The Road to Chidarra
By Keith B. Perrin
This is an intriguing read with nice descriptions and good twists. The initial main character, Feneer, is manly, humble and vulnerable. His travels and goals of fighting evil and spreading the message of the Lord, lead the reader to a gentle people called Ciqala, a band of warriors from Chidarra and the main plot… the devilish happenings in the far off land of Turnskin. Though all of the characters are well developed and interesting, Feneer drops from the scene and is missed.
Even so, there is enough intrigue in this unique story that I would look forward to a sequel, as this does seem to be a first in a series. There are questions I’d like to see answered in further volumes. Not wanting to give away too much, I’d like to know whether the Ciqala, villagers and warriors run into more creatures of the damned, whether the Ciqala make it to their relatives and whether Feneer finds an end to his wanderings.
One note: Though the book is well written in many ways, there are many changes in tenses and other minor writing issues that may bother some readers.
Click here for more information on this book.
Even so, there is enough intrigue in this unique story that I would look forward to a sequel, as this does seem to be a first in a series. There are questions I’d like to see answered in further volumes. Not wanting to give away too much, I’d like to know whether the Ciqala, villagers and warriors run into more creatures of the damned, whether the Ciqala make it to their relatives and whether Feneer finds an end to his wanderings.
One note: Though the book is well written in many ways, there are many changes in tenses and other minor writing issues that may bother some readers.
Click here for more information on this book.
Easy Meditation:
Simple Steps to a Daily Meditation Practice
by Norman Turrell
Norman Turrell's tone is one of a calming voice that would work well in an audio book. It felt like a friend instructing me on how to have more peace in my life. And I really like his explanation of mindfulness. He says that meditation is a wonderful thing to do, for yourself. I can see how the "letting it go" of stresses and negative thoughts, which he says meditation helps you do, would be a wonderful thing. Seeing how work has become quite stressful these last couple of weeks, I feel I must carve out some time to give the breathing exercises a try. (The breathing exercises intrigued me the most.) There was a bit of technicality in the journaling instructions, a little more than expected; but it didn't deter from his goal of letting me know there's a simple way to attain the benefits of meditation, even if you do only a little bit every day. I really enjoyed the quotes at the end, especially Ellen's.
Click here for the Author's Amazon page.
Click here for the Author's Amazon page.
Jumping From Helicopters: A Vietnam Memoir
by John Stillman with Lori Stillman
This telling of a Vietnam War experience wasn't what I had expected. It didn't focus on the politics or on a great detail of the violence and fear. I was expecting it to get deep into the thoughts of John Stillman, to get his take on his war actions and to learn step-by-step how he got through it all. Instead, Jumping From Helicopters tells the transformation of an American man who sought to be a war hero to one who just wanted to survive his job. That slow transformation of living through unfathomable fears and killing for work and then returning home to live as a normal man comes alive, not in Hollywood-type details, but in his own acceptance of doing his job to the best of his abilities. He was a proud American fighting "the good fight", and politics had no play in his telling. That he didn't fully understand the difficulties he would have after returning home, gives a glimpse into Stillman's difficulties with not getting the debriefing or counseling to enter normal life that he and many others should have had. Mostly on his own, he became a successful citizen, husband and father, even though parts of him never fully left the fear and violence of the war.
Click here for the Amazon page.
Click here for the Amazon page.
Virgil
by Samuel Alexander
This is a complex story that covers disturbing incidents of sexual abuses, including incest and child abuse, the wrongful use of religion for nefarious purposes, suicide and other mental health issues. The many characters are strong, having their place in the telling of this story, and the narrator keeps you tied in.
The difficulties I had included: at times losing track of who was speaking; the plan that was finally decided upon to end the abuse could have been executed years prior, and there was no reason given as to why they did not do so earlier; not a sufficient enough reason why the adult men were viewed only as victims.
Even given the above difficulties, the story brings out in the open many devastating traumas people can go through in life... No one can ever really know what difficulties people have lived through, no matter how "together" they may seem to the public. There is always something still to overcome and heal from.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
The difficulties I had included: at times losing track of who was speaking; the plan that was finally decided upon to end the abuse could have been executed years prior, and there was no reason given as to why they did not do so earlier; not a sufficient enough reason why the adult men were viewed only as victims.
