likes her sleep.

The winner of the historical fiction category will be critiqued by Donna Fletcher Crow. Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 38 books, mostly novels dealing with British history. The award-winning Glastonbury, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history, is her best-known work. Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 11 grandchildren. She is an enthusiastic gardener. Her newest release is A Darkly Hidden Truth, book 2 in her clerical mystery series The Monastery Murders. She also writes the Lord Danvers series of Victorian true-crime novels and the romantic suspense series The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries. To read more about these books and to see book videos for A Darkly Hidden Truth and for A Very Private Grave, Monastery Murders 1, as well as pictures from Donna’s garden and research trips go to: www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com.

The winner of the romance category will be critiqued by Nicole Green. Nicole Green lives in Virginia. She published three novels with Genesis Press: Love Out of Order (February 2010), The Davis Years (February 2011), and Holding Her Breath (July 2011). She recently self-published a novella entitled Pink Champagne. She is hard at work on her next two novels, and she hopes and plans to write many more. She most enjoys reading and writing love stories. She also writes young adult stories, and she hope to publish those one day as well. For more info, please visit her website: http://nicolegreen.webs.com or her blog: http://lisezvous.blogspot.com. She also blogs at: http://sevennightwriters.blogspot.com. Links to the books: Love Out of Order http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OKPGDW ; The Davis Years http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004L62K9I ; Holding Her Breath http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00598KJFO ; Pink Champagne http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078XH8RU

The winner of the mystery category will be critiqued by Dennis Webster. Dennis Webster is a paranormal investigator with the Ghost Seekers of Central New York and is the author of Haunted Mohawk Valley, Wicked Mohawk Valley and Daisy Daring. He's the editor and story contributor of the Tommy Award Honorable mention Adirondack Mysteries Volumes 1 & 2.

Congratulations to the Winners!

2012-03-01T17:58:00.005-08:00

Today, being March 1st, means I get to announce the two winners from Oliver Neubert's contest. He offered us a surprise, though - he chose 6 winners!

Congratulations to Amanda Borenstadt, Amy Brooks, Msumrall, "Me", Donna, and Adam! You'll be getting your copies through the mail soon.

Exciting things are waiting in the future. I have interviewed Donna Fletcher Crow and she's agreed to give away a copy of her book, A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH. Make sure to post your comment and include your email address if you want a chance to win. She will select a lucky reader on April 1st.

A writing contest will arrive on my blog this weekend. Woohoo! You'll have the chance to submit your query and first 250 words to different genre categories. The Utica Writers Club will select a winner from each category, and those winners will have their first 5 pages critiqued by published authors! (Psst, Oliver Neubert and Donna Fletcher Crow will be two of those amazing authors)

Interview with Author Donna Fletcher Crow

2012-02-25T12:13:00.002-08:00

Kissed by Literature: I recently read a mystery that left a lasting impression: A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH by Donna Fletcher Crow. It wasn’t just the characters and adventure that hooked me, but the scenery that really kept me turning the pages. She has graciously agreed to an interview and book giveaway, so without further delay, I present author Donna F. Crow. While you can find my review of A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH below, here on my blog, I thought we could start out by learning about the book in Ms. Crow’s own words.

Donna F. Crow: Thank you so much for inviting me to visit with you and your readers, Jori. And thank you for highlighting the importance of background in my books because one of my goals is always to put my readers in the scene for a “you are there” experience.

KBL: I understand this is part of a series. Can you tell us more about the “Monastery Murders” series?

DFC: For years I had wanted to tell the stories of the ancient British saints, but hadn’t found the right vehicle. When our daughter went off to study in a theological college run by monks in a monastery in Yorkshire I knew I had my setting— a young America woman who finds herself in a very different world and then has to cope with wading through facts from history and clambering over crumbling ruins in order to solve murders. Oh, yes, and dealing with a bit of romance, too.

KBL: What other books have you written?

DFC: My best-known book is Glastonbury, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 1500 years of British history, which will soon be reissued as an ebook. I also write the Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series http://ning.it/yCr4cr and The Elizabeth & Richard romantic suspense series http://ning.it/y6ybVp

KBL: I’m an aspiring author, like many of my friends and blog followers. How did you make it in the business?

DFC: One of the keys to my getting started was writers’ conferences. Meeting other writers, taking how-to classes from experts, meeting editors face-to-face really made a difference. I attended many conferences across the country, but the Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference was really my home base for many years.

KBL: What has been the most rewarding part of being a published author?

DFC: Getting to share stories I’m passionate about with my wonderful readers. I can’t begin to express how my life has been enriched by the people I’ve met— both living and historical.

KBL: A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH is very well researched. Throughout every chapter, I felt as if I was there with your characters. How did you do all the research?

DFC: Thank you, Jori, that’s exactly what I love hearing from readers! I try never to write about a place I haven’t visited. I can’t put my readers in a scene if I haven’t been there. Readers can see pictures from my research trips at: http://ning.it/pQUQWz

KBL: I loved the grand monasteries you described, and all of England as a whole. I can tell you feel very passionate about the country.

DFC: My advice to beginning writers is always, “Write from you passion.” And every morning I thank the Lord for my calling to England it has shaped my life.

KBL: Did any surprises come up while you were developing your backgrounds?

DFC: Always! My favorite plot points are the ones that grow out of the settings I visit. When climbing the tower at St. Helen’s Ranworth I knew I had to set a chase scene there, but I didn’t know what the scene would be until I wrote it. (You’ll have to read the story to learn more.)

KBL: What inspired you to write the story?

DFC: I often start with my historical characters. I have long wanted to tell the stories of the medieval mystical women writers Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe— fascinating women who wrote 600 years ago and their books are still read today!

KBL: What part was the most fun to write?

DFC: I like the really intense scenes where a beloved character is in danger. I find I most often do those scenes from the viewpoint of the character who cares most for the endangered one so we can experience their anguish. That way, hopefully, we get action and emotion both.

KBL: In your story, Felicity wants to become a nun. Have you ever wanted to be a nun?

DFC: No, but my daughter did! Not only that, so did her husband. (Well, he wanted to be a monk, you understand.) I laugh a lot now, when I visit their beautiful home and three gorgeous children. They are both, however, serving devoutly in their local church.

KBL: What message do you want to get across to your readers?

DFC: I would say that the theme of the Monastery Murder series is the validity of traditional Christianity and the importance of learning from the past. Those of centuries long ago suffered and died for the faith we all too often seem to take for granted. I want their heroic stories to live again.

KBL: I love your title. How did you come up with it?

DFC: Thank you. The hard part was titling the first book: Because it deals with the location of St. Cuthbert’s grave, my agent suggested the Andrew Marvell poem “To His Coy Mistress” The grave's a fine and private place, But none, I think, do there embrace. We wanted to call it “A Fine and Private Grave” but my American distributor said readers here wouldn’t get the reference, so we settled on A VERY PRIVATE GRAVE which we were all happy with. A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH just followed along.

KBL: Thank you for agreeing to this interview. You’ve brought A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH into a new light.

DFC: Thank you, Jori, these were fun questions to answer and I’m happy to do more if readers want to ask a question in the comment box.

***

Donna Fletcher Crow has agreed to give away a free copy of A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH. All you need to do is leave a comment here and include your email address so she can contact you. Donna F. Crow will choose the winner on April 1^st.

OUR FAVORITE SINS

2012-02-24T20:41:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of OUR FAVORITE SINS: THE SINS WE COMMIT & HOW YOU CAN QUIT by Todd D. Hunter, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. It seemed like the perfect book to share with my friend during Lent, and indeed, we both enjoyed reading through it. The book is very easy to read. I started on chapter one, and suddenly I was in the middle of chapter three. The pages just flew by.

The book centers on different forms of sin, such as laziness and procrastination. The chapters explain to us what the sin means, how it affects our lives, and how we can overcome it, but none of the words are incriminating. While reading, it is an easy transaction to put yourself into the book and realize how to better yourself.

My favorite line occurred on page 34: “Thus some people actually put themselves in the position to be tempted on purpose. It is fun to them.” These words ring so true when I look at many of the people around me. They enjoy flirting with many different guys, seeing how drunk they can get at a bar, and driving carelessly, all for that “rush” they love. I have always found that kind of behavior ridiculous.

This is an excellent self-help book, and highly recommended for anyone wishing to better understand, and improve, his or her life.

A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH

2012-02-20T16:32:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH by Donna Fletcher Crow from Kregel. It is the second book in the “Monastery Mysteries” series. I haven’t read the first one yet, but this was has piqued my interest.

A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH involves a young woman named Felicity. She studies at the theological college run by the Community of the Transfiguration. I would have liked to read more about her adventures at the college, actually studying, but it wasn’t integral to the story (I am always curious about theological colleges). At the start of the novel, Felicity is debating whether to become a nun. While deciding if that is her calling in life, she is yanked into a mystery surrounding a missing icon. The endearing Antony and Felicity’s mother, who she has never had a great relationship with, join her, as well as other memorable characters.

Donna Fletcher Crow takes the reader to new places. When reading about the grand monasteries and beautiful England, I really felt as if I were there with Felicity. Donna Fletcher Crow also added in historical facts that really suck the reader back in time. I love history, so I couldn’t get enough of the factual tidbits.

This is a perfect story for people who love mysteries, history, and religion. I couldn’t stop reading once I opened to the prologue.

The Founders' Key

2012-02-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of THE FOUNDERS’ KEY: THE DIVINE AND NATURAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE DECLARATION AND THE CONSTITUTION AND WHAT WE RISK BY LOSING IT by Larry P. Arnn, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. I love history, so I was eager to read this book.

Sadly, this book does not touch on the history of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution much. I found the writing style very dry. Rather than being a recreational, thought provoking read, it felt like a textbook I was forced to study for a college class. Information piled upon more information until I felt lost, and had to reread whole paragraphs to earn my place.

My favorite part was the first page, where Larry P. Arnn includes a letter from John Adams to his wife – a great history fix. The chapter continues by comparing America’s birthday to other countries. We don’t know when China’s birthday is, for example, but America does have one. It is an intriguing concept to consider.

The book is divided into two parts. The first is the Argument and the second is Foundational Readings. The end includes notes, suggested further reading, and acknowledgements. Overall, I concluded THE FOUNDERS’ KEY to be interesting and well researched, but not my type of book. I am passing it on to my friend, who is a political enthusiast.

Interview with Author Oliver Neubert

2012-01-29T12:19:00.001-08:00

Kissed by Literature: I often register for the giveaways on GoodReads.com. One of the books I received, in exchange for a review, was THE WIND OF LIFE: THE FLYERS by Oliver Neubert. I had never heard of this series before, but the synopsis sounded intriguing – I love young adult fantasies. If you scroll through my blog book reviews, you’ll come across the one I wrote about THE FLYERS, so instead of talking about it myself, I’ll let Oliver Neubert describe THE FLYERS in his own words. What is “The Wind of Life” series about?

Oliver Neubert: The series is about two tribes that hate each other. One tribe lives in the mountains - The Flyers and the other tribe lives in the flatlands - The Wanderers. In book 1 - The Flyers, Timo, a fourteen-year-old flyer, has wings and can fly. He is determined to be as good as his killed father was when it comes to flying. In book 2 - The Wanderers, Rider, a fourteen years old Wanderer, can run as fast as the antelope and can communicate with the animals.

The underlying story is about an old law that states: Those who are born without wings have to die. Timo and Rider have to overcome their unexplained hatred for each other and they have to find a way to unite so that they can stop the brutal rulers who want to take control of their worlds. Timo and Rider have a special gift that will help them in their fight and adventure.

I am addressing the issues of hatred and differences, of outdated misguided laws, of overcoming fear and self-doubt, of first love and of finding oneself and ones path in life.

KBL: Where do you find your inspiration and ideas?

ON: I find inspiration everywhere. I live in a great city by the pacific ocean that is also close to the coastal rain forest and mountains. I love skiing, hiking, riding my motorcycle, playing all kind of sports and walking on the beach. Sometimes I pick up a smell and it gives me an idea, or I see a cloud formation and a thought crosses my mind, or I hear the wind and it reminds me of something. I see the stories I want to write in my mind and then I come up with a title to remind me of what I have "seen.” For example, I went skiing one day and the valley below the ski area was covered in fog; it looked like a lake. So in the first book of the Chantel's Quest series I used this image as the Lake of Clouds below which the City of Ice lies hidden. During a winter storm I observed the clouds as they rushed across the sky and that became the idea of how Timo would have to align himself with the elements to survive his flight among the Thunderclouds in the first book of the "The Wind of Life" trilogy. For The Flyers I also did a fair amount of research about flying, weather conditions, names of cloud formations to make the flying sequences as real as possible.

KBL: Why do you choose to write?

ON: Writing is an outlet for me, to let go of my creative mind. I love to build imaginary worlds and create interesting, intriguing characters, but I also like to talk about real life issues that children and teenagers are confronted with on a daily basis. Another reason is my daughter, when she was younger she asked me to tell her stories and I found so much pleasure in that that I had to write them down so that she would have something to remember me by. That started ten years ago and I have written a total of twelve books from which five have been published so far. At least two more books will be published this year. My mind is full of ideas and I will keep on writing for a long time.

KBL: Many authors write from what they know. Would you mind telling us about your background?

ON: I grew up in Germany with all the old German fairy tales and folklore, in a world of old castles, dark forests, scary witches, cold winters and princesses and kings. My favorite story was Hansel and Gretel. Two children lost in the forest, overcoming their fears and the old witch - classic. I also like modern fantasy like the Shannara series by Terry Brooks or more recently The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Professionally I am working in the engineering field which is pretty dry and lacks the fantasy, but I also have a degree in Psychology which lends itself well when I think about and create new characters and personal conflicts.

KBL: You’re also the author of the “Chantel’s Quest” series. I haven’t gotten to read those books yet. What are they about?

ON: The Chantel's Quest series is named after my daughter and it is based on the stories I told her when she was younger. Chantel wakes up on her 12th birthday and is informed by her guardian, an old gray owl, that she is the last descendent; the one who has to find four relics to defend the darkness that is overshadowing the four lands - thus four books. She makes friends with a mouse who can change into a Mighty Warrior and who becomes her protector; with a young winged one who becomes her chosen sister; with Mother Nature who suffers from the pollution and destruction that come with the darkness, with Rock Climbers, a Gargoyle, a flog of bats and many others. Each book addresses a topic that is close to my heart: sharing, simplicity, family and truth.

