The Figurehead
by Bill Kirton
ISBN #978-1935460091
Historical crime fiction
Bill Kirton: http://www.bill-kirton.co.uk/
Reviewed by Diane Nelson for Romancing Words.com and Goodreads
Opening a book is much like passing through a portal. As the page turns, and you step through that opening, you enter a time, a place, a world populated with the familiar and the inexplicable. Historical fiction. Oft times an acquired taste, or an accidental discovery, driven by curiosity, grounded in the universals of human behavior. The author, Bill Kirton, provides us with a compass rose to orient the reader with subtle cues - the scents, the sounds, the taste and feel of a bustling port and ship building center. The intimacy of humble lodgings, the expanse of beach and narrow confines of the estuary, a workshop where works of art are coaxed from rough timber. The setting is such a skillful tapestry, of uncommon warp and weft, that it immediately allows the characters to command our full attention.
The setting complements and drives the story forward as John Grant encounters an apparent drowning victim, a local shipwright of questionable character. When the local constabulary fail, once again, to exercise due diligence, John decides to investigate on his own, driven by a deep-seated need to see justice done when he determines that the incident appears to be murder most foul. His investigations are spurred by common sense and a unique ability to see patterns in disparate events. This ability makes him a consummate wood-carver of figureheads, and when William Anderson commissions John to provide a likeness of his wife to grace his newest ship, the Elizabeth Anderson, he finds unexpected and interconnected chains of events. As he digs deeper into the mystery surrounding the murder, his discoveries, and their implications, test his friendships and relationships with all involved. As he works through the list of suspects he, and we, are drawn to one inexorable conclusion. What he does with that knowledge would be a spoiler … but suffice it to say, the author did a masterful job laying the groundwork as we followed the logic, the bits and pieces of tangible and not-so-tangible clues, motivations, events possible and impossible alike.
And while this should be more than enough to satisfy even the pickiest crime/mystery buff, the author manages to interweave a splendid romance of such exquisite tenderness that he is guaranteed to capture the heart of the most die-hard romantic. John and Anderson’s daughter, Helen, are drawn to each other by their sharp intellects and curious dispositions, yet the constraints of the time, their stations in life, and the dominating presence of Helen’s father make this a less-than-smooth relationship. Helen is an unconventional young woman who risks her father’s and society’s displeasure by befriending the murdered man’s wife, Jesse, and by insisting on learning her father’s business. Her discoveries, juxtaposed next to John’s, create an intriguing circle of supposition and fleshes out the historical context leading up the actual event.
The Figurehead satisfies on every level, giving the reader authenticity, characters to care about, a mystery, and a romance. The author gives us a portal through which we can enter whenever we choose, and return to time and again - Aberdeen, Scotland when tall ships ruled and greed by any other name was still commerce.
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Blog Tour for Sandy Sims' Memoir and Self-Help Book
Title – Creative Thinking for the 21st Century: An Experiential Guidebook
Author – Sandy Sims
Genre or category – Self Help, Workbook
ISBN-10: 0982745702
ISBN-13: 978-0982745700
Available in Print, Kindle coming in March 2011
Author's website link - http://creativethinkingbook.com/
Why I Wrote – How Frank Lloyd Wright Got Into My Head, Under My Skin And Changed The Way I Think About Thinking, A Creative Thinking Blue Print For the 21st Century – Comments from the author, Sandy Sims
Originally I knew this would be a story of interest to people who follow architecture. After reading Wright’s autobiography I had been struck by the idea that not only was he famous but his drawings at the time were selling at auction for the same price as those of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. He had designed over 1,000 designs but some 500 remained unbuilt. In an “a ha” flash I imagined that a collection of Wright’s unrealized designs built in Hawaii would be stunning.
The pursuit of this idea was so compelling, that I innocently and naively began the journey, and what a journey it was. I was cordially invited into many of Wright’s private homes, to meet their owners, and to hear their stories. I became friends with those in the Taliesin Fellowship, some of whom were the earliest apprentices to Frank Lloyd Wright. It was a rich journey. While in the beginning I was attracted to the financial rewards that might have accrued, I later became fascinated by the idea of what it would be like to live inside of the space created by both a mystic and a genius. I found out
Sandy Sims' Bio –
Sandy Sims was raised and educated in the South. After serving as Naval Officer and finishing graduate business school, he followed a dream to live in Honolulu where he built one of Hawaii's most successful advertising agencies.