Even given the above difficulties, the story brings out in the open many devastating traumas people can go through in life... No one can ever really know what difficulties people have lived through, no matter how "together" they may seem to the public. There is always something still to overcome and heal from.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Simple Sarah: A Spiritual Adventure
by Tom Carroll
This is a story about a troubled time in the future, in the U.S. and also in other parts of the world. A family who breaks through the rough times aims to share their talents and surplus to others, as well as their faith in a movement of spreading unconditional love.
There are multiple layers to the story and many characters. There's a struggling farm, three countries at the brink of war, international famine, an unscrupulous pastor, high-tech artificial intelligence, and the message of faith. It's a big story that, for me, spends too much time on laying out a spiritual message that's not new while incorporating new age messages, and not enough time on laying out a broader and more connected story line. For example, why is the poverty in Panama more than anywhere else and why are there only two religious messengers in the world? Still, there were some intriguing moments and engaging characters that kept me wanting to see the outcome.
Click here for the author's Amazon Page and here for his GoodReads page.
There are multiple layers to the story and many characters. There's a struggling farm, three countries at the brink of war, international famine, an unscrupulous pastor, high-tech artificial intelligence, and the message of faith. It's a big story that, for me, spends too much time on laying out a spiritual message that's not new while incorporating new age messages, and not enough time on laying out a broader and more connected story line. For example, why is the poverty in Panama more than anywhere else and why are there only two religious messengers in the world? Still, there were some intriguing moments and engaging characters that kept me wanting to see the outcome.
Click here for the author's Amazon Page and here for his GoodReads page.
The Mean, Green, Self-Loving Machine
by Janina Lovelace
I've probably read a handful of spiritual self-help books over the years. I'd have to say that this one has been the most challenging to my way of thinking about improving my life and getting the best out of life. In the first quarter of the book, I had many questions and was critical of the getting-what-you-deserve talk. I still find it difficult to embrace "selfishness" as a way of manifesting good. But those are just words. The idea that self-love allows you to express love in the greatest way is something I truly believe.
The most challenging and possibly helpful idea from this book, and there were many, was, "Look at all of the like-minded people around you supporting your goals and loving you in the way that you should be loved." I have never thought of that as a possibility and am lacking that in my life. Another idea is allowing your instincts to attract the positive power of the universe in order to manifest your goals. This is very similar to my saying for the year, which is, "I have greater than the power of the universe to accomplish Jesus's plans for me." Yet, in my romantic relationship, I have yet to utilize that power sufficiently.
The term of selfish love, in conjunction with discarding people who don't fit in with that, still throws me off; however, the idea of taking care and loving self first does not. It is likely that me not being selfish is probably the biggest reason for why I've stayed in a relationship which often hampers my sense of self and does not give me the feelings of love I need. This is so even after requesting fulfillment of my selfish need for positive affirmations and nice talk for over a year and a half.
This book has given me a lot to consider. I've completed several of the activities and find that doing the rest would be beneficial, especially the vision board, in the manner the author suggests. Also visualizing in detail how I want my life to be, and even imagining my life there when it isn't yet. I need to start doing that right now!
I am thankful to the author for telling her story, coming to a new paradigm in her life, and sharing what she has learned with others. I believe I will be looking over my notes and rereading passages for quite some time.
Click here to learn more.
Persianality
by Michael Benzehabe
Persianality by Michael Benzehabe takes the reader on a journey of an immature, young woman, desperately “in love”, who finds her way to learning what true love and sacrifice means. The author puts you smack in the mind of a most quintessential unreliable narrator, Jemilah, the heart of a worthy and brave Bosco, the steadfastness of a haunted father, and the tender wisdom of a human “angel.” My favorite line, of which there are many memorable ones: “Sometimes you have to travel back in time, skirting the worst parts, in order to love someone.”
Learn more about the author and purchase his books by clicking here.
Learn more about the author and purchase his books by clicking here.