KBL: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, and over the past few years I’ve been entering the publishing world by sending query letters to agents. What are your experiences in the publishing industry?

ON: I was very lucky with the Chantel's Quest series. I was at the right time at the right place with the right story and found a small publisher within a year. For the "Wind of Life" trilogy, I sent out many manuscripts, to agents and publishers. Most of the time I didn't get a reply, some wished me good luck and a few publishers were interested by they only dealt with agents. As I researched the publishing and agent market more and more, I realized that I was spending too much money and time for what I really wanted to accomplish - bringing my stories to the readers. I have received very good reviews for the Chantel's Quest series and I receive many letters from readers who enjoy the story. So I published "The Wind of Life" series myself - it is available as paperback and e-book and I love self-publishing tremendously. I have hired professional people who do the editing, the book layout, the cover design, the printing and the distribution; this way I make sure that my stories are presented in a professional way - like a major publisher would do with one big difference: I let the reader decide what they would like to read. I am being judged by the reader and not by an agent or a publisher.

KBL: So what have you learned from self-publishing?

ON: Since I started the process of self-publishing I have learned so much more about the readers who enjoy my books that I am writing better stories now. I am contacting the readers myself and I appreciate their feedback. For example, for "The Wind of Life" I sat together with a 13 year old boy and a 13 year old girl and discussed the story with them before getting the editing done. I also have more control over the final product and I make sure that my ideas and thoughts come across without them being edited out.

KBL: Why do you choose to give away your books on GoodReads?

ON: I joined GoodReads in November last year and I was overwhelmed by the setup and quality of the web site and the feedback and smartness of the readers and reviews. I saw the giveaway as an ultimate challenge to get my books reviewed and evaluated by such an excellent group of people. In the mean time I have participated in group discussions and made many friends without promoting my books, which is actually the goal of joining GoodReads. GoodReads is a community of readers who are open minded and intriguing, and who give excellent recommendations for reading books no matter what genre you like. Since joining I haven't watched TV and I have reviewed about twenty books.

KBL: Now for some personal questions, so we really get to know you. What is your favorite book? Or, if you’re like me, what are your favorite books?

ON: Hansel and Gretel, The Hunger Games, The Bartimaeus trilogy. I like books that are original, that have interesting characters with some flaws that they are able to overcome, that are not involved in mixing up two different worlds like our world and the fairy world - one world only, that tell me something new, that are not too predictable.

KBL: Do you listen to music or snack while you write?

ON: No, when I write I am in a totally different world. It is like being part of the adventure and seeing it unfold in front of me while I write. The only think that gets me back into the real world is the pain in my back from sitting too long. I used to write my stories long hand, lying on the floor with all types of materiel surrounding me. Now I write the story directly into the computer as it develops and then I review it several times. I tell my wife and daughter not to disturb me when I write, the only one who is not listening is our little dog when he wants attention. That reminds me, I also get inspired by music and I love to eat chocolate, like Nutella right out of the glass, with a spoon (yummy).

KBL: What advice do you give to aspiring writers?

ON: Keep on writing, set some time aside every day and write about anything. And never give up. Write for yourself in the first place, this way it is original. I see so many books about vampires and werewolves now and I don't enjoy any of them because they are taken from an original idea and just rewritten to follow the present trend - teenage forbidden love triangle with blood and glory.

KBL: Timo, your main character, is fourteen-years-old. What life advice do you have for young adults?

ON: Believe in yourself and don't be afraid of trying new things (except harmful things like: drugs, theft, bullying, etc.); be open minded for everything that you might experience and don't be prejudice. I have one saying in one of my book: You can only see what you are prepared to see. Don't worry about what other people think about you, find the people who accept you for who you are! Be who you are - you are precious and great.

KBL: Thank you for agreeing to this interview! We’ve learned a lot about you and your books. I can’t wait to check out the others.

Reader Question: What is your favorite part in writing a story?

ON: Starting out with the initial idea and then slowly developing the characters and the world in which the story happens is what I like most. Finding names for the characters and places, thinking up creatures or doing research on the topic is great. I usually don't have an idea board or layout, I let the story unleash itself as I write it and then it depends also on my mood. I find that I get the best ideas when I am unhappy for some reason. Maybe it is the desire of hiding away in a world in which I want to be in? I enjoy the whole process, but then the dreadful part happens - editing!

Reader Question: How do you keep your interest in a book when editing? That's what always kills me, I will have a book written, go back to edit it and then start to hate it all.

ON: With regards to editing: once I have a book written I put it aside for a while, maybe three to four weeks, think about it and then read it again. Sometimes I add new ideas or rewrite a section, but there has to be a point when you accept it as it is. When I had my first book published, "Chantel's Quest for the Golden Sword", it was returned to me about 25 times for editing and review and I must admit, I hated the book at the end, but after it was published six months later and I tried to read it again, I fell in love with it again. I also write what I like and enjoy to write about. I don't try to write something in what I don't believe in, this makes it much harder and more difficult to find readers, but I truely engage in my stories and belief in them, this makes it easier not to hate them when I review and edit them. When I write I totally get submerged in the fantasy and I almost see myself in the story as a silent observer, this is what I like most - forget reality and float in an imaginary world. I have also found a wonderful editor for my latest trilogy "The Wind of Life". She is totally professional and doesn't hold back, but she allows me to keep my story and my ideas the way I have written them. Other editors try to change the story to how they see and like it, which makes it really difficult to edit. My mood also influences me very much and when I review my story and it doesn't sound any more like I remember it, I put it aside again and get back to it later, because at one point in the past I must have liked it otherwise I wouldn't have written it down. So editing is touch but never doubt your work.

***

With this interview, you get two bonuses! Oliver Neubert has agreed to answer YOUR questions. Leave them as comments and I’ll make sure he gets them. They’ll be added to the end of the interview with his answers.

On March 1, he will choose two of the people who left a comment on this interview to receive a free copy of THE FLYERS! That’s right – Oliver Neubert is giving away two copies of THE FLYERS! In order to qualify, you must include your email address on your comment so he can contact you and you must agree to review the book on GoodReads.

THE COMING REVOLUTION

2012-01-27T14:17:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of THE COMING REVOLUTION: SIGNS FROM AMERICA’S PAST THAT SIGNAL OUR NATION’S FUTURE by Dr. Richard G. Lee, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. I was excited to see this book offered, because I had heard a lot about it from my father – he had read about it on the Internet.

THE COMING REVOLUTION is divided into seven parts. My favorite is part three, What the Founders Believed. I love history, so I found this to be extremely fascinating. As a whole, the book kept my interest, but I never had an “aha” or “oooh” moment. I love history, but I am not very into politic, so I understand I may not be the target audience. Parts of it seemed bias. One page one, Dr. Richard G. Lee states: “But America is not merely the world’s richest and most powerful nation.” Through history classes, I have learned to study all sides of an issue, and this book did not do that for me.

For a more rounded view of the book, I asked my dad to read it. He is very interested in politics and loved the book. One of my friends, another political enthusiast, called this “spot on.” I recommend this to anyone interested in history and politics, and anyone who would like to read about an opinion of where the United States of America is heading.

Short Story - Bewildering Stories

2012-01-27T09:09:00.000-08:00

One of my short stories has been published! I wrote it after a trip to Niagara Falls. A man, dressed in gold, passed out necklaces to children. Everyone appeared happy...but I wondered - what if he was evil? So, as soon as I got home, I wrote this story.

http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue463/golden_man.html

UNHALLOWED GROUND

2012-01-23T18:00:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of UNHALLOWED GROUND by Mel Starr from Kregel. I’d never heard of the “Hugh de Singleton, surgeon” series before, but now that I’ve read this fourth chronicle, I feel inclined to read the others. Hugh de Singleton is not only a surgeon, but he is also Lord Gilbert Talbot’s bailiff. I have always been fascinated by the Middle Ages, the time period this series takes place in, and so was thrilled to immerse myself in the pages. It’s a fast read at only 224 pages, and includes a tantalizing glimpse at the fifth book in the series.

UNHALLOWED GROUND begins in the year 1366 when Thomas ate Bridge is found hanging. As a man of ill repute, the people declare the deed a suicide and are please that Thomas is gone. Hugh de Singleton, however, feels there is more to the hanging than suicide. Thomas has a mark on his wrist, as though he were hung, and mud only on the heels of his boots, not on the stool he supposedly used. Hugh de Singleton believes Thomas was murdered, and sets out to find the killer. I won’t give the mystery away, but it is cunningly written, shifting through many suspects and numerous motives. Once I began chapter one, I couldn’t stop reading until I had completed the book. I did guess at the murderer about halfway through, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story.

UNHALLOWED GROUND starts with action, and never lets up. The historical mystery aspect reminded me of the middle grade “Lady Grace Cavendish” mysteries, which my cousin introduced me to a year ago. I have loved history since I was a child, and even more so now after studying my genealogy, which I can trace back to the Middle Ages. UNHALLOWED GROUND is rich in historic details, so it was easy to picture my ancestors in the setting. The dialogue is very realistic, and my mind kept inserting accents.

Although I enjoyed reading the book, a few things stood out to me. At times I felt distant from the story, and would have liked more insight into High de Singleton’s emotions. Oftentimes, the author told events, rather than showing them, and when Hugh de Singleton occasionally addressed the reader as “you,” I was jarred from the story.

Overall, I rate the story four out of five starts. I recommend UNHALLOWED GROUND to any fans of mysteries and historic fiction.

THE FLYERS

2012-01-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

I greatly enjoyed reading THE WIND OF LIFE – THE FLYERS by Oliver Neubert. He was kind enough to send me a signed copy. That shows a lot about the author, when he cares not only about his book, but also about his fans.

I started reading this today during lunch, and hated to go back to work. As soon as I got home, I had to see what happened next and finished the novel within a few hours. It is a fast-paced read, without dull moments. The development of the characters progresses throughout the story – it is fun growing with them.

The story involves two races – those who fly and those who can’t. They cannot mix. I love how this reflects prejudices in today’s society. Timo, the main character, must help them unite. I don’t want to give too much away in this review, but the culture is richly detailed, really bringing the reader deep into the story. It’s a perfect tool for escapism. The best part is that this is only book one of THE WIND OF LIFE series. I recommend this not only to young adults (Timo is fourteen), but to anyone who loves a good fantasy story.

THEN SINGS MY SOUL, book 3

2012-01-09T20:19:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite parts of attending church is being able to lift my voice in union with my fellow worshipers as we praise God through hymns. Each time, though, it seems as if we sing the same hymns. I enjoy looking through the hymnal at the hymns that aren’t sung often. So, I was thrilled to receive a copy of THEN SINGS MY SOUL BOOK 3, THE STORY OF OUR SONGS: DRAWING STRENGTH FROM THE GREAT HYMNS OF OUR FAITH by Robert J. Morgan from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. I had never heard of most of these hymns before – a great treat to have them in front of me now.

The book includes the history of hymnody, unusual hymns, six hymn stories, and a section on hymning in private and public. I loved reading a hymn, then learning the background behind it. The histories really brought them to life. Since I have little musical ability, my mother will play the provided sheet music on the piano while we both sing. Some of the hymns are “The Old Rugged Cross,” “He Giveth More Grace,” and “Joy Fills our Inmost Hearts Today.” My favorite is now “O Trinity of Blessed Light.” Not only are the music and words beautiful, but it was written around AD 100. To me, I find it wondrous that something so old has survived to today, to be beloved by a new generation.

This book is definitely a keeper and has earned a place on my bookshelves.

TYNDALE: THE MAN WHO GAVE GOD AN ENGLISH VOICE

2011-12-24T13:19:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of TYNDALE: THE MAN WHO GAVE GOD AN ENGLISH VOICE by David Teems from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. When I saw this offered on the website, BookSneeze, I was thrilled. I have always been interested in William Tyndale. I read a lot of novels and biographies on Henry VIII and his family, and William Tyndale is a prominent part of those stories. I had researched Tyndale on the Internet, but this book made the perfect resource. Each chapter flows smoothly like a novel. The easy-to-read writing style includes quotes and religious references. The historical details take you right back in time.

Tyndale played a central role to the Reformation, by translating the Word of God into English. For this, he was considered a “heretic” and his life was placed in jeopardy, yet he clung to his beliefs. Reading about his life and what brought him to his life’s works really opened my eyes to the man behind the “heretic.” This is a great book to use in a classroom as a supplement to religious or Tudor studies. It also makes a splendid gift for history fans. Although this copy has made it into my permanent collection, I will be picking up others to give to my uncle and mother.

***

Merry Christmas!

WHY MEN HATE GOING TO CHURCH

2011-12-11T10:50:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of WHY MEN HATE GOING TO CHURCH by David Murrow, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. This copy is completely revised and updated; incorporating parts from is other books, HOW WOMEN HELP MEN FIND GOD and THE MAP. I have not read those, so I cannot compare, but this book found me engrossed. Although not a novel, it read smoothly. Each section flowed into the next, comprising three parts, notes, and an introduction. At some parts, I laughed aloud – not because they were ridiculous, but because David Murrow writes in a comical way. In other sections, I found myself nodding in agreement.

I will not go into too many details about the reasons David Murrow gives for men hating to go to church, I will mention the one that stood out to me the most: many positions within the church, such as watching children for day care, are predominately for women. Men feel out of place, so they do not participate and volunteer as much.

This book made me study my own family structure. My mom is more interested in church than my father is, and my paternal grandmother attends every Sunday she can make. However, my maternal uncle is very involved, just like my maternal grandfather was. I am passing this book on to others, hoping it will also open their eyes.

A YEAR WITH JESUS

2011-11-29T20:10:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of A YEAR WITH JESUS: DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS ON JESUS’ OWN WORDS by R. P. Nettelhorst, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. This devotional follows 365 days, rather than certain months, so the reader can start it at any time. I find that helpful, so I do not have to wait until January 1. Each page includes a quote from the Bible and a few paragraphs of the author’s interpretation, taking you deeper into the words. The writing flows well, making it easy to read. I like to start my day with a reading while I lay in bed. It calms me after hearing the annoying buzz of my alarm clock. I also get to ponder each passage while I work throughout my day, and look forward to reading the next one. The passages are organized into different categories, such as Love and Hate, so I can ponder the entire section before moving on to the next.

