Spiritual Memoir Reviews by New Consciousness Review

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Unearthing Venus
Subtitle: My Search For the Woman Within

by Cate MontanaISBN-10: 1780285973
ISBN-13: 978-1780285979
Memoir/womens/spirituality
Authors' Web sites: www.unearthingvenus.com
www.catemontana.comiTo buy the book

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Reviews by Julie Clayton, originally for New Consciousness Review

A true tale, Unearthing Venus reads like a gripping novel filled with outlandish characters and circumstances, interesting locales, and astonishing bravery by an everyday heroine. Readers will be captivated by the humor, raw honesty, heartwarming tone, and unexpected insights along this unconventional journey, which eventually yields  not only personal awakenings, but also universal lessons.
Cate Montana is an ordinary woman, yet she has led an extraordinary life searching for deeper meaning and personal authenticity, allowing the winds of heartbreak and breakthrough to carry her, having faith that the choices she makes will ultimately lead to greater spiritual realization.

This book is “everywoman’s” story revealing the struggles that women in particular, and humanity in totality, endure as a consequence of feminine values being denied and invalidated. And it upholds a greater vision for what humanity is capable of becoming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Subtlety Gives New Novel Power

Title: The Blanket Hill Insurgency
Author:  Terry L. Wilson
Author’s website link: http://terrywilsonsite.com
Genre: General Fiction
ISBN: 978-1494759490
Reviewer’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Link to purchase


Reviewed by Susan Ward originally for Amazon

In a very restrained, well written style this book brought back to me many things I haven’t thought of in years. In a thorough portrait of a group of friends attending Kent State in the 60s, we see the prior American culture first mingle with the emerging culture, the culture clash, the confusion over the world, and how truly random one’s destiny can be. Unlike too many authors, Terry Wilson Does Not over play a single card. Instead of rushing in and painting epic, romanticized tales of the 60s, he tells his tale simply and with great honesty. It is a story worth telling, worth reminding us all of, and a story that would have been diminished if told in any other way. The end surprised me, because I wanted to remain hopeful for the characters. Perhaps that is the greater message. That in all that happened during this period, there was great loss and we need be reminded of that. A worthy read I would highly recommend. Particularly to young adults.

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Let's Have Fun with Food and Learn Table Manners at the Same Time

Title: Shakes, Cakes, Frosted Flakes
Subtitle: Second in the Funny Children’s Poems series
Author: Leslie C. Halpern
Illustrator: Oral Nussbaum
Children’s poetry, ages 5-9
ISBN: 978-0615883267
Paperback, Sept. 3013
Pages: 46
$11.49
Available from Smashwords and Kindle

I was attracted to a book that teaches children table manners, especially table manners in a restaurant. From recent observations, I’d say this little poetry book is sorely needed. Shakes, Cakes and Frosted Flakes is one that includes humor. And it does a good job if we remember that children learn best from what entertains them. There are no dull moments here and each of the gross ones (gross only to grownups!) is an opportunity to discuss how there is a place for some behaviors that aren't appropriate for others.

The opening poem certainly addresses one of the basic table manner tenets:

CLEAN FACE CLUB

Mom says eating
is not a race.
That I should keep
a steady pace,
use good manners
and first say grace,

Clean my plate
and not leave a trace,
put dirty dishes
in their place,
but mostly keep
food off my face.

Isn’t it cute! I thought so!

Another favorite is "The Birthday Party." It gives parent and child much to discuss before the big day. I liked the tutorial at the end of the book and the list of vocabulary words that might be new for this age group.

I like that Leslie C. Halpern is planning more! They will make excellent little gifts for kids—one that will intrigue (and benefit) the whole family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslie C. Halpern is an award-winning poet, essayist, and author. Her first book was Rub, Scrub, Clean the Tub and Frogs, Hogs, Puppy Dogs is coming. Learn more about Leslie on Facebook.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Terry Wilson Finds Redeeming Features in Steamy Novel

Title: Girl on the Half Shell

Author:  Susan Ward

Author’s website link: www.susanwardbooks.com
Genre: Romance Novel
ISBN: 978-0615975924
Reviewer’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Link to purchase


Reviewed by Terry L. Wilson originallyfor Amazon 

 

How can a senior citizen male enjoy a romance read about an eighteen year old girl? It’s easy… Girl on the Half Shell is a well written work pulling the reader into feeling the emotions of an insecure and messed up young  lady who is entangled in an affair with a rock-star. Susan Ward effectively uses first person present-tense to open the “lock-boxes” of her main character’s mind. The plot is solid and holds the attention of the reader.

I typically would not finish a book containing the extent of steam encountered in this novel, but because of its importance in the character’s mindset and how well it is handled, I not only finished the novel…. I enjoyed it. The only caution… although there is an acceptable ending, there is a bit of a cliff-hanger set up for a sequel.

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MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Terry L. Wilson is uthor of The Blanket Hill Insurgency.

http://terrywilsonsite.com web page

http://amazon.com/author/terrywilson Amazon author page

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Real Life Funny Ole Thing

Title: “I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course”

Author: Barbara Venkataraman
Author's blog: www.Barbaravenkataraman.blogspot.com
Genre: Humor/Essays
ASIN: B00821JBBS
Link to book on Amazon:

Reviewed by Amazon Top 500 reviewer “Tinfoot," originally for Amazon

 

REVIEW

"If Amish people could time-travel to the past, would they notice?"This had me busting a gut along with everything else in this short collection of very witty essays. Frankly, this would have done as excellent source material for stand-up comedians. (Good thing she has her book copyrighted!) Written in an easy, conversational style about everyday topics, this delightful quick-read will likely have you coming back to it time and time again. For those who always enjoyed those light-hearted stories in publications like READER'S DIGEST, this little book will provide the same genuine mirth. 