The crisis of personal health and business setbacks opened the way to larger spiritual dimensions including a long association with the Caddy family, founders of the Findhorn Spiritual Community in Scotland His book,”How Frank Lloyd Wright Got Into My Head, Under My Skin And Changed The Way I Think About Thinking, A Creative Thinking Blue Print For the 21st Century,” is a memoir of his journey culminating in a 20 year project with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
He has collaborated with Psychiatrist, Kerry Monick MD, and authored Creative Thinking For The 21st Century, An Experiential Guidebook. Accepting the science that our intention does indeed affect the material world, it addresses what to be thinking about, how to shape these thoughts, and what might be the best way to avoid unintended consequences.
When not travelling, Sandy resides in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where you can find him writing, playing tennis, poking around with his camera and embracing a new culture.
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author – Sandy Sims
Genre or category – Self Help, Workbook
ISBN-10: 0982745702
ISBN-13: 978-0982745700
Available in Print, Kindle coming in March 2011
Author's website link - http://creativethinkingbook.com/
Why I Wrote – How Frank Lloyd Wright Got Into My Head, Under My Skin And Changed The Way I Think About Thinking, A Creative Thinking Blue Print For the 21st Century – Comments from the author, Sandy Sims
Originally I knew this would be a story of interest to people who follow architecture. After reading Wright’s autobiography I had been struck by the idea that not only was he famous but his drawings at the time were selling at auction for the same price as those of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. He had designed over 1,000 designs but some 500 remained unbuilt. In an “a ha” flash I imagined that a collection of Wright’s unrealized designs built in Hawaii would be stunning.
The pursuit of this idea was so compelling, that I innocently and naively began the journey, and what a journey it was. I was cordially invited into many of Wright’s private homes, to meet their owners, and to hear their stories. I became friends with those in the Taliesin Fellowship, some of whom were the earliest apprentices to Frank Lloyd Wright. It was a rich journey. While in the beginning I was attracted to the financial rewards that might have accrued, I later became fascinated by the idea of what it would be like to live inside of the space created by both a mystic and a genius. I found out
Sandy Sims' Bio –
Sandy Sims was raised and educated in the South. After serving as Naval Officer and finishing graduate business school, he followed a dream to live in Honolulu where he built one of Hawaii's most successful advertising agencies.
The crisis of personal health and business setbacks opened the way to larger spiritual dimensions including a long association with the Caddy family, founders of the Findhorn Spiritual Community in Scotland His book,”How Frank Lloyd Wright Got Into My Head, Under My Skin And Changed The Way I Think About Thinking, A Creative Thinking Blue Print For the 21st Century,” is a memoir of his journey culminating in a 20 year project with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
He has collaborated with Psychiatrist, Kerry Monick MD, and authored Creative Thinking For The 21st Century, An Experiential Guidebook. Accepting the science that our intention does indeed affect the material world, it addresses what to be thinking about, how to shape these thoughts, and what might be the best way to avoid unintended consequences.
When not travelling, Sandy resides in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where you can find him writing, playing tennis, poking around with his camera and embracing a new culture.
-----
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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Saturday, February 26, 2011
S. K. Hamilton Reviews The Frugal Editor
The Frugal Editor
Subtitle: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success
Genre: Nonfiction/Writers
ISBN: 9780978515874
Red Engine Press
Reviewed by S. K. Hamilton
You might know a little bit about a lot of things, but if you don’t know about Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s, The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success (How To Do It Frugally series of book for writers), then you don’t know enough.
I pulled a stupid stunt when I was working on my first book, The Kahills of Willow Walk. That’s not my first stupid stunt and likely not my last. Anyway, I put The Frugal Editor high on a shelf, thinking I wouldn’t need it anymore. Wrong! This is the third and last time I’ll allow it to be farther than twelve inches from me when I’m writing. If you’re a writer, you need it. If you’re a college student, you need it. If you’re a teacher you need it. You name it… you need it, whoever you are, whatever you do. Why? Because it might keep you from making a fool of yourself sometime. I won’t go into what the book consists of, other than what it’s title entails, although I could, because I know it well enough. Take my word for it.