This makes an excellent Christmas or New Year’s gift. My mother was delighted with my copy, which we share. I know that my grandmother and uncle would also this devotional. It is a great way to further bring Jesus into your day.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER - THE PROMISE, PART ONE

2011-11-23T20:11:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER – THE PROMISE, PART ONE by Gene Luen Yang from Dark Horse Books. The television show, Avatar: The Last Airbender, is still one of my favorites. I eagerly awaited it every week, and now I get to eagerly await THE PROMISE, PART TWO. PART ONE continues the storyline where the show left off – the four nations are being restored to harmony. The comic opens with Zuko’s concern over how many colonies the fire nation still has. Aang volunteers to peacefully remove them. The colonials do not want to return to the fire nation, however. Zuko faces a tough decision. He must decide to join Aang’s peace movement or leave the colonies as they are now.

The comic follows the same artwork, so it is like watching the show, but you can go back to read your favorite parts. The vivid pictures jump off the pages. It was fun inserting the voices from the television show to the characters. Best of all, the comic contains my favorite characters – Zuko, Mai, and Katara. The relationship between Aang and Katara continues. Of all the shows on television, their relationship is still my favorite, and it continues to blossom throughout this comic.

THE GRACE EFFECT

2011-11-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of THE GRACE EFFECT: HOW THE POWER OF ONE LIFE CAN REVERSE THE CORRUPTION OF UNBELIEF by Larry Alex Taunton from Thomas Nelson, via BookSneeze. As soon as I looked over the back cover, I was excited to start reading. The author, Larry Taunton, meets Sasha, an Ukrainian orphan. Atheistic theorists had shaped her, but with his guidance, she embraces God through the power of grace.

The book began a bit slow and dry. It felt more like a textbook, but the words were interesting, describing the goal of atheists , and leading into the debate about God, as driven by atheists versus Christians. From there, the story began, with Larry Taunton and his family in an airport. The actual story is well written enough to make you feel as if you are there with them. Larry Taunton writes with exhilarating voice and insight, bringing the people to life. Actual photographs are interspersed throughout the chapters, and each chapter begins with a quote from somewhere else, such as the Ukraine Travel Guide. Dialogue is woven amongst information, keeping the reading grounded in the truth behind the words. By the last page, I had tears in my eyes. It is definitely the type of book to pass on for others to read.

THREE TREES

2011-11-06T21:21:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of THE THREE TREES: A TRADITIONAL FOLKTALE by Elena Pasquali from Kregel Publications. Sophie Windham did the illustrations; they are colorful and intense, yet not too complex.
As someone with a degree in elementary education, I was excited to read the blurb on the back: A tale of hope and faith for Christmas, Easter, and always. There are not many picture books for children about Easter, so this will make a lovely addition to my library. As I read, I imagined different lesson plans to apply to the book. For example, the events could be researched in the Bible, and students could plant their own trees.

The story involves three trees. Two of the trees want more out of life, but the third is happy living on its hill. The first two trees are sad when they are not made into their dream jobs, but then realize they have greater purposes then they could have ever imagined. The first tree becomes the manger for baby Jesus, which ties in the Christmas aspect of the book. The second tree becomes a fishing boat that Jesus rides upon, and stills a storm. The third tree is also cut down. It becomes the cross Jesus is tied to, and after Jesus is seen alive again, the tree realizes it will “stand for ever, pointing to heaven. “ That ties in the Easter aspect.

After reading the book, I also read it to my young cousins. They enjoyed it, but as they aren’t too familiar with the Bible yet, they had difficulty linking it to Christmas, Easter, and Jesus. The book might be for older children, who already have a strong foothold in religion. My cousins were also confused about a few of the pictures. One cousin thought the people looked Amish, and another asked if they were pioneers. Overall, they liked the book enough to want to hear it over again, and one said she would ask for it for Christmas. This books is ideal for children and adults, so it makes a perfect story to read aloud.

THE ENCOUNTER

2011-11-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of THE ENCOUNTER: SOMETIMES GOD HAS TO INTERVENE by Stephen Afterburn, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. The book is about Jonathan Rush, a wealthy businessman in Florida who has never been able to deal with his mother’s abandonment. After a suicide attempt, he is advised to confront her in Alaska, the state he was born in, and finally put his rage behind him. He arrives in Fairbanks, Alaska, and begins tracking the woman who left him when he was four years old. Through a series of investigations that takes him from an orphanage to a burned cabin, Jonathan learns how to better communicate with people and realizes the value of friendship. Erica, a reporter, helps him on his way, as does an array of other complex characters. In the end, he learns the greatest gift he can give and receive is forgiveness. As I read the final chapter, tears sprang to my eyes. The book is both deep and touching. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the simplistic writing style. At times, I would have liked to see Jonathan’s emotion more, and some sentences seemed more telling rather than showing. I also figured out Mercy’s secret within a page of meeting her. Altogether, though, this is one of my new favorites.

It is less than two-hundred pages, so I was able to read it all in one evening. At the end, Stephen Afterburn included a discussion guide and the truth behind the story, for it is based on something real that happened to the author, adding another amazing level. I’ve already passed the book on to my dad. This is a perfect gift for family or friends.

A LASTING IMPRESSION

2011-10-29T10:22:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of A LASTING IMPRESSION by Tamera Alexander, from Bethany House. It is the first book in the Belmont Mansion series. I had never heard of Belmont Mansion in Nashville before. After reading this novel, though, I have added the mansion to my list of vacation destinations. The atmosphere sounds amazing, and I want to walk the ground just like the characters. I looked up the house online while I read, so I could picture some of the rooms. It brought the story even more to life.

The story involves Claire Laurent, an aspiring painter in New Orleans. Her father, owner of an art gallery, forces her to make forgeries for him to sell. When the art studio is broken into, one of his friends sends her to Nashville where they’ll start a new business. When she gets there, the man she’s supposed to stay with threatens her, and she learns her father is dead. Through the help of a reverend, she is hired as a liaison to Adelicia Acklen, one of the richest women in America. The fact that she is a real woman, and that author used some of her own letters to create dialogue for the character, cemented my love for the book. I felt as if I was traveling back in time, to a grand mansion inhabited by wonderful people.

Through twists and romance, A LASTING IMPRESSION kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to discover more. I even took the novel with me to work to read during my break and lunch. I look forward to reading the next installments in the series.

Daniel Livingston Interview, Part One

2011-10-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! Slip on your paranormal cloak and join me for an interview with Daniel Livingston. In case you're not sure who that is, you'll definitely know by the time you reach the end of the post. So, without further delay, I give you...Daniel Livingston and the Paranormal Pit Stop!

***

Thanks, Jordan, for that awesome intro! Don't hurt anyone with those knitting needles!

Welcome Humans, to another addition of The Paranormal Pit Stop. Your one-stop E-zine on the Ethereal-net for everything in the paranormal world. This week, we're playing dentist, cos it's like pulling teeth to get anything out of Terin Global's resident medium extraordinaire, Daniel Livingstone.

Paranormal Pit-Stop: So, Daniel, nice to have you come and visit us.
Daniel: Um, thanks.

P.P.S.: Why don't you start off by telling our human friends something about yourself?
Daniel: Do I have to?

P.P.S.: It would help. It's an interview.
Daniel: Okay. I'm Daniel Livingstone and I'm a medium.

P.P.S.: Not just any medium. You see and understand just about every living creature on either side of the veil, right?
Daniel: Yeah, that's right.

P.P.S.: That must have been tough for you when you were a kid? You being the only one to hear and see all those creatures?
Daniel: Yeah, was kind of…hard to deal with. Especially after Wesley died.

P.P.S.: Is that why you end up in Crawthorne Institute for the Criminally Insane?
Daniel: That's a nasty place. Yeah, they thought I was a nutter, and maybe I did lose it. My parents said I'd get better. It only got worse in that nightmarish place.

P.P.S.: What happened to Wesley? His death still hasn't been solved.
Daniel: I don't know. I haven't seen him.

P.P.S.: What do you mean you haven't seen him? You're a medium.
Daniel: Yeah, I don't get that either. He was my best friend and he never came to say goodbye.

P.P.S.: Rumor has it, Crawthorne is where Aslin found you.
Daniel: Yeah, kind-of, see, couple of the Doc's were followers of a banished Druid clan member. He was trying to protect them, get them to bugger off from the path they were following.

P.P.S.: That didn't happen, did it? They were involved in the Stonehenge incident. I heard it's the reason the human authorities shut the site down for a while.
Daniel: Yeah, it was horrible. I still have nightmares about it. Funny, I haven't seen any of those souls either…

Well, that's all the time we have for this week's interview. We would like to thank our host Jorden Mierek for allowing us to post this interview on the human internet. We feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

If you'd like to learn more about Jezryall and her staff, you can find more information at the links provided below.

More Character Interviews:
http://darkeconteur.wordpress.com/paranormal-pit-stop-blog-tour/

Novel Information:
http://darkeconteur.wordpress.com/novels/

Join us next time when we visit Irish blogger Paul Carroll with the first of our part interview with sexy Barb Dole, Jezryall's personal assistant. So, until next time, this is The Paranormal Pit-Stop saying; just because it's dead, doesn't mean it's not alive!

***

Story Blurb:
His first day of work wasn't what Martin Cunningham expected. A sultry boss, a classy receptionist, the drama-queen foreigner, and a painfully shy techie who prefers hiding to human interaction, was the oddest group of characters he'd ever met. When an assassination attempt is made against his new boss, Martin comes face to face with the stuff of nightmares.

Now he and his new co-workers must race to prevent another attack, but where do they start? There's very little to go on, and the only solid piece of evidence escaped through the u-bend in the toilet. By the end of the day, Martin becomes one of the privileged few who really understands what lies in the shadows, and what it means to work in THE WATCHTOWER.

Bio:
Darke Conteur is an author at the mercy of her muse. Writing in several genres, she prefers to write in paranormal and science fiction, and has stories published in Brave Blue Mice, Bewildering Stories, and The Absent Willow Review. When not busy writing, she looks after one wannabe rock-star, one husband, two cats, and one ghost dog.

REFUGE ON CRESCENT HILL

2011-10-24T15:38:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of REFUGE ON CRESCENT HILL by Melanie Dobson from Kregel. This book is now one of my favorites, and I’ve recommended it to my friends who love history as much as I do. I’ve always been fascinated by old houses. This book really whets my appetite to discover more about those in my neighborhood, even if they don’t have as cool a past as the Bristow Mansion. It also inspired me to research my genealogy more.

The book began a bit slowly. Camden Bristow is a freelance photographer, but she’s practically penniless, so she decides to visit her grandmother, who lives in Bristow Mansion atop Crescent Hill. When she gets to Ohio, she discovers her grandmother recently died and left her the house. Camden doesn’t want to part with it, but she doesn’t have enough money to support it. Plus, strange things have been happening since she moved in, and the town whispers of ghosts.

Then, there is Alex Yates, who left behind a troubled past to help out the town. He wants to use Bristow Mansion as a means to bring the community wealth, but the citizens keep fighting his ideas. In the meantime, Edward and Jake Paxton, neighbors to the Bristows, believe there is treasure hidden in the house, so they keep sneaking around to search for it. States away, a young woman named Stephanie is researching her family and discovers that a slave fled her ancestral plantation with jewels, planning to send someone back for his wife and child…except, he disappeared while heading toward Crescent Hill. Stephanie sets out to uncover the truth.

After a few chapters in, I really got caught up in the story and couldn’t stop reading. I finished within a day and craved more. There is a perfect mix of history, secrets, underground tunnels, mysterious mausoleums, romance, murder, and maps sewn into Civil War-era quilts. I would have liked to see more emotion from Camden. In a few places, her thoughts weren’t clear. She should’ve been terrified, but instead, she felt a bit two-dimensional. The other characters were well-rounded, though. I also would have liked more descriptions of the mansion. It sounded huge and glamorous, but also rundown. At times, I wasn’t sure how to picture it. Other than those points, the storyline was not only complex, but contained intriguing twists. Anyone who loves mysteries or history – or trying to guess the history of abandoned houses, like I do – will love this story. One of the best parts involved a link at the end that showed the house that inspired Melanie Dobson’s story. Although this is adult fiction/Christian/suspense, this would appeal to young adults, and would work great in a high school history class about the Underground Railroad.

THREE CUPS

2011-10-19T18:26:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of THREE CUPS by Tony Townsley and Mark St. Germain, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. It is a children’s book, intended to teach young people how to manage their money. On a special occasion, such as a child’s fifth birthday, they are given three cups from the kitchen cabinet. The first cup is labeled “give,” the second is labeled “save,” and the third is labeled “spend.” Whenever the child earns money, such as from allowance or a job, they divide the money between each cup. When the “saving” cup becomes full, the child learns how to put money into the bank. At the end of the story, the main character’s savings are spent on college.

The money from the “giving” cup is donated to organizations and the church. This teaches children how to help others and feel good about themselves. The “spending” cup allows the child to use their money for things they want. The book encourages parents and guardians to make a list of possible items the child may want.

The three cups method works much better than a piggy bank, for example, where all the money goes into one place. It is a good visual to show children how to manage their money. I have my degree in elementary education, and recognize this as a great book for classrooms. I will keep it for my own, and also share it with my future children someday. The book makes a valuable gift. It could even be presented with three cups.

FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY

2011-10-12T20:26:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY by Peter Leithart, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. It is part of the Christian Encounters series. Like the others in the series, this is an easy to read biography about a prominent Christian figure in history.

I had heard of Fyodor Dostoevsky before, but I only knew him to be a Russian author. His real life is much more fascinating. He lived from November 11, 1821 to February 9, 1881. His most well-known works are CRIME AND PUNISHMENT and THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV, which I have read in the past.

In 1849, Fyodor Dostoevsky was incarcerated. He had been part of a liberal intellectual group. He was sentenced to death, but instead, he was exiled to Serbia. There, he worked at a prison came for four years.