BLURB

Winner of the "Indie Book of the Day" award for June 7, 2014.

At 7,600 words, this work is a collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people (“I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course”), to analyzing your inner child (“Irrational Fears”), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane (“A Jolt of Electricity”). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze (“It All Started with a Loud Sneeze”), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste (“Ask Me No Questions”), how not to prepare dinner ("Martha, I Let You Down"), making new friends ("Friends in Low Places"), how a parent’s obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex (“Crazy Hobbies”), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens (“Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic”).
If you don’t see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I’m not talking about you, of course.

 

 

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Every Day is a Gift Day for Mother

She Wore Emerald Then
Subtitle: Reflections on Mothers and Motherhood

By Magdalena Ball and Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Part of The Celebration Series
Published by The Compulsive Reader
Poetry Chapbook
Available on Amazon
Available as e-book: $2.99

Reviewed by Robert Medak

 

She Wore Emerald Then is a collection of poems by Magdalena Ball and Carolyn Howard-Johnson.  

The free verse (Written without rhyme or conventional patterns of poetry) poetry in She Wore Emerald Then is well written and entertaining for readers of any age, not just poetry readers that celebrates Mothers and Motherhood.

She Wore Emerald Then is a book that everyone should read and experience the writing and what the poems say to them. Poetry is about evoking emotion, not written to attempt understanding what was in the author’s mind at the time of penning.

She Wore Emerald Then is a recommended reading and awarded five out of five stars.

Purchase a copy of She Wore Emerald Then and enjoy a celebration Mothers and Motherhood from two gifted writers.

 

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Robert Medak
Freelance Writer/Editor/Blogger/Proofreader/Reviewer/Marketer
http://www.authorsden.com/robertmedak
http://rjmedak.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/freelancewrtr

http://xeeme.com/RobertMedak

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Historical Christian Fiction Is Much More Than Its Genres

Title              "...Like Footprints in the Wind: A Generation Lost"

Author:          Pamela Atherstone
Author Link:   http://atherstonep.wix.com/jahnlechronicles
Genre:           Historical Fiction/ Christian
ISBN:             9781432797737

Purchase on Amazon

Reviewed by F.T. Donereau for Rebecca’s Reads (8/13)   http://rebeccasreads.com/atherstonelikefootprintsinthewind

 

Pamela Atherstone's "...Like Footprints in the Wind: A Generation Lost," is certainly a Historical novel in every sense of the word. I do believe though, that it brings much more to the table than is normally associated with that particular genre. You have a sweeping tale of family and tribulations and love and faith. You have a place and time that evokes distance from modern life. All of this is the normal thing for such a work but somehow the author brings it to us in a way that makes us able to feel the world inhabited by the Jahnle family and those around them, as if it were actually us, or loved ones of our own. The story comes alive fully and enables us to live it along with the characters. This is rare in Historical undertakings. And welcome.

As the book opens Johannes Jahnle is a farmer about to harvest his crops. The yield looks promising and he is a contented man. The Russian world he lives in is his as much as anyone’s. He loves his wife and children and they are happy in their lives. Simply because they are of German descent though, they are in trouble. I had never heard of the Purge of the Kulaks prior to the reading of this fine novel. Based on real stories, the tale that unfolds is an astonishing, gut wrenching one. The family is torn from their land and all they know by Russian soldiers. They are forced to endure a harrowing journey that leads them to the isolating deprivation that is the labor camps on the coast of the White Sea, in Siberia. Getting there is a fraught existence. The world they arrive into ends up being an ice brick scratched out of some devil's frozen hell. Miss Atherstone carves these things to life in such a way as to make them as compellingly real as any moment that might have been truly experienced by the reader, employing the kind of writing that makes great fiction, great story telling.

The author does not rely on flowery prose to evoke her worlds. Clean hard lines are used to draw the pictures between the covers of "…Like Footprints In The Wind." This is as it should be. The story, at times, is brutal. The family faces trials that seem and probably were designed to tear them down to nothing. Sorrows within are immense. There is great cruelty, deprivation, and even death. If the words used were not cut out of stone, a false prettiness might have covered things, which would have only taken away from what is being laid down here.

Johannes Jahnle is a good man. He is wise and blessed with an inner strength his family would have been hard pressed to survive without. There is that kind of strength in his wife, Katerina, as well. It was lifting to find a woman protagonist who did not crumble and fade under enormous pressures. I confess though that I think my favorite of the characters may be the Jahnle's daughter, Anya. She is a spirit of high order and love becomes her. The family is bolstered by their faith. It is the thing, I think, that really brings them through. It is tested and finally clung to. That, as well, is refreshing.

Really I find this book an important work; it brings forth an historical happening, a tragic piece of history the world ought to know better. Miss Atherstone is a master story teller. The goodness that flows through the horror wrought is a dynamic any age needs more of. The Jahnle's are a people I would love to know. Their faith is a special thing. It all might have been less in the hands of someone not as capable as Pamela Atherstone. She should find great success with this saga. Trust me when I say, you will gain knowledge and feel things deeply simply by opening the pages and falling into them.

Added note:  This book is the Winner of the 2013 Best Fiction Award for Rebecca's Reads.  Permission to reprint reviews was granted by Rebecca's Reads as part of the contest.  This book is also currently a finalist in two categories in the Reader's Favorite Book Reviews and Awards Contest.

 

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.