This book has been advantageous to my editing, most of all my ability to publish what I write. I’ll leave my e-mail (peewee2234488@yahoo.com) and website link (http://www.willow-walk.webs.com/)
with you folks so you can let me know what you think. And while you’re at my site look around. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to let you in on a bit of good advice about a great book.
S.K. Hamilton, author of The Kahills of Willow Walk and the sequel, For the Love of Willow Walk. The Romantic series of "Willow Walk" will transport you out of your skin into the lives of others.
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Subtitle: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success
Genre: Nonfiction/Writers
ISBN: 9780978515874
Red Engine Press
Reviewed by S. K. Hamilton
You might know a little bit about a lot of things, but if you don’t know about Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s, The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success (How To Do It Frugally series of book for writers), then you don’t know enough.
I pulled a stupid stunt when I was working on my first book, The Kahills of Willow Walk. That’s not my first stupid stunt and likely not my last. Anyway, I put The Frugal Editor high on a shelf, thinking I wouldn’t need it anymore. Wrong! This is the third and last time I’ll allow it to be farther than twelve inches from me when I’m writing. If you’re a writer, you need it. If you’re a college student, you need it. If you’re a teacher you need it. You name it… you need it, whoever you are, whatever you do. Why? Because it might keep you from making a fool of yourself sometime. I won’t go into what the book consists of, other than what it’s title entails, although I could, because I know it well enough. Take my word for it.
This book has been advantageous to my editing, most of all my ability to publish what I write. I’ll leave my e-mail (peewee2234488@yahoo.com) and website link (http://www.willow-walk.webs.com/)
with you folks so you can let me know what you think. And while you’re at my site look around. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to let you in on a bit of good advice about a great book.
S.K. Hamilton, author of The Kahills of Willow Walk and the sequel, For the Love of Willow Walk. The Romantic series of "Willow Walk" will transport you out of your skin into the lives of others.
-----
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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Friday, February 25, 2011
Fundamentals for Business Success in a Book!
Title: Taking the Mystery Out of Business: 9 Fundamentals for Professional Success
Author: Linda Faulkner;
Author website line: http://www.lindafaulkner.com/
Genre or category: Nonfiction, business
ISBN: 978-1-935254-27-0;
Review by June Maffin originally published on: http://bookpleasures.com;
“Running a business – a good business – is work. No doubt about it. The author recognizes this and focuses on the “how-to’s” of professional success in a delightful, conversational way making this book a “must-read” for those about to begin a new business venture and seasoned small business owners alike.
Linda Faulkner began her business career over thirty years ago and her experience in every function within an insurance agency coupled with the ability to write – and write well - result in a compact, hard-hitting, easy-to-read book filled with honesty, forthrightness, encouragement, wisdom and a straight-forward dose of reality. She grabs the reader at the first sentence: “Clueless is a dangerous place to be.” And from that point on, the reader is on a journey with an experienced and wise mentor who skillfully guides the reader away from a state of cluelessness to self-confidence.
While this is an easy read, it’s a book to be reckoned with on several levels for it offers both practical advice for those involved in small businesses – and life in general. Much commonsense is sprinkled throughout the book – nuggets of tips and hints such as “Attitude is the single most important element of success;” and “How you interact with people, your levels of perception and compassion, your sense of humor, your generosity and sincerity … dictate whether people like and trust you. In business, you won’t go far if you’re not likeable or trustworthy.”
See what I mean? That last sentence could easily be rephrased for a self-help book about life’s lessons: “In life, you won’t go far if you’re not likeable or trustworthy.”
But, back to the business world. If you want to know how to identify villains and avoid mayhem, murder, and perhaps even professional suicide in the business world, “Taking the Mystery Out of Business” is for you. It’s quite a different approach from Shepherd Mead’s satirical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” because to be a success in the business world, one must not only try, one must learn - and work. And Faulkner tells the reader just how to do that through her identification of nine fundamentals for professional success: Mental Attitude; Research; Resources; Essential Business Knowledge; Relationship; Organization; Time Management; Money; and Customer Attention.