The biography is told through a novel format. The characters are engaging, the dialogue realistic, and the imagery breathtaking. I felt as if I traveled his path with him, reveling in his growing strength as a human being. Since it is in novel format, it flowed smoothly, so I managed to read it within two days. The best way to learn history and discover the lives of historical figures is to enjoy it. FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY clearly does that. I have recommended this book to a friend who teaches high school, that she may incorporate it into her class’s biography section.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

2011-10-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of TO HAVE AND TO HOLD by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller from Bethany House. It is part of the Bridal Veil Island series. The story takes place in 1886, so it instantly endeared itself to my heart – I love historical fiction. Then, the opening snared my attention and I could not stop reading until late in the night.

The story begins with Audrey Cunningham and her father, new residents of Bridal Veil Island. This opening has all the makings of a thrilling read. They have sold their old home, so they cannot go back, expecting a fabulous new start. Instead, they are plagued by back taxes and are in jeopardy of losing their ancestral home. The family does not know the locals, so they are unsure of who to turn to for help. Their predicament reminded me of the tax struggles many families are suffering through now. This will help people, including myself, to connect with the story more. Aunt Thora, who lives with the Cunninghams, reminded me of my grandmother, through her forgetfulness and mannerisms, further connecting me to the tale.

Bridal Veil Island is an excellent setting for a story. It is very detailed and picturesque, with wild turkeys strutting around and water on all sides. The characters mention Jekyl Island, and an author’s note explains it is a real place – now, I really want to visit there.

The descriptions of the food, such as mixing cream into eggs for breakfast, made my mouth water. The story also deals with how Southerners felt toward Northerners during the latter half of the 1800’s. Aunt Thora, for example, hates Northerners, even though Audrey and her father hail from the North. This is an excellent book for fans of historical fiction.

Utica Writers Club - Interview #2

2011-10-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Today's blog will center exclusively on the Utica Writers Club. I've invited Sue Pinto, president of the Utica Writers Club, to join us.

Kissed by Literature: Hello, Sue. In your own words, what exactly is the Utica Writers Club?

Sue: The UWC is a group that allows writers, of all levels and experience, to share. It gives each person the opportunity to receive valuable insight and
criticism on one's work while also allowing them to share opinions and
advice on the work of others.

KbL: How did you first hear about the Utica Writers Club?

Sue: I had asked the librarian at one of the libraries if anyone was aware of a writer's group I could join. At the time, the UWC was meeting at the New Hartford Public Library.

KbL: How long have you been a member?

Sue: I believe I joined in Oct. of 2008.

KbL: What's your favorite thing about the club?

Sue: I can't say that there is one aspect I like the most about the UWC. I enjoy hearing other's stories and enjoy the chance to critically think about a piece. I like being able to confer with others on how to improve writing, whether it's mine or someone else's work.

KbL: What stories do you write?

Sue: I write picture books and have a middle grade novel written. I tend to write what I know. I have five kids so my writing is often inspired by them.

KbL: Anything else you would like to add?

Sue: The UWC has hosted two best-selling authors, Bruce Coville and Maria V. Snyder, in 2010 and 2011. Our hope is to continue to bring authors, agents, and publishers to this area for more workshops and learning opportunities. We will also be looking into coordinating trips to various writing workshops and conferences.

Utica Writers Club - Interview

2011-09-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone. As some of you know, I’m the co-vice president of the Utica Writers Club. I am going to do a mini-series of interviews with my other club members. First off, we have Sarah Warring. Hey, Sarah. What is your role in the Utica Writers Club?

Sarah: Right now I am club secretary. However, I have also done my part as the treasurer.

Kissed by Literature: Which do you like best?

Sarah: Secretary probably.

KbL: What does that position entail?

Sarah: I take notes and then send them on to the President. I also am part of voting and other decisions.

KbL: How long have you been a member of the Utica Writers Club?

Sarah: Just under 6 years.

KbL: How did you find out about the club?

Sarah: I don't remember. I used to work with a member. Also a good friend of mine Joe, who used to be an active member, joined at the same time.

KbL: What’s your favorite part of the Utica Writers Club?

Sarah: Probably being around like minded people. They are very helpful when I actually bring something, but I have made good friends within the group.

KbL: What kind of stuff do you write?

Sarah: I write mostly fantasy fiction. Although, I will try almost any kind of writing.

KbL: Do you have a favorite story you’ve written?

Sarah: Well I have been writing a novel, Rayven's Fire, for over 10 years. I go back and forth with it, but it has always been my baby.

KbL: Any interesting club memories?

Sarah: Meeting local and famous authors. Being a contest judge is always interesting as well. *wink*

KbL: What is your favorite reading spot?

Sarah: My bed and some random spots in the local libraries.

KbL: What about a favorite writing spot?

Sarah: I can't be too comfy unless my muse is visiting.

KbL: Biggest writing blunder? Guilty reading pleasures?

Sarah: Most of my blunders are some cruddy poems in my youth.

KbL: Any weird writing rituals?

Sarah: I don't know if my rituals are weird, but I have to have some music on headphones. That way I can focus completely.

KbL: What about any guilty reading pleasures?

Sarah: Guilty pleasures are either some of the Chicken Soup books or fairy tales.

Thank you, Sarah! If anyone would like to ask her a question, I can pass it on and she’ll answer it here.

New Wrist Warmers

2011-09-10T20:15:00.001-07:00

I knitted a pair of wrist warmers for my critique partner. I followed the pattern I created for the last pair, but made the ribbing longer. I also used a thinner yarn to make them tighter.

SURPRISED BY OXFORD

2011-09-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of SURPRISED BY OXFORD: A MEMOIR by Carolyn Weber
from Thomas Nelson, via BookSneeze. I was originally enchanted by the
cover, depicting historical architecture at Oxford, but once I started
reading, I was enthralled. While I read, I kept forgetting it was a
true story. As Marilyn Meberg states on the back cover, it really does
read like a novel. The fact that it is a memoir makes it all the more
delicious.

The memoir begins with a touching prologue, that clings to the mind
long after the book is closed. She had a wonderful professor who
helped her a great deal, only to die at the end of the semester. This
prologue brought tears to my eyes.

After that, the book jumps between her life at Oxford University and
her life growing up. The writing is smooth and the dialogue is
fascinating. For example, on page 15, the driver says, “I havena idear
you’re talikin’ aboot.” I could hear it perfectly in my mind, making
the experience all the more real.

She also mentions the Irish pop band U2. I’d never listened to them
before, but after hearing her explain their insightful lyrics, I looked
them up online.

I found her experiences with God touching and enlightening. Her
experiences cling to my memory bank even now that I’ve shut the book.
This memoir will appeal to anyone looking for an enjoyable read, and
especially someone who enjoys spiritual journeys.

VEILED ROSE

2011-08-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of VEILED ROSE by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, from Bethany House. It is the second book in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series. The first book is HEARTLESS and the third book is MOONBLOOD. The end of VEILED ROSE contains an excerpt from MOONBLOOD, which sounds exciting.

VEILED ROSE is now one of my favorite fantasy novels. The pace flows along smoothly, the characters are engaging, and the dialogue is realistic. Clearly, the author had a lot of fun writing it. There are complex comparisons to Christian theology and fairy tales, but with new twists that keep them interesting. The names are unique, such as Beana and Foxbrush.

The story begins with an eleven-year-old boy, Leo, staying at a manor for the summer. He travels into the woods seeking adventure, and hopes to slay the “monster” everyone in the village fears. Instead, he meets a girl, Rose Red, who is a few years younger than him. She lives in the mountain and covers herself with veils. Together, they spend their summer exploring the woods and developing a close friendship. Rose Red keeps her secret well hidden, until the end of the book, and part of the secret came as quite a surprise. The “monster” secret was a little more obvious, but didn’t ruin the book for me. Leo also possessed a secret, as did Beana, Rose Red’s nanny goat. VEILED ROSE culminates when a Dragon attacks the kingdom. Leo sets out to kill it and Rose Red decides to protect his family in the meantime. The ending wasn’t what I had expected, but it was pleasing.

The characters are very entertaining to read about. Leo isn’t the average hero. He isn’t filled with bravery, nor does he possess dashing good looks – yet, he has a kind heart and remains steadfast in his relationship with outcast Rose Red. The fact that he isn’t “perfect” made it more enjoyable for me to read about him.

Anyone who loves fantasy, Dragons, or a refreshing new read will love this book. The cover itself is sure to catch many eyes – a Dragon clasps the image of Rose Red, hiding behind her veils.

RIGHT FROM THE HEART

2011-08-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of TURNING YOUR DAY TOWARD GOD: RIGHT FROM THE HEART: A 365 DEVOTIONAL by Bryant Wright, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. I first became interested in devotionals a few years ago when my uncle gave one to my mother for Christmas. He had received the same devotional as a gift the year before (from a different family member) and it had really changed his life for the better. My mom and I also loved it, and she read a page a day to the family before bed, as a closing for the day and an opening for the next, something pleasant to dream about and ponder.

This devotional, RIGHT FROM THE HEART, offers that same sense of warm wellbeing. The pages are labeled one for every day of the year (without a year date, so it can be used for any and every year). The entries are short, so they are easy to read in a day, and really get the mind flowing for their insightful, significant, yet easy-to-understand ideas. Each page comes with a quote from the Bible, and the pages that start each new month also include a quote.

Since I needed to blog about the book, I flipped through the pages, rather than refraining from reading ahead (as the author requests in the Introduction – sorry!). I read the one for today, and I also read the one for my birthday. Now that I have a good feel for the book, I will stop looking ahead and stick to that day’s.

My family and I look forward to the entries. Since this book will be kept in the living room, I have a feeling guests will enjoy looking up their birthdays and becoming inspired. The book itself is beautiful. The richly colored covers are textured and designed to look old-fashioned, while the pages are beautifully decorated. This devotional makes a great keepsake, as well as a spectacular, heart-felt gift.

Fleur de Leis Necklace

2011-08-20T20:35:00.001-07:00

I found some charms at the craft store (on sale, woohoo). I hung the chandelier charm off the fleur de leis charm, which I strung on black ribbon. I sewed clasps to the end.

ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER

2011-08-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER by Stephanie Reed from Kregel Publications. It is an historic novel for teenagers, about the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. I love historical fiction and this book didn’t fail to live up to my expectations. What is better, it is based on a true story. The Rankin family really existed.

The story centers on Lowry Rankin. He begins as a child, but quickly matures. His family leaves Kentucky to live in Ohio, where they participate as a station on the Underground Railroad. Lowry’s father is a minister, and the family strongly supports the abolitionist movement.

I have my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and while I read, I kept thinking about how perfect this book would be for a social studies class. It not only fits well with the Civil War era, but it is easily relatable for teenagers. Lowry leaves his treasured home in Kentucky for Ohio; moving is something many people have dealt with. He also learns how to fully welcome God into his life, and highly values religion, which is another positive trait for young adults. Lowry discovers how to deal with shyness, which is a new obstacle for him once he moves to Ohio. Many people, myself included, have had to overcome being shy around others. It is inspiring to know that if he can do it, so can the reader. He even worries it will keep him from becoming a proper minister, similar to how I once worried about being a teacher despite my shyness. Lowry also deals with bullies, family, and standing up for what he believes in – an end to slavery. Stephanie Reed paints a poignant image of the cruelties slaves faced, and their troubles with escaping.

I enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone interested in history.

Wrist Warmers

2011-08-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

I knitted a pair of wrist warmers using yarn left over from my ruffled shirt!

First, I cast 30 stitches onto size 8 needles.

I made 7 rows of knit 2, purl 2 rib.

I made 24 rows of stockinette stitch.

I made 7 rows of knit 2, purl 2 rib again.

I sewed up the sides and left a space for the thumb hole.

Beaded Necklace

2011-08-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

I found some old beads and decided to string them into a necklace I tried the string to jewelry clasps, and then added drops of glue to hold them in place.

STUMBLING INTO GRACE

2011-08-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of STUMBLING INTO GRACE by Lisa Harper from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze. What first caught my attention about the book was the cover, which depicts a little girl. She is wearing sneakers, a frilly skirt, and what appears to be her mother’s pearls: the classic child finding her way in the world. The book is that and so much more. Essentially, it is about finding your way in the world.

The book is divided into three parts: Real Life, Real Gifts, and Real Growth. Each chapter involves Jesus and something else in life, such as Jesus and Scary Things (Chapter One). Lisa Harper mixes true life occurrences with things normal people can identify with, such as wearing too-tight jeans. She applies real problems with ways Jesus can help us overcome them. She also included some group discussions and journal entries, to help us explore ourselves in depth. There are also chapters that explore Gifts and how Jesus helps us heal.

Overall, by the end of the book, my heart felt lighter, and I felt as though I knew Lisa Harper personally. I strongly recommend this to anyone who is going through a challenging time or wanting to reconnect with Jesus.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

2011-07-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER by John Perry from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. This is a book from the Christian Encounters series. When I saw it offered, I knew I had to grab a copy. These are easy to read biographies, perfect for the everyday person and the scholar. Usually I become bogged down with big words and complicated sentences, yet Christian Encounters biographies flow like novels.

I have always been interested in George Washington Carver, but I never knew many facts about him. Sadly, I only knew he invented peanut butter. That, in itself, amazed me as a child, and now as an adult, I hunger for more knowledge. This book is my perfect fix. Throughout 152 pages, I learned interesting facts about his life, such as that he was a slave and that he became a celebrity in the 1920’s. He is truly a man to marvel. The biography also includes an epilogue, acknowledgments, notes, and bibliography.

This book makes a perfect gift for history lovers and peanut fanatics. I have also recommended it to my African American Literature teacher. George Washington Carver is a shining example of “black achievement,” as quoted from the back cover.

Meeting Maria V. Snyder

2011-07-23T13:47:00.001-07:00

The Utica Writers Club hosted a writing workshop with Maria V. Snyder. It was great! Maria's lecture was engaging and informative.

For me, the best part was meeting her in person. I loved her novel, POISON STUDY, and since reading it, I've kept up an online correspondence with her.

Afterwards, she participated in a book signing at the local Barnes & Noble in New Hartford, NY. My mother took the picture of us there, and sadly, I closed my eyes when the flash went off. *blushes*

ALONG WOODED PATHS

2011-07-21T17:13:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of ALONG WOODED PATHS by Tricia Goyer, from B & H Books. I was thrilled to see the cover and realize the novel is about the Amish (the cover depicts a young Amish woman walking along a path, surrounded by a misty sky, towering trees, and a homey wooden fence). I planned to only read a few chapters this morning, but ended up reading the whole thing – I literally couldn’t put it down except for lunch. All of the characters cook and eat plentiful meals, so it made me hungry. The back of the book includes recipes, and I am eager to make them. Some of them include meat, but can easily be transformed into vegetarian versions.