Wisdom From A Father
by Joe Siccardi
I was a bit hesitant reading this book. I was unsure what it was really about. But as I let myself just enjoy the read, not looking for the connective tissues between each piece but rather the reasoning behind the writing of the book, I began to look forward to each vignette, and the "Thought to Remember" sections.
I’m thankful for this “not quite devotional" book that's inspiring and helps you to keep in mind what's most important in life—living one in which God is leading. Though some of the vignettes were a little pedestrian, many were touching and effective in many ways.
I loved “Conversation With God”. The truth of it put a smile on my face. The daughter's guest post, “Another View”, is inspiring...speaking of a point in my life where I'm at now, which is needing to trust where God has me going in the next steps I'm taking in life, no matter how long and rocky each step seems to be. I also loved the "Thought to Remember" from “Here’s Ron”: “If you get kicked in the rear, it means you’re out in front.” And “Changes” is a fine telling of the meeting of minds of faith between the author and his wife.
All-in-all, this book can be an inspiration to anyone who wants to leave memories and words of wisdom for family or for the world.
View the author's Amazon page by clicking here.
I’m thankful for this “not quite devotional" book that's inspiring and helps you to keep in mind what's most important in life—living one in which God is leading. Though some of the vignettes were a little pedestrian, many were touching and effective in many ways.
I loved “Conversation With God”. The truth of it put a smile on my face. The daughter's guest post, “Another View”, is inspiring...speaking of a point in my life where I'm at now, which is needing to trust where God has me going in the next steps I'm taking in life, no matter how long and rocky each step seems to be. I also loved the "Thought to Remember" from “Here’s Ron”: “If you get kicked in the rear, it means you’re out in front.” And “Changes” is a fine telling of the meeting of minds of faith between the author and his wife.
All-in-all, this book can be an inspiration to anyone who wants to leave memories and words of wisdom for family or for the world.
View the author's Amazon page by clicking here.
Unassimilated
by Michael Benzehabe
Unassimilated by Michael Benzehabe takes you on a journey of sound and complex characters, political intrigue, and thrills that give you just enough of reality and imagination. Zoe, an Iranian Jew, desires nothing more than to find safety for herself and her two sisters in America. She insinuates her way to becoming a cyber-hacking spy in America to accomplish this task, putting those she loves as well as herself in harm’s way. Yet, she finds a home in America under disguise, and formulates a plan to bring her sisters to her, to be safe and productive in America…until she finds things turn worse than she expected.
The characters are thoroughly enjoyable, from the naïve, brave and intelligent Zoe, to the seemingly week professor who’s love for Zoe brings out his own bravery, the hard-nosed special agent who butts heads with Zoe…maybe because they’re too much alike, and the Chinese cyber-queen who desperately wants to stop Zoe from derailing her plans.
Unassimilated is an enjoyable read that gives insight to culture and international politics, yet leaves you at seat’s end to learn how these interweaving characters will play out.
Purchase a copy by clicking here.
The characters are thoroughly enjoyable, from the naïve, brave and intelligent Zoe, to the seemingly week professor who’s love for Zoe brings out his own bravery, the hard-nosed special agent who butts heads with Zoe…maybe because they’re too much alike, and the Chinese cyber-queen who desperately wants to stop Zoe from derailing her plans.
Unassimilated is an enjoyable read that gives insight to culture and international politics, yet leaves you at seat’s end to learn how these interweaving characters will play out.
Purchase a copy by clicking here.
As Wings Unfurl
By Arthur M. Doweyko
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As Wings Unfurl has something for almost every reader. I was expecting more of a Christian theology to the story; instead, it took a turn toward fantasy and scifi. The characters, Apple (a one-legged war vet) and Angela (a seemingly angelic presence in Apple's life from the beginning), kept me interested. This is so although I still don't quite see why Angela fell for Apple. The other unworldly characters, specifically a big foot, brought something extra to the story.
The unexpected turn to scifi--that the angelic race planted humans on Earth to monitor them--was a creative concept. I'm not much of a scifi reader, so that all the questions and world-building ideas weren't answered or fully developed didn't bother me. Especially because it was more of a mix between mystery, scifi, religion, and romance. Learn more or purchase a copy on Amazon.com by clicking here. |
Lights, Camera, Action!