What sets this book apart from other similar books? After each chapter, Faulkner gives a brief review and then provides an assignment of a series of questions based on the particular chapter – and, at the end of the book, gives an overview summary of the book - excellent pedagogy.
I suspect that Faulkner facilitates her workshops the way she writes: casual, informative, approachable, articulate and positive, sharing personal highlights (even those learning opportunities when things didn’t go exactly as planned) and the wisdom she has garnered over decades in the business world. So, whether you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur about to begin a new venture, already a small business owner and want to increase your income or reduce your expenses, an MBA student wanting to grasp the basics of business entrepreneurialship, or someone who would welcome learning how to be successful in life, this 190 page book is for you.”
~ Linda M. Faulkner is also the author of and Second Time Around, a mystery. Learn more about her at http://lindamfaulkner.com/
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author: Linda Faulkner;
Author website line: http://www.lindafaulkner.com/
Genre or category: Nonfiction, business
ISBN: 978-1-935254-27-0;
Review by June Maffin originally published on: http://bookpleasures.com;
“Running a business – a good business – is work. No doubt about it. The author recognizes this and focuses on the “how-to’s” of professional success in a delightful, conversational way making this book a “must-read” for those about to begin a new business venture and seasoned small business owners alike.
Linda Faulkner began her business career over thirty years ago and her experience in every function within an insurance agency coupled with the ability to write – and write well - result in a compact, hard-hitting, easy-to-read book filled with honesty, forthrightness, encouragement, wisdom and a straight-forward dose of reality. She grabs the reader at the first sentence: “Clueless is a dangerous place to be.” And from that point on, the reader is on a journey with an experienced and wise mentor who skillfully guides the reader away from a state of cluelessness to self-confidence.
While this is an easy read, it’s a book to be reckoned with on several levels for it offers both practical advice for those involved in small businesses – and life in general. Much commonsense is sprinkled throughout the book – nuggets of tips and hints such as “Attitude is the single most important element of success;” and “How you interact with people, your levels of perception and compassion, your sense of humor, your generosity and sincerity … dictate whether people like and trust you. In business, you won’t go far if you’re not likeable or trustworthy.”
See what I mean? That last sentence could easily be rephrased for a self-help book about life’s lessons: “In life, you won’t go far if you’re not likeable or trustworthy.”
But, back to the business world. If you want to know how to identify villains and avoid mayhem, murder, and perhaps even professional suicide in the business world, “Taking the Mystery Out of Business” is for you. It’s quite a different approach from Shepherd Mead’s satirical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” because to be a success in the business world, one must not only try, one must learn - and work. And Faulkner tells the reader just how to do that through her identification of nine fundamentals for professional success: Mental Attitude; Research; Resources; Essential Business Knowledge; Relationship; Organization; Time Management; Money; and Customer Attention.
What sets this book apart from other similar books? After each chapter, Faulkner gives a brief review and then provides an assignment of a series of questions based on the particular chapter – and, at the end of the book, gives an overview summary of the book - excellent pedagogy.
I suspect that Faulkner facilitates her workshops the way she writes: casual, informative, approachable, articulate and positive, sharing personal highlights (even those learning opportunities when things didn’t go exactly as planned) and the wisdom she has garnered over decades in the business world. So, whether you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur about to begin a new venture, already a small business owner and want to increase your income or reduce your expenses, an MBA student wanting to grasp the basics of business entrepreneurialship, or someone who would welcome learning how to be successful in life, this 190 page book is for you.”