This story is the sequel to BESIDE STILL WATERS, and is the second in the BIG SKY series. I never read the first book, but now feel the overpowering urge to. You don’t have to be familiar with the first to enjoy this one, although some parts confused me. The back of the book contains an excerpt from the next BIG SKY novel, and it sounds just as exciting as this one. I look forward to reading that one as well.

ALONG WOODEN PATHS tells the story of Marianna Sommer. She lives with her family in a small Montana community, where the Amish dwell side-by-side with the English. Marianna must deal with the loss of her sisters and her brother, who decided to leave the Amish faith, while coming to terms with her own love of God. She questions reading English Bibles and going to prayer meetings. She also questions her love for two men. Ben is an Englishman who loves God, but because he isn’t Amish, her family frowns on their relationship. Aaron, her other interest, used to be her beau before her family left Indiana for Montana. He is now visiting her, and she wonders if when he leaves, she should go with him. While she lives in Montana, though, she works at an English restaurants and befriends her English coworkers.

The story shows a different side to the Amish than most novels I have read. The love story brought a smile to my face.

J. R. R. TOLKIEN

2011-07-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of J. R. R. TOLKEIN by Mark Horne, from Thomas Nelson via Booksneeze. It is part of the Christian Encounters series, a gathering of Christina-themed biographies. In the past, I have read the ones on Saint Nicholas and Anne Bradstreet, and loved them, so I knew I would enjoy this one as well. The biographies are short and easy to read. At times, they flow like novels. Normal biographies are long and complicated, with complex words. Since these are easy to understand, I have recommended them to a friend who teaches high school, for use in her English classroom.

This biography told the life story of J. R. R. Tolkien. He is famous for the Lord of the Rings series. While I greatly enjoy that work of fantasy, I never knew much about the author, not even what he looked like, so I was thrilled to see this cover. Jr. R. R. Tolkien looks like a jolly man, the perfect type of friend.

It was filled with interesting facts, such as his real name: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. It also included facts about his childhood and family, his interests and passions. I felt the best part was how it strongly tied in with the Lord of the Rings. Some chapters referenced whole sections of his novels, and chapter titles included words such as “Between the Shire and Mordor.” Mark Horne describes Birmingham, one of Tolkien’s homes, as being a Mordor-like place.

The is the perfect book for literary and history lovers, as well as any fan of the Lord of the Rings.

Writing Workshop with Maria V. Snyder

2011-07-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hello, my writing friends. Here is a great opportunity for you discuss literature and writing with a New York Times bestselling author, Maria V. Snyder! This Saturday, July 16th, the Utica Writers Club is hosting a writing workshop at the Kirkland Library.

The deadline for registration is July 15th, but walk-ins are welcome. There is limited seating, however, so reserve your place now. Adults are $25, students are $15. Registration forms are availble here: http://uticawritersclub.org/MariaSnyderRegistrationFormPDFVersion.pdf

The time is 1 pm to 4 pm. She will autograph copies of her books afterwards. If you have any questions, please let me know.

GOD'S PROMISES FOR THE AMERICAN PATRIOT

2011-07-10T16:48:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of GOD’S PROMISES FOR THE AMERICAN PATRIOT by Dr. Richard Lee and Jack Countryman from Thomas Nelson on BookSneeze. It is a book, from the start, that grabs your attention from its small size, bright patriotic colors, and soft hard cover feel. The book gives you quotes and information on great men from our country’s history, and maps to selected Bible verses. At the start of the book, George Washington’s “Thanksgiving Proclamation” speech on October 3, 1789, shows the wisdom of our founding fathers, and that this nation was founded on Christian principles. Then half way through the book, on page 98, it gave another quick history lesson, with “According to the Declaration of Independence, the American colonists were determined to defend ‘the laws of nature and of nature’s God.’” That phase defines the key principle upon which the Founders stood. The book is a wealth of information on Presidents, such as George Washington, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Calvin Coolidge; writers, such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; and other important patriots that shaped our nation, such as Joseph Story and Elias Boudinot Jr. The one important thing this book made me feel while reading it is that yes, we are living in a troubling time with high unemployment, wars and terrorism, but this nation has survived worse and has come out stronger. We, as a nation, can do that again, but we have to remember from our history and it’s strong leaders that it can only happen if we use our strong Christian principals. As a conservative, historian, Christian, and yes, a patriot, this book gives me hope.

THE FINAL HOUR

2011-06-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of THE FINAL HOUR by Andrew Klavan, from Thomas Nelson via Booksneeze. It is the fourth, and final, book in the young adult Homelanders series. I read the previous book, and liked this one better, but probably because it contained a satisfying conclusion. While this book had positive and negative aspects, overall I enjoyed it. In a short summary, the story is about Charlie West stopping a terrorist strike by regaining his memories.

I will start with the good. There is lots of action. The book is a true page-turner and kept me on the edge of my seat. From my education classes, I know that is a winning feature for children’s books. There is no time for the reader to become bored. My favorite character is Mike. He has a great sense of humor and is an all around good guy. I also love Beth, Charlie’s girlfriend. Although she has a minor role, she stuck with her man even when he was accused of heinous crimes. The descriptions are also great. On page 230, the author describes a needle going into Charlie’s arm. I literally cringed.

Now, for the bad. The story was a bit predictable. I knew that Rose would help Charlie in the end, and I knew Charlie would live. I also felt that the plot pushed Charlie along, rather than letting him choose his own course of action. When Charlie is in prison, I thought it would be a great chance for the author to show teens how horrible prison life is – but instead, he concentrated on how the government wouldn’t help Charlie get out because they were suspicious of him, and how a gang was sent by the terrorists to kill him.

Overall, this is a great action story for teens, and anyone else who seeks a fast-past adventure.

Ruffled Shirt

2011-06-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

I finished another knitting project. It's a ruffled top done in simple St stitch, with a crocheted border (which my mom did for me after my 10th time messing up). The border can be found here: http://store.vogueknitting.com/p-734-ruffled-top.aspx

Overall, I like the shirt, but I used the "large" pattern and it still came out too small. It was fast to complete, though, and I might make another sometime, and use slightly larger measurements.

OPEN SPACES

2011-06-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of OPEN SPACES: VOICES FROM THE NORTHWEST from University of Washington Press and GoodReads. The book is comprised of a selection of short stories, edited by Penny Harrison. Some of the stories are lumped together in categories, such as Wildlife and Energy. Each short story reveals a glimpse into the life of someone in the Northwest.

The stories are short, so they are easy to read through, and each is exciting in its own way. My favorite of the collection is RHAPSODY FOR BLACKBERRIES by Sandra Dorr. Reading it made my mouth water for blackberries.

For someone like me who lives in New York, this book is like taking a trip across the country, accompanied by friendly, knowledgeable tour guides. The picturesque cover accurately depicts the amazement you will find within the pages.

THE RIVER QUEEN

2011-06-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of THE RIVER QUEEN by Gilbert Morris, from B & H Fiction. I had never read a book by this author before, but after reading this, I know why he is one of the most popular Christian writers. His novel contained not only a fascinating setting and breath-taking action, but the characters are unique.

The story involves the Ashby family, although the main character is Julienne Ashby. Her family is prominent. She lives for fashion and suitors, but her wealthy world ends when her father learns they are broke. Shortly afterward, Julienne’s father perishes from heart trouble. The family is forced to surrender their home, plantation, and belongings. Then, Aunt Leah discovers that they still own an old riverboat. The once prominent Southern family decides to fix up the boat and forge a way of life on the Mississippi.

The action is really nonstop, but sometimes I felt a little overwhelmed and would have liked a breather. For example, toward the beginning, Julienne and her servant board a riverboat to take a trip. Then, only pages later, the boilers blow up. Julienne and Dallas, a handsome young man working on the boat, are the only survivors. Her maid is dead, and Dallas must take Julienne home. The whole incident felt rushed through. I could not savor the tension.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and found the ending very satisfying. This story will appeal to fans of romance, historical fiction, and Christian fiction…or anyone who seeks a good, fast read.

QUOTABLE ROGUE

2011-06-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of THE QUOTABLE ROUGE: THE IDEALS OF SARAH PALIN IN HER OWN WORDS by Matt Lewis from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze. It is a book where Matt eloquently outlines statements and comments of Sarah Palin over the last several years. No matter if you like or dislike Sarah Palin, this is a must read book. If you are a fan of Sarah, it gives you the actual statements she has made. If you dislike her, the book gives you insight into how the media has gone out of their way to take statements she has made and altered them to make her controversial. The book transports you into Sarah’s world, helping to understand her feelings, thoughts and character by her statements and conversations. The book covers over 30 topics; from education, gun control, politicians, taxes and running for office. The book finishes with a number of comments form a wide range of people on what others are saying about Sarah. People that dismiss Sarah as not being intelligent or not capable of holding a high office forget that she was governor of the largest land mass state in the union. Her statement to the “Alaska Business Monthly” in December 4, 2008, “I want people to remember me as having always conducted the state’s business in an upright and honest manner. I want them to understand that I put Alaska first in every decision I made,” clearly sums up her character as being a politician that was hired to do the work of the people and not doing it for her own gain.

KILOTON THREAT

2011-06-21T21:36:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of KILOTON THREAT by William G. Boykin and Tom Morrisey, from B&H Publishing. It is not quite the normal type of book I enjoy reading. The story involves nuclear weapons in the modern day Middle East. I do not usually enjoy modern war novels, but this sucked me into the story. The characters are not only realistic; they remind me of people I know in real life. The action scenes are intense and kept me on the edge of my seat.

My favorite part of the book is that one of the authors, LTG (Ret.) William G. Boykin, also known as “Jerry,” has first hand experience with the topics mentioned in the book. Knowing that brought the book to a new level. I was transported to a different world and able to live it myself, albeit vicariously through the characters. I learned a lot of new things, including that you can use rice to draw moisture out of electronics.

One thing that bothered me was that in many places, the authors mentioned “chai tea.” “Chai” is another word for tea, so it made me feel as though I was reading: “tea tea.” It can probably we worded either way, though.

Even if you are not a fan of war stories, the relevance of this book on today’s world will blow your mind away.

HOW HUGE THE NIGHT

2011-06-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of HOW HUGE THE NIGHT: A NOVEL by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn, from Kregel Publications. The front of the cover says, “A teenager’s choices in the shadow of WWII will change him forever…” Instantly, I knew this was a book I could sink my teeth into, because I have a special admiration for historical stories. I have read numerous accounts of WWII and the Holocaust, but this was the first that dealt with a strong, religious background. The main characters relied heavily on their faith of God to help through their trials.

The characters act like believable teenagers, from how to interact with their friends and the need to do something more with their lives, so this book will appeal to today’s youth. The book also deals with major historical events and deadly choices, so it will also keep an adult’s attention. The authors, a mother-daughter team, kept an even balance between action, emotion, and description. I look forward to reading more of their work. The only thing I did not care for was their use of slang. When the characters said something, such as “screwed up,” it seemed too modern and pulled me out of the story. However, it should help today’s teens connect to the characters on an even playing field.

Boucle Shrug

2011-06-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

I finished knitting this sweater a while ago, but found it didn't fit well - too big. I tried it on again and decided to add lacing to the back. I used a snippet of "trellis" by Lion Brand and attached it with silver jump rings. It fits much better now. Too bad it's summer, haha. I'll have to wait for the weather to cool off before I get to wear it again.

The pattern is found here: http://store.vogueknitting.com/p-737-boucle-shrug.aspx

Crochet Cap

2011-06-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did it. I crocheted a cap. For those of you who know me, I hate crocheting. Too much counting, haha. I decided to buckle down, though, and try it for real. After many tries and a great deal of help from my mother, I completed the project. I used black yarn, since black is my favorite color, and to add a splash of radiance, I laced some rainbow yarn through the middle and tied a bow at the side. I also made it a little longer, because after I tried on the finished product, it felt weird.

The pattern can be found here: http://store.vogueknitting.com/p-843-crochet-cap.aspx

BookSneeze

2011-06-11T19:30:00.001-07:00

Writing Workshop with Maria V. Snyder

2011-06-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

My friend, Maria, is hosting a writing workshop for the Utica Writers Club.

Where: Kirkland Town Library

When: July 16, 2011 / 1 pm to 4 pm

Price: $25, limited seating

For more information and the registration form, check out this link here: http://uticawritersclub.org/workshop.html

I hope to see you there! :)

THE FINAL SUMMIT

2011-06-10T18:34:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of THE FINAL SUMMIT by Andy Andrews from Thomas Nelson. The story is about David Ponder, a Traveler. In a nutshell, that means he is able to travel through time with help from the Archangel Gabriel. There are other books in the series that explain this more, and after reading this one, I cannot wait to get my hands on them. This book was a fast read – I literally could not put it down until I was done.

The Archangel Gabriel takes David to a meeting of Travelers. Gabriel tells them that time is running out for humankind and they must decide how to, essentially, save the world. However, they only have five guesses to figure it out. Among the other Travelers are Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Amelia Earhart, Eric Erickson, King David, and Benjamin Franklin. Andy Andrews uses the real views of these historical figures to paint their arguments as they reach an answer.

Despite the fact that this book is mainly about a meeting, the dialogue is rich and the historical content is fantastic. I was hooked from the first chapter. The cover is also very intriguing – it shows a feather and three pennies, with a different texture than the rest of the print. This is the perfect read for anyone who loves history and religion.

THE SWEETEST THING

2011-06-07T17:26:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of THE SWEETEST THING by Elizabeth Musser from Bethany House. On first glance, I found the cover to be extremely engaging. A young woman glances over her shoulder, with a mansion in the background, and old-fashioned tinting gives the scene a mysterious flavor. It reminds me of my grandmother’s childhood photographs.

I love the story. The theme of poverty amongst beauty strikes close to home, since the country is now in hard times, money-wise. The novel is fast paced and flows smoothly, until the end, where it begins to drag. The characters have a mystery to solve, but they seem to put that aside and concentrate on day-to-day activities instead.

The story jumps between Dobbs and Perri, the two main characters. That is easy to follow, since the sections are clearly labeled. Each girl learns to love God in her own way. Their struggles are powerful to read about, and the happy conclusion brought a smile to my face. The author summed up the characters’ futures in a prologue, but I long for a sequel.