By J. C. Tomic
This is an adorable story of friendship, finding a hobby and following your dreams. It’s written in a style that’s understandable for the intended age group and complex enough for adults to enjoy while reading it to their children. It might just be an inspiration for young people to make adventure movies on their own, as this tale instructs them on the basics of cell phone movie making their friends can join in on—with the aid and supervision of responsible adults.
Purchase a copy by clicking here.
12 Saturdays
by
F.P. Lione
by
F.P. Lione
12 Saturdays is a touching story by former police officer Frank Lione and his wife, Pam, a homeless advocate. It portrays the change that is possible in people’s lives, rather they were addicts, victims of abuse, caused the destruction of their families, or just living their lives for themselves, without regard to how they can affect others for the better.
The characters are real and their stories affecting. Jenna is a tough, independent woman who loves her work (though not her job), her apartment, and her fiancé. All is fine in her life, until she learns otherwise when her estranged father, at his deathbed, blackmails her into working for the homeless for 12 Saturdays. Her decision to work in the cold of winter, for those who caused their own problems, as she sees it, rewards her with more than just her grandmother’s wedding ring. It changes her life, as well as the lives of her best friend, another young woman who’s run away from her abusive family, and her future mother-in-law.
I felt the story could have progressed a little quicker. But once I got well into the stories of the homeless and Jenna's and her best friend's lives, I was hooked. This is a worthy read that will move the hearts of Christians and, hopefully, non-Christians alike.
Learn more by clicking here for the Amazon page.
The characters are real and their stories affecting. Jenna is a tough, independent woman who loves her work (though not her job), her apartment, and her fiancé. All is fine in her life, until she learns otherwise when her estranged father, at his deathbed, blackmails her into working for the homeless for 12 Saturdays. Her decision to work in the cold of winter, for those who caused their own problems, as she sees it, rewards her with more than just her grandmother’s wedding ring. It changes her life, as well as the lives of her best friend, another young woman who’s run away from her abusive family, and her future mother-in-law.
I felt the story could have progressed a little quicker. But once I got well into the stories of the homeless and Jenna's and her best friend's lives, I was hooked. This is a worthy read that will move the hearts of Christians and, hopefully, non-Christians alike.
Learn more by clicking here for the Amazon page.
The Alchemical Detective
Book Two in the Riga Hayworth Series
by
Kirsten Weiss
I haven’t read Book One, and read this one after winning the Ebook copy. This is about paranormal detective, Riga, who’s lost most of her magic in book one. With support from her living stone gargoyle, Bridgette, and Riga’s boyfriend, Donovan, who also has some mystical powers, Riga works to get her powers back. During this time, Riga happens into a murder mystery in Tahoe while investigating the existence of Tessa, the Lake Tahoe sea monster. She is unsure whether the murders are mystical in nature or the cause of “normal” homicidal situations. But her unofficial investigation into the murders reveal the importance of magic and stability in her life.
I’m not usually one to read books of fantasy and mystical powers, but the characters grabbed me and held my interest throughout. Weiss is detailed in creating her story, which has a sufficient amount of complexity, and provides enough of a backdrop for you to get into it even if you haven’t read the first book.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
I’m not usually one to read books of fantasy and mystical powers, but the characters grabbed me and held my interest throughout. Weiss is detailed in creating her story, which has a sufficient amount of complexity, and provides enough of a backdrop for you to get into it even if you haven’t read the first book.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Stones Along the Stream:
Poems Finding One's Way Out of Abuse
by
Tess Tyler
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Real emotions and experiences flow through these thoughtful poems. Many can relate to the heartache, misconceptions, wrong decisions and life occurrences. Venerability, hope and forgiveness shines through.
Click the cover for more info on this book. |
Sifting Through Mud
by
Demetria Foster Gray
by
Demetria Foster Gray
All-in-all, it this is a touching story about a friendship that develops from unconventional circumstances - a widow who’d separated from her husband before he died, and the husband’s ex-lover who’d become impregnated by him.