~ Linda M. Faulkner is also the author of and Second Time Around, a mystery. Learn more about her at http://lindamfaulkner.com/
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Memoir Reviewed for Black History Month
Suitcase Full of Dreams
by Hoy Kersh
Author's Web site: http://www.hoykersh.com/
Memoir
ISBN 978-0-9823165-1-1
Reviewed by Linda Austin
Author Hoy Kersh practically sings her story of childhood growing up in the 1940s and 1950s in Mobile, Alabama. Jim Crow country, but not as bad as Mississippi. Hoy, who was called Cat then, uses a lyrical and mostly carefree voice to tell of a young girl's spring dreams and summer fun, the mischief and the play of any happy child. But this child is poor, her mama has burdens that aren't spoken of, her beloved daddy cheats, and her kind, wise grandma packs a pistol and runs a gambling house. While "the clear light days of childhood call to me, voices on the wind, fairies in every flower," life also held the grim reality of shoes mended with cardboard, beatings, white man rules and the Klan. But the march for freedom had begun, and rebellious Cat was "full of wonder and magic, piss and vinegar." Looking for a brown Jesus of justice, Cat challenges the white priest and her nun teachers. She's encouraged hearing of civil rights leaders. She reads what she can of black history and learns pride in her heritage. She hears the call of the northern states.
The book tends to meander like a child runs from flower to flower, with some abrupt transitions common in memoirs, but it succeeds as an intimate poem of childhood delights and adolescent discovery against a gently told backdrop of poverty, injustice and anger. The book belongs in high school social studies and history classes, and is an excellent introductory story before tackling Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns. I'll be waiting for Part II.
~The reviewer is Linda Austin, author of Cherry Blossoms in Twilight from Moonbridge Publications
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
by Hoy Kersh
Author's Web site: http://www.hoykersh.com/
Memoir
ISBN 978-0-9823165-1-1
Reviewed by Linda Austin
Author Hoy Kersh practically sings her story of childhood growing up in the 1940s and 1950s in Mobile, Alabama. Jim Crow country, but not as bad as Mississippi. Hoy, who was called Cat then, uses a lyrical and mostly carefree voice to tell of a young girl's spring dreams and summer fun, the mischief and the play of any happy child. But this child is poor, her mama has burdens that aren't spoken of, her beloved daddy cheats, and her kind, wise grandma packs a pistol and runs a gambling house. While "the clear light days of childhood call to me, voices on the wind, fairies in every flower," life also held the grim reality of shoes mended with cardboard, beatings, white man rules and the Klan. But the march for freedom had begun, and rebellious Cat was "full of wonder and magic, piss and vinegar." Looking for a brown Jesus of justice, Cat challenges the white priest and her nun teachers. She's encouraged hearing of civil rights leaders. She reads what she can of black history and learns pride in her heritage. She hears the call of the northern states.
The book tends to meander like a child runs from flower to flower, with some abrupt transitions common in memoirs, but it succeeds as an intimate poem of childhood delights and adolescent discovery against a gently told backdrop of poverty, injustice and anger. The book belongs in high school social studies and history classes, and is an excellent introductory story before tackling Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns. I'll be waiting for Part II.
~The reviewer is Linda Austin, author of Cherry Blossoms in Twilight from Moonbridge Publications
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Criminologist Pens Thriller
Title: Silent Partner
Author: Jennifer Chase
Author Website: http://www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Genre: Thriller
ISBN: 978-0982953600
Reviewed Originally by Fran Lewis for BookPleasures
Listen to the silence of the jungle as the soldiers carefully trek through the forest avoiding traps set by snipers. As K9 dog, Max and his leader Alec Weaver, lead the way; they foil what could have been a disaster. Combat can leave lasting impressions on the minds of soldiers as it does on impressionable children who witness a horrific scene at the hand of an adult who is supposed to protect and care for them. Jack Daniels witnessed a scene at the home of his friend’s house as a child and has been haunted by it ever since. Sisters Megan and Teresa O’Connell are escorted from their home and placed in the care of their grandmother. Living in an abusive home all of their lives and witnessing the murder of their mother at the hand of their father leaves twp young girls emotionally scarred. Unable to forget what happened and living the nightmare as a daily part of her life Megan O’Connell suffers from agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of public places and open areas. People with agoraphobia such as Megan, fear open areas, especially those, which have limited or no immediate escape routes. This brings me to my review of an outstanding thriller and murder mystery, "Silent Partner" by author Jennifer Chase.