The best part about the book is that the author based many things off real life, such as the setting and school. This is a trip back in time you should not miss!

THE CHAIR

2011-06-03T17:40:00.001-07:00

I received an advance copy of THE CHAIR by James L. Rubart, from B&H Books. The cover depicts the corner of a chair, highlighted, against a wooden floor. Although plain, it is intriguing, and foretells a fascinating book. I sat down with only half-an-hour to read, and four hours later I was done with the story, although my household chores still needed completion. Overall, this is a fast, thought-provoking story with friendly characters.

Without giving too much away, the novel involves Corin Roscoe, the owner of an antique story. A mysterious woman gives him a chair, and her cryptic messages lead Corin to believe the chair was made by Jesus Christ. When he first touches the chair, he feels an electric shock, but then nothing. Shortly after, a little boy has an asthma attack in his store and sits on the chair. The boy and his family believe that the chair healed his asthma and the news story is placed on the Internet. With the help of the chair, Corin faces his belief in religion and his fears within himself.

The message in the story is very powerful, and opens the reader’s eyes to new beliefs in religious relics. The ending brought a huge smile to my face.

THE SERAPH SEAL

2011-05-28T09:51:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of THE SERAPH SEAL by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner, from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze. The front of the cover depicts the back of an angel statue – very intriguing. The story involves a prophecy that begins in 2012 when the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are born…as well as Matthew Serafino and Paul Binder. The story then centers on the year 2048 as the world slowly unravels. Paul Binder begins work on a Syrian manuscript, and discovers lost secrets of the world. The end of the book includes Paul Binder’s “notebook,” which helped to tie the story together and made a great resource while reading. The end also included a list of terms.

The characters were very complex and realistic, but there were quite a few and sometimes it was difficult to keep track of them. Chapters included many character and scene breaks, which also made the story a bit confusing.

Since the story takes place in the future, I would have liked to see more “futuristic” terms. There were some “new” gadgets, but more of them would have added extra flavor. I love futuristic books because of those aspects, and this novel really did not have them.

I enjoyed the book overall, and even though it was long – 527 pages – it did not take very long to finish. The scenes moved quickly.

STORM OF WAR

2011-05-07T17:18:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of THE STORM OF WAR: A NEW HISTORY OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR by Andrew Riberts, from GoodReads and Harper. I love history, so I was excited to learn more about World War II. The book, of 712 pages, contains three parts: the Onslaught, the Climacteric, and the Retribution. There are also maps, notes, a bibliography, and a conclusion.

The book is very informative. Even though it is not fictionalized, it reads smoothly. I highly recommend this book to other history buffs.

KNITTING KNEE-HIGHS

2011-05-06T19:39:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of KNITTING KNEE-HIGHS: SOCK STYLES FROM CLASSIC TO CONTEMPORARY by Barb Brown, from Thomas Nelson. I was excited to see it offered because I love knitting. Whenever I sit in front of the television set, I have to have a project with me to work on – projects that do not usually include socks.

I love wearing knee-high socks, so I am thrilled to be able to make my own. The styles are beautiful. Not only are some colorful, but others are also intricate, in a good way. When I first saw the directions, I felt slightly intimidated. I am not familiar with cable stitches, or switching colors, but the step-by-step directions are easy to follow. They also use circular needles, as opposed to double pointed needles (but you can use those too). Double pointed needles confuse me, so I am ecstatic to be able to use something different. I have begun work on the Bonny Birds pattern, a series of blue birds against a white background. It is coming along nicely.

The patterns also include ways to transform knee-highs into leg warmers and ankle socks. Whatever your style, there is a pattern in this book for you to adore.

IN FRONT OF GOD AND EVERYBODY

2011-04-23T13:54:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of IN FRONT OF GOD AND EVERYBODY by K. D. McCrite, from Thomas Nelson. It is the first book in the CONFESSIONS OF APRIL GRACE series. The cover did not really catch my attention. It shows a smiling girl, which certainly is not off-putting, but not eye-catching, either. However, once I got into the story, I was hooked.

The story takes place in the summer of 1986 – this in itself interested me, since it happens before I was born, and I wondered what things were like then as opposed to now, and what I remember from my childhood.

April Grace lives on a farm in the Ozarks. The things she says are hilarious. I laughed aloud through every page. She has a quirky, contagious sense of humor, the perfect type of person to befriend. She gives the reader her take on everything, from the weather to her grandmother’s mean cat, Queenie.

First, there is her family. Her mother, Lily, and her father, Mike, are deeply in love. They want to help everyone, including the new neighbors. Then, there is April Grace’s sister, Myra Sue, who would rather watch soap operas than weed the garden. April Grace is very close to her grandmother, who lives next door, so she’s upset when her sister thinks the elderly woman is a hillbilly. Their grandmother also has a new beau. April Grace is positive he is out to due no good, and the things she sees proves that in her mind.

April Grace loves the hippie neighbors, but not the fresh-from-California neighbors. Ian and Isabel do not know a thing about the country, especially Isabel, who is extremely rude even though April Grace’s family only wants to help.

As an elementary teacher, I know the children I sub for would adore this story. It is not only hilarious, but extremely true, with many relatable aspects. Every time April Grace describes her beloved family farm, I remember my grandmother’s farm and the happy summer days I spent there with my cousins. I look forward to reading future APRIL GRACE novels.

A contest for all my writing buddies...

2011-04-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Cool contest. I'm entering for TABITHA'S DEATH.

http://yatopia.blogspot.com/2011/04/pitch-contest-with-natalie-fischer.html

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH

2011-04-12T19:43:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACK by Rick Marschall, from Thomas Nelson. It is a biography that is part of the Christian Encounters series. I never learned much about Bach, so I was excited to enter his world. He is famous for his music, but he should also be remembered for his strong ties to Christianity.

I never knew he began his works with “Jesu, juva.” It is also how the book begins, which I feel ties the story together well. The biography is divided into eight chapters. It also includes an introduction, a part about his family, a chronology, an annotated glossary, notes, bibliography, and acknowledgements. I had never known much about his family, which made him seem like a real person. I also learned a few fun facts about him, such as that he married his cousin. That was not uncommon for the time period, but becoming famous for music was. The tales recounted in this biography gave me a new appreciation for the man I once studied in elementary school. Schools should teach the history behind the person, not just the music. It makes the notes come alive. After I read the book, I looked up some of his music and this time listening, I had a greater understanding.

THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE

2011-04-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE by Julie Klassen, from Bethany House. It is a complex, heartwarming story. Once I started it, I found I couldn’t put it down. The girl in the gatehouse is Mariah Aubrey. After a scandalous event at a party, she is exiled from her home and sent to live with her aunt. Her aunt puts in the gatehouse, a fate most girls must dream about. Who does not want to live in a picturesque, miniature castle?

The characters are realistic and endearing. Captain Bryant is the male heartthrob – he fulfills that role and then some. He’s a rich sea Captain, handsome, intelligent, and a great friend. Then there is Dixon, Mariah’s sweet companion, who once was her nanny and then her governess.

Near the gatehouse lies a workhouse. Mariah meets astounding friends there, including two elderly woman, an eccentric man who walks the roof, and playful children. Mariah becomes a stronger person while she lives alone with Dixon – and later Martin, her aunt’s servant, and Lizzy, a young woman from the workhouse. To earn money, Mariah sells the novels she writes, but keeps her identity secret by calling herself “Lady A.”

Who does not want to live in a gatehouse while writing novels, with a handsome captain renting the estate? I will definitely look for more of Julie Klassen’s stories.

PROMISES TO KEEP

2011-04-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of PROMISES TO KEEP by Ann Tatlock, from Bethany House. The cover is unique, an image of the back of a girl’s head, her neck bared by two braids. On the back of the book is the picture of a house. That image fits the story perfectly, for it’s the tale of a house and a family, the home important enough to be its own character.

The story is told by Roz, short for Rosalind. She is eleven-years-old and trying to come to terms with her parents’ separation. Her father, Alan Anthony, is vicious. He drinks a lot and beats her mother. He even tries to kill her brother once. Sometimes, when the whole family was in the car together, he would drive recklessly and threaten to crash if anyone cried out. Roz’s mother has had enough of Alan – she packed up the kids and moved to her father’s town. She feels sad and helpless, and struggles to provide for her family.

This house is not just any house. It used to belong to Tillie Monroe. She and her husband built it, and raised their children in it, and she’s not about to be put away into a nursing home. She wants to die in her beloved home, so she convinces Roz’s mother to allow her to live with them. While Roz’s mother works, Tillie looks after the chores and the children, Roz and her baby sister Valerie. Tillie helps the family build a new life for them. Roz still wants her daddy though, so when Alan meets her secretly, she’s excited, and wants to help him back into their lives – even though he steals, lies, still drinks, and eventually tries to shoot them.

I couldn’t put the story down. The characters are not only believable, they are likable. The writing is smooth, and there were only two predictable moments – Roz’s mother married Tillie’s son and Roz’s father turned out to be thoroughly “bad guy.” I feel like I could go to the town and meet everyone, even though the story took place during the Vietnam War. The wide range of characters ensure that there will be someone to relate to, whether it is Wally, the young man who decides to take out his anger on Alan by joining the army, or Roz’s best friend Mara, who suffers with prejudice.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-03-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have been awarded! Yay!
Shelley HW awarded me the stylish blogger award. I have never heard of such awards before, but I find this very cool. Wow, that was informative – “very cool.” Anyway, you know I’m excited. *squeal*

I must list 7 things about myself. Here goes:

1.) My dream is to become a published novelist.

2.) I love to knit. I have a whole drawer of knitted items…like lopsided sweaters and too small shirts, haha.

3.) I also love to make jewelry, especially using hemp.

4.) I love to paint with water colors and acrylics.

5.) I love to drink green tea. I usually have at least 1 cup of iced green tea a day. Yummmmm!

6.) I always keep a book in my purse and often find opportunities to read it in random places.

7.) I love life. It takes you to the most amazing places and brings you the most remarkable people. *loves*

Thank you, Shelley HW. 

Now, for the seven people I pass the award onto…

1.) Vedha - http://pozhudhu-pogala.blogspot.com/

2.) Roza - http://adayintothewriter.blogspot.com/

3.) Aaron – http://mythadvocate.blogspot.com/

4.) Eliza - http://girlspwn.blogspot.com/

5.) Marisa - http://tootsiegrace.blogspot.com/

6.) LM - http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/

7.) Mel - http://mcrogerson.blogspot.com/

Win a Critique

2011-03-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you who write YA, this is a great opportunity:

http://oasisforya.blogspot.com/2011/03/win-critique-from-all-of-us-at-oasis.html

THE THIRD MIRACLE

2011-03-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of THE THIRD MIRACLE: AN ORDINARY MAN, A MEDICAL MYSTERY, AND A TRIAL OF FAITH by Bill Briggs, from GoodReads and Crown Publishers. The letter is dated February, so it should have come sooner. There has been a lot of snow here lately, and the mail carrier left the package on the deck where it became covered. My uncle discovered it while he was shoveling.

I enjoyed the book, but it was a little dry. When I sat down, the words didn’t flow so well that I forgot the time. Rather, I would glimpse ahead to see how many more pages I had left. Overall, though, this is a very powerful book about the Catholic faith. Now that I’m done, I am passing it on to my devout grandmother.

Jay Trisolino Poetry Contest

2011-02-25T21:28:00.000-08:00

Put on by the Utica Writers Club.

Deadline: March 4, 2011

1) Seasoned Poets (18 years and older)/$5/poem
2) Student Poets (17 years and under)/$2/poem
(No more than 2 entries per person in either category)

Poems are to be 1000 words or less

First Prize Winners: $100 plus free membership to UWC for 2011-2012
Second Prize Winners: $75 plus free membership to UWC for 2011-2012
Most Original Poem Topic: $25 plus 50% off 2011-2012 UWC membership
Two Honorable Mentions per category plus 50% off 2011-2012 UWC mem bership

Mail Entries and Fees to:
Jay Trisolino Poetry Contest
9562 Roberts Rd.
Sauquoit, NY 13456

An open public reception will be held May 18, 2011 to celebrate all writers and winners at the Kirkland Town Library.

CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR

2011-02-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR: STRANGE STORIES, INFAMOLUS CHARACTERS, AND BIZARRE EVENTS by Webb Garrison from Thomas Nelson. The book has been reprinted as a combination of two Webb Garrison texts, CIVIL WAR CURIOSITIES and MORE CIVIL WAR CURIOSITIES, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. I was sad to read on the back flap of the book that Webb Garrison passed away in 2000.

The book does include strange stories – such as what medical ailments inflicted whom; infamous characters – women joining their husbands on the battlefield; bizarre events – discovering secret messages. I enjoyed reading through the facts. I am the type of person who sprouts random tidbits at odd moments, so this is great fuel. My mom also looked at the book. Her opinion varied. She thought the tidbits were ridiculous and random. I am definitely going to keep this book in case I need to do research. I will also keep it on my coffee table for guests to browse. Each little tidbit is only one page to half a page in length, so it makes for a quick, intellectual read. The book is also broken into parts, in case you want to read for a longer amount of time, but still want a designated stopping point.

THE PROMISES SHE KEEPS

2011-01-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of THE PROMISES SHE KEEPS by Erin Healy, from Thomas Nelson. In one word, I can describe the novel as “weird.” Nonetheless, I enjoyed it, as I usually enjoy “weird” books. The story involves Promise, a young woman who is dying of cystic fibrosis. She dreams of becoming a singer so that people will remember her long after she is gone. Promise meets Zack at college and he asks her if he can take pictures to draw from. At first Promise is weary, but eventually agrees. Her wrap blows away and when she dives for it, she crashes into a fence and falls down a cliff. Miraculously she is unharmed. Zack shows the picture of her going over to his mother. His mother, Porta, is a sorceress searching for immortality. When she heard about Promise, Porta believes she can use the young woman for her gain. She begins stalking Promise, and wants Zack to try to kill her to prove Porta’s theory. A young man named Chase, who has autism, gets in Porta’s way. He draws pictures of trees that are “meant” for people and can see Porta means Promise harm. The book was very interesting and I could not put it down until I was done, but I did not feel the “love” that the back of novel boasted.