The experiences and characters are believable, even if they often sound alike and include quite a few clichés; except for the ex-lover’s neighbor, who seems like no one else. There is a good dynamic between the peripheral characters, and I wish the ending included them more. Though the ending is indeed emotional and touching, it comes quickly, calling attention to some loose ends, even if they were minor threads.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
The experiences and characters are believable, even if they often sound alike and include quite a few clichés; except for the ex-lover’s neighbor, who seems like no one else. There is a good dynamic between the peripheral characters, and I wish the ending included them more. Though the ending is indeed emotional and touching, it comes quickly, calling attention to some loose ends, even if they were minor threads.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Greene is the New Grey
by
Parker J. Cole
Greene is the New Grey was a surprising and original read for me. It tells the story of a woman and man who marry after meeting once, each for his/her own misguided reasons. The characters, Solomon Greene and Celeste Greene (nee Martin) are distinct and very intriguing. Their stories unfold bit by bit, carrying you along into their distorted relationship.
The twists of this story continue throughout, as I reacted with surprise, laughter, hope and joy. The connection between the reader and the characters are a delight, even as their stories may be deeply foreign. God's message in their lives is unmistakable, as you witness the transformations that go on. I'm glad to have read this book.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
The twists of this story continue throughout, as I reacted with surprise, laughter, hope and joy. The connection between the reader and the characters are a delight, even as their stories may be deeply foreign. God's message in their lives is unmistakable, as you witness the transformations that go on. I'm glad to have read this book.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Deleting Files
by Yvetta Doll Franklin
Deleting Files covers very important messages of which everyone needs to be aware. Family members affecting a blind eye to rape and incest can cause even more devastation to the victim and family.
Dina, a middle school student has a secret she desperately wants discovered. Her home is a lie of sexual, emotional and alcoholic abuse, which already caused the death of Dina’s older brother.
The author, Franklin, tells the story of Dina in an innovative fashion. From what one could call “caring gossip,” two old Christian lady friends open the door for Dina’s courage to blossom, shining the light of truth on her darkened home life.
Both of these friends have secrets of their own, which only Dina’s courage causes them to reveal and get their own healing. A worthy story and read that can cleanse the wounds caused by human disgrace.
Click the cover for more info on this book.
The Code Switch
by Ramona T. Nickens and Yvetta Doll Franklin
This is a book aimed at school-aged children about how people’s diction doesn’t necessarily express who they are or their level of intelligence. Two best friends, one who uses slang, the other who speaks proper English, become school competitors.
The Code Switch is a book of acceptance and demonstrates the skill one develops when learning to switch between slang and proper English, depending on the audience. It’s an educational and endearing story for all.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of the authors, Yvetta Franklin, a spirited and open “Doll” of a woman who instantly connects with children and adults on a level that encourages and brings joy.
Click the cover for more info on this book.
The Code Switch is a book of acceptance and demonstrates the skill one develops when learning to switch between slang and proper English, depending on the audience. It’s an educational and endearing story for all.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of the authors, Yvetta Franklin, a spirited and open “Doll” of a woman who instantly connects with children and adults on a level that encourages and brings joy.
Click the cover for more info on this book.
27: Six Friends, One Year
by R.J. Heald
An interesting tale of the twists in one year of life for six friends. Not your usual story of angst, rather it speaks of real-life problems we get ourselves into, sometimes ending in good results, other times not. The emotions are real, the lives devastating.
The author manages to tell the plight of these six people in a voice that fits each, and to tie endings to their stories that leave you haunted, questioning and yet, satisfied.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
The author manages to tell the plight of these six people in a voice that fits each, and to tie endings to their stories that leave you haunted, questioning and yet, satisfied.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Merciless
by Brandon Ford
Merciless is a book very fitting it's title. It mercilessly puts the reader into the mind of not only the villains, but the victims. The name's sake part of the book eloquently speaks of the victims of this true life crime, making them real and relatable.