Today Alec Weaver and Jack Daniels are friends. Alec is now a sergeant in the K9 Division of the police department and Jack his Deputy Sheriff. As both men search for three dangerous killers who have kidnapped, murdered and mutilated their victims without mercy or fear of being caught lives are put in jeopardy including their silent K9 partners.
The suspense heightens and the plot continues, as there are more murders and many more victims as by this unknown and sadistic serial killer. As Jack and Alec go after the brutal killers murdering people in a restaurant, two of the suspects are caught and the most dangerous is still at large. Darrell Brooks is a sick and demented man who takes pleasure in killing others. So, why is Teresa O’Connell caught up in his life and part of his world? What is her secret and what is she hiding from her younger sister that will take her life and turn Megan’s world into something short of living in the Twilight Zone. Who murdered Teresa in her bed? Why is Megan covered in blood when the police find her and who is the intruder she claims to have seen? Added into the mix is a serial killer who is killing prostitutes and young girls. Just how all of this links together will startle, surprise and astound the reader as I continue my review of this first rate novel.
Reunited after many years in the vet’s office Jack is having his K9 dog, Keno’s wounds tended to as Megan enters with Eddie who has been poisoned. Childhood memories come to light at both Jack and Megan form a bond that will take them on a journey you will never forget.
Megan is riddled with fear, uses her medication to hide behind herself and what is really motivating her anger. Her relationship with Jack takes off but the end result will shock the reader as two brothers collide, greed wins out and one girl’s life will never be the same. The final conflict will tie things into a tightly fit knot, endear you to our K9 friends, and bring tears to your eyes. Some fall in the line of action and others help you understand the meaning of loyalty, trust and friendship. Jack and Keno with the help Emily Stone and Rick Lopez, investigators, uncover who is behind the murders of the young girls, why the diabolical plot was put into place to destroy Megan. Who can be trusted and who is the really the mastermind? You need to read this outstanding thriller/murder mystery to find out. But let’s not forget to give credit to the Silent Partner’s of the K9 unit, the dogs. Without these brave and courageous animals many criminals would not be brought to justice.
Action packed, fast paced this novel is so engaging once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down until you read the last sentence on the last page. An ending that will not only surprise but shock the reader, author Jennifer Chase should definitely bring back Jack, his fellow officers, Emily and Rick again in a sequel that will include what does happen next. No lose ends but one that remains to be seen. This is definitely a must read and an outstanding novel right up there with both Clancy and Baldacci.
~The author Jennifer Chase is an award-winning author and criminologist. She blogs at http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/ and her Web site is http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/. She also hosts Book and Crime Talk at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase ,
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author: Jennifer Chase
Author Website: http://www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Genre: Thriller
ISBN: 978-0982953600
Reviewed Originally by Fran Lewis for BookPleasures
Listen to the silence of the jungle as the soldiers carefully trek through the forest avoiding traps set by snipers. As K9 dog, Max and his leader Alec Weaver, lead the way; they foil what could have been a disaster. Combat can leave lasting impressions on the minds of soldiers as it does on impressionable children who witness a horrific scene at the hand of an adult who is supposed to protect and care for them. Jack Daniels witnessed a scene at the home of his friend’s house as a child and has been haunted by it ever since. Sisters Megan and Teresa O’Connell are escorted from their home and placed in the care of their grandmother. Living in an abusive home all of their lives and witnessing the murder of their mother at the hand of their father leaves twp young girls emotionally scarred. Unable to forget what happened and living the nightmare as a daily part of her life Megan O’Connell suffers from agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of public places and open areas. People with agoraphobia such as Megan, fear open areas, especially those, which have limited or no immediate escape routes. This brings me to my review of an outstanding thriller and murder mystery, "Silent Partner" by author Jennifer Chase.
Today Alec Weaver and Jack Daniels are friends. Alec is now a sergeant in the K9 Division of the police department and Jack his Deputy Sheriff. As both men search for three dangerous killers who have kidnapped, murdered and mutilated their victims without mercy or fear of being caught lives are put in jeopardy including their silent K9 partners.