THE QUOTABLE CHESTERTON

2011-01-12T17:49:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of THE QUOTABLE CHESTERTON: THE WIT AND WISDOM OF G. K. CHESTERTON by Kevin Belmonte from Thomas Nelson. I was really excited to see this book offered, because before I knew virtually nothing about G. K. Chesterton. On page IX, Kevin Belmonte says he hopes the book works as an introduction and anthology. It certainly does, for both. I now know many facts about G. K. Chesterton, such as when he lived and how he worked. It also works as an amazing anthology, for the book consists of an A-Z layout of his work.

I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about a new historical figure. G. K. Chesterton lived a fascinating, intellectual career. It’s a pity he is not still alive, for I am sure he would have made great conversation in today’s media. I can imagine him as a talk show host.

The anthology itself covered a range of different topics, such as Jane Austen on page 19. Since the variety is so open, it’s easy to become lost in your own thoughts on the topic. Your thoughts flit from idea to idea. There’s never a dull moment in this book. I hope to be able to use his quotes in conversations. After all, the book is the “Quotable Chesterton.”

REDISCOVERING YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER

2011-01-03T17:45:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of REDISCOVERING YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER: MOVING FROM HOPELESS TO HOPEFUL AS A NEWLY DIVORCED MOTHER by PeggySue Wells, from Kregel Publications and GoodReads. I love self-help books. Not only am I able to use them to help friends, but much of the information provided can be applied to other issues in life. This book is broken into catchy chapter headings playing off fairy tales, such as “Mirror, Mirror,” and “Yellow Brick Road.” If you want to help a friend, or are experiencing divorce as a mother, this is an excellent book to provide stepping-stones along the rocky path. My favorite part was reading the story about her friend’s son, who was born without legs, but lived a normal life with people who loved him deeply.

LOVE ON ASSIGNMENT

2010-12-30T19:53:00.001-08:00

I received a copy of LOVE ON ASSIGNMENT by Cara Lynn James, from Thomas Nelson. It is the second novel in the “Ladies of Summerhill” series. I read the first book, LOVE ON A DIME, and absolutely loved it. This second novel did not disappoint. Cara Lynn James is one of my new favorite authors. Her characters are realistic and catchy, as well as endearing. I loved the whole thing, except the last chapter. It left me wanting more, but not in a good way. Rather, it left me feeling like something had been cut.

This story, LOVE ON ASSIGNMENT, involves Charlotte Hale, an aspiring journalist. Her paper’s editor asks her to go undercover and discover the dirty secrets behind Professor Daniel Wilmont, who writes a controversial column for a rivaling newspaper. Charlotte agrees, hoping it will bring her prestige, and becomes the governess for his two children. While in his house, she learns he is a wonderful man who follows his religion strongly. His children, a boy and girl, become close to her, and the girl, Ruthie, wishes Charlotte could become her new mother. Things get rockier when the professor’s mother returns to the home and dislikes Charlotte. She also does not have any evidence of Daniel’s amoral deeds – because there are not any. Her editor decides to take her off the case and replace her with another of his secretaries. Charlotte does not want Daniel, or his family hurt, so she quits the newspaper, even though she is the breadwinner for her sister and aunt. Through Daniel, she has renewed her faith and she knows God will see her through any perils.

AN AMISH LOVE

2010-12-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of AN AMISH LOVE, from Thomas Nelson. The book is comprised of three novellas concerning modern-day Amish couples. Each story is heartwarming, and quick, so the book is very fast paced. I read all 387 pages in one afternoon. The end of the book includes Amish recipes and a reading guide for each novella.

The first novella in the book is A MARRIAGE OF THE HEART by Kelly Long. The story involves young Abigail Kauffman, who makes up a story about Joseph Lambert kissing her. He has recently returned from the English world, and she hopes he’ll take her away from her father. Ever since her mother’s death when she was five, Abigail has not enjoyed her home life. Joseph, however, is interested in staying Amish, and putting behind his past, when he suffered drug addictions and lived on city streets. The two manage to make a happy life for themselves with her father. I loved this story, and found it very engaging. I wished it were longer.

The second novella in the book is WHAT THE HEART SEES by Kathleen Fuller. This story involves Ellie Chipp, who lost her eyesight in an automobile accident years before. Her friend, Christopher Miller, was so distraught by the accident because it took his sister’s life, that he left the Amish community, unable to forgive the car’s driver. He returns, hoping to finally set things straight, and strikes up a friendship with Ellie. The friendship blossoms into love, he forgives, and rejoins the community. I also loved this story.

The third novella is HEALING HEARTS by Beth Wiseman. Of the three, I disliked this one the most, although it was still good. Naaman Lapp returns to the community after being away, and hopes to make amends with his family. They have a hard time forgiving him for his absence, and feel as though he had abandoned them. I really could not get into this story the way I could with the others, but it was still enjoyable to read.

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER

2010-11-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER by Andrew Klavan, book three in the Homelanders series, from Thomas Nelson. The novel involves a boy named Charlie West, age eighteen. A terrorist group known as the Homelanders is hunting him. Somehow, he has lost a year of his life. During that time, people believe he killed a boy named Alex. He wants to recover that year. Overall, the book seemed too adult at times, and then at others, too childish. It is juvenile fiction, but some of the subject matter, and his age, made me think it would work better as an adult thriller. I also felt like there was a lot of repetition within paragraphs. The author used the same word multiple times, and it lost its potency. Other than that, the action kept me on the edge of my seat and the characters were not only believable, but incredible as well. The dialogue was believable, and there was not any swearing. It is a great story about loving your country and family. I will look for the two previous books in the series, and then reread this after. I assume it will make more sense then, and be more enjoyable. I recommend this novel to anyone seeking a fun, intelligent, adventure.

THE SLEEPWALKERS

2010-11-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of THE SLEEPWALKERS by Paul Grossman from GoodReads and St. Martin’s Press. The novel takes place in Berlin, in the year 1932. Willi, a Jewish detective, is on the case of a dead woman who had her legs mutilated. I love historical mysteries, and this one did not fail to bring edge of the seat action. Since this is a mystery, I will not say more. I do not want to spoil the story for anyone.

A RUSH OF WINGS

2010-11-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of A RUSH OF WINGS by Kristen Heitzmann from Bethany House. The cover deeply intrigued me. It displays birds flying across a red-gold sky above luscious mountains with a girl’s pensive face above – the perfect way to describe the novel. The setting involves those glorious Rocky Mountains in Colorado where the girl, Noelle, flees. Noelle seeks to leave behind her ex-fiancé, Michael, in New York City, subsequently abandoning her father in the process. Taking cash so as not to use her credit cards and be followed, Noelle ends up on a horse ranch in the mountains. The owner, Rick Spencer, allows her to help with the horses, and his brother, Morgan, tries to woo her. She finds friendship with both, as well as inspiration in her surroundings to watercolor. She sells the painting in the town and is thrilled to be able to make money for herself. Around the ranch, she also learns how to cook in the kitchen, taught by Marta, a kind woman who is also a little prickly around the edges at times. After an accident, Rick and Noelle grow closer. At Christmastime, he asks her to marry him, and she accepts despite the memories she has of Michael’s cruelness. Through Rick, she learns how to trust God and deal with her tumultuous past. Noelle finds romance, freedom, and a love for God.

HATTERAS GIRL

2010-11-05T20:04:00.001-07:00

I received a copy of HATTERAS GIRL by Alice J. Wisler from Bethany House. I was slightly put off by the cover – a large pair of sand-encrusted feet is not my idea of a good time, but maybe it is for someone who loves the beach. The book, however, was entertaining. I read it in one day while listening to the rain drum against the roof. The story involves Jackie Donovan and her dream of owning a bed and breakfast. Growing up, she and her best friend Minnie visited the Bailey House in their hometown often. Both always wanted to run it. Now, Jackie works for a magazine and widowed Minnie has two jobs in order to support her son. During an interview for the magazine, Jackie meets the current owner of the Bailey House, who happens to be the grandson of the original owners. He agrees to rent it to her and Jackie begins to hold romantic feelings for him. Things go downhill when Jackie realizes he has not kept the house up to safe standards, and that he has another girlfriend. A man she has known her entire life as one of her brother’s friends agrees to help her restore the house and, at the end of the book, asks her to become romantically involved with him. The novel contained love and excitement, but many moments dragged. The author provided too much information about minor characters that rarely held a place in the book, other than to prod the main characters along. There were also touching moments, such as when Minnie’s mother died and she remembered her husband’s tragic boating death. The families in the story were very strong and inspirational.

DON'T SING AT THE TABLE

2010-11-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

DON’T SING AT THE TABLE: LIFE LESSONS FROM MY GRANDMOTHERS by Adriana Trigiani is the perfect book to curl up with beside a roaring fire. I was thrilled to win a copy from HarperCollins and Goodreads. I am very close to my grandmother and love hearing her childhood tales while looking through her old photographs. This story lent me the same cozy feeling. Each page involves a different story about the author’s grandmothers, including black and white photographs. The two women, Lucy and Viola, are strong individuals, perfect role models for any woman.

WITHIN MY HEART

2010-10-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

From Bethany House, I received a copy of WITHIN MY HEART, a novel based in 1877. Rachel Boyd had never recovered from the loss of her husband. Her youngest son, Kurt, is a delinquent at school, causing her endless amounts of pain. Her good friend Ben, the shopkeeper, has fallen ill with heart troubles. He has very little time left in world, despite the efforts administered to him by Rand, the town’s only physician. Rachel knows medicine from her father, who was a doctor for whom she felt little love, and assists Rand with his medical practices. At first, she is wary, expecting Rand to be just like her father. In the end, she recognizes him for the caring individual he really is, and welcomes him into her life. He offers a strong, manly figure for her and her two sons. She offers him the chance to feel complete. Ben remains strong throughout the medical procedures and offers a bravery that touches all those who love him, including his beloved wife, Lyda. Although Rachel never forgets her husband, Thomas, she finds a new place in her life for Rand. The book is touching, a tear-jerker, and a page-turner. I never wanted to put it down, nor did I want it to end.

THE WAY HOME

2010-10-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

From Thomas Nelson, I received a copy of THE WAY HOME, a movie based on an inspirational true story. Five minutes into the movie, it easily became the best movie my family and I have seen in months. My dad rated it a 9.75. The story centers on Randy Simpkins, a man who concentrates too much on work. His wife is upset with him for not caring enough about his family, and insists they take a vacation. While packing the van, Randy goes into the house to check his work emails and leaves his two-year-old son, Joe, playing in the driveway. When he comes back outside, Joe is gone. What ensues is a desperate search by the whole neighborhood. Many people pray with Randy and his wife, others start prayer circles in towns across Georgia, and the rest of the community heads off to search with rescue teams. An older man named Ed Walker joins the search, although he has heart trouble, with his son. They break away from their team and travel to a spot known as the “four-corners,” an area of the woods where four one-hundred acre farms meet. Ed played there often as a child, and feels compelled to search for Joe in the area. As night falls, Ed spots Joe’s dog, Cleo…and there nearby is Joe. The movie brings to life how quick a tragedy can happen, and how relying on God can help everything to work out well in the end. Dean Cain, who plays Randy, brings across great emotion. The woman who played his wife, however, could have seemed more upset.

MASQUERADE

2010-09-18T19:18:00.001-07:00

From Bethany House, I received a copy of MASQUERADE by Nancy Moser. By page twp, I was enchanted by the characters and storyline. It is one of those books that are impossible to put down. The plot involves Charlotte Gleason, who discovers on her birthday that her family is being shunned. They have lost a great deal of wealth and her father is mentioned in a divorce suit in regards to his “secret” mistress. Stricken with disgrace and poverty, Charlotte – Lottie – is being sent to America to marry a young man of means. Not only is Lottie devastated by leaving home and her family, she fears the new world. When her mother becomes too ill to travel with her, Lottie receives her Lady’s Maid, Dora, as a companion. She dresses Dora in her clothes and teaches her how to act like a Lady. Upon arrival in New York City, the girls decide to switch places. Dora will receive a wealthy heir and a marvelous life. On the other hand, Lottie will have freedom. The book was enchanting with memorable characters, painting a beautiful picture of historic America, as well as a bit of England, and included factual notes at the end. The whole story felt more like a young adult novel than an adult novel.

LOVE, CHARLESTON

2010-08-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

Thomas Nelson gave me a copy of LOVE, CHARLESTON by Beth Webb Hart. The story takes place in – yup, you guessed it – Charlestown. The first family you meet is Roy and his daughter Rose. Rose’s mother passed away and since then, Roy has been having a hard time with life. He is a small town Reverend who is recommended for a position at Saint Michael’s, an ancient and prestigious church in Charlestown. He doesn’t want to take the job, but eventually gives in because he feels like it is his calling. Those at Saint Michael’s are wary, yet accepting, and he soon feels right at home, along with his daughter, who is excited to live in a Big City. The second family belongs to Lish, her sister Anne, and their cousin Della. Lish’s baby comes early and results in post-partum depression. It becomes so severe that Lish considers suffocating the baby and begins to fall apart. Lish’s husband leaves her for a new job, and as she declines deeper into depression, he files for separation. Della is having trouble finding money. Her artist husband is unreliable for income and she wants what is best for their daughter. She considers leaving her husband for an old, and successful, flame, but eventually decides to stay together as a family. Anne is seeking love, and finds it for Roy. They all find happiness staying with Lish, helping her find mental peace while taking care of her children. The story is touching and hard to put down.

SAINT FRANCIS

2010-08-11T19:35:00.001-07:00

I was received a copy of SAINT FRANCES by Robert West from Thomas Nelson. This book is part of a series called Christian Encounters. I was thrilled for this edition, for I had heard of Saint Francis, but not known much. He is truly a fascinating character. The book follows eighteen chapters, an epilogue, conclusion, notes, bibliography, and a section about the author. While reading, I was especially pleased with references to an actual autobiography by Saint Francis. It made the story more real. Despite being a biography, at times the book read more like a novel. The opening chapter begins with a vivid description of a city street. There are also very interesting facts, such as that Saint Francis was originally named John. When his father returned home and discovered that name, he insisted it be changed to Francis. Francis was not a common name. It meant “the French one” and was in honor of Saint Francis’s mother, and his father’s livelihood. Something I found interesting was that many people in his home lived in elaborate towers. I think it would be exciting to live in one now. My only real criticism of the book was that dates were not included enough. I had trouble placing different events on a timeline in my head to keep everything straight. In the first chapter, dates seemed slow in arriving, so I was confused how to picture things. For the story being historical, there were a lot of facts included, such as weather, that helped to paint powerful scenes in the life of an inspirational saint.