The story evokes all the emotions you get from decisions teens make, while later putting them at a raised level while the reader watches them try to weather the storm they happened into with dignity. Very evocatively written.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
The story evokes all the emotions you get from decisions teens make, while later putting them at a raised level while the reader watches them try to weather the storm they happened into with dignity. Very evocatively written.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
No Heaven
by Lex Allen
No Heaven is quite an intense story with real characters. The story flows well and is intricately told. As complex as it is, each character has an important role that pushes the plot forward. I, unfortunately, don't get the feeling of caring for any of the characters, which made me want to complete the story only to get to the end of it. Being part of a series, there's no surprise that questions are still raised by the end of this first part. The ending, however, was too abrupt and gave no sense of finality.
Being Christian, I also found the basis of the story far fetched. Written in a style of providing facts and arguments, I had to remind myself that it is meant to be fiction, which made it a bit more tolerable. Those, however, who are looking for a new way of viewing Christianity, may find this quite imaginative, evocative and intriguing.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Being Christian, I also found the basis of the story far fetched. Written in a style of providing facts and arguments, I had to remind myself that it is meant to be fiction, which made it a bit more tolerable. Those, however, who are looking for a new way of viewing Christianity, may find this quite imaginative, evocative and intriguing.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Watcher
by Alen B. Curtiss
A short story of horror, Watcher goes into the mind and acts of a grizzly stalker, rapist and killer. The killer's motivations are thoroughly hashed out, and how you think the story will play out, thankfully, does not. Instead, the story ends with a not-so-nice twist.
Some of the storyline could have been developed and "shown" more instead of being "told"; however, lingering questions keep you intrigued even after the story ends. In the whole, this was an entertaining story into a demented mind.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Some of the storyline could have been developed and "shown" more instead of being "told"; however, lingering questions keep you intrigued even after the story ends. In the whole, this was an entertaining story into a demented mind.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
In the Beginning
by Abby L. Vandiver
Extraordinary book, with realistic characters, in some cases, irritatingly so – purposefully mastered by the author – and the plot is unpredictable. Great storytelling. I found the book, especially the latter half, to be a joy and couldn’t wait to get to the end of it… and am looking forward to see whether I’ll learn the rest of our history in a sequel.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Ripple
by E. L. Farris
Ripple deals with the serious topics of incest, rape and child pornography, handled from the perspective of a teenage girl and her absentee mother who is a high powered attorney. It's a good thing when writers aren't afraid to take on the more serious and heart-wrenching topics such as these, and the author did a decent job.
It's a long book, with too much superfluous information and lots of characters. The main characters and dialog are strong, however. The final scene of a main antagonist is incredulous to me, given who he is, which contrasts with the other more realistic aspects of the book. Overall, the story flows well and the author's knowledge of the legal system and psychological dynamics come through. The characters' inner dialog do lend to developing and understanding the issues this book tackles.
Click here for the author's GoodReads page.
It's a long book, with too much superfluous information and lots of characters. The main characters and dialog are strong, however. The final scene of a main antagonist is incredulous to me, given who he is, which contrasts with the other more realistic aspects of the book. Overall, the story flows well and the author's knowledge of the legal system and psychological dynamics come through. The characters' inner dialog do lend to developing and understanding the issues this book tackles.
Click here for the author's GoodReads page.
Polar Nights
by Julie Flanders
Polar Nights has a mellow start and makes you wonder where’s the mystery going to come from. You meet Aleksei and think “interesting.” Then you get to really know Danny, the main character, a cop on a track to ruin after the death of his wife, and you’re hooked in the story: Crazy killer and the alcoholic cop after him. What really grabs you is the dialog, which rings harshly real and makes you feel for the characters. And it ends with a nice finishing touch.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
The Ice Cream Vendor's Song
by Laura McHale Holland
When I was young, riding in the car with my mom and peering at the cars that we passed, or looking out the window of BART at the passing homes, I often wondered what the lives were like of the people in the many cars and houses. The collection in The Ice Cream Vendor's Song gives you a glimpse into quite a few people's possible lives. It is an interesting and memorable book of flash fiction.
Although many of the stories I wouldn't call complete stories, some are, and all have something worthy about them.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
Although many of the stories I wouldn't call complete stories, some are, and all have something worthy about them.
Click here for the author's Amazon page.