The suspense heightens and the plot continues, as there are more murders and many more victims as by this unknown and sadistic serial killer. As Jack and Alec go after the brutal killers murdering people in a restaurant, two of the suspects are caught and the most dangerous is still at large. Darrell Brooks is a sick and demented man who takes pleasure in killing others. So, why is Teresa O’Connell caught up in his life and part of his world? What is her secret and what is she hiding from her younger sister that will take her life and turn Megan’s world into something short of living in the Twilight Zone. Who murdered Teresa in her bed? Why is Megan covered in blood when the police find her and who is the intruder she claims to have seen? Added into the mix is a serial killer who is killing prostitutes and young girls. Just how all of this links together will startle, surprise and astound the reader as I continue my review of this first rate novel.
Reunited after many years in the vet’s office Jack is having his K9 dog, Keno’s wounds tended to as Megan enters with Eddie who has been poisoned. Childhood memories come to light at both Jack and Megan form a bond that will take them on a journey you will never forget.
Megan is riddled with fear, uses her medication to hide behind herself and what is really motivating her anger. Her relationship with Jack takes off but the end result will shock the reader as two brothers collide, greed wins out and one girl’s life will never be the same. The final conflict will tie things into a tightly fit knot, endear you to our K9 friends, and bring tears to your eyes. Some fall in the line of action and others help you understand the meaning of loyalty, trust and friendship. Jack and Keno with the help Emily Stone and Rick Lopez, investigators, uncover who is behind the murders of the young girls, why the diabolical plot was put into place to destroy Megan. Who can be trusted and who is the really the mastermind? You need to read this outstanding thriller/murder mystery to find out. But let’s not forget to give credit to the Silent Partner’s of the K9 unit, the dogs. Without these brave and courageous animals many criminals would not be brought to justice.
Action packed, fast paced this novel is so engaging once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down until you read the last sentence on the last page. An ending that will not only surprise but shock the reader, author Jennifer Chase should definitely bring back Jack, his fellow officers, Emily and Rick again in a sequel that will include what does happen next. No lose ends but one that remains to be seen. This is definitely a must read and an outstanding novel right up there with both Clancy and Baldacci.
~The author Jennifer Chase is an award-winning author and criminologist. She blogs at http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/ and her Web site is http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/. She also hosts Book and Crime Talk at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase ,
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Title: Twisted Christians
Author: Scott Meade
Website: http://scottmeade.webs.com/
Genre: Christian Horror
ISBN: 9781450582476
Reviewed by Dr. Ann Nyland
I loved this book and in fact read it from start to finish without putting it down. This is far from a cliche Christian horror book, fascinating at all times and never superficial or namby-pamby. It will appeal to those interested in spiritual warfare and those after a really good read alike. Twisted Christians kept up a fast pace throughout. It was "real" and not heavily censored for the Christian market, a major plus in my view. I see some reviewers have commented on the theology, but there are many different denominations and beliefs within Christianity, yet all are Christ-centered. This is a work of fiction not a theological textbook and to me excels as such. I can easily see it translated to the big screen.
Those who like Frank Peretti will love this book! Highly recommended. I can't wait for the next book by Scott Meade.
The Source New Testament With Extensive Notes On Greek Word Meaning
~The reviewer Dr A. Nyland is a translator.
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author: Scott Meade
Website: http://scottmeade.webs.com/
Genre: Christian Horror
ISBN: 9781450582476
Reviewed by Dr. Ann Nyland
I loved this book and in fact read it from start to finish without putting it down. This is far from a cliche Christian horror book, fascinating at all times and never superficial or namby-pamby. It will appeal to those interested in spiritual warfare and those after a really good read alike. Twisted Christians kept up a fast pace throughout. It was "real" and not heavily censored for the Christian market, a major plus in my view. I see some reviewers have commented on the theology, but there are many different denominations and beliefs within Christianity, yet all are Christ-centered. This is a work of fiction not a theological textbook and to me excels as such. I can easily see it translated to the big screen.
Those who like Frank Peretti will love this book! Highly recommended. I can't wait for the next book by Scott Meade.
The Source New Testament With Extensive Notes On Greek Word Meaning
~The reviewer Dr A. Nyland is a translator.
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
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