ANNE BRADSTREET

2010-07-30T16:41:00.001-07:00

I was deeply thrilled with a book from Thomas Nelson, the book being ANNE BRADSTREET by D. B. Kellogg. It is a biography in the Christian Encounters series. Thomas Nelson offered many titles in the series, yet I chose the one about Anne Bradstreet because I am related distantly to her through marriage. Unlike dry biographies, this one read as smoothly as a novel. It includes an introduction, fourteen chapters, notes, and a selected bibliography, as well as words about the author. Anne Bradstreet’s poetry is touching and powerful; as the book states, she became “the first woman poet to be published in colonial America.” (The quote can be found on page xii, part of the introduction) In a nutshell, Anne Bradstreet was born in England, in 1612. At the age of eighteen, she arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, part of the New World. Her new lifestyle was nothing like she had been accustomed to; this land was untamed wilderness. Despite her fears and woes, Anne Bradstreet’s family and her strong faith in God conquered her misgivings. This is a biography of a strong Puritan woman who became a poet, shining in her belief that everything is created by God. I had never known much about Anne Bradstreet, other than the fact that she was a famous poet, so this book really opened my eyes to the woman, not just the poet.

Victorian Fair Interviews

2010-07-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Interviews are at 6pm on Thursday, July 29th, at the Erie Canal Village in Rome. There are many positions still open!

Victorian Leisure Fair - Hiring

2010-07-25T10:14:00.001-07:00

The Victorian Leisure Fair is coming to Rome, NY for 6 weekends during this summer. If you would like to be a part of the action, the fair is still hiring, and is always open to volunteers. Email me at PrincessJaylia@aol.com for more information.

RESURRECTION IN MAY

2010-07-16T19:36:00.001-07:00

RESURRECTION IN MAY by Lisa Samson, given by Thomas Nelson, was as exciting as depicted. The story involves Claudius Borne. He is a kind, elderly man who lives alone on his farm since the death of his devoted mother. While driving, he comes across May Seymour, who is drunk and in need of help. After bringing her back to his farm, they become friends, and parental feelings develop in him. May is a recent college graduate who has decided to travel to Rwanda, Africa. She stays with Claudius Borne for a while, and then embarks on her African journey. During her African adventures, genocide occurs. The UN asks her to return to America, yet she chooses to stay in her village. Shortly after, everyone in her village is killed. After being raped and cut, she is left for dead. May works to heal herself, and then gathers the bodies together, trying to pair up body parts, and lights it all on fire. She lives in this manner for a few months, and then is rescued by the UN. Back in America, May moves back in with Claudius. Beneath his love, she is able to heal and move on with her life. The book is touching and realistic; however, there is a lot of death concerning animals, something that bothered me. For example, Claudius shoots a turkey for Thanksgiving, and murders one of his chickens in order to make soup for May. It also seemed a little unrealistic May’s parents would willingly allow her to live for long periods with Claudius, essentially a stranger. Overall, though, the book is a thoughtful read.

Venom and Song

2010-06-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

As an avid fantasy lover, I was thrilled to receive a copy of VENOM AND SONG by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper, from Thomas Nelson, ISBN 978-1-4003-15062. It is the second novel in the series entitled the Berinfell Prophecies. This young adult novel involves seven Elf Lords who must stop the Spider King, who wishes to kill them. Perhaps due to the fact that I have not read the first book, I found the beginning chapters to be very confusing. Many characters were introduced at once, and it was challenging to keep track of who had what special ability. The world was also difficult to imagine at times, and I wished for more details in order to form a more concrete image in my mind while reading. Once I managed to keep the characters straight in my head, the novel became exciting. Each character is fully realized. Dialogue is snappy and realistic. Before the novel begins, the authors have included a list of places and names, which helps, but it becomes tedious to constantly flip back and forth. The cover is shiny, complete with a castle, a giant red beam, and people riding on huge birds and insects. Certainly, this is the kind of cover that will attract young adults. The characters are also very relatable to today’s teenagers. Since there is such a wide variety, the reader will certainly be able to connect with at least one. Despite flaws, the heroes are wholesome, perfect for teens to root for!

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2010-06-15T18:40:00.001-07:00

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A Girl's Guide to Life

2010-06-14T16:38:00.001-07:00

I was unsure of what to expect from A GIRL’S GUIDE TO LIFE by Katie Meier, from Thomas Nelson. The back of the novel, however, sums it up perfectly. The book shows teenage girls how they can be the best person they can be. There are three parts: Mind, Body, and Soul. Amongst those parts are chapters, which cover everything from self-esteem to family. The book also affords pop quizzes so that the reader is not only reading, but also participating, therefore making the chapters seem more relevant and alive. There are short blurbs in colored boxes that display common myths and the truth behind them, such as “Skipping meals will help me lose weight.” Every issue mentioned in the book is real, something that all girls go through and struggle with; the book will help them to see the light of facts and really consider what they are doing to their bodies. The purple print is catchy, so girls won’t shy away from the book thinking it’s “un-cool.” I had expected a little more religion, in the pages, however. Something that really upset me about the book occurred in the Religion chapter. The author discusses different religions – which was informative. The author then went on to say why Christianity is the best. Everyone has different beliefs, and for them, that belief is the best. By saying that Christianity is the best, the author was not allowing girls to decide for themselves, which should be a main focus of everyone’s life – deciding which religion is best for them and why. Overall, I would recommend this book to teen girls. It could really make a difference in someone’s life.

Love on a Dime

2010-06-03T18:19:00.001-07:00

The cover of LOVE ON A DIME by Cara Lynn James, from Thomas Nelson, won me at first glance. A young woman holds a book entitled DOROTHEA’S DILEMMA, using a corner of it to hide her mouth. Once opening the book, the reader comes to realize the significance. Lilly, the main character, is the author of DOROTHEA’S DILEMMA, as well as other dime novels. Despite praising God, her dime novels are considered scandalous by the wealthy society she grew up in, and so she writes beneath the pen name of Fannie Cole. Her father suffers from a lung ailment, and removes his family to Newport for the summer holiday. While there, Lilly is courted by the dashing Harlan. Her mother is convinced that he will soon ask for Lilly’s hand in marriage. It will bring greater wealth and prestige to the family, as well as gain a prosperous job in Harlan’s company for George, Lilly’s older brother. His wife, Irene, spends and gambles away her husband’s wealth, and even forces Lilly to beg needed cash from Harlan. Lilly is also in dire need of money, for her favorite Christian charity is losing sponsorship and may have to close its doors. All proceeds from her books go to the charity for helping immigrants, but Lilly knows it will not be enough. Then, her past lover Jack reappears in her life, hoping to not only win her back, but also locate the secretive Fannie Cole – for Jack has recently purchased Fannie Cole’s publishing company. Lilly is horrified that Jack will discover her secret, as well as jeopardize her relationship with Harlan. The story ends on an uplifting note, and is part of a series entitled LADIES OF SUMMERHILL.

She Walks in Beauty

2010-05-27T16:18:00.001-07:00

I was thrilled to receive a copy of SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY by Siri Mitchell, from Bethany House, one of my favorite publishing companies. Plagued by a cough, I relaxed on the sofa with the novel and planned to read an hour before bed. Around midnight, I closed the book, finished, and wished for more. The characters are not only believable, and the dialogue realistic, but they worm their way into your heart. The main character, Clara, is forced into her New York City debut (in the year 1891) by her widowed aunt. It is an early debut because an heir has returned to the city seeking a wife, and both Clara’s aunt and father have their eyes set on him. Clara loves nothing more than reading and learning, but her aunt forces her to succumb to society. This includes a restraining corset, fan flirting, and “cutting” those who get in her way, including her best friend. Clara discovers that she dislikes the heir, but finds close friendship in his younger brother Harry – a match her family strongly disapproves of, and thereby forbids. When Clara’s father suddenly dies, she is rendered penniless and the heir proposes to her best friend. Clara decides to become a helper to an elderly woman touring Europe, and when she tells Harry, he asks her to elope with him. The story is flavored with intrigue and secrets, delving into the tenement and Tammany Hall situations that had plagued the New York City of that time. Clara also discovers that her father, a doctor, has been poisoning his patients with a fake tonic and that he was responsible for the early death of her mother. It was a book well worth reading.

I AM HUTTERITE

2010-05-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

At first glimpse, I was unsure of what to expect from I AM HUTTERITE by Mary-Ann Kirkby, received from Thomas Nelson. I knew very little about the Hutterites, but this book opened my eyes to their communities. The book is told as the true story of a young girl, but it flows like a novel. I read it in one sitting; it is impossible to put down. The narrative begins by describing the girl’s mother and how she met the man she would later marry. He came from another community, and faced opposition from her people. The story continues to show the narrator’s childhood. Hutterite life is described in beautiful language. When you read, you feel like the characters come to life. Real black-and-white photographs that begin each chapter aid this imagery. As the narrator grows older, her parents become more unsettled with life in the community, especially after one of their children dies. Her parents decide to move away, and sneak off the community to live in an abandoned house. Once out in the “real world,” she faces many challenges that “English” people take for granted. For example, her mother is unable to pack standard lunches for her and she ends up collecting discarded saran wrap in order to fit in. She also learns how to deal with dressing differently than everyone else. Eventually, she connects with a Mennonite group. Her struggles are real, and more than just trying to fit in, she must embrace her culture and religion.

Sixteen Brides

2010-05-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Excitement ensued when I received a copy of SIXTEEN BRIDES by Stephanie Grace Whitson from Bethany House. As an avid reader of historical fiction, I eagerly ate this book up. I had it read cover to cover in one day. The characters are very realistic, and I felt like I knew them in real life. The scenery “out west” is easy to picture, and the dialogue is easy to follow. One issue I had involved Caroline’s speech. Sometimes it was “Southern,” other times not. The story follows sixteen women as they travel out west to gain land. Once there, they discover that they are actually meant to be brides, not homesteaders. Most of the women go on to meet the men, while others stay in a small town seeking land and jobs. These women are the ones that the story follows more closely. They meet some men, most of them questionable, who they eventually end up marrying. One of the men has a mysterious past, but the clues give away what it is too soon in the story. He turned out to be a very lovable character, and his motherless daughter was a sweetheart. Hettie’s portion of the story made me sad. I understood the troubles between her and her husband, but at the end, I was left wanting much more. Ruth’s story made me smile, and I felt like Jackson, her son, led into a sequel. I will definitely read the sequel. I hope that, if there is a sequel, Jackson falls in love with Matthew’s daughter.

If I Could Ask God Anything

2010-05-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

When I received a copy of IF I COULD ASK GOD ANYTHING by Kathryn Slattery from Thomas Nelson, I was expecting it to be more of a child’s book. I was afraid it was going to put faithful doubts into the minds of children, but after reading it, I was happy to find it was answers to questions that are more factual. It is presented as a book that answers children’s questions but I found it to be more of a reference book. It is also a good book for adults to read to children in order to answer the questions commonly asked. This book of knowledge is written so that anyone of any age can enjoy its contents. Many of the questions, such as “Why do some Christians put fish-shaped symbols on their cars?” were questions I had often wondered myself. Other questions, such as whether or not is okay to pray with a friend over the phone, were geared toward a younger sect. It includes quotes from the bible to back up the answers to the questions. I found the book to be very informative. I had no idea why the word Selah is in the margins of Psalms. I would not have known to where to look up the answer, but this book gives the reader not only the answer to this, but also to many other puzzling bible questions. Although it is a biblical reference source, it is also a page-turner. I found myself getting out my bible to look up the bible citations to read further. So far, my parents have also read it, and found it greatly informational.

Contest

2010-04-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here is an exciting contest I found through a group on YALitChat. If you are interested in writing, check it out!

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/two-writer-digest-contests/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WritingAndIllustrating+%28Writing+and+Illustrating%29

Hand of Fate review

2010-04-05T16:52:00.001-07:00

I received through Thomas Nelson a copy of Hand of Fate, which is by Lis Wiehl with April Henry. Upon completion of the novel, my first reflection involved the fact that there was very little religion in the text. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down. The novel begins with the brutal murder of a radio talk show host. The story then follows three women who are investigating his death. They track down the killer, only to find themselves suddenly caught up in the aftermath with their own lives in danger. Throughout, the backdrop is set with information about the lives of the three women. One of them even knew the talk show host on a very “personal” level. Another of the women is trying to deal with the release from jail of her rapist – as he tries to meet their daughter. The third woman suffers a miscarriage, but manages to save a little girl’s life during a supposed terrorist attack. At the end, it is discovered that the killer was right there in front of them, but completely unexpected. Each chapter is filled with action and drama. For aesthetic value, the cover is intriguing. At the end, Lis Wiehl enclosed letters sent to her asking if they were the inspiration for her talk show host victim. I had never read another book by her, but this one has gotten me hooked on the author. I will definitely seek out her other books, especially those in this series.

Excellent Biography

2010-04-03T20:27:00.001-07:00

I was excited to receive from Thomas Nelson a copy of The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel J. Miller. Despite my addiction to history, I was expecting the novel to be a bit dry. Biographies usually are, but this one is the exception. I read the book in two days, barely able to bring myself to put it down. The story was fast-paced and reminded me of a fiction novel due to the flowing verse. The story begins by describing the life of his father. Most of the facts in the story are ones I had never heard of before. Some of these facts were how Paul Revere became a silversmith. Paul Revere is a character that children grow up with, knowing that he warned of the British coming, but little else. This book opens up a new world and introduces a beloved character that has always been shrouded in an enigma. The book is interspersed with actual pictures that portray aspects of the story as it is being told. I loved the book up until the end. It ended abruptly with his death. Yes, the book was about him (and therefore, when he died, the material dwindled), but I wanted to know much more about the aftermath of his death. The ending left me wanting more. Overall, the book left a good aftertaste. I had left the book on the table and my mother picked it up and started looking at it. She too started reading and could not put it down. It is a well-written, sometimes witty book, that is a must read for all history lovers or anyone wanting more information on the backdrop of the Revolutionary